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Are you heading to Nashville this summer? The Music City is certainly not short on entertainment, and you can find lots of fun and FREE things to do in Nashville. Visit a park, head to a museum, and, of course, listen to some traditional country music.
Top 25 Free Things to Do in Nashville
This is a beautiful place to visit and pack a picnic lunch. Bring chairs or a blanket!
The Parthenon at Centennial Park
This replica of the original Parthenon in Athens is set in the middle of Centennial Park and was originally constructed for Tennessee’s 1897 Centennial Exposition. Have a picnic or take a stroll around this massive structure. Nashville’s Art Museum also lies inside of the Parthenon, though it does require a fee.
The Tennessee Agricultural Museum
Are you interested in the history of farming? Head to this museum to see home and farm artifacts from the 19th and 20th centuries.
This museum contains paintings, historic weapons, a print shop reproduction, and more that tell the story and history of the state of Tennessee.
Walk the gardens at Gaylord Opryland Resort
These beautiful gardens are maintained by expert horticulturalists and will give anyone with a green thumb incredible inspiration!
The Nashville Symphony hosts a series of free concerts every summer at various locations throughout Nashville.
Visit the Broadway Historic District to listen to live music on the streets. There are also lots of restaurants and Nashville-themed shops, plus lots of opportunities for people watching.
Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge
This beautiful bridge is made for pedestrians and offers an amazing view!
Head to Riverfront Park on the 4th of July to enjoy free live music, activities for kids, and, of course, lots of fireworks.
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
Learn about the history of Tennessee with this park that features 19 acres, a 200-foot granite map of the state, a World War II memorial, and more.
Located on Nashville’s Music Mile, this tribute to some of music’s greatest artists is a fun way to spend an afternoon stroll. Artists are announced, inducted, and a ceremony is given as their star is placed in the walkway. See musicians like Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Jimi Hendrix, and more.
This gallery features local artist and is a perfect place to escape the heat and be indoors.
Do you love the Dukes of Hazzard? Check out this museum that holds pictures, props, costumes, and memorabilia from the television show. Plus, it’s operated by Ben Jones, who played the Duke Boy’s sidekick.
Held at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds, this flea market is considered to be in the top 10 in the nation. Find treasures like antiques, jewelry, handmade clothing, and more. The market is held every fourth weekend.
Fort Negley is the largest inland stone fort built during the Civil War and the area is set-up to support self-guided walking tours.
The library houses books, of course, but the building itself and the courtyards are beautiful. Browse through the building to check out the architecture and you may be able to take in a children’s storytime while you’re there.
Located 9 miles from downtown Nashville, the Edwin and Percy Warner Parks are perfect for picnics, hiking, horseback riding, golf, and more.
If you’re going to be at the park, check out this fun center that holds events for children and adults. Check out the natural history museum, visit the working organic garden, or take a butterfly identification class.
Close to downtown Nashville, Vanderbilt University has a beautiful campus perfect for strolling, seeing beautiful trees (that are labeled with the variety), and picnicking in the shade.\
Sometimes nicknamed “Dragon Park”, this park is toddler and child-friendly, hosting a giant mosaic dragon that is perfect for exploring and climbing. There are also lots of play areas, a little water area for hot days, and a neat rock play area with slides and tunnels.
This park is right downtown and offers a quiet and quick refuge from the bustling city center. There are often concerts here in the summer and there are good views of LP Field (home of the Tennessee Titans).
This shopping center was built in 1902 and was modeled after an arcade in Milan. There are places for lunch and a few shops here, but it’s a neat place to visit even if you just want to stroll through.
Tour the Tennessee State Capitol
Learning about state government and the history behind the building, some from even before 1859, can be fun even for kiddos. If you are interested, they will be, too.
Usually in July, the Tennessee Titans will host their training camp and it’s free for the public to attend. You can usually get some autographs out of this, too.
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