Nashville Weekend Activities & Things to Do

Park Play & Parthenon

Enjoy the expansive green space and modern playground at Centennial Park.

Kids can run, climb, and explore. Afterwards, marvel at the exterior of The Parthenon, a full-scale replica of the ancient Greek temple, which also houses an art museum. While the museum may be closing, the park itself is a fantastic free experience for families.

Suitable for all ages, especially 3-12 for the playground. Restrooms available. Park is open dawn until 11 PM. The Parthenon museum closes at 4:30 PM on Fridays, but its exterior and the park are always accessible.

Pizza Night Delight

Indulge in a delicious and family-friendly dinner at Five Points Pizza.

Known for its massive slices and diverse toppings, it's a local favorite that caters to all ages with classic options like cheese slices and garlic knots.

Great for families; offers kid-friendly options and a casual atmosphere. Suitable for ages 3-12. Open daily from 11 AM.

Science Center Fun

Spend the morning at the Adventure Science Center, a non-profit science museum with over 175 hands-on, interactive exhibits covering biology, physics, space, and more.

Kids can explore BodyQuest, an interactive gallery about human performance, and other engaging displays.

Ideal for children aged 3-12. Numerous interactive exhibits, restrooms, and a cafe on-site. Plan for 2-3 hours.

Market Lunch & Explore

Head to the Nashville Farmers' Market for a diverse and budget-friendly lunch.

The Market House features an eclectic mix of restaurants offering various cuisines. After lunch, explore the outdoor farm sheds which may have local produce and artisan goods, depending on the season.

Great for families, with many food options to satisfy different tastes. Market House open 8 AM - 8 PM. Outdoor Farm Sheds open Fri-Sun 10 AM - 2 PM in February.

Riverside Playground Fun

Visit Cumberland Park, an innovative 6.

5-acre play space on the east bank of the Cumberland River. It features unique play structures like 'The Hollow' with a sandpit and climbing structures, and 'The Gorge' climbing wall. Enjoy the scenic views of downtown Nashville.

Excellent for children aged 3-12 with varied play equipment. Open daily from dawn until late evening. Restrooms are available.

Indoor Play Adventure

Unleash some energy at an indoor playground like Woodland Play Cafe.

This cozy spot is designed for imaginative play, providing a safe and engaging environment for younger children. Adults can relax while kids play.

Best suited for children ages 6 months to 8 years, but imaginative older kids might also enjoy it. Offers play passes for 2-hour sessions. Adults are free with paid children.

Wild Animal Encounters

Embark on a wild adventure at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere.

Explore diverse habitats, see nearly 3,000 animals, and enjoy attractions like the Jungle Gym and Kangaroo Kickabout. Daily keeper chats and critter encounters add to the experience.

Excellent for children aged 3-12. The zoo offers a large playground area, restrooms, and food vendors. Plan for 3-4 hours. Open 9 AM - 4 PM on weekends.

Picnic in Nature

After your zoo visit, enjoy a relaxing and budget-friendly picnic lunch.

Many parks near the zoo or even designated picnic areas within the zoo grounds provide a perfect setting. Alternatively, grab a quick bite at a nearby budget-friendly spot.

A relaxed meal suitable for all ages. Pack your own lunch to save money, or choose from various casual eateries. Duration is flexible.

Outdoor Riverfront Play

Conclude your weekend with more free outdoor fun at Cumberland Park.

This urban park offers unique play structures, water features (seasonal, typically May-Sep), and green spaces ideal for children to run and play, alongside scenic views of the Cumberland River and downtown skyline.

Excellent for kids aged 3-12, with a variety of climbing and play areas. Open daily until late evening. Restrooms available.