The Bevē Guide to Nashville Family Summer: A Bucket List You'll Actually Want to Check Off

Summer in Nashville hits different when you have kids in tow. The days are long, the city is alive, and suddenly the question shifts from "what's happening downtown tonight?" to "what are we doing tomorrow?" — and the day after that, and the one after that.

We put together the ultimate Nashville family summer bucket list so you can spend less time planning and more time actually living it. From splashing around on Percy Priest Lake to slow mornings in Centennial Park, this is your guide to making this the summer your family talks about for years.

And yes — we've rounded up a few Bevē Curated picks along the way, because the right stuff makes every adventure a little better.

 1. Beat the Heat at Nashville Shores Waterpark

If you haven't made it to Nashville Shores yet this summer, move it to the top of your list. Located just 10 miles from downtown on the shores of Percy Priest Lake, Nashville Shores is Middle Tennessee's largest waterpark — and it has something for every age. Little ones will love Kowabunga Beach, a massive water treehouse and splash zone built just for them, while older kids can race each other down Riptide Racer or spin through the funnel of Mega Mayhem. Adults? The lazy river and wave pool are calling your name.

What's new this summer: Nashville Shores debuted all-new drone light shows over Percy Priest Lake in partnership with Star Struck Drone Shows — including a special America 250 pre-Independence Day show on June 26. Fireworks over the lake on the 4th of July are also a staple. It's a full-day (and full-night) destination.

Pro tip: Buy tickets online ahead of time to save money at the gate, and grab a season pass if you plan to go more than once

2. A Morning at the Nashville Zoo

The Nashville Zoo is one of those places that never gets old, no matter how many times you've been. With over 6,000 animals and one of the largest wooden play structures in the country (Jungle Gym, a must), it's an easy full morning for families with kids of any age.

Summer tip: Go early, the zoo opens at 9 AM, and you want to beat both the heat and the crowds. Animals are most active in the cooler morning hours, and you'll have the paths mostly to yourself before 11.

Don't skip the Lorikeet Landing, where kids can hand-feed colorful lorikeets, or the Wild Animal Carousel for your littlest ones.

 3. Centennial Park — Nashville's Greatest Free Afternoon

Centennial Park is one of Nashville's most underrated family gems, and summer is the perfect time to rediscover it. Spread out on the lawn, let the kids run wild, and take in the iconic full-scale replica of the Parthenon, one of Nashville's most recognizable landmarks and worth a visit every season. (Note: the Parthenon has been closed for an HVAC renovation and is expected to reopen this summer, keep an eye on their schedule for confirmed dates.)

The park's open lawns are perfect for a family picnic, frisbee, or just letting the kids burn energy. The whole park is free to enter!

 4. July 4th on Percy Priest Lake

Skip the downtown chaos this Independence Day. Nashville Shores hosts a fireworks show over Percy Priest Lake that's genuinely spectacular, and the lake setting makes it feel unlike any other fireworks display in the city. Pair it with a full day at the waterpark, or on Nashville Toons, grab some food on-site, and stake out a good spot on the beach as the sun goes down.

If you want to make a whole weekend of it, Nashville Shores has lakefront cabins and RV sites on the property, which brings us to our next bucket list item.

5. Camp Out Without Roughing It

Not a tent-in-the-dirt kind of family? No problem. Nashville Shores sits on 385 wooded acres on Percy Priest Lake and offers lakefront cabins and well-equipped RV sites, so you get all the campfire magic without sacrificing a good night's sleep.

For a lakefront experience that's a step above, Elm Hill RV Resort sits right on the shores of Percy Priest Lake and combines natural beauty with top-tier amenities. Think a private sandy beach, swimming pool, on-site marina, fire pits, and a playground that keeps the kids happy long after the s'mores are gone. Just 12 miles from downtown Nashville, it's close enough to dip into the city and retreat back to a peaceful lakeside setting at the end of the day. The on-site marina offers boat, kayak, and paddleboard rentals, so you can spend your mornings on the water without ever leaving the property.

For the more adventurous, there are also great camping spots throughout Edwin Warner and Percy Warner Parks, as well as nearby Long Hunter State Park, which has lakeside campsites just minutes from the water.

Summer camping near Nashville is genuinely beautiful — fireflies, lake breezes, and the kind of quiet you don't get anywhere else in the city.

 6. Nashville SC Summer Kickoff at GEODIS Park (Bonus!)

If your family has any soccer fans or just wants to be part of something electric this summer the Nashville SC Summer Kickoff at GEODIS Park runs through July 17th, wrapping up with a major MLS match against Atlanta United FC. With live music, watch parties for the FIFA World Cup, and family-friendly entertainment all summer long, GEODIS Park has become one of the best live event venues in the Southeast.

It's a great way to round out the summer and show the kids what Nashville pride looks like in full voice.

7. Bevē Curated — Because the Right Details Make the Memory

Here's what we know at Bevē: the best summers aren't just about where you go,  they're about how it feels. The right itinerary. The perfect transportation. A knowledgeable and fun guide. The little things that turn a good day into a great one.

We curate with intention creating experiences that actually fit the way Nashville families live. This summer, trust Bevē to get you where you need to be on time and in style.

Your Nashville Summer Bucket List Recap

☐ Waterpark day at Nashville Shores

☐ Morning at the Nashville Zoo

☐ Picnic in Centennial Park (Parthenon visit when it reopens!)

☐ July 4th fireworks over Percy Priest Lake

☐ A night (or weekend) camping near Nashville

☐ Nashville SC match at GEODIS Park

☐ Book Bevē Curated