“Here are 10 fun (plus one bonus!) places to visit this summer that are completely FREE in Tennessee!”

If you know me, you know I love a free, kid-friendly summer adventure! Getting out of the house with the kids doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Sometimes the best memories are made with a packed picnic lunch, a full tank of gas, and a fun stop somewhere new.

1. Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

Take a walk around the park, enjoy a picnic lunch, and cool off in the Rivers of Tennessee Fountain. It’s a beautiful downtown spot with plenty of room for kids to run and play.

2. Geographic Center of Tennessee

Visit the exact geographic center of Tennessee in Murfreesboro for a quick and unique summer stop. It’s a fun place to snap a photo and say you stood right in the middle of the state!

3. World’s Largest Cedar Bucket

Located in Cannonsburgh Village, this quirky roadside attraction is worth the stop! Originally built in 1887 as a promotional display, the giant cedar bucket stands nearly six feet tall, weighs 1,580 pounds, and can hold 1,573 gallons of water.

4. Tennessee Titans Training Camp Practices

Watching the Titans practice is completely free and open to the public during training camp season. It’s a great chance to see NFL players up close, soak in football season excitement, and grab some fun fan photos.

5. Cookeville Depot Museum

The Cookeville Depot Museum is a fun stop for train lovers and history fans alike. Explore vintage railroad exhibits, historic train cars, and local history right in downtown Cookeville.

6. Shiloh National Military Park

Step back in time at Shiloh, where history and nature come together in a beautiful setting. You can explore monuments, walking trails, and historic battlefields while enjoying the outdoors.

7. Natchez Trace Parkway

Take a scenic drive down the Natchez Trace Parkway and enjoy historical stops, overlooks, and hiking trails along the way. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and one of the best free road trips in the South.

8. RC Cola and MoonPie Festival

Head to Bell Buckle for the famous RC Cola and MoonPie Festival filled with live music, games, parades, and small-town charm. It’s one of Tennessee’s most iconic summer festivals.

9. The Peabody Memphis Duck March

Every day at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis, ducks march through the lobby in a tradition that has been happening for decades. Kids absolutely love it, and it makes for a memorable stop downtown.

10. Rock Island State Park

Cool off at Rock Island State Park with waterfalls, swimming holes, hiking trails, and incredible views. It’s one of the prettiest summer spots in Tennessee.

BONUS: Murfreesboro Moai Statues

These Moai statues are inspired by the famous Easter Island figures and were created by local artist Steve Smith. The massive stone-style heads sit near the railroad tracks and make a fun, unexpected photo stop!

So grab the sunscreen, pack some snacks, and make some summer memories with your kiddos, without spending a fortune! Tennessee has so many fun hidden gems just waiting to be explored.