How long should I spend at Wild Bear Falls?

Plan on 3-5 hours for your first visit. Families with young kids often stay longer since there's so much for little ones to do. We usually spend about half a day there.

Is Wild Bear Falls good for kids?

Absolutely - it's designed for families. The splash pad areas are perfect for toddlers, and kids love the treehouse play structure. Teens might find it smaller than outdoor parks, but younger kids have a blast.

Is there parking at Wild Bear Falls?

Yes, parking is included on the Westgate Resort property. You'll check in at the security gate first, then park in their resort lots. It's free but can be a short walk to the entrance.

Is Wild Bear Falls open year-round?

Yes! That's the beauty of it - the retractable roof and heated water mean it operates in all weather. We've been there in snow storms and summer heat waves.

Do I have to stay at Westgate to use Wild Bear Falls?

Nope! While it's attached to Westgate Resort, anyone can buy day passes. Resort guests get discounts, but the water park is definitely open to the public.

Wild Bear Falls Water Park

Duration

3-5 hours (longer if kids want to repeat slides and lazy river multiple times)

Best For

Families with toddlers and young children • Rainy day backup plans • Winter water park fun

Pro Tip

Arrive right at opening to secure chairs near the toddler splash area or lazy river - the prime spots fill up fast, especially on weekends and rainy days.

About Wild Bear Falls Water Park

Wild Bear Falls Water Park offers 60,000 square feet of indoor aquatic fun at Westgate Resort in Gatlinburg, welcoming both resort guests and day visitors. This climate-controlled facility features a retractable roof and heated water, making it an ideal destination regardless of weather conditions outside.

The park's centerpiece is the Ramsey Cascades treehouse complete with a massive tipping bucket that delivers a surprisingly chilly surprise even during winter months. Families gravitate toward the Cades Cove lazy river for relaxed floating, while thrill-seekers can tackle two main slides: Clingman's Dome and Laurel Falls. Adults appreciate the hot tubs for unwinding after splashing around.

Admission runs $24.95 per person, which may feel steep given the facility's size. Multi-day passes provide better value for extended stays and help justify the cost.

The water park particularly excels for families with younger children, offering dedicated splash areas that captivate toddlers. Teenagers might find the space somewhat limited compared to larger outdoor facilities, but the indoor environment ensures year-round enjoyment.

Smart visitors arrive at opening time to secure prime seating near preferred attractions, as desirable spots fill quickly during peak periods. The combination of themed water features and consistent climate control makes Wild Bear Falls a reliable backup plan when Gatlinburg's mountain weather doesn't cooperate.

Last updated: February 22, 2026 • Based on 2,071 reviews

Amenities & Features

Lazy river that's genuinely relaxing for parentsWell-designed zones for babies, toddlers, and bigger kids with multiple slides and water featuresClean facility with friendly, helpful staffTwo distinct water slides—one with tubes, one without

Don't Miss

Cades Cove Lazy River

This is where we spend most of our time floating around the 300-foot circuit. The water's perfectly heated and there are enough tubes for everyone. It's relaxing for adults and exciting for kids who want to race.

Ramsey Cascades Treehouse

The ultimate toddler magnet with small slides, water spouts, and climbing areas. Our little ones could spend hours here while we relax nearby. It's designed perfectly for ages 2-8.

Giant Tipping Bucket

Kids line up waiting for this massive bucket to dump 300 gallons of water. The suspense builds as it fills up, then SPLASH! Just know it's shockingly cold in winter months.

Clingman's Dome Tube Slide

The longer of the two main slides at 350 feet, this one uses rafts and has some decent thrills. Adults and older kids love it, though lines can get long on busy days.

Moonshine Hollow Hot Tub

This indoor-outdoor hot tub is genius - you can soak in warm water while snow falls around you. It's our favorite spot to warm up between attractions in winter.

Little Pigeon River Splash Area

Zero-depth entry makes this perfect for the tiniest swimmers. Water spouts, mini slides, and shallow play areas keep toddlers entertained while parents can actually relax nearby.

Know Before You Go

Bring your own towels - rental fees add up and you'll avoid the hassle
Wear water shoes since floors can be slippery between attractions
Cash or card for lockers and snack bar - prices aren't cheap inside
The giant bucket dump is ice cold in winter - heads up for sensitive kids
Allow extra time for resort check-in and parking if you're not staying there

Opening Hours

Monday11 AM to 9 PM

Tuesday11 AM to 9 PM

Wednesday11 AM to 9 PM

Thursday11 AM to 9 PM

Friday11 AM to 9 PM

Saturday11 AM to 9 PM

Sunday11 AM to 9 PM

Best Times to Visit Wild Bear Falls Water Park

Visit during weekday mornings for the calmest experience.

🔥Buzzing

Weekend afternoons

☀️Relaxed

Weekday mornings

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the hours for Wild Bear Falls?

Wild Bear Falls is open Monday-Thursday 11am-7pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-9pm, and Sunday 11am-7pm. Hours can change seasonally, so we always check their website before heading over.

How much does Wild Bear Falls cost?

Single-day admission is $24.95 plus tax per person. Kids under 3 get in free. Three-day passes are $53.85 and five-day passes are $84.75 - much better deals if you're staying multiple days.

Do I need reservations for Wild Bear Falls?

No reservations required - it's first-come, first-served. However, we recommend arriving early on weekends and holidays since it can get crowded, especially when weather's bad outside.