Summer in Nashville is hot – both in terms of temperature and fun! Whether you’re looking for free ways to cool off, events to mark on your calendar, or sweet traditions to share with your kids, we’ve got you covered. Here are our favorite summer things to do in the Nashville area with kids (and kids-at-heart!).
(Updated for 2026)
Splash Pads Galore
Nashville and the surrounding areas are home to so many great splash pads—free, shaded, and perfect for kids who need to run. Check out the riverfront splash areas at Cumberland Park downtown, or head to the splash pads in Nolensville or Brentwood. Bring towels, water shoes, and snacks because your kids will absolutely not want to leave.
Father’s Day Fun (June 21, 2026)
Celebrate the dads, grandpas, and father figures in your life with a picnic, a DIY craft, or a special local outing. Cheekwood Estate & Gardens often hosts Father’s Day weekend activities, and many local museums offer special programming or discounts. It’s also a great weekend for mini golf, a Sounds baseball game, or brunch out on a patio before the summer heat kicks in.
Summer Solstice (June 20, 2026)
The longest day of the year is the perfect excuse for all-day fun. Try a sunrise walk at Radnor Lake State Park, an afternoon splash pad run, and a sunset picnic at Sevier Park to make the most of those extra daylight hours.
National Doughnut Day (June 5, 2026)
Mark your calendars — this sweet little holiday is always a favorite. Local spots like Five Daughters Bakery and Krispy Kreme often celebrate with freebies or special deals. Go early if you want the best selection (and shorter lines).
Summer Movie Deals
Keep it cool indoors with summer movie programs at theaters around Middle Tennessee. Regal Cinemas offers its Summer Movie Express with budget-friendly family movies, while AMC Theatres often runs Summer Movie Camp specials. These weekday morning showings are perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary-aged kids.
CMA Fest (June 4–7, 2026)
CMA Fest takes over downtown Nashville June 4–7, 2026, with massive concerts, daytime stages, and plenty of free live music throughout the city.
If you have little kids, mornings downtown are usually much easier to manage than evenings. Check out the free daytime stages around Broadway and Riverfront Park, then escape before the nighttime crowds arrive. Even if you’re not attending ticketed shows, the atmosphere can still be fun for country music fans.
Happy Juneteenth (June 19)
Nashville celebrates Juneteenth with festivals, parades, music, and community events. Keep an eye out for family-friendly programming at Fort Negley and the National Museum of African American Music.
Tennessee Free Fishing Day (June 6, 2026)
No fishing license required! Tennessee’s annual Free Fishing Day returns Saturday, June 6, 2026, making it the perfect time to introduce kids to fishing at a local pond or lake.
Many parks and wildlife areas around Middle Tennessee host kid-friendly fishing events and beginner activities.
Edwin Warner Nature Programs
Warner Parks Nature Center offers nature programs year-round, with summer activities featuring butterflies, birds, art projects, fairy gardens, and hands-on outdoor exploration. It’s one of our favorite low-key, low-tech ways to spend a summer morning.
Touch-A-Truck
Big trucks, diggers, fire engines, and more! Your kids (honestly, kids of all ages) will be in heaven. Franklin’s annual Touch-A-Truck events and similar community festivals around Middle Tennessee usually pop up in late spring and early summer and are packed with hands-on fun and photo ops.
Tennessee Agricultural Museum Farm Fun
The Tennessee Agricultural Museum regularly hosts seasonal family events with live animals, kids’ crafts, tractors, and interactive exhibits. Summer programming is a fun peek into farming and agriculture without leaving town.
Fireworks Displays
Beyond the massive downtown July 4 celebration, many surrounding communities host smaller, family-friendly fireworks events with food trucks, music, and more space to spread out. Look for celebrations in Franklin, Brentwood, Nolensville, and Hendersonville.
Summer & Fall Consignment Sales
Don’t forget the seasonal kids’ consignment sales like Little Sprouts, Encores, and Rhea Lana’s. These sales are amazing for scoring clothes, books, toys, baby gear, and sports equipment at huge discounts. Pro tip: shop early for the best selection and late for the deepest markdowns.
Celebrate Pride Month
Nashville Pride Festival includes family-friendly areas, live entertainment, local vendors, and colorful community celebrations throughout June. Franklin Pride at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm has also become a popular family event with music, activities, and food vendors.
Library Events & Summer Reading Programs
Free crafts, performers, STEM activities, scavenger hunts, and prizes for reading books? Yes please. The Nashville Public Library system and surrounding county libraries offer fantastic free summer programming for kids of all ages.
Farmers Markets with Kids’ Activities
Visit local farmers markets like the Nashville Farmers’ Market, the Franklin Farmers Market, or Richland Park Farmers Market. Many summer weekends include kids’ crafts, live music, cooking demos, and seasonal themes alongside all the fresh produce.
Pick-Your-Own Fruit
Berry season kicks off in June, followed by peaches later in the summer. Local favorites like Kelley’s Berry Farm and Circle S Farms are always a hit with kids. Bring sunscreen, bug spray, and extra containers because you’ll probably pick more than you planned. See the options near you on Pick TN Products.
And don’t forget your summer mom kit: sun hats, sunscreen, water bottles, snacks, bug spray, and a chill attitude. Summer can get sweaty and chaotic, but also fun and memory-filled.
Have a great summer, Moms!
