Every year I ready myself with pep-talks and a mini fan for the inevitable sweat bath that is Nashville’s humidity, I look forward to the cool of pools and splash pads. Mercifully, the Middle Tennessee area is packed with pools, water parks, and splash pads galore! I have perused the interwebs to find those nearest you. And now we can all enjoy summer like happy the little campers that we drag along with us. So suit up, smear on that sunscreen, and read on, mamas…summer’s here!
501 Park Street, Kingston Springs TN 37082 615-952-9885
Small splash pad nestled inside a community park next to the Harpeth River. Paved walking trail, picnic shelters, soccer fields, disc golf course, and two playgrounds on site. Opens: May 28th Cost: Free
600 James Robertson Pkwy., Nashville TN 37243
615-741-5280
This little gem exists right in downtown Nashville at the bottom of the Tennessee State Capitol. It boasts 31 geyser-like fountains commemorating Tennessee’s major lakes, rivers, and tributaries with a large trough representing the Mississippi River. Look down to read inscriptions about these major waterways, and you can sneak in a little geography lesson while your wee ones splash about (or at least you can say you tried!) Open: April through October
Hours: 8:30am-9pm daily with a light show after dark! Cost: Free
592 South 1st Street, Nashville TN 37213 615-862-8508
This innovative kid utopia includes a wading-depth splash pool, multiple climbing features, slides, and plenty of green space for picnics and free play. Opens: May 26th* Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-7pm/Sunday 12-6pm Cost: Free
*Special note: Park may be closed during special events at LP Field
620 South 9th Street, Nashville TN 37206 615-862-8453
Sprayground with water-activating foot pads, spray tunnels, and safety fences. Nearby playground to help air-dry the kiddos! Opens: May 28th Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-5:30pm/Saturday-Sunday 10am-3pm Cost: Free
4001 Bell Rd., Hermitage TN 37076
615-889-7050 “Located on the shores of Percy Priest Lake, Nashville Shores features more than 1 million gallons of summer fun. Brave the waves in our gigantic wave pool, plunge down our 8 thrilling water slides, or play, slide and splash in Kowabunga Beach, a massive water tree house and playground. If you want to chill…enjoy a leisurely float ride on our lazy river or soak up some rays on our beautiful beach.” Open: May 5th Hours: Nashville Shores Hours of Operation Cost: Daily Admission & Season passes available. See website for more details.
This small, fenced-in sprayground is located on the south side of Watkins Park. Though it may be smaller than Kirkpatrick & Cumberland, it tends to be less busy. Opens: May 28th Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-5:30pm/Saturday-Sunday 10am-3pm Cost: Free
2320 Two Rivers Parkway Nashville TN 37214 615-885-1052
Nashville’s only wave pool! Wave country includes two water flumes, two speed slides, and one kiddie slide. There is also a kiddie pool and children’s playground. You may bring your own food and drinks, but concessions are available as well. Opens: May 29th 7 days/week. After August 6th Saturdays/Sundays only. (Special holiday hours on Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day: 10am-6pm) Hours: Monday-Thursday 11am-5pm/Friday-Saturday 10am-6pm/Sunday 11am-6pm Cost: Kids (Under 3) Free; Youth (3-12) $10; Teens/Adults (13+) $12*
*Rates are half-price for children Monday-Thursday 3-5pm
Robertson
Springfield Splash Pad
Martin Luther King Jr. Park 2623 S Main St., Springfield TN 37172 615-382-1655
Opens: Memorial Day Weekend – August 1st, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
August 9th- October 1st, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
105C College St., White House TN 37188
615-672-4350 Huge pirate ship (climbable!) and other pirate-themed elements. Opens: May 5th (Weekends Only); May 28th (Daily)
Hours: Daily 9am-9pm Cost: Free
Splash pad, outdoor pool with giant water slides, water climbing wall, and special pool area for the young ones! This place has everything you could imagine! Opens: May 28th Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm/Sunday 12-6pm Cost: Kids 12 & Under $5; Teens/Adults (13-54) $6; Senior (55+) $5
Neighborhood park with a large, fenced splash pad. Picnic areas and walking trail. Opens: May 24th Hours: Monday-Thursday 11am-6pm/Friday-Sunday 10am-6pm Cost: Free
2310 Memorial Blvd., Murfreesboro TN 37130 615-895-5040
This outdoor pool/water park at Sports*Com has massive waterslides and other fun features! Opens: May 28th Hours 10am-4:30pm Cost: $7 Adults; $5 Youth
(See website for additional details.)
Zero-depth entry, interactive water play system, triple-loop slide, and four-lane lap area. Open: Now. Hours: see web site for details Cost: $4 Daily Admission with multi-visit passes available.
210 Albert Gallatin Ave. Gallatin TN 37066 615-451-5911
Gallatin’s first zero-depth pool! Facility includes a splash pad and three slides (one is a 57-foot speed slide!) Keep in mind all patrons must pay to enter, even non-swimmers. There is no outside food or drink allowed, but there are concessions available on site. Indoor pool available; see website for details. Opens: May 28th Hours of Operation: Monday-Saturday 10am-8pm/Sunday 1-6pm Cost: Kids (Under 2) Free; General (Ages 2-54) $7; Seniors (55+) $5
360 Pleasant Dr., Goodlettsville TN 37072 615-851-2200
Outdoor swimming pool located within a 22-acre park featuring a paved walking trail, shelters, and a playground. Opens: May 28th Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm/Sunday 12-5pm Cost: $5 for ages 3+. Season passes available for purchase.
Large outdoor swimming pool located inside Richland Park, which includes trails, sports fields, picnic shelters, and playgrounds. Opens: May 28th
Hours: Monday-Saturday 11am-5pm/Sunday 1-5pm Cost: $5 for ages 5+
Williamson
Port Royal Park Splash Pad
4285 Port Royal Rd, Spring Hill TN 37174 931-487-0027
This beautiful 30-acre community park includes a fenced splash pad, ADA-compliant playground, and many other amenities including sports fields and a walking trail! Opens: Memorial Day thru Labor Day Hours: Splash pad 10am-7pm Cost: Free
1120 Hillsboro Rd, Franklin TN 37064 615-790-5719 ext. 2026
Franklin recreation complex features an indoor pool, outdoor pool, and splash park! Open: May 1st (splash park); May 5th (outdoor pool)
Hours: See website as hours vary by month and recreation activity.
Cost: Kids (Under 4) Free; Youth (4-17) $2; Adults (18-54) $4; Senior (55+) $2
Longview Recreation Center at Spring Hill
2909 Commonwealth Dr., Spring Hill TN 37174 615-302-0971 ext. 2222
6,000 sq. foot outdoor recreation pool with slides and water features. Opens: May 28th (10am-4:30pm)
Hours (May 29-August 9): Monday-Friday 10am-7pm/Saturday 10am-6pm/Sunday 1-6pm Cost: Kids (Under 4) Free; Youth (4-17) $2; Adults (18-54) $4; Senior (55+) $2
Williamson County Recreation Complex at Nolensville
Sandy “beach” for sandcastles and lake swimming! Multiple spots for picnics, sand volleyball, and playground on site. Open: Now
Cost: $5 daily per vehicle
Not a splash pad, per se, but more of a wading pool for young children with water umbrellas and other features. Park includes paved walking trails, picnic tables, sand volleyball, and two playgrounds. Opens: May 28th Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm/Sun 1-5pm Cost: Free
Jimmy Floyd Center
511 N Castle Heights Ave, Lebanon TN 37087 615-453-4545
7609 TN-109, Lebanon TN 37087
615-449-6544 Lake swimming and sandcastle fun! Picnic sites and playground on site. Open: Now
Cost: $5 daily per vehicle
YMCA
Certain locations have separate splash pads and kiddie pools with slides and water features in addition to the regular size outdoor swimming pool. Middle TN has over a dozen YMCA locations, so finding one near you shouldn’t be much of a stretch. Although the Y requires a paid membership (and you can choose area-wide or single location), one can take advantage of the many other amenities year-round! Child-care, saunas, showers, free coffee…need I say more? So, hop on over to their website to find the one nearest you!