School is out, the sun is shining, and parents are looking for a space to let their kids run and play (outside the house). What better opportunity than to spend the day at a local playground bonding with family and friends? Parks and playgrounds are the perfect outdoor place, and Nashville has plenty to choose from.
Nashville may be more famous for its role in the music industry and as an attractive tourist destination. Yet, the family-friendly roots of this city continue to prosper. Scattered throughout are fun and safe playgrounds, and many are suitable for children of all ages.
Whether you have a scheduled playdate, family in town, or need to get the kids outside, spend a day at a playground. Following is a list of a few Music City favorites that never disappoint:
School is out, the sun is shining, and parents are looking for a space to let their kids run and play (outside the house). What better opportunity than to spend the day at a local playground bonding with family and friends? Parks and playgrounds are the perfect outdoor place, and Nashville has plenty to choose from.
Nashville may be more famous for its role in the music industry and as an attractive tourist destination. Yet, the family-friendly roots of this city continue to prosper. Scattered throughout are fun and safe playgrounds, and many are suitable for children of all ages.
Whether you have a scheduled playdate, family in town, or need to get the kids outside, spend a day at a playground. Following is a list of a few Music City favorites that never disappoint:
Centennial Park is unmatched in beauty and panache. It features a sunken garden, Lake Watauga, and a bandshell for amazing views. For more activity, there's a one-mile walking trail, an exercise trail, and sand volleyball courts. A dog park is also on the grounds. The most famous attraction is the Parthenon, constructed in 1985. The original Parthenon in Greece was a former temple dedicated to Athena, an ancient deity. Nashville's art museum is also there, with 63 permanent paintings by American artists, including Frederic Edwin Church, Benjamin West, Lillian Genth, and George Inness Jr., all donated by James M. Cowan. You can also hold an event or see exhibits of the paintings and the extraordinary artistry of architecture of the Parthenon.
Cumberland Park is along Nashville's riverfront, between the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge and the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge. It's ideal for outdoor activities and relaxation. Cumberland Park was part of the Riverfront Revitalization Plan, which led to the building of The Lawn, an open area for events. An amphitheater with a capacity of 1200 holds events and concerts year-round. Other activities are in The Hollow, The Scoops, and The Gorge, where The stone arrangement on the path is designed to attract butterflies.
Centennial Park is unmatched in beauty and panache. It features a sunken garden, Lake Watauga, and a bandshell for amazing views. For more activity, there's a one-mile walking trail, an exercise trail, and sand volleyball courts. A dog park is also on the grounds. The most famous attraction is the Parthenon, constructed in 1985. The original Parthenon in Greece was a former temple dedicated to Athena, an ancient deity. Nashville's art museum is also there, with 63 permanent paintings by American artists, including Frederic Edwin Church, Benjamin West, Lillian Genth, and George Inness Jr., all donated by James M. Cowan. You can also hold an event or see exhibits of the paintings and the extraordinary artistry of architecture of the Parthenon.
Cumberland Park is along Nashville's riverfront, between the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge and the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge. It's ideal for outdoor activities and relaxation. Cumberland Park was part of the Riverfront Revitalization Plan, which led to the building of The Lawn, an open area for events. An amphitheater with a capacity of 1200 holds events and concerts year-round. Other activities are in The Hollow, The Scoops, and The Gorge, where The stone arrangement on the path is designed to attract butterflies.
Elmington Park is a grassy wonderland off of West End Avenue with a big green field. Children of all ages will enjoy multiple play structures with swings, slides, tunnels, bridges, and more. In the summer, Elmington Park comes to life. Catch a free flick at their “Movies in the Park” series, grab a bite from assorted food trucks, or compete in a soccer match on weekends.
The locals refer to this place situated outside Hillsboro Village as “Dragon Park.” Much to the children’s delight, a stunning mosaic sculpture of a dragon resides in the center of the park. Built by artist Pedro Silva, this sculpture displays intriguing designs by local artists. While the mosaic dragon is iconic, Fannie Mae Dees Park offers much more. The park is home to a shaded and foam-surface playground that is wheelchair accessible and includes various play areas assorted by age groups.
Richland Park can be spotted by its red swings surrounded by the luscious green fields from a mile away. You’re sure to find a picnic shelter, playgrounds, tennis courts, an ice cream stand, and plenty of trees for the little ones to climb. Playgrounds aside, Richland Park is home to a Nashville Public Library branch and has a charming coffee shop across the street. The bonus is the local farmer’s market hosted here every weekend.
Nestled in the 12 South neighborhood is one of Nashville’s most beautiful parks. Sevier Park is a welcoming place to enjoy the amenities. The community center offers a gymnasium, a fitness center (various exercise classes available), indoor/outdoor walking tracks, and outdoor playgrounds. If the playgrounds cannot contain the kid’s adventurous spirit, let them frolic in the rolling green hills or explore the nearby creek.
Located two miles east of downtown, the Shelby Bottom Natural Area, multi-use park, and community center total over 1200 acres. There's something to entertain everyone, from recreational courts, fields, and courses to the Nature Center and hiking trails along the Cumberland River. The play areas are a standout feature. The traditional playground by the baseball fields is always fun, but visit the Nature Center if your kid prefers playing in the dirt, climbing rocks, or splashing in the water.
A park with more than enough playgrounds is Woodmont Park in Green Hills. It has everything. There is a big green field for the kids to run through and a walking loop for parents to relish. As for playgrounds, two separate play structures include swings, jungle gyms, and a sandbox. Woodmont Park is a great recreational area with a baseball field, basketball court, and multiple tennis courts. It’s an excellent place for younger kids to learn the fundamentals of sports and for older ones to bask in competition.