We all cherish the thought of creating lifelong memories with our families, and travel is one of the primary ways we seek to achieve that. But, traveling with children can strain the wallet, and planning a trip that everyone in the family will enjoy can be time-consuming. Clarksville, Tennessee, a centrally located mid-size community 45 miles northwest of Nashville, continues to be an affordable destination with plenty of free activities and attractions. These 10 ideas will help stretch a family budget and make a last-minute summer getaway possible.

1. Downtown Commons, 215 Legion St. This full-block downtown park is a kid's paradise. The Imagination Playground's collection of large portable foam shapes allows kids to create a play space that is constantly built and rebuilt by their imaginations. Yard games on the lawn give plenty of opportunities to run out all that energy, while water features and splash fountains allow everyone to cool off from the summer heat. Free concerts, the Downtown @ Sundown series, take place on the first and third Fridays through October. Bring a picnic and lawn chairs or dine at a local restaurant or food truck before heading to the concert.

Worth The Splurge Nearby: Frozen Fuel, 117 Strawberry Alley, serves made-in-house ice cream just down the street. 

2. Fort Defiance Civil War Park & Interpretive Center, 120 Duncan St. Spend some time learning about Clarksville's Civil War history at one of the last intact earthen works forts in the United States. Wander the grounds to discover pieces from its past and admire the views of Historic Downtown Clarksville across the river. Don't miss the U.S. Colored Troops Monument, one of three in the nation, honoring the more than 20,000 UCSTs from Tennessee who served in the Civil War. Inside the large interpretive center, hear stories from those who lived in Clarksville during the war and browse artifacts and documents from that time. 

At events throughout the year, visitors can learn about life during the Civil War -- what the medical profession looked like, how soldiers mended their clothes, what types of food they ate and songs they sang, what a typical Christmas involved, what artillery was used and what a cannon sounds like.

Don't Miss It: Around the block, Sevier Station is the oldest standing structure in Montgomery County. This was the homeplace of Valentine Sevier, revolutionary war hero and brother to Tennessee's first governor, John Sevier.

3. Hit the Water. Time on the water is like no other for unplugging and reconnecting. Bring your kayaks or schedule a trek with Run-A-Muck Outfitters or Float Ya Boat to see the natural beauty of the area. Venturing down the Cumberland presents the best views of the city. Choose routes from 2-14 miles along the Cumberland and Red Rivers and their many creeks and forks. Boating, fishing, waterskiing, canoeing, tubing, and creek wading are all fun too.

Bonus Idea: Stand-Up Paddleboarding. Wildflower SUP operates from nearby Cheatham Dam but also serves the Cumberland River here in Clarksville. 

4. Disc Golf. Disc Golf is a sport the entire family can enjoy. The 18-hole course at Rotary Park, 2308 Rotary Park Drive, is hilly and can be challenging through woods and open areas. Be prepared for some hiking, but also scenic vistas ripe for Instagram pics. 

5. 18 Themed Challenge Trails. One of the easiest ways to explore the variety of things to see and do in the Clarksville community, along with the area's local history, is by using the VisitClarksvilleTN App. With "trails" like Outdoor Adventure, Architectural Gems, Public Art, Artsy Shopping, African American Legacy Trail and Uniquely Southern Foods, visitors are sure to find something fun, interesting, and sometimes educational. Once trails are selected, the app acts as a GPS. Visitors check in at stops along each trail to earn collectible challenge pins.

Accept the Challenge: Invest the time to collect all 18 trail pins, then earn even more Visit Clarksville swag.

6. Parks, Natural Trails and Wildlife. Clarksville is home to more than 30 local parks and two state parks. Adventurers can easily fill a day with splash pads, picnic areas, walking trails, mountain biking, horseshoes, playgrounds, a skate park, and more...all free. Dunbar Cave State Park, 401 Old Dunbar Cave Rd., is a 144-acre natural playground full of wildlife, trails, picnic areas and signs sharing the site's rich history.

Rotary Park is a 111-acre nature park with over five miles of hiking/biking trails, an 18-hole disc golf course, an ADA-accessible playground, a sensory trail, and creek access. The Wade Bourne Nature Center features age-appropriate nature discovery areas, including an aquarium, where children learn about the live animals and fish that are native to the area.

Liberty Park, a 146-acre park bordering the Cumberland River at 1188 Cumberland Dr., offers a massive community-built playground, marina, paved trails, dog park, amphitheater, picnic pavilions, and wide-open play spaces. Don't miss the memorial tributes to hometown heroes and Olympic Golf Medalists Wilma Rudolph and Pat Head Summitt.

The Heritage Park All-Inclusive Splash Pad and Playground is a perfect summer spot for cooling down.

Worth The Splurge: If the budget allows (and everyone in your party is over age five) splurge on a fascinating guided cave tour at Dunbar. The eight-mile mouth is the only publically accessible cave in the world where visitors can see 14th-century Native American Mississippian cave art. Check the schedule and make reservations at tnstateparks.com/parks/about/dunbar-cave.

7. Off-Road Cycling. For thrills, exercise and fun, bring along the bikes and explore the trails at North Ford Street Mountain Bike Park, 2740 North Ford St. Various trails, including a designated kids' area, make the park suitable for all skill levels.

8. Live Music. In addition to Downtown @ Sundown, visitors can enjoy local singer/songwriters and food trucks at Beachaven Vineyards & Winery, 1100 Dunlop Ln., and the Restaurant at Old Glory Distilling, 451 Alfred Thun Rd., every weekend. Check the line-ups at visitclarksvilletn.com/events/concerts/.

9. Clarksville Greenway and Riverwalk. The Clarksville Greenway, 1100 Pollard Rd., is an excellent and scenic choice for biking, walking, jogging, or inline skating. Hop on the nine-mile paved trail at any of four trailheads and find picturesque scenery among the bluffs, creek, overlooks and open fields. The 600-foot pedestrian bridge is particularly photogenic. 

The Cumberland Riverwalk, 640 N. Riverside Dr., spans approximately five miles along the Cumberland and Red Rivers. Along with a wide paved meandering walkway, the park offers picnic areas, a playground, swings and benches.

Best Time to Visit: Sunset, hands down.

10. Art and Creative Outlets. Murals, sculptures, fountains, and galleries abound in downtown Clarksville. Find plenty of selfie-ready spots to learn about Clarksville's culture and heritage while seeing different artists' talents and perspectives. The city's latest mural, Last Train to Clarksville, is located at 136 Commerce St. and was unveiled in November 2023. First Thursday Art Walks offers times to meet and socialize with both fellow art lovers and local artists. Create art for free or for a small fee at ArtLink, 98 Franklin St. Music fans can follow the Tennessee Music Pathways' five stops in Clarksville to learn about some of the city's people and places who've significantly influenced music history.

Music History Tip: Did you know that legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix formed his first band while living in Clarksville?

For even more ideas of things to see and do in Clarksville with families, check out visitclarksvilletn.com/family.