Can you believe summer is almost over? Labor Day will be here before you know it. Do you have plans for the holiday weekend? We’ve got some ideas you might like. This Labor Day weekend, you could…

1. GO HUNTING…FOR MURALS

Image:  VisitMusicCity.com

Artwork abounds in Music City, especially brightly colored murals. Keep your eyes open and you’ll spot them on the side of restaurants, shops, garage doors, water tanks, and even old silos. Look at the buildings behind and around them and you just might find the perfect place to shop, grab a coffee or enjoy a delicious meal.

You don’t have cross your fingers and hope to stumble across Nashville’s murals; plan your hunting trip with the help of this handy list of locations from MusicCity.com. You might not be able to visit all the murals in one weekend, but if you’re up for the challenge who are we to say you can’t? Just imagine what that will do for your Instagram page.

2. LISTEN TO MUSIC UNDER THE STARS

Image:  Musician’s Corner

Pack up the whole family—kids and dogs included—and come out to Musician’s Corner in Nashville’s Centennial Park for a free concert on Friday or Saturday, August 30-31. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, beach towels, etc. Food trucks will be on hand when you’re ready to nosh and little ones can enjoy fun, fitness, crafts, educational Musical Meet & Greet guests and activities at Kidsville. The Labor Day weekend lineup should be announced any day now; check their website for details.

3. SPEND THE NIGHT WITH A BUNCH OF ANIMALS

Image:  Amie Stubbs, ClarksvilleOnline

Zoo animals, that is. The Nashville Zoo is inviting families with kids ages 4-12 to sleep under the stars just a short distance away from the snoozing animals. (Do elephants snore? Maybe you’ll find out!) There are a variety of activities planned for the evening of Saturday, August 31, plus breakfast the next morning and free entry to the Zoo on Sunday. Campers will enjoy select animal habitats, an animal show, the Jungle Gym, campfire treats, and free 4D Theater, zip line, and carousel rides. How fun is that?

Learn more about Fall Zzzoofari Slumber at the Nashville Zoo.

4. GET OUT ON THE WATER

Image: Cumberland Kayak

Floating (or rowing or pedaling) along some of our beautiful Middle Tennessee waterways is a perfect late summer activity. There are scenic options to suit every interest, from skyline tours in downtown Nashville to area lakes and rivers. You can go on a scavenger hunt, head out on a nighttime tour, or hop on River Queen’s 16-passenger pedal pontoon for a BYOB cruise that includes a licensed captain, sound system and ice-filled coolers. (Bonus: pedaling is not required.)

Sound like fun? Check out this list of local kayak companies from Nashville Guru.

5. GO UNDERGROUND

Image:  Cumberland Caverns

About 1.5 hours from Nashville, just southeast of McMinnville, Cumberland Caverns is the longest show cave in Tennessee, and one of longest caves in the US (and the world). Choose from three categories of tours, depending on how adventurous you are. You can even spend the night! Several overnight packages are available.

Features to enjoy when you’re not asleep include over 27 miles of passageways, incredible underground rock formations, beautiful underground waterfalls, and gleaming pools. Even better here at the tail-end of summer, the cave is a consistent 56 degrees with 99 percent humidity year-round. Doesn’t that sound refreshing? Find out about tours, times and tickets. Cumberland Caverns is open 7 days a week, year-round.

However you choose to enjoy the holiday weekend, we hope you have fun and stay safe. Happy Labor Day!