The summer is heating up in Nashville! Sometimes it is just too hot to be outside, so what can a parent do with the kids running around the house or stuck to a screen? Here are 10 fun ways to get out of the house and stay cool in Nashville this summer.

Splash Pads and Spraygrounds

Splash Pads and spraygrounds are a fun way for kids to cool off without needing a pool.

Public Pools and Water Parks

Metro Parks swimming pools are a nice way to provide a cool escape from the heat.

Museums and Educational Centers

Visiting museums can be both educational and a great way to stay cool:

  • Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: A cool and interesting destination for both parents and children to learn about country music history. The Community Counts program offers free admission for local families.
  • Frist Art Museum’s Martin ArtQuest is a favorite for my art-loving kid. Children 18 and under are always free.

Libraries and Storytimes

Local libraries often host summer reading programs and storytimes that are perfect for keeping cool.

  • Nashville Public Libraries offer a host of story times, events, and activities. Check out their event calendar.
  • The John P. Holt Brentwood Library offers summer programming that includes movies and entertainment, like magicians and science shows.

Indoor Pools

Indoor pools offer swimming fun without the risk of sunburn:

  • YMCA of Middle Tennessee: Many locations have indoor pools with family swim times.
  • Centennial Sportsplex: Features an indoor aquatic center with swimming pools suitable for all ages.

Movie Theaters

Watching a movie in an air-conditioned theater is a classic way to escape the heat:

Ice Cream and Frozen Treats

Enjoying a cool treat can be a delicious way to beat the heat:

  • Las Paletas: A popular spot for gourmet Mexican popsicles with a variety of flavors.
  • Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams: Offers unique and artisanal ice cream flavors.

Indoor Play Areas at Malls

Malls often have play areas and are fully air-conditioned:Game Galaxy Smyrna geek fun with kids

  • Opry Mills Mall: Besides shopping, it has play areas and attractions like the Aquarium Restaurant and Madame Tussauds Wax Museum.
  • CoolSprings Galleria: Features an indoor play area for kids and plenty of shops and dining options for the whole family.

Bowling Alleys and Arcades

Bowling alleys and arcades provide cool, indoor entertainment:

  • Strike & Spare Family Fun Center: Offers bowling, laser tag, and an arcade.
  • Game Terminal: Play video games and pinball at Nashville’s largest arcade.

Indoor Trampoline Parks

Trampoline parks are fun and physically engaging:

  • DEFY Nashville: An indoor trampoline park with various activities and areas for different age groups.
  • Sky Zone Trampoline Park: Offers open jump times and special programs.

By exploring these fun indoor activities, parents and children can find plenty of ways to stay cool and have fun during this scorching Nashville summer.