Save Money this Summer with These Free Activities in Nashville
There are so many fun things to do in Nashville during the summer, but the costs can add up quickly. Luckily, there are plenty of summer activities that are completely free.
These are my top recommendations if you want to save money this summer without missing out! I’ve got lots of other fun ideas on my guide to Nashville, so check that out as well.
Take Photos at the Music City Walk of Fame
The Music City Walk of Fame Park might be small, but it’s a fun free activity right in the middle of Downtown Nashville (which is a pricey place to hang out). Music lovers can find stars around the park in honor of artists and others in the music industry.
There are only about 100 stars so far, but you’re sure to find more than a few names you recognize from country stars like Dolly Parton to rockstars like Jack White.
Google Maps | 👉 See my full guide to the Music City Walk of Fame
See the Exhibits at the Tennessee State Museum
I probably talk about the Tennessee State Museum way too often, but it really is one of my favorite spots to go in Nashville.
The museum’s collection guides visitors through Tennessee’s history from the First Peoples of Tennessee through the modern day. No matter what you’re interested in, you’ll find something interesting here like a NASA flight suit worn by Barry E. “Butch” Wilmore.
The museum has temporary collections that change out periodically, so there’s always a reason to come back
I also particularly love the Children’s Gallery. It is designed for ages 3-8, but my almost 2-year-old loves the stations in the gallery as well.
Plus, the museum is right next to the Nashville Farmers’ Market and the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, so it’s easy to extend the outing without having to drive somewhere else.
Google Maps | Tennessee State Museum Website | 👉 Read my full guide to the Tennessee State Museum
Explore the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
If you have a Nashville Public Library card, you can visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum for free with a Community Passport.
We’ve done it twice so far, and it’s so cool to see all the country music memorabilia and learn about the history of the genre. I especially loved seeing all the stage costumes, and of course, I thought the Taylor Swift Education Center was very cool as well.
Google Maps | Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Take a Walk on the Shelby Bottoms Greenway
Shelby Bottoms is a favorite in East Nashville, and the paved greenway is the perfect place for a nature walk. You’ll find lots of people walking, biking, and even rollerblading along the path all summer long. There are a number of primitive pathways that branch of the main trail, so you can explore further.
The Shelby Bottoms Nature Center is very cool and worth checking out. There’s an awesome area for kids inside as well. I also like to bring my family to the Nature Play Area. It was recently updated to make it larger with even more activities for kids to enjoy.
Google Maps | Shelby Bottoms Website
Catch Up-and-Coming Stars at CMA Fest Free Stages
CMA Fest runs from June 5 to 8 and features hundreds of country music artists. While a number of the shows and entrance to Fan Fair X require paid admission, there are a number of free stages throughout the city as well.
Check out the Nashville Public Library
Summer is a great time to find out more about the cool programs happening in the Nashville Public Library System. Offerings vary by branch, but there’s a lot more going on than you might expect.
Of course, you can always head to the library to check out books, but some of the branches have other unique draws as well. I love bringing my family to the children’s area in our closest library and making the trip to the Downtown Library to play in their gigantic children’s area.
Nashville Public Library Website
Explore the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
The Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park doesn’t resemble the rest of Tennessee’s State Parks. Partly because it’s only 11 acres, and partly because it’s right in the middle of Nashville. It’s still a beautiful spot to head to when you want to spend some time outdoors.
You can take a walk on the paved pathway that goes around the park, and there’s lots of open green space for picnics and other outdoor fun.
Google Maps | Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park Website | 👉 Read my full guide to the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
Tour the Tennessee Capitol Building
The Tennessee Capitol Building offers free guided tours Monday through Friday, and visitors are allowed to take self-guided tours during those days as well. The structure is one of the oldest capitol building in the United States that is still used.
It’s an interesting way to learn a little bit more about the history of Tennessee.
Google Maps | Tennessee Capitol Building Website
Spend an Evening Outdoors at Movies in the Park
For family-friendly fun, head to the Movies in the Park series hosted by the Nashville Scene. The event in Elmington Park features a different movie every week and includes games and food truck vendors.
This year the films are Inside Out 2 on June 5, The Sandlot on June 12, The Goonies on June 19, and Twisters on June 26.
Have a Picnic in Centennial Park
Nashville has lots of great parks, and Centennial Park is particularly beautiful. I love going here to walk around the lake and bring my kids to play on the playgrounds. The sunken gardens is a lovely spot for a picnic, and there are other open spaces around the park as well.
Going inside the Parthenon structure is typically not free. However, on certain Saturdays there is a free event for families called Kidsville at the Parthenon. We always have a fun time bringing our toddler to listen to the story and do a related craft activity.
Google Maps | Centennial Park Website
Visit the Tennessee Agricultural Museum
Going to museums can get pricey, but entrance to the Tennessee Agricultural Museum is free. The small museum offers an interesting look at what life was like in Tennessee before electricity. There are lots of artifacts to look at, and there’s a section at the front with farm-related toys and books for children to enjoy.
During the summer, the museum hosts Summer Fridays, which are free educational programs. You’ll need to register in advance to get a spot.
Google Maps | Tennessee Agricultural Museum Website | 👉 Read my full guide to the Tennessee Agricultural Museum
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Thanks for reading! Let me know if you’ve got any fun activities planned for the summer in the comments below.
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