Adventure Sports Around Nashville
With the glory of four seasons, adventure sports thrive in the middle Tennessee. Granted, we don’t have a beach and it’s a bit of a drive to the mountains but there’s a lot to love when you get outdoors.
Also check out 50+ Activities for Children and Families and Outdoor Activities Nashville-style.
Climbing, Bouldering and Ziplines
The Adventure Park at Nashville
Bellevue. The park offers 14 ziplines, climbing walls, obstacles and challenge bridges. It’s located on the grounds of Gordon Jewish Community Center in West Nashville between Belle Meade and Bellevue.
Climb Nashville
West Nashville. Technically Climb Nashville offers indoor adventures based on outdoor adventures. Two massive facilities await to challenge your skills. At the West facility, it’s all about climbing; if you’re into bouldering, head to the East operation. You don’t have to have experience to give it a go but kids under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Those under 18 must have a waiver signed by a legal guardian.
Treetop Adventure Park
Hermitage. Technically it’s part of Nashville Shores but you can visit it without paying for the waterpark. It tests your nerves with multiple high elements and sends you flying through the trees on ziplines. Top photo courtesy of Treetop.
AdventureWorks
Whites Creek and West Nashville. Take to the sky at its two locations. Fontanel, at the former home of Barbara Mandrell, offers a series of ziplines and Kingston Springs/West Nashville offers both ziplines and an obstacle course that incorporates high elements. The minimum age for ziplines is 8 years old; for the high elements course, it’s 12.
Soar Adventure Tower
Franklin. When you look at this place, it probably inspires one of two disparate thoughts: 1) I wanna do THAT or 2) Ain’t NO way I’m doing that. With a variety of challenges oTn each of three levels, there’s plenty to get your adrenalin pumpin’. If you prefer to remain more grounded, they also offer miniature golf. It right off I-65 at the Hwy 96/Franklin exit.
Target Practice
Choose your weapon and aim carefully.
Bad Axe
SoBro. I didn’t realize we needed multiple ax-throwing places but apparently demand is greater than I realized. Come in solo or book for a private group event. Kids are allowed to participate if accompanied by a responsible adult.
BATL Axe
East Nashville. Rates start as low as $30/person for an hour releasing your inner lumberjack. Got a group? For up to 10 people, prices began at $174.99 for an hour of fun and they throw in a free drink from the bar.
Blade & Timber
Wedgewood-Houston. Ages 10 and up can play lumberjack with an adult in tow. Last time I checked, you were allowed to bring your own food and beverages. But remember: sharp objects and overindulging don’t mix.
Music City Archery
Franklin. Calling all Robin Hood wannabes! If axes seem a little too much, try your skill with a bow and arrow at this range in Franklin for $10/hr. Need a little adrenaline? Challenge your group to a hour of Archery Tag (a non-lethal version).
Armory Ranges
Crieve Hall. BYO gun or rent one from them–even machine guns. Strictly follow the rules and don’t be a show-off.
Royal Range
Bellevue. Housed in a former theater multiplex, it boasts 31(!) lanes and can accommodate firepower up to 50-calibre. Located on the west side of town with plenty of free parking.
NEW TO NASHVILLE
Sensai Padel
Wasn’t sure where to put this mix of squash and tennis with shades of pickleball. It’s all the rage and you can try for yourself.
Caving
Fun fact: Tennessee has more than 10,000 documented caves–20% of all known caves in the U.S. and more than any other state. But we haven’t gotten very commercial about it. Here are those closest to Nashville:
Bell Witch Cave
Adams, TN The allure here is the haunted history of the Bell farm but the cave was the setting for some of the reported supernatural events.
Cumberland Caverns
McMinnville, TN Walking tours as well as real-deal spelunking tours. Want to score cool points with your kids or friends? They offer the option of overnight camping in the cave.
Dunbar Cave
Clarksville, TN Wear shoes that you don’t mind getting wet or muddy. Children must be 5+ to registration. The tour groups are small so early registration is a good idea.
Mammoth Cave National Park
Cave City, KY More than a dozen tours available ranging from walking tours to belly crawls. One tour is wheelchair-accessible; services for the hearing impaired available with advance notice.