As many will tell you, summer in Nashville is a pretty special time. This is the time of year that Music City’s biggest outdoor festivals and events happen. You’ll always find something fun to do in Nashville during the summer! From brunching on Lower Broad to hitting the lake, your summer in Nashville will be one to remember. Here are our top 20 favorite things to do in Nashville! There’s a good mix of Nashville honky-tonk party and family-friendly activities!

 

#1 – Nashville Toons

fun summer activities Nashville

There’s “No Life, Like Lake Life” in Nashville!

Nashville Toons is the newest experience to hit the waters in Nashville this summer and is quickly becoming one of the hottest things to do for locals and visitors alike.

These double-decker custom built pontoons are the ultimate lake day retreat with a water slide, 16ft lily pad, a Captain, Host/Hostess to fill your drinks up, and more! A great summertime activity in Nashville for all occasions- bachelorettes/bachelor parties, get-togethers with friends, birthday parties, team building, and more.

Private Cruises for $599

Cruises for up to 14 guests

 

#2 – Nashville Showboat Lunch or Dinner Cruise on the General Jackson

From a Taste of Tennessee to Southern Homecoming to Music City Nights, the General Jackson Showboat is your ticket to experience Nashville from the beautiful Cumberland River. Fun fact, it is one of the largest showboats ever built!

Starting at $88

From solo to large groups, you’ll be entertained on this summertime river cruise.

 

#3 – Nash Bash Party Bus

This bus party takes you to Nashville’s hottest bars, murals, and the cities best breweries. It’s BYOB, so bring the umbrella drinks or the cans of Rose to enjoy during the drive!

Starting at $299

Best for your summer Nashville Bachelorette

14 Passenger Bus

 

#4 – Arrington Vineyard

If you’re a wine-o then you’re going to love this Nashville wine country experience. A lovely summer day getaway to the Nashville countryside among the rolling hills of middle Tennessee.

Located in Arrington, TN

Free! Pack a lunch and sip some Arrington wine.

 

#5 – Mint Julep Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey Adventure

Experience the culture and craftsmanship of Tennessee with Mint Julep Experiences. Tour Tennessee whiskey distilleries for the day, with lunch included. Distilleries include Jack Daniel’s, George Dickel, Edley’s, Bearded Iris, and Greenbrier. Or experience that Tennessee barbeque you’ve been hearing so much about! Mint Julep offers a variety of experiences.

Starting at $119

 

6 – Zip Line Adventure Park at Nashville West

Ziplining in Nashville, that’s a summer activity that is bucket list adventure! From high ropes challenge courses to glow in the dark adventures, The Adventure Park will have you spending your summer days in the treetops. Great activity for the kids during summer in Nashville!

Starting at $59

 

#7 – River Queen Voyages Kayaking the Cumberland

This summer get out on a kayak in Nashville and paddle the Cumberland River! We already know it’s going to be a scorcher in Nashville, this is your opportunity to escape the heat and cool off for the day. These self-guided kayak trips can take you through the city or away from the city and into the natural beauty of Tennessee on the scenic nature paddle.

Children 7+

Paddle Distance 3 miles – 8 miles

Starting at $32

 

#8 – Cruzzin’ Around Tours and Personal Transportation (Golf Cart)

From Nashville sightseeing tours to the legendary Honky-Tonk Nashville experience, Cruzzin’ Around brings souped-up golf carts to the streets.

Starting at $30

 

 #9 – Nashville Sounds Baseball Game

Summertime is the season of baseball. Whether it’s an afternoon or evening game throw that cap on and grab your Crack Jacks. Young and old, an old ball game is always a great way to pass a summer day in Nashville.

Starting at $11

 

#10 – Nashville Shores

This family fun park is a destination for all during summer in Nashville. Stay cool in the sun in the water park, or soar above on zipline through the treetops. You can grab a day pass or a season pass here. It’ll be a fulfilling summer day with the kiddos hitting the water slides and tackling the aerial adventure course!

Located in East of Downtown

Starting at $32

 

#11 – Cheekwood Estate and Garden

Cheekwood is one of the finest examples of an American Country Place Era estate. The estate was converted into a museum of art and botanical garden in 1960. If you’re looking to take in Nashville’s historical side and natural beauty this is a must visit. Spend a summer day walking the botanical gardens, taking in the art, and if your time is right you could catch a seasonal festival.

Located in West Nashville

Starting at $20

 

 #12 – Centennial Park

The park hosts a variety of cultural festivals throughout the year, but is a great place to spend the day at. Pack a picnic and enjoy the parkgrounds. Be sure to check out the Nashville Parthenon. Nearby is Vanderbilt University and Union Station.

Located in Midtown Nashville

Free

 

#13 – Nashville Tractor

Summertime and Moonshine! This Nashville party tour is Nashville’s only Moonshine Party Attraction in town. If you and your group are looking for a Tennessee country experience but don’t want to leave the city, jump on the big red tractor and the wagon behind. With a light up dance floor, horse saddle seating, cash bar, beverages, and a host to keep you entertained!

Starting at $25

Up to 30 Guests

#14 Belle Meade Plantation

Belle Meade preserves and interprets the historical value of Belle Meade Plantation and educates the public about its significance in American culture. Tour a Tennessee plantation from the mansion and grounds to the battle of Nashville. Take part in a wine tasting on the grounds

Starting at $15

 

#15 – Nashville Farmers Market

The Nashville Farmers Market is a lively, daily market featuring a wide variety of local Nashville foods, produce, crafts, classes and chef demos. You can check out the Famer Sheds, Garden Center, Night Market, and various Neighborhood Marketings around Nashville. And good news! The NFM is a pet-friendly market, just make sure to have a leash on and not bring them into the general dining areas.

 

Farmers Market

Year-round Market

Located in the urban core of downtown Nashville adjacent to the Tennessee State Museum and Bicentennial Mall State Park.

Azafrán Farmers’ Market (May 29 through October)

Wednesdays 3-6 p.m.

Azafrán Park, 2195 Nolensville Pike, Nashville

Vanderbilt Farmers’ Market (June 5 through October)

Thursdays 1:30-5 p.m.

Vanderbilt Medical Center Plaza, 2211 Garland Ave., Nashville

Night Market

3rd Friday of every month 5–9 p.m

Farm Sheds

During peak season the Farm Sheds are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Vendors vary each day

 

#16 – Live On The Green

Spend a summer evening in Nashville at Live on the Green. With music playing every Thursday Downtown and vendors on sight, it’s the perfect Thursday summer night out! Great spot for dinner dates, family nights, or a solo taste of Nashville!

Located Downtown off 3rd and Union

Free

 

#17 – Yee Haw Brewery

If you are one for good brews and yard games, then you’ll be one for the Yee Haw Brewery. Not only does this Nashville brewery serve up iconic craft beers, but it’s also known for its legendary outdoor yard games. Did someone say cornhole tourney?

Located in The Gulch

$Brews

 

#18 – Top Golf

Who said golf must be played on a well manicured green course on the outskirts of town? If you haven’t tried a Top Golf yet then you better get yourself and your friends out there this summer! This is the replacement to the old times of hanging at the bowling alley. Hit the driving range, grab a drink at the bar, order up some apps, and spend this summer night from a new perspective on the green.

Starting at $29

 

#19 – Cummins Falls

Get outside and take a hike this summer in Nashville! If you haven’t explored Cummins Falls State Park, then we 10/10 recommend you do so! The falls are a sight to take in. They are Tennessee’s eighth largest waterfall in volume of water and is 75 feet high. Pack your swimsuit and jump in to cool off. There’s plenty of rocks to lie out on after to soak up that Vitamin D and warm up.

Located in Cookeville, TN

Free

 

#20 – Nashville Pedal Tavern

things to do in Nashville during the summer

Not to toot our own horn but we have to say a Nashville Pedal Tavern experience makes the Top 20 of things to do in Nashville during the summer. Whether its a Nashville bachelorette or bachelor party, or just a Saturday with boyz- Nashville Pedal Tavern is here to make your party the party of Nashville.

Partner bars in Broadway, Midtown/Music Row, and the Gulch

Starting at $39.99