Choose Your Family Vacation in Middle Tennessee

Bring the family to Middle Tennessee for a memorable vacation filled with outdoor adventures like waterfall hikes and attractions that help kids learn about the world around them in a fun way. Farm tours, minor league baseball games and a stop (or two) at local bakeries round out the many offerings. Here are some family vacation ideas in Middle Tennessee.

Cheering at a Ballpark or Hiking at a State Park?

Nashville Sounds at First Horizon Park - Nashville

Venture to Sparta, Tennessee to witness one of the state’s most beautiful cascades. With walking trails that offer many excellent views, the hike to the main falls is mostly shaded and not too long. Along the way, you’ll encounter a number of smaller (yet still incredible) falls that all lead to Burgess Falls State Park’s largest and most spectacular waterfall, the perfect day trip from Nashville for families. There is even a playground near the parking lot and restrooms. Quick tip: This park is quite popular, so try and arrive earlier in the morning to avoid bigger crowds.   

See the Sea or See the Stars?

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere - Nashville

Experience a start-of-the-art 63-foot dome theater at the Adventure Science Center’s Sudekum Planetarium where you and your family can see planetarium shows, laser shows, and featured events like concerts. Spend the day and walk around the science center which has plenty of interactive, hands-on exhibits to keep the kids buys for hours. Finish with a trip to the center’s planetarium where you can experience an educational, yet enjoyable narrated show featuring the solar system and special topics like the “Dark Universe” that is fun for every age.    

Bountiful Botanical Gardens or Geological Wonders?

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens - Nashville

Spark a sense of wonder and awe by road tripping from Nashville to tour the Cumberland Caverns in McMinnville. Marked by unique rock formations and incredible beauty, the caverns are one of the largest caves in all of Tennessee. There are a variety of options for tours, including an overnight cave adventure and daily guided tours. You can even catch a concert in the live music venue located within one of the caverns (be sure to check the schedule of events on the Caverns’ website). Quick tip: The temperature in the caverns is a steady and comfortable 56-58 degrees year-round, so make sure to bring a light jacket or sweatshirt.

Rock Climbing Gym or Treetop Adventure?

Climb Nashville - East/West Nashville locations

Looking for a different and exciting activity to do with the kids? With two convenient Nashville locations, visit Climb Nashville for one of the best indoor rock-climbing experiences around. Offering walls for first-time climbers and climbing veterans alike, Climb is the perfect place to learn, practice, and have fun. With guided instruction and rental equipment available, new climbers can learn the basics from a professional in a hands-on environment and try out their new skills on numerous beginner walls throughout the facility. Experience this fun and challenging activity for all ages.

Treetop Adventure Park - Hermitage

Discover an extensive treetop adventure course at Treetop Adventure Park in Nashville. Set in the scenic woods of Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort, the courses feature over 100 exciting obstacles like suspension bridges, huge zip lines, cargo nets, rope swings, and more. Including adult, junior, and kid’s courses, it will be fun for everyone in the family. With a friendly, well-trained staff and clean, well-maintained, and naturally beautiful landscape, Treetop Adventure Park is the perfect way to spend the day and even get in some exercise.

Chocolate Craving or Picture-Perfect Pies? 

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cafe - Gallatin

Got a sweet tooth? In addition to their delicious desserts, Chocolate Covered Strawberry Café in Gallatin features a wide variety of tempting lunch menu items with unique pairings. Choose from a wide and inventive variety of soups, salads, and sandwiches, all with fresh ingredients and each served with a complimentary chocolate-covered strawberry. Dishes like the Smoked Turkey Swiss Sweet Apple Hummus and Cucumber Slice Sandwich and Cobb Salad Sandwich and drinks like the Strawberry Lemonade and Strawberry Twist are delightful. And be sure to enjoy some signature desserts like the White Chocolate Cheesecake and Carmel Pecan Apple Cake. No matter what you choose at Chocolate Covered Strawberry Café, it will certainly be tasty.

The Country Gourmet - Murfreesboro

If you love pie or just crave a sweet treat, then Pie Sensations in Columbia is for you. Rated #1 in Paula Deen’s Pies Across America, this bakery is known to have some of the best, award-winning pies, cakes, and desserts around. Enjoy delightful and legendary pie favorites like the Coconut Cream, Chocolate, Key Lime, Peanut Butter Silk, Strawberry Rhubarb, and Banana Cream. If pie isn’t your thing, Pie Sensations also offers a variety of homemade candy and cupcakes that are sure to please. Quick Tip: Pie Sensations can deliver, so you can enjoy pie wherever, whenever.  

Small Town Charm or Big City Lights?

Rent a Houseboat at Wildwood Marina Resort - Granville

Located on the Cordell Hull Lake in Granville, Tennessee, the Wildwood Resort and Marina is a hidden gem located in the heart of Tennessee’s lush wilderness and just an hour’s drive from Nashville. It's the perfect Tennessee family trip getaway. With a variety of lodging options, you can book a stay in resort Airstreams, rooms in the lodge, tiny (and regular-sized) cabins, and you can even book a houseboat. Called “harbor cottages,” these houseboats are docked at the marina and offer spectacular views of the lake. There is a private shower and bathroom, full kitchen, covered outdoor dining area, and plenty of spaces to hang out and enjoy the unique experience with the whole family. Able to sleep 6 people, these two-floor houseboats provide a great way for everyone to relax and have fun around the resort, all with the amenities and comforts of home. 

Historic Cheekwood Birdsong Lodge - Ashland City

Situated on the banks of Sycamore Creek in Ashland City, Tennessee, the Historic Cheekwood Birdsong Lodge is a beautiful historic home you can rent for your family getaway. Very comfortable, welcoming, and peaceful, this large cottage features plenty of amenities, supplies, and even has activities and games for the children. There are indoor and outdoor areas for gathering, a large screened-in porch, and large yard perfect for the little ones to explore. The property also features a stocked pond and several fire-pits with seating. Check out this charming lodge for rent only 25 minutes away from Nashville.

Up A Waterfall or Down A Waterslide

Machine Falls - Tullahoma

Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort is located on the shores of Percy Priest Lake and has eight water slides, a gigantic water pool and Kowabunga Beach, a four-story water treehouse and sprayground. If you want to take it easy, take a leisurely float down the lazy river or head to the beach where you can soak up the sun.

Pet the Goats or Feed the Alpacas?

Noble Springs Dairy - Franklin