Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, Nashville, TN, August 28, 2025
This straightforward guide breaks down whether to buy a Cheekwood day pass or an annual membership. Day-pass prices range from about $13–$26, with parking fees for non-members. Memberships start at $70 for individuals and rise through multiple family and guest tiers, all including free admission, free parking, a 10% discount at the café and gift shop, member events, and reciprocal access to hundreds of gardens and museums. Using an average admission of $23, most memberships break even after 3–10 visits depending on the tier. Locals who visit several times a year usually benefit; one-day tourists should stick with a day pass.
Cheekwood Membership vs Day Pass: Nashville’s No-Nonsense Guide
If you live in Nashville or you’re planning a visit, you’ve probably heard the buzz about Cheekwood Estate & Gardens. Let’s cut through the fluff and give you the cold, useful facts so you can decide whether to buy a day pass or go all-in with a membership. This is the reality check you didn’t know you needed.
The day-pass lineup — quick and dirty
Here’s what you’ll pay if you stroll in without a membership:
- Adults: $20–$26
- Seniors (65+): $18–$26
- Students (with ID): $16–$26
- Youth (3–17): $13–$19
- Children (2 & Under): Free
Also note: parking fees apply to non-members. That can nudge the final cost higher on busy weekends or during big events.
Membership options — who gets what
Cheekwood packs a bunch of tiers. All memberships include free general admission and parking, a 10% discount at Café 29 and the Cheekwood Gift Shop, member-only event invites, exhibition previews, priority sign-up for kids’ camps, and reciprocal admission to over 330 gardens and 60 museums. Below are the price points and who they cover.
Solo and adult combos
- Individual — $70/year: One named adult
- Individual +1 — $110/year: One named adult + one adult guest
- Individual +2 — $150/year: One named adult + two adult guests
- Dual — $110/year: Two named adults
- Dual +1 — $150/year: Two named adults + one adult guest
- Dual +2 — $190/year: Two named adults + two adult guests
Family plans
- Family One — $110/year: One named adult + up to five youth (17 and under)
- Family One +1 — $150/year: One named adult + one adult guest + up to five youth
- Family One +2 — $190/year: One named adult + two adult guests + up to five youth
- Family Two — $150/year: Two named adults + up to five youth
- Family Two +1 — $190/year: Two named adults + one adult guest + up to five youth
- Family Two +2 — $230/year: Two named adults + two adult guests + up to five youth
Money math — how fast does membership pay for itself?
Using an average general admission of $23 as a benchmark, here’s the simple break-even math you need:
- Individual ($70): Pays for itself after ~3 visits
- Individual +1 / Dual ($110): Pays for itself after ~5 visits
- Individual +2 / Dual +1 / Family One +1 / Family Two ($150): Pays for itself after ~7 visits
- Dual +2 / Family One +2 / Family Two +1 ($190): Pays for itself after ~8 visits
- Family Two +2 ($230): Pays for itself after ~10 visits
If you’re a local Nashvillian who can squeeze in family outings, museum-hopping or weekday strolls, that membership can be a steal. For visitors, it depends on whether Cheekwood is a one-off stop or a recurring destination on your Tennessee itinerary.
Extra perks that actually matter
Beyond free admission and parking, the perks stack up:
- Reciprocal admissions — If you travel, the membership unlocks free or reduced entry at hundreds of gardens and dozens of museums across North America.
- Member-only events — Early previews and workshops often mean quieter visits and first dibs on special programs.
- Discounts — A modest but meaningful 10% at the café and gift shop adds up over a year.
Who should buy what?
If you live in the Nashville area and plan to visit Cheekwood more than a couple times a year, the Individual or Dual membership is usually the smartest pick. Families who bring kids often get the best value from the Family One or Family Two tiers, especially with free parking and kids’ camp priority. If you’re a tourist with one day to spare, a day pass will do — but if Cheekwood is a planned repeat stop on a longer Tennessee trip, scout the reciprocal admission value.
Final verdict — local edition
Nashville folks: if you’re grabbing a quiet weekday stroll or bringing the kids for camps and repeat visits, membership pays off fast. Tourists: weigh how many gardens and museums you’ll hit during the year — the reciprocal admissions can tip the scale in favor of membership if you’re hopping between attractions.
FAQ
Do members get free parking?
Yes. Membership includes free parking, while non-members are required to pay a parking fee.
How many visits to break even on a membership?
Using an average admission of $23, an Individual membership (~$70) breaks even in about three visits. Most other tiers break even between five and ten visits depending on the level.
Are children included in memberships?
Children aged two and under get in free. Family memberships generally cover up to five youth (17 and under) depending on the specific family tier.
What’s included besides free admission?
Membership benefits include free parking, a 10% discount at Café 29 and the gift shop, priority camp registration, member-only events and exhibition previews, and reciprocal admission to 330+ gardens and 60 museums.
Is membership worth it for visitors?
It depends. If Cheekwood is a one-time stop, a day pass makes sense. If you’ll visit multiple times or plan to use reciprocal admissions at other gardens and museums during the year, membership can be a great value.
How do I choose the right family tier?
Pick based on the number of adults and expected guest visits. Families who bring kids regularly should consider the Family One or Family Two tiers for the best value, especially with camp priority and free parking.
Quick Visual Chart — Membership Snapshot
| Membership | Price / Year | Break-even Visits (avg $23) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual | $70 | ~3 | Solo locals who visit a few times a year |
| Individual +1 / Dual | $110 | ~5 | Couples or solo visitors bringing a guest |
| Individual +2 / Dual +1 / Family One +1 | $150 | ~7 | Small families or regular guest visits |
| Dual +2 / Family One +2 / Family Two +1 | $190 | ~8 | Larger families or frequent doubles up visits |
| Family Two +2 | $230 | ~10 | Big families who visit often and bring guests |
| Day Pass | $13–$26 | N/A | One-time visitors or tourists with limited time |
Nashville insiders: weigh how often you’ll go, whether you need parking, and how much value you put on member events and reciprocal access. For many locals, that membership card becomes one of the smarter buys in town — and it’s a neat excuse to get outside and enjoy the seasons in Nashville.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
How to visit Cheekwood Nashville on a budget — parking, food & photo spots
Author: HERE Nashville
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