Summer is my favorite season. It’s the season of ice cream treats, summer movies, summer camp, and some truly fantastic farmers markets in Nashville. I have always been a waterbug—a girl who should have been born much closer to the beach. I’ll take 90 degrees over 30 any day. But dang, it gets hot here. Recall last year’s eternal summer? When the kids go cray-cray and the playground slides would be better suited for getting a nice golden brown on your grilled cheese? Look no further for your escape hatch. Check this list for your closest local pool or splashpad to hit the reset button. Turn those frowns upside down, and revel in the post-sun and water naps that are sure to follow.
Splash Pads
Davidson County
Heads up, mamas. Leave your thong at home—they’re not allowed. So disheartening, right?
- Cumberland Park
592 South 1st Street, Nashville, 615-862-8508. I’ve seen kids from age two to teen playing here harmoniously under a rain bridge and in fountains. There are areas that turn wading-pool depth. It’s free, and there’s plenty of parking.
Opening Day: Saturday, May 27
Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday 12-6 p.m.
Last Day: Monday, September 4
“The spraygrounds at Cumberland Park might be closed during special events at LP Field…Titans home games, TSU home games, the CMA Music Festival, and 4th of July fireworks celebrations. Please call if you have any questions about other dates and times.” (But good luck — we haven’t had a lot of luck getting that phone answered.)
- Kirkpatrick Sprayground 620 S. 9th Street, Nashville, 615-862-8508 Weekdays 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m./Weekends 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
- Watkins Sprayground Jo Johnston Avenue at 17th Avenue North, Nashville, 615-862-8469 Weekdays 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m./Weekends 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Robertson County
White House Splash Pad
105C College St., White House, 37188 Open Daily 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
New Feature: huge, climbable pirate ship and other pirate-themed elements. The original splash pad opened last summer.
Sumner County
New: Tommy Garrott Aquatics Facility 210 Albert Gallatin Ave, Gallatin, TN 37066 (615) 451-5911
Pool, splash pad, and slides
Wilson County
Ava’s Splash Pad
1075 Charlie Daniels Parkway
Mount Juliet, (615) 758-6522
Open May 30-Sept. 3. I would recommend calling about the hours. The website currently isn’t very clear on those, as it says that this middle TN splash pad is only open Friday-Sunday, but their opening day is on a Tuesday. Looks SO fun for young’uns, though!
Free
Pools
Davidson County Community Centers/Outdoor Pools
Cleveland Community Center
North 6th Street at Vernon Winfrey
Nashville, TN 37207
615-862-8444
Looby Community Center
2301 Metro Center Blvd.
Nashville, TN 37228
615-862-8454
Rose Community Center
1000 Edgehill Avenue
Nashville, TN 37203
615-862-8465
Wave Country
2320 Two Rivers Parkway
Nashville, TN 37214
615-885-1052
615-885-1092
Adult (whether swimming or watching) 13 years and older – $12.00
Child (3 years to 12 years) – $10.00*
Child (2 years and under) – FREE *Half-price for children M-Th, 3–5:00 p.m.
*Children 12 years old and under must be accompanied by an adult over 18 years of age $2 off coupon
Williamson County
• Williamson County Parks & Rec has three outdoor pools (at the Franklin, Longview, Nolensville, and Fairview recreation centers) that have open swim for $3 for county residents ages 4-54 and $6 for out-of-county guests. Senior admission is $1 in county and $2 out of county. Details: 615-790-5719.
The Nolensville Rec Center is fairly new and is where I’ve been most recently. The zero entry and mushroom have been great for my little ones. For older kids, the lack of a diving board or slide may be considered a downside.
I can hear The Beachboys singing now…go make some summertime memories.
Let us know if we missed any!
