Family Fun at Avondale Recreation Area

Things change. Avondale Recreation Area is located just outside of Hendersonville, TN on Old Hickory Lake. When I was growing up, Avondale was very similar to Cedar Creek Recreation Area.  It was a great place to go to cool off on a hot summer day.  It had a nice big sandy beach  and a roped off swimming area.

I returned recently hoping that my own children could create some fun memories there too.  But nature had other plans.

 Here’s a picture of what used to be the beach.

Avondale Recreation Area - what it used to look like

Yep.  The lake took the beach back.

I took just a few minutes to get over my disappointment.

But, honestly, Avondale is still a pretty great place to spend an afternoon. You can still swim in the lake…you just can’t build sandcastles anymore 🙂

There is a nice boat dock that would be a perfect spot to launch a canoe or kayak.

There is a covered pavilion and several picnic tables scattered throughout the area .

Avondale Recreation Area - picnic tables

Just be aware that the tables are concrete and are also several decades old.  Bring a tablecloth and everything will be fine.

The area does have a clean bathroom facility but there are no changing stations.

There is plenty of fun to be had at Avondale.  Just don’t mention the lost beach to your kids and they will never miss it.

Family Fun Facts

Avondale Recreation Area(Map)

Open Daily until Dark  (Shelters available for rent from May – September)

Cost : FREE

Rachel headshot

Rachel is a Middle Tennessee native, born and raised in the Nashville area and having lived in Hendersonville, Murfreesboro, and Mount Juliet. She is mom to 3, step mom to 4 and Grandma to one (so far!)

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