When you wake up to a beautiful day, it’s a wonderful opportunity to head outdoors and enjoy the sunshine. The Nashville area is filled with fun experiences that the entire family will enjoy, so we asked our TGS families about their favorite go-to kid-friendly outdoor activities. Take a look at what they had to say!
1. Cheekwood
Cheekwood is a 55-acre botanical garden and historical landmark that brings together art, horticulture, and family memories that last a lifetime. With 250,000 bulbs blooming in the spring and thousands of holiday lights in the winter, Cheekwood is an astonishing experience during every season. Make sure to visit the art museum, eatery, and the Enchanted Express, and don’t miss the beautiful Bracken Foundation’s Children’s Garden!
2. Dragon Park
Fannie Mae Dees Park, also known as Dragon Park, features several playgrounds and green spaces, as well as tennis courts and areas for picnics in the shade. Known for beautiful local art, especially the dragon sculpture, this park is more than just a play space. It’s an immersive art experience and one of the best outdoor activities in Nashville.
3. Nashville Zoo
The Nashville Zoo is sure to delight visitors young and old. Head here to see animals from all around the globe. Your little will beam with wonder and excitement. The zoo hosts classes and events for all ages, including light shows in the evenings, keeper talks, and other interactive experiences that your child will love. This parent pick brings together hands-on learning and fun for a day of family entertainment.
4. Radnor Lake State Park
Radnor Lake State Park is a local favorite for any nature lover. Covering over 1,000 acres, this park is ideal for spotting wildlife, learning about the environment, and hiking. For your next nature walk, you and your child can be on the lookout for several species of birds and many types of amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. You’ll also see an expansive variety of mosses, fungi, trees, shrubs, and vines. As an added bonus, the park rangers host programs all year to teach children about the natural world.
5. Nashville Farmers’ Market
Farmers’ markets are an excellent opportunity to teach children about where our food comes from and the people behind it. The Nashville Farmers’ Market offers over 24,000 square feet of vendors nestled around 20 restaurants and shops. You can talk with vendors, choose your fruits and veggies to cook for the week and have a snack or a meal. What better way to spend a Saturday?
6. Adventure Park Nashville
Ready for an adventure? Offering a “new kind of recreation,” Adventure Park Nashville features zip lines, hiking trails, and plenty of green space for picnics. Pack up your little ones, furry friends included, and head to Adventure Park for a different outdoor experience than you’ll get at any other park.
7. Centennial Park
Close to downtown Nashville and Vanderbilt University, Centennial Park is a 132-acre space featuring a replica Parthenon, a one-mile walking trail, Lake Watauga, the Centennial Art Center, historical monuments, an arts activity center, a dog park, and so much more! This park is a family go-to, as there is always something to do. From a day of walking and picnicking to a concert in the park, Centennial Park is well known for bringing people in Music City together. Be sure to check the park’s calendar to see what family-friendly event you and your crew might be interested in!
8. Nashville Sounds Games
Minor league baseball games always have such a vibrant community feel to them, and that’s also true of a trip to see the local team, The Nashville Sounds. Take the family for a night of singing Take Me Out to the Ballgame and eating concessions like hot dogs and popcorn. As an added plus for families, children under two get in free!
9. Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort
Looking for paradise close to home? Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort is a family recreation destination on 385 wooded acres. Just ten miles from downtown Nashville, the property features a waterpark, zip lines, ropes course, jet-ski and pontoon boat rentals, and more. Tons of family fun is waiting for you at this resort.
We Love Our Nashville Families
From hands-on learning experiences to a fun-in-the-sun day in the water, we enjoy sharing our TGS families’ best recommendations on outdoor activities in Nashville so that your family can get in on the fun, too. There are lots of adventures to explore in your neighborhood! Are you looking for an early childhood education program for your child? We’re here to talk! To learn more about The Gardner School, please visit our website to schedule a tour at one of our Nashville-area locations, The Gardner School of Nashville and The Gardner School of Midtown. We’d love to tell you about our enrichment courses, educational philosophy, playscapes, and more.