Nashville’s a great city, but often outside of summer it can be hard thinking of great things to do with your kids and young family! In summer, there are dozens of great free events and activities which are all family-friendly: but what about spring? I’ve taken some time to ask friends and family about their top picks for family-friendly spring fun in Nashville!
Going to Cheekwood
If you like picnic lunches, gorgeous landscaping, and wandering through natural beauty, visiting Cheekwood is for you! And Cheekwood’s event calendar often has a lot of kid-friendly activities, from baking cookies and decorating cakes to making their own terrariums. Though probably not the best choice for families or children with allergies, it’s absolutely gorgeous in spring… and less crowded than in summer! A perfect win-win. Cheekwood is just south of Green Hills and Belle Meade, so it’s also not too bad a drive! Through April 24 is a fantastic time to go because many of their greenery is all in bloom. And as a bonus, it’s a fantastic place to take new family photos!
Going to the Nashville Zoo!
The Zoo is another great place for kids, and you might even see significantly less traffic than usual because it’s undergoing renovations. But if you have an animal lover in the family, this was probably already on the list. For added fun, try the carousel and playground, which can help stretch the entertainment value of the zoo and mitigate the ticket expense. You might also want to consider trying the Soaring Eagle Ride, which is rather like a stripped-down gondola and allows you to have a stately ride to view the animals from a great height!
Nashville Splash Zone Parks
Did you know that Nashville has several parks with kid-friendly splash zones that are absolutely FREE? Bicentennial Mall is near the Farmer’s Market, and is a big, beautiful park which you can have a picnic lunch at on a sunny afternoon while letting the kids splash around. Cumberland Park is over close to the Titans Stadium, and might be a great place to visit for a football fan! There’s a big splash pool, fountains, splash pad, and other fun things to do.
Other Great Ideas
Nashville has dozens of amazing neighborhood parks; if you’re at a loss for what to do, consider visiting one in a different neighborhood, and buying a to-go lunch from a local restaurant! This is easy in Hillsboro Village, 12 South, East Nashville, West End, and Sylvan Park!
Or you could make a longer day of it and go to some of the bigger parks, like Percy Warner, and go on a nature walk! And of course, some areas of Nashville like Green Hills and Donelson have free historical sites you can easily visit.
And, hey, if you’re looking for a house…
