Great Outdoor Adventures in Nashville

Six miles south of downtown on the outskirts of the city, the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere boasts 2,248 animals, spanning 353 species, and allows visitors the opportunity to meander through the open Kangaroo Kickabout habitat, pet the goats, monkey around on the 66,000-square-foot Jungle Gym, and get up close and personal with feathered friends in the aviary's Lorikeet Landing.

Most notable of its residents is the red panda, a rare and solitary breed that lives along Grassmere's Bamboo Trail. As of spring, there's now a 100-foot-tall, two-seated zipline, the Soaring Eagle, where kids and adults alike can gain a new perspective on the zoo and its inhabitants.

Journalist and paddleboard enthusiast Margaret Littman capitalized on the global SUP stand-up paddleboard craze by becoming the first business in town to offer board rentals. In addition to private lessons and group classes on Percy Priest, Nashville Paddle Co. offers scenic paddles along the other rivers and larger lakes in town. Those who simply want to go out on their own can also opt to rent equipment for an hour ($20), full day ($85), or up to a week ($350).

The home of seventh U.S. President, Andrew Jackson, is one of Nashville's most popular sites -- not to mention, a virtual learning experience for kids of all ages. Jackson's resting place offers a candid look at slavery during Antebellum times, as well as access to the plantation grounds, gardens, mansion, and the estate's 1,000-plus acres of farmland.

Open to the public since 1960, Cheekwood has long been one of Nashville's most prized treasures, not to mention an excuse to escape the bustle of downtown. Nestled among some of the prettiest--and wealthiest--homes in town, Belle Meade's botanical garden is a horticulturalist's dream. Spanning 55 acres of plants, flowers and perfectly manicured lawn, Cheekwood also lays claim to the 30,000-square-foot Museum of Art, the Carell Woodland Sculpture Trail, and seasonal exhibitions like Steve Tobin: Southern Roots, a series of sculptures installed through Labor Day.

Together, a pair of parks -- Percy and Edwin Warner -- and their 3,180 acres of forest and field comprise Warner Parks, a natural area that's very popular with locals, thanks to its extensive network of trails, perfect for running, walking, hiking or biking. There's also a golf course, picnic areas, ponds, springs and countless scenic overlooks. Insider tip: From May through October, on the Friday night of the full moon, Warner Parks comes alive with a smorgasbord of instruments for Full Moon Pickin' Party, one massive jam fest under the stars that's open to the public.  

Need extreme peace and quiet? Look no further than Radnor Lake State Natural Area. This woodsy retreat bans running, biking and pets, meaning it's for the serious nature lover who simply wants to be outdoors. Make no mistake, though: The 1,200 acres are full of other kinds of wildlife, like deer, river otters, beavers, turkeys, muskrat, bobcats, and coyotes. There's even a new aviary education center that provides refuge for endangered birds, like bald eagles.

As the Predators' winning season comes to an end, sports fans head from the arena to the grandstand to celebrate the Nashville Sounds, the Triple-A affiliate of the Oakland A's (the city has no pro team). The new stadium, First Tennessee Park, debuted in 2015 to the tune of $47 million and can accommodate up to 10,000 spectators; additionally, it has an outdoor restaurant and bar, The Band Box; a nine-hole miniature golf course, the Country Club, opening in July and, of course, that familiar guitar scoreboard.