10 Best Amusement Parks And Theme Parks In Tennessee, USA

1. Ober Gatlinburg

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

One of the best amusement parks in the state is Ober Gatlinburg. It isn’t just an adventure park in Tennessee, it is also a ski resort! The park first opened in 1962 and features a spacious mall indoor ice skating rink, a lounge, several indoor attractions, restaurants, and other various shops. Outside the mall is an alpine slide with a mountain coaster, children’s rides, summer raft rides, a rock-climbing wall, and a chairlift to Mount Harrison. Since Ober Gatlinburg is the only one of its kind in Tennessee, it is a prominent tourist attraction and attracts crowds at most times.

Ober Gatlinburg

Address: 1001 Parkway Suite 2, Gatlinburg TN, 37738

Website: Ober Gatlinburg

2. Anakeesta

If you are a mountain person, then a visit to Anakeesta will seem like a glimpse of paradise to you. Built on an area of about 70 acres (28 ha) of woodland, in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg, Anakeesta is an ideal choice for an outdoor family theme park if you think you’d love a serene view of gorgeous mountains and enjoy some really cool and adventurous rides. Once here, take on the amazing rides like the world’s only fixed-grip Chondola to the summit of Anakeesta, or go tip-walking at Treetop Skywalk, which is 60 feet (18 m) above the ground—you’ll feel like you are indeed walking on the sky! Race along the Dueling Ziplines, or have an authentic view of the mountains on a single-rail mountain coaster on Rail Runner. If with family, you can just relax at one of the treetop houses, shop for local items, and gorge on some amazing smoky cuisines.

Anakeesta

Address: 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN

Website: Anakeesta

Opening hours: Fri - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon - Thu)

3. Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster

Want to have a thrilling mountain-coaster moment? Go to Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster, which has some incredibly exhilarating riding options to get you pumped up! Hop onto No-Brakes Night Ride, where you cannot use brakes until the very end. It’s truly one of the most exciting rides you’ll come across—at 40 miles per hour! Exhilarating? Well then, book your tickets! Then after having an experience of a lifetime, shop for exclusive merchandise and flaunt it.

Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster

Address: 306 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN

Website: Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster

Opening hours: Sun - Fri: 10am - 9pm; Sat: 10am - 11pm

4. Adrenaline Park

Adrenaline Park is one of Tennessee’s longest ziplines, over water, off a 300-foot (91 m) cliff, crossing French Broad River and the glass-bottom Mountain Dew sky bridge near Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Indeed this is an ideal place for group fun away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Shop for unique handcrafted souvenirs, eat some local food, and tour this theme park—and have the best time with your best friends and family!

Adrenaline Park

Address: 168 Lee Greenwood Way, Kodak, TN

Website: Adrenaline Park

5. Dollywood

Dollywood is one of Tennessee’s oldest theme parks and most famous tourist attractions. It is the brainchild of entertainer Dolly Parton and Herschend Family Entertainment and was inaugurated in 1961. There are a plethora of rides here, like Flying Elephants and Drop Line (which is a thrilling 20-story-tall, free-fall experience, with an incredible view of the entire park, towering over Timber Canyon). There’s also the exciting Barnstormer and Dragonflier (which gives you the feeling like you’re on a real dragonfly and it’s touring you through the Great Smoky Mountains). Great Tree Swing, Lightning Rod, and Tennessee Tornado are other rides you must definitely try. This paradise of activities is made for all ages, where you can choose among a variety of options—enjoy the theme park, play watersports, or stay at one of the luxurious cabins.

Dollywood

Address: 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN

Website: Dollywood

6. The Island

Eat, enjoy the rides, party, and shop at Pigeon Forge’s The Island. It’s open all days of the week with exciting activities like Giant Wheel, a plethora of entertainment options, and numerous shopping complexes and restaurants. You can even enjoy live music and dancing fountain shows. The venue has a 200-foot-tall (61 m) observation wheel, which will give you a magnificent panoramic view of the mountain. Searching for a vacation or family reunion destination? These attractions at The Island will keep you spellbound for days.

The Island

Address: 131 The Island Dr, Pigeon Forge, TN

Website: The Island

Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 10am - 10pm; Mon - Fri: 10am - 9pm

7. NASCAR SpeedPark

If you happen to pass by Sevierville over the weekend, head on to NASCAR SpeedPark Smoky Mountains. This is an ideal theme park if you’re thinking of organizing a birthday party or an outdoor meeting—NASCAR SpeedPark will serve your purpose. What’s more, there is a variety of riding activities specially curated for kids, adults, and for the whole family! The rock-climbing wall is a kids’ favorite. Pro-Tow (which is a miniature tower-drop ride), Scambler, and Tilt-a-Whirl are some of the rides that you must check out while here.

NASCAR SpeedPark

Address: 1545 Parkway, Sevierville, TN

Website: NASCAR SpeedPark

Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 11am - 8pm (closed on Mon - Fri)

8. Sir Goony's Family Fun Center

Sir Goony’s Family Fun Center is an outdoor recreation complex with exciting and fun rides like electric go-karts, bumper cars, mini-golf, batting cage, and Lazer Fury. Planning to organize a corporate event, fundraiser, or family gathering? Sir Goony’s Family Fun Center is a great location to meet your event needs.

Sir Goony's Family Fun Center

Address: 5918 E Brainerd Rd, Chattanooga, TN

Website: Sir Goony’s Family Fun Center

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 3pm - 9pm; Fri: 3pm - 10pm; Sat: 12pm - 10pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm

9. Wild Bear Falls

Wild Bear Falls is a mountain-themed indoor and outdoor aquatic park and is one of the best theme parks in Tennessee. Spanning more than 60,000 square feet (5,574 sq m), Wild Bear Falls is the largest indoor waterpark resort in the South and the fifth-largest in the country. A total of 300,000 gallons (1,135.6 cu m) of water flow through Wild Bear Falls every day. There are more than 20 exciting water and non-water sports and rides here. Little Pigeon River is ideal for toddlers, while Grotto Falls is an indoor hot-tub facility. If you are looking for a serene place to unwind over the weekend, a visit to this spot will help you relax for sure.

Wild Bear Falls

Address: 915 Westgate Resorts Rd, Gatlinburg, TN

Website: Wild Bear Falls

Opening hours: 11am - 7pm (daily)

10. Nashville Shores

Relax, enjoy the rides, and roam the circuit of Nashville Shores. Unique watersports, ziplines, and rope-riding await at this magical place. There’s Treetop Adventure Park to bring out the adventurous rider in you! This location is an ideal venue for school excursions, friends’ reunions, and family outings. Some of the special events you can look forward to while here are fireworks, in-pool movies, barefootin’ concerts, and pool parties. There are multiple rides and activities for all age groups, and the staff is very friendly.

Nashville Shores

Address: 4001 Bell Rd, Hermitage, TN

Website: Nashville Shores

Ready to be amused?

So, are you pumped up already or what? Amusement parks in Tennessee make an ideal weekend stay and help create memories to cherish forever. Whether you are with friends or family, these theme parks offer a welcome change to your usual hangout spot. The staff at these places is super friendly, and accessibility is pretty easy.