31. Centennial Park
City: Nashville, TN
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (615) 862-8400
Address: 2500 West End Ave.
Description: The centerpiece of Centennial Park, built to celebrate Tennessee’s 100th birthday in 1897, is a full-size replica of the Greek Parthenon that houses an art gallery. Children, however, are more likely to be interested in the abundant outdoor activities at the park. There’s a small lake populated with ducks and (in season) pedal boats, and you’ll also find a band shell, picnic tables, a steam engine and fighter plane, and lots of green grass. Centennial Park is the site of the Nashville Shakespeare Festival, concerts by the Nashville Symphony, various arts and crafts fairs, and other annual events.
City: Nashville, TN
Category: Tours & Attractions
Address: 2400 Blakemore Ave.
33. Gymboree Play & Music
City: Nashville, TN
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (615) 221-9004
Description: This national chain of parent-child play and music centers has 1 Tennessee location. The concept of an amusement park for the newborn-through-age-5 set has taken off nationally, and such Gymboree play standards as “bubble time” and “parachute time” are said to help toddlers build physical coordination and develop social skills. Gymboree facilities have a variety of play equipment and “lesson plans,” all age-appropriate and focusing on fun and recreation. Quarter Notes is a music program designed for infants as young as 6 months. Classes are around 45 minutes long, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Gymboree is closed on Sun. Class times and costs vary; call for a schedule.
City: Nashville, TN
Category: Tours & Attractions
Address: 3777 Nolensville Rd.
City: Nashville, TN
Category: Tours & Attractions
Address: 656 Colice Jean Rd.
City: Nashville, TN
Category: Tours & Attractions
Address: 3000 Granny White Pike
37. Warner Parks
City: Nashville, TN
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (615) 352-6299 (nature center)
Address: 7311 Hwy. 100
Description: On a late-afternoon summer drive through Percy Warner Park, we once saw three deer and two rabbits within minutes, and we weren’t even looking for them. Percy Warner Park, the largest municipal park in Tennessee, and its neighbor, Edwin Warner Park, span more than 2,700 acres, much of which is rugged, scenic woodland. There’s a nature center, picnic areas, playground equipment, hiking trails, bridle trails, and a steeplechase area, as well as 2 golf courses. The parks are open daily from sunrise until 11 p.m., and the nature center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tues through Sat.
38. Metro And Ymca Pools
City: Nashville, TN
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (615) 259-9622
Address: 900 Church St.
Description: YMCA of Middle Tennessee operates 37 pools at 23 recreation centers in the area. About half are indoor pools. The Metro Parks department operates more than a dozen pools, including Wave Country.
39. Shelby Park
City: Nashville, TN
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (615) 862-8467
Description: This park in east Nashville is known for its golf course, but its lake is also a popular fishing spot for kids as well as senior citizens.
40. Wave Country
City: Nashville, TN
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (615) 885-1052
Address: 2320 Two Rivers Pkwy.
Description: Wave Country, just off Briley Parkway, lets you visit the ocean without leaving Nashville. Hold on tight as you ride the wave pool’s simulated surf. There are also 2 water slides and 1 kiddie slide. Wave Country is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
41. Grand Old Golf & Games/Valley Park Go Karts
City: Nashville, TN
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (615) 885-8126 (office)
Address: 2444 Music Valley Dr.
Description: This granddaddy of Nashville minigolf attractions is located near Opry Mills and offers much more than just golf: Go-karts and a video arcade round out the family fun. While Grand Old Golf may be showing its age these days, chances are your little ones won’t notice, and the 3 minigolf courses can provide an entire afternoon’s worth of putting pleasure. Plus, ages 10 and under are half price. Hours vary by season. Group rates are available for birthday parties and corporate outings.
42. Laser Quest
City: Nashville, TN
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (615) 256-2560
Address: 166 Second Ave. N.
Description: You’ve seen all the Star Wars movies. Now it’s your turn to be Luke Skywalker. Laser Quest equips you with a laser gun and sensor pack and turns you loose in a dark maze for a game of high-tech shoot-’em-up. Points are gained or lost depending on number of foes hit and number of times hit by foes. It’s kind of like cowboys and Indians in outer space, and it’s a harmless way for the kids to release some energy. Be sure to check out Laser Quest’s video arcade after your game. Laser Quest’s hours vary according to the season and the day of the week.
43. Fort Nashborough
City: Nashville, TN
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (615) 862-8400 (Parks Departme
Address: 170 First Ave. N.
Description: This is where it all got started in 1779, when James Robertson and his fellow settlers established a settlement on the banks of the Cumberland River. This reproduction of the original log fort, which withstood attacks from natives, is open daily, except Thanksgiving and Christmas, for a free self-guided tour.
44. Historic Mansker’S Station Frontier Life Center
City: Nashville, TN
Category: Tours & Attractions
Description: The Frontier Life Center at Historic Mansker’s Station offers a look at the lifestyles of the area’s early settlers through a reconstructed 1779 forted station. You’ll see and hear people in period costumes as they perform activities such as cooking, spinning, and blacksmithing. Special events and festivals are held throughout the operating season.
45. Tennessee State Museum
City: Nashville, TN
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (615) 741-2692, (800) 407-4324
Address: 505 Deaderick St.
Insider Pick:
Description: Tennessee State Museum, at the corner of Fifth and Deaderick Streets, offers exhibits ranging from prehistoric Nashville through the early 1900s, with a large Civil War display. Popular artifacts include a Conestoga wagon and an Egyptian mummy that a Tennessee explorer brought back from overseas several decades ago. The museum is closed on Mon and on New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.