Things to Do with Kids in Nashville This Summer: 2023 Edition

Any day now, your kids will be jumping for joy that summer break has arrived. As much as parents love having more time with their kids during the summer, let’s be honest, it can be difficult to find fun and healthy activities to keep them occupied, especially if you don’t have the help of a summer nanny.

Fortunately, there are plenty of fantastic things to do in Nashville that are perfect for families of all ages. If you’re looking for ways to enjoy quality time with your kids this summer while keeping them active and minimizing their screen time, check out these local favorites.

• Nashville Shores

On a hot day, is there anything more ideal than a water park? You get the refreshing and cooling water but there are also enough different attractions and sites to keep kids entertained all day. Nashville Shores is the perfect water park for a family fun day, or you can turn it into a weekend getaway with the on-site lodging in the cabins or RV park.

• Centennial Park

Nashville has no shortage of beautiful parks, but Centennial Park is truly one of a kind. It’s best known for its spectacular replica of the Parthenon, which is such a unique structure for kids to explore. Of course, there are also all the other park favorites for a family outing: walking trails, a dog park, sand volleyball courts, and plenty of green space for picnics, playing catch, and more.

• Nashville Zoo

If your kids love animals, there’s nothing like the Nashville Zoo. The zoo boasts more than 3,000 animals, including leopards, ostriches, monkeys, cougars, kangaroos, rhinoceroses, and so many more. It’s open daily so it’s a great choice for either a weekday or weekend.

• Cumberland River

Nashville may be a bustling city with all the city amenities but there’s still plenty of nature to enjoy. Take the Cumberland River for example. A local company called River Queen Voyages offers kayaking excursions, either guided or unguided, down the beautiful river so your family can enjoy the fresh air while also seeing the local sites. There’s an option for a pedal pontoon boat too for larger families and groups.

• Lucky Ladd Farms

Looking for a more interactive animal experience than the zoo can offer? Check out Lucky Ladd Farms in nearby Eagleville. This farm holds Tennessee’s largest petting zoo, allowing kids to mingle with goats, cows, alpacas, horses, chickens, sheep, donkeys, and more. On top of the petting zoo, Lucky Ladd Farms also offers an adventure park (or “ag-venture park”) with rides and games, an aviary, and pony rides.

• Goo Goo Chocolate Co

Got a child with a sweet tooth…or a sweet tooth of your own? You’re in for a treat at the Goo Goo Chocolate Company. This unique Nashville spot offers a family-friendly experience that includes a chocolate tasting and making your own candy bar. When date night rolls around, there are also adults-only experiences like wine pairings with chocolate as well as a boozier chocolate pairing experience.

• Treetop Adventure Park

If your kids are constantly trying to climb trees, take them to a place where they can do this in a safe way: the Treetop Adventure Park. This park is actually located on the grounds of Nashville Shores, and it features 100 obstacles that every little daredevil will love.

• Nashville Sounds

As the “American pastime,” baseball can be the perfect way for your family to bond and have a great time this summer. Nashville’s minor league team, the Nashville Sounds, puts on a great show every time, and there are plenty of home games to choose from.

• Adventure Science Center

If you’re looking for a more intellectually enriching experience for your kids this summer, you don’t want to miss the Adventure Science Center. This fantastic local staple is set up to not only teach kids about science but allow them to experience it for themselves with a variety of fun, hands-on science experiments. It’s perfect for those growing minds!

Making the Most of Your Family’s Summer in Nashville

This summer, take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy quality time with your kids while they’re young. You can make the summer even better with the help of a summer nanny, who can give your kids the dedicated care you want for them. Contact Tried and True Nannies and Sitters to help you find the best summer nanny so you can get on with enjoying your kids’ summer vacation.