Our choices for summer 2024
School is out and summer is just around the corner here in Nashville.
Are you looking for ideas for activities to do with the kids this summer? From festivals and music to ziplining and outdoor movie nights, Nashville has its share of fun outings for kids. Here are some of our picks.
Go outside
- Dive into a water park or swimming pool. Nashville offers several city-sponsored water activities, including canoeing, kayaking, spray fields, swimming pools, and the ever-popular Wave Country wave pool. Learn more about options at nashville.gov/departments/parks/water-activities. Looking for a complete water park adventure? Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort offers you an expansive water park, lake rentals, an RV park, cabin rentals, and even a Treetop Adventure park. Learn more at NashvilleShores.com.
- (Run) chasing waterfalls. An astonishing variety of waterfalls dot Middle Tennessee, many of which are within an hour or two of Nashville. While not all falls are suitable for little visitors, Tennessee State Parks has a helpful guide on where to go, including places that offer camping and lodging. Learn more at TNstateparks.com/blog/waterfalls-in-middle-tennessee. You can also click through the site to see all the national park options in the area.
- Slide and climb through the adventure park. Explore an aerial forest as you navigate a ropes course and a series of zip lines. While most options are aimed at children ages 7 and up, the Adventure Playground is open to children ages 3 and up. The park also offers ax throwing, special events and Firepit Fridays. Learn more at MyAdventurePark.com/location/nashville.
- Hit the lake (or river). There are a variety of rivers and lakes around Nashville where you can swim or rent a boat, kayak, canoe or inner tube for the day. The city of Nashville offers several options for canoe and kayak rentals and launch sites. Learn more at nashville.gov/departments/parks/outdoor-recreation/canoe-and-kayak. Percy Priest and Old Hickory Lakes offer several swimming spots and rental options. The Buffalo, Cumberland, Duck, and Harpeth rivers are also popular for boat trips, with several options for rental vendors.
Looking for inclusive options?Here’s our list of fun things to do in Nashville for kids with mobility, sensory, and intellectual needs
Learn something new
- See the stars Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory. Nestled in the hills near Radnor Lake, the observatory frequently hosts telescope parties and even offers summer space camps. Although this year’s camps are full, there is a waiting list. Learn more at dyer.vanderbilt.edu. Bonus idea: if you want to take a little tour, the Austin Peay State University Observatory organizes a series of observation nights in the summer. Events are free but require advance registration. Visit TicketSource.us/apsu-college-of-stem/t-zzdvvgm to make your reservation.
- Explore hands-on exhibits at Adventure Science Center. What list of fun for kids would be complete without this iconic Nashville museum? From biology and physics to exploring how the mind works, the museum offers more than 175 interactive exhibits, as well as its own planetarium. Learn more at AdventureSci.org.
- Go visit the museums. Do you like old cars? Check out the Lane Automotive Museum. Want to take a stroll through the state’s history? Try the Tennessee State Museum. Passionate about music history? Try the National Museum of African American Music or the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. A complete list of Nashville area museums is available at VisitMusicCity.com/things-to-do-in-nashville/attractions/museums.
Attend a festival or fair
- Stroll through a Nashville Farmers Market festival. Throughout the summer months, the market hosts a series of festivals. This summer, it will host the Peach Jam Festival in June, the Tomat-O-Rama Festival in July and the Watermelon Festival in August. While you’re there, don’t miss the spinning globe fountain at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park across the street. Learn more at NashvilleFarmersMarket.org.
- Expand to other regional festivals. The summer festival season is full of options in Middle Tennessee, if you don’t mind doing a little driving. One of many fun options is the MoonPie Festival on June 15 in Bell Buckle, which hosts music, clogs, games and (of course) Tennessee-made MoonPies. You can search for festivals and other events by region at TNvacation.com/calendar.
- Attend a county fair. Dozens of Tennessee counties hold their own fairs throughout the summer months. If you’re looking for options relatively close to Nashville, check out the Cheatham County Fair from July 31 to August 31. 3 (facebook.com/CheathamCountyFair), the Maury County Fair from August 29 to September 29. 2 (MauryCountyFair.com), the Robertson County Fair August 6-10 (RobertsonCountyFair.com) and the Williamson County Fair August 2-10 (WilliamsonCountyFair.org)
- Don’t miss the Tennessee State Fair. Also known as the Wilson County Fair, this year’s state fair runs August 15-24 and features a little bit of everything, from rides and fair food to live music and tractor pulls. Learn more at WilsonCountyTnStateFair.com.
Enjoy music and movies with your family
- Tap your foot during a full moon selection gamey. Join the selection and smile at one of these monthly events under the stars at Percy Warner Park. Listen to live bluegrass, grab a bite to eat at local food trucks, and enjoy extra space to spread out around the Percy Warner Equestrian Barn. More information about the parties, as well as other park events, can be found at WarnerParks.org/upcoming-events.
- Take a stroll down the Honky Tonk Highway. At night, Nashville’s popular entertainment district along Lower Broadway is a hub for adults. But during the day, the pace is slower and there is an opportunity for people of all ages to enjoy honky-tonks, live music, shopping and restaurants. Most places open around 10-11am and allow children before 6pm. A good place to start is Fifth + Broadway, which offers a mix of dining and shopping in the heart of downtown Nashville.
- See a film under the stars. The free Movies in the Park summer series takes place every Thursday in June at Elmington Park. There are also food trucks, games and fun activities that start at 5 p.m. before the movie begins at sunset. Animals are accepted but only if kept on a leash. Learn more at FWPublishingEvents.com/movies-in-the-park-24.
- Attend a concert at Cornelia Airpark. This airport-turned-public park hosts a monthly concert series from May to August, as well as a host of other kid-friendly events. Enjoy views of one of the city’s most unique landmarks while enjoying food, music, and family activities. Learn more at CorneliaAirparkConcerts.com.
