Though it is only February and warm sunny days still may seem far away still, spring break is right around the corner, closely followed by summer! So, even if you have ice to wipe away on your windshield in the mornings, it is time to start thinking about your next family getaway!
An amazing getaway option I recently enjoyed was Great Wolf Lodge, which is an indoor water park resort just outside of Atlanta. Indoor water park resorts are great options no matter the time of the year. Fortunately, within a short driving distance of Chattanooga, we have several options for both indoor and outdoor water park resorts!
Indoor Water Park Resorts
Great Wolf Lodge
Location: LaGrange, GA (about 2 hours and 35 minutes from Chattanooga)
Accommodations: At Great Wolf Lodge, there are several different suite options, all with a cozy outdoor theme. Rooms range from an occupancy of 4 people up to 13. The room amenities include a mini fridge, coffee maker, and hair dryer. Free breakfast is not included at Great Wolf Lodge.
Cost: $$$
Is the water park included with the room? Yes
Dining: The Great Wolf Lodge in LaGrange had several dining options including a breakfast restaurant, pizza, two different poolside restaurants that had options like burgers and sandwiches, as well as a nice dining venue, Dunkin Donuts, and Ben & Jerry’s.
Other activities: There are many other activities included at an additional cost such as an arcade, mini golf, MagiQuest, bowling, a climbing wall and ropes course, and shopping. There are also free daily activities for children such as yoga and crafts.
Wilderness at the Smokies
Location: Sevierville, TN (about 2 hours from Chattanooga)
Accommodations: Wilderness at the Smokies has many different lodging options, from standard hotel rooms to condo type rooms that includes a full kitchen. They also have large villas available which sleep up to 16 guests! Free breakfast is not included at Wilderness at the Smokies.
Cost: $$
Is the water park included with the room? Yes
Dining: Wilderness at the Smokies has a wide variety of dining options including a taco restaurant, a couple of snack bars, two different grill restaurants, a Starbucks, frozen yogurt, in-room dining, and a new camp themed food hall.
Other activities: In addition to their water park, there are several other activities available to guests which can be purchased individually or with a play pass. These include pottery, a 3D adventure ride, a ropes course, laser tag, a climbing wall, a little kids ride, mini golf, bowling, and an arcade.
Gaylord Opryland Resort and Soundwaves Waterpark
Location: Nashville, TN (about 2 hours and 30 minutes from Chattanooga)
Accommodations: King or two queen rooms with either an exterior view or a view of Opryland’s beautiful atrium! The rooms include a mini fridge, complementary water, and a coffee/tea maker. Though there aren’t any large occupancy rooms available, the website notes that suites and connected rooms are available. Free breakfast is not included at the Opryland Resort.
Cost: $$$$
Is the water park included with the room? No, the water park package can be purchased for additional cost. Please check the website for more details on pricing and available dates. Also check for the annual Davidson County and Tennessee resident discount.
Dining: There are many diverse dining options in the atrium of the Opryland hotel including an Italian restaurant, a Mexican restaurant, two American cafes, a Southern food restaurant, a grab and go marketplace, a steakhouse, and a coffee house.
Other activities: There is an arcade at the resort as well as a couple different shops and an indoor boat ride. They also have seasonal attractions such as ICE!, which occurs around the holiday season, as well as themed activities during the summer and Halloween.
Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort and Wild Bear Falls Waterpark
Location: Gatlinburg, TN (about 2 hours and 25 minutes from Chattanooga)
Accommodations: All of their accommodations are villas, which range anywhere from a studio size to a one- or two-bedroom. The studio size includes a small kitchen, where the one- or two-bedrooms include a full kitchen with all of the amenities. Some of the larger and deluxe villas come with a balcony or patio, as well as a fireplace. Free breakfast is not included at the Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort.
Cost: $$
Is the water park included with the room? No, it must be purchased separately.
Dining: There are a couple of restaurants which include a Southern comfort food and bar, and a hamburger and hot dog restaurant. There is also a small market with groceries and grab and go items.
Other activities: The Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort also has outdoor pools for hotel guests. Other activities available at an additional cost includes a mini golf course, a zip line, a spa, and excursions.
Outdoor Water Park Resorts
Dollywood
Location: Pigeon Forge, TN (about 2 hours and 30 minutes from Chattanooga)
Accommodations: Dollywood’s resort accommodations include standard rooms with either two queens or a king bed, as well as the option for a room with bunks. There are also suites available which include two bedrooms, one with a king and the other with bunks. If you want to go all out, there is also a “Dolly Parton Suite” which features high end accommodations and has the best views located on the top floor. Free breakfast is not included at the Dollywood DreamMore Resort.
Cost: $$$
Is the water park included with the room? No, neither water park or theme park tickets are included with the resort stay, but can be added when booking your room.
Dining: There are several dining options available at the DreamMore resort which include poolside dining, a Southern eatery, a grab and go pantry, a lounge, as well as in room dining.
Other activities: In addition to the amazing water park at Dollywood, there is the Dollywood theme park. Additionally, the resort has several kids’ activities such as a game room, playground, story time, and “Camp DW.” For adults, there is a spa and shopping.
Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Lodge
Location: Pigeon Forge, TN (about 2 hours and 30 minutes from Chattanooga)
Accommodations: They offer standard sized rooms up to deluxe rooms with balconies at this resort. Have an RV? You are in luck since they are an RV resort as well!
Cost: $$
Is the water park included with the room? Yes
Dining: There are several dining options including Fins Bar & Chill which offers a diverse menu. The new Sun Baked BBQ Hut has barbecue selections and Fins Breakfast Buffet, as well as the special Fins Brunch Menu. The Feeding Frenzy in the Fin City Entertainment Center has quick bites, pizza, ice-cold beer, frozen concoctions, and refreshing drinks.
Other activities: The Fin City Entertainment Center offers Duckpin Bowling, Billiards, and Arcade games. There is also a playground and a dog park!
Country Cascades Waterpark Resort
Location: Pigeon Forge, TN (about 2 hours and 30 minutes from Chattanooga)
Accommodations: You can find standard rooms, suites, studios, and penthouse suites at this resort. Rooms include a refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and some include sleeper sofas. Buffet breakfast is included! The website is a little difficult when it comes to finding out prices and booking; I found information on this more user-friendly site.
Cost: $$
Is the water park included with the room? Yes
Dining: It appears there is only one dining location at the resort and it is a snack shack offering hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, ice cream, and more.
Other activities: Besides cabana rentals, no other activities are noted on the website. However, you can purchase discount tickets to many attractions and shows in the Pigeon Forge area.
Have you stayed at any of these resorts? Which is your favorite? We would love to hear from you!
Looking for a beach instead? Check out these beaches near Chattanooga.
