When most people think about Nashville, live music, honky-tonks and bachelorette weekends probably come to mind first. But Nashville is also one of our favorite Tennessee destinations for a family getaway. The city has an incredible mix of hands-on museums, outdoor attractions, music experiences and places designed specifically for kids.
Located just over three hours from Memphis, Nashville is close enough for a weekend trip but offers plenty to fill a longer vacation. Whether your children love animals, science, art, music or outdoor adventures, you can easily build an itinerary that works for the entire family.
If you are planning a trip to Music City, here are some of the best family-friendly things to do in Nashville with kids.
1. Explore the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is one of the best places to spend a full day with kids. The zoo is home to animals from around the world along with interactive experiences, keeper talks and several family-friendly rides.
In addition to seeing the animals, children can ride the carousel or train, visit Kangaroo Kickabout, feed lorikeets and explore the enormous Jungle Gym playground. The historic Grassmere Home is also located on the property and gives families a glimpse into what life was like in the area during the 1800s.
Wear comfortable shoes because the zoo covers a large area. I also recommend checking the daily schedule before arriving so you can plan around animal feedings, shows and keeper talks.
2. Spend the Day at Adventure Science Center
Adventure Science Center is one of the best indoor attractions in Nashville, especially when the weather is rainy, cold or simply too hot for a full day outside.
The museum features more than 175 hands-on exhibits covering topics such as space, biology, physics, weather and the human body. Kids can climb through the Adventure Tower, experiment with light, explore the inside of the human body and test their creativity in the Makerspace.
The Sudekum Planetarium is another highlight. Its 63-foot dome hosts educational programs, laser shows and immersive presentations about space. Planetarium shows require an additional ticket, so check the schedule and purchase a combination ticket if there is a show your family wants to see.
There is also an Early Explorations area created for children ages five and younger, making the science center a good option for families with kids in several different age groups.
3. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
You do not have to be a country music expert to enjoy the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The museum tells the story of country music through costumes, instruments, recordings, vehicles and memorabilia from some of the genre’s most recognizable performers.
Families should make time for the Taylor Swift Education Center, where children can participate in creative activities and family programs. Depending on the schedule, kids may be able to make an instrument-inspired craft, learn about songwriting or complete an exhibit scavenger hunt.
The museum is located downtown near several other popular attractions, making it easy to include in a day of sightseeing.
4. See a Show at the Grand Ole Opry
A performance at the Grand Ole Opry is one of the most iconic Nashville experiences. Unlike a traditional concert featuring one performer, an Opry show usually introduces the audience to several artists and styles of country music throughout the evening.
The variety can help keep children interested, especially if they already enjoy music or performing. Show lineups change regularly, so look at the calendar before choosing your dates.
Families can also take a daytime backstage tour of the Grand Ole Opry House. The tour provides a behind-the-scenes look at the dressing rooms, stage and history of the show without requiring younger children to stay awake for an evening performance.
5. Tour Ryman Auditorium
Known as the Mother Church of Country Music, Ryman Auditorium is another important Nashville landmark. Its daytime tour is a manageable way to introduce kids to the city’s music history.
The self-guided experience includes exhibits, videos, performance memorabilia and the opportunity to stand on the famous Ryman stage. Guided backstage tours are also available for families who want to explore areas that are not included with general admission.
Because the tour generally takes about an hour, it is easy to pair with another downtown attraction.
6. Stay at Gaylord Opryland Resort
You do not have to leave your hotel to find family-friendly things to do when you stay at Gaylord Opryland Resort. The property’s indoor gardens, fountains and glass atriums make exploring the resort an activity of its own.
Families can walk through the gardens, watch the fountain shows and take an indoor boat ride through the Delta Atrium. The resort also offers seasonal activities throughout the year, with an especially large lineup of events during the Christmas season.
With multiple restaurants and entertainment options on the property, Gaylord Opryland works particularly well for a Nashville staycation or a relaxing weekend when you do not want to drive all over the city.
7. Make a Splash at SoundWaves
Located inside Gaylord Opryland, SoundWaves is a four-acre upscale water attraction with both indoor and seasonal outdoor areas.
It offers water slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, children’s play areas and attractions for older kids who want something more adventurous. There are also cabanas and quieter spaces where parents can relax.
SoundWaves is open year-round indoors, which makes it a fun option even when the weather is not warm. However, staying at Gaylord Opryland does not automatically include admission. The only guaranteed way to visit is to reserve an eligible SoundWaves package, so make sure you select the correct room package when booking.
8. Wander Through Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens combines beautiful gardens, art and seasonal family programming. Although it may sound like an attraction designed primarily for adults, there is plenty here for children to explore.
One of the most popular family attractions is TRAINS!, an outdoor model train display filled with tracks, tunnels and miniature scenes. Kids can also follow the seasonal Storybook Trail, search for wildlife and enjoy plenty of open space throughout the gardens.
Cheekwood hosts special events during every season, including spring flowers, summer programs, fall displays and elaborate Christmas lights. Because the activities and installations change, check the calendar before your visit.
9. Learn Through Play at the Tennessee State Museum
The Tennessee State Museum is one of the best free things to do in Nashville with kids. The museum explores Tennessee’s history, art and culture from its natural beginnings through the present day.
Families with younger children should visit the Children’s Gallery, which is designed primarily for ages three through eight. It uses interactive activities and imaginative play to help kids learn about Tennessee history.
The museum is located beside the Nashville Farmers’ Market and Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. You can easily visit all three in one outing, making this a great option for an affordable family day.
10. Walk Through Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park is a 19-acre park near downtown Nashville that celebrates the geography and history of Tennessee.
Families can walk across a large granite map of the state, see the Rivers of Tennessee fountains and listen to the Court of 3 Stars carillon. The wide paths and open spaces make the park stroller-friendly and give children room to move after visiting a museum.
It is located next to the Tennessee State Museum and Nashville Farmers’ Market, so these three stops work well together.
11. Create Art at the Frist Art Museum
The Frist Art Museum is housed in Nashville’s beautiful historic post office building and features a changing schedule of exhibitions.
The museum is especially welcoming to families. Visitors ages 18 and younger receive free admission and Martin ArtQuest offers interactive art-making stations for all ages. Instead of only looking at art, children can experiment with different materials and create something of their own.
Because the main exhibitions rotate, each visit can offer an entirely different experience. Check the current exhibition schedule before you go to make sure it is a good match for your children’s interests.
12. Discover Unique Cars at Lane Motor Museum
Car-loving kids will enjoy Lane Motor Museum, which has one of the largest collections of European cars and motorcycles in the United States.
The collection includes microcars, amphibious vehicles, military vehicles, prototypes and unusual designs that look completely different from the cars children see every day. The indoor children’s area also has toys, coloring activities and space for imaginative play.
Because the museum is indoors, it is another good option for a rainy day or an afternoon when your family needs a break from the heat.
13. Explore Centennial Park and See the Parthenon
Centennial Park is one of Nashville’s best-known green spaces. It has walking paths, gardens, a lake, open lawns and plenty of room for children to run and play.
The centerpiece is the Parthenon, a full-scale replica of the original Parthenon in Athens. Inside, families can see art exhibits and a 42-foot-tall statue of Athena.
Even if you do not tour the museum, the exterior is worth seeing. Bring a picnic, walk around Lake Watauga and let the kids enjoy some unstructured time outside.
14. Visit the Nashville Children’s Theatre
The Nashville Children’s Theatre produces professional performances created specifically for young audiences and families.
The schedule changes throughout the year and includes adaptations of familiar books, musicals and original productions. Seeing a show can be a fun way to introduce children to live theater in an environment where families are the intended audience.
Check the recommended age range before purchasing tickets since some performances are better suited to younger children while others are designed for older kids and teens.
15. Go on an Outdoor Adventure
Families with older children can add more adventure to the trip at The Adventure Park at Nashville. The park has aerial trails, climbing obstacles and zip lines with courses created for different ability levels.
This is a great choice for active families who want to do more than walk through museums. Reservations are recommended and age, height and weight requirements may apply to individual experiences.
If your family prefers something slower paced, consider walking one of Nashville’s greenways or exploring the trails at Radnor Lake State Natural Area.
16. Browse the Nashville Farmers’ Market
The Nashville Farmers’ Market is a convenient place to stop for lunch when everyone wants something different. The Market House contains a variety of locally owned restaurants serving cuisines from around the world.
Depending on the season, families can also browse produce, plants and goods from local vendors in the farm sheds. Its location beside the Tennessee State Museum and Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park makes it especially easy to incorporate into a family itinerary.
17. Experience Family-Friendly Live Music
You cannot visit Music City without hearing at least a little live music. While Lower Broadway becomes more adult-oriented at night, families can still experience the area earlier in the day.
Many downtown venues allow children during daytime hours, but individual age policies and schedules vary. Check directly with the venue before visiting and plan to arrive earlier when the atmosphere is generally more relaxed.
Families can also look for outdoor concerts, songwriter programs, museum performances and seasonal events held throughout the city. These can provide a more comfortable introduction to Nashville’s music scene for younger children.
Where to Stay in Nashville with Kids
Gaylord Opryland is one of the most entertaining family-friendly hotels in Nashville, particularly if you reserve a SoundWaves package. It is a destination by itself and gives families easy access to the Grand Ole Opry and the attractions around Music Valley.
Downtown Nashville is convenient for families who want to walk to museums, restaurants and music attractions. However, downtown can become crowded and loud in the evenings.
Families who want a quieter experience may prefer staying near Vanderbilt, Green Hills, Opryland or one of the neighborhoods outside the downtown entertainment district. When comparing hotels, look for included breakfast, a pool, convenient parking and enough room for everyone to spread out.
Tips for Visiting Nashville with Kids
Nashville is easy to reach from Memphis, but traffic can add quite a bit of time once you enter the city. Avoid planning activities too close together, particularly if they are in different neighborhoods.
Reserve tickets in advance for popular attractions and performances. This is especially important for SoundWaves, the Grand Ole Opry and seasonal events at Gaylord Opryland or Cheekwood.
Downtown parking can also be expensive. When possible, group nearby attractions together and leave your car parked in one location. The Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman Auditorium, Frist Art Museum and several downtown restaurants can all be combined into the same general sightseeing day.
Finally, leave room in your schedule for breaks. Nashville has plenty to do, but younger kids will usually enjoy the trip more when every hour is not filled with another reservation.
Planning a Family Trip to Nashville
Nashville may be known around the world for country music, but families will find much more than concerts and honky-tonks. You can meet animals at the zoo, experiment at the science center, make art, explore gardens, cool off at SoundWaves and experience some of the city’s music history together.
Whether you visit for a quick weekend from Memphis or plan a longer Tennessee vacation, these family-friendly Nashville attractions make it easy to create a trip that both kids and adults will enjoy.
