If you’re looking for water parks near Memphis, you have several great options. Geyser Falls in Mississippi offers slides, wave pools, and sandy beaches, while Magic Springs in Arkansas features thrilling rides and splash zones. Nashville Shores and Soundwaves in Nashville provide lakeside fun and indoor water experiences. For local options, Shelby Farms has spraygrounds, and YMCA pools are perfect for family play. Plus, you can enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding at nearby lakes. Keep exploring to learn more.
Key Takeaways
- Major water parks near Memphis include Geyser Falls in Mississippi, Magic Springs in Arkansas, and Nashville Shores in Tennessee.
- These parks offer water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and kid-friendly areas for all ages.
- Indoor and outdoor water parks like Soundwaves in Nashville provide year-round aquatic fun for guests.
- Seasonal local pools and spraygrounds at Shelby Farms and YMCA are affordable summer options.
- Watercraft rentals at Hyde Lake and Pine Lake enable safe paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing near Memphis.
Geyser Falls Water Theme Park in Mississippi
Geyser Falls Water Theme Park in Mississippi offers a fun-filled escape just a short drive from Memphis. Located at 209 Black Jack Road in Choctaw/Philadelphia, it spans 23 acres, including 8 acres of white sandy beaches. Palm trees and shimmering water create a tropical vibe throughout the park. You’ll find plenty of attractions, like 12 major waterslides for all ages, a massive wave pool, and a lazy river perfect for relaxing. Kid-friendly areas such as Squirts Hollow and Mt. Everwet keep the little ones entertained. The park’s design incorporates water park features that enhance the overall experience for visitors. Operating from late May through early September, the park offers affordable admission—$37 online on weekdays and $47 on Saturdays. Amenities include cabanas, a retail shop, food options, and locker rentals, making your visit comfortable and fun. Park hours and seasonal schedule are available to help plan your visit accordingly.
Magic Springs Theme & Water Park in Arkansas
Looking for a versatile amusement and water park experience near Memphis? Magic Springs in Hot Springs, Arkansas, is about a 3.5-hour drive and offers a combined ticket for both thrill rides and water attractions. Open since 1978 and reopened in 2000, the park features exciting coasters, family-friendly rides, and a large water park area. You can enjoy the Kodiak Canyon Adventure River, Seven Falls slides, and a massive 350,000-gallon wave pool. For kids, there’s Splash Island, Bear Cub Bend, and Grizzly Creek Splash Zone. During summer, catch live concerts at Timberwood Amphitheater or join seasonal events like Magic Screams Halloween festival. With affordable season passes, food options, cabana rentals, and special perks, Magic Springs provides a fun, all-in-one experience close to Memphis. The park is managed by Premier Parks, LLC, which is part of EPR Properties, ensuring ongoing improvements and safety measures.
Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort in Tennessee
Are you searching for a water park destination that offers more than just slides? Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort in Tennessee provides over a million gallons of water for summer fun, including the giant Breaker Bay wave pool perfect for riding waves or relaxing on the beach. You’ll find 10 water slides with varying thrill levels, like Big Kahuna and Riptide Racer, plus Kowabunga Beach—a four-story treehouse and sprayground with interactive features. There are also three pools—Suntan Lagoon, Wacky Pond, and Lily Pad Pool—designed for different ages and activities. Located on Percy Priest Lake, the resort offers lakeside cabins, an RV campground, and a marina with boat rentals. The Aqua Park floating playground and water sports like paddleboarding make it a versatile spot for family fun and outdoor adventure. Located on Percy Priest Lake, the resort offers scenic views and additional outdoor activities for visitors seeking a complete water-based getaway. Water safety practices, such as lifeguard supervision and water quality maintenance, are prioritized to ensure a safe environment for all guests.
Soundwaves at Gaylord Opryland in Nashville
SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland in Nashville offers a luxurious and innovative water experience that combines indoor and outdoor attractions across four acres. As a guest, you enjoy exclusive access to this upscale, private park designed for overnight guests. The outdoor area features thrilling rides like Beat Drop, a near-vertical tunnel, and Bass Drop, a six-story free-fall slide. You can relax in the Tidal Track wave pool or unwind in the adults-only Diamond Pool with bars and private cabanas. Inside, you’ll find year-round water rides, including ProSlide’s FreeFALL, SuperLOOP, and OctopusRACER, all with seamless indoor-outdoor transitions. Limited access via wristband guarantees comfort and security, while amenities like private cabanas and adult-only zones elevate your experience to a luxurious aquatic retreat. The outdoor attraction spans two acres, featuring a diverse array of water rides and leisure options to suit every thrill-seeker and relaxer alike. Incorporating space optimization strategies can help enhance your overall experience by making the most of available amenities and ensuring a comfortable, clutter-free environment during your visit.
Shelby Farms Park Water Play Sprayground
Nestled within Shelby Farms Park in Memphis, the Water Play Sprayground offers a lively, interactive water experience perfect for families and visitors seeking summer fun. Covering about 4,000 square feet, it features spray jets, water pumps, a tunnel, and geyser boulders designed for children’s play, encouraging active water exploration. The outdoor facility operates in 3- to 4-hour sessions throughout the day, with some free, no-reservation sessions on Tuesdays. Visitors must complete a waiver via QR code, and early arrival or booking is recommended for busy times. The sprayground’s slip-resistant surface and child-friendly design prioritize safety, while seating areas allow guardians to supervise comfortably. Located near Hyde Lake, it’s easily accessible, making it a popular, cost-effective summer destination for families in Memphis. Proper water safety measures are essential to ensure a fun and secure experience for all visitors.
YMCA of Memphis and Crosstown Concourse Pools
You’ll find several YMCA locations offering outdoor pools with seasonal hours, so check the schedule before planning your visit. Many pools feature splash areas and water features designed for family fun and relaxation. Keep in mind that access and hours may vary depending on the location and the time of year. The YMCA of Memphis and Crosstown Concourse pools operate seasonally, so be sure to verify the hours before your visit. Additionally, electric bus adoption is growing in Memphis, making transit to these pools more sustainable and convenient.
Outdoor Pool Access
Looking to enjoy outdoor swimming near Memphis? Many YMCA locations offer outdoor pool access, but you’ll need a membership or guest pass to swim. The Cordova Family YMCA’s outdoor pool is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., perfect for mid-morning laps. Ric Nuber YMCA features an outdoor pool housed in a winter air dome, with hours matching the general facility schedule, Monday through Friday from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Olive Branch Family YMCA’s outdoor pool is typically open August 4–31, Tuesday through Sunday, with varying hours. Millington Family YMCA offers outdoor swimming with hours Monday through Saturday. The Church Health YMCA at Crosstown also has an outdoor pool, with seasonal hours posted on their website. Recognizing outdoor pool access can enhance your summer plans and help you make the most of your time in Memphis.
Splash Area Features
Are you seeking a splash area that offers fun, safety, and accessibility? At YMCA of Memphis, you’ll find a splash pad with small slides, spray rings, fountains, and dumping buckets designed for kids’ interactive play. Indoor and outdoor pools are available, with splash pad access under the Summer Membership. Family-friendly amenities include shaded picnic spots, accessible restrooms, and strict hygiene policies, like swim diapers for children under 3. Nearby, Crosstown Concourse’s splash pad is free and seasonal, featuring five spray sizes with over 40 sprayers, including water cannons, geysers, and mist. Surrounding the pad are shaded picnic areas and benches, plus a Dinosaur Dig sandpit and outdoor playground for extra fun. Online resources can help you find additional splash areas and verify seasonal availability.
Seasonal Operating Hours
During the summer months, several Memphis-area water parks and splash pads operate on seasonal schedules, aligning with warmer weather and increased demand for outdoor fun. The Bartlett YMCA’s splash pad is open Memorial Day through Labor Day, but hours may vary, so check with them for specifics. The Germantown Athletic Club’s splash pad and outdoor pools are open from May 20th to September 9th, with hours from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and slightly shorter hours on weekends. The Memphis Jewish Community Center’s outdoor water park runs Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, with hours from early morning to evening, depending on the day. The Bartlett YMCA offers Y-Play and child care services for children while parents enjoy the facilities, so families can make the most of their visits. Always confirm hours beforehand, as they may change for holidays or maintenance.
Memphis Jewish Community Center Outdoor Water Park
Wondering where to enjoy a fun-filled summer day near Memphis? The Memphis Jewish Community Center Outdoor Water Park is a great choice. Located at 6560 Poplar Avenue, it’s open seasonally from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day, aligning perfectly with summer plans. Operating hours vary by day, with plenty of time to splash around—Monday through Thursday from 5:30 am to 9:45 pm, and Sunday from 8:00 am to 5:45 pm. Access is exclusive to JCC members and guests, creating a close-knit atmosphere. The water park features giant slides for all ages, a lazy river, a beach entry pool with a play structure, and a splash pad for the little ones. With safety-certified staff and family-friendly amenities, it’s ideal for a memorable summer outing. Proper water safety measures are essential for a fun and secure experience.
Kayak, Canoe, and Paddle Board at Hyde Lake and Pine Lake
When you rent kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards at Hyde Lake and Pine Lake, you’ll find a variety of equipment to suit your skill level and preferences. Make sure to wear a life jacket and follow safety tips to keep your water experience enjoyable and secure. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned paddler, proper gear and safety practices are key to making the most of your adventure. All ages can participate in rentals, and safety equipment such as flotation devices is provided to ensure a fun and secure outing. Being aware of market volatility can help in planning your water activities during different seasons and conditions.
Rental Equipment Options
If you’re looking to explore the lakes near Memphis, both Hyde Lake and Pine Lake offer convenient rental options for kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards. At Pine Lake, rent self-serve via a mobile app, with prices starting at $25 for two hours and including paddles and life vests. Easy-to-use rental systems make the process straightforward and accessible. Hyde Lake’s Boathouse rents canoes, kayaks, tandem kayaks, and SUPs from $15 to $20 per hour, with seasonal availability. Here are some key features:
- Quick, app-based rentals with QR code access
- Inclusive paddles and life jackets
- Flexible hourly rates
- No advance booking required
- Equipment suitable for all skill levels
The rental stations operate daily from sunrise to sunset, providing flexible hours for visitors.
Enjoy hassle-free access to watercraft for your lakeside adventures.
Watercraft Safety Tips
To make certain a safe and enjoyable experience on the water at Hyde Lake and Pine Lake, it’s vital to follow proper safety practices for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. Always wear a Coast Guard-approved PFD or life jacket, and make sure it fits properly and is in good condition. Children 12 and under must wear theirs at all times when the vessel is underway. Carry sound-producing devices like horns or whistles, and keep fire extinguishers accessible. Use navigation lights if boating at night. Be alert to local hazards such as submerged logs, rocks, and changing water levels. File a float plan and stay aware of weather conditions. Avoid alcohol, maintain vessel balance, and keep a lookout for other watercraft to prevent accidents. Remaining calm and wearing a PFD improves safety in emergencies. Additionally, understanding watercraft safety tips can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Water Parks Open Year-Round Near Memphis?
You won’t find many water parks open year-round near Memphis, as most operate seasonally from late May to early September. Indoor parks like Soundwaves at Gaylord Opryland and Wilderness at the Smokies do stay open year-round, but outdoor options close during winter months due to cold weather. If you’re seeking year-round fun, indoor parks are your best bet, though availability may vary with holidays and maintenance schedules.
What Safety Measures Are in Place at Memphis Water Parks?
Did you know that Memphis water parks have trained lifeguards on duty 100% of the time? They actively monitor water activities, enforce safety rules, and conduct regular rescue drills. You’ll find clear policies like showering before swimming, no glass in pools, and designated areas for diving. Weather closures happen if storms occur, ensuring your safety. With these measures, you can enjoy the water confidently and stay protected during your visit.
Do Water Parks Offer Accommodations or Camping Options?
Most water parks near Memphis don’t offer on-site accommodations or camping options. You’ll find lodging nearby at resorts like Wilderness at the Smokies or Soundwaves at Gaylord Opryland, which include waterpark access. Camping is usually separate, with nearby campgrounds or RV parks, but not directly tied to the parks. If you want to stay overnight, consider booking a resort that offers waterpark amenities or exploring nearby campgrounds for a rustic experience.
Are There Discounts for Group or Family Tickets?
Group and family tickets at water parks are like golden tickets, offering great savings. You can often get discounts for groups of 15 or more, with some parks providing up to 50% off. For families, season passes and special group rates make visits more affordable. Just remember to plan ahead and purchase in advance, so you can enjoy these discounts and make your day at the water park even more fun.
What Are the Best Times to Visit to Avoid Crowds?
You should visit water parks early in the week, especially Monday through Friday mornings from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., to avoid crowds. Weekday early afternoons before 2 p.m. and evenings after 7:30 p.m. are also quieter. Additionally, go early in the season right after opening in late May or early June. Mid-mornings and mid-afternoons are typically less busy, helping you enjoy a more relaxed experience.
Conclusion
No matter which water park you choose, you’re bound to make a splash and create unforgettable memories. From thrilling slides to relaxing lakes, these spots near Memphis have something for everyone. Plunge in and embrace the fun — the water’s warm and the good times roll in. Just remember, opportunities like these don’t come around every day, so seize the moment before the tide turns and it’s time to dry off!
