39 Exciting Family-Friendly Activities in Nashville, Tennessee
Our family loves traveling to Nashville, Tennessee! There are so many fun things for families and kids to do there.
Nashville is only a few hours from our home, and it is a great place to visit for a week or a few days. We have even made a few day trips for concerts and other events. Nashville, Tennessee is such a fun and charming city and it keeps drawing us back.
Music City feels like a huge playground for both adults and children. There is plenty to do for country music fans, of course, but there are also many other ways to enjoy this beautiful city!
Here is a list of the best family-friendly activities in Nashville with the kiddos:
1. Centennial Park & The Parthenon
Located within a few miles of Downtown Nashville, Centennial is a great park to visit with the family. The park hosts events almost every weekend (like Culture Events, Craft Fairs, and Shakespeare in the Park. There is also a greenway that is about a mile long that goes around the edge of the park. It is a nice place to walk by the kids and as you walk by the lake, the kiddos can feed the ducks.
The Parthenon was built in Nashville’s Centennial Park in 1897 as part of Tennessee’s centennial celebration. It is an exact copy of the Athenian Parthenon and is still a very popular attraction in Nashville. You can enter and pay $6 for the art museum located inside, but visiting the exterior is free and well worth a visit.
Centennial Park and Parthenon WEBSITE
2. Broadway Street
Broadway Street if exciting and fun both day and night. I honestly prefer to take the kiddos to Broadway Street during the day. We enjoy the shops and live music. It’s a great place to look at old records, buy souvenirs, shop for cowboy boots & hats, and grab something to eat.
At night, the music gets louder and the partying and bar hopping begins, so I think Broadway is more family-friendly during the daytime.
3. Grand Ol’ Opry
The Grand Ol’ Opry offers backstage tours and concert events. Kids will also love the little park area outside with giant guitars, which make for great photo ops. The concerts and shows are also very family-friendly which is nice. See the link below for tour info and the concert schedule.
Grand Ol’ Opry // 2804 Opryland Drive – Nashville, TN 37214 // 1-800-SEE-OPRY
4. Aquarium Restaurant – An Underwater Adventure
We have eaten here and we had a great experience. Some of the menu items are a little pricey, especially some of the seafood and steak entrees. The atmosphere is very nice and the staff is very friendly. My kiddos asked our server many questions about the fish in the aquarium and she was very knowledgeable. We really had a great time here!
Aquarium Restaurant // 516 Opry Mills Drive – Nashville, TN 37214 // 615.514.FISH
5. General Jackson Showboat
General Jackson is the largest showboat in the whole wide world! Your family can cruise down the Cumberland River and enjoy a seated dinner and stage show (there are options for no dinner at a discounted cruise for some shows). If the shows seem to be too late at night for the kiddos, there is a Sunday brunch cruise.
Three cruises on General Jackson Showboat:
- Taste of Tennessee (Midday Cruise)
- Nashville Nights (Evening Cruise)
- Sunday in the South (Sunday Brunch)
They also have special event cruises (like the 4th of July) and they offer 2 dockside tours of the riverboat Monday thru Friday.
The General Jackson Showboat // 2812 Opryland Drive – Nashville, TN 37214 // 615-458-3900
General Jackson Showboat WEBSITE
6. Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary
Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary is a private nature preserve. Much of Tennessee’s natural wildlife is protected here – birds, reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals. It is a beautiful place for a walk or picnic – there are gorgeous views of Tennessee’s nature.
The Sanctuary offers classes, workshops, field trips, and even dinner in the forest. See all events HERE. All proceeds go toward animal rehabilitation and taking care of their natural environment.
Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary // 545 Beech Creek Road, Brentwood TN 37027 // 615-370-4672
OWL’S HILL NATURE SANCTUARY WEBSITE
7.Adventure Science Center
This is a great place to spend a few hours (or longer) with the family. My kiddos loved the Moon Walk where they could experience 1/6 gravity.
They also loved seeing all of the planets in Wonders of the Universe. The 7-level Adventure Tower full of fun activities was also a big hit as well as the planetarium at the museum.
Adventure Science Center // 800 Fort Negley Blvd. Nashville, TN 37203-4899 // 615.862.5160
Adventure Science Center WEBSITE
8. Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
Take the kiddos to see some giraffes, alligators, owls, and red kangaroos! Nashville Zoo’s Jungle Gym was named one of the World’s Coolest Playgrounds by Travel + Leisure!
Nashville Zoo // 3777 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211 // 615.833.1534
9. SOAR Adventure Park
Above photo via
The SOAR Adventure Tower has creative and sometimes challenging obstacles, and is fun for children and adults alike.
SOAR Adventure Park // 3794 Carothers Pkwy, Franklin, TN 37067 // 615.712.5103
10. Opryland Resort
Opryland Resort is open to the public (We parked on the mall side of the resort to avoid the $20 parking fee on-site) There is a beautiful, botanical garden atrium, and walking through the areas is a lot of fun for kids and adults. This hotel has some really nice waterfalls, fountains with fountain shows, and an indoor river complete with a Delta River Flatboat Tour.
Opryland Resort // 2800 Opryland Drive – Nashville, TN 37214 // 615.889.1000
11.Nashville Shores
Nashville Shores is a Lakeside Resort with a waterpark and Treetop Adventure Park (zip lines and rope courses). You can also camp, rent a cabin, rent jet skis, and/or rent a pontoon boat.
12. Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
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The kiddos will love exploring this 19-acre park and learning all about the history of Tennessee. They will also have a blast in the summertime playing in the Rivers of Tennessee fountains. There is also a 200-foot granite map of the state of Tennessee and a World War II memorial. It’s a great spot to have a picnic, take photos of the family, and catch a fantastic view of the Capitol Building.
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park // 312 Rosa L. Parks Ave. // Nashville, TN 37243
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park WEBSITE
13. Frist Center of Visual Arts
Adults and older children will enjoy all of the art exhibits and children will love visiting Martin ArtQuest at the Upper Level. Martin ArtQuest is full of fun, interactive activities for the little ones.
There is an entrance fee for adults ($12) but kids 18 years and younger are FREE.
Frist Center for the Visual Arts // 919 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203-3822 // 615.244.3340
Frist Center for the Visual Arts WEBSITE
14. Tennessee State Museum
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The Tennessee State Museum focuses on the history of Tennessee and the history of the South. It has one of the largest Civil War Collections in the USA. The exhibits range from guitars to cotton gins to mastodon bones to log cabins to covered wagons.
Tennessee State Museum // 505 Deaderick Street // Nashville, TN 37243-1120
Tennessee State Museum WEBSITE
15. Pinewood Social
We love Pinewood Social! This trendy and fun place has lots of fun things to do and plenty of delicious food. You can swim or play games outside or go bowling inside. While you’re having fun, you can try some great craft cocktails, coffees, and yummy dishes!
The menu is varied and seems to change regularly. We tried (and LOVED) the Kale Salad, Mushroom Pot Pie, and Burgers with Fries. See all of their menu items HERE.
Pinewood Social // 33 Peabody Street – Nashville, TN 37210 // 615.751.8111
16. Radnor Lake
Hike the high trail or participate in one of their scheduled canoe floats, wildflower walks, and aviary tours. These events are all FREE and open to the public. You can see a list of events on the calendar HERE.
Radnor Lake // 1160 Otter Creek Rd, Nashville, TN 37220 // 615.373.3467
17. Cumberland Park
Located right along the river, Cumberland Park offers many play areas and water features. There is a splash pad, an area to play in the sand, a bouncing pad, a green maze, The Gorge area (with a rock climbing wall, sliding poles, and climbing ropes), and a tandem see-saw for parents and kids. Lots of free activities for kiddos and the whole family!
The park is open every day from dawn until 11 p.m.
Cumberland Park // 592 South First Street, Nashville, TN 37213 // 615.862.8400
18. Rainforest Cafe
We have eaten here in Nashville (and Niagara Falls) and we really enjoyed ourselves. The food was very good, but my kiddos really loved the atmosphere. There were animatronic animals that seemed to come alive when there was a “storm”. Lights would dim and thunder would roll and then the animals would make lots of noises. My kiddos loved it.
Rainforest Café // 353 Opry Mills Drive – Nashville, TN 37214 // 615.514.3000
19. Tennessee Central Railway Museum
Tennessee Central Railway has passenger cars, cabooses, freight cars, and locomotives that have been preserved and restored. The Museum headquarters is located on Willow Street in downtown Nashville. They also offer train rides and special events (see the website below for more information)
Tennessee Central Railway Museum // 220 Willow Street – Nashville, TN 37210-2159 // (615) 244-9001
Tennessee Central Railway Museum WEBSITE
20. Belle Meade Plantation
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A costumed guide will take you on an educational tour of the antebellum mansion and grounds. Your family will also be able to tour the horse stable, carriage house, gardens, log cabin, and other historic buildings on the grounds. Mansion tours begin every 30 -45 minutes and the last tour starts at 4:00 p.m.
Belle Meade Plantation // 110 Leake Avenue – Nashville, TN 37205
Belle Meade Plantation WEBSITE
21. Nashville Flea Market
The Nashville Flea Market is held at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds and it is considered to be in the top 10 in the nation. It is a great place to look for treasures (treasures such as antiques, jewelry, handmade clothing, etc.) This market is held every fourth weekend of the month. The entrance is free.
The Nashville Flea Market // 625 Smith Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203 // 615.862.5016
The Nashville Flea Market WEBSITE
22. Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art
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The Cheekwood Estate and Gardens is a beautiful place to visit. There is also a museum of art with permanent and traveling exhibits. They also offer free public tours of the gardens, Museum of Art, and temporary exhibits on Saturdays and Sundays.
The Cheekwood Estate and Gardens // 1200 Forrest Park Drive – Nashville, Tennessee 37205 // 615.356.8000
Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art WEBSITE
23. Five Daughter’s Bakery
This family-owned bakery (a husband and wife with 5 daughters) is very popular – and for good reason! They provide yeast donuts, 100-layer donuts, paleo donuts, cookies, and pastries. The menu offers some very original flavors (like the KING KONG with maple frosting and topped with bacon!) and new varieties are added seasonally.
P.S. See more from our trip to the 12 South location HERE.
Five Daughters Bakery Nashville, Tennessee Locations:
West Nashville INSIDE L&L MARKET // 3820 Charlotte Ave Ste 128, Nashville, TN 37209 // 615-457-2961
INSIDE THE FACTORY AT FRANKLIN // 230 Franklin Rd Ste 11J, Franklin, TN 37064 // 615-933-9332
12 SOUTH // 1110 Caruthers Ave, Nashville, TN 37204 // 615-490-6554
EAST NASHVILLE // 1900 Eastland Ave Suite 101, Nashville, TN 37206 // 615-891-1293
24. Lucky Ladd Farms
Lucky Ladd Farms has a petting zoo, pony rides, splash zone (seasonal), pumpkin patch, and corn maze (also seasonal).
- Pumpkin’s Peak Tire Mountain
- Bunnyville Toddler Maze
- Colossal Corn Box with Scoops, Buckets, Dump Trucks, and Sifters
- Duck Races (Wheelchair Accessible)
- Giant Tube Swings
- Imagination Station Chalkboards
- Gemstone & Fossil Mining Sluice ($5.00 Activity Fee)
- Tire Wall and Rope Climbing
- Giant Tire Swings
- Jungle Gym
- Massive Sand-yard with Digging Backhoes and Dump Trucks. NEW – Wheelchair Accessible Digger
- See-Saws
- Jumping Balls
- Steer Roping
- Pony and Tractor Swings
- ADA-Compliant Swing – NEW!
- Barn Loft Racing Slide: 80-foot long three-lane mega slide
- Turbo Tunnel Slides: TWO – 50-foot long black tunnel mega slides
- Racing Slides: Four 60-foot-long racing mega slides
- Tricycle Racing Track
- Tractor Train (See daily operation schedule upon arrival; runs at set intervals throughout the day.)
- Cow Milking – Milk Bessie, Bernice, and Birdy (make-believe cows and goats).
Above list via.
Open certain days April – October. See the Schedule HERE.
Lucky Ladd Farms // 4374 Rocky Glade Road – Eagleville, Tennessee 37060 // 615.274.3786
25. Dave & Busters
My kiddos love Dave & Buster’s, and I have to admit that I had fun too. If you haven’t been, it is like a Chuck E Cheese on steroids. They have games for kids and adults. There are food and drink options for everyone.
Dave & Busters // 540 Opry Mills Dr – Nashville, TN 37214 // 615.970.3800
26. AdventureWorks
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Take the whole family to experience aeriel rope challenges and ziplining. AdventureWorks has two locations in Nashville.
AdventureWorks // 1300 Narrows of the Harpeth Rd, Kingston Springs, TN 37082
AdventureWorks Zipline Forest at Fontanel // 4129 Whites Creek Pike, Whites Creek, TN 37189
27. The Hermitage
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The Hermitage is the plantation home of Andrew Jackson. The tour includes seeing the grounds, the mansion, the exhibit gallery, the store, and 1000 acres of farmland that once was The Hermitage Plantation.
The Hermitage // 4580 Rachel’s Lane – Nashville, TN 37076 // 615.889.2941
28. Nashville Public Library
The Nashville Public Library is the perfect place to take the kiddos to read books. They also have special storytimes and puppet shows for children and it is free!
Nashville Public Library // 615 Church Street – Nashville, TN 37219 // 615.862.5800
List of all Nashville Library Locations HERE
30. John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge
The John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge connects downtown Nashville to the football stadium. There is no traffic, so people can walk or bike across the bridge. It’s nice to be able to take your time and stop to enjoy the view or take photos.
31. Lane Motor Museum
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Adults and kids love the 150 cars and motorcycles, airplanes, and “amphibious” cars. The kids will love playing and coloring at the indoor kids’ play area at Lane Motor Museum. Click on the link below to see their unique collection!
Lane Motor Museum // 702 Murfreesboro Pike – Nashville, TN 37210 // 615.742.7442
32. Jeni’s East Nashville
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If the family is craving a sweet snack, Jeni’s is the perfect place to go. They offer the classics like chocolate and vanilla but you might want to try Mango Buttermilk Frozen Yogurt or Cocoa Curry Ice Cream or the Sweet Cream Biscuits & Peach Jam Ice Cream (see more flavors HERE).
Jeni’s East Nashville // 1892 Eastland Ave – Nashville, TN 37206 // 615.262.8611
33. Country Music Hall of Fame
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If your family loves Country Music, you’ll really enjoy a tour of the Country Music Hall of Fame. This is a beautiful and interesting museum showcasing the history and evolution of country music, and they even offer a scavenger hunt for children. The whole family will enjoy learning how music is made – from songwriting to recording, and kiddos will also get a kick out of seeing Elvis Presley’s Gold Cadillac and Taylor Swift memorabilia.
Country Music Hall of Fame // 222 5th Ave. South – Nashville, TN 37203 // 615.416.2001
Country Music Hall of Fame WEBSITE
34. American Girl Doll
This is a fun place to do some shopping with any young girl who loves American Girl dolls and accessories, and it’s a nice place to take some time for lunch, dinner, or afternoon tea at the American Girl Bistro.
American Girl Doll Store // 1800 Galleria Blvd #5030, Franklin, TN 37067 // 877.247.5227
American Girl Doll Store WEBSITE
35. Treetop Adventure Park
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Located at Nashville Shores, Treetop Adventure Park offers over 10 different zip lines, and 100 challenging obstacles including suspended bridges, cargo nets, ladders, Tarzan jumps, and many other adventurous activities.
Nashville’s Treetop Adventure Park // 4001 Bell Road – Nashville, Tennessee 37076 // 615.889.7050
Treetop Adventure Park WEBSITE
36. Nashville Sounds Baseball
If you have baseball fans in your family, you will enjoy watching the Nashville Sounds! See the link below for special events and offers.
First Tennessee Park // 19 Junior Gilliam Way – Nashville, TN 37219 // (615) 690-HITS
Nashville Sounds Baseball Website
37. Dyer Observatory at Vanderbilt University
The Dyer Observatory at Vanderbilt offers Open House Days (see the Seyfert Telescope and the Star Chamber, sundial garden, and view the Sun through the solar telescope) & Telescope Nights. They also offer Space Science Summer Camps for middle school students.
Dyer Observatory at Vanderbilt University WEBSITE
38. Natchez Trace Parkway
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The Natchez Trace Parkway is 444 miles long and goes through three states. Depending on where you start your road trip, you will either begin or end your Natchez Trace Parkway adventure in Nashville. Your family could start in Nashville, have breakfast at the Loveless Café, and then take the scenic drive to Baker Bluff Overlook and Jackson Falls. It will be a great family adventure!
39. Franklin on Foot Children’s Tours
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Franklin on Foot offers some fantastic tours for children. The kiddos will really enjoy their I Spy Downtown Franklin program – a visual scavenger hunt for children as they tour the public square and Main Street in Franklin (there is no charge for accompanying parents/adults). More info is on the link below.
Tours at Franklin on Foot // 615.400.3808
Franklin on Foot Children’s Tours WEBSITE
Here is a map of Music Valley and the Opryland Resort/Grand Ol’ Opry area. There are several activities kind of clustered together here in one area. I thought it might help you in planning your trip to Nashville. We like to park here and see several sites and eat at the kid-friendly restaurants in this area all in one day (or two).
The Grand Ol’ Opry, Opryland Resort and Gardens, General Jackson Showboat, Aquarium Restaurant, Rainforest Café, and Dave & Busters is all located in this area (along with other activities and restaurants).
Above photo/map via
I hope this information helps you and your family for your next trip to Nashville, Tennessee! You will have a great time!
Have you visited Nashville, Tennessee? What were your favorite parts of this city? Any tips for families? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
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About The Author
KristyB
Wife. Mom. Graphic Designer. Photographer. Professional Nap Taker. Part-time Traveler (with kids in tow, of course!)
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Wow beatiful places! I would want to visit all of these places at least once!
Wow what a great post. I would like to visit Nashville with our children. These are some great options.
Nashville looks like a great city to visit, for both kids and adults alike. Both of those parks look and sound like a great day out for the family x
You’re so right! There are lots of activities for kids and for families and there is a lot for adults to do as well.
We haven’t hit up Nashville in our travels yet, but it’s on our list! This list is so helpful! Thanks for sharing!
You will love Nashville, Nicole! I hope you get to visit soon!
What a great and fun place to visit! I want to go there someday. And you have some lovely pictures.
It really is a fun city, Regine! You would love it there!
That is really wow! It’s even hard to guess which attraction would impress my kid the most 🙂 Adventure science center is amazing!
Yes! We love Adventure Science Center. It is a fantastic hand-on museum. We had so much fun there, Tania!
I haven’t been to Nashville but Memphis. This is a really great and very well detailed list. I think my niece and nephews would love to go to all of those places.
I have never been to Tennessee! I actually am embarrassed to admit that I used to see TN as one of the more boring and uncharacteristic states LOL but it looks like fun!
I did not realize there’s so much to see and do in Tennessee. I would love to visit one day and I am pretty sure the kids would have a blast. You just did a great job in promoting this wonderful place. Thank you for the inspiration.
Who knew there were so many great places to visit with the kids in Nashville. This is such a great guide and list for anyone visiting. It looks like you had a really great time.
This is certainly a good list to keep. I am not going to miss CENTENNIAL PARK & THE PARTHENON as I love historical building and stunning architecture. The other fun thing would be NASHVILLE SHORES, I would be thrilled to try it out. NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE would be in my bucket list.
What a great fun list to do with family and kids, I am definitely going to bookmark this. My kids would love to go the Science center and the General Jackson showboat. You have compiled very useful and helpful information, thank you!
Can’t wait to see my kids on my Day off. We’re probably going first in the Adventure Science Center, I know they would love it! Thanks for sharing!
Looks like the kids had a great time, tons of things to do! Never been to Nashville but I’ve heard a lot about it. Glad you and your family had a great break. x
Such an amazing and fun place to visit. thank you for sharing 🙂 i would love to visit this place one day
A good post with lots of different information on how to spend your free time with your family. Thanks for the good article and information.
I’ve always wanted to check out Nashville. Especially after reading your blog post, it looks like such a fun city with so much to see and do! Definitely on my travel bucket list. 🙂
Oh wow. I’d have to visit Centennial Park and Bicentennial Park also the Tennessee State Museum. That is just for me! There sure is many places for families. Another place I’d love to take my children and grandchildren.
What?! Why is TN so amazing? My brother spent some time down there and loved it! I hear nothing but great things. That is so cool that you live in such a kid friendly location. Here in Oregon the kids have nothing!
This is a very well done post. Great ideas!
Thank you so much!
That was a very helpful post! I don’t even need to be a mum to follow your guide. Thanks!
Thanks Sheila! Yeah, Nashville is a lot of fun for adults, but there’s lots of things to entertain the kiddos too.
Oh My! So much to choose from! My girls would love so many of these attractions! The underwater restaurant for example. Thanks for putting together such a great guide.
Thank you, Maayan! I hope it helps when you visit Nashville with your girls!
My husband and I loved Nashville when we went on our Anniversary, next time we go I’ll be sure to re-read this and bring our kiddos!
Yes! There’s so much for the whole family to do in Nashville!
Looks like a fun place with lots to do 🙂
It’s a great place to visit, Terri! Thanks for visiting the blog!
We have talked about taking trip to Nashville with our kids. I had herd some good things, but there’s waaay more to do than I even imagined! Thanks!
I hope you get to go Sarah! It is such a nice city. I think you could stay a week and still not see everything in Nashville!
if i ever travel to nashville tennessee,ill be sure to follow this..
thank you
I hope you get to go Tiago! Thanks for visiting the blog!
nice!