I love family vacations. Getting away from home, no matter the distance, always provides us with wonderful family time and great memories. Recently, one of my children was off school while the other two still had school. We were looking for something fun that we could do with just one night overnight. SoundWaves at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center was the perfect answer. With less than a three hour drive we were transported to an amazing indoor oasis of fun. This upscale indoor/outdoor water park was the best waterpark I had ever visted. It is indoors yet filled with beautiful live plants and kept at 84 degrees year-round. The sun shines bright through the unique roof so you can actually sunbathe indoors. Hooray for Vitamin D in the middle of the winter! At one moment I realized that I might even pack my sunglasses the next time we visit.
From the moment we entered the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, we were impressed and felt like we were on vacation. My daughter and her friend climbed this beautiful staircase that greeted us in the entrance to capture this fun photo. 
The staff was welcoming and efficient as we checked in. The hotel is very large but we were given a map that was easy to follow and there were signs that helped too. While there are changing rooms within SoundWaves, our hotel room was very close. You do need a swimsuit coverup to wear between the room and the waterpark. We were given special bands to use to enter and exit the facility. This ensures that only the hotel guests who have paid for this option, are the ones entering and using the waterpark. There is an outdoor part to the waterpark too but we did not experience it on this trip as it is open from May 22-August 16. We enjoyed a hotel room with a balcony that overlooked the garden. We stayed on a Tuesday night into a Wednesday and had no lines. They do limit the number of guests that can be in the waterpark at one time and I spoke with someone who works there and they said that the space is so big that it never feels too crowded. The space was neat and clean and actually smelled fresh and clean like we were outdoors, unlike some other indoor water parks that I have been to.
As soon as we checked in and took in our beautiful view, the girls raced to get their swimsuits on and down to the waterpark. As soon as you check-in to your hotel room, you can use your wrist band to enter and with a SoundWaves package, your wristband is valid on the day you check-out too. You just need to be inside the waterpark by noon and can't leave. For example, on that last day, if you exited to get some food to eat, your bracelet would be deactivated and you would be done with your SoundWaves time.
Here are the amazing attractions you will find within this 111,000 Square feet:
- Rapid RemixTM- This mega raft for 4-5 people was a favorite. There’s a breathtaking series of vortex loops-complete with 21 LED lights and 12 music speakers. 42" height requirement. Riders between 42" and 48" need to ride with an adult
- Stage DiveTM - This body sliding adventure features two slides. My daughter and her friend loved that they could go down at the same time, each on their own slide. One slide is a translucent tube with LED lights and the other is an opaque tube with no lights for even more suspense. 42" height requirement.
- Record LaunchTM - You get to choose your own adventure at the top of this slide. Pick the tubing bowl path for an intense centrifugal experience with 16 LED lights and four music speakers. Or push the limits of gravity with our two-person serpentine water ride. 42" height requirement. Riders between 42" and 48" need to ride with an adult.
- Crowd Surfer - This was great fun for the kids and adult alike. The lifeguard was super friendly and knowledgeable in helping them learn how to surf.
- Up Tempo Rapids River - Zip along on this 36" rapid river, complete with waterfalls and spray features. This was my favorite. As I swam through this river with the girls I found myself saying out loud, “this is the best water park I have ever been to.”
- Down Tempo Lazy River - Grab a tube and float down this relaxing river through cavernous rock features with LED lighting led lighting and music.
- Groovin' Lagoon Activity Pool - Fun for all ages, explore this pool area's rock wall, lily pad walk, basketball hoops and 30' water curtain. We bought a really fun ball in the gift shop that bounced along the water. There are also basketballs available to use.
- Quarter Note Cove - Explore this splash pad and pool designed for young children.
- Half Note Cove - This multi-level play structure is great for kids of all ages with its multiple small and medium slides, shallow water and spray features
This trip was lots of fun and not too far from home. We highly recommend visiting SoundWaves at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel for lots of family fun!
The author's family was hosted with a media rate discount, however the views and opinions expressed in this article are her own.
