I find it special that beyond the honky-tonks and hot chicken, Nashville’s parks are full of wonder. I love how this city blends music, nature, and wide-open space, giving kids a chance to roam, explore, and play. I look forward to days that start with splash pad giggles and end with sunset views over the Cumberland River.
To me, Nashville parks mean paddling in the lake at Percy Priest Lake, hiking forested hills at Radnor Lake State Park, and picnicking by fountains and playgrounds at Centennial Park. We always bring bikes to the Shelby Bottoms Greenway, where paved trails wind past wetlands, riverbanks, and city views. Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park is perfect for splashy summer fun and learning about Tennessee’s history through monuments and maps. And at Warner Parks, we hike wooded trails, visit the nature center, and feel miles away from the city. Whether we’re chasing squirrels or enjoying a local festival, Nashville’s parks bring joy, rhythm, and fresh air to every family day.
"Tunes, trails, and Tennessee sunshine? This is Nashville with kids!"
Unique Nashville Parks
1. Beaman Park
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"Hike wooded trails and spot wildlife on an unusual nature trip."
Beaman Park spans across a total of 1,700 acres of the highland rim of Davidson County, making it one of the largest parks in Nashville, as well as one of its hidden gems.
The park isn’t visited as much as some others, which means that trail runners and hikers can experience the natural beauty of Middle Tennessee with nearly uninterrupted solitude and silence. Beaman Park is great for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes, and is a popular place for locals to run the trails with their dogs. The Henry Hollow Loop in particular features beautiful scenery.
Beaman Park, 5911 Old Hickory Blvd, Nashville, TN 37015, Phone: 615-862-8580
2. Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
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"Walk along monuments and explore Tennessee history on an easy weekend visit."
The Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park is a great place to go for a stroll, learn about history and have a picnic.
3. Centennial Park
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"See the Parthenon and relax by the lake on a romantic stroll."
Centennial Park is considered to be one of the premier parks of the city of Nashville, Tennessee. The park encompasses a little over 130 acres and features an exercise trail, a dog park, sand volleyball courts, a shelter for events, a band shell, a gorgeous sunken garden, a center for arts activities, historical monuments, the Centennial Art Center, Lake Watauga, a walking trail one mile in length, the Centennial Sportsplex, and the iconic replica of the Parthenon.
Thousands of visitors come to the Centennial Park every year to take in the surroundings, attend festivals and events, view exhibits, and explore the museum.
2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203, Phone: 615-862-8400, website link, Map
Romantic Nashville Parks
4. Cumberland Park
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"Let kids play in fountains and climb structures on a fun family day."
Cumberland Park is great for kids who enjoy the outdoors.
5. Fannie Mae Dees Park
My top 5 😎 :
"Admire the mosaic dragon and enjoy shady paths on a cheap trip."
The Fannie Mae Dees Park is just a handful of short blocks away from the Hillsboro Village and is often called the “Dragon Park” due to the stunning mosaic dragon that is found within the park grounds.
In addition to the famous dragon sculpture in Fannie Mae Dees Park, there are several other features and amenities for both adults and kids alike. Picnic shelters and numerous trees provide shade for visitors looking for a spot to relax or have a picnic lunch on the hot days of summer. There are also many benches that provide a chance for a bit of respite.
Fannie Mae Dees Park, 2400 Blakemore Ave, Nashville, TN 37212
Nashville Parks for Families
6. Fort Negley Park
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"Explore Civil War ruins and enjoy skyline views on a quick outing."
Fort Negley Park was constructed by the Union during the Civil War after the troops captured the city of Nashville, located around two miles for the present-day city center. The fortification was the largest of the inland forts built in the country during the Civil War.
The Visitors Center at the Fort Negley Park is an outdoor recreation and historical education center that explores the relationship between the Federal Government and Nashville throughout the Civil War, as well as the relevance of Fort Negley during the twentieth century and beyond. The park offers self-guided tours with informational panels located on paved paths.
7. Greenway Trail Head
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"Bike or jog scenic paths and discover local sights on an exciting trip."
The Greenway Trail Head provides access to the extensive series of greenways throughout the city of Nashville, Tennessee and the rest of Davidson County. The city of Nashville places quite a high amount of priority on linking and protecting its open green spaces and creating greenway trails.
The entirety of the state of Tennessee’s Davidson County boasts more than one hundred and ninety miles of trails. These trails include more than eighty primarily paved, multi-use, off-street greenway trails, along with various additional trail types within parks for equestrian use, mountain biking, hiking, and walking. Map
8. Hadley Park Regional Center
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"Join community events and play outdoor sports on an affordable family visit."
The Hadley Park Regional Center provides a friendly, safe, and modern place for people of all ages to meet with friends, recreate, and exercise in the heart of the historic area of North Nashville.
The community center offers a wide array of programs and activities for all skill levels and ages, boasting reasonable fees for fitness classes and memberships. Facilities and programs offered at the Hadley Park Center include an outdoor playground, full-service fitness center, indoor pool, outdoor and indoor running/walking tracks, a variety of exercise classes, an aerobics and dance studio, game room, youth programs, and senior recreation programs.
Hadley Park Regional Center, 1037 28th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208, Phone: 615-862-8451
9. Hartman Park Regional Center
The Hartman Park Regional Center is a community center that provides a friendly and modern place for patrons of any age to meet with friends, recreate, and exercise in a scenic park setting within the area of Bordeaux in Nashville.
The community center offers a broad array of programs and activities for all abilities and ages. The Hartman Park Regional Center offers a full-service fitness center, an indoor swimming pool, access to the greenway trailhead, a variety of exercise classes, an outdoor playground, youth programs, tennis courts, a basketball court, recreational and competitive sports programs, and much more.
Hartman Park Regional Center, 2801 Tucker Rd, Nashville, TN 37218, Phone: 615-862-8479
📔 I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
- Q: What is one of the best things about Nashville?
- A: It’s often said by many people that one of the best things about Nashville is the combination of great green spaces not even ten minutes away and a happening downtown scene.
- Q: Are there many parks and nature trails in Nashville?
- A: Yes, there are many beautiful nature trails and parks throughout the city.
- Q: What is the most well-known park in Nashville?
- A: Perhaps the most well-known of these parks is Nashville’s Centennial Park with its renowned replica of the Parthenon.
Best Time to Visit Nashville Parks
- April to June – Pleasant spring weather, perfect for hiking, picnics, and outdoor fun.
- September to November – Mild fall temps, ideal for scenic walks and enjoying colorful foliage.
- July & August – Warm summer months with vibrant events and family-friendly activities.
- December to February – Cooler months offering peaceful trails and fewer crowds.
- Late April – Best time for blooming flowers and comfortable outdoor conditions.
Map:
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