Festivals, stargazing, pickin’ parties and more: Ideas for kid-friendly fun in Nashville

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With the warmer weather (hopefully) here to stay in Nashville, spring and summer festivals are getting into full swing around the city and the region.

Looking for ideas for things to do with kids in tow this spring and summer? From wandering tulip fields to pickin’ and grinnin’ under a full moon at Percy Warner Park, Nashville has its share of kid-friendly outings. Here are just a few to get you started.

The great outdoors

Explore a variety of Metro Nashville Parks. Nashville’s extensive network of parks are free and open to all ages, and include several nature centers. There are plenty of programs and events to choose from at each park. Learn more at nashville.gov/departments/parks.

Make the trek to one of Tennessee’s state parks. Tennessee is home to dozens of state parks, many of which are free and open to the public. From birding to biking to a simple nature walk, there are plenty of family-friendly options across the parks. Pro tip: Try the Lake Loop trail at Radnor Lake State Park for an easy walk and a chance to spot bald eagles in the wild. Learn more about what the parks offer in the Nashville area and beyond at tnstateparks.com.

Enjoy the blooms at Cheekwood Estate and Gardens. Nothing compares to Cheekwood when it’s in full bloom. It hosts multiple family-friendly events throughout the year and admission is free for ages 2 and younger. More information at cheekwood.org.

Splash around at a water park or pool. While it’s not quite warm enough to think about water parks and swimming yet, those summery Tennessee days aren’t far off. Nashville has several city-sponsored water activities, including canoeing, kayaking, spraygrounds, swimming pools and the ever-popular wave pool at Wave Country. Learn more about the options at nashville.gov/departments/parks/water-activities. Looking for a full water park adventure? Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort has you covered with a massive water park, lake rentals, a spot for RVs, cabins to rent and even a Treetop Adventure Park. Learn more at NashvilleShores.com.

Go chasing waterfalls. A stunning variety of waterfalls dot Middle Tennessee, including several that are within an hour or two of Nashville. While not all the falls are suitable for littler visitors, Tennessee State Parks has a helpful guide on where to go, including spots that offer camping and lodging. Learn more at TNstateparks.com/blog/waterfalls-in-middle-tennessee. You can also click around the site to see all the state park options around the area.

Hit the lake or float the river. There are lots of rivers and lakes around Nashville where you can take a dip or rent a boat, kayak, canoe or inner tube for the day. The city of Nashville offers several options for canoe and kayak rentals, and launch sites. Learn more at nashville.gov/departments/parks/outdoor-recreation/canoe-and-kayak. Percy Priest Lake and Old Hickory Lake offer several swimming spots and rental options. The Buffalo River, Cumberland River, Duck River and Harpeth River are also popular for float trips, with several options for rental vendors.

Festivals galore

Welcome spring at Daffodil Day: Reading this before March 22? Then head down to Bell Buckle for its annual Daffodil Day. The festival features thousands of daffodils lining the iconic small town, where gardeners young and old compete for prizes. More information at BellBuckleChamber.com.

Missed the daffodils? Try the Tulip Festival. Stroll among more than a million tulips featuring 100 varieties from April 5-6 at Lucky Ladd Farms. You can also hand-pick your own bouquet, explore the farm’s own fun park and petting zoo, hear some live music, make arts and crafts and try out Dutch-themed food and drinks.

Celebrate art, food and culture at the Nashville Farmers’ Market. Throughout the spring and summer months, the market hosts a series of festivals. This year it will host the Strawberry Jubilee Festival and the Afro Fest in May, the Summer Fest in June and the Watermelon Festival in August. While you’re there, don’t miss out on the kid-favorite spinning globe fountain and the frolic-worthy lawn at the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park across the street. Learn more at NashvilleFarmersMarket.org.

Branch out to regional festivals. Spring and summer festival season is teeming with options around Middle Tennessee, if you don’t mind a bit of a drive. For staters, check out the Chocolate Gravy Festival in Celina on March 22, the Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival on April 12 and the Firefly Festival in Cookeville from April 12-13. You can search for festivals and other events by region at TNvacation.com/calendar.

Music, sports, stargazing and more

Sprawl out at Arrington Vineyards: Grab a blanket or stake out a picnic table for free on the picturesque Arrington Vineyard grounds. The vineyard also regularly hosts free events, including live jazz on the lawn every Saturday and Sunday starting in April, and “food truck Fridays” every week from May through September. More information at arringtonvineyards.com.

Listen, sing or dance along at Musician’s Corner: This popular, free and family-friendly concert series is hosted at Centennial Park weekly in May, June and September. This year’s series kicks off May 16. More information at musicianscornernashville.com.

Catch a Family Fun Day (and maybe a baseball!) with the Nashville Sounds. Pop over to First Horizon Park for a Sunday Family Fun Day with the Nashville Sounds. Kids can get autographs before the game and run the bases afterward. More information at MILB.com/nashville.

Tap your toes at a Full Moon Pickin’ Party. Join in the pickin’ and grinnin’ at one of these monthly events under the stars at Percy Warner Park from May through September. Listen to live bluegrass, grab a bite from local food trucks and take advantage of some extra space to spread out around the Percy Warner Equestrian Barn. More information on the parties, along with other events at the park, can be found at WarnerParks.org/upcoming-events.

See the stars at the Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory. Tucked into the hills near Radnor Lake, the observatory hosts frequent telescope nights and even offers summer space camps. While this year’s camps are full, there is a waitlist. Learn more at dyer.vanderbilt.edu. Bonus idea: If you’re up for a bit of a drive, the Austin Peay State University Observatory has a series of summer observatory nights. The events are free but require registration ahead of time. Head to TicketSource.us/apsu-college-of-stem/t-zzdvvgm to make your reservation.