Looking to skip the usual tourist traps this weekend in Nashville? We found some seriously cool, hands-on experiences, from cuddling cows south of town to hunting for treasure on local trails. Don't miss the last chance for the magical Zoolumination lanterns!
Quick Picks
Kidsville at The Parthenon (Snowflake Focus)
The Parthenon
Free art and storytelling this Saturday morning—just make sure you RSVP first!
TPAC's Family Day: The Wizard of Oz
TPAC
A perfect indoor escape with sensory-friendly activities inspired by Oz.
Kidsville Storybook Walk
Centennial Park
A super chill, free way to enjoy a story outdoors along the park trails.
· January 31
3TPAC'S FAMILY DAY: THE WIZARD OF OZ : Follow the yellow brick road at TPAC! They’ve cooked up sensory-friendly activities and live performances inspired by Dorothy and her crew. It's a fantastic way to get artsy indoors.It's a themed, multi-sensory arts event perfect for families looking for high-quality, structured indoor fun.
KIDSVILLE AT THE PARTHENON (SNOWFLAKE FOCUS)FREE : Head to the Parthenon for free art and storytelling focused on snowflakes this Saturday morning. You HAVE to register beforehand to make sure you snag that free entry!It’s free, participatory art happening at a Nashville icon, but you must RSVP, making it feel exclusive.
FAMILY GEOCACHING DAY : Forget the playground—go hunt for hidden geocaches using GPS on the sanctuary trails this Saturday! It's a super active way to explore the nature just outside the city.It combines tech (GPS) with outdoor exploration on suburban sanctuary trails—perfect for active school-age kids.
· February 1
4COW CUDDLING AT THE GENTLE BARN : Take a little drive south this Sunday for some serious cow cuddling time! It’s self-guided tours, so your family can pace yourselves while visiting the cows, pigs, and turkeys.This is a genuinely unusual, heartwarming animal interaction that requires a short drive, making it an excellent Sunday excursion.
GIRL SCOUT DAY AT NASHVILLE BALLET : If you have a dancer, this is cool: try an intro ballet class and get a peek behind the scenes where the pros train. Plus, Scouts earn a patch just for showing up!It's a hands-on, specialized cultural workshop (ballet) that rewards participation with a patch, perfect for Girl Scouts or budding dancers.
ZOOLUMINATION LANTERN DISPLAY : This is one of the absolute last weekends to catch the massive, magical lantern display at the zoo before it disappears. Go when it's dark so those mythical creatures and scenes really glow!It's specifically flagged as a 'last chance' event, meaning families need to prioritize seeing this spectacular display this weekend.
KIDSVILLE STORYBOOK WALKFREE : Keep it low-key Sunday morning: grab the kids and stroll through Centennial Park while reading a storybook displayed page-by-page along the trail. Great for fresh air and quiet time.It’s a completely free, relaxing, and engaging community activity perfect for toddlers or anyone needing a calm end to the weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free activities are happening this Saturday in Nashville?
For a free Saturday activity, head to the Parthenon for Kidsville Storytelling focusing on snowflakes (must RSVP!). Otherwise, the Kidsville Storybook Walk is available all day Sunday at Centennial Park.
Where can my family go for hands-on creativity this weekend?
You have two great options: TPAC is hosting a Wizard of Oz-themed Family Day with sensory activities on Saturday, or Girl Scouts can participate in a specialized Intro to Ballet class Sunday morning.
Is there anything unique to do outside the immediate Nashville area on Sunday?
If you don't mind a short drive, you can spend Sunday afternoon cuddling cows, pigs, and turkeys at The Gentle Barn in Christiana during their self-guided tour times.