Nashville boasts the nation's best bars and the best music scene, not to mention, plenty of mouthwatering restaurants. There's no denying the nightlife appeal, but families can also have a blast while exploring this Tennessee gem.
Published: March 26, 2024
Nashville boasts the nation's best bars and the best music scene, not to mention, plenty of mouthwatering restaurants. There's no denying the nightlife appeal, but families can also have a blast while exploring this Tennessee gem.
This might not seem like the most kid-friendly city around but looks can be deceiving. Amid all the bars and music venues, hidden gems abound. Better yet, there may be surprisingly few crowds to contend with as you explore local family-oriented attractions.
From museums to parks and everything in between, you'll find many family-friendly things to do in Nashville — and most are just as compelling for adults as they are for young visitors. Add great eats and unique festivals and you can see why Nashville continues to exceed parents' expectations.
A little guidance can make a world of difference as you plan for your Music City extravaganza. To help, we've highlighted several fun things to do in Nashville with kids, including top attractions and hidden gems.
There are few slam-dunk Nashville kid-friendly attractions that will appeal to all families — but if anything qualifies, it's the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere. Not only is this one of the most popular attractions in Nashville, it's also one of the state's most-visited destinations, attracting over 1.2 million guests per year. The sheer size of this zoo is impressive, with over 90 acres developed while the entire space spans 188 acres. Open habitats abound and, even when the animals aren't particularly active, there's a lot to see and experience.
Because this zoo is so vast, a stroller is a must for small children. Older kids may also benefit from wagons or, at minimum, should plan to take plenty of breaks. Kick things off at the Unseen New World plaza, where animal demonstrations and encounters allow visitors to get up close and personal. Other highlights include Lorikeet Landing and the Gibbon Islands. Adventurous kids can easily spend hours exploring the awe-inspiring Jungle Gym playground.
There are plenty of bonus adventures worth exploring if you have room in your schedule or your budget. The carousel and the adventure train are delightful and the 4D movie is wonderfully immersive. Older kids will adore the Soaring Eagle Zip Line, which promises an exhilarating ride and a spectacular perspective. During the winter months, the annual Zoolumination display is a must; this Chinese Festival of Lights provides the unique opportunity to view hundreds of custom-designed lanterns, plus a charming holiday village.
Interactive experiences dominate at Nashville's Adventure Science Center, which definitely qualifies as a family-friendly destination. While some visitors complain that this sometimes feels more like a playground than a museum, that's exactly what parents find appealing about it. Keeping kids engaged for hours should not be a struggle. Despite the decidedly hands-on nature of this museum, however, there is plenty for visitors of all ages to learn and discover.
The Adventure Tower is one of the most compelling and unique exhibits in this sizable museum, complete with dynamic experiences that introduce kids to important concepts: gravity, airflow, tessellations and more. BodyQuest takes guests on a fascinating expedition through the human body, while Wonders of the Universe brings new perspectives to the study of astronomy. DIY opportunities abound in the Tinkering Garage and the i2 Makerspace. Head outside to the Galactic Gardens to check out the mural or enjoy a picnic lunch.
Vehicle-obsessed kids will fall head over heels for the area's finest automotive museum. Home to the largest European auto collection in the United States (along with plenty of cars from Asia and South America), this auto-oriented destination delivers a unique global perspective, complete with insights on the many political and geographical factors that have shaped vehicles over time. These details may not be of interest to younger kids, but teens will certainly be fascinated.
Little tykes will simply be happy to gaze in awe at vehicles they can't see every day: microcars, motorcycles, amphibious vehicles and more. There is also a small children's area, where youngsters can let their imagination run wild as they play with an abundance of toys. Don't forget to attend the vehicle demonstrations, which are included with the price of admission.
Nashville's musicians get all the attention, but the local performing arts scene also includes a vibrant theater community. While there are multiple ways to enjoy a great production, nothing beats the Nashville Children's Theatre. Custom-built to ensure that every kid enjoys an amazing view and an amazing experience, this delightful theater promises to introduce children to the magic of the stage.
The fun begins well before the curtain rises, with crafts and activities found in the lobby prior to and following each show. The productions themselves are truly engaging, complete with whimsical set design and compelling costumes. From re-imagined fairy tales to sports sagas, there is something for everyone, although the theater makes a point of highlighting the 'typical' age range for each show.
Housed in a historic post office, the Frist Art Museum provides an excellent opportunity to introduce kids to new ideas and perspectives. While some exhibits may not appeal to younger children, there's no denying the appeal of the Martin ArtQuest gallery, which encourages kids to express themselves. This interactive space is chock full of art-making stations, where aspiring artists can paint, draw, sculpt, or even animate. Children emerge feeling confident in their new artistic skills and may also acquire hand-made keepsakes that are more meaningful than the average souvenir.
Older children and teenagers may be willing to explore the museum's standard exhibitions, although these are decidedly less kid-friendly. The exhibits rotate regularly, with the museum committed to displaying thought-provoking works from a range of artists and genres. Sculptures, mixed media and dreamscapes are all within the realm of possibility. Live music and drop-in drawing sessions are regularly scheduled, so check the calendar before you plan your visit.
The local library is nearly always a safe option for occupying a few quiet, yet entertaining hours with kids. There's a lot to discover in the children's area at the Nashville Public Library and you may be surprised to find that it's home to the most family-friendly things to do in Nashville.
Puppets are definitely the main attraction, so be sure to include the weekly puppet show in your itinerary. The library's puppet truck also makes the rounds meaning you might be able to catch a puppet show if you attend one of Nashville's many kid-friendly festivals or other events.
In addition to puppets, Nashville's Main Library has a whimsical children's area with plenty of books and activities. Older kids and teens will want to browse the YA books but may also enjoy completing puzzles or playing board games. If you get the chance, take some time to wander the library and the surrounding area so you can fully appreciate the beautiful architecture and the courtyard.
One of the most family friendly things to do in Nashville is also one of the least-frequented: the lovely Fannie Mae Dees Park. Often referred to by locals as "Dragon Park," this whimsical destination is home to an eye-catching sculpture of a sea serpent, which stretches over 150 feet. Adorned with stunning mosaic tiles, this artistic creature makes for the perfect photo opp and should also spark young visitors' imagination. While kids will be satisfied to climb on the sea serpent, there is also conventional playground equipment onsite. Picnic shelters are available, so feel free to pack lunch and enjoy a leisurely visit.
Head to Centennial Park to check out a structure you won't just find anywhere: Nashville's version of the Parthenon. This isn't just one of the best things to do with kids in Nashville — it's one of the best destinations for visitors of any age. As an impressive, true-to-size replica of the Athens original, this structure beckons you to snap photos with your kids before you explore the rest of the park.
The short walk around the man-made Lake Watauga is also pleasant, although fans of Taylor Swift will be happy to simply rest on the bench that the pop star referenced in the song Invisible String. Younger kids will naturally gravitate towards the playground, which includes swings, slides and all the usual equipment.
If you crave an outdoor experience that feels a bit more secluded, consider visiting Radnor Lake State Park. Despite its proximity to the city, this gem feels wonderfully peaceful. There are several miles of hiking paths, but most are short and easy for kids to navigate. If you're visiting with kids and canine companions, take a leisurely stroll along the paved trail, which is a favorite among local dog walkers.
When you arrive, set aside a few minutes to check out the visitor center and view the display cases. You'll find maps and bird lists so you can explore the park with ease. Kids adore the aviary, where they can see several animal ambassadors up close. Picnicking is not allowed, but there are a few family-friendly restaurants within a short drive of the park.
When thinking of the best time to visit Nashville it’s important to know that AAA members can access perks and take advances for vacation planning such as getting the best discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets.
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