Family Vacation Ideas in Middle Tennessee

Featured in this Article:

Family-Friendly Things to Do in Nashville
Family Activities in Franklin
Kid-Friendly Activities in and near Columbia
Family Attractions in Murfreesboro
Family Activities in and near Cookeville
Fun Things for Families to Do in Clarksville
 

• Calling First Horizon Park home, the Nashville Sounds are Music City’s very own minor league baseball team, celebrating 10 years in 2025

• Games take place at First Horizon Park

• Season runs from Spring to Fall

• Take advantage of promotions and special gameday events throughout the season

• Family Fun Day - Kids can run the bases after the game and receive kid-focused giveaways and activities on gameday

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere - Nashville

• The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is the perfect family day trip

• Walking trails throughout the zoo

• Home to a multitude of animals and exhibits

• Critter Encounters - get up close with some of the zoo’s most beloved and personable animals like tortoises, goats, and birds

• African Savana - zebras and ostriches

• Jungle Route - flamingos, lemurs, monkeys, pandas, and bears

• Unseen New World - reptiles and sea creatures

• For families with young children, the Jungle Route includes a rope bridge and interactive areas 

Climb Nashville - East/West Nashville locations

• Climb Nashville is one of the best indoor rock-climbing experiences around

• Walls for first-time climbers and climbing veterans alike

• Guided instruction and rental equipment available

Adventure Science Center - Nashville

• Interactive, hands-on exhibits at Adventure Science Center, covering topics from music and sound, the human body, natural history and space

• State-of-the-art 63-foot dome theater Sudekum Planetarium showing planetarium shows, laser shows and concerts

• Get up close to a model of NASA's Curiosity rover

• Dream up an idea and watch it come to life in the i2 Makerspace - a high-tech space with a 3D printer, laser cutter and vinyl cutter

• Early Explorers - a weekly, themed story time for pre-K children

• Galactic Gardens - an outdoor learning area with the Phases of the Moon Engraving, rain garden, mural of the Milky Way galaxy and amphitheater

Treetop Adventure Park - Hermitage

• Treetop Adventure Park is set in the scenic woods of Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort

• Courses feature over 100 exciting obstacles - suspension bridges, huge zip lines, cargo nets, rope swings

• Designed for climbers of all ages and skillsets

• Enjoy stunning nature views

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens - Nashville

• Cheekwood is a magical 55-acre botanical garden

• Seasonal festivals include 150,000 spring flowers for Cheekwood in Bloom, over 1 million Christmas lights during Holiday Lights, and the famous Pumpkin Houses during Cheekwood’s Harvest season

• Kid-friendly attractions include the Children’s Garden and TRAINS! exhibit feature plenty of interactive opportunities for fun

• Tour the estate to dive deeper into the history of the property, estate and garden design, construction and more

• The second floor of the estate houses the museum's permanent art collection as well as rotating exhibits throughout the year

• Ann & Monroe Carell Jr. Family Sculpture Trail leads you to outdoor contemporary sculptures created by regionally, nationally and internationally recognized artists

Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort - Nashville

• Cuddle baby goats at Noble Springs Dairy in Franklin for a unique farm experience

• Guided educational tours take place at 11 a.m. where you can see farm activities, including the milking parlor and cheese making facility

• Support the small farm with a purchase of some of the culinary and skin care products made on the farm

Mistletoe Farm - Franklin

• Children ages 0-12 will love to experience the Discovery Center at Murfree Spring

• Full of immersive exhibits to help children learn while playing

• Exhibits revolve around topics like farm-to-table meals, the human body's 5 senses, interactive displays on the ecosystems and the importance of wildlife, creative arts in The Studio and much more

• The Super Slide is an impressive 2 1/2 story slide that teaches fundamental scientific concepts

• Enjoy weekly programming, a nature center and wetlands boardwalk for the kids to burn off some energy while exploring the natural world

Cannonsburgh Village - Murfreesboro

• Cannonsburgh Village is a family-friendly attraction for all ages, representing early Tennessee life from the 1830s to 1930s

• See blacksmith demonstrations in the blacksmith shop

• Step inside historic buildings for an up-close look at pioneer life inside the doctor's office, general store, telephone operator's house and more

• Snap a photo in front of the World's Largest Cedar Bucket

• Check out their calendar for special events like old-time live music, gardening classes, weaving and watercolor classes 

Earth Experience: The Middle Tennessee Museum of Natural History - Murfreesboro

• 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

• 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

Burgess Falls State Park - Sparta

• Venture to Sparta, Tennessee to witness one of the state’s most beautiful cascades, Burgess Falls State Park, the perfect day trip from Nashville for families

• With walking trails that offer many excellent views, the hike to the main falls is mostly shaded and not too long, perfect for children and adults alike

• The trail leads you to a number of smaller (yet still incredible) falls that all lead to Burgess Falls State Park’s largest and most spectacular waterfall

• There is even a playground near the parking lot and restrooms

• The state park is popular, so plan to arrive earlier in the morning to avoid bigger crowds

Harmony Lane Farm & Creamery - Smithville

• Customs House Museum and Cultural Center is full of art as well as hands-on exhibits

• The Heimansohn Gallery is home to one of the largest model railroad layouts in the region

• "Exploring Our Town" is a new and improved hands-on exhibit that features a market, Cumberland River aquatic exhibits and more

• Bubble Cave invites children to create giant bubbles and learn the science behind cave formations 

Dunbar Cave State Park - Clarksville

• Dunbar Cave State Park is a 110-acre natural area with Dunbar Cave and Swan Lake being the highlights

• The park is filled with walking trails and wildlife spotting opportunities 

ArtLink - Clarksville

• ArtLink is a creative arts program

• Adults and kids of all artistic skills can learn and explore various art mediums through creative classes and workshops

• Workshops highlighting stained glass, candle making, macrame, watercolor, crochet and painting

• Walk-ins are welcome with no membership required

• Check out the upcoming events for workshops and classes that include individual pricing and hours

Explore even more family-friendly adventures in Tennessee.