Family Fun Near Franklin, TN: Roller Coasters, Water Parks, Zip Lines, and More!
As the days grow longer and warmer, it’s a great time for families in Franklin and Williamson County, Tennessee, to get outside and have some fun. While there may not be any big amusement parks nearby, there are plenty of great options within a two to four-hour drive. Whether you’re looking for high-speed roller coasters, splash-filled water parks, or adrenaline-pumping zip lines, adventure is closer than you think. Here are some of the best amusement parks, water playgrounds, mountain coasters, and more— all close enough for a family day trip!
SOAR Adventure Tower
Franklin Fun: Local Adventure Destinations
Before you hit the road in search of adventure, consider the family fun destinations right here in Franklin and Williamson County. From aerial adventure parks with climbing elements to indoor facilities featuring trampolines and obstacle courses, there are thrilling options close to home.
SOAR Adventure Tower
SOAR Adventure Tower in Franklin is a top spot for families looking for a fun challenge. This nearly 50-foot-tall structure offers four levels of play, featuring over 110 ropes course obstacles that challenge both kids and adults. The ground level is designed specifically for children aged 3 to 8, with elements that allow parents to help their kids safely explore while building confidence. In addition to the ropes course, SOAR also features an 18-hole musically themed miniature golf course. • 3794 Carothers Pkwy, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 721-5103 •
Urban Air Adventure Park
Urban Air Adventure Park in Cool Springs is an indoor amusement facility where visitors can soar across the room on an indoor zipline, navigate a suspended ropes course, and test their strength on climbing walls. The park also features trampolines designed for high jumps, a balance challenge over a cushioned landing, and an obstacle course inspired by competitive agility challenges. Additional activities include virtual reality games and a bumper car ride. • 735 Galleria Blvd #2, Franklin, TN 37067, (629) 401-3144 •
The Crag
The Crag in Franklin is a family-friendly indoor rock climbing gym where kids as young as 3 can climb, build confidence, and develop new skills. With a variety of walls suited for all skill levels, it’s a great place for families to be active together. The Crag also offers youth climbing programs, birthday parties, and group events. Parents can join in or take advantage of the facility’s fitness and yoga spaces. • 1850 General George Patton Dr, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 922-2772 •
Monkey’s Treehouse
For families with young children, Monkey’s Treehouse in Brentwood offers a safe, engaging indoor play space perfect for kids to climb, explore, and imagine. Designed for children ages 8 and under, this play center features a multi-level treehouse, complete with slides, tunnels, and interactive elements that encourage creative play. Little adventurers can also enjoy a pretend play town, stocked with a play kitchen, market, and workbench. • 91 Seaboard Lane, Suite 103, Brentwood, TN 37027, (615) 942-7911 •
Soundwaves at Gaylord Opryland Resort
Nashville Highlights: Family-Friendly Water Parks & Outdoor Thrills
Nashville is full of family-friendly fun, offering an exciting mix of outdoor adventures and water attractions. Whether you’re looking to make a splash at a water park, take on treetop challenges, or relax lakeside, it’s all just a short drive from Franklin.
SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland Resort
SoundWaves is an indoor/outdoor water attraction located within the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tennessee. This unique water experience features water slides, lazy and rapid rivers, a wave pool, and dedicated areas for both children and adults. Access to SoundWaves is included with select hotel packages, but residents can book party room rentals for all-day access without an overnight stay. • 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, (615) 889-1000 •
Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort
Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort, located on Percy Priest Lake, is a premier family recreation destination. Splash into adventure at the water park with slides, a giant wave pool, a lazy river, and interactive play areas. For more excitement, tackle the floating Aqua Park or soar through the trees at the Treetop Adventure Park. Families can also enjoy pontoon and jet ski rentals, fishing, and lakeside relaxation. Stay overnight in cozy cabins or RV sites, and grab a bite at the waterfront BBQ restaurant. • 4001 Bell Rd, Hermitage, TN 37076, (615) 889-7050 •
The Adventure Park at Nashville
The Adventure Park at Nashville offers a fun outdoor experience for families looking to climb, zip, and explore together. With over 160 treetop platforms connected by bridges, ladders, and zip lines, the park provides exciting aerial challenges for all skill levels. Kids as young as 3 can enjoy the Adventure Playground, a scaled-down version of the main courses designed just for them. • 801 Percy Warner Blvd, Nashville, TN 37205, (615) 610-9500 •
Beech Bend Park & Splash Lagoon
Close to Franklin: Family Fun Just a Few Hours Away
Looking for a quick family getaway? Whether you have just a day or a whole weekend to spare, there are plenty of destinations just a short drive away. From amusement parks with high-speed roller coasters to massive water parks and scenic mountain coasters, these spots offer endless fun for all ages. If you’re looking for a fun-filled day trip without spending too much time on the road, these exciting destinations are about two hours away.
Beech Bend Park & Splash Lagoon
Beech Bend Park & Splash Lagoon, located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, is a family-owned amusement park offering a variety of attractions suitable for all ages. The park features over 40 rides, including the renowned Kentucky Rumbler, a wooden roller coaster known for its thrilling drops and twists. For water enthusiasts, Splash Lagoon provides multiple water slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool, offering a refreshing escape during warmer months. • 798 Beech Bend Park Rd, Bowling Green, KY 42101, (270) 781-7634 •
Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari
Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, located in Santa Claus, Indiana, is a family-owned theme and water park. With holiday-themed sections, the park offers roller coasters, kid-friendly rides, and live entertainment. The park’s wooden roller coasters, such as The Raven, The Legend, and The Voyage, have received accolades for their designs.
Splashin’ Safari, the park’s water park, is renowned for housing two of the world’s longest water coasters: Wildebeest and Mammoth. The water park also features wave pools, family raft rides, and a lazy river. • 452 E Christmas Blvd, Santa Claus, IN 47579, (812) 937-4401 •
Lake Winnepesaukah and SOAKya Water Park
Lake Winnepesaukah, known as Lake Winnie, has been a family favorite for nearly a century. Just south of Chattanooga, this charming amusement park features over 40 rides, including the Cannon Ball wooden coaster, the Boat Chute water ride, and the OH-ZONE! drop tower. In 2013, the park added SOAKya Water Park, a five-acre splash zone with slides, a lazy river, and a kid-friendly play area. With classic thrills and water-filled fun, Lake Winnie is a great spot for a family adventure! • 1730 Lakeview Dr, Rossville, GA 30741, (706) 866-5681 •
Splash Adventure Water Park
Worth the Drive: Family Adventures 3 to 4 Hours from Franklin, Tennessee
If you’re up for a longer road trip, there are even more exciting destinations just three to four hours from Franklin. From sprawling theme parks to mountain adventures and unique attractions, these spots are perfect for a weekend getaway or an extended family trip. Pack up the car and hit the road for a memorable family adventure!
Alabama Adventure and Splash Adventure
Alabama Adventure and Splash Adventure, located in Bessemer, Alabama, is a combined amusement and water park offering a variety of attractions suitable for all ages. The amusement park features classic rides such as the Rampage, a wooden roller coaster that provides an exhilarating experience for thrill-seekers. Other notable attractions include the Galleon, a swinging pirate ship ride, and the Centi-Speed, a family-friendly roller coaster.
The water park, Splash Adventure, offers a variety of water attractions. Guests can enjoy the Kahuna Waves, an 800,000-gallon wave pool generating waves up to four feet high. For those seeking adventure, the Rocket Racer provides a high-speed mat racing experience. Families with younger children can explore Cocoa Island, a colorful water play area, featuring slides and interactive elements designed for all ages. • 4599 Splash Adventure Pkwy, Bessemer, AL 35022, (205) 481-4750 •
Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country
Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is a premier family destination offering a blend of attractions, live entertainment, and Southern hospitality. Spanning 160 acres, the theme park features over 50 rides and attractions catering to all ages. Notable rides include the Wild Eagle, the first wing coaster in the U.S., and the Lightning Rod, renowned for its high-speed thrills. For younger guests, the Wildwood Grove area provides a variety of family-friendly rides and interactive experiences.
Adjacent to the theme park is Dollywood’s Splash Country, a 35-acre water park that offers a refreshing escape during the warmer months. Guests can enjoy a variety of water attractions, from the exhilarating RiverRush water coaster to the relaxing Downbound Float Trip lazy river. The park also features Mountain Waves, a massive wave pool, and Little Creek Falls, a play area designed for younger children. • 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, (800) 365-5996 •
Lost Mine Mountain Coaster
Lost Mine Mountain Coaster & Mini-Golf is located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, offering visitors a blend of adventure and entertainment. The mountain coaster provides an exhilarating ride lasting between 10 to 18 minutes. Equipped with a next-generation safety system, the coaster allows individuals to control their descent, reaching speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.
The fun continues with an 18-hole mini golf course featuring honey-themed obstacles and mine carts. Families can also try gem mining to uncover fossils, shark teeth, and colorful gems. • 2509 Teaster Ln, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, (865) 280-0089 •
Rocky Top Mountain Coaster
Rocky Top Mountain Coaster
The Rocky Top Mountain Coaster, located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, offers riders an exhilarating journey through the scenic Smoky Mountains. Spanning over 20 acres, the coaster features numerous tunnels, twists, and 360-degree turns, providing an exciting experience for visitors of all ages. Each sled allows riders to control their speed, reaching up to 30 mph. For nighttime rides, the track is illuminated by an extensive lighting system. • 2940 Veterans Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, (865) 453-0033 •
Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster
The Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster, located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is renowned as the longest downhill track in the United States, stretching over a mile in length. Riders, seated individually or in pairs, are transported uphill via a cable system before navigating a series of twists and turns during the descent. Each cart is equipped with hand brakes, allowing riders to control their speed, and features a magnetic braking system to ensure safety. • 867 Wears Valley Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, (865) 365-5000 •
The Goat Coaster at Goats on the Roof
The Coaster at Goats on the Roof in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, offers an alpine coaster experience suitable for all ages. Riders can control their speed, reaching up to nearly 30 mph, as they navigate the 4,875-foot track that winds through the scenic hills of Tennessee. Each sled accommodates one or two passengers, allowing for a personalized ride. Beyond the alpine coaster, guests can feed rooftop goats, mine for gems, and play dino-themed mini golf. A sweet shop offers homemade fudge and ice cream, perfect for relaxing on the porch. • 1341 Wears Valley Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, (865) 366-7337 •
Anakeesta
Anakeesta
Anakeesta, a mountaintop adventure park in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, features two distinctive mountain coasters: the Rail Runner and the Hellbender. The Rail Runner offers a 1,600-foot downhill ride with twists and turns, reaching speeds up to 25 mph. The Hellbender, named after the salamander species native to the Smoky Mountains, is a double-rail coaster that winds through a 3,350-foot track overlooking the Smoky Mountains.
Thrill-seekers can soar through the treetops on the Dueling Zipline Adventure or cross the Treetop Skywalk high above the forest floor. For a more relaxed experience, families can take in panoramic views from the AnaVista Tower, explore the lush Vista Gardens, or unwind in the charming Firefly Village, filled with shopping and dining options. Kids will love the TreeVenture Challenge Course and the interactive BearVenture play area, while nature lovers can enjoy scenic trails and peaceful spots to soak in the mountain air. • 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, (865) 325-2400 •
Moonshine Mountain Coaster
The Moonshine Mountain Coaster is a popular attraction located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. This mountain coaster offers riders the opportunity to control their speed as they descend a specially designed silent track. Each coaster car is equipped for single or double riders and has individual brake handles to control speed, reaching up to 30 mph. For a different experience, visitors can opt for nighttime rides, during which the track is illuminated with vibrant lights. • 306 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, (865) 430-5577 •
Ober Mountain
Ober Mountain in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is known for its winter sports, but it also offers a variety of warm-weather family activities that make it a great year-round destination. Thrill-seekers can race down the Alpine Slide, navigate the trees on the Ober Mountain Coaster, or climb the Rock Wall for an adrenaline rush. For a more laid-back experience, families can take in stunning Smoky Mountain views on the Scenic Chairlift or challenge each other to a round of mini-golf. Kids and adults alike will love Summer Tubing and animal lovers can explore the Wildlife Habitat, home to black bears, bobcats, otters, and birds of prey. For classic fun, the Chair Swing offers a breezy ride, while the indoor ice-skating rink provides a cool escape from the summer heat. • 1339 Ski Mountain Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, (865) 436-5423 •
Ripley’s Mountain Coaster
Ripley’s Mountain Coaster in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, offers an exhilarating ride through the Smoky Mountains, allowing visitors to control their speed in self-operated, gravity-propelled carts. Riders can choose single or double carts, enjoying a relaxed descent with scenic views or speeding through the twists and turns. • 386 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, (865) 430-7800 •
SkyLand Ranch
SkyLand Ranch
Located in Sevierville, Tennessee, SkyLand Ranch offers a variety of attractions for visitors. The Wild Stallion Mountain Coaster provides a 1.25-mile ride where riders control their speed. Guests can also enjoy the Horizon Skyride chairlift, which offers scenic views of the Smoky Mountains. Additional attractions include encounters with miniature animals, dining options at the SkyLand Cafe & Bakery, and various retail shops. • 1620 Parkway, Sevierville, TN 37862, (865) 505-7668 •
Soaky Mountain Waterpark
Soaky Mountain Waterpark, located in Sevierville, Tennessee, is a 50-acre waterpark that offers a variety of attractions catering to all ages and thrill levels. Families can enjoy a double-laned inflatable water obstacle course that tests agility and provides hours of fun. For younger children, Boomer’s Bay features pint-sized versions of popular rides and The Hive is an interactive play zone with water features and slides. Families can also enjoy the Soaky Surge, a massive 35,000-square-foot wave pool capable of generating six-foot-tall waves. • 175 Gists Creek Rd, Sevierville, TN 37876, (833) 687-6259 •
Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay Water Park
Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay Water Park in Louisville, Kentucky, is the perfect destination for a fun-filled family adventure. This 65-acre theme and water park offers roller coasters, exciting family rides, and kid-friendly attractions. Little ones will love the new Discovery Meadow area, while thrill-seekers can take on coasters like Lightning Run and Wind Chaser. When it’s time to cool off, Hurricane Bay features wave pools, lazy rivers, and splash zones for endless water fun. • 937 Phillips Ln, Louisville, KY 40209, (502) 813-8200 •
Before You Go: Essential Planning Tips
A little planning can make your trip smoother and more enjoyable. From checking operating hours to reviewing safety guidelines, here are a few key things to consider before heading out on your next adventure.
Operating Hours: Operating times can vary, especially during different seasons. It’s advisable to check the official websites closer to your visit for the most current information.
Admission Prices: Ticket costs differ based on age and the type of experience you’re seeking. For example, general admission, children’s tickets, and season passes each have unique pricing.
Age and Height Requirements: Each park has specific guidelines for rides and attractions. Review these details to ensure all family members can participate in desired activities.
Weather Considerations: Weather can be unpredictable. It’s prudent to check the forecast as your trip approaches and plan accordingly.
Health and Safety: Review the parks’ health guidelines, including recommendations for life jackets in water areas and other safety measures.
Exciting Family-Friendly Getaways Near Franklin, Tennessee
Looking for a fun-filled day trip or a weekend adventure? Within a short drive from Franklin, families can explore action-packed amusement parks, massive water parks, and other outdoor attractions. Whether you’re up for heart-pounding roller coasters, winding mountain coasters, or relaxing lazy rivers, these destinations—ranging from just under two hours to about four hours away—offer unforgettable experiences for all ages. Pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready for a family adventure! Safe travels!
