Family Fun

Day One:

Kids of all ages enjoy the train exhibit and the bubble cave at the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center. Spot sculptural art along the Upland Trail and wind down to the Cumberland RiverWalk. From here, rent a B-Cycle for a quick downtown adventure.

For outdoor playtime, the 10-acre Liberty Park is a dream with a huge community-built playground, trails by the river, covered pavilions, a stocked pond, and even a dog park. You can also rent or return B-Cycles here.

If your family are pizza fans (and, really, who isn’t??) try Caprigio’s with fresh-made, fresh-ingredient pizza, calzones and subs.

Explore Dunbar Cave State Natural Area and see why it was named Tennessee’s Best State Park for 2019. From May – September, reserve a cave tour to journey deep into the world below for a one-of-a-kind experience. Above ground, see wildlife, explore nature or hike, enjoy a picnic and learn about the history of the area.

What’s a vacation without ice cream? Find fresh, made-in-house options downtown on Strawberry Alley at Frozen Fuel, including dairy-free selections. Or, the super-creamy Golly G’s is open seasonally downtown and year-round in Sango with ice cream and other treats.

Another hip place for free play is Downtown Commons, with an imagination playground, open play space, water and fountain features, and a shaded seating area for parents to refresh.

To get your taco fix, stop by West Coast Taco for quick, fresh and satisfying Mexican.

One evening during your stay, make sure to catch a river sunset…best viewed from the RiverWalk! 

Day Two:

South of the River BBQ not only has some of the best smoked meats around, but also serves a mighty fine breakfast…and giant cinnamon rolls!) Take along a pound of pulled pork for a picnic later.

Weekends between May and October, experience Historic Collinsville, a rural 40-acre pioneer settlement with 16 authentically restored log houses and outbuildings dating from 1830-1880. Check their website for special event weekends with docents, activities, music and more. (Tours are self-guided outside of a special event weekend, or a guide can be arranged for a group of six or more anytime.)

Enjoy a round of disc golf at Rotary Park, where you can also tackle 5 miles of hiking/mountain biking trails, splash in the creek, enjoy the playgrounds or a picnic, or tour the nature center. 

If the weather’s not cooperating for outdoor activities, we have plenty of indoor options too.

Planet 3 Extreme Air Park is a fun-filled indoor activity that will take adults back to their childhood. Nearby, the Sweetest Batch Cupcakery can easily restore any energy you’ve burned off.

The City Forum is a massive family entertainment center with two-story laser tag, mini-golf, go-karts, bowling and an arcade…all under one roof indoor space.

Find an old-fashioned burger and fries, fried chicken sandwiches or honey bun and cream at Johnny’s Big Burger across from APSU. Fresh beef on the grill just like it’s been since 1965.