Summer has a way of bringing back childhood memories, from sticky ice cream cones to carefree days in the sun. Around Nashville, these seven nostalgic activities will help you slow down, have fun, and rediscover the simple joys of summer.
1.Eating a Melty Cone at Bobbie's Dairy Dip (Nashville)
Few things capture the essence of childhood summer like a soft-serve cone that melts faster than you can eat it. Since the 1950s, Bobbie's Dairy Dip on Charlotte Avenue has served up towering cones dipped in chocolate, banana splits, and thick milkshakes that taste like memories in a cup. Standing at the outdoor counter, letting ice cream drip down your wrist while the sun beats down, is a Nashville rite of passage, a delicious throwback to the summers that seemed to last forever.
2. Running Through the Splash Fountains at Cumberland Park (Nashville)
There's nothing quite like the carefree joy of getting completely drenched on a blazing summer day. At Cumberland Park along the riverfront, the playful splash fountains invite you to relive that classic thrill. Whether you're a kid or just young at heart, weaving through the jets of water feels exactly like chasing the backyard sprinkler, except with a sweeping Nashville skyline as your backdrop.It's a perfect reminder that summer should be filled with simple joys and lighthearted laughter.
3. Catching Fireflies at Warner Parks (Nashville)
As twilight settles over the rolling fields and shady woods of Percy and Edwin Warner Parks, you can relive those childhood memories of catching fireflies in a mason jar, only to watch them dance away again. Bring a picnic and soak in the magic of a summer night under the glow of these tiny lanterns.
4. Spinning on the Carousel at the Nashville Zoo (Nashville)
The Wildlife Carousel at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere might be made for kids, but the feeling of picking your favorite animal and going for a spin is timeless. Bonus: you can top off the visit by wandering through the old farmhouse for a slice of Nashville's history.
5. Skipping Stones at Pinkerton Park (Franklin)
Franklin's Pinkerton Park feels like a summer memory waiting to happen. Wander down to the Harpeth River, where smooth, flat stones practically beg to be skipped across the water. Then climb up the trail to Fort Granger for a view that mixes local history with a perfect summer breeze. It's the kind of slow afternoon that reminds you why summer days always felt endless.
6. Playing Tag at Crockett Park (Brentwood)
Crockett Park in Brentwood, with its wide-open green fields, was practically designed for a game of tag. Whether you gather your own kids or a group of nostalgic grown-up friends, chasing each other around in the warm evening air is a simple way to tap back into childhood freedom. Finish with a lemonade at one of the picnic shelters to cool down, just like those neighborhood block parties you remember.
7. Catching a Small-Town Movie Night at Nolensville Park Nolensville's Summer Movies in the Park at Nolensville Park are as heartwarming as summer gets. Spread out a blanket on the grassy field near the community playground, pack a few snacks, and enjoy a family-friendly movie under the stars. It feels like a trip back to the days of drive-in theaters, with neighbors chatting, kids running barefoot, and fireflies dancing around the big outdoor screen.
Ready to make this summer feel like the ones you remember? These Nashville-area adventures are the perfect way to hit pause, slow down, and rediscover that carefree childhood wonder, no matter your age.
Sources: Nashville parent, Williamson Herald, Wanderboat, National carousel association, Friends of Warner Parks, Library of Congress, Hardaway Construction, Running Lifestyle