Okay, we all love Dollywood, it’s a Tennessee classic for a reason.
But what if I told you there’s a whole bunch of other theme parks around the state that are just as fun, way less crowded, and packed with stuff you’ve probably never even heard of?
We’re talking zip lines in the mountains, glowing coasters that race through the trees, water parks with floating obstacle courses, and rides that spin you 150 feet in the air.
Whether you’re into go-karts, tubing, or giant Ferris wheels, there’s a spot on this list that’ll have you grinning like a kid on summer break.
So skip the lines and the hype, because these are the best theme parks in Tennessee that aren’t Dollywood… but still totally worth the trip.
1. Foxfire Adventure Park (Sevierville)
Foxfire Adventure Park is tucked into the Smoky Mountains in Sevierville, Tennessee, and it’s all about zip lines, swinging bridges, and getting way up in the treetops.
It’s home to Goliath, one of the fastest and longest ziplines in the U.S., soaring 500 feet high and reaching speeds up to 60 mph.
Plus, there’s a crazy-long swinging bridge that stretches over 400 feet across a mountain valley.
If you’re into climbing, they’ve also got a 60-foot aerial adventure course, plus a rock wall and obstacle ropes for you to enjoy.
2. The Island in Pigeon Forge (Pigeon Forge)
In the heart of Pigeon Forge, The Island is like a giant playground packed with shops, restaurants, and rides.
It all surrounds a massive 200-foot-tall Ferris wheel called The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel.
You can grab lunch at Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen, catch the choreographed fountain show set to music with dazzling light effects, and then test your bravery on the ropes course that actually hovers over the crowds below.
There’s even a moonshine tasting bar and an escape room, which is also one of their most popular attractions.
3. Lost Mine Mountain Coaster and Mini-Golf (Pigeon Forge)
Next on the list is Lost Mine Mountain Coaster and Mini-Golf, a spot that mixes mountain thrills with more laid-back fun.
Although it may not be a large venue, the coaster and mini golf course are still worth a visit.
You control the speed on the alpine coaster as it winds through the trees for just over a mile, with drops, twists, and curves that make the ride unforgettable.
Once your heart rate settles, you can head over to the Lost Mine mini-golf course, an 18-hole adventure filled with mining-themed challenges like creek crossings, chutes, and loops.
4. Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster (Pigeon Forge)
Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster cranks things up with one of the longest downhill rides in the country, stretching over 1 mile of nonstop twists and turns.
You’ll zoom through the forest at up to 27 mph, riding solo or with a buddy.
The best part is this coaster runs day and night, with glowing lights lighting up the track after dark.
It’s smooth, fast, and totally addicting, so don’t be surprised if you end up riding it more than once.
5. FunStop Family Action Park (Pigeon Forge)
FunStop Family Action Park is the place for anyone who wants to race go-karts and enjoy classic amusement rides all in one stop.
This place has four go-kart tracks, a SkyScraper ride that spins at 60 mph up to 150 feet in the air, and the Soaring Eagle Zipline, where you’ll fly 700 feet forward and backward over the park.
There’s also classic fair-style rides and a Big Top Arcade, so it’s easy to spend the whole day here and still not try everything.
6. Rowdy Bear’s Smoky Mountain Snowpark (Pigeon Forge)
Rowdy Bear’s Smoky Mountain Snowpark in Pigeon Forge is the place to go for year-round tubing.
In the winter, the park’s snow machines let you enjoy snowtubing to its fullest, but you can still enjoy year-round tubing without the snow.
Their outdoor tubing hill is one of the fastest in Tennessee, with a 500-foot run that lets you race your friends down side-by-side lanes on giant inner tubes.
There’s also a Ski Lift Shootout Coaster where you shoot lasers while riding, the Avalanche Snow Coaster where you control the speed of the coaster, and don’t forget to try out the Outdoor Axe Throwing experience too!
7. Soaky Mountain Waterpark (Sevierville)
If you’re ready to get soaked, then Soaky Mountain Waterpark in Sevierville is the place to be.
It’s basically a giant splash party with slides, waves, and water everywhere you look.
The Avalaunch is the star here with its 2-person water coaster that blasts you uphill, drops you down, and sprays you silly the whole ride.
There’s also a 35,000-square-foot wave pool, a water playground just for little kids called The Hive, and a massive adventure river called Black Bear Rapids, where you can float through waves and currents across 24,000 square feet.
Please note that Soaky Mountain Waterpark in Sevierville is usually open daily from mid-May through Labor Day, and weekends only in September, so please check online before planning your visit.
8. Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort (Hermitage)
Rounding out the list is Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort, a waterpark that mixes splashy rides with chill beach time on the shores of Percy Priest Lake.
You’ve got 10 wild water slides, a giant wave pool, and a floating obstacle course on the lake called Aqua Park that’s basically a bounce house meets wipeout challenge.
And if you want to turn it into a full-on getaway, they’ve got cabins, RV sites, and even zip lines in the Adventure Park right next door.
Please note: Nashville Shores Waterpark is open daily from mid-May to early August, then weekends only through late September. Be sure to check their official calendar if you’re planning a visit, as special events and extended hours may also be available during the season.
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