Being a rare native Nashvillian these days I feel like I should be featured on a commemorative bandana or guitar pick or something. You can’t go a weekend in spring without a festival or five in Nashville. Growing up in Middle Tennessee there were certain events or activities that just signaled spring. I’m sharing 7 old school ways to celebrate spring in Nashville with your family today.

7 Family Friendly Ways to Celebrate Spring in Nashville

Have A Picnic at Centennial Park

I can remember going to Centennial Park on elementary school field trips in the 1970s and playing on the hot metal playground equipment and feeding the ducks crust from my PB&J sandwich made with Roman Meal bread. Centennial Park comes alive in the spring and you’ll find families enjoying picnics, people riding their bikes, area students on class field trips, local residents walking their dogs and more. In fact, you’ll be lucky to find a parking spot but it’s definitely worth making the effort with the landmark larger than life Parthenon as a backdrop.

Visit the Bunnies at Phillips Toy Mart in Belle Meade

This is one of my favorite Easter traditions for kids. Each spring Phillips has a fun display of bunnies toward the rear of the store and very often has bunnies to pet set up outside the store. Phillips Toy Mart, which has been open since the 1940s. is Nashville’s largest toy store and a joy to visit in an era when too many retail big box establishments have the gift market cornered. They also offer free gift wrapping for presents. The bunnies are in town until April 2 so mark your calendars now!

My girls visiting the bunnies in 2010. Each year their temporary spring home has a fun theme.

Take a Drive Down the Natchez Trace

My two favorite times of year to drive down the Natchez Trace are spring and fall. If you can’t get enough of picnic food, pack a lunch and stop at the Garrison Creek exit.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at Bobbie’s Dairy Dip

This West Nashville establishment has a wonderful retro feel that is pure nostalgia. Try one of their amazing milkshakes, like the James Brown.

Visit Cheekwood

Cheekwood is beautiful any time of year, but especially so during spring. The gardens and grounds are in full bloom and if you didn’t get your picnic fix at Centennial Park, it’s another prime spot for a picnic. Plus weekend activities include some fun adult outings like beer in the garden! 100,000 tulips in bloom, live music and even yoga in the gardens…check out their Cheekwood in Bloom activities.

Attend the Tennessee Craft Fair

The Tennessee Association of Craft Artists’ annual Spring Craft Fair has been a Nashville tradition since the 1960s. The fair, which will be held in front of the Parthenon in Centennial Park on May 4- 6, features hundreds of artisans.

Catch a Nashville Sounds Baseball Game

The Sounds have been playing Minor League Baseball in Nashville since the 1970s and now have a new home at the beautiful First Tennessee Park. Even though things have gotten a little fancy, to throw it way back to an old Reba country song, you can still get ice cream in a plastic baseball cap. The Nashville Sounds season opener against the Oklahoma City Dodgers is April 11.

Let me know if you end up crossing any of these off your springtime in Nashville bucket list! Are there any traditions you would add?