Whether you’re looking for a place to play with the kiddos or to decompress with some off-screen time, Nashville features 150+ parks and recreational spots for you to enjoy.
Ready to plan your trip to the park? Grab your shades and trusty water bottle — here are some of Music City’s best:
Scenic parks
Riverfront Park, 100 1st Ave. N.
Riverfront Park was nominated as one of USA Today’s 10Best for good reason. The park covers five acres of land along the Cumberland River. Bonus: Across the river, you’ll spot Alice Aycock’s Ghost Ballet sculpture.
Shelby Bottoms Nature Center & Greenway, 1900 Davidson St.
Start your visit to the multi-use park with a stop at the Shelby Bottoms Nature Center for a ranger-led program. Explore the over 950-acre greenway and take in views of the Cumberland River.
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, 600 James Robertson Pkwy.
As the name suggests, this park provides a clear vantage point of the Tennessee State Capitol atop a hill. Plus, walk the 11 acres to see pieces of Tennessee history, including a 200-ft granite map of the state, the World War II Memorial, and the 95-bell carillon.
Ellington Agricultural Center, 440 Hogan Rd.
This green space is tucked away in the Crieve Hall neighborhood just 10 miles south of downtown. The hilltop area offers open green spaces and mature trees near the museum, garden, and log cabins. Plus, the center is listed as an official arboretum by the Nashville Tree Foundation and is home to an official iris garden near the Hogan Road entrance.
Hamilton Creek Park, 2901 Bell Rd.
This recreational area sits on the Percy Priest shoreline and features a sand beach, boat launch, 10.9-mile loop mountain biking trail, and covered pavilions.
Bells Bend Park, 4187 Old Hickory Blvd.
Visit the Bells Bend Outdoor Center for educational programs and activities before venturing out to explore the 808-acre pastoral park. Ready to hit the trails? Be sure to look out for migratory birds and other wildlife during your visit.
Radnor Lake State Park, 1160 Otter Creek Rd.
Spanning 1,368 acres, the nature preserve is the perfect place for wildlife enthusiasts to see owls, herons, waterfowl, reptiles, mink, and otters. You’ll also enjoy walking the Lake Trail and joining in on the ranger-led programs hosted throughout the year.
Warner Parks, Locations vary
The opportunities at Edwin Warner and Percy Warner are endless with access to Nature Center activities, hiking trails, mountain bike trails, scenic overlooks, athletic fields, golf courses, a dog park, and an equestrian center with horse trails. It’s no surprise over one million people visit the parks annually.
Ravenwood Park, 3401 Central Pk.
The 800-acre green space in the Donelson-Hermitage area stands out not only as one of the city’s largest regional parks, but also as one of its newest. It’s located on a major bend in the Stones River, so expect winding trails along the riverfront and connection to the Stones River Greenway. There’s also a playground, basketball court, and outdoor workout station.
Mill Ridge Park, 12847 Old Hickory Blvd.
Mill Ridge Park spans 622 acres and boasts paved and primitive trails, grassland meadows, and a playground with a five-story climbing tower. For those who love sports and socializing, check out the basketball courts, fitness equipment, and event lawn.
Family parks
Green Hills Park, 1200 Lone Oak Rd.
Tucked away in its namesake neighborhood, Green Hills Park spans 12 acres next to J.T. Moore Middle School. In the past decade, the park has installed a natural obstacle course, six disc golf baskets, grassy berms, and a shaded pavilion. Don’t miss the playground, tennis courts, and baseball fields.
Hadley-Lillard Park, 1037 28th Ave. N.
The southern portion of the park offers picnic shelters, a playground, and open fields surrounded by a paved walking trail. The northern part is home to the regional center and a tennis center with nine outdoor courts and four indoor courts.
Fannie Mae Dees Park, 2400 Blakemore Ave.
Also known as Dragon Park because of the large mosaic sea serpent sculpture, it dates back to 1978 and takes its official name from the local civic leader Fannie Mae Dees. The park is within walking distance of Hillsboro Village, making it the perfect spot for a post-dinner stroll or a play day with the kiddos.
Frankie Pierce Park, 130 LifeWay Plaza
The ~$4 million, 2.5-acre park was named for J. Frankie Pierce, an educator and suffragist. Visitors will find a children’s playground, dog park, yoga lawn, and a sand volleyball court.
Moss-Wright Park, 745 Caldwell Dr., Goodlettsville
Whether you live in Goodlettsville or want to explore the community, this 147-acre park on the border of Davidson County is a local favorite for a reason. Activities range from a playground, trails, and a dog park to recreational areas for baseball, soccer, and volleyball. Pro tip: If you want to play pickleball, travel 2.5 miles to Peay Park, where you’ll find three dedicated courts.
Red Caboose Park
Photo by @notathomemom
Kid-focused parks
Watkins Sprayground, 616 17th Ave. N.
Watkins Park became Nashville’s first public park in 1901. The little ones will love splashing around the sprayground during summer months — with operating hours from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends.
Kirkpatrick Sprayground, 998 Sevier St.
The sprayground, play structure, and swing set sit behind the community center — all of which is conveniently located within walking distance of the nearby elementary school. The sprayground operates the same hours as the Watkins Sprayground.
Thisbe & Noah’s Promise Park, Nashville Zoo, 3777 Nolensville Pk.
This all-inclusive park at the Nashville Zoo incorporates equipment designed for children in wheelchairs, as well as those with autism, special sensory needs, cochlear implants, and more to be able to play alongside their peers.
Red Caboose Park, 694 Colice Jeanne Rd.
This park was torn down and rebuilt in 2018. The kids will love the expansive play structure with slides and a swing set, stationary train, and two shaded pavilions perfect for birthday parties.
Finding a dog-friendly green space is a walk in the park.
Photo by @the_reagan_hounds
Dog parks
Two Rivers Dog Park, 3150 McGavock Pk.
Pet owners can do laps with their pooches in the dog park or take in the rest of the 374-acre park. We’re talking wave-action swimming pools, picnic shelters, the Stones River Greenway, and more.
Centennial Dog Park, Corner of 31st Avenue N. and Parthenon Avenue
Explore all 132 acres the park offers, stroll the one-mile walking trail, or take your dog out for some off-leash socialization at the dog park.
Shelby Dog Park, Shelby Avenue at S. 20th Street
This 300-acre multi-use park is just two miles from downtown and includes the Shelby Bottoms Natural Area. Find the dog park behind the community center.
Warner Dog Park, 50 Vaughn Rd.
You can find the dog park across from the sports complex in Edwin Warner Park — complete with benches for owners and a doggie water fountain.
Fair Park Dog Park, Bransford Avenue
This puppy play park is conveniently located near the fairgrounds and GEODIS Park, receiving a 4 out of 5 bones on BringFido. The park is car-themed and boasts agility tires, benches to relax on, and AstroTurf.
Pups N Play Dog Park, corner of 6th Avenue and Broadway
Bring Fido to the 6th Avenue side of Bridgestone Arena for some fun in the sun. The park features a double gate system for safety, benches, and a hydration station. Fun fact: Over 5,000 dogs live downtown, meaning your pup will likely make a few friends at this downtown spot.
Downtown Dog Park, 200 1st Ave. N.
Take in skyline views while your pup gets in playtime at this dog-friendly area in Riverfront Park. The fenced park features artificial turf and dog-friendly water fountains, as well as a few picnic tables for owners to gather around.
Use this guide to identify the types of trees at Centennial Park. | Photo via @centennialpark
Sports parks
Nashville Street Workout Park, 399 1st Ave. S.
No home equipment or gym membership? No problem. This park features parallel bars, low bars for push-ups, pull-up bars, high bars, and incline benches.
Two Rivers Skate Park, 2320 Two Rivers Pkwy.
As you can imagine, this park equipped with ramps is perfectly suited for skateboarders, in-line skaters, BMX bikes, and non-motorized scooters.
E.S. Rose Park, 1000 Edgehill Ave.
Expect a 24-acre community facility housing baseball, softball, and soccer fields, as well as a basketball court, walking track, and training facility. The park is open to the public except when it’s reserved for an event.
Sevier Park, 3021 Lealand Ln.
The community center at Sevier Park offers a gymnasium with a walking track, dance room, and fitness center. Plus, you’ll find an outdoor track and playground.
Centennial Park, 2500 West End Ave.
Walk the one-mile path, get a group together for sand volleyball, and enjoy the exercise trail. Bonus: Centennial Sportsplex is located adjacent to the park and boasts pools and group fitness classes.
Your park grab bag
Picked your perfect park? Make the most out of your experience with our favorite items for a relaxing day outside:
- Is there anything quite like sitting in the shade and enjoying a good book? Check out our guide to books by local authors to help choose your next great read.
- The Kindle Paperwhite is a lightweight e-reader option that stands up to bright sunlight.
- A good water bottle keeps you hydrated — we’re big fans of the best-selling Owala FreeSip.
- Heading to the park with kids? Check out the Owala FreeSip for kids.
- Don’t forget the travel-size bug spray and sunscreen.
- These sunglasses from Nordstrom Rack are available at discount prices + have a style for everyone.
Ready to visit these local parks but don’t know where to start? We’ve created this handy map so you can find all of these featured parks.
