Get some fresh air fun out on tubes when the weather is hot in Nashville.

While many folks canoe the Harpeth and we've had great experiences with canoe companies like Foggy Bottom written about here, few know that it's quite easy to tube it, too.  We wanted a more private tubing experience. 

So we decided to order our own tubes from Amazon prior to our trip (for $12) and woke up early on a weekend morning to beat the throngs of people that typically start arriving for canoe trips around 9 am.  Blow up kayaks are also good for the littlest of children who may be too small for a tube of their own, but who are too big for sharing a tub.

What you'll need: tube, blow up kayaks (if desired), waterproof bag, two cars (for pickup and dropoff), towels, snacks, water, waterproof shoes (Keens, etc), life jackets for little people, your keys

What you'll do: check the water level here (you'll want to ensure the water is 1.5 feet or you won't flow with the water; take heed and avoid if the water levels are really high with currents and too strong for kids). 

Drop 1st car off at Gossett Tract Parking Lot and then head to Highway 70 Canoe Access to enter the river.  It will take you 1.5-2 hours with minimal effort.  Don't forget to put both sets of keys in your waterproof bag before you get going.  Look for the "Kids Trip Exit" sign to get back to your car at the Gossett Tract.