When you’re planning a family vacation to the Smoky Mountains, finding fun ways to keep everyone entertained and cool is usually high on the list. While Sevierville is best known for its mountain views, family attractions, and outdoor adventures, it has also become one of the top waterpark destinations in the Smokies.
If you’re looking for the best waterparks in Sevierville, TN, you don’t have to go far. The city is home to two major waterpark destinations located right near each other, offering everything from high speed thrill slides and wave pools to relaxing lazy rivers and year round indoor water fun.
Soaky Mountain Waterpark
Spanning 50 acres, Soaky Mountain Waterpark is an outdoor waterpark built for high energy family adventure. With modern attractions, large scale slides, kids’ play areas, and a massive wave pool, it has quickly become one of the most exciting summer attractions in Sevierville.
Top Attractions at Soaky Mountain
The Edge
This first of its kind dueling water coaster lets riders race side by side through colorful, transparent AquaLucent tunnels before plunging down a dramatic three story drop.
Avalaunch Watercoaster
This two person tube ride sends riders flying through twists, turns, uphill blasts, and vertical wall climbs for a ride that feels more like a roller coaster than a traditional waterslide.
Soaky Surge
This 35,000 square foot wave pool can generate waves up to six feet tall, creating an ocean-esque beach experience right in the Smoky Mountains.
Black Bear Rapids
This is not your average lazy river. Black Bear Rapids is an adventure river with rolling waves, moving currents, and surprise splashes along the way.
The Hive & Boomer’s Bay
These interactive kids’ play areas are perfect for younger guests. Families will find mini slides, water buckets, splash features, and smaller versions of some of the park’s bigger thrill rides.
Insider Tip
To make the most of your visit, try to arrive right when the park opens so you can claim shaded lounge seating. If you’re visiting with a larger group, consider reserving one of the park’s private cabanas in advance.
Also, keep in mind that some of the high thrill slides have weight limits for safety, with limits typically varying by attraction.
Wilderness at the Smokies and The Wild WaterDome
If you’re visiting outside the summer season or you simply want a weather proof backup plan, Wilderness at the Smokies is home to the Wild WaterDome, Tennessee’s largest indoor waterpark.
The Wild WaterDome makes it possible to swim, splash, and relax year round. One of its most unique features is its clear roof, which allows natural sunlight to shine inside. That means guests can enjoy an indoor waterpark experience that still feels bright and tropical, even during the winter months.
Must Try Indoor Attractions and Resort Features
Kaleidoscope Kavern Lazy River
This immersive lazy river takes guests through a colorful tunnel filled with changing kaleidoscope lights, music, and special effects.
Ridge Runner
This three story indoor water coaster features steep drops, uphill blasts, and dazzling lighting effects that make the ride feel fast, bright, and exciting from start to finish.
The Great Smokies Wave Pool
This indoor wave pool brings the feel of the beach inside, making it a great option no matter what the weather looks like outside.
Resort Amenities
In addition to the indoor Wild WaterDome, Wilderness at the Smokies also offers access to seasonal outdoor waterparks, including Lake Wilderness and Salamander Springs. Guests can also enjoy dry attractions such as an arcade, laser tag, ropes courses, and other family friendly activities.
The Resort at Governor’s Crossing
For families looking for a comfortable home base with built in waterpark fun, The Resort at Governor’s Crossing offers a standout Sevierville stay. Located on Collier Drive, just minutes from Tanger Outlets, restaurants, and attractions, this resort combines spacious studio and multi bedroom condo accommodations with both indoor and outdoor waterpark amenities.
One of the biggest perks is that waterpark access is included exclusively for resort guests. Families can enjoy a seasonal outdoor waterpark during warmer months, plus a climate controlled indoor waterpark that keeps the fun going year round.
Outdoor Waterpark: Slides, Sunshine, and Splash Zones
Open seasonally from spring through early fall, the outdoor waterpark is designed for both high energy fun and laid back relaxation.
The outdoor park features the Rushing River Slides, a three story slide tower with two major attractions. The Rushing River Racer is a 326 foot side by side body slide where riders can race to the bottom, while the Rushing River Run is a 340 foot twisting tube slide with dark tunnels and fast turns. Riders must be at least 46 inches tall.
Younger kids will love Adventure Springs, a large interactive splash area with racer slides, an enclosed waterslide, water blasters, more than 30 play elements, and a 300-gallon dump bucket.
For a slower pace, families can float along the 250 foot lazy river using complimentary inner tubes. The outdoor area also includes a large swimming pool, plenty of lounge seating, and an outdoor hot tub for relaxing after a day in the Smokies.
Indoor Waterpark: All-Weather Fun
Rainy day? Winter getaway? No problem. The indoor waterpark at The Resort at Governor’s Crossing gives families a warm, weather proof place to splash year round.
The indoor area includes two covered waterslides that loop outside the building before bringing riders back indoors into the splash pools. You can have fun all year round at the Resort at Governor’s Crossing.
Planning Your Sevierville Waterpark Getaway
One of the best things about visiting Sevierville’s waterparks is how convenient they are. Soaky Mountain Waterpark and Wilderness at the Smokies are located near each other on Gists Creek Road, close to the Sevierville Convention Center. This makes it easy to plan a trip that includes both destinations.
Guests staying at Wilderness at the Smokies typically receive access to the resort’s indoor and outdoor waterparks as part of their stay. Depending on the season and available packages, visitors may also be able to find discounted or bundled admission options for Soaky Mountain Waterpark nearby.
Whether your family wants to race down a three story water coaster, float through a glowing lazy river, splash in a wave pool, or enjoy indoor water fun year round, the waterparks in Sevierville offer something for every age and adventure level.
For families visiting the Smoky Mountains, Sevierville’s waterparks are more than just a way to cool off. They’re a full vacation experience.