5 Things I Love About Cheekwood Botanical Gardens

Cheekwood Botanical Gardens in Nashville, TN is one of my all-time favorite places in Nashville – with or without kids. We’ve been for family events, date nights, after school to do homework outside, and I even go to walk and read in the gardens solo every once in a while.

We frequently bring visiting friends and family to the beautiful gardens to walk around, hear summer concerts or view the latest art exhibit. Our family has had a Cheekwood Membership for as long as we’ve lived in Nashville and we use it constantly. From Cheekwood’s seasonal festivals and events to the art installations and family activities, Cheekwood is without a doubt worth a visit whenever you’re in Music City. Here are 5 things we love about Cheekwood Botanical Gardens:

1. Art Installations & Exhibitions

Cheekwood has a permanent art collection at the museum and an incredible sculpture trail outside, but I’m always blown away by their rotating exhibitions that are displayed and incorporated throughout the gardens each year. From Chihuly to storybook-themed treehouses; from International Playhouses to giant animal sculptures by Italian based artist collective, Cracking Art, my girls’ and I adore exploring the new installations every year. Often, they are interactive for children (of all ages), they teach about art and nature and inspire exploration and creativity.

2. Seasonal Festivals & Events

Cheekwood hosts many seasonal events and festivals that we attend year after year in Nashville. From Scarecrows! In autumn and the Day of the Dead Festival in November, to Holiday Lights  – a magical light show with over 1 million lights – in the winter, to summer concerts and spring in bloom tulips, every season brings new colors, activities, and inspiration.

3. Kids Art Education at The Frist Learning Center

All three of my girls have attended Cheekwood Art Camp throughout the years, Tuesday for Tots activities, field trips with their school and special events centered around art education and nature preservation. I love their focus on teaching art and nature appreciation and the fact that they allow kids to get creative and messy. Several of my girls’ Cheekwood masterpieces are framed and hanging in our home!

4. The Gardens – Preservation & Local Education

The 11 distinct gardens in Cheekwood are vast and stunning. We love to explore the Herb Garden, the Japanese garden, and the Color garden especially (we have friends who were married in the herb garden too). Many trees and plants are labeled and there are several information sessions and tours that explain the local plants grown and how to maintain them. There is also a local plant sale every year that teaches about what grows well in Nashville and how to continue to make our local environment thrive.

5. Cheekwood is a Non-Profit

Cheekwood is a non-profit (your membership is tax deductible!) with a mission to Preserve Cheekwood as a historical landmark where beauty and excellence in art and horticulture stimulate the mind and nurture the spirit. I love that I’m supporting this mission with our family membership!

Have you been to Cheekwood? What do you love about this beloved Nashville spot? Check out some other favorite Nashville spots like a Walk through Nashville Civil Rights History, Some Best Nashville Murals and Family-Friendly Music Venues in Nashville!