Middle Tennessee is full of surprises, and the vibrant city of Clarksville is perfect for exploring as a family. It’s home to immersive museums, living history attractions, top-notch arcade fun and vast green spaces. It’s easy to bypass with options like Nashville, but visit Clarksville TN with kids if you want plenty of options on our itinerary.
These are my top Clarksville picks, sure to please everyone. From preschool to tween, these are the spots my kids love.
Whether you associate Clarksville with the famous 1960’s “Last Train to Clarksville” song from the Monkees, or you’re looking for a budget-friendly weekend getaway, let us show you how a Clarksville itinerary is fun.
Highlights:
- Explore the scenic, family-friendly parks
- Laid-back moments for parents
- Museums that cater to kids
Editor’s Note: The writer was hosted.
Visit The Largest General History Museum in Tennessee
No trip to Clarksville with kids is complete without a visit to the Customs House Museum. Downtown, it’s the largest general history museum in the state, with art, interactive STEM exhibits for kids, a family art room and thousands of artifacts. The miniature train exhibit was a highlight for my sons.
Kids adore hands-on, designed-for-kids exhibits. Race cars, role play in a life-size grocery store and play in the bubble cave to learn about the region’s caves. For toddlers, there’s a special area at the Customs House Museum perfect for little learners. Plus, the family art group offers creative ways to take home a piece of art.
SheBuysTravel Tip: The Customs House Museum offers family-friendly seasonal activities year-round. Check the event calendar for upcoming details to plan your visit. As a bonus, the museum offers free parking, which can be hard to track down in Clarksville.
Play at the Scenic Liberty Park
The river flows, ducks waddle and kids play at Liberty Park. It’s a huge green space, exactly 146 acres, that sits adjacent to the Cumberland River. The park includes a 10-acre fishing pond, a dynamic playground, 1.8 miles of walking trails, sports fields and a boat ramp into the river.
Families go to Liberty Park for the fun playground, where kids can burn off some energy while parents enjoy the melodic sounds of the river and the sights. I prefer adding Liberty Park to the Clarksville itinerary just before heading back to the hotel for rest.
Immerse Yourself in The 1800s at Historic Collinsville
Hands-down, Historic Collinsville is our favorite Clarksville attraction. My kids are full of questions about pioneer life, and Historic Collinsville answers them. It’s a pioneer settlement just outside of the city (in Southside, TN) that’s a perfect addition when visiting Clarksville with kids.
Step back in time and experience 19th-century pioneer life in an engaging way rather than feeling heavy. This living history site features a collection of restored log homes, barns and outbuildings that once made up a thriving pioneer settlement. Kids can wander the grounds, walk into the structures and see what life looks like without modern conveniences.
Gear Up The Fun At The City Forum
If the weather isn’t favorable, head to The City Forum for indoor entertainment options. Find everything from bowling and laser tag to arcade games and a multi-level ropes course. The indoor go-kart track is quite impressive and thrilling.
My five-year-old is able to participate in everything The City Forum has to offer, so it’s great for younger and older kids alike. It’s ideal entertainment for rainy days and parents appreciate everything housed under one roof. Opt for all access passes to ensure the kids play everything.
Are you ready to explore off the beaten path? Let us inspire you!
Search For Treasures at Miss Lucille’s Marketplace
The whole family is going to find something to love about Miss Lucille’s Marketplace. It’s an indoor market, with vendor booths, where treasures are waiting to be discovered—from antiques to collectables. If you love browsing with a side of discovery, it’s the perfect afternoon stop.
Kids love shopping for books and toys, but don’t miss Miss Lucille’s Cafe. It’s their casual family-friendly restaurant attached to the marketplace. Grab a bite to eat and recharge before more treasure hunting.
SheBuysTravel Tip: The City Forum and Lucille’s Marketplace are in the same shopping center, making them great attractions to do on the same day.
Connect With Nature at the Rotary Park
Looking for something free in Clarksville? My favorite is the Rotary Park offerings. Inside, visitors can explore the Wade Bourne Nature Center, play at two playgrounds and use the ADA-accessible trails. There are over six miles of creekside trails, but the Nature Center offers the most fun for kids.
It’s the only indoor area of the park, making it another rainy day option. Stop in to learn about the ecosystem of Clarksville’s own Cumberland River. Meet the critters that are found in the region and be inspired by Wade Bourne, the famous naturalist.
Give Back to the Community At ArtLink
Creative art and community collide downtown in Clarksville, at ArtLink. It’s a one-stop shop for kid-friendly creations, from painting a canvas to decorating a vinyl. What makes ArtLink truly special are its free community projects.
Anyone can stop into the shop to create a free piece to donate to needy Clarksville groups, to pass along some sunshine. It’s an altruistic activity for families and you’re sure to leave feeling good. Of course, if kids want to create a souvenir to take home, there are projects for purchase too.
Seasonal Events and Festivals For Families
Clarksville’s event calendar is packed throughout the year, giving families even more reasons to visit beyond its everyday attractions. Many of the city’s celebrations are designed with kids in mind, blending live entertainment, local flavor and plenty of space to explore:
- Downtown Market: Offered spring through fall with local vendors, treats and activities for kids
- Independence Day Celebration at Liberty Park: With fireworks, food trucks and live entertainment
- Christmas on the Cumberland: Along the Cumberland RiverWalk, it features holiday lights and seasonal displays
No matter the season, these events give families a fun way to connect with the community and experience Clarksville beyond the usual sightseeing stops.
Visit Fort Defiance Civil War Park & Interpretive Center
Perched high above the meeting point of the Cumberland and Red Rivers, Fort Defiance Civil War Park & Interpretive Center offers a meaningful way for families to connect with local history. Plus, it’s the best view of Clarksville.
This well-preserved Civil War site features original earthen fortifications, scenic walking trails and sweeping views. Inside the interpretive center, exhibits and short films share the stories of soldiers, civilians and enslaved individuals who shaped the area’s past. With free admission and hands-on educational events for kids, it’s a stop that balances history with fresh air.
Become a Cave Expert at Dunbar Cave State Park
For a peaceful break from the busier attractions, Dunbar Cave State Park offers a mix of natural beauty and light adventure. Easy hiking trails wind through wooded areas and around the lake, where kids can spot birds, turtles and other wildlife along the way.
The park’s highlight is its namesake cave, one of the largest in the region, which can be explored through guided tours during the warmer months. The tours start in May. Even if you skip the cave, the shaded paths, open picnic areas and quiet surroundings make it a refreshing place to slow down.
FAQs About Visiting Clarksville, Tennessee
Yes, Clarksville is a wonderful choice for families. We love the hands-on museums, outdoor spaces and affordable attractions.
My kids love Liberty Park, and Dunbar Cave State Park is another great choice. They both offer space to walk, play and explore nature.
Absolutely, Clarksville’s top attractions are free or budget-friendly. Look for parks, walking trails and historic sites, like Fort Defiance Civil War Park & Interpretive Center.
Spring and fall are especially pleasant, with mild weather that’s ideal for outdoor activities and seasonal events. Summer is popular for festivals and riverfront fun. Ice storms are prevalent during the winter season, but the holiday festivities are worth considering.
Clarksville is about 45 minutes northwest of Nashville, making it an easy day trip or weekend getaway from the city.
Downtown Clarksville and areas like the RiverWalk are stroller-friendly and easy to navigate. If you find free parking, stay in the spot and walk around. However, the parking is reasonable and easy to pay for via text.
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