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In Nashville, kids have been out for Summer break since the end of May. Every year this means earlier planning to make sure we get outdoors to soak up some sun and fill the calendar with plenty of activities to keep these kids busy before August rolls back around. *Today’s post and dope ride is sponsored by Mazda USA. #DriveMazda

Summer Exploration: Downtown Nashville Sponsored By Mazda | Naturally Stellar

Summer Break In Downtown Nashville

We’re fortunate to live in a place that has constant family activities and events going on year-round to keep us happy.

There really is something for everyone in the fam here in Nashville. So, each time we venture out together it gives us an opportunity to bond and create some bomb family memories.

Lately, my kids and I have been hitting the road to explore and experience Summer fun in our city. There’s so much to do! Check out what we’ve been getting into in this fabulous 2019 Mazda CX-9 Signature All Wheel Drive!

Family Travel Mazda CX9

When the weather starts to warm up that’s when I like to pull out all of our outdoor gear and keep it in the trunk of our car. I like to be ready for whatever we’re planning and for those times when we decide to do something outdoors on the fly.

So I make sure we have things like our picnic blankets, stroller, and festival chairs all ready to go. I may even throw in some balls and sidewalk chalk for those days when we head out to the park or playgrounds.

Summer Fun In The City with Mazda CX-9 | Naturally Stellar

Downtown Nashville Summer Fun

Here are a few pocket-friendly things that we’ve been doing to fill our summer break days. Pretty much everything we’ve been doing lately has been either free or low-cost. The only thing I’ve had to budget for was gas and food. Mom win!

Tennessee State Museum

We ventured into the newly constructed Tennessee State Museum to check out the exhibits and see the area dedicated to kids. This place is huge! We couldn’t see everything in one visit.

Summer Fun In The City with Mazda CX-9 - Tennesee State Museum | Naturally Stellar

Summer Fun In The City with Mazda CX-9 - Tennessee State Museum Observation Deck | Naturally Stellar

We spent most of our time visiting the kid’s area and just a few history exhibits that focused on agriculture, plantation life, slavery, and the civil war. Then we walked the outdoor observation deck.

Summer Fun In The City with Mazda CX-9 - Tennessee State Museum Kid's Room | Naturally Stellar

Summer Fun In The City with Mazda CX-9 | Naturally Stellar — View from balcony of Tennessee State Museum (facing Nashville Farmer’s Market)

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

Downtown Nashville has some really pretty open spaces and attractions for those that love the outdoors. Bicentennial Capitol Mall is a 19-acre park that stretches from the State Capitol building all the way to Jefferson Street. It’s the perfect spot for outdoor picnics, tours, and romantic walks. It sits right in proximity to the Nashville Farmers Market, Tennessee State Museum and the Nashville Sounds Stadium.

You can even rent bikes or scooters to explore the park!

Summer Fun In The City with Mazda CX-9 - Tennessee State Capital Mall | Naturally Stellar

Nashville Carillon Bells - Bicentennial state park — Carillon Bells at the Tennessee Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park (Nashville, TN)

When we arrived we discovered that the amphitheater was empty. The kids decided this should be the spot for our picnic so we settled down with our stuff and had a nice lunch in the grass.

Summer Fun In The City with Mazda CX-9 | Naturally Stellar

Nashville Amphitheater - Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park | Naturally Stellar

Summer Fun In The City with Mazda CX-9 - Nashville Amphitheater | Naturally Stellar

Rivers of Tennessee Fountain

Not only can you learn some history about the waterways of Tennessee at this fountain but the kids can have a ball running through and getting wet. There’s even a little river running the length of the landmark wall. Everything you’ll need for an afternoon at the fountain is right here. A visitor’s center, restrooms, vending machines and plenty of picnic tables to sit and watch the kids have fun.

Summer Fun In The City with Mazda CX-9 - Rivers of Tennessee Fountain | Naturally Stellar

About The 2019 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD with SkyActive Technology

I’m convinced that this is an SUV for tech-savvy adventure lovers. It’s loaded with convenient features like extra USB ports, power outlets, sunroof, and touch navigation/control panel. The pick up on this is excellent and the ride is smooth. It also has a crazy amount of safety features that make this vehicle perfect for families.

Mazda CX9 Features

Let me tell you about 3 things that have captured my heart with the Mazda CX-9.

Number 1…cooled seats. Thank you Gawd!! When I felt that cool air come from the surface of these beautiful leather seats I almost flipped. Best invention ever!

My 2nd love is that the odometer and road safety signs are projected onto the driver side windshield. It’s not distracting at all and super helpful, especially for speed limit changes and spotting things like stop signs. I experienced this same feature on the CX-5. It really is a game changer for me.

My 3rd love is the touch button on the back hatch. It’s been great for grocery store trips and for loading/unloading heavy stuff from the back.

Summer Fun In The City with Mazda CX-9 - State Museum | Naturally Stellar