19 Things to do with the Family this Summer

Looking for an action-packed family day in Nashville? Head to Adventure Park for Music City’s largest ropes course and ziplining park! With up to 10 thrilling trails and obstacles to conquer, your family can work together to navigate nets, ropes, and exciting challenges, all while soaring through the treetops on a zipline adventure.

For families who love science and fun, the Adventure Science Center is a must-visit! Unravel the mysteries of the universe with interactive exhibits, the Sudekum Planetarium, hands-on activities at the i2 Makerspace, and laser shows. There’s something exciting for every age—science fun awaits!

Take a trip back in time to Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, where your family can explore the life of the 7th President. From his humble beginnings to his presidential journey, this historic estate brings history to life in a way that's fun and informative for all ages.

Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery started as a log cabin and 250 acres and grew into a beautiful Greek Revival Mansion and one of the largest thoroughbred horse farms in the South with over 5,400 acres. The Adventure Backpack program is perfect for families traveling with young children, which includes a backpack filled with coloring pages, crafting supplies, and more from the Victorian Age. Plus, there is a key to unlock 6 hidden treasure chests throughout the grounds.

Escape to the beauty of Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, where 55 acres of gardens and sculpture trails offer endless family fun. With special events and family activities all summer long, it’s the perfect place to enjoy nature and art together.

Engage in the history of country music at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum. Expose the entire family to some of the country’s greatest stars at the world-famous Grand Ole Opry. Take in a show at the legendary Bluebird Cafe where songwriters perform in an intimate “in-the-round” setting, and older children can hear from the songwriters behind their favorite tunes. Explore the lives and legacies of two country music legends at the Johnny Cash Museum and the Patsy Cline Museum, where fans can immerse themselves in the music and stories of these iconic figures.

Bring the whole family to the Frist Art Museum for a world-class art experience. Kids will love the Martin ArtQuest Gallery, where they can get creative with hands-on activities inspired by the museum’s exhibitions. A perfect blend of culture and fun!

Guests can enjoy captivating entertainment, dining, shopping, and more at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center each summer. Enjoy indoor surfing, water slides, a lazy river, and more at SoundWaves. Pools, lounging areas, and private cabanas sit under a glass roof atop the tall atrium, ensuring guests can sunbathe at 84 degrees year-round. Just a short walk away is the Grand Ole Opry House, which houses star-studded performances on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday.

Over in Downtown Nashville are some of the finest handcrafted chocolates one can taste. It's created by Goo Goo Chocolate Co., and their shop is an excellent stop for families this summer in Music City. The unique confection is a roundish mound of caramel, marshmallow nougat, fresh roasted peanuts, and real milk chocolate. Each bite is more savory than the next.

Car enthusiasts will love the Lane Motor Museum, home to one of the largest collections of unique European cars in the U.S. With over 150 cars and motorcycles on display, your family can discover rare vehicles and learn about the history of automotive design.

You can always journey to Tennessee's largest petting farm, Lucky Ladd Farms, featuring over 100 friendly animals and exotic livestock. This 60-acre farm park offers attractions that appeal to all ages, acres of playgrounds, exciting hands-on animal encounters, pony rides, nature trails, and more to satisfy the whole family.

The world-famous, family-friendly wax attraction invites you to enjoy an interactive experience, where you can step into immersive iconic scenes and musical performances that you won't find anywhere else. Sing along with Patsy Cline, jam out with Elvis, take a selfie with Luke Bryan, and interact with some of Nashville's most iconic musical talents and beyond.

The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum honors all musicians regardless of genre or instrument, showcasing the stories of various artists throughout music history and the instruments they used to record classic hits. The Grammy Museum Gallery is also inside the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum! The gallery is set up for guests to explore the history of the GRAMMY Awards, experience what it’s like to be on the stage, and the recording process.

Find local treasures when you explore Nashville's Farmers' Market. With festivals year-round, the market provides retail space to farmers, artisans, and small businesses. The facility includes two covered open-air sheds, a 24,000-square-foot garden center, a culinary incubation center, and an international food hall with over 20 restaurants and shops.

Make a splash at Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort, where your family can enjoy water slides, a giant wave pool, and a lazy river. Don’t forget to try the Treetop Adventure Park for a thrilling outdoor challenge in the trees!

Take me out to the ballgame! Enjoy the excitement of a Nashville Sounds game, where your family can cheer on the team at First Horizon Park. It’s a great way to spend a summer evening with peanuts, Cracker Jacks, and home runs!

As the sun shines, the animals come out to play. Head to the Nashville Zoo and spend time at the unbelievable Flamingo Lagoon or Kangaroo Kickabout, getting up close and personal with the animals. Be sure to check out the zipline experience called Soaring Eagle, which takes you 110 ft. in the air to overlook the African Savannah, Historic Home, Festival Field, and Gibbon Islands.

Exploring the waterways of Music City has never been easier with River Queen Voyages. As Nashville's first kayak rental company, they offer three kayaking tours on the Cumberland River: a one-hour downtown Skyline route, a two-hour Shelby Park Greenway route, or a Full Nash tour that combines both the Skyline and the Greenway.

Take the family to Centennial Park and see The Parthenon: the world’s only full-sized reproduction of the Greek Parthenon that houses Athena, the tallest indoor structure in the Western world. Inside, you’ll find fine art galleries, including American art exhibits, perfect for a family outing.