Cumberland Park

We’re almost done with the tour, so it must be time for some running, climbing, and splashing at Cumberland Park! Cumberland Park opened in 2012 along the downtown Cumberland River and it is an innovative play space for kids and families! The park incorporates unique play structures, walking paths, water features, and an amphitheater all designed to reflect the Cumberland River and Middle Tennessee landscape. The park was part of a revitalization project and offers direct access to the John Seigenthaler Bridge by way of an elevator and staircase. Take the glass elevator down to the bottom and let the kids push the buttons. Press pause and then hit play to resume once you are back on the ground.

Cumberland Park is divided into four sections which are open year-round, but the water features only run during the summer months, typically Monday through Saturday at 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. Check online for the spray park hours depending on the timing of your visit.

The Hollow is a one-of-a-kind nature and play area for kids that includes a “hills and valleys” activity area, a sand play area, a bouncing pad, a maze and a tandem see-saw for parents and kids. The Hollow’s water feature includes a “cloud bridge” with rain curtains of water pouring down and an interactive splash pad that is open in the summer. This is a favorite spot to cool off during hot summer days. The Scoops is a cooling off area that features a stepping-stone path with mist features which also run in the summer. The Gorge is a stone climbing wall with climbing ropes, embedded fossils, climbing nets and sliding poles. There is also a four-person embankment slide perfect for racing—though it is quite steep. The Explorer Trail is made of crushed-stone that weaves through plant groves and meadows designed to attract butterflies. There is also a Catwalk Trail that extends over the river right next to the “Ghost Ballet” sculpture—the red metal public art piece. There are public restrooms at the main bridge building, and you’ll often find snow cone vendors out during the warmer months.

Fun Fact: The slide is made of Corian material designed to remain cool under the hot summer sun—so slide away! The scramble letter is “U” for “Under the hot summer sun.”

At the base of Cumberland Park, take the elevator back up to the bridge (be sure to let the kids take turns pushing the elevator buttons). Walk back across the bridge, taking a few more photos, and cross over Third Avenue at the pedestrian crossing to the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Continue listening or reading for the conclusion of our tour and the answer to the letter scramble.

Congratulations! You’ve completed the Family Fun tour on Nashville Sites. We hope you have enjoyed learning more about Nashville. Most importantly, we hope your family had fun!

Your scramble question is: What is Nashville’s famous nickname? We’ll take a quick pause while you ask the kids. What’s the answer? Music City USA!

Thanks for joining us. Be on the lookout for a second Family Fun tour, which focuses on the other side of Broadway—the northern half of downtown. Also check out additional Nashville Sites tours that explore the city through a variety of other themes from architecture to art murals to Civil Rights. 

To walk back to your original starting point, go to the corner of Fourth Avenue and Demonbreun and turn RIGHT. Union Station and Frist Art Museum are six blocks up on your right. Alternatively, you can catch an Uber, Lyft, or cab to your car, hotel, or next destination in Nashville. You can also catch a ride on Nashville’s MTA Bus with the nearest stop located on the Fourth Avenue side of Walk of Fame Park. All-day adult bus passes are $4 and all-day youth bus passes are $2.

Signing off, this is Sarah. You can find me @TheWanderingRumpus. Enjoy your time in Nashville!