Summer in Tennessee: Top 7 Family-Friendly Activities To Make the Most of Summer in Bristol

Bristol, TN, is a quaint and beautiful town with excellent attractions and activities that will give you and your family a memorable summer experience.

From indoor festivals to cultural events, there’s so much you can do here. Let’s look at the top seven things to do in Bristol, TN.

Explore the Bristol Caverns

If you plan to spend the summer in Tennessee, you’ll want to check out the Bristol Caverns. The majestic caverns feature beautiful mineral formations below the earth’s surface. With well-lit walkways that ensure you don’t miss anything, this attraction will make your summer interesting.

So, how deep is the Bristol cavern? The tour to Bristol Caverns will take you to three levels of the cavern: the Mayor Preston’s Chamber in the upper section, the Underground River 180 feet below on the cavern floor, and the Lover’s Leap, where you can view the breathtaking Bridal Veil formations. Bring your camera to capture the moment, and get ready to snap unforgettable shots!

Each tour lasts approximately an hour and is open daily year-round except for holidays. Pricing is subject to change, so contact Bristol Caverns for confirmation. You can also book group and personalized tours if you like.

Birthplace of Country Music Museum

If you and your family love music, you’ll want to add the BCM Museum to your to-do list. The museum tells the rich musical heritage of Bristol. There are displays to see, music-themed gifts to buy, and things to watch and listen to, giving you an interactive experience.

Your family can enjoy the museum’s Special Exhibits Gallery, which showcases a rotating exhibition from guest curators and other institutions. There is also a collection of related objects, photographs, ephemera, and a digital archive.

Birthplace of Country Music Museum, Tennessee

The Birthplace of Country Music Museum offers adult/general admission tickets with complimentary access for children ages 5 and younger. There are special discounts for seniors, students with ID, children ages 6-7, and military personnel. Discounted tickets for groups of 20 or more are also available. You can book, in advance, customized tours and add-on options.

The Museum is open Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Opening and operating hours may vary on holidays or in the event of inclement weather to ensure safety.

There is also a reduced admission costs program at $3 through Museums For All, a signature access program of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) by the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM).

Steele Creek Park

One of the reasons you’ll love living in Bristol is that it has activities for all ages, and Steele Creek Park is a testament to that. The facility features a golf course, picnic tables, lovely exercise trails, a splash pad, and a lake where you can go kayaking.

Tennessee Welcome Center

Don’t let the name deceive you. This is not merely an information center for tourists. In this welcome center, you’ll find historical statues, exhibits and Bristol souvenirs. The center is also surrounded by a huge river park where you can enjoy rafting, canoeing and kayaking.

Just Jump Trampoline Park

If you’re a thrill seeker, add Just Jump Trampoline Park to your list of things to see and do in Bristol. There are activities for every member of the family. Kids can run and jump on the trampoline, and adults can enjoy the massage chair and basketball hoops.

Twin City Drive-In Theatre

Forget movie nights on the couch. This alternative will blow your mind. The drive-in theatre is located on a 29-acre piece of land and has engaging activities for the whole family. The theatre usually hosts classical presentations and movie showings, giving you something fun to do in the evening.

Flip-Side Retro Arcade

This is for families who love retro gaming. Whether arcade, console games or pinball, the flip-side retro arcade has everything you need. For a single fee, you can play as many games as you wish or even leave and come back later in the day to keep playing (as long as you don’t lose the armband).

For more information about things to do in Bristol, TN, contact The Reserve at Leonard Farms. We can recommend the top attraction sites to add to your bucket list for the summer.