Spring has arrived and summer is just around the corner, which means we can finally emerge from hibernation and enjoy some much needed sunshine and outdoor adventures!
Nashville is brimming with incredible public playgrounds offering plenty of free outdoor fun for kiddos of all ages. So, pack the kids in the car, slather on some sunscreen and head out to any (or all) of these amazing playgrounds.
Nashville’s Best Public Playgrounds
Gallatin/Hermitage/Mt. Juliet
Ravenwood Park
Stones River Greenway, Hermitage
Why it’s one of the best: In addition to the massive climbing tower and spacious playgrounds, this park gives you a front row seat to plenty of natural beauty with its lush landscapes and scenic river views.
Park Amenities:
- 800 acres of lush greenery
- Two large playgrounds
- Massive three-story climbing tower
- Sand play zone
- Walking trails
- Picnic pavilion
- Sports court
- Fitness equipment
The Planet Playground
1038 Charlie Daniels Pkwy, Mt. Juliet
Why it’s one of the best: Plenty of adventure for kids who love to climb, slides galore and a free splash pad.
Park Amenities:
- Two twenty-foot towers
- 15 slides – including two 12-ft tunnel slides
- 3 “little free libraries” for your bookworm
- Accessible play structures for children of all abilities
- Free splash pad
Gallatin Miracle Park
240 Champion Drive, Gallatin
Why it’s one of the best: Tennessee’s largest all-inclusive playground including ADA-compliant playground structure, ball field, pedal park and plenty of structures to foster lots of imaginative play with friends!
Amenities:
- Inclusive, ADA-compliant playground
- Fun pedal park
- Special ADA-compliant ball field
- Wheelchair swing
- Plenty of ramps
- Zip lines
Nashville
Fannie Mae Dees Park
2400 Blakemore Ave, Nashville
Why it’s one of the best: This park is made popular by its 150-foot mosaic sea serpent sculpture.
Park Amenities:
- Rope obstacle courses
- Separate toddler play area
- Artificial grass making it accessible for mobility devices.
- Two accessible swings, accessible merry-go-round, and additional interactive elements on the ground level for kids in wheelchairs.
- Picnic tables
- Picnic shelter
Mill Ridge Park and Playground
12924 Old Hickory Blvd, Nashville
Why it’s one of the best: The 52-foot slide that towers over a playground and the interactive musical art installation.
Park Amenities:
- Basketball court
- Nature trails
- Interactive musical art installation
- Outdoor exercise equipment
- Circular path for running/walking
Historic Centennial Park
2500 West End Ave, Nashville
Why it’s one of the best: This 132-acre park is home to the iconic Parthenon, which was revealed during the World’s Fair in 1897, a great playground and plenty of free year-round family-friendly events.
Park Amenities:
- Playground
- One-mile walking trail
- Lake Watauga
- Centennial Arts Center
- Arts activity center
- Gardens
- Bandshell
- Volleyball courts
- Dog Park
- Exercise trail
- Sprawling lawn
Franklin
Tinkerbell Playground at Pinkerton Park
405 Murfreesboro Rd, Franklin
Why it’s one of the best: Huge wooden play structure with whimsical designs, slides, tunnels, swings and a sand pit.
Park Amenities:
- Two playgrounds (designated toddler playground)
- Walking trails
- Storybook trail
- Picnic pavilions
- Sand pit
- Climbing structures
- Clean restrooms
Jim Warren Park and Skate Plaza
705 Boyd Mill Ave, Franklin
Why it’s one of the best: This park is surrounded by beautiful trees and the smaller playground allows your kids to be within your sight at all times. Unique features include a skate park and a catch-and-release fishing pond.
Park Amenities:
- Two playgrounds
- Skate Park
- Tennis Courts
- Catch-and-release fishing pond
- Basketball courts
- Picnic areas with grills
- Walking Trails
Brentwood
Miles Together Inclusive Playground
610 Granny White Pike, Brentwood
Why it’s one of the best: One of the largest inclusive playgrounds in the area boasting 18,500 square feet of play.
Park Amenities:
- Zip line
- Team swing
- Together glider
- Freestanding 96″ double wide slide
- Sculptures for climbing
- Team totter
- Picnic area
- Restrooms
- Covered pavilion
Owl Creek Playground
9751 Concord Rd, Brentwood
Why it’s one of the best: The location. This park is centrally located to Franklin, Brentwood, Nolensville and South Nashville and is easily accessible.
Park Amenities:
- Walking trails
- Shaded areas with picnic tables
- Two playground areas
- Covered pavilion
- Basketball courts
- Clean restrooms
- Climbing walls
- Lots and lots of swings
Brentwood Community Playground at Crockett Park
1500 Volunteer Pkwy, Brentwood
Why it’s one of the best: Home to fun and unique architectural structures for imaginative play. Surrounded by mature trees offering plenty of shade and natural beauty.
Park Amenities:
- Rubberized paths
- Various slides
- Picnic tables
- Castle architecture with dragon art
- Rubber tire obstacles and bouncy bridges
- Mini amphitheater and puppet show stage
- Tire swings
- Restrooms
Spring Hill/Thompson’s Station
Fischer Park
4285 Port Royal Rd, Spring Hill
Why it’s one of the best: As Spring Hill’s largest park, this one doesn’t disappoint with its giant ADA-compliant playground offering oodles of fun and adventure for children of all abilities as well as a free splash pad.
Park Amenities:
- Large ADA-compliant playground
- Clean restrooms
- Splash Pad
- 3 covered pavilions
- Walking trail
- Football fields
- Basketball courts
- Tennis Courts
Sarah Benson Park and Playground
1513 Thompson’s Station Rd W, Thompson’s Station
Why it’s one of the best: This park offers a large sand pit and a special sensory garden for dogs.
Park Amenities:
- Playground
- Large sand pit
- Walking/jogging trails
- Exercise equipment
- Mars PetCare Dog Sensory Garden)
- Clean restrooms
- Covered pavilion
Fairview
Bowie Nature Park
7211 Bowie Lake Rd, Fairview
Why it’s one of the best: This park has everything! It boasts 700+ acres of forest, lakes and walking trails, a nature center, and a newly renovated playground.
Park Amenities:
- Newly renovated “treehouse” playground
- Miles of walking/jogging/bicycle/horse riding trails
- Nature center
- Sculptures
- Lakeside picnic areas
- Restrooms
- Horseback riding and fishing
Murfreesboro/Smyrna
Old Fort Park Playground
1025 Old Fort Pkwy, Murfreesboro
Why it’s one of the best: This large playground may offer the most play structures of any park in the area.
Park Amenities:
- Kids castle playground
- Skate park and pump track
- Tennis courts
- Picnic pavilion
- Restrooms
- Open play space
Freedom Inclusive Playground at Lee Victory Park
110 Sam Ridley Pkwy E, Smyrna
Why it’s one of the best: Your kids will marvel at the Blue Angels memorial jet that sits at the front of the park.
Park Amenities:
- Inclusive playground
- Climbing structures
- Swings
- Zip Lines
Columbia
Kids Kingdom Playground
1018 Maury County Park Dr, Columbia
Why it’s one of the best: The live mini steam trains offering free rides seasonally.
Park Amenities:
- Large playground with challenging climbing structures and lots of fun curly and tube slides
- Special trail for kids’ motorized vehicles
- Live steamer trains offering free rides seasonally (check website for schedule)
- Walking trails
- Restrooms
- Dog park
Woodland Park and Playground
821 W. 9th St, Columbia
Why it’s one of the best: Aside from the beautiful wooded setting, this park offers a large playground with lots of shaded areas, a pond and a great disc golf course.
Park Amenities:
- Large playground with obstacle courses
- Walking trails
- Pond with fountain
- Disc golf course
- Tennis courts
- Amphitheater
- Lots of picnic areas
