Heading to Nashville with kids? Grab your cowgirl boots and let’s go!
I just love coming to Nashville with all the bright lights, and music, and we can’t forget about that deep-fried hot chicken!
While many people think of Nashville as the ultimate destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties and nights out on the town, there are plenty of family-friendly attractions to check out too!
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This city is always full of fun things to do, especially when you come with the kiddos. Let me tell ya, Music City is a great place to explore with your little ones.
Whether you’re visiting Nashville for the first time or you’ve been here countless times, you will be welcomed by southern charm and hospitality.
Here are my top 15 things to do in Nashville with kids.
15 Things to Do in Nashville with Kids
1. Visit The Parthenon
This iconic Nashville landmark is a great place to take the kids.
The Parthenon was built in 1897 as part of Centennial Park and is an exact replica of the original structure in Greece. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported.
Inside, you can explore the museum which contains many artifacts from Ancient Greece, including statues and replicas of sculptures and architectural pieces.
You can even climb to the top of the building for breathtaking views of Nashville.
2. Explore Nashville’s Vibrant Culture
Nashville is a cultural hub with so much to do and explore.
Experience the beauty of art installations, Instagram-worthy walls, the old town trolley, and city bus tours that offer guided explorations. Capture cherished memories with family photos taken against stunning backdrops. I have a whole guide to the best Nashville murals here!
3. Visit the Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry is the epicenter of country music and a must-visit for any music lover. They have different shows and experiences, including guided tours and backstage passes.
So many big names have performed at the Grand Ole Opry, even some your kids might have heard of like Taylor Swift.
The kids will love taking in the incredible energy of this iconic venue.
They can experience a legendary performance, and your family could hear some of the greatest names in country music.
4. Explore the Country Music Hall of Fame
Take the kids on a musical journey through the history of country music.
The Country Music Hall of Fame is full of exciting exhibits, interactive activities, and live performances. Your family can explore country music’s roots and discover how it has evolved over time.
Your little ones will love watching the live performances and checking out the different artifacts.
My favorite part is the interactive activities and games that bring history to life making it feel more like an adventure rather than a museum.
5. Nashville Zoo
Let your kids run around and make some furry friends at the Nashville Zoo.
This zoo is home to tons of different animals, so your kids can learn about their habitats and behaviors. They’ll get to interact with some of the animals in a safe and educational environment.
The zoo offers many interactive exhibits such as feeding giraffes, petting kangaroos, and a beautiful butterfly sanctuary.
I highly recommend packing some snacks or lunch and making a day of it!
6. Go Ziplining at Adventureworks Zipline
This is the perfect activity if your kids are older and more adventurous.
The Adventureworks Zipline has multiple thrilling rides over the treetops of Nashville, letting you zip all across the treetops. Your family can soar through the air and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city while getting some fresh air.
All members of your family, regardless of age or skill level, will be able to participate and have a blast! And your kids will love the last zipline drop, which is actually a free fall!
Sounds a bit scary, eh? Don’t worry, the staff is super friendly and helpful, so your kids are in good hands.
7. Musicians Corner
This free event is a great way to spend an afternoon in Nashville with kids.
Nashville is absolutely flooded with up-and-coming artists and musicians, and you can hear them all at Musicians Corner. Every Friday, and Saturday in May, June, and September there are live music performances and a family-friendly atmosphere with food trucks, craft beer, and activities for the kids.
You can bring your own picnic blanket or chairs and some snacks, and let your kids groove out while enjoying the outdoors.
Plus, there’s plenty of space for them to run around and explore on the grounds.
It’s a great way to introduce your kids to some great music while also making some amazing memories and enjoying the Tennessee weather.
8. Eat at The Pfunky Griddle
This restaurant is so quirky and fun—you’ll have interactive griddles on each table that your kids can use to cook their own pancakes and waffles. They can pick from chocolate chips, sprinkles, and all sorts of toppings to create their own delicious masterpiece.
Personally, I like mine with blueberries!
Plus, the restaurant has a cool vibe with decor that your kids will love—think colorful walls and vintage arcade games. They also have other tasty treats like burgers, milkshakes, and smoothies.
On top of all that, it’s pretty affordable, so you won’t have to worry about breaking the bank either!
9. Spend the day at Fannie Mae Dees Park
Take your kids to Fannie Mae Dees Park (also known as Dragon Park) and let them run around like wild dragons!
This is an amazing park filled with fun activities such as a dragon playground, slides, a pond with ducks, and even a wooden castle.
Your little ones can explore the entire park while enjoying the outdoors and all it has to offer. Take some amazing pictures of your kids running around with wide smiles on their faces to remember this family vacation forever.
The park is free! And it’s an ideal spot for a picnic too, so don’t forget to pack some snacks and drinks and make a whole afternoon of it.
10. Swing on the ropes at the Treetop Adventure Park
The Treetop Adventure Park is an aerial course located at the Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort that your kids will love.
This fun challenge consists of over 100 different elements, including bridges, swings, and zip lines. It’s a great way to get some exercise while also having tons of fun!
The Treetop Adventure Park offers an array of activities for all ages and skill levels, from beginner-level ropes courses to more challenging elements like ziplines and rope swings.
So everyone in your family will be sure to have a blast regardless of their little legs and hands.
11. Visit the Nashville Children’s Theater
If you and your family are looking for a way to experience theater in Nashville, look no further than Nashville Children’s Theater.
Your kids can get lost in the world of musical productions, comedies, storybook classics, and magical shows. Plus, they offer sensory-friendly performances so everyone can enjoy the shows.
And, if you want to make the experience even more magical, take your kids backstage where they can learn about set design and meet the actors before or after a show.
It’s a fun way for your family to explore the theater arts in an interactive environment!
12. Riverfront Park
This park is the perfect place to spend a day in Nashville with kids.
It’s located right along the Cumberland River and offers beautiful views of downtown Nashville.
With so many family-friendly activities like walking trails, playgrounds, riverboat rides, and fountains for little ones to splash around in you might end up spending all day here.
13. Adventure Science Center
The Adventure Science Center is an interactive science museum that will keep your kids engaged and entertained for hours!
They have permanent exhibits like the dinosaur gallery, a space-themed area, and an anatomical exhibit as well as exciting traveling exhibitions. You know I was all about that one!
Plus, they offer STEM programs to get kids involved in activities such as coding and robotics. It was seriously so cool.
14. Get Artsy at the Frist Art Museum
The Frist Art Museum is a great place to take your kids and explore the world of art.
They offer family-friendly activities like scavenger hunts and educational programs that teach your kids about different cultures, history, and science through art. Perfect for keeping a vacation full of culture and learning.
The Frist has a variety of rotating exhibitions, so there is always something new to see.
15. Stay at the Gaylord Opryland Resort
The Gaylord Opryland Resort is the perfect hotel to stay when heading to Nashville with kids. It’s located minutes from downtown Nashville and has plenty of family-friendly amenities, such as an indoor pool, and a nine-acre waterpark to keep those kids busy.
The resort also has multiple restaurants and even a spa for adults. Heck yea!
If the weather isn’t great for the waterpark there are tons of indoor activities for kids like a carousel, miniature golf, and an arcade.
The resort is so huge, you could easily spend a whole day exploring it without ever leaving the property. Who knew a hotel stay could be so fun?!
There are so many fun things to do in Nashville with kids that you’re guaranteed to have an amazing time!
Looking for other cities with fun things to do when traveling with kids? Columbus has Scene 75 which has something for everyone to do!
Be sure to tag me on Insta (@wtfab) if you visit any of these spots on your next vacay!
Looking for more Nashville content? Explore my other Nashville travel guides here.
Best Places to Stay in Nashville: Top 12 Hotels
Airbnbs in Nashville: The Top 10 Places to Stay
Nashville Murals: A Guide to the Most Instagrammable Spots
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Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
