21 Things for Under 21's to do in Nashville

HUUUUGE Birthday shout out to the one and only, co-blog writer of Girls with Curls--Ashley. She’s turned the big 21, so obviously we needed to dedicate a post for this milestone!

One of the struggles of living in Nashville, is finding fun activities things that we are able to get in to that aren’t necessarily boring “family events,” geared more towards kids than young adults. Nashville is surrounded by its nightlife, and finding activities that caters to an under 21 crowd prevents us from quite a few things. Obviously, the bars are going to be 21+, but a number of local music venues, festivals, and events at night have an age restriction as well.

Over the years, we have found our own way of having fun with certain aspects of Nashville that cater to all ages!As Ash turns 21 we wanted to give y'all a list of 21 activities or venues that you can check out too, specifically if you are under 21!

Sports: Nashville is home to several professional league sports teams. Whether that be the Sound’s, Titans, Predators, or soon-to-be Nashville Soccer Club. We highly encourage everyone to check out AT LEAST one of these sporting event, because we have an absolute blast cheering on our local teams. These games are high energy, and a great social event for young adults. You can get great savings by looking for coupons, deals, or even buying last minute tickets.

1. Take me out to the Sound’s Game: This “All-American” sport is a great summer activity. The new Sounds stadium includes state of the art facilities, the iconic guitar shaped scoreboard, a mini golf course, and fireworks every Friday following the game. Keep an eye out on their schedule for their College Nights!

2. Go Titans: Good food and an even better atmosphere! The Nissan stadium is the place to be on a Sunday to tan, eat, and enjoy a great game.

 

3. Cheer on the West Conference Champs, Predators: Since their 2017 Stanley Cup run, the Predators have exploded across the city. This arena is filled with their vibrant yellow and enthusiastic fans. Throughout the playoffs Nashville hosts watch parties at the Walk of Fame Park. You’ll find loud fans, loud music, and an exciting game.

Active: There are so many options in Nashville for you to hang out with friends and break a sweat.

4. Escape at the Escape Game: The greatest way to put your mind to the test. Grab a small group of friends and find your way out by gathering clues. This is a hot spot around town so make sure to make a reservation or call ahead. Be ready to think, and fast because it’s timed!!

5. Rent through B Cycle and Explore the City: With Nashville traffic getting worse by the minute, biking is a great alternative to getting around town and avoiding the bumper to bumper traffic. You can go from neighborhood to neighborhood with these bicycles, stopping and locking it up when you get to a destination(s). There’s a $5 flat rate, and then $3 for each additional hour!

6. Nashville Zoo at Grassmere: From giraffes to the sulcata tortoises, Nashville’s Zoo has so many animals for you to see. Make sure to come with your walking shoes and well hydrated. They also have many events throughout the year such as daily amphitheater shows, Zoovie nights, DJ, and a zipline. Check out their website for admission fees, and events calendar.

7. Take a Hike: Cummins’ Falls is less than an hour away from Nashville. This is a great way to be outdoors, get a tan and be active at the same time. When reaching the top you get to see a beautiful waterfall. Make sure you look at Cummins Falls’ website for the park’s operation hours.

8. Hot Tubbing at the Opryland Hotel: Sooo we’re not sure exactly how allowed this one is. But Nic has been doing it for three years now and has yet to get in trouble. Essentially you just park on over at the Opry Mills Mall, and walk to the back of the hotel. Once there you just (act casual) go to the pool and hot tub area. They have changing room, bathroom, and lockers to store your belongings. It’s free, and sososo relaxing. So go (secretly) check it out!

9. Not just any putt-putt: Topgolf is fun for all ages, whether it be a family night, a company event, or just a GNO. You can get quality food (peep the injectable donut holes above!) and drinks, AND great time at the driving range. They have your typical driving range, or you can compete against one another with one of their several games.

Art: We love, love, love checking out local art. Nashville has so many options for art lovers, so we wanted to give you just a few of our favorites.

10. Fit in at the Frist Center: This is a museum for ALL different types of art lovers. The Frist has exhibits from various cultures, eras, and styles. There is an admission fee, but on Thursdays and Fridays they have college nights where students get in free in the evening.

11. Dinner with a show: The Belcourt Theatre is a nonprofit film center in Hillsboro Village. They show films that are generally independent, documentary, or classic cinema. There are many restaurants in Hillsboro Village that are in walking distance, making this the best spot to have dinner and watch a remarkable movie. Make sure you check their website for their various films and screen times.

12. 24/7 Fun: Sometimes it’s 2am and you just want something fun to do. Well here it is, the 21c Museum--and it’s free and open to the public 365 days of the year. Always! So how does this work? Well it’s actually an eight floor hotel, with three of those being a gallery filled with contemporary art. 21c has great interactive, and thought-provoking art that is a must see!

13. Party at Parthenon: A full-scale replica of the Parthenon located in Athens, Greece, this is a beautiful piece of architectural history. Inside you can explore the art museum, and the 42-foot replica of Athena. Fun Fact, this structure was a set on Percy Jack-the Lighting Theif. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the Centennial Park surrounding the Parthenon, it’s a great place to walk around, go for a run, or have a picnic.

Food & Fun: Our favorite combination, what more can you ask for than dinner with a show?? Well we have quite the variety of fun, food-filled adventures around town.

14. Suzy Wong's House of Yum Drag Show: Yeah that’s right...brunch and drag. We don’t need to say about this one. Just bring money for the queens and be prepared for a wild time.

15. Bowling + Food: Sounds like a weird combination, BUT Pinewood Social is a place has a great, hipster atmosphere. Bowling, food, drinks, and...a pool? Yeah this place has it all with its beautiful downtown view and activities.

16. 12th South strip: This beautiful neighborhood is absolutely thriving. It’s home to Sevier Park, coffee shops, restaurants, and boutiques. It is completely dog friendly, so come down, and check out their plentiful murals.

17. Veg out at the Farmer’s Market: We did a whole post about this amazing place last month that you should check out. But this hub of local businesses, artisans, and restaurants is a great spot to check out. You can spend hours and hours here just browsing, and have a blast.

Nightlife: The hub of Nashville--for you night owls to get into:

18. Get your karaoke on: Head over to Lonnie's right outside of Printer's Alley to show your vocals off at this college bar. On weekends this place gets pretty packed with young adults. Beware, there is a cover charge!

19. Line Dancing at Wildhorse Saloon: YES YES YES! This is exactly what Nic was looking for when she moved down to Tennessee. Check online or call their office for their daily line dance lesson times, and come rockin' your cowboy boots. Make sure you come early, because unfortunately, it does become 21+ later in the night.

20. Play at Play: What a fantastic place. Play is most known as a gay bar (welcoming of all people). As young women we appreciate this place because it's all the fun of dancing and meeting new people, with no pressure of men grinding up against you. There is a cover charge, but come out on Wednesdays with your college ID's and its free! The daily drag shows are a blast that you don't want to miss out on.

21. Dance on over to Plaza Mariachi: Need to learn some salsa moves? This is the place to go. Well come on over on any Thursday night, and they will have instructors and music. Saturday’s are the also a great day to go out dancing with friends and a live DJ playing some tunes. If you’re not into dancing Plaza also has great restaurants and shops.

Well, that's a wrap, 21 activities that you can do under the age of 21. Thank for reading y'all, comment below on your favorite activities around town. Wait and see what we'll do next!