Clarksville, TN for thrifty families

Clarksville, Tennessee has parents covered this summer.

Traveling with children can strain the wallet but affordable adventures abound with free activities and attractions.

These top experiences will help stretch the family travel budget so much further for a last-minute summer getaway.

Downtown Commons

This full-block downtown park is a kid’s paradise. The Imagination Playground’s collection of large portable foam shapes allows kids to create a play space that can be constantly built and rebuilt. There are yard games on the lawn and water features with splash fountains to cool down in the heat. Free concerts, the Downtown @ Sundown series, take place on the first and third Fridays through October.

Fort Defiance Civil War Park & Interpretive Center

Spend time learning about Clarksville’s Civil War history at one of the last intact earthen works forts in the United States. Wander the grounds to discover the past and admire the views of Historic Downtown Clarksville across the river. Don’t miss the U.S. Colored Troops Monument, one of three in the nation, honoring the more than 20,000 UCSTs from Tennessee who served in the Civil War. There are events throughout the year to learn about life during the Civil War.

Hit the Water

Bring  kayaks or schedule a trek with Run-A-Muck Outfitters or Float Ya Boat to see the natural beauty of the area. Venturing down the Cumberland presents the best views of the city. Choose routes from 2-14 miles along the Cumberland and Red Rivers and their many creeks and forks. Boating, fishing, waterskiing, canoeing, tubing, and creek wading are all fun too.

Disc Golf

Disc Golf is a sport the entire family can enjoy. The 18-hole course at Rotary Parkis hilly and can be challenging through woods and open areas. Be prepared for some hiking, but also scenic vistas.

Themed Challenge Trails

One of the easiest ways to explore the variety of things to see and do in the Clarksville community, along with the area’s local history, is by using the VisitClarksvilleTN App. With “trails” like Outdoor Adventure, Architectural Gems, Public Art, Artsy Shopping, African American Legacy Trail and Uniquely Southern Foods, there is something for all.

Parks, Natural Trails and Wildlife

Clarksville is home to more than 30 local parks and two state parks. Adventurers can easily fill a day with splash pads, picnic areas, walking trails, mountain biking, horseshoes, playgrounds, a skate park, and more. These are all free. Dunbar Cave State Park is a 144-acre natural playground full of wildlife, trails, and picnic areas. Rotary Park is a 111-acre nature park with over five miles of hiking/biking trails, and an 18-hole disc golf course. Visit Liberty Park, a 146-acre park offering a massive community-built playground, marina, paved trails, dog park, and picnic pavilions. The Heritage Park All-Inclusive Splash Pad and Playground is a perfect summer spot for cooling down.

Off-Road Cycling. For thrills, exercise and fun, bring along the bikes and explore the trails at North Ford Street Mountain Bike Park. There are various trails, including a designated kids’ area.

Live Music. In addition to Downtown @ Sundown, visitors can enjoy local singer/songwriters and food trucks at Beachaven Vineyards & Winery and the Restaurant at Old Glory Distilling every weekend. Check the line-ups at visitclarksvilletn.com/events/concerts/

Clarksville Greenway and Riverwalk. This is a scenic choice for biking, walking, jogging, or inline skating. Hop on the nine-mile paved trail at any of four trailheads and find picturesque scenery among the bluffs, creek, and open fields. The 600-foot pedestrian bridge is particularly photogenic.

Art and Creative Outlets. Murals, sculptures, fountains, and galleries abound in downtown Clarksville. Find plenty of selfie-ready spots to learn about Clarksville’s culture and heritage while seeing different artists’ talents and perspectives. The city’s latest mural, Last Train to Clarksville, is located at 136 Commerce St. Music fans can follow the Tennessee Music Pathways’ five stops in Clarksville to learn about some of the city’s people and places who’ve significantly influenced music history.

For even more ideas, check out visitclarksvilletn.com/family. 

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