15 Unforgettable Things To Do In Nashville With Kids That Will Make Your Family Trip Amazing
Planning a family vacation to Music City and wondering about the best things to do in Nashville with kids? You're in luck! Nashville offers an incredible array of family-friendly activities that will keep both children and adults entertained. From interactive museums to outdoor adventures, this vibrant city has something for everyone. Let's explore the top attractions and experiences that will make your Nashville family trip truly memorable.
Why Nashville is Perfect for Family Vacations
Nashville isn't just about country music and nightlife—it's a surprisingly family-friendly destination with diverse attractions that cater to all ages. The city combines educational experiences with pure fun, making it an ideal spot for families looking to create lasting memories. Whether you're traveling with toddlers, elementary-aged children, or teenagers, you'll find plenty of engaging activities that will keep everyone happy.
Top 15 Things to Do in Nashville with Kids
1. Explore the Adventure Science Center
The Adventure Science Center is hands-down one of the best things to do in Nashville with kids. This interactive museum features over 175 hands-on exhibits that make learning about science, technology, engineering, and math incredibly fun. Kids can explore a giant climbing structure that represents the human body, experiment with physics in the Adventure Tower, and even take a journey through space in the Sudekum Planetarium.
The center regularly updates its exhibits and offers special programs for different age groups. For younger children, there's a dedicated area with age-appropriate activities, while older kids will love the more complex experiments and demonstrations. Plan to spend at least 3-4 hours here, as there's so much to see and do. The center is open daily, and you can save money by purchasing tickets online in advance.
2. Visit the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
The Nashville Zoo is home to over 3,000 animals from around the world and offers an exciting day out for families. Kids will love seeing their favorite animals up close, from majestic tigers to playful river otters. The zoo features several unique attractions, including the Soaring Eagle zip line, a carousel, and a train ride that circles the property.
One of the highlights is the Jungle Gym, the largest community-built playground in the country, where kids can climb, slide, and explore to their heart's content. The zoo also offers educational programs, animal encounters, and keeper talks throughout the day. Don't miss the historic Grassmere home and farm, which provides a glimpse into Nashville's agricultural past.
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3. Experience the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
While it might seem like an adult-oriented attraction, the Country Music Hall of Fame offers several kid-friendly exhibits and programs. The museum's Taylor Swift Education Center provides interactive experiences designed specifically for children, including instrument demonstrations, songwriting workshops, and art activities.
Kids will be fascinated by the collection of costumes, instruments, and memorabilia from famous country music stars. The museum also offers family programs on weekends, including scavenger hunts and craft activities. Even if your children aren't familiar with country music, they'll appreciate the stories, costumes, and interactive elements that bring the exhibits to life.
4. Enjoy Centennial Park and the Parthenon
Centennial Park is a 132-acre urban park that offers plenty of space for kids to run and play. The park's centerpiece is the Parthenon, a full-scale replica of the original in Athens, Greece. Inside, you'll find an art gallery and a 42-foot statue of Athena, which will impress both kids and adults.
The park also features a playground, walking trails, a lake with pedal boats, and open green spaces perfect for picnics and games. During the summer months, the park hosts outdoor concerts and movie screenings that are great for families. The bandshell area is perfect for kids to dance and enjoy live music performances.
5. Take a Ride on the General Jackson Showboat
The General Jackson Showboat offers a unique experience on the Cumberland River. This 300-foot paddlewheel boat features live entertainment, including music and dancing, while you enjoy a meal. The boat offers both lunch and dinner cruises, with special pricing for children.
Kids will love watching the paddlewheel turn, seeing the Nashville skyline from the water, and enjoying the live performances. The boat also has indoor and outdoor seating areas, so you can choose the best option based on the weather and your children's preferences.
6. Visit the Tennessee State Museum
The Tennessee State Museum offers free admission and features exhibits that tell the story of Tennessee's history. The museum has several interactive elements that make it engaging for children, including a hands-on children's gallery where kids can explore historical artifacts and participate in activities.
The museum covers everything from prehistoric times to the present day, with exhibits on Native American history, the Civil War, and Tennessee's role in American music. The children's gallery is designed for ages 3-8 and includes dress-up clothes, building blocks, and educational games.
7. Explore the Frist Art Museum
The Frist Art Museum offers free admission for visitors 18 and under, making it an affordable option for families. The museum features rotating exhibitions of visual art from local, regional, national, and international sources. While art museums might not seem like typical kid-friendly destinations, the Frist offers several programs and activities designed specifically for children.
The Martin ArtQuest Gallery is a hands-on art studio where kids can create their own masterpieces using various techniques and materials. The studio offers activities like painting, printmaking, and sculpture, with trained staff available to help and guide young artists.
8. Visit the Lane Motor Museum
Car enthusiasts of all ages will love the Lane Motor Museum, which houses the largest collection of European automobiles in the United States. The museum features over 500 vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and other unique transportation methods.
Kids will be fascinated by the unusual vehicles, including microcars, amphibious vehicles, and propeller-powered cars. The museum also offers special events throughout the year, including Touch-a-Truck days where children can get up close to various vehicles and even sit in some of them.
9. Enjoy a Day at the Nashville Shores Waterpark
During the summer months, the Nashville Shores Waterpark is one of the most popular things to do in Nashville with kids. The park features water slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, and a children's play area with smaller slides and water features.
The waterpark also includes a beach area on Percy Priest Lake, where families can relax and enjoy the waterfront. There are plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas available, as well as food and beverage options throughout the park.
10. Take a Tour of the Belle Meade Plantation
The Belle Meade Plantation offers a glimpse into Nashville's history and is surprisingly engaging for children. The plantation includes a historic mansion tour, where guides in period costumes tell stories about the families who lived there and the enslaved people who worked on the property.
The grounds also feature a winery, a restaurant, and several outbuildings that kids can explore. The plantation offers special family tours that are more interactive and engaging for younger visitors, including hands-on activities and storytelling sessions.
11. Visit the Nashville Children's Theatre
The Nashville Children's Theatre is one of the oldest professional theaters for young audiences in the United States. The theater produces high-quality productions designed specifically for children and families, with shows ranging from classic fairy tales to contemporary stories.
The theater also offers drama classes and workshops for children of all ages, making it a great option for kids interested in performing arts. Even if you don't catch a show, the theater often hosts free events and activities in their lobby area.
12. Explore the Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
The Cheekwood Estate & Gardens combines art, history, and nature in a beautiful 55-acre setting. The estate features a historic mansion, art galleries, and extensive gardens that are perfect for exploration.
Kids will love the Bracken Foundation Children's Garden, which includes interactive features, a treehouse, and plenty of space to run and play. The estate also hosts seasonal events throughout the year, including a holiday lights display and a summer children's festival.
13. Visit the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum
The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum celebrates the contributions of musicians from all genres and backgrounds. The museum features interactive exhibits where kids can try playing various instruments and learn about the recording process.
The museum's exhibits include instruments played by famous musicians, recording equipment, and memorabilia from different eras of music history. Kids can even try their hand at mixing music in the museum's interactive studio.
14. Enjoy Outdoor Activities at Shelby Bottoms Nature Center
The Shelby Bottoms Nature Center offers outdoor activities and environmental education programs for families. The center features hiking and biking trails, a nature playground, and educational exhibits about local wildlife and ecosystems.
The nature center offers regular programs for children, including nature walks, animal encounters, and craft activities. The surrounding park includes a greenway along the Cumberland River, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and wildlife viewing.
15. Visit the Tennessee Agricultural Museum
The Tennessee Agricultural Museum offers a unique look at rural life and farming history. The museum features exhibits on agricultural tools, equipment, and practices from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Kids can explore historic cabins, a one-room schoolhouse, and various farm buildings. The museum also hosts special events throughout the year, including living history demonstrations and seasonal festivals that bring the past to life.
Practical Tips for Visiting Nashville with Kids
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Nashville with kids is during the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and comfortable. Summer can be quite hot and humid, while winter is generally mild but can be unpredictable.
Transportation Tips
Nashville is a relatively spread-out city, so having a car is helpful for getting around with kids. However, many attractions are located in or near downtown, making walking or using rideshare services feasible for shorter trips. The city also has a growing public transportation system, including buses and a free downtown circulator.
Accommodation Recommendations
When choosing where to stay in Nashville with kids, consider hotels or vacation rentals near the attractions you plan to visit most. Downtown offers convenient access to many family-friendly activities, while areas like Green Hills or Brentwood provide a more suburban feel with easy access to attractions.
Dining with Kids
Nashville offers plenty of family-friendly dining options. Many restaurants in tourist areas are accustomed to serving families and offer children's menus. For a true Nashville experience, try some of the city's famous hot chicken (in a mild version for kids) or visit one of the many family-friendly barbecue restaurants.
Conclusion
Nashville offers an incredible variety of things to do with kids, making it an excellent choice for a family vacation. From educational museums and historical sites to outdoor adventures and entertainment venues, the city provides experiences that will engage and delight children of all ages. By planning ahead and choosing activities that match your family's interests, you can create a memorable Nashville experience that everyone will enjoy. Remember to pace yourself and leave room for spontaneous adventures – sometimes the best family memories come from unexpected discoveries along the way.
