The 900-Foot Lazy River in Tennessee Where You’ll Find Us All Summer Long

There is nothing better than a lazy river in Tennessee. On a warm summer day, you can just grab an inner tube and float until your heart’s content. That's why I think that if you are looking for things to do during the summer in Tennessee, floating a lazy river is one of the best options. I also happen to have a new favorite place for summer floating. Allow me to introduce you to the Kingsport Aquatic Center.

Surprisingly, my first visit to this wonderful water park was not love at first sight. On our initial trip to the aquatic center's lazy river, we got rained out. It was a bummer, but we soon learned there was an indoor waterpark with a slide, so we were still able to wring some fun out of the experience. On our next visit, however, the sky was blue and dotted with nothing but white puffy clouds, and I was quickly hooked.

The Kingsport Aquatic Center boasts 900 feet of smooth-flowing water channeled through gentle curves. All you have to do is settle back in one of the park's tubes and let the current drift you away. It's a peaceful experience, lying back and gently splashing, as you go around the river's course. Of course, if you tire of the lazy river, you'll find much more to do at the Kingsport Aquatic Center. The towering, twisting waterslides are there to add an adrenaline-soaked counterpoint to your laid-back float on the lazy river. You can also find a middle ground, splashing in the pools or challenging your friends and family to race through the obstacles.

Outside, you will find plenty of places to just lounge around, and younger children are sure to love the kiddie pool area. Who wouldn’t want to play on this epic water playground? Our kids certainly had a blast. They were smiling from ear to ear as they went from the pool to the waterslide to the lazy river.

If you stay through lunch, the snack bar is a great option for food. Grab something to munch on after working up a big appetite from a day in the water. Even just lying around and floating in the lazy river can make me hungry.

Splash, play, and relax at the Kingsport Aquatic Center this summer. The lazy river is our favorite, but you can't go wrong with a great place that the whole family can enjoy. For more information, including hours and admission details, visit the Kingsport Aquatic Center website. When dinnertime rolls around, head over to nearby Backwoods Burger Bar for huge, juicy burgers.

I’m pretty partial to East Tennessee, so I would say you should stick around a little bit longer and make a weekend of it. You can do so with a unique stay at Moongate Cottage in Unicoi.

Do you have a favorite place to cool off during summer in Tennessee? Have you ever been to the Kingsport Aquatic Center? If not, be sure to share this article with a friend and let the adventures begin!