Winter in Middle Tennessee offers a beautiful mix of cool weather, scenic landscapes, and festive activities perfect for spending quality time with family. Whether you’re looking to enjoy the outdoors or stay cozy indoors, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during the colder months. From ice skating to holiday light displays, here’s a roundup of family-friendly winter activities in Middle Tennessee!
Ice Skating at the Centennial Sportsplex (Nashville)
Ice skating is a quintessential winter activity that’s fun for all ages. The Centennial Sportsplex in Nashville offers public skating sessions throughout the season. With an indoor rink and a festive atmosphere, it’s the perfect place for the whole family to glide, laugh, and make memories together. Don’t forget to warm up with some hot chocolate afterward!
*Tip: Check their website for ice skating schedules, rental fees, and special holiday events.
Tennessee State Parks Winter Hikes
Winter hiking in Tennessee’s State Parks is a serene and scenic way to connect with nature during the colder months. While the leaves may have fallen, the winter landscape opens up a whole new way to experience these beautiful parks. Some great options include:
- Percy Warner Park (Nashville): Explore miles of trails through wooded hills, with scenic overlooks of the city.
- Radnor Lake State Park (Nashville): Known for its tranquil atmosphere, it’s a peaceful place to see wildlife and enjoy a winter walk.
- Bledsoe Creek State Park (Gallatin): This park offers easy trails along Old Hickory Lake, ideal for a leisurely family hike.
The crisp air and fewer crowds make winter hikes a peaceful family outing, and you might even spot wildlife in their winter habitats.
*Tip: Layer up, bring snacks, and make sure everyone has sturdy shoes for the trails.
Holiday Lights at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens (Nashville)
Cheekwood’s annual Holiday Lights event transforms the estate’s gardens into a winter wonderland. With over a million twinkling lights, festive displays, and the stunning Cheekwood Mansion as the backdrop, this is an experience the whole family will love. Enjoy a stroll through the gardens, sip on warm cider, and explore seasonal exhibits that make the holidays extra magical.
*Tip: Make it a tradition to visit every year, as Cheekwood often features new light displays and special holiday events!
Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame (Nashville)
For families looking for an indoor activity, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville offers a fascinating experience. Take a trip through the history of country music with exhibits on famous artists, instruments, and the legacy of Nashville itself. It’s a fun and educational experience that both kids and adults can enjoy.
During the winter months, you might also catch a special holiday-themed exhibit or event, adding a seasonal twist to your visit.
Explore the Frist Art Museum (Nashville)
If the weather is too chilly to venture outside, head to the Frist Art Museum in downtown Nashville. With rotating exhibits that range from contemporary art to classical masterpieces, it’s a great place to inspire creativity and engage the whole family. The museum offers family-friendly activities, interactive exhibits, and special events like art-making workshops that kids will love.
*Tip: Check out their First Fridays series, where the museum stays open late and offers music, art, and sometimes even holiday-themed events.
Sledding at Local Parks
Once snow falls (and it does occasionally in Middle Tennessee!), sledding is one of the best ways to enjoy a snowy day. Popular spots for sledding in the Nashville area include:
- Edwin Warner Park (Nashville): Known for its hilly terrain, this park offers perfect slopes for sledding, as long as there’s enough snow.
- Shelby Bottoms Park (Nashville): A great urban park with good sledding hills and plenty of space for families to enjoy.
Before you go, check weather forecasts and social media to see if conditions are good for sledding.
Winterfest at The Hermitage (Hermitage)
The Hermitage, home to President Andrew Jackson, is a wonderful destination to learn about history and enjoy seasonal activities. During the winter months, the estate hosts special Winterfest events featuring holiday tours, living history demonstrations, and visits with Santa Claus. It’s a great way to blend history with holiday cheer while exploring the beautiful grounds.
*Tip: Keep an eye on their event calendar for winter-specific tours and activities, which are family-oriented and fun.
Take a Winter Train Ride (Nashville to Watertown)
For a truly unique experience, hop aboard the Music City Star commuter rail during the winter months for a scenic train ride through the countryside. While it may not offer a traditional “holiday” theme, it’s a cozy and relaxing way to experience Middle Tennessee’s picturesque landscape. The train departs from the Nashville Riverfront Station and travels through several charming towns, with stunning views of farms and forests along the way.
Go Snow Tubing at Ober Gatlinburg (Gatlinburg, TN)
If you’re up for a little adventure, take a road trip to Ober Gatlinburg, in the Smoky Mountains for some snow tubing fun. Just a few hours from Nashville, Ober Gatlinburg offers a great day trip where you can ride the chairlifts to the top of the hill and then zoom down on an inflatable tube. It’s a thrilling yet family-friendly activity that kids and adults will love.
*Tip: Be sure to check the weather and snow conditions before you go to ensure the best tubing experience.
Attend a Winter Festival or Holiday Market
During the holiday season, many local towns and cities in Middle Tennessee host festivals and markets that are perfect for family outings. These include:
- Dickens of a Christmas in Franklin: A Victorian-themed holiday festival with carolers, food vendors, and craftspeople.
- Clarksville’s Christmas on the Cumberland: A festive event along the river with light displays, food, and activities for all ages.
These events often feature local artisans, music, and food trucks—making them a wonderful way to experience the season’s magic and shop for unique holiday gifts.
Winter in Middle Tennessee may be chilly, but it’s also packed with opportunities for fun and meaningful family time. Whether you’re hitting the slopes for some sledding, soaking in the holiday lights, or learning about history, there are plenty of ways to create lasting memories with your loved ones. So bundle up, plan your next family outing, and embrace all that Middle Tennessee has to offer this winter season!
Additional Tips:
- Dress in layers to stay warm—winter can be cold but manageable with the right clothing.
- Check event schedules before you go, as many winter activities and festivals are only available during certain dates or weekends.
- Have a hot drink in hand—grab some cocoa or coffee to keep everyone cozy while you enjoy your winter adventures!
Winter in Middle Tennessee is a great time to slow down, enjoy the season, and spend time with those who matter most. Happy winter adventuring!
ChatGPT. (2024, November 15). 10 Family Winter Activities to Do in Middle Tennessee. Retrieved from https://chatgpt.com/ and reviewed and approved by our amazing team of therapists at Project Play!