Free Things to do in Nashville, TN

Creating Really Awesome Free Trips is back, and it will happen most Thursday’s from now until the end of August. Hopefully you will find a few fun, free family friendly things to do in a city near you! Or use these lists to plan an unforgettable road trip the whole fam can enjoy!

Hello C.R.A.F.T. readers! My name is Randi from izzi + elle and I want to share with you 10 fantastic free things to do here in Nashville, TN! I’ve been reading Jamie’s blog for about a year now and was very excited that she chose me to write about this great, hipster-friendly and coolest and tastiest city in the south! I’ve lived in Nashville since 2005 and have had a blast exploring this great city that is both urban and rural at the same time.

1. Arrington Vineyards-Music in the Vines

As someone who is always interested in wine and wine making, I’ve visited a lot of vineyards around Nashville. Arrington Vineyards is by far the most impressive- a hidden gem just 25 minutes south of Nashville. The winery is open for tours but the most exciting thing they do is Music in the Vines during the summer months. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays you can pack a picnic dinner, a bottle of wine and take the family to sit under the stars, listen to music and just relax. They also have their wines available for purchase and if you bring a corkscrew and some glasses you can enjoy a glass as you relax on a warm summer’s night. There is no admission charge for Music in the Vines and if you pack a picnic dinner, it’s quite an affordable, memorable trip.

2. Nashville Farmer’s Market

The Nashville Farmer’s Market is a must see for anyone visiting Nashville.  Not only is it thoroughly stocked with produce vendors, there’s a food court that embodies some of the best affordable eating that Nashville has to offer. If you’re into flea markets, visit on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday see what wares local vendors have to offer. Weekends also see an influx of other specialty goods such as local organic meats, handcrafted local cheeses, pastries and confections. Check out the website or follow them on Facebook for live updates on vendors and what awesome things they’ve brought with them for the day.

3. Bicentennial Capitol Mall

While you’re at the Farmer’s Market, stroll over to the Bicentennial Capitol Mall. Flanking one side of the Market is a large grassy park area and amphitheater. Running alongside that is a wonderful timeline of Tennessee history- a great, educational walk ending at the foot of the Capitol Building. If you visit in the summer, be sure to let your kids play in the amazing fountain area. A great idea would be to purchase a take out lunch at the Farmer’s Market and then walk across the Capitol Mall for a relaxing picnic.

4. Shelby Bottoms / Nashville Greenbikes

Nashville has a great number of greenways to explore on foot or bicycle. Shelby Bottoms greenway also has a Nashville Greenbikes station. Greenbikes allows you to borrow a bicycle for free to explore various parts of the city. Check out their website for all of the areas around town in which free bicycle lending is offered.

6. The Frist

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There are two appealing things about the Frist for me. 1- There is no permanent collection and exhibitions are turning over every 6-8 weeks.  2- There are only ever 2-4 exhibitions going on at a time making your visit short and sweet. A couple of hours will do. Admission for adults is only $10 and anyone under 18 (!) is free making this an affordable visit for families. Follow the Frist on Facebook or Twitter to catch days when there is no admission. Various occasions throughout the year are promoted with free admission.

7. Nashville Flea Market

Operating every 4th weekend of the month, the Nashville Flea Market is a great place to spend a Saturday or Sunday morning. Voted one of the top ten flea markets in the state, it features hundreds of vendors, people watching, and great food. Maybe you will score a long lost treasure while you’re at it! Parking is $5.00

8. Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory

Telescope night is the second Friday of each month March – November and admission is free. Reservations required. Check out the calendar of events for Stellar Nights. These events also require reservations but are just $5 per person or $10 per family. The observatory is also open to the public during the day on the first Wednesday of every month, no reservations, no fee.

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This 132 acre park in the heart of Nashville showcases gardens, water features, playgrounds, art center and a replica of The Parthenon. Centennial Park also hosts the Nashville Shakespeare Festival. 

10. Wanderland Urban Food Park @ Elmington Park

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Everyone’s gotta eat! Why not enjoy some of the best and most affordable food in Nashville all in one spot? Saturdays and Sundays see food trucks from all over the city congregate at Elmington Park. In town on a different day? Check out Wanderland on Twitter. They update on the locations of various food trucks daily.

I had a hard time narrowing the list down to just ten! Here are some more free things to do in Nashville, TN:

• Marionette and Puppet Shows
• Fort Neagly
• Tennessee State Museum
• Nashville Riverfront

Thank you, Randi, for showing us around Nashville! I’ve been to Nashville once, but only for a night.  I can certainly attest to it being a hip city with lots to do… One day I will go back with this list in hand!