Location: Pigeon Forge, Tennessee Years Active: 2001 – Active Dollywood’s Splash Country ain’t your average water park. Tucked into the Smoky Mountains, it’s got Dolly Parton’s spirit all over it – expect some down-home fun mixed with wild rides! As you can see in this Dollywood Splash Country map…they’ve got the works: Screaming slides, a…
Location: Pigeon Forge, Tennessee Years Active: 2013 – Active The Island in Pigeon Forge isn’t about subtlety. It’s a full-on assault of lights, music, and the sweet smell of funnel cake. Think beach town kitsch transported to the mountains, cranked up to maximum volume. You won’t find quiet contemplation here. You’ve got your giant Ferris…
Location: Memphis, Tennessee Years Active: 1906 – Active Those glossy zoo pamphlets lie. The Memphis Zoo is raw, real, and totally unforgettable. This place opened in 1906 and hasn’t slowed down since. We’re talking a mind-blowing 3,500+ animals representing practically every corner of the world. Pandas? Hippos? All the big names, and then some. Teton…
Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee Years Active: 1962 – Active Ober Gatlinburg sits high in Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains. It’s been around since 1962, so the atmosphere is old-school fun. Think of an alpine village with way more to do than just stare at pretty views. They’ve got skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and the rest of…
Location: Choctaw, Tennessee Years Active: 2005 – Active Geyser Falls Water Park in Choctaw, Tennessee – it’s been around almost 20 years, and locals have mixed feelings. Sure, it’s a classic way to beat the heat. Rides like Geyser Flats will get your heart pounding. The Crystal Springs Wave Pool is chill if you’re into…
Location: Knoxville, Tennessee Years Active: 1948 – Active Forget the standard zoo experience. Zoo Knoxville isn’t just about staring at animals. It’s about getting hooked on conservation and feeling a real connection to the creatures behind those enclosures. This place bursts with life! You’ll find everything from lumbering elephants to those adorable red pandas they’re…
Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee Years Active: 2000 – Active Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies: where the sharks are impressive and the prices are outrageous. It’s the perfect place to experience the thrill of massive crowds and the joy of overpaying for a mediocre hot dog. Okay, okay, they have a cool shark tunnel. And the penguins…
Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee Years Active: 1937 – Active The Chattanooga Zoo isn’t your average animal park. It’s a Tennessee gem, around for ages, where South America’s wildlife takes center stage. Imagine mischievous monkeys, stunning jaguars, even those adorable red pandas! But here’s the inside scoop: the zoo’s always got something going on. Parties, festivals –…
Location: Horse Cave, Tennessee Years Active: 1905 – Active Adventure Park at Five Oaks has been around since 1905 – yeah, it’s got history. Find it in Sevierville, Tennessee, right in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. Want to fly through the trees? They’ve got ziplines. Prefer a slower pace? Check out a horseback ride…
Location: Nashville, Tennessee Years Active: 1990 – Active Nashville Zoo Grassmere it’s got its pros and cons. The animal selection is impressive – we’re talking tigers, rhinos, all the crowd-pleasers. They put real effort into educational exhibits, and that’s something to appreciate. Plus, who doesn’t love seeing playful kangaroos or sleepy giraffes? But let’s spill…
