Country Music & Historic Distilleries in Nashville
Tips on renting in Nashville
Getting Around
What to Pack
Must-Try Activities
Smart Spending Tips
Welcome to Nashville, Tennessee, a dynamic city where families can craft unforgettable memories together. Start your journey at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, home to more than 6,000 animals representing 339 species. Wander through the Kangaroo Kickabout for an up-close encounter with kangaroos, and glide above the African Savannah on the Soaring Eagle ride. For hands-on fun, the Adventure Science Center offers interactive exhibits such as BodyQuest, where children can climb through a giant human heart, and the Space Chase area, filled with simulators and astronomy experiments.
Nashville’s parks invite families to enjoy a range of outdoor activities. Centennial Park, the city’s largest urban oasis, boasts a full-scale replica of the Parthenon with an impressive sculpture of Athena inside. With playgrounds and walking trails, it’s the perfect setting for both relaxation and play. Fannie Mae Dees Park, also known as Dragon Park, features a whimsical dragon sculpture for children to climb and explore, surrounded by vibrant playgrounds and open green spaces.
When the temperatures rise, families can cool off at Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort, a water park offering a sandy beach, a lazy river, and exciting water slides. Next door, the Treetop Adventure Park features more than ten zip lines and 100 thrilling obstacles, including suspended bridges, cargo nets, ladders, and Tarzan swings. From exhilarating outdoor pursuits to moments of leisure by the water, Nashville is an inviting destination for families seeking both excitement and relaxation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to see what Nashville has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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To experience the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, attend one of the live shows, which typically run from Tuesday through Saturday, featuring multiple performers with short sets that keep the energy high. For an enhanced experience, consider a backstage tour, where you can explore the historic building, see the artists’ waiting rooms, and follow in the footsteps of country music legends. Park conveniently at Opry Mills and enjoy the ease of electronic tickets for a seamless entry to the show.
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For a seamless and enjoyable boat launch experience on Percy Priest Lake near Nashville, consider the Elm Hill Marina or the Lamar Hill Boat Ramp. Elm Hill Marina offers a well-maintained launch ramp along with amenities like fuel, slip rentals, and a restaurant, making it a convenient choice. Alternatively, the Lamar Hill Boat Ramp, located at 4250 Victory Road in Mount Juliet, provides easy access to the lake with ample parking and is open year-round. Both options are ideal for boaters of all kinds, from fishing boats to sailboats.
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For a memorable kayaking or canoeing experience near Nashville, head to Percy Priest Lake, where you can launch from spots like Hamilton Creek Recreation Area, Elm Hill Marina, or Smith Springs Park. Alternatively, explore the Cumberland River with Cumberland Kayak or River Queen Voyages, offering self-guided and guided trips ranging from 1.5 to 8 miles, with prices starting at $37 per person. For a serene paddle, visit the Harpeth River with Foggy Bottom Canoe and Kayak Rental, which provides transportation and equipment for a leisurely float on this slow-moving Class 1 river.
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For a seamless and enjoyable outdoor experience in Nashville, consider the Fort Negley Walking Trail, a mile-long loop offering spectacular views of the Nashville skyline, with ten designated accessible parking spots and a moderate 8-12% grade. Another option is the Couchville Lake Arboretum Trail in Long Hunter State Park, a paved trail circling the lake, ideal for wildlife spotting and accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. The YMCA Greenway, a 1.9-mile out-and-back trail, is also highly recommended for its broad, 8-foot-wide path and peaceful wooded surroundings.
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For scenic hiking trails in Nashville, head to Radnor Lake State Park, where the Lake Trail offers a serene 3 km loop around the lake, providing stunning views and a chance to spot local wildlife. At Percy Warner Park, the Harpeth Woods Trail is a 2.5-mile loop with vigorous hills and scenic overlooks, while Edwin Warner Park’s trails, including the steps leading up to the hikes, offer a fantastic workout and panoramic views. For a more leisurely hike, the Shelby Bottoms Greenway Trail is an 8.4-mile loop along the Cumberland River, perfect for year-round hiking with its flat, well-maintained path and vibrant meadows filled with flowers in the spring.
