With the end of the 2023 school year rapidly approaching, teens are starting to dream up their summer plans. If you are struggling with creating your own summer bucket list, this article will help. Here is a list of some of the top recommended summer activities and locations to go with friends this summer in the greater Nashville area.
Nashville Shores
First opening back in 1998, Nashville Shores is Nashville’s own lakeside water park located just twenty minutes from downtown Nashville. Nashville Shores currently features ten adrenaline-pumping waterslides, a lazy river, a wave pool and many family-friendly pools and play centers. However, pools and waterslides are far from all Nashville Shores has to offer. The resort also features its own Treetop Adventure Park. Giant zip lines, suspended bridges and Tarzan swings are only a few of the hundred thrilling attractions available for you and your friends at the Treetop Adventure Park.
“I loved going there every summer with my family when I was a kid,” said local Nashville teen Emy Fawzy, “Their food and waterslides are very exciting.”
All in all, Nashville Shores is definitely a top choice for an action-packed day in Middle Tennessee.
Hendersonville Strike and Spare + Circus World
Located a little over 20 minutes from downtown Nashville, Hendersonville Strike and Spare is the ultimate stop for fun for both family and friends. With 46 lanes for bowling, a laser tag arena, bungee jumping, bumper cars, roller skating and a full arcade, Hendersonville Strike and Spare truly does have something for everybody. You can take some friends or your family out for a full day of fun without even having to leave the building to eat. Hendersonville Strike and Spare also features its very own bar and grill, Conway’s, displaying memorabilia and signed artifacts from country music star Conway Twitty’s career.
“Growing up around Hendersonville Strike and Spare is awesome,” said Kathleen McBride “It was the ultimate place to have your birthday party, and I often still go with my little brother.”
With something for someone of every age to enjoy, Hendersonville Strike and Spare easily is one of the best stops for a day of fun.
Nashville Soccer Club Games at Geodis Park
First opened in May of 2022, Geodis Park is the brand new home of Nashville’s own Major League Soccer team, the Nashville Soccer Club. Being only five miles from the heart of downtown Nashville, both free and paid parking is available all over the Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood making walking to and from your car to the stadium an easy task. Nashville Soccer Club games take place primarily on Saturday evenings, creating an electrifying nighttime atmosphere. However, games occasionally also take place on other days and times of the week, such as Tuesday, Wednesday and sometimes Sundays, at noon. Geodis Park offers an excellent experience for soccer fans with concession stands all around the stadium with food like barbeque, hotdogs, pretzels, chicken tenders and Nashville’s classic hot chicken. Even though season tickets are currently sold out for the 2023 season, individual match tickets are still on sale, and you can even grab great seats for as little as 21 dollars a seat. If electric energy and a great community is what you are looking for this summer, attending an NSC game at Geodis Park is certainly just what you need.
Flea Market at the Nashville Fairgrounds
Located right next to the brand new Geodis Park, the historical Nashville Fairgrounds are home to what is considered to be one of the best flea markets in the country. With approximately 800 to 1200 vendors every month from over thirty states, the flea market can guarantee there is something for everyone to love at this beautifully packed market. The flea market is held the fourth weekend of every month from eight in the morning all the way to five in the afternoon. Make the most out of the market by getting up early and making a day out of it. With several locally owned concession businesses scattered throughout the grounds, you won't even have to leave the market to eat. From beautiful antiques to local food, the flea market is the perfect place to spend a beautiful Saturday.
Tennessee Performing Arts Center
If you and your friends are looking for a nice night out in Nashville, visiting the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, otherwise known as TPAC, is the perfect place to be. TPAC welcomes an ever-changing lineup of the world’s favorite plays and musicals right into the heart of Tennessee. This summer, you can catch the touring casts of shows such as Into the Woods, Aladdin, The Sleeping Beauty and more. With shows ranging from more mature levels such as The Crucible, to more kid-friendly shows like Bluey’s Big Play, TPAC really does have something everyone can enjoy.