Wilderness at the Smokies - Homeschool Family Adventure Unlocked
Making memories, learning together, and saying “yes” to fun!
In 2007 I was a part of a ministry team in college. Our leadership cabinet took a retreat to a brand new indoor waterpark, Wilderness at the Smokies. Even half finished, it was a blast! In 2014, I was looking for a fun place to take our toddler for his birthday, and would you believe that I stumbled across Wilderness at the Smokies? Now, a huge resort, complete with both an indoor and an outdoor waterpark!
I told my husband it would be a fun adventure to go with our foster son and toddler.
And it absolutely was.
***Full Disclosure: While we have traveled to Wilderness at the Smokies over 15 times on our own dime, this particular blog post is being written after partnering with Wilderness at the Smokies. They provides us accommodations in exchange for an honest review and sharing about their homeschool discounts.
💦 So what is Wilderness at the Smokies?
It’s a resort in Sevierville, Tennessee with three huge waterparks (yes, indoor and outdoor), onsite lodging, and a whole host of family-friendly activities — all included with your stay. The best part? They host Homeschool Days several times a year, where you can book discounted rooms and still get all the waterpark fun. Use the code HOMESC and it unlocks an entire family adventure.
Over the past decade we have booked a few nights during one of their Homeschool Days and packed up our van: swimsuits, snacks, devotionals, books for the car ride, and a whole lot of excitement.
🏄 Real Talk: This Place is a Blast
From the moment we checked in, our kids were wide-eyed. There’s an enormous indoor waterpark called Wild WaterDome, and you can see the wave pool and glass roof the moment you walk in. My older boys made a beeline for the "Toilet Bowl" (real name: Storm Chaser), while our youngest went straight for the wave pool. And I? I chased them around from ride to ride having just as much fun as they did!
The outdoor waterparks—Salamander Springs and Lake Wilderness—were just as amazing. There were tube slides, racing slides, splash zones, and a lazy river we could all float on together. The water was warm, the air was full of giggles, and for a few days, I forgot about my to-do list.
📚 Yes, There Was Learning Too
As a homeschool mom, I love when learning blends seamlessly with life. During Homeschool Days, Wilderness at the Smokies offers optional educational packets for every grade level. My kids actually wanted to do them—probably because they got to complete them poolside with a smoothie in hand.
One day we ventured out to the Titanic Museum Attraction, which also offers special homeschool pricing. The kids soaked in the history, walked the grand staircase replica, and marveled at actual artifacts. It felt like a field trip, a memory, and a history lesson all rolled into one.
🧳 A Few Tips from One Homeschool Mama to Another
- Use the code HOMESC when booking. This gets you the special Homeschool Days rate and access to the educational packets.
- We have stayed at Stone Hill Lodge for budget reasons, and then at River Lodge when we travel with family as it has rooms with bunk beds and kitchenettes, which is a dream for bigger families or when traveling with in-laws.
- Pack light but smart: swimsuits, rash guards, water shoes, and some easy meals for the room. We did oatmeal breakfasts, splurged on eating out at lunch because it is less expensive than evening dining, and ate dinner in our room.
- Don’t overschedule. Let the waterparks be the main event. Trust me—your kids will be more than entertained.
💛 What We Took Home
We came home with damp swimsuits, tired legs, and full hearts. But more than that — we came home with stories. Like the time our middle son finally braved the big slide and shouted “I DID IT!” at the top of his lungs. Or when our youngest was a toddler and fell asleep in my arms on a float in the lazy river. Or when we all cuddled up in bed, sun-kissed and happy, talking about our favorite parts of the day.
Wilderness at the Smokies isn’t just a getaway. It's a chance to slow down, laugh together, and say yes to wonder.
🎟️ Ready to Go?
If your family could use a mid-year reset or a post-back-to-school surprise, Homeschool Days at Wilderness at the Smokies are a perfect fit. Upcoming dates include:
- August 24–28
- September 1–4 & 21–25
- October 26–30
- November 9–13
- December 7–11
👉 Just don’t forget to use the code HOMESC when you book!
Book now with HOMESC »
Trust me, you won’t regret trading a few worksheets for water slides and a few ordinary days for memories that will last a lifetime.