Wild Bear Falls Water Park
Rating
Family of 4
$150-220 for a family of 4 (admission for all ages, food, possible arcade).
Duration
3-5 hours
Best Ages
Great for all ages — sections designed for every age group
About
Wild Bear Falls Water Park at Westgate Resort in Gatlinburg is one of the best all-ages water park options in the Smoky Mountains region, and the indoor/outdoor combination makes it uniquely practical for families who know that Tennessee summer afternoons often bring sudden thunderstorms.
With over 2,100 Google reviews averaging 4. 4 stars, Wild Bear Falls has earned its reputation. The park is divided into sections that genuinely work for every age: dedicated shallow water zones and gentle kiddie slides for babies and toddlers, mid-intensity attractions for elementary-age kids, and multi-story slides and a lazy river for tweens, teens, and adults who haven't lost their sense of fun.
The indoor pool and water features mean you don't have to pack up and leave when dark clouds roll over the mountain — just move inside and keep going. This is genuinely rare in the water park world, and for families spending a week in the Smokies, being able to plan a water park day without checking the weather obsessively is a relief.
Access to Wild Bear Falls is primarily for Westgate Resort guests, though day passes are typically available for non-guests at a higher price. If you're planning a multi-day stay in the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area and want to visit the water park more than once, a resort booking starts to make financial sense.
Bring your own towels (save rental costs), arrive at the 11AM opening to beat the crowd to the best slides, and load up on waterproof sunscreen before you head in. A full summer day here is easily 4-5 hours for families with kids in multiple age groups.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Available
Kid Meals
Available
Setting
Indoor & Outdoor
Rainy Day
Great option!
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings; open at 11AM so arrive right at opening
Wait Times
30-60 min for popular slides on summer weekends
Nearby Food
On-site food service is available at Wild Bear Falls. The Westgate Resort property also has restaurant options. Gatlinburg's Parkway dining is about 5-10 minutes away.
Why Kids Love It
Wild Bear Falls has both indoor and outdoor water attractions, meaning it works rain or shine — a major bonus in the unpredictable Smoky Mountain weather. Little kids have their own dedicated shallow splash areas and kiddie slides so they're not stuck watching older siblings have all the fun. Older kids and teens have multi-story water slides and a lazy river that take a full day to work through completely.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Indoor sections mean you can keep going even if afternoon thunderstorms roll in — common in summer Smokies
- Bring your own towels to save on rentals
- The water park is at Westgate Resort — non-guests can purchase day passes but resort guests pay less
- Lockers are available on-site — bring a lock or rent one for phones/valuables
- Arrive at 11AM opening to get prime spots in the lazy river and shorter slide lines
- Younger children must be accompanied by adults on many attractions — plan splits accordingly
What to Bring
- Swimsuits (and extras for kids)
- Towels
- Waterproof sunscreen
- Water shoes
- Dry bag for valuables
- Rash guards for sensitive skin
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$150-220 for a family of 4 (admission for all ages, food, possible arcade).
Day-pass pricing varies — check website.
Westgate resort guests get discounts.
Tips to Save
- Westgate Resorts guests get discounted or included access — consider a resort stay if visiting for multiple days.
- Book online for savings over walk-up pricing.
- Bring your own snacks where permitted to reduce food spend.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 11AM-7PM
- Monday
- 11AM-7PM
- Sunday
- 11AM-7PM
- Tuesday
- 11AM-7PM
- Saturday
- 11AM-7PM
- Thursday
- 11AM-7PM
- Wednesday
- 11AM-7PM