Summer is a great time to go outside and have fun in the water. Middle Tennessee has some of the best swimmin' holes, pools, and splash pads.
Whether you're planning a day trip, vacation, or you live just down the road from one of these fun spots, don't forget to bring your sunscreen and have a great time!
2310 Memorial Blvd., Murfreesboro, TN 37129
Two giant water slides, a splash pad, climbing wall, and floating bridge are at this affordable and fun hot spot. Snacks and drinks available for purchase at the on-site concession stand.
Visit website for admission prices and daily schedules.
82 Beach Rd, Rock Island, TN 38581
Swimming and wading are popular activities at Rock Island. There are multiple areas in the park where swimming is allowed. However, there are a few areas where swimming is strictly prohibited due to hidden and deadly currents.
Swim Beach: The most accessible area for swimming within the park is at the swim beach. This natural sand-silt shoreline of the Caney Fork River offers a boat ramp, reservable picnic pavilion, and restrooms. No lifeguards on duty.
All other areas of the Caney Fork River Gorge, including:
The Great Falls: This 30-ft horseshoe-shaped waterfall positioned below the Historic Cotton Mills offers an excellent swimming location.
The Cold Hole: This is the premier swimming hole for the Caney Fork River Gorge.
The Warm Hole: This large basin of water in the gorge is shallow, heated by the sun and is not subject to colder water temperatures coming from the lake above the Great Falls Dam.
2009 Village Camp Road, Spencer, TN 38585
Fall Creek Falls State Park is one of Tennessee’s largest and most visited state parks. Fall Creek Falls, at 256 feet, is one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States.
The swimming hole pictured above is located near the Betty Dunn Nature Center. The water ranges from 3' - 7' deep.
Cane Creek Falls is located within Fall Creek Falls State Park. It is one of the six large Fall Creek waterfalls and the pool at the bottom is deep enough for a great swim. While it's a short walk to get there, it is not easily wheelchair accessible.
Fall Creek Falls State Park also features an Olympic-sized pool with a children's wading pool, modern bathhouses, and a snack bar. Lifeguards are on duty, and the pool is ADA-compliant.
The pool is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Admission is $6 per person, per day.
Children 2 years of age and under swim free.
1120 Hillsboro Road, Franklin, TN 37064
The Splash Pad is located next to the 6,000 square ft. seasonal pool. The splash pad has 28 features in all, from misters to slides to geysers!
Visit the website for admission prices and daily schedules.
920 Heritage Way, Brentwood, TN 37027
The Brentwood Splash Park includes: four slides, two double loop, one single loop and one straight slide; a series of ground and ring sprays, with a rain curtain of up to 27’; a 100 gallon dump bucket and four elevated platforms with sprays; plus, inclusive water activities, large shade areas and an exterior admission building and restrooms.
Visit the website for admission prices and daily schedules.
3737 Bell Rd, Nashville, TN 37214
J. Percy Priest Lake offers swimming areas at Anderson Road Day Use (typically crowded), Cook Day Use, Nashville Shores, and Bryant Grove within Long Hunter State Park.
The public use of established swim beaches is encouraged. Swimming or jumping from man-made structures such as beaches is prohibited.
876 Burnett Rd, Old Hickory, TN 37138
Swimming and sailing are popular activities on the lake, while anglers will find an abundant population of catfish, crappie and bass for exceptional bank and boat fishing.
The Old Hickory shoreline offers a sandy swimming beach, a playground for the kids and a boat ramp.
501 N Collins Street, Tullahoma, TN 37388
The multi-use pool includes a splash pad, three 25-foot tall water slides, and a 300-foot lazy river. The concession stand offers plenty of poolside treats as well as healthy and fresh options.
$5 per person, children 2 and under are free. Visit website for daily schedule.
200 Memorial Dr, Goodlettsville, TN 37072
The splash pad features a series of water cannons, floor geysers, water buckets, spray loops, a water tunnel, aquadome, and seating integrated within the pad outside of the water’s reach.
1500 Medical Center Pkwy Murfreesboro, TN 37129
This expansive lawn acts as the hub of Fountains. Grab a meal from one of our onsite eateries to enjoy a picnic lunch on the plaza, play a game of corn hole while kids cool off in the splash pad, or take in a Movie under the Stars during one of our summer series!
The Splash Pad is open from 11 am – 9 pm daily.
Safety reminder: Always provide close and constant attention to children you are supervising, even when a lifeguard is present, no matter how well the child can swim or how shallow the water.
For more information on parks and recreational areas in Tennessee, visit our Explore Tennessee page.