Outdoor Adventures & Nature Fun
Montgomery Bell State Park | Dickson
Hiking, kayaking, swimming, fishing, golfing, playgrounds, camping, and picnics... what a treasure to have a state park in our own town. (Recommended by, um, literally everyone... AimeeAnne, Meg, Erin, Brittany, Megan, Kelsey, and Elizabeth.)
Narrows of the Harpeth & Table Top Hike | Kingston Springs
Breathtaking views, kayaking, and hiking trails. (Kelsey and Brittany)
Bowie Nature Park | Fairview
A gem tucked away in Fairview, they have camps and events all summer long! (Meg)
Water Fun & Splash Pads
Henslee Park Splash Pad | Dickson
DicksonFree is shaded, super convenient, inclusive, and always a hit with kids. (Meg, Elizabeth, Megan)
Bluegrass Splash Water Park | Hopkinsville, KY
The smaller water park is great for a day trip. (Meg)
Nashville Shores | Hermitage
Full-scale water park with slides, wave pools, and even camping with lakefront views. (Erin)
Harpeth River | Kingston Springs, Ashland City
Great for families and beginners, multiple access points, the best way to spend a summer day with friends. (Catelyn, Brittany, Amanda, Kelsey)
Indoor Play & Rainy-Day Fun
Clement Railroad Hotel Museum | Dickson
Explore period-furnished rooms, interactive displays, and a model railroad exhibit that brings the 1920s and 1930s Dickson rail-yard to life. It's a must-visit for history enthusiasts and families alike! (Elizabeth)
Sunny Day Studio | Clarksville
An absolute delight! This sweet play studio offers both indoor and outdoor spaces with rotating and seasonal activities, providing daily sensory play sessions and special events on select Saturdays. (Meg, Bethany, Elizabeth)
Mem’s Playhouse | Dickson & TN Toddles | Fairview
Toddler-friendly play center with climbing structures and cozy play corners. Also great for indoor birthday parties for littles! (Sara, Megan, Elizabeth)
Adventure Science Center | Nashville
Exhibits, planetarium, and interactive STEM activities.(Bethany, Megan)
Abundant Life Adventure Gym | Downtown Dickson
Indoor adventure gym features a customizable NinjaWarrior–style obstacle course with elements like warpwalls, slack lines, balance beams, and a toddler play area. The coolest place and a great indoor alternative that will wear the kids out! (Elizabeth)
Wonders Center & Science Museum | Dickson
Located in the iconic Renaissance Center building, Teslacoil, dinosaurs, and hands-on STEM experiences.
Classic Family Fun
Thunder Alley Family Entertainment Center | Dickson
Bowling, laser tag, a huge arcade, special events, cosmic bowling, and a Kids Bowl Free program. A summer staple! (Elizabeth)
The Roxy Theater | Dickson
So much summer fun! $5 movies on Tuesdays and free family features throughout the summer. (AimeeAnne, Megan)
Pink Cadillac Drive-In Theater | Centerville
Nostalgic movie nights under the stars. (Amanda)
Local Dining & Walkable Downtowns
Downtown Dickson
Grab coffee from Moon Draped, get a massage at Bloom, eat breakfast at House Blend, have a delicious lunch and cold beer on the rooftop deck at Back Alley, meet for dinner with friends at Zander’s or date night at Lugo’s, enjoy drinks at Boardable 615, do some shopping along Main Street, enjoy live music and open air at One19, watch the game and have a beer at House of Brews, grab an appetizer and cocktail at Milepost 42, enjoy the peace of a good book and hot latte at Pumphrey and Beard, heal your mind and strengthen your body at The Loft Pilates studio, grab some fresh pizzas for the fam at 055 Pizza, take the kids by Katie’s for ice cream and playground, spend your Saturday mornings with allllll the farm fresh necessities at TARE Bulk Foods before running by the brand new Farmers Market with local vendors. Downtown Dickson literally has it all.
Historic Charlotte Square | Charlotte
The charm and warmth of the sweetest little town, Charlotte Square, is surrounded by a collection of 19th-century buildings echoing the rich history. Visitors can explore local shops like Sweet Charlotte's gourmet popcorn store and enjoy eateries such as Laredo's Mexican Grill and Café Gilly.
Jonah’s Pizza, Otts Barbecue, Murphy’s CeeBee, The Cellar, Country View Market, and Don Chuy’s are a few of our other favorite Charlotte spots! The square hosts annual events like the Charlotte Festival in September and Christmas on the Square!
- Honorable Mentions: Leiper’s Fork Village and Downtown Franklin