Family-Friendly Day Trips from Nashville
If you’re traveling to Nashville for vacation and are up for some exploration, there are numerous exciting adventures within just a few hours’ drive from the Music City, perfect for a family day trip. While Nashville boasts attractions such as the Parthenon, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Grand Ole Opry, venturing outside the city can add spice to your family vacation.
The next selections include a variety of experiences, from dude ranches to waterfalls, which provide hours of entertainment for families, often at a fraction of the cost of more popular sites in Nashville.
Bucksnort Trout Ranch
Address: 622 W Sugar Creek Rd, McEwen, TN 37101-1910, USA
Phone: +1 615-712-0324
Less than one hour west of Nashville, Bucksnort Trout Ranch is ideal for introducing children to fishing, allowing them to bait their lines and reel in their catch. Furthermore, enjoying fresh Rainbow Trout, whether you catch it yourself or have it prepared by the staff, makes for a memorable experience.
Dunbar Cave State Park
Address: 401 Old Dunbar Cave Rd, Clarksville, TN 37043, USA
Phone: +1 888-867-2757
This park, located 60 miles north of Nashville, features a stunning 8-mile cave, fishing and picnic areas along Swan Lake, and numerous hiking trails. Although former entertainment events are no longer held in the cave’s mouth, the park retains a rich lineup of summer programming available on its website.
Fall Creek Falls State Park
Address: 2009 Village Camp Rd, Spencer, TN 38585, USA
Phone: +1 888-867-2757
Spanning over 20,000 acres on the rugged Cumberland Plateau, this park is Tennessee’s largest and most visited, featuring breathtaking waterfalls like the 256-foot iconic Fall Creek Falls alongside numerous outdoor activities for families.
Historic Downtown Franklin
Only a short 30-minute drive from Nashville, Historic Downtown Franklin boasts antique shops, charming boutiques, scrumptious eateries, and rich Tennessee history for visitors to explore and enjoy.
Jack Daniel Distillery
Address: 280 Lynchburg Hwy, Lynchburg, TN 37352-5271, USA
Phone: +1 931-759-6357
Situated 70 miles southeast of Nashville, the town of Lynchburg and its distillery provide an enjoyable day trip. Although the tasting room is off-limits for children, the process of whiskey-making remains an intriguing experience.
Land Between the Lakes
Address: 238 Visitor Center Dr, Golden Pond, KY 42211, USA
Phone: +1 800-525-7077
The expansive Land Between the Lakes, located approximately 90 miles north of Nashville, encompasses 170,000 acres of a national recreation area featuring diverse attractions including an elk and bison prairie and the Kentucky Dam.
Lookout Mountain
Address: Lookout Mountain, TN 37350, USA
This destination, located just north of Chattanooga, boasts popular attractions such as Ruby Falls and Rock City, along with activities like zip line tours and guided cave explorations.
Loretta Lynn’s Dude Ranch
Address: 8000 Highway 13 South, Hurricane Mills, TN 37078, USA
Phone: +1 931-296-7700
Located off I-40, just over an hour’s drive from Nashville, Loretta Lynn’s Dude Ranch is more than just a ranch; it’s an entire community filled with activities and history, making it an ideal family outing.
Natchez Trace Parkway
The Natchez Trace Parkway spans an ancient trail of 444 miles through Mississippi, Alabama, and into Tennessee. Visitors can enjoy this scenic route by car or bike, with ample opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, camping, and more.
