Summer thrills: We've recapped the best amusement parks close to Nashville

• There are six theme parks within a three-to-four hour drive of Nashville.

Nashville may have lost Opryland theme park when it closed in 1997, but that doesn't mean there isn't a world of fun within driving distance of Music City. We rounded up the closest theme parks to Nashville and have done the research and legwork for you.

All you have to do is read on, pick a favorite and get out and have some fun this summer.

Dollywood and Dollywood Splash Country- Pigeon Forge, TN

Where: 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd., Pigeon Forge, TN 37863Distance from Nashville: 215 miles or roughly 3 hours and 20 minutesAdmission: One-day passes are $89, two-day passes are $109 and three-day passes are $119. Child and senior discounts are available. There's an additional $10 fee for water park access. Highlights: Named Tripadvisor's 2022 No. 1 theme park in the United States, Dollywood has something for everyone. It's equal parts Smoky mountain history and thrilling roller coasters. The park just opened Big Bear Mountain, it's newest coaster in 2023, which is also the longest coaster in the park's history.

There's master craftsmen demonstrating the authentic artistry of the the Smoky Mountains' rich heritage. In addition to the Southern-style food offered throughout the park, Dollywood hosts several of the South’s largest festivals with special performing groups and concerts. The park operates mid-March to January. More information is available at Dollywood.com

Beech Bend Park and Splash Lagoon - Bowling Green, KY

Where: 798 Beech Bend Park Road, Bowling Green, Ky.

Distance from Nashville: 70 miles or roughly 1 hour and 8 minutes.Admission: Adults (48 inches and above) $44.99, children (under 48 inches) $34.99. Age 60 and over $34.99. Children 2 and under are free. Active, retired or veteran military get in for free. Discounted admission can be purchased online. Two-day passes are available for $49.99.Highlights: More than just an amusement park, Beech Bend also offers a raceway and a campground with more than 400 camp sites. The amusement park has roller coasters, bumper cars, kiddie rides and a haunted house. Splash Lagoon has a lazy river, wave pool and a food court.

Holiday World & Splashin Safari - Santa Claus, IN

Where: 452 E. Christmas Blvd., Santa Claus IN 47579.

Distance from Nashville: 163 miles or roughly 2 hours and 24 minutes

Admission: Specific day pricing can vary by day, but the day we checked was $57.99 for one-day admission. Any day pricing is $62.99 online and $69.99 at the gate. There are discounts for groups, military, nurses and first responders.

Highlights: Known for its free sunscreen, soft drinks and parking, Holiday World offers roller coasters, family rides, kid-friendly rides and water rides including a lazy river, wave pool and Mammoth, the world's longest water coaster, according to the park.

Six Flags Over Georgia/Six Flags Whitewater - Atlanta, GA

Where: 275 Riverside Parkway, SW, Austell, Georgia 30168

Distance from Nashville: 249 miles or roughly 3 hours and 36 minutesAdmission: One-day access starts at $35 per person plus tax if purchased online. There is also a Six Flags Plus option for $8.99 a month (12-month minimum) that includes unlimited visits, parking, discounts and more on public operating days to all 27 Six Flags Theme Parks and water parks. Children 2 and under are free. The park also offers group discounts, add-ons and season passes.

Highlights: Six Flags has thrilling rides, family rides and kids' rides, so there's something for everyone. New for 2023 is the Kid Flash Comic Coaster, which according to the park is a first-of-its-kind single-rail family racing roller coaster. The park also has an app that lets visitors check wait times for rides.

Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay - Louisville, KY

Where: 937 Phillips Lane, Louisville, KY, 40209

Distance from Nashville: 172 miles or roughly 2 hours and 27 minutesAdmission: One-day general admission to Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay for ages 10-61 ranges from $29.99 to $49.99 plus tax. Two-day consecutive day passes to both parks for ages 4 and up are $54.99. Child and senior discounts are available. 

Highlights: The park offers more than 70 family-friendly attractions including wave pools, towering slides and rides geared toward younger kids.

Lake Winnepesaukah - Rossville, GA

Where: 1730 Lakeview Dr., Rossville, GA 30741

Distance from Nashville: 139 miles or roughly 2 hours and 39 minutesAdmission: The 2023 online ticket price of $40.95 (plus tax) gets ages 3 to 59 into both parks and includes unlimited rides as allowed by height restrictions. This price is valid until Sept. 4. Children younger than 3 and adults over 60 must purchase tickets at the gate.

Highlights: With rides and attractions for the entire family, Lake Winnepesaukah is recognized as one of America’s top ten family amusement parks for all ages. The Lake Winnepesaukah land was purchased in 1924 and named after a Native American word meaning "bountiful waters." It opened to the public on June 1, 1925 and reportedly attracted 5,000 guests that day.

Because information such as pricing can change, and there are many special discounts for groups or lodging packages, we recommend checking the park's web site before you go for the latest information.

Melonee Hurt covers growth and development (and roller coasters) at The Tennessean, part of the USA Today Network — Tennessee. Reach Melonee at mhurt@tennessean.com.