Explore thrills near Nashville
Nashville may be synonymous with country music, but thrill-seekers and families alike won’t be disappointed when they visit this city. Within a reasonable driving distance, you’ll find a variety of amusement parks offering everything from heart-pounding roller coasters to refreshing water slides and classic carnival fun. Whether it’s a day of fun or a weekend adventure, buckle up, grab your swimsuit, and get ready for a summer adventure near Nashville.
Read on to learn about some of the top amusement parks near Nashville.
TL;DR: our quick picks for the top amusement parks near Nashville
Discover the top spots for thrill-seekers and families alike, just a short drive from Nashville. These parks promise excitement and unforgettable memories—perfect for your getaway near Nashville.
- Best Roller Coasters: Dollywood & Dollywood’s Splash Country – From the Wild Eagle to relaxing raft rides, it’s an Appalachian thrill.
- Best Family Fun: Beech Bend Park & Splash Lagoon – Over 40 rides and a water park ensure fun for all ages.
- Best Water Park: Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay – Enjoy slides, a lazy river, and more with park admission.
- Best Holiday Fun: Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari – Enjoy themed rides and water adventures with plenty of holiday events.
- Best Scenic Adventure: Stone Mountain Park – Thrills meet nature with rides and stunning views.
Dollywood & Dollywood’s Splash Country
(Pigeon Forge, Tennessee – 3 hours, 45 minutes)
Dollywood needs no introduction for many. This award-winning park in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a unique variety of theme park thrills and Appalachian charm. Dollywood features over 40 rides, from the hair-raising Wild Eagle wooden coaster to the thrilling Lightning Rod steel coaster. There’s a dedicated Country Fair area with slower-paced rides and carnival games for the little ones.
We recently went on a family vacation this summer and visited the new Dollywood Experience, which opened this year. It showcases the Songteller walk-through journey with exhibits covering Dolly’s life and career. Highlights include the inspiration behind her dreams, Behind The Seams – an exhibit featuring Dolly’s iconic style over the years, and Dolly’s Home-On-Wheels, where you can step onto her tour bus and relive her days on the road.
We arrived just in time for the Summer Celebration! The park hosts unique events each season, and this summer is no exception. Explore the vibrant summer colors across the park, approaching the Kite Sky decorations that weave through the trees. Enjoy water fun with sprinklers, fountains, foam, and more. Catch the fabulous Gazillion Bubble Show for a fantastic family experience (Rohan was totally hooked on all the lights and bubbles)!
For a delicious meal suggestion, here are the top three restaurants in the park in our opinion:
1) Aunt Granny’s Restaurant: This is a must-visit spot at Dollywood. It is known for its family-style meals, which include various main dishes, sides, and desserts like Southern fried chicken and banana pudding.
2) Hickory House BBQ: our top pick for mouthwatering smoked BBQ pork, beef brisket sandwiches, colossal turkey legs, and crispy chicken tenders paired with Sidewinder Fries. If you’re hungry and need a quick, flavorsome meal, this is the place to be!
3) Grist Mill: Not a formal restaurant, but stop by this iconic spot for Dollywood’s famous cinnamon bread.
Finally, Dollywood’s magic expands to water thrills at Splash Country, which is included with park admission. Here, you’ll find a wave pool, lazy river, raft rides, and a variety of water slides suitable for all ages.
Beyond the thrills
Don’t miss Dollywood’s impressive lineup of live shows featuring bluegrass, country, gospel, and traditional mountain music.
Beech Bend Park & Splash Lagoon
Bowling Green, Kentucky – 1 hour, 15 minutes
Beech Bend Park & Splash Lagoon is the answer for a quick getaway packed with fun. This locally owned park has been a favorite for families since 1898. With over 40 rides, including four roller coasters, there’s something for everyone. Test your bravery on the thrilling “The Banshee” wooden coaster, or take a more leisurely spin on the classic carousel.
Beat the summer heat at Splash Lagoon’s water park section. Here, you’ll find a wave pool, lazy river, water slides, and a dedicated children’s water play area.
Beyond the rides
Take a break from the thrills and check out Beech Bend’s antique car museum, which features a collection of fascinating vehicles from history. The museum also has an on-site campground, making it convenient for a weekend stay.
Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay
Louisville, Kentucky – 3 hours
Calling all adrenaline junkies! Kentucky Kingdom is a haven for coaster enthusiasts, featuring a collection of heart-pounding rides. Conquer the monstrous “Tsunami” steel coaster, one of the tallest and fastest in the South, or experience the weightlessness of the “Lightning Run” launched coaster. For a more classic experience, spin the vintage “Chang” wooden coaster.
Kentucky Kingdom’s water park, Hurricane Bay, is included with your park admission. This sprawling water park features a variety of slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, and a dedicated children’s area.
Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari
Santa Claus, Indiana – 3 hours
Experience a unique twist on the amusement park concept at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari. This park offers free soft drinks, lemonade, and even sunscreen throughout the day, a welcome perk for families on a budget. While the lack of mega-coasters might deter some thrill-seekers, Holiday World offers a good mix of family-friendly rides, from the classic “The Voyage” wooden coaster to the heart-stopping “Raven” launched coaster.
Cool off at Splashin’ Safari, the park’s water park section, which is included with admission. Here, you’ll find a variety of water slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and a dedicated children’s area.
Beyond the thrills
Holiday World celebrates various holidays, offering unique events and entertainment. From Thanksgiving to Halloween, something special happens at the park.
Lake Winnepesaukah
Rossville, Georgia – 2 hours, 10 minutes
Lake Winnie caters specifically to families. The park offers a variety of kid-friendly attractions, with smaller rides to bumper cars and arcade games. Take a spin on the beautiful 1916 carousel, or enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the lake. There are a few roller coasters for a touch of thrill, including the classic “Shooting Star” wooden coaster.
Beyond the rides
Take a break from the thrills and enjoy a picnic lunch on the scenic shores of Lake Winnepesaukah. The park also offers a variety of concession stands selling classic fair food and snacks.
Stone Mountain Park
Stone Mountain, Georgia – 4 hours
Looking for amusement park thrills and natural beauty? Stone Mountain Park fits the bill. This massive park is centered around Stone Mountain, a giant granite dome that offers stunning views of the surrounding area. While not a traditional theme park, Stone Mountain Park provides a variety of family-friendly activities. History buffs will appreciate the 1870s replica Southern town, complete with shops and demonstrations showcasing traditional crafts.
Take a scenic ride on the Skyride, which offers breathtaking views from the top of the mountain. There’s also a four-story interactive playground for the little ones and two massive treehouses to explore. In the evenings, the park features a laser light show, illuminating the mountainside with dazzling displays.
Beyond the park
Stone Mountain Park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and fishing. There’s also an on-site campground, making it an excellent option for a nature-filled getaway. Love golf? Explore two 18-hole championship golf courses located nearby.
Six Flags Over Georgia
Austell, Georgia – 4 hours
Six Flags Over Georgia is a thrill-seeker’s paradise featuring one of the Southeast’s largest collections of roller coasters. From the record-breaking Goliath, one of the world’s tallest and fastest wooden coasters, to the heart-pounding Mind Eraser, there’s a coaster for every level of daring. For a more relaxed experience, take a spin on the historic Riverview Carousel, a beautifully restored carousel dating back to 1895.
Six Flags Over Georgia was designed for families. It offers a variety of rides and attractions suitable for all ages. The park offers a dedicated area for younger children, featuring tamer rides and interactive play zones.
Shows and entertainment
Throughout the day, the park presents a variety of live shows, parades, and character meet-and-greets, keeping guests entertained between rides.
Six Flags White Water
Marietta, Georgia – 3 hours, 30 minutes
Craving a refreshing escape from the summer heat? Six Flags White Water is the answer. This massive water park is consistently ranked among the best in the nation, offering a variety of heart-pounding water slides, relaxing lazy rivers, and a wave pool.
Take a plunge on the “Tornado,” a six-person raft slide featuring a thrilling funnel, or experience the weightlessness of the “Blue Hurricane,” a looping water coaster. There’s a dedicated aqua play area with smaller slides and water features for younger children.
Beyond the slides
Relax in a comfortable cabana or soak up the sun on a lounge chair when you need a break from the thrills. The park also offers a variety of food and beverage options, from refreshing drinks to classic theme park fare.
Unique Nashville amusement parks for the thrill-seeker in you
Looking to stay within the city limits? The city offers a variety of unique attractions that will leave you with lasting memories. You can visit these places without leaving the streets of Music City.
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
Get up close and personal with incredible animals from around the globe at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere. This sprawling zoo offers a variety of immersive exhibits, allowing you to observe everything from majestic lions and playful otters to fascinating reptiles and towering giraffes. Take a ride on the thrilling Jungle Train for a unique perspective of the animals, or experience the exhilaration of the zip line soaring over the African savanna exhibit.
Adventure Works Nashville
Calling all climbing enthusiasts! AdventureWorks Nashville is home to outdoor climbing and zipline adventures for all skill levels. Test your limits on the challenging ropes course, or start with a beginner’s course. The gym also features a thrilling ropes course high above the ground, perfect for those seeking an adrenaline rush. It’s a top pick for parents bringing kids and teens to Nashville!
Axe Throwing Nashville
Experience the thrill of axe throwing at one of Nashville’s many axe-throwing venues, like Bad Axe Throwing or Axe Adventures. This unique activity is a great way to bond with friends and family while learning a new skill. Professional instructors will guide you through safety procedures and proper throwing techniques, ensuring a safe and exhilarating experience.
The Escape Game Nashville
Put your problem-solving skills to the test at The Escape Game Nashville. These immersive escape rooms challenge you and your team to work together, decipher clues, and solve puzzles to escape a themed room within a set time limit. With various escape room themes, there’s an adventure for everyone, even teenagers.
Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort
Located just outside Nashville, Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort offers water park fun and outdoor adventure. Take a thrilling ride down the park’s water slides, or relax and float along the lazy river. For a more adventurous experience, try out the resort’s wakeboarding cable park, allowing you to experience the thrill of wakeboarding without a boat. The best part? It’s next to one of our luxury vacation rentals, Music City Legends.
Why we love amusement parks
There’s a certain magic to amusement parks that transcends age. These playgrounds, bursting with color, laughter, and the promise of adventure, hold an undeniable charm for people of all generations. But what exactly about amusement parks draws us in and keeps us coming back for more? Why is it worth driving an hour or more to visit these Nashville theme parks?
A world of escape
Amusement parks offer a welcome escape from the everyday. They transport us to a world of pure fun and excitement, where the only deadlines are ride wait times, and the biggest decisions involve which roller coaster to conquer next. The everyday worries fade as we indulge in our inner child, embracing the thrill of a stomach-dropping freefall or the pure joy of a classic carnival game.
Nostalgia and shared experiences
For many, amusement parks evoke cherished childhood memories. The sights, sounds, and smells can instantly transport us back to a simpler time, filled with cotton candy sweetness and the thrill of riding a favorite coaster for the first time.
Amusement parks also offer the perfect opportunity to create new memories. Whether conquering a fear of heights together on a towering coaster or sharing a bucket of popcorn while watching a dazzling fireworks display, Nashville’s nearby amusement parks provide a unique space for families and friends to bond and create lasting memories, all within a short drive.
The thrill of the ride
Let’s face it: amusement parks wouldn’t be the same without the adrenaline rush of a thrilling ride. From the heart-pounding drops of a mega coaster to the exhilarating twists and turns of a water slide, theme parks offer a safe space to experience controlled thrills and conquer our fears. That surge of adrenaline followed by the exhilaration of conquering a challenge is a feeling that keeps us coming back for more.
Something for everyone
The beauty of amusement parks lies in their ability to entertain every visitor. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker craving heart-stopping drops or a laid-back adventurer looking for a leisurely carousel ride, there’s something for everyone. This variety ensures that families and friend groups with diverse interests can all have a fantastic time together.
Stay near amusement parks with Nashville Luxury Stay
As you plan your summer adventures near Nashville, amusement parks promise excitement and unforgettable moments for all ages. From the iconic thrills of Dollywood to the adrenaline-pumping rides at the Kentucky Kingdom, each destination offers a unique mix of fun and entertainment.
Whether escaping for a day or making it a weekend getaway, these parks provide a welcome break from the everyday hustle. They transport you to a world where the biggest decision is which ride to conquer next and where laughter and shared experiences create lasting memories with loved ones.
Consider Nashville Luxury Stay as your home base for those seeking a truly memorable stay. Our luxury accommodations offer comfort and convenience, ensuring you’re well-rested and ready to explore each park’s wonders.
Book your stay today and get ready for a summer adventure that promises thrills, laughter, and cherished moments. Let Nashville Luxury Stay be your gateway to unforgettable amusement park experiences near Music City.
