Day Trips
Find a New Place to Explore within a Two Hour Drive
Have a Saturday and want to get out of town and explore? Check out our suggestions for day trips – all tested by our families and 7 kids. The Nashville metro area is big, so to give you an idea of distances we have used the Tennessee State Capitol as a central starting point. All of these locations are within a 2 hour drive or less from the Capitol.
If you want to travel further or need an idea for a weekend away check out our road trip suggestions.
Scroll through the list, or click one of the buttons below and see our adventures by state.
Burritt on the Mountain
Burritt on the Mountain, located 5 miles east of downtown Huntsville is near the top of the famed Monte Sano, Italian for “Mountain of Health”, where the Hotel Monte Sano…
The National Quilt Museum – A Hidden Gem in Paducah, KY
I’m gonna change your mind about the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, KY. I’m betting that many of you think this is a quaint, ‘old timey’ place that your grandmother…
Lost River Cave – Bowling Green, KY
Lost River Cave is a really interesting place for outdoor family fun. Located in Bowling Green, KY, this destination is less than a 90 minute drive from most areas in…
The River Discovery Center
In a previous life, before kids and before Nashville, I was a Third Mate in the Merchant Marines and worked on oil tankers. I have tried for years to explain…
Kentucky Down Under
Drive 90 minutes north on I-65 and explore another continent – get a taste of Australia (at least it’s wildlife) at Kentucky Down Under. Plan to spend the day here –…
Harmony Park Safari
Harmony Park Safari is off the beaten path about 30 minutes south of downtown Huntsville, AL. It is worth the drive if you are in the area! Owned by a…
Monte Sano State Park – Huntsville, AL
Located in Huntsville, Alabama, Monte Sano State Park is a great place for outdoor family fun. The park has been open since 1938. Monte Sano means “Mountain of health” in…
Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park
Two hours to the northwest is a water playground that is perfect for a weekend trip from Nashville. Located at the top of Kentucky Lake, Kentucky Dam State Resort Park…
Beech Bend Park and Splash Lagoon
If you go to Beech Bend Park and Splash Lagoon expecting a Disney-like experience, you are going to be disappointed. Beech Bend is not Disney. Heck, it’s not even Six…
EarlyWorks Children’s Museum
A short 2 hour drive south of Nashville in Huntsville, AL you will find enough family fun for a weekend, but its close enough for a day trip too. Before…