Things to Do in Nashville, TN
During the Spring and Summer
If you're considering moving to Nashville, you're interested in a fast-growing city with something for everyone. Although Nashville is widely known for its music scene, Nashville's appeal goes far beyond the Grand Ole Opry.
For residents and tourists, the city features scenic nature spots, family-friendly museums, farmers markets and lively outdoor events that take advantage of the warmer seasons.
As spring wildflowers bloom and summer brings lush green landscapes, many ways exist to enjoy sunny days and balmy nights. This guide covers some top activities, attractions and hidden gems that make Nashville an appealing place to live and thrive.
Top Spring Activities in Nashville, TN
Springtime starts in mid-March and runs towards the end of June in Nashville. The arrival of mild temperatures and sunny skies in Nashville ushers in the perfect time to get outdoors and explore many of Nashville's beloved parks, gardens and attractions that come alive in the spring.
Below are some of the city's best activities and most appealing springtime attractions.
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
The jewel of Nashville's botanical gardens, Cheekwood unveils its most stunning floral showcase each April. Over 100,000 vibrant tulips bloom throughout the grounds during the annual Cheekwood in Bloom event. It's also an excellent location for kids at this time of year. For instance, they can enjoy lawn games, crafts and Easter egg hunts at the Great Spring Art Hop.
Natchez Trace Parkway
If reconnecting with nature is your thing, add a scenic drive along this world-famous 444-mile-long peaceful parkway to your spring hit list. As you go through lush forests and rolling hills, you can stop to hike trails lined with colorful wildflowers or set up a picnic to soak up the pleasant spring weather. Historic towns along the route come alive on weekends, too, with farmers markets, boutique shops and cozy brunch spots.
First Horizon Park
Every Nashville spring is complete with catching a Sounds game at this family-friendly minor-league ballpark. With the NFL and NHL regular seasons ending each January and April, respectively, resident sports fans switch their attention to price-cut hot dogs, kid-centered entertainment and affordable tickets for America's favorite pastime under sunny Tennessee skies.
Radnor Lake State Park
Radnor Lake State Park is a Class II Natural Area just south of Nashville, spanning 1,368 acres. It's a haven for nature enthusiasts, especially during the spring migrations when over 240 bird species, including migratory birds, call the park home. The park's trails offer easy hikes where you can spot deer, turtles and frogs. It's also great for outside family days, with plenty of picnic spots and stunning lake views.
Must-Do Summer Activities in Nashville, TN
When those Tennessee temperatures start rising, Nashville comes alive. From honky tonks to the zoo, there are endless ways to soak up the sunshine and make a splash on those warm summer days.
Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort
At Nashville Shores, families can spend all day splashing down steep water slides like The Big Scream and Big Kahuna. Drift down the resort's lazy river or wade in the giant wave pool overlooking Percy Priest Lake for a more relaxing ride. Nashville Shores also offer mini golf, sandy volleyball beaches, a Treetop Adventure Park (complete with zip lines) and private cabanas when you need to cool off. With dining and live music options on-site, it's got everything you need for a perfect summer day with friends or family.
Adventure Science Center
The Adventure Science Center in Nashville promises endless STEM summer fun for curious young minds. Children can walk through the stems of a giant human body structure, explore hundreds of interactive exhibits (175+ in total) and catch a stunning live show in the Sudekum Planetarium—a state-of-the-art 63-foot dome theater with a cutting-edge projection system. Tons of events are also planned each year for the summer vacation, making it a must-see attraction for families during the summer months.
Music City Walk of Fame Park
This outdoor Walk of Fame along Nashville's Music Mile pays tribute to the performers who shaped Nashville's iconic music scene. Take a self-guided tour and snap photos of the bronze stars and plaques honoring legends like Johnny Cash, Chet Atkins and Hank Williams. No matter your musical tastes, music fans of all ages will enjoy hunting for their favorite country, blues and rock icons among the sidewalk tributes.
Nashville Zoo
From red pandas to gentle giraffes, the Nashville Zoo offers memorable encounters with exotic animals and up-close views of endangered species. Check out the historic Grassmere Historic Home and stroll along wildlife trails and bio-domes representing ecosystems from around the globe. Notable summer events include bonus animal encounters, keeper talks and themed activities for kids, making it a perfect day out on a summer weekend.
Cumberland Park
This scenic riverfront park overlooking the Cumberland River offers panoramic views of Nashville's dynamic skyline. Families will love the spray ground, adventurous playgrounds and green spaces perfect for picnicking. And make sure you check the schedule for the free live music performances offered all summer long. The park also connects to the Broadway honky tonks via a pedestrian bridge should you want to take in some evening entertainment afterward.
Bluebird Cafe
Every trip to Nashville's famous Music Row is complete with an intimate evening at the legendary Bluebird Cafe. Talent scouts first discovered country stars like Garth Brooks and Taylor Swift at their nightly songwriter performances. Tickets sell out fast, but make the pilgrimage to this cozy 90-seat venue for an early dinner followed by sensational up-and-coming acts. You never know what rising star you might catch next.
More to Explore in Nashville Over the Warmer Months
With so much happening in this buzzing musical city over the spring and summer months, it's impossible to list all the great things to see and do in Nashville. But here are some of the big highlights that are great at this time of year:
Catch a Festival
- CMA Music Festival: Every June, country music takes center stage for four days of concerts, celebrity encounters and autograph sessions.
- Nashville Film Festival: Catch film screenings, panels and conversations with directors at this late September cinema celebration.
Visit Iconic Nashvillian Music Venues
- Grand Ole Opry: Catch country stars' live performances on the famous Opry stage.
- Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: Explore country music history through exhibits and artifacts.
- National Museum of African American Music: Celebrate genres from gospel to funk to hip hop.
- Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum: See master recordings and instruments behind the world's most popular music.
- Historic RCA Studio B: Take a guided tour of the legendary studio where Elvis, Dolly Parton and others have recorded.
Nashville's Cultural Attractions
- Lane Motor Museum: Browse one of the most unique car collections in the country.
- Belle Meade Plantation: Experience history at this preserved 19th-century mansion and grounds.
- Belmont Mansion: Tour the ornate historic home from the 1800s.
- The Parthenon: Visit the world's only replica of the famous Greek temple.
With so much talent, history and culture in this musical city, Nashville offers year-round entertainment options for all interests.
Come and Experience Nashville's Charm
From concert venues to botanical gardens, Nashville comes alive in the spring and summer. The temperate climate opens up endless opportunities for making memories, whether you're looking to hear emerging musicians at cozy Bluebird Cafe, drift down the lazy river at Nashville Shores or simply picnic in the shade at one of the area's lush parks.
With no shortage of family-friendly neighborhoods and adventures, Nashville is an ideal place to put down roots. LGI Homes has multiple new home communities in Nashville that allow you to embrace the Music City lifestyle fully. These new construction neighborhoods deliver the best of both worlds, with parks, green spaces, amenities and popular nearby Nashville destinations.
Experience what LGI Homes offers in the Nashville area by visiting one of our communities, where you'll discover the magic that makes longtime locals and newcomers proud to call the area home and stunning move-in-ready homes with upgrades included at no extra cost to homebuyers.