Looking for fun things to do with your kids on a hot afternoon in Nashville? Make your way over to the Cumberland Park splash pad. We recently made yet another visit to this fun little park located downtown by the Cumberland River, and we’ve got all the details for you- including a great spot for dinner and treats afterward. Read along for the perfect way to cool down on a hot day in Nashville.
Also, make sure to check out this post on two great waterfalls near Nashville for a day trip option. You can swim at both of these, so they’d make a great summer day as well.
Cumberland Park
Cumberland Park has become one of our favorite “adventure day” destinations in Nashville. When it is too hot for hiking (or anything else outdoors), but we need an afternoon out of the house, we’ll head into Nashville for some time at the splash pad. Then, we’ll end the day with a low key dinner afterward.
Located on the east side of the Cumberland River, Cumberland Park sits on just over six acres. Directly between the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge and the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge, this pocket park has become one of our go-to spots in Nashville an afternoon of water activities. It is a great place to spend a hot day, and, even better, it is FREE!
Cumberland Park contains a few different areas for kids. The main draw is the splash pad, but there’s also a small playground area and a huge green space amphitheater.
The splash pad area is good sized, with several spouts shooting water in different directions. To one side, an overhead bridge creates a wall of rainwater that kids love running under. Even in the deepest parts, the water is only about an inch or two, so it it great for all ages.
The splash pad area is surrounded by several rows of seating for parents. To one side an embankment of grass creates a few spots to sit, as well. Just behind those spots, there are a few small kid-sized hills where little ones can climb and play.
Just beyond the splash pad lies a children’s play area. There’s a kid-sized rock climbing wall, and embankment slide and a few other climbing structures. We’ve actually been several times, but just noticed the playground area on this visit.
Tips for Visiting Cumberland Park Splash Pad:
The only downside of Cumberland Park is the lack of shade. So make sure to go prepared with plenty of sunscreen and a good hat.
There are bathroom facilities located at the base of the pedestrian bridge where you can change clothes.
The easiest place to park is in the Titans stadium parking lot.
There are a few picnic areas that are mostly shaded.
Pizza and Play
After a fun afternoon of playing at Cumberland Park, we made the short drive over to East Nashville for one of our favorite family dinner spots: BoomBozz.
BoomBozz has great pizzas, salads, and several other offerings with multiple local beers on tap. While chains aren’t usually our go-to, we actually really like their food. However, the best part is the huge outdoor playground for kids.
If you get there early enough or luck out you can even snag a seat outside. If not, there’s plenty of space to stand around, enjoy your adult beverage, and watch the kids play. The waiter informed us that while it is blazing hot now, they are in the process of getting misters and fans. Hallelujah!
Looking for more fun spots in Nashville? Make sure to get our Nashville Weekend Guide! It has all of our top places to visit, things to do, and places to eat when in Nashville with kids.
Sweet Treats
Make sure to leave room for a yummy sweet after dinner. The Soda Parlor is located just across the street from Boombozz. Like many spots in Nashville, it is an eclectic place. Part arcade, part apparel shop, part soda shop; it is the best way to end your steamy afternoon in Music City.
The specialties here at The Soda Parlor are ice cream concoctions, with everything from floats and shakes to sundaes. The Cookie Monster is probably their most notable creation- a brownie waffle topped with cookie dough ice cream, cookie butter, whipped cream, hot fudge, and cookie crumbles. We split this as a family. Its a total diet wrecker, but completely worth it!
The game area contains several arcade game favorites from the 80s and 90s. All games are free! It was definitely hard to pull our kids away, as they’ve never played video games before! Also, it is pretty nostalgic for the parents.
Pro Tip: If you end up parking in the lot behind the Soda Parlor, make sure to take note of the time. You get 90 minutes free, but they will ticket you within five minutes of your free time ending. Ask me how I know (and we weren’t the only ones).
We hope you enjoy your fun afternoon at Cumberland Park splash pad, Boombozz, and The Soda Parlor as much as we do. Let us know what you think!
PS- looking for other fun outings in and around Nashville with kids? Check out this fun day trip that includes hiking to two different waterfalls.
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