The countdown to summer break is on, and we’re making plans to entertain the kids for the exactly 9.5 weeks until the real professionals take back over in August. We are pumped about long days, swimming pools and that constant glaze of sweat and sunscreen that all of Nashville will be wearing.
While we love some lazy summer days at home, there are times that we can’t tolerate even one more chorus of the popular summer anthem “We Are Bored You Never Let Us Do Anything Where Are We Going Today He’s Touching Me.” Maybe you’ve heard it?
Even if you’re sending the kids to camps this summer, you’ll still need some adventures in your back pocket for those times that your choices for resolving arguments over the iPad are a.) sell them to the circus or b.) tell them to fight to the death.
Check out our 5 weekday summer break boredom busters that’ll keep you sane and your kids entertained.
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Art Appreciation at Hatch Show Print
Instead of:
Listening to the 13 reasons why your kids are bored, get out of the house for some real Nashville culture.
Where:
Hatch Show Print is in the 5th Avenue lobby of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum building (224 5th Ave. South, Nashville).
Why It’s Great:
Hatch Show Print has an iconic style that is fun and nostalgic for adults (yes, parents. YOU are allowed to have fun too) and trendy for kids who are into art. If you’re a Nashville noob, get a dose of Nashville history when you hear the Hatch brothers’ story and the background of their groundbreaking designs. You can find their hours and exhibit schedule here.
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“Go Parking” at Cumberland Park
Instead of:
Wondering if walking back and forth to the pantry is exercise, go somewhere that makes it fun to get your fitness on.
Where:
Cumberland Park is LP Field’s backyard (592 South First Street, Nashville).
Why It’s Great:
Because back in your day, the only playground you went to had two swings (but one was always broken) and a death-trap slide. And it was uphill in the snow both ways, of course. Lecture the kids on the way about how good they have it with a splash pad, climbing features and an explorer trail in one amazing park.
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Be a Goat Getter at Lucky Ladd Farms
Instead of:
Googling funny animal videos, go capture some footage of your own.
Where:
Lucky Ladd Farms is an easy drive south of Nashville will take you to some down-home fun in Eagleville (4374 Rocky Glade Road, Eagleville).
Why It’s Great:
There’s something for every kid at Lucky Ladd. Pet some llamas, milk a wooden cow in the gift shop barn, mine for fossils and gems, ride a pony (not you, Dad), play on the massive playground, then cool off at the splash pad and do it all again. Our kids tell us Lucky Ladd is “legit,” and we “totes” believe them. Learn more about their activities and attractions here.
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Read a Book (or Ten) at Nashville Public Libraries
Instead of:
Hitting up an indoor play place with the rest of Nashville on a rainy day, have an old fashioned lazy day browsing the stacks.
Where:
All over town — find a list of locations here.
Why It’s Great:
Our public libraries are free and offer puppet shows, storytime and oh yeah, REAL BOOKS. We know summer is for fun, but for kids who need the practice or just love to read, why not learn about new worlds and topics. From helioseismology (we don’t know what it means either — go to the library and look it up) to Harry Potter, the library has something for kids and parents (silence. glorious silence.)
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Take the Adventure Challenge with Tennessee State Parks
Instead of:
Trying to convince your third grader that cleaning his room is a death-defying adventure, join the State Park Service’s Adventure Challenge.
Where:
Any and all Tennessee State Parks. You can find a complete list here.
Why It’s Great:
It’s like a huge scavenger hunt where you don’t have to use your brain too much. The challenges are listed in a handy-dandy brochure, and you can complete them on your own — anytime, any day, at any state park. Nature loving kids will geek out at bird-watching, kayaking and museum tours, and you can take all the credit for having the idea. You’re welcome.
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There you have it, 5 great ways to step up your parenting game this summer. For all your Nashville needs (not just kids stuff), grab the Wannado iPhone app or explore daily recommendations at Wannado.com.
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TIRED OF NASHVILLE TRAFIC?
Meet Our New Favorite App:
Hytch is a new app for Middle Tennessee that instantly shows you friends and neighbors who share your commute – making it super easy to sync up and ride together. Download the app and give it a spin or click below to learn more!