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.
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.
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 — from a 200-ft granite map of the state and the World War II Memorial to the 95-bell carillon and Rivers of Tennessee Fountains.
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 full of migratory birds and other wildlife. You’ll also indulge in views of the Cumberland River.
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.
Red Caboose Park
Photo by @notathomemom
Kid-focused parks
Kirkpatrick Sprayground, 620 S. 9th 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.
Watkins Sprayground, Jo Johnston Avenue at 17th Avenue North
Watkins Park became Nashville’s first public park in 1901. The kiddos will love splashing around the sprayground during summer months — with operating hours from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends.
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. Kiddos will love the expansive play structure with slides and a swing set, stationary train, and two shaded pavilions perfect for birthday parties. Bonus: The stage has featured Make Music Nashville performances in year’s past.
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 sand volleyball court on-site.
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 — the dog park is located 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.
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 + 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 + this insulated stackable tumbler from Asheville NC-based retailer Pirani.
- 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.
- Keep it all together in a handy tote bag — these adorable tote bags are all crafted by small businesses and local makers.
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.
