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 Tennessee: Nashville, Family Vacation Ideas - Music, Adventure Tower and a Waterpark.
Known
by many as "Music
City USA”, the city offers much more for families. Go for the music and mix up
the activities. From art and nature to live music and multicultural events, the
vacation choices are one-of-a-kind and the stuff for building memories. Ride the
BlueMax at the Science Center; go on a “Critter Encounter” at the zoo or visit
the new Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum.
Take time to
smell the roses.
In
1957 the Cheek family donated the 55 acres of their Cheekwood estate to the city
of Nashville; today the estate is Nashville’s home of art and gardens. Visitors
are invited to stroll the beautiful gardens and Carell Woodland Sculpture Trail
and enjoy the artwork on display inside of the Cheek family mansion now
converted into an award-winning museum of art. Bonus point: Cheekwood
Botanical Garden & Museum of Art offers a variety of classes, workshops, nature
walks and botanical lectures. (1200 Forrest Park Drive, Nashville TN 37205
1(615) 356-8000 or
www.cheekwood.org)
Play around. The
Nashville Toy Museum features a wonderful collection of toys ranging from china
dolls to classic model ships. The main attraction is the 19th century
European train collection – all made long before America started to produce
model trains. (2613, McGavock Pike #B, Nashville, 1(615) 883-8870)
Go wild.
The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is committed to educating its visitors about its
animals and their respective environments. One of the more unique exhibits at
the museum is the “Unseen World” featuring over 250 insects, reptiles, mammals
and birds. Other great finds at the zoo include the new African elephant
habitat, a Bamboo Trail and Critter Encounters for those that yearn to walk the
wild side. Bonus point: The Jungle Gym is a giant playground situated in the zoo
– it’s a great opportunity for parents to rest their feet while the kids run
wild. (3777 Nolensville Road, 1(615) 833-1534 or
www.nashville.org)
Have fun
with the whole family.
For those
looking for a pure-fun experience Recreation World is the place to go. With
everything from video games and rollerblading to go-karts and bumper cars, and
even mini-golfing, a great time can be had by all. (7115 South Springs Drive,
Franklin, 1(615) 771-7812)
Explore the
world of science.  Step
into discovery at the Adventure Science Center. Dedicated to interactive
learning and thought-provoking exhibits, the Adventure Science Center is a great
place for any family. In the center of the museum is the Adventure Tower which
soars 75 feet into the air and is filled with over 75 different interactive
spots including BodyQuest, allowing visitors to explore the
human body in an amazing and original scientific adventure. The center also
features the Sudekum Planetarium, where visitors are invited to explore the
universe – nearby is the BlueMax full-motion flight simulator where the
adventurous can engage in an interactive dog-fight, land on a carrier or
practice aerobatic maneuvers. (800 Fort Negley Boulevard, Nashville, 1(615)
862-5160 or
www.adventuresci.com)
Take a ride
into history.
Located in
Riverfront Park is a magnificently carved monument to the history of Nashville –
the Red Grooms Tennessee Fox Trot Carousel. Two of the many historical figurines
featured are Davy Crockett and Andrew Jackson. (Riverfront Park, Nashville,
1(615) 259-4700 or
www.wnpt.net/carousel)
Witness the grandeur of the Deep South.
The
Italian villa mansion of Belmont preserves the historical traditions implemented
by the now-deceased Adelicia Hayes – she wanted to share the beauty of her home
with everyone, and today that tradition lives on. Attractions include an
aquarium, a zoo, a bowling alley and an art gallery. (1900 Belmont Blvd,
Nashville, 1(615) 460-5453 or
www.belmontmansion.com)
Splash
Around.
The longest waterslide in Middle Tennessee can be found at Nashville Shores
Outdoor Water Park – along with giant pools and miniature golf. Not only does
Nashville Shores have the longest waterslide, they have the seven largest
waterslides in Tennessee, jet skis, pontoon boats, parasailing, and lake front
cabin rentals. (4001 Bell Road, Hermitage, 1(615) 889-7050 or
www.nashvilleshores.com)
See what you've
heard.
New to
Nashville the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum is a multi-purpose complex
that l not only feature exhibits from well known musicians, but also spotlights
the musical contributions made throughout the years by studio musicians,
producers and engineers in all genres. Exhibits to include personal history of
players and actual instruments used on records from Hank Williams Sr., Bob
Dylan, Johnny Cash, Stevie Wonder, Everly Brothers, Elvis Presley, Red Hot Chili
Peppers, Neil Young and more. The 30,000 sq. ft. complex also includes a state
of the art recording studio, performance hall, small theatre and school of
music. Bonus points: See the rescued and re-created stage where a young
Jimi Hendrix honed his talent; Chad Smith’s (Red Hot Chili Peppers) snare drum;
Billy Sherrill's cigarette-burned piano, on which he composed country classics
like "Almost Persuaded," "The Most Beautiful Girl" and even "Stand By Your
Man."( 301 6th Ave. Nashville, TN. 37203. 1(615) 244-3263 or
www.musicianshalloffame.com)
Be artsy at
the Frist.  The historic
former Post Office in downtown Nashville is now home to the Frist Center for the
Visual Arts featuring ever-changing visual art from around the world, an
interactive gallery and special educational programs. Bonus point: The
museum and gallery support education and the arts by offering free admission to
all visitors 18 and under. (919 Broadway, Nashville, 1(615) 244-3340,
www.fristcenter.org)
For more ideas go to
www.VisitMusicCitycom
Text
researched and created by Travel Communications Inc. Images provided courtesy of
Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau. Copyright 2009.
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