We’re back with this summer’s guide to free (or cheap) things to do all over Nashville. Go ahead and bookmark this page, we’ll be adding to it all summer long.
- Apple Stores are offering free camps for kids
- Bicentennial Park- let the kids run through the water fountain and play, explore the different memorials, and make sure to hear the bells play
- Bike ride on one of Nashville’s 80 miles of greenways
- Check out Lane Motor Museum if you’ve got some car-lovers in your crew. Kids under 5 are free. They have a big area for the kids to play in, too
- Cheekwood- free admission if you’re a member and they have a lot of free programs throughout the summer
- CMA Music Fest- There are many opportunities to enjoy the festivities for free (June 9-12)
- Conservatories at Opryland Hotel- Escape the heat with a walk through the gardens
- Cumberland Park Sprayground– fun water play for kids of any age!
- Dollar movies at participating Regal Cinemas- kid-friendly movies every Tuesday and Wednesday
- Enroll in a Summer Reading program with the library
- Farmers Markets– there are so many around the Nashville area with free activities for the whole family
- Feed the ducks at Centennial Park
- Frist Center– kids under 18 are always free
- Give the kids $5 and have them hunt for treasure at the Flea Market
- Goofballs in Franklin– free every Friday until 4pm
- Hatch Show Print is free to browse through and watch the letterpresses at work. If you want a tour, you’ll have to buy tickets, though
- Have a picnic one afternoon with all of your friends
- Junior Chef Classes at Williams-Sonoma
- Lego Store– check the calendar for sun builds and other activities
- Little Chef Classes at the 12 South Farmers Market
- Live on the Green– Not every show will be the best for the kiddos to tag along to, but should be some with special kids activities! (August-September)
- Lowe’s and Home Depot– free building workshops each month
- Movies in the Park- These happen all over town. Check out Grassy Knoll, Pinkerton, Elmington
- Musicians Corner– free live music and free kids activities in Kidsville. (Saturday, May-June)
- Nashville Zoo- free admission for members and extra fun events for free during the summer
- Owl’s Hill Sanctuary– explore the sanctuary, catch a free hike, build a fairy house, there’s so much to do.
- Pack a picnic and head to Arrington Vineyards. They have free music on the weekends. (yes, it’s totally kid-friendly)
- Red Caboose Concert Series– live music at the park. Bring your picnic blanket and snacks! (Fridays in June)
- Regional Community Centers free swimming pools
- Roller skating is fun if your kids are a little older. It isn’t free, but they run some great summer specials
- Spend some time at your local library– check out a book, enjoy storytime, or stop by for other free programs
- Sign up for Indredabowl and your kids bowl free this summer at Franklin Entertainment Center
- Take a hike around Radnor
- The Nashville Mom Events- many are free! You can always check here to see what we have planned.
- Visit one of Nashville’s amazing parks
- Visit your local Nature Center– We love Warner Park and Shelby Bottoms
- Walk around Downtown- play tourist and show the kids all the fun and history there is downtown. We suggest making this an afternoon activity to avoid huge crowds.
You can always find daily activities in our Events listings.
Use #TNMsummerfun or #kidfriendlynashville when you post pictures so we can see!
Know of something we missed? Have an idea to add to the list? Just leave it in the comments!
Mel Firebaugh says
I take my kids during the day to The (new and improved) Nashville Palace across from Opryland Hotel. Live music all day long and good sweet potato fries. They dance to their hearts content and have a blast! The Stardust drive-in movie in Watertown is a way to sneak in a date night too for not too much money- they have kid movies for the first feature and we have a big picnic then the kids fall asleep and the second movie is usually PG-PG13 – usually all new releases- double feature for $7.50 and $5 for kids ages 6-11.
Lindsey M says
Those are great suggestions! The drive-in movie is genius!
We will get them added!