Staying cool during the summer months is as easy as packing up the family and making a splash at water parks in and around Nashville, TN. These fun-filled parks are the most popular with locals and travelers seeking a respite from the heat and a great daytime outing.

Cumberland Park

Address: Cumberland Park, 592 S 1st St, Nashville, TN 37213

While it's not a traditional water park, Cumberland Park is one of the easiest for locals to access, and admission is entirely free all year long. In addition to multiple spaces for picnics and nature trails, there is an amphitheater, a large ‘dry' playground, river access and a thrilling splash pad.

Kids of all ages love the ‘washboard' activity area, green maze, and the interactive activities at the bounce and splash pad. The Scoops zone boasts railed areas where guests can gently scoop into the water and be sprayed with mists without concerns of being swept along by the river's currents. For a day of entertainment on a minimal budget, head out to Cumberland Park.

Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort

Address: Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort, 4001 Bell Rd, Hermitage, TN 37076

Along the pristine Percy Priest Lake shoreline in Hermitage, thrill seekers can head out to Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort. The water park and Treetop Adventure zone is adjacent to the property's resort that has lakeside cabins and camping spaces. There are eight invigorating water slides, a wave pool, playground splash pad and a lazy river for chilling out.

Hit the beach, stick to the pools, take a stroll over to the resort golf course or grab a snack at the concession stand. There's even a riverboat experience here, so making a weekend or full-fledged vacation out of the trip is highly desirable and very affordable.

Smoky Mountain River Rat Tubing

Address: Smoky Mountain River Rat Tubing, 8435 TN-73, Townsend, TN 37882

Those wanting to skip the chlorinated water parks but still get refreshed outdoors might opt for one of the tubing or white water rafting experiences at Smoky Mountain River Rat Tubing. There are outposts in both Townsend for tubing and Hartford for river treks.

Guests can choose from multiple package options for ‘daycations' or longer stays at this experienced outfitter and guide services. Under their guidance, kiddos as young as two years old can participate in tubing and floating sessions. There's also a nice gift shop at the main outpost so travelers can pick up some reminders of their journey in Tennessee.

Holiday World and Splashin' Safari

Address: Holiday World and Splashin' Safari, 452 E Christmas Blvd, Santa Claus, IN 47579

While it's a three-hour trek from Nashville, Holiday World and Splashin' Safari in Santa Claus, IN has been a favorite outing for families since 1946. Get the best of land and waterborne action at this large two-in-one entertainment mecca.

Holiday World boasts tons of rides and coasters, while Splashin' Safari has several wet and wild rides, including the brand-new Lightning Cheetah. What guests love here is the ample space to relax, the great concessions and the fact that most beverage and sun tan lotions are free with admission. There are also quite a few nearby lodging options for overnight stays or weekend travelers.

Don't stay in the heat all summer! Get much-needed relief at any of these water parks in and near Nashville, TN for a quick cool off and great times.