There’s always so much to do when you live in an exciting city like Nashville! With a wonderful zoo, gorgeous gardens, and plenty of art, music, and cultural events, families and children of all ages can make wonderful summer memories close to home. We created this summer bucket list with your preschooler in mind, but parents, siblings, and other family members will also have fun and learn a little while spending the summer in Music City.
Adventure Science Center
As a premier learning center, Adventure Science Center features hands-on science exhibits for the entire family. Science comes to life for children through the state-of-the-art planetarium, a larger-than-life piano you play with your feet, an Adventure Tower, and so much more. The science center is open Thursday to Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Saturdays until 6:00 p.m.
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
Take a hike at the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. This 19-acre park has plenty of green space for your preschooler to run while taking in Tennessee’s history and natural wonders. Your family will have fun learning about the Volunteer State with an on-site visitor’s center, museum, picnic areas, and various planned programs. Visit the park between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. to hear the carillon bells, one of the park’s most popular attractions.
Cheekwood Estate and Gardens
Cheekwood is a 55-acre botanical garden and estate home to art galleries, annual seasonal festivals, and the Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden. Children will delight in the colorful, seasonal blooms and enjoy turtle watching at Turtle Pond. Drop in for child-centered storytime, art, and garden activities. Cheekwood is open Tuesday – Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Frist Art Museum
Children and their families can make and explore art at the Frist Art Museum. In addition to viewing regular and traveling exhibits, artists of all ages can attend drop-in drawing days. The center is open Monday, Friday, and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Thursday from 10:00 to 8:00 p.m., and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center
Even locals can enjoy the benefits of the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. Discover walking paths, a river, and a small city center in the impressive atrium without going outside. Families can peruse toy shops, stop for pizza and gelato, or ride a riverboat. And don’t miss the SoundWaves water park. While the park boasts water features for all ages, younger children will enjoy the splash pad, activity pool, and multi-level play with small and medium slides, shallow water, and spray features. SoundWaves is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., beginning May 26.
Grand Ole Opry
As Nashville’s number-one attraction, the Grand Ole Opry showcases a mix of country music legends and contemporary chart-toppers. A visit to the Opry means memorable entertainment for all ages. Next door is Opry Mills, featuring retail and restaurants, including Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, Rainforest Café, Aquarium Restaurant, and an IMAX theater. While Grand Ole Opry hours depend on show schedules, Opry Mills is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Nashville Sounds Baseball Game
A Nashville Sounds baseball game is an ideal summer outing for family fun. The team calls First Horizon Park home, and the games boast a fun atmosphere with great food and a gorgeous view of Nashville’s skyline. Fans age 12 and under can join Booster’s Kids Club for special tickets and merchandise. Preschoolers will also enjoy the free bonus activities found online at the Kids Club website.
The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
A family favorite, The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is a 200-acre zoo and historic plantation farmhouse. Preschoolers will enjoy riding on the Wilderness Express Train, taking a spin on the Wild Animal Carousel, climbing on the jungle gym, and getting hands-on experiences with select animals like lorikeets. The zoo is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission is free for children ages two and under.
The Gardner School Encourages Learning All Year
The Gardner School provides an engaging curriculum, caring teachers, and educational spaces for children and infants. To learn more about our preschools in the Nashville area, contact us to set up a tour.