I’m not sure about you but the summer days can be reallllly long! One year, I planned ahead and made “busy bags” for my son to complete. I spent hours printing, cutting things out and organizing. Well, he completed everything within about 10 minutes and was DONE! Don’t get me wrong, I love the carefree summer days with no morning wake up times but I do have to have a plan of some GO-TO activities that will be BOREDOM BUSTERS…and won’t BREAK THE BANK!
- The Factory: We love grabbing an acai bowl, sitting on the leather couches or the outside patio and visiting with friends. We often browse the shops there too and there’s some great space outside for the kids to run around.
- Radnor Lake: Nashville is so lucky to have this beautiful lake right in the middle of town! There are plenty of hiking trails, wildflower walks and aviary tours. You can see a list of upcoming events here.
- John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge is a traffic-free bridge connected downtown Nashville to Nissan Stadium. It’s a great place to take pictures, see sights of Nashville. Stop by Mike’s Ice Cream afterwards for a scoop or two!
- Centennial Park and Parthenon Walk or bike the greenway, feed the ducks, play on the playground or visit the Parthenon. The Parthenon was built in 1897 as part of Tennessee’s centennial celebration. It is an exactly copy of the Arthenian Parthenon. The art museum located inside has a $6 admission fee.
- Frist Center: The Martin Artquest in the Upper Level of the First has art exhibits and interactive activities like drawing, painting and creating for children. Children ages 18 and under are free.
- Country Music Hall of Fame: The museum is full of Music City history and also hosts kid-friendly crafts and programs for families. The Hall of Fame offers discount incentives for locals including free admission for students in Davidson, Cheatham, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson and Wilson counties. Nashville Public Library card holders can also receive two free admissions. Learn more about the Community Counts program here.
- Cumberland Park is located along the river and offers play areas and water features. There is a splash pad for kids to cool off in. The Gorge area has a climbing wall, sliding poles, and climbing ropes. The park is open every day from dawn until 11 p.m.
- Gaylord Opryland Resort Gardens: Grab a parking spot at the nearby mall and walk over to Opryland Resort to explore the lush gardens, fountains, bridges and boat rides. Bring your lunch or grab a bite at one of the many restaurant choices.
- Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park: Explore the 19 acre park while learning about Tennessee history. The kids will enjoy splashing in the Rivers of Tennessee fountains. There is also a 200-foot granite map of the state of Tennessee and a World War II memorial.
- Grab milkshakes at Elliston Soda Shop
- The Nashville Public Library has TONS of children’s programs and an indoor play area for rainy or really hot days.
- Kid-friendly hikes: Jackson Falls, Pinkerton Park Trail, Aspen Grove Park Loop, Timberland Park Nature Trail
- Take a picnic dinner to Arrington Vineyards. The sunset views are amazing and they usually have live music on the weekends.
- Shelby Park-paved areas provide excellent bike and stroller paths
Where else should we add to this list?! Tag us with your #kidfriendlynashville adventures on Instagram and Facebook!
Alexandra @ Raising Nashville says
Us Eastsiders can’t ever forget about Shelby Park! The Shelby Bottoms Nature Center is always fun to explore – especially the outdoor play area. The playground in the park is great, with wonderful paved areas for strollers, scooters, bikes and all manner of wheeled kiddo toys.
Dawn B says
Thanks so much! I’ll add it to the list! :)