A Family Guide to Recreation, Sports, and Fun in Murfreesboro & Smyrna

Courtney Isbell • September 27, 2025

Explore Rutherford County’s Top Parks, Playgrounds, and Active Spots

picture of a lot of fun things to do in murfreesboro

What's Fun in Rutherford County?   Explore Recreation and Sports Parks in Murfreesboro & Smyrna


Whether you’re into tennis, pickleball, mountain biking, or skateboarding, Rutherford County offers a wide variety of parks and facilities that cater to all ages and interests. If you prefer bowling, painting pottery, or even petting animals at Lucky Ladd Farms, we have something for everyone, activities and attractions designed to fit every hobby and every family. Please call or visit the website for the latest hours, reservation requirements, and any associated costs for each location.


Tennis and Pickleball 

Old Fort Park (Murfreesboro): Boasts multiple tennis courts, some reserved for tournaments, with others available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Lee Victory Recreation Park (Smyrna): Features six tennis courts and various amenities, making it popular for players.

Sam Ridley Parkway (Smyrna): Courts are open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., with lights till closing, and most are available except during weekday school practices (3-6 p.m.).

West Meade & Boro Pickleball (Murfreesboro): Known for open, welcoming pickleball play with courts managed for optimal fun, and no crowds—perfect for beginners and friendly competition.

McFadden Community Center (Murfreesboro): Offers indoor and outdoor pickleball sessions suitable for all skill levels and ages.


Outdoor Trails & Biking 

Barfield Crescent Mountain Bike Trails (Murfreesboro): Over 6 miles of trails, with beginner-friendly blue sections and challenging black trails for advanced riders.

Murfreesboro Greenway System offers a network of paved trails perfect for walking, biking (not necessarily mountain biking trails like Barfield has), and jogging, with over 12 miles of trails available. It connects various parks, historical sites, and neighborhoods, serving as both a recreational area and a conservation corridor. Several trailheads, including Broad Street, Cannonsburgh, and Fortress Rosecrans, provide access points to the greenway. 

Sharp Springs Loop (Smyrna)  is a loop trail that covers about 3 miles, taking approximately 1–1.5 hr to complete.


Skateboarding & BMX 

Old Fort Park Skate Park & Pump Track (Murfreesboro): Modern skate park and pump track just 2.8 miles away.

Veteran’s Memorial Skatepark (La Vergne): Well-maintained but smaller skatepark located 13.5 miles away, great for casual skating and biking.


Additional Recreational Opportunities 

Family & Community Centers: McFadden Center (Murfreesboro) offers sports courts, kid-friendly activities, and less crowded recreational options nearby.

Trails & Parks: The scenic Stones River Greenway (Murfreesboro) and historic sites like Oaklands Mansion (Murfreesboro) provide outdoor activities year-round for all ages.  These parks and facilities provide the perfect environment for outdoor fun, sports, and family activities , making Rutherford County a great place for an active and healthy lifestyle.


Indoor Fun & Activities 

Discovery Center at Murfree Spring (Murfreesboro): Hands-on exhibits and a nature boardwalk make it perfect for curious kids.

Urban Air Trampoline & Adventure Park (Murfreesboro): Trampolines, obstacle courses, and indoor adventure activities for all ages.

Escape Rooms: Try your puzzle-solving skills at Murfreesboro Escape Rooms, Radical Escape Rooms, or other local escape experiences—great for families, friends, and teams.

Pottery & Creative Art: Book & Brush (Murfreesboro) and Color Me Mine offer fun DIY projects like pottery painting and crafts, perfect for a creative family outing.

Family & Kids Activities: Kidz Adventure Center (Murfreesboro) and Smyrna’s Kidz Club provide supervised indoor playgrounds and kid-friendly activities.

Stars and Strikes (Greshampark Drive, Murfreesboro) 

Offers family-friendly bowling lanes, arcade games, laser tag, and a full-service restaurant.

Check their website for current hours and special league or event schedules.

Smyrna Bowling Center (Smyrna) 

A 24-hour facility with modern lanes, food service, and league options suitable for all ages.

Great for casual outings, birthday parties, or family leagues.

Lumberjack Alley (Murfree Spring, Murfreesboro) 

Features a relaxed bowling environment along with mini-golf and arcade games.

Perfect for casual family fun or a quick evening outing.

Main Event Murfreesboro (Greshampark Drive) 

This popular entertainment center includes bowling, laser tag, arcade games, and private party rooms.  Open late, often until midnight, making it ideal for after-dinner fun or birthday celebrations.

Smyrna Bowling Center 

Open 24/7, with top-tier lanes, food options, and league play.

Offers a fun environment for both casual bowlers and competitive leagues.

Board & Brush or Color Me Mine for pottery painting, offering a relaxing, hands-on experience for all ages.

GO USA Fun Park  ( Murfreesboro) offers go-karts, mini golf, arcade games, driving range, batting cages, flight simulator, and more.

Chuck E. Cheese  (Murfreesboro) family entertainment that offers pizza, arcade games, and entertainment for children and families


Additional Fun & Adventure Spots 

Lucky Ladd Farms (Murfreesboro): Petting zoo, seasonal events, and farm rides for a full day of family fun.

Local Shopping & Entertainment: The Avenue and Stones River Mall offer shopping, dining, and entertainment options to round out your fun-filled day.


Splash Pads & Water Play

Lytle Park Splash Pad (Murfreesboro): Located on Lytle Street, this splash pad features water sprayers and soft ground, offering safe and fun water play during the summer months.

South Smyrna Splash Pad (Smyrna): Situated in Veterans Memorial Park on South Lowry Street, it provides an interactive water area perfect for kids on hot days.

Sports*Com Pools (Murfreesboro): The indoor and outdoor pools at Sports*Com offer additional water fun, including swim lessons, water games, and recreational swimming, suitable for all ages.  Sports*Com is a large facility that offers a track, aerobics, a gym, a meeting room, and volleyball courts.

Patterson Park Pool (Murfreesboro): Patterson Park offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including an indoor pool with a zero-depth entry, a triple-loop slide, and a four-lane lap pool as well as a great outdoor swimming experience, with areas for families, open swim, and relaxing summer days. . The park also features a playground, picnic shelters, and sports facilities like tennis and basketball courts. Additionally, the community center hosts youth sports programs, fitness classes, and a library branch. 


These are just some of the many options available for families and active individuals in Rutherford County, ensuring there’s always something new to explore. Whether it’s a sports game, a creative workshop, an escape challenge, or a fun meal, Murfreesboro and Smyrna have it all, making this a perfect place for your next adventure or family outing.


Murfreesboro Real Estate

Buying and Selling in Murfreesboro

Rutherford County Real Estate

Murfreesboro Realtor

Real Estate Communication

Murfreesboro Real Estate Questions



Contact Us

murfreesboro
By CourtneyIsbellRealtor September 23, 2025
Discover Rutherford County: vibrant communities, parks, healthcare, shopping, amenities, dining, and entertainment options, perfect for families & professionals.
Plan view of Town Creek Daylighting project with creek, park area, trees, and road.
By Courtney Isbell September 20, 2025
Learn about Murfreesboro’s Town Creek daylighting project, historic neighborhood The Bottoms, and community revitalization efforts transforming the city.
More Posts