With July winding down and back-to-school season right around the corner, there's not much time left to enjoy all the fun-filled summer activities the Nashville area collectively has to offer. But even as we approach the end of what's really been one HOT summer, things are still heating up, and there's still plenty to see and do before the leaves begin to change! Here are three things you’ll want to make sure you do in Nashville before the summer ends.

Explore the Parks

Nashville is packed with thousands of acres of parks, perfect for hiking, running, walking, or enjoying a picnic lunch. Be sure and hit up downtown’s Bicentennial State Park to view the monuments, the unique play area of Cumberland Park, and tour the replica of a Greek temple at The Parthenon in Centennial Park.

Indoor Karting

A new hot spot has opened in the Music City called Music City Indoor Karting. It opened in January of 2-14 and provided plenty of fun for the daredevil in you. They use electric karts the can go up to 40 miles per hour for all types of fun. It's located at 400 Davidson Street and open seven days a week.

Hit the Water

Next up, hit the water for some fun in the sun! Radnor Lake and Old Hickory Lake are close by, offering up fishing, wildlife, boating, and camping. You can also rent a paddleboard along the Harpeth River or go kayaking along the Cumberland River. And with the temperature expected to climb back up into the high 80s this coming weekend, why not cool down out on one of the lakefronts?

Laser Tag

Have you ever played laser tag with your family? If not, gather all the kids, friends, cousins, aunts, uncles, and anybody else you can for a few hours of fun at Laser Quest. This is a fun and safe activity everybody can enjoy. Laser Quest is found at 166 2nd Avenue North.

Listen to Live Music

Music City really lives up to its name, too, with live outdoor music rockin' all summer long. You’ll find free evening concerts throughout August, plus the free Live on the Green Concert Series at Public Square Park in August and early September. If you've never been, it's a great way to spend an evening, so take advantage of these no-cost concerts while there's still a little over a month left. 

Indoor Trampoline Jumping

When it's time to wear out the kids because of a few hot days or a week of rain, take them to Sky High Sports. This is an indoor trampoline park and provides all types of fun. It's located at 5270 Harding Place and provides all types of fun from Dodgeball to AIRobics.

Other Great Indoor Activities To Beat The Heat Include

• Bowling - Top alleys include AMF Pla Mor Lanes, Pinewood Social, Strike and Spar, and Tusculum Lanes.
• Roller Skating - The Brentwood Skate Center is one of the best rinks in the city.
• Karaoke - For adults, karaoke can provide plenty of fun at Wanna B's, Santa's Pub, and Lonnie's.

No matter what you and your family enjoy, this summer, you can beat the heat with any of these indoor activities in Nashville.