This pretty riverfront park has children’s play areas, an open-air amphitheatre, a waterfront walkway and great views of Downtown Nashville’s skyline.
Cumberland Park is a family-friendly urban space located on the east bank of the Cumberland River. Discover adventure and entertainment attractions for children, follow a nature trail, watch shows at the outdoor stage and enjoy gentle walks along the river. Cumberland Park stretches across an area of 6.5 acres (2.6 hectares). It opened in 2012 as part of the Riverfront Revitalization Plan, a project designed to gentrify Nashville’s riverfront.
Bring children to enjoy a variety of recreational pursuits. Among these is the Hollow, a playground that features a sandpit, maze, seesaw and splash pad. Kids can also get active on the Gorge climbing wall and the Scoops stepping stones. Cool off in the summer at the Sprayground, complete with a shallow pool and squirting fountains.
Catch a live music show at the park’s 1,200-person-capacity amphitheatre. The Jazz on the Cumberland concert series offers free monthly events between May and October. Go to the riverbank to see Alice Aycock’s Ghost Ballet for the East Bank Machineworks sculpture. Aycock’s inspiration came from the river’s transformation from an industrial to recreational district.
Get some exercise along the Explorer Trail, a stone path that winds through areas of wild, butterfly-inhabited meadows. Alternatively, walk on the East Bank Greenway, which runs north to the River Lawn and Landing. Admire views of Nissan Stadium, home of the Tennessee Titans NFL team, and look across the river to Downtown Nashville and the State Capitol. Come in September for the Cumberland River Dragon Boat Festival.
Reach the park by crossing the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge from Downtown Nashville. Pay to park in one of the 10 lots within a 10-minute walk from the park. On the opposite side of the river is the Ascend Amphitheatre, which hosts acclaimed bands, such as Dave Matthews and Train. Other nearby attractions include the Johnny Cash Museum, Nashville Symphony Schermerhorn Symphony Centre and Music City Walk of Fame Park.
Cumberland Park is open daily, from dawn until late evening. The Sprayground is open from late May until early September. Visit any of the park’s children’s play areas free of charge.
