When it’s 93 degrees in the shade and your kids are climbing the walls — literally or figuratively — there’s only one thing that can restore sanity: a splash pad. Tennessee parents know the drill — slather on the sunscreen, grab a towel (or five) and let the kids run wild through jets, buckets and fountains while you find the nearest patch of shade like it’s a survival mission. The best part? Most of these splash pads are free, full of joy and often tucked next to playgrounds and picnic spots — which means hours of summer fun without draining your wallet or your will to parent. We’ve rounded up some of the best splash pads across Tennessee, from Memphis to Bristol, so you’ll always know where to cool off, no matter where your adventures take you.
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/2/edit?mid=1pTzupvmmEtNomP5kvdJdTzvggDhV-FI&usp=sharing1. Peabody Park Splash Pad (Memphis)
A free splash pad located in a 3.4-acre neighborhood park. It features spraying fountains and misting arches.
What to Expect: Shaded picnic tables, paved walking trails, two rental pavilions and a nearby playground. Open daily during summer months.
What families are saying:
One Google reviewer shared:
This was the cutest little park!! We’d never been and definitely didn’t know there was a splash pad! A park, perfect picnic area AND water play?? Perfect family fun on a budget!
2. Suggs Spray Park (Collierville)
A bright, cheerful splash pad with stations including a play “car wash” water tunnel to run through, dump buckets and a spray snake.
What to Expect: Covered pavilions, a playground, benches and free access for residents. Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday–Saturday and 1–5 p.m. Sunday.
What families are saying:
One Google reviewer shared:
It was very clean and fun. I felt safe here with my kids. It’s a small slash pad, but perfect for some free water fun.
3. David Carnes Park Splash Pad (Whitehaven – Memphis)
This revitalized park features a modern splash pad as part of a larger fitness and community space.
What to Expect: Two playgrounds, fitness trail, pavilion with grills, turf sports field and shaded areas. Clean restrooms and seating available.
What families are saying:
One Google reviewer shared:
What a magnificent addition to the Whitehaven community. The park is simply phenomenal! It’s filled with everything from exercise and gym equipment for all ages, to an outdoor splash park, to a mini football and soccer training ground, to a walking trail, track and field area, community pavilion, and on-site restroom facilities. Every aspect of the park is breathtaking.
4. Savannah Splash Pad (Savannah)
A small-town splash pad with lots of charm, situated in a green park close to the Tennessee River.
What to Expect: Adjacent playground, picnic tables, easy parking and shade trees. Often described by parents as “quiet” and “clean.”
What families are saying:
One Google reviewer shared,
One of my absolute favorite places! I love the Street Park. They have such a beautiful walking track full of beautiful blooms and foliage! A gorgeous water fountain AND a splash pad for the kiddos! They have a super nice playground for kids AND an outdoor gym equipment section that’s available for adults.
5. Coolidge Park Interactive Fountain (Chattanooga)
This large, circular fountain features spray jets, animal sculptures and a stunning Tennessee River backdrop.
What to Expect: Restrooms, shaded seating, a historic carousel ($1 rides), picnic areas and riverwalk access and nearby ice cream shops.
What families are saying:
Sadie Roberts, of Kingsport, shared her experience and some fun photos from her time at Coolidge Park,
My kids light up every time we visit Coolidge Park—between the splash of the fountain, the magic of the carousel, Clumpies Ice Cream in hand, and walks across the pedestrian bridge, it’s pure downtown Chattanooga joy.
6. Splash Island (Tullahoma)
Part of the Tullahoma Parks & Recreation complex, this splash pad has geysers, tipping buckets and spray arches.
What to Expect: Nearby pool, shaded bleachers, concessions and locker rooms. Open seasonally with admission.
What families are saying:
5/5 Recommendation.
Great place, great price and so much fun for kids.
8. Splash Pad at Gregory Mill Park (Smyrna)
A brightly colored splash pad with features for both young and older kids near a beautiful creek area.
What to Expect: Rentable shelters, plenty of benches and a gate around the splash area to keep everyone in.
What families are saying:
This is one of many Smyrna parks, this one is mostly known for it’s summer time splash pad for young children. There is no fee to enter the splash pad with restroom facilities on site, plenty of parking but limited seating available. Metal benches scattered throughout the park, a few picnic tables as well. Bringing your own camping chair would be a good move, maybe even a big picnic blanket as well, lots of shade to set up under. A small paved walking trail loops the entire park, moderately used daily when the weather is nice, a few inclines throughout, but inclines are not drastic. There is a big pavilion with more seating but not close enough to the splash pad if you have kids there.
9. Cedars of Lebanon State Park Splash Pad (Lebanon)
Set within a state park, this splash pad offers fountains, water arches and tipping buckets.
What to Expect: Free to the public, with restrooms, picnic shelters and wooded trails nearby. Great stop for campers or day trippers.
What families are saying:
Always a relaxing place to hike unwind spend time with family and friends
10. Rotary Park “Splashtown” (Johnson City, TN)
A large, inclusive splash pad with 10 rotating spray sequences, part of a city recreation park. Fun playground right next to the splash pad. The entire area is fenced in to keep little ones safe.
What to Expect: Covered picnic shelters, ADA-compliant design, inclusive playground, restrooms and multi-use fields.
What families are saying:
I am excited to share my own review of this splash pad! Rotary Park is my personal favorite splash pad location in the Tri-Cities. It is clean and so handy having the splashpad share the same space with the playground. Kids go back and forth from both play spots and can spend a whole afternoon just at this one fun-filled location. 10/10
11. Steele Creek Park Splash Pad (Bristol)
Set in one of East Tennessee’s largest parks, this splash pad complements a lake, playground and hiking trails.
What to Expect: Shelters, picnic tables, restrooms, nature center, fishing and disc golf — great for a day trip with all ages.
What families are saying:
Logan White, my sassy 6 year old, says this is her favorite splash pad close to home. She loves to go to Steele Creek Park and ride the little engine, play in the creek and play at the playground. Her favorite part of the park day is the splash pad. When I asked her tell me her feelings about the splash pad, she said, “Can we go right now? It’s my favorite place.”
12. Carl Cowan Park Splash Pad (Knoxville)
A riverside splash pad with playful sprayers and nearby paved walking loops.
What to Expect: Playground, sports courts, restrooms, benches and a fishing pier. Parking available on-site.
What families are saying:
Very clean, fun splash pad for the kids and plenty of shady spots on the lawn or picnic area.
13. LL Burns Park Splash Pad (Kingston Springs)
A quiet, well-kept splash pad in a wooded suburban setting west of Nashville.
What to Expect: Walking trails, pavilions, a playground and picnic shelters. Open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. during summer months.
What families are saying:
I really love going to this park. This is one of the prettiest parks around for miles. It has a big level and nicely cut field. There are numerous soccer Goals out in the field.
The park has a very nice Splash Water pad that you can cool off in, after you go for a nice long walk around the park. It’s a great way to cool off in the hot summer time.
