In the Smoky Mountains, from Dollywood to Anakeesta to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there are endless fun opportunities. If you’re eager for more unique experiences, exciting new attractions are launching in 2025!

Get ready to dive into the colorful world of Crayola, zoom down an impressive waterslide, enjoy mini-golf with Scooby-Doo, and even witness significant biblical events as if you were part of them!

If you can’t wait to start the fun, one attraction has already opened ahead of schedule!

Here are some exciting new experiences awaiting visitors to the Smokies in 2025.

Truth Traveler

Truth Traveler is a virtual reality experience created by Answers in Genesis, known for the Ark Encounter in Kentucky.

The facility spans 26,000 square feet and will have a planetarium featuring a stunning 30-meter-diameter dome. Guests will wear VR headsets and sit on moving benches, creating a more immersive experience.

According to Joe Boone, President of Answers in Genesis, the attraction aims to be a “fun, entertaining, engaging way to learn about biblical history.”

Truth Traveler is set to open in March 2025. The success of the Ark Encounter and the strong tourism in Pigeon Forge informed the decision to expand to East Tennessee, as stated in a June 2024 press release.

Location: 2680 Parkway in Pigeon Forge, TN

Scooby-Doo! Mystery Putt

This spring, the beloved Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Inc. gang will pop up in Pigeon Forge. They won’t be solving any mysteries, but visitors who participate in 36 holes of mini-golf will discover some fun surprises along the way.

Scooby-Doo! Mystery Putt is a unique 36-hole mini-golf adventure with two themed courses: Coolsville Mine and Coolsville Cemetery. Guests can also mine for gems at Coolsville Gem Mine and grab some “Scooby” snacks and merchandise at the clubhouse.

This is the first mini-golf course dedicated to Scooby-Doo and his mystery-solving crew, developed by Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences and CinePutt.

“We’re excited to bring the iconic Scooby-Doo series to life in such a fun and creative format,” said CinePutt President Justin Freer in a statement. “Pigeon Forge offers a memorable family destination, and this attraction allows visitors to step into Scooby-Doo’s exciting universe.”

Location: 2545 Teaster Lane at the Mountain Mile in Pigeon Forge, TN

The MegaZip at WildSide

By spring 2025, the longest continuous zipline in the U.S. will be ready in Pigeon Forge. The MegaZip at WildSide will stretch 5,771 feet across the Smokies—over a mile!

The zipline starts 2,472 feet above ground, providing breathtaking views of the mountains as it descends by more than 1,000 feet. Construction on the zipline towers began in early December, as announced by WildSide on social media.

WildSide, an adventure park for off-roading and mountain biking, opened its doors in summer 2024.

WildSide’s founding partner, Bryce Bentz, emphasized their ambition: “With this new attraction, we aim to expand the boundaries of adventure and offer guests a one-of-a-kind experience not found elsewhere in the U.S.”

At present, the longest zipline countrywide is the Catamonster Zip at Catamount Mountain Resort in Hillsdale, New York, measuring 5,523 feet.

Location: 1099 Laurel Lick Road in Pigeon Forge, TN

Rafter’s Rage at Soaky Mountain Waterpark

Soaky Mountain Waterpark in Sevierville is set to unveil Rafter’s Rage, a six-person raft slide that surges from eight stories high, accelerates to 19 mph, and stretches 825 feet, anticipated to open by May 2025. Groundbreaking for this attraction took place in early November.

General Manager Dave Andrews explained, “Rafter’s Rage will stand out from typical water slides due to its high banking turns and steep drops, showcasing four creatively designed arcs over which the rafts will swiftly glide sideways.”

Soaky Mountain has been recognized as one of the top outdoor water parks in the nation, earning the No. 8 spot in the 2024 YSL News 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

Location: 175 Gists Creek Road, Sevierville, TN

Crayola Experience

The vibrant and interactive Crayola Experience in Pigeon Forge was initially announced in the summer of 2023, with plans to open in fall 2024. However, the opening date has now been postponed until 2025.

This 30,000-square-foot entertainment venue will provide an engaging space for kids and adults alike to explore their creative sides with over 20 hands-on attractions. Activities include inventing crayon colors, crafting wax art, and making personalized coloring books. Additionally, the facility will feature a dining area and a retail shop.

The Pigeon Forge location will be Crayola’s sixth venue in the U.S. and is part of a broader initiative to open more Crayola Experience locations across the country in the coming years.

Location: 2046 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN

Nerf Action Xperience

If you’re ready to switch from Crayola crayons to a selection of NERF blasters, the new Nerf Action Xperience will be located right next to the Crayola Experience. Originally expected to debut in 2024, it is now anticipated to launch in 2025 around the same time as its Crayola-themed counterpart, as reported by attractionsmagazine.com.

This 29,000-square-foot facility will include areas for blaster battles, sports competitions, an obstacle course, a food service area, and a retail store.

Location: 2046 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN

Shipwreck Bay at Country Cascades Waterpark

If you’re eagerly anticipating the new waterslides and attractions at Country Cascades Waterpark Resort, you can get your swimsuits ready now. The Braxton Beaver’s Shipwreck Bay expansion is already open for fun!

Shipwreck Bay is a 16,000-square-foot indoor waterpark featuring four thrilling slides, a zero-entry splash pad, and other playful features. The two main slides include Lasso Looper, which has exciting twists and turns, and Swirl & Twirl, a dual mat racing slide.

Bayside Lagoon serves as an activity pool offering basketball, swimming, and more. There’s even a soothing spa area for adults looking to unwind.

The $14 million expansion launched in late November, ahead of its original early 2025 timeline announced in 2023.

Location: 204 Sharon Drive, Pigeon Forge, TN

Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. You can reach him by email at devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @dturner1208.