Nashville Weekend Activities & Things to Do
Weekend in Nashville
This itinerary focuses on a mix of free parks and community events with exciting ticketed attractions like the Nashville Zoo and museums, keeping budget and family-friendly experiences at the forefront. Transportation notes include parking information for each location.
Friday Evening - Family Fun
Friday, March 6Dragon Park Play
Spend the afternoon at Fannie Mae Dees Park, affectionately known as Dragon Park, a beloved local spot featuring a huge mosaic dragon sculpture for kids to climb and explore.
The park also has an all-abilities playground.
Perfect for ages 3-12. Features an accessible playground and open fields for running. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours here.
Free street parking often available nearby. Stroller-friendly paths.
Bicentennial Park Stroll
Enjoy a leisurely evening walk and explore Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park.
Kids will love the 200-foot granite map of Tennessee and the state's significant historical markers. Fountains are also a highlight. Afterwards, grab a casual dinner nearby.
Great for all ages. The map and historical markers offer educational fun. Allows for active play. Dining options are available within walking distance or a short drive. Allow 1-1.5 hours for the park visit.
Paid parking garages available downtown. The park is easily walkable from many downtown locations. Stroller-friendly.
Saturday - Adventure Day
Saturday, March 7Zoo Teddy Bear Clinic
Visit the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere and participate in the Teddy Bear Clinic, where kids can bring their stuffed animals for a 'check-up' by the Zoo's veterinary department.
This event takes place in the HCA Healthcare Veterinary Center and is a special ticketed experience, in addition to regular zoo admission.
Recommended for children interested in animals and veterinary care, ages 3-12. The zoo is home to over 300 species and features a large playground called Jungle Gym. The event is from 9:15 AM - 4:00 PM. Allow 3-4 hours for the zoo and clinic.
Parking is $8 per vehicle. Public transport via MTA Bus 52 is available from downtown.
Picnic Lunch Break
Enjoy a budget-friendly picnic lunch at the Nashville Zoo's grounds or a nearby park, providing a relaxed break after the morning's activities.
Alternatively, the zoo offers various food options for purchase.
Suitable for all ages. Packing your own lunch helps keep the budget in check. Numerous picnic spots are available throughout the zoo.
Within the Nashville Zoo grounds. Parking already covered by previous activity.
Plaza Mariachi Fun
Head to Plaza Mariachi for their free kid's events.
Every Saturday from noon to 4 PM, they host a variety of activities including bilingual story time, kid's dance parties, magicians, animal shows, face painting, and balloon figures.
Designed for children of all ages, with a focus on engaging entertainment and cultural learning. Activities are interactive and typically last throughout the afternoon. Expect to spend 1-2 hours here.
Free parking available on site.
Crawfish Boil Evening
Experience the Annual Crawfish Boil '26 at Tennessee Brew Works.
This family-friendly event, free to attend, features thousands of pounds of fresh crawfish, andouille sausage, corn, and potatoes. Enjoy live music and a festive atmosphere.
Family-friendly atmosphere, suitable for all ages. Kids can enjoy the outdoor setting and music. Food purchases are extra. The event runs until 8:00 PM.
Parking available. Consider ride-sharing if consuming alcoholic beverages.
Sunday - Relaxed Day
Sunday, March 8Cheekwood Gardens Exploration
Explore Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, a 55-acre botanical garden and art museum.
Children will love the Bracken Foundation Children's Garden with its interactive features, as well as the TRAINS! exhibit and Storybook Trail.
Great for ages 3-12, offering a mix of nature, art, and active play. Allow 2-3 hours to fully enjoy the children's areas and gardens. Some paths may have stairs, but main areas are stroller-friendly.
On-site parking available. Located about eight miles southwest of downtown Nashville.
Frist ArtQuest Fun
Visit the Frist Art Museum, where admission for visitors 18 and younger is always free.
On the second Sunday of each month, the Frist hosts a Family Sunday with kid-friendly programming, including multisensory exploration and access to the Martin ArtQuest Gallery, a hands-on creative space. March 8, 2026 is the second Sunday of the month.
Ideal for children aged 3-12 who enjoy creative activities. The Martin ArtQuest Gallery offers interactive art-making stations. Allow 2-2.5 hours.
Paid parking garages nearby. Located in downtown Nashville. Café Cheeserie offers kid-friendly food options.
Symphony Animal Carnival
Attend the Nashville Symphony's 'Carnival of the Animals' performance.
This whimsical show brings a magical menagerie to life with music, combining humor and charm, perfect for audiences of all ages.
Suitable for all ages, including children aged 3-12. A unique cultural experience. Tickets required. The performance will last approximately 1 hour.
Paid parking garages are available in the downtown area. Walking distance from many downtown locations.
This weekend itinerary for Nashville can be customized using our AI travel planner. Chat with our AI assistant to modify activities, adjust timings, add personal preferences, and get recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and transportation.