Nashville, the capital of Tennessee, is famous for its music, culture, and history. But wait!
Did you know that it is also a great destination for families with kids?
There are so many fun and educational things to do in Nashville that will keep your little ones entertained and happy. Whether you are looking for museums, parks, zoos, or adventure, Nashville has something for everyone.
So, pack your bags, and let’s make Nashville the highlight of your family fun – where every moment is an adventure waiting to happen!
Great Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Nashville
One of the best things to do in Nashville with kids is to enjoy the delicious food that the city has to offer.
Nashville is known for its southern cuisine, barbecue, and hot chicken, but it also has plenty of options for kids of all ages and tastes. Some of the best kid-friendly restaurants in Nashville are:
- The Loveless Cafe: This iconic restaurant serves classic southern dishes like biscuits, fried chicken, and peach preserves. It also has a playground, a gift shop, and live music for the whole family to enjoy. (Find It On Maps)
- The Aquarium Restaurant: This restaurant is located inside the Opry Mills Mall and features a huge aquarium with over 100 species of fish. You can dine next to the tank and watch the sharks, rays, and turtles swim by. The menu has seafood, burgers, salads, and kids’ favorites. (Find It On Maps)
The Pfunky Griddle: This restaurant lets you make your own pancakes on a griddle at your table. You can choose from different batters, toppings, and syrups to create your own masterpiece. It also has eggs, bacon, sausage, and other breakfast items. (Find It On Maps)
VISUAL STORY: Top 10 Fun Things to Do in Nashville with Teens
Here is the List of Things to Do in Nashville with Kids
After you have filled your stomach with some yummy food, it is time to explore the city and see what it has to offer. Here are some of the best things to do in Nashville with kids that will make your trip memorable and fun.
1. See the Animals at Nashville Zoo
If you love animals, you will love the Nashville Zoo, Imagine saying hi to over 2,600 animals from all around the world – giraffes, kangaroos, flamingos, tigers, and more! You can see them in their natural habitats, feed them, or watch them perform.
You can also enjoy the zoo’s attractions, such as the carousel, the zip line, the train, and the jungle gym. The zoo also has a petting zoo, a playground, and a splash pad for the kids. This is one of the best things to do in Nashville for animal lovers.
Where: Find it on Google Maps
2. Have Fun at the Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort
If you are looking for some water fun, you should head to the Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort. This resort is located on the shores of Percy Priest Lake and has a water park, a lake park, and a treetop park. You can splash in the wave pool, slide down the water slides, float on the lazy river, or play in the spray ground.
You can also enjoy the lake activities, such as kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, or boating. You can also challenge yourself at the treetop park, which has zip lines, ropes courses, and obstacle courses. One of the best things to do in Nashville is to enjoy water activities and splash around.
Where: Find it on Google Maps
3. Swing and Soar at the Treetop Adventure Park
This park is located within the Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort and offers a variety of zip lines, ropes courses, and obstacle courses for different ages and skill levels. You can soar through the trees, swing on ropes, climb on nets, balance on beams, and more, and also enjoy the beautiful views of the lake and nature.
The park is open from March to November and has different packages and prices depending on the height and age of the participants. The park also has safety equipment and trained staff to ensure a fun and safe experience. The Treetop Adventure Park is one of the most thrilling things to do in Nashville with kids.
Where: Find it on Google Maps
4. Discover the Fun and Beauty of Cumberland Park
This park is located on the banks of the Cumberland River and has a variety of features and activities for all ages. You can enjoy the splash pad, the sand play area, the climbing wall, the slide, the swings, and the seesaw. You can also relax on the lawn, the picnic tables, or the hammocks.
The park also has a scenic view of the downtown skyline and the riverfront. The Cumberland Park is open from dawn to dusk and is free to enter. The park is a great place to have some outdoor fun and enjoy nature and the city. The best things to do in Nashville are to enjoy nature and outdoor fun.
Where: Find it on Google Maps
5. Experience the Magic of Theatre at the Nashville Children’s Theatre
One of the most creative and educational things to do in Nashville with kids is to watch a show at the Nashville Children’s Theatre. This theatre is the oldest youth-centered professional theatre in the country and features a variety of performances for all ages and interests.
You can see musicals, dramas, comedies, and adaptations of classic and contemporary stories, such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Finding Nemo, and The Gingerbread Kid. You can also participate in interactive and immersive plays, such as The Flopsy Bunnies and Three Little Kittens.
The theatre also offers drama classes and camps, backstage tours, and curriculum guides for teachers and students. The Nashville Children’s Theatre is a great place to engage, connect, and nourish your imagination and love for theatre.
Where: Find it on Google Maps
6. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
If you are a country music fan or want to learn more about it, you should visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. This museum showcases the history and evolution of country music, from its roots to its modern stars.
You can see exhibits, artifacts, costumes, instruments, and memorabilia from legends like Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, and Taylor Swift. You can also listen to recordings, watch videos, and even record your song in the studio.
The museum also has interactive and educational programs for kids, such as scavenger hunts, musical petting zoos, and songwriting workshops. One of the best things to do in Nashville for music lovers is to record your song and see recordings from top musicians.
Where: Find it on Google Maps
7. Watch the Wishing Chair Productions Puppet Shows at the Nashville Library
One of the most unique and entertaining things to do in Nashville with kids is to watch the Wishing Chair Productions puppet shows at the Nashville Library. Wishing Chair Productions is the library’s award-winning puppet troupe that creates world-class shows that delight children and adults alike.
You can join them for original full-scale literature-based puppet productions and interactive weekly story times at the Main Library Children’s Theatre. You can also catch the Puppet Truck, which travels to different library locations and cultural events throughout the year.
The puppet shows are free and open to the public, but reservations are required for groups of 10 or more. You can see the schedule of upcoming shows and request a group show on the library’s website. The Wishing Chair Productions puppet shows are a great way to enjoy the music, the stories, the art, and the magic of puppetry.
Where: Find it on Google Maps
8. Explore the Adventure Science Center
If you are looking for some science and fun, you should check out the Adventure Science Center! This center has over 175 hands-on exhibits, activities, and experiments that will spark your curiosity and imagination. You can learn about astronomy, biology, physics, chemistry, and more.
You can also experience a planetarium show, a laser show, a simulator ride, or a 3D movie. The center also has a special area for kids under 5, called the Little Labs, where they can play, create, and discover. One of the best things to do in Nashville where learning meets pure fun!
Where: Find it on Google Maps
9. Play at the Centennial Park
If you want to have some outdoor fun, you should go to Centennial Park. This park is one of the most popular parks in Nashville, with 132 acres of green space, trails, playgrounds, and sports facilities. You can walk, bike, skate, or jog around the park, or play soccer, volleyball, tennis, or golf.
You can also see the Parthenon, a full-scale replica of the ancient Greek temple, which houses an art museum and a statue of Athena. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 9 am to 4.30 pm, Sunday from 12.30 pm to 4.30 pm and closed on Monday.
Where: Find it on Google Maps
10. Enjoy the Nature at the Cheekwood Estate and Gardens
If you need a break from the city, you should visit the Cheekwood Estate and Gardens. This estate and gardens are located on a 55-acre property that was once the home of a wealthy family. You can tour the mansion, which is now a museum of art, and see the collections of paintings, sculptures, and furniture.
You can also explore the gardens, which have different themes and styles, such as the Japanese garden, the herb garden, and the dogwood garden. You can also see the seasonal displays, such as the tulips in spring, the pumpkins in fall, and the lights in winter.
Where: Find it on Google Maps
ALSO READ: 11 Essential Things to Know Before Visiting Nashville Zoo
11. Learn about History at the Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
If you are interested in history, you should visit Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage. This hermitage was the home of the seventh president of the United States, Andrew Jackson, and his family. You can tour the mansion, which has been restored to its original appearance, and see the rooms, furniture, and personal belongings of the Jacksons.
You can also see the grounds, which have a garden, a cemetery, a slave cabin, and a museum. You can also learn about the life and legacy of Andrew Jackson, who was a controversial and influential figure in American history.
Where: Find it on Google Maps
Conclusion
Nashville is a city that has something for everyone, especially for families with kids. There are so many amazing things to do in Nashville that will make your trip unforgettable and fun. You can enjoy the music, the food, the culture, the history, the nature, and the adventure that Nashville has to offer. You can also make some memories and bond with your loved ones. Nashville is a city that you will want to visit again and again.
FAQs
Are children permitted in bars in Nashville?
Many of the honky-tonks in Nashville welcome all ages until 6 pm, making it perfectly fine to bring the kids and enjoy some music.
Are there any outdoor activities suitable for kids in Nashville?
Yes, families can enjoy outdoor activities at places like Centennial Park, Shelby Bottoms Greenway, and Cumberland Park with its innovative play structures.
What about educational activities for kids in Nashville?
The Adventure Science Center offers a combination of education and fun. Additionally, kids can explore the exhibits at the Country Music Hall of Fame to learn about the history of country music.
What are some free or budget-friendly activities for families in Nashville?
There are several free activities, including exploring Centennial Park, attending outdoor concerts at Public Square Park, and enjoying the scenic views from the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge.
