Clarksville, Tennessee, offers an all-ages family itinerary rooted in play, nature, and togetherness
Words by Paige Townley
Family trips don’t have to be extravagant to be unforgettable. Sometimes the sweetest memories are made on park benches with sticky popsicle fingers, on shaded trails where kids set the pace, or downtown where murals spark conversations you didn’t even know you needed. In Clarksville, Tennessee, family fun comes without the pressure to overspend or over plan. Tucked along the Cumberland River, it’s a town rich with green space, hands-on history, and creative play, making it easy to build a trip that feels full without feeling frantic. Here’s our kid-approved itinerary designed for families who want meaningful time together, whether you’re traveling with toddlers, teens, or a mix of both.
Day One: Downtown Play
Morning: Downtown Commons
Start your trip at Downtown Commons, Clarksville’s modern public gathering space that feels tailor-made for families. Kids can climb, build, and cool off in the splash pad, while parents relax under shaded seating. Added bonus: it’s completely free.
From there, take a short walk to explore Clarksville’s downtown murals and public art installations, turning a simple stroll into a creative scavenger hunt.
Lunch | Riverside Picnic
Pick up lunch and head to Cumberland Riverwalk and Red River Trail, where views of the Cumberland River offer a calm backdrop for a midday break. There’s plenty of space for kids—including a large playground at McGregor Park–to roam while adults recharge.
Afternoon | Customs House Museum & Cultural Center
Spend the afternoon at the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center, a downtown favorite that truly delivers for families. The museum’s interactive children’s exhibits—complete with bubbles, trains, and imaginative play—keep younger kids engaged, while rotating art and history displays appeal to older kids and adults alike.
Evening | Downtown Dinner & Dessert
Stay downtown for dinner, then walk to Frozen Fuel or another local sweet spot for ice cream or a treat before heading in for the night.
In Clarksville, Tennessee, family fun comes without the pressure to overspend or over plan.
Day Two: Nature First
Morning | Dunbar Cave State Park
Ease into the day at Dunbar Cave State Park, where family-friendly trails, picnic tables, and natural surroundings invite exploration. Kids love spotting wildlife and peeking at the historic cave entrance, while parents appreciate the peaceful setting. (Guided tours are available at May through September for kids ages 10 and older, and reservations are recommended.)
Lunch | Casual & Flexible
Grab lunch at a local café or pack sandwiches to enjoy at a nearby park. Clarksville’s abundance of green space makes it easy to keep plans flexible.
Afternoon | The City Forum
When kids are ready for high-energy fun, head to The City Forum, an indoor entertainment center offering bowling, mini golf, arcade games, laser tag, and more. It’s a one-stop solution for families with kids of varying ages—and especially welcome on hot or rainy days.
Evening | Liberty Park
Wind down at Liberty Park, home to one of Clarksville’s most popular playgrounds. It’s an easy, no-cost way to let kids play while the day gently comes to a close.
Day Three: Playful History
Morning | Rotary Park
Start your final day at Rotary Park, where kids can splash and explore along the creek. It’s a local favorite that feels delightfully old-school—no tickets, no lines, just nature-led play.
In warmer months, families may also enjoy the splash pad and inclusive playground at Heritage Park Sports Complex.
Lunch | Historic Collinsville
Pack lunch and head to Historic Collinsville Pioneer Settlement, where kids can explore furnished log cabins, barns, and open spaces while learning how early Tennesseans lived. It’s hands-on, affordable, and never stuffy.
Afternoon | Roxy Regional Theatre
End your trip with a performance at the Roxy Regional Theatre, known for its family-friendly productions. It’s a meaningful way to introduce kids to live theatre—and a memorable note to close your Clarksville stay.
Ready to plan your own Clarksville getaway? Start building your itinerary, check local event calendars, and discover just how far simple fun can take you. Learn more at visitclarksvilletn.com.
