Fun Things to Do in Nashville with Kids
Things to Do in Nashville with Kids
If you’re planning to visit Nashville with kids, you might want to make sure you have multiple days to explore. There’s so much for families to do in the area, and I’m not even counting exploring and hiking through the natural surroundings.
The area has been growing in popularity in recent years. Though it’s a hotspot for bachelor and bachelorette parties and adult getaways, there’s still more than enough to do in this family-friendly city. It’s very walkable, which was a win in my book!
This was my second time in Nashville. The very first time I visited was in 2014 for my younger sister’s bachelorette party. It wasn’t as wild as it sounds, though. We stayed with close family friends, and the party consisted of a few close friends, all 5 of my sisters, my mom, and my daughter (who was a toddler at the time).
However, this summer was our first time visiting Nashville as a family. We stayed at the Omni Nashville Hotel in the heart of the downtown area, which meant we could park our car upon arrival and leave it there the entire weekend.
We were able to walk or use the trolley to get around the entire time. It’s a very kid-friendly hotel, and I’ll be writing a review of it soon, so keep your eyes peeled for that!
The majority of the items on my list are also great things to do in Nashville with toddlers since our youngest had just turned 2 when we visited. I’ve noted the items on the list that weren’t necessarily toddler-friendly. In my opinion, this is the perfect place to spend just a weekend with little ones, or take your time visiting for a full week!
Anyway, if you’re trying to plan your visit to Nashville with kids, here are my top 15 fun things to do as a family.
Disclosure: Our family was hosted by the Omni Nashville, and we also received free passes courtesy of Visit Music City, the Nashville Tourism Board. for a few of the activities mentioned here in exchange for consideration in my articles and blog posts about Nashville.
In addition, this post contains affiliate links which means if you make a purchase through one of my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Top Things to Do in Nashville with Kids
From homages to country music to nature centers and local parks, from historical sites to hot chicken, there's truly something for every age and every interest in Nashville.
We found so much good food along the way, we hung out on Honky Tonk Highway, and we soaked in the musical vibes permeating the city. Both the adults and the kids had a blast exploring Music City, so here are the top things to do in Nashville with kids:
1. Trolley Tour
If you’ve ever read any of my other city guides, you’ll find that I’m a huge fan of taking a trolley tour with kids on your first day in a new city.
The kids usually either end up falling asleep on the tour or being so excited about riding in a trolley that they behave really well.
I love listening to the drivers talk about their city, and I always end up learning a lot, even while wrangling little kids.
Another benefit is that you can use the trolley as transportation to some of the city’s highlights. We stayed at the Omni in downtown Nashville, so the hop on-hop off trolley tour was an easy way to get to Centennial Park and the Gulch instead of trying to navigate the city by car and worry about parking.
You can book your trolley tickets here.
Adults: $39.29 if you purchase tickets online
Children (ages 4-12): $29.94 if you purchase tickets online
Every trolley we’ve ridden has allowed us to store a stroller upfront. Just remember these tours get pretty crowded as the day goes on, and you might have to wait for one with enough space for your family!
2. Centennial Park
Centennial Park is a beautiful and quiet spot to explore in Nashville, and it’s especially known for the life-size replica of the Parthenon.
You can pay a small fee to go inside and tour the Parthenon which doubles as an art museum. You ‘ll get to see the 42-foot Athena statue inside, too.
To be 100% honest, I didn’t think paying the $6 for adults and $4 for kids was worth it for our family. Our young children were not at all interested in the art, and we only ended up spending a few minutes inside.
If you have older kids it might be worth your while, but for younger families, I would save your money for something else. It’s still fun to take pictures of the Parthenon from the outside, though!
There are other spots in the park families with young children will like, though. The sunken gardens are gorgeous, and my kids had a blast borrowing our phones to take photos of the flowers in portrait mode.
Our toddler loved walking around Lake Watauga and watching people feed the ducks. There’s a 1-mile walking trail, too. It truly felt like an oasis to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
3. Stroll Broadway (During the Daytime)
Broadway is the street that runs through downtown Nashville full of bars, honky-tonks, and souvenir shops. It sort of reminds me of a countrified version of the Strip in Las Vegas.
As the day progresses you’ll see more and more pedal pubs and roofless party buses full of bachelor and bachelorette parties passing by. The honky-tonks will fill up with party-goers and the music will be so loud you can’t hear yourself think.
Honestly, I kind of wished I could join in! Everyone looked like they were having so much fun.
During the day, I would say it’s fine to take your kids strolling on Broadway. It’s fun to point out the famous honky-tonks and duck into the touristy shops. Once evening rolls around, though, you might want to avoid taking kids here.
4. Pose with Murals
Nashville has a vibrant visual arts scene and is famous for the copious amounts of murals and wall art that adorn the city. Just look up Nashville on Instagram and you’ll see photo after photo of people posing in front of the beautiful angel wings “What Lifts You” mural.
I think these walls are so much fun, and kids love posing for pictures in front of the walls. You’ll make some wonderful family memories by finding the murals around town and coming up with new poses.
We went to the Gulch to find some wall art and ended up loving the wall across from the “What Lifts You” mural. There was a line wrapping around the corner of people waiting for the angel wings pictures, so we decided to go to the colorful wall in the parking lot across the street where no one else was taking pictures.
There was plenty of space, no lines, and it was on a platform above the parking lot so you didn’t have to worry about kids running out in front of cars.
Do a quick search on Pinterest for Nashville murals, and plenty of locals have written extensively about what the best ones are and where to find them.
5. Eat At 5 Daughters Bakers
We decided to stop at 5 Daughters Bakery right before climbing in the car for the second leg of our trip. I’m not sure if it was smart or not to load up on sugar right before a long road trip, but it sure was delicious!
5 Daughters Bakery is known for its 100 Layer Donuts which are a hybrid between croissants and donuts. They are a taste of heaven, and if you’re a donut lover I would highly recommend trying them!
What makes this little donut shop even better is how Instagrammable it is! There’s an adorable “I Love Donuts” wall mural, along with a children’s play area outside. Come for the donuts, stay for the atmosphere. 10/10 would recommend.
6. Pop Into A Honky Tonk
If you do decide to give Broadway a visit, make sure to look up which honky-tonks are family-friendly during the day and stop in to hear some live country music!
When my husband took the boys back to our hotel room for a nap, I took our 6-year-old daughter to Robert’s Western World, a place that prides itself in playing traditional country music.
The live music was great, and we ended up finding a small table in the back where it wasn’t so loud. We ordered some fries and some drinks and just enjoyed some mother-daughter time while having an authentic Nashville experience.
There were plenty of other families there during the early afternoon, and the laid-back environment made me think that I could have even brought our toddler along to enjoy the music.
Wildhorse Saloon is another classic Honky Tonk option and is open to people of all ages except on Friday and Saturday nights after 10 p.m. You can even take line dancing lessons here, which would be a Nashville memory your kids would never forget.
7. Shop for Boots and Hats
When you emerge from the Honky Tonk, amble along Broadway until you find a store that sells cowboy boots and hats. You won’t have to walk far!
My daughter and I didn’t end up buying anything, but we had so much fun picking out our favorite boots and trying on a hat or two.
If you’re looking for a legit Nashville souvenir and think you would actually get some use out of boots or hats, definitely make this a priority on your trip.
8. Cross the Pedestrian Bridge
I truly think the pedestrian bridge was the highlight of the trip for me.
After the boys woke up from their afternoon naps, we packed a picnic lunch with the food we had picked up from a supermarket in the Gulch earlier that day and walked from our hotel (the Omni) to the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge which stretches over the Cumberland River.
We saw a lot of people riding the electric scooters available all over Nashville over the bridge, but we were content to just walk and push the toddler in our stroller.
This is a must-do activity, especially if you want awesome family pictures in front of the Nashville skyline. You could bring a tripod and Bluetooth remote for your camera, or you could trust a complete stranger to get the shot for you.
We went the route of asking a stranger, and he happened to capture a beautiful shot of our family.
9. Picnic at Cumberland Park
On the other side of the pedestrian bridge, you'll find a quiet park where kids can play and adults can relax and enjoy views of the city.
We loved bringing a picnic dinner here and spending time as a family away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
This is one of the few free things to do in Nashville, and I would highly recommend adding it to your itinerary! It's the best way to unwind after a long day of exploring in the heat.
10. Do A Scavenger Hunt in The Country Music Hall of Fame
You can’t go to Nashville without learning at least a little bit about the history of country music! The Country Music Hall of Fame is home to outfits worn on stage by famous singers, instruments used by country music legends like Dolly Parton, and plenty of photos and videos to admire.
If you think your kids would be bored, don’t worry! Take them directly to the Taylor Swift Education Center where you’ll find lots of activities and resources for kids.
We chose to do a few scavenger hunts. These require kids (and adults) to actually pay attention to exhibits throughout the museum. Everyone stays engaged because you want to get the prize at the end of the scavenger hunt!
Our kids were 6 and 4 when they did them, so they needed a lot of help from us. I didn’t mind, because that way we slowed down and saw everything in the museum instead of just rushing through.
If you complete your activity, make sure to take it back to the Taylor Swift Education Center on the third floor before you exit the museum. A worker will check them for you and let the kids pick a prize! My daughter is still wearing the Taylor Swift bracelet she won at the museum.
Be sure to stop in the gift shop when you're done to buy some souvenirs!
Buy tickets here
Adults: $25.95
Children (ages 6-12): $15.95
11. Visit the Ryman Auditorium
Anyone who’s anyone in the country music business has likely performed at the Ryman Auditorium. What began as a church turned into a venue for culture and performances of all kinds.
Eventually, it was home to the Grand Ole Opry, then after the Opry changed venues it was renovated and restored to become its own performance venue once again.
If you’ve got little kids with short attention spans, I would recommend the self-guided tour. We didn’t do the tour this year, but I got to do it when my oldest was just a toddler. It was nice not to have to worry about her interrupting a guide when she couldn’t be quiet.
There's even a recording studio inside the Ryman where anyone can book a short session and record a song! One of my sisters did this during our visit, and it was so cool to watch.
Adults: Starting at $24.95 depending on which tour you choose
Children (ages 4-11): Starting at $16.95 depending on the tour
12. Try Goo Goo Clusters
Who doesn't love candy? It’s always fun when you can find a sweet that’s specific to the region you’re visiting.
Goo Goo Clusters were the first candy bar to use multiple elements: chocolate, marshmallow nougat, nuts, and caramel, and they were made in Nashville, TN in 1912.
Today you can go to their downtown store and buy different flavors of Goo Goo Clusters, try the dessert bar, or even take a chocolate class!
We just visited and took some pictures in front of the fun photo booth they had set up in the store, and we definitely purchased our fair share of chocolate. The peanut butter Goo Goos were our favorites!
Goo Goo Chocolate Co. is located right off Broadway, so you can easily wander in while you're exploring the city on foot.
13. Grab Dinner at Taco Mamacita
Taco Mamacita had such a fun atmosphere and the most delicious tacos and chips with queso dip. The margaritas were on point, too!
I was a big fan of the Caribbean Jerk tacos, but one of the more unique offerings was a Sloppy Jose, Mamacita’s version of a sloppy Joe.
It’s located in more of a residential area than the bars and restaurants on Broadway, which is kind of nice if you need a break from the noise!
14. Try Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream always has unique flavors to choose from and multiple locations around Nashville, so you can’t miss it.
They also offer kid-sized cones, so you don’t have to go overboard on sugar.
Other Fun Places Around Nashville to Add to your Itinerary
We didn't get around to doing everything on our visit to Nashville, since we only had a weekend to visit.
However, if you're spending 5 days in the city or even hanging out for a week, here are a few other options your family might enjoy. Filling your extra time in Nashville with little ones won't be a problem!
15. Visit Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
Since our stay in Nashville was so short, we didn’t get to everything on my list. We LOVE a historic site (like Springfield!), and this fits the bill.
Andrew Jackson was our nation’s 7th president and lived in the Nashville area with his wife Rachel for a while before purchasing the plot of land where the Hermitage now stands in 1804.
Eventually he built the mansion and cultivated the gardens, both of which have been restored so visitors can enjoy them and learn more about Andrew Jackson.
You can buy tickets and check out tour times here. If we ever get the chance to have a Nashville family vacation again, this spot will be high on my list!
16. Stop at the Bluebird Cafe
This is another stop we skipped this time around, mainly because we were traveling with a toddler who would not be a very good guest at the Bluebird Cafe.
If we return when the kids are older, I’d definitely at this iconic spot to our itinerary. This is another Music City stop, but in contrast to the rowdy honky Tonks you can come to the Bluebird Cafe to see up-and-coming and established artists perform acoustic numbers.
This is a small venue, so be sure to buy tickets online ahead of time to secure a spot.
17. See a Nashville Sounds Game
What's more American than country music? What about a baseball game?
The Nashville Sounds are a minor league team, and the team's name is a tribute to the city's dynamic music scene.
If you're visiting from March through September, check the team's schedule to see if there's a home game going on! There are usually fun promotions or themes for each game that kids will love.
18. Nashville Zoo
The Nashville Zoo has so much to offer beyond the typical animal exhibits. The Soaring Eagle Zip Line allows you to see the wildlife from 110 ft in the air! There's also a carousel, a Wilderness Express Train, and a 4D movie theater.
Little ones with a lot of energy can enjoy the jungle gym, which now offers an inclusive section with equipment for kids with disabilities so everyone can enjoy it!
For history buffs in your family, be sure to stop at the Grassmere Historic Home, the second oldest home in the county.
The Zoo is a great place to go on vacation that's perfect for toddlers and big kids alike.
We didn't end up having time to stop here on our 3-day visit, but if you plan a longer visit to Music City this would be a nice break from all things country music.
19. Grand Ole Opry
Take a backstage tour of the legendary venue where the world's most famous country music stars have performed.
You'll hear stories of the greatest moments, see photos from performances, and you might even get a chance to step on the stage.
If you want to take it a step further and your kids are a little older, you might even want to buy tickets to a show at the Grand Ole Opry.
20. Madame Tussauds
The classic wax museum is a must-visit in Nashville if your kids are excited about country music superstars.
See life-like versions of Nashville favorites like Reba, Elvis Presley, and Luke Bryan.
This whimsical museum is located right next to the Grand Ole Opry, so it's a perfect add-on if you're planning to spend some time at the famous live music venue.
21. Check out the Adventure Science Center
This is another attraction we didn't get to visit during our time in Nashville. Since our time was so short, we decided to focus on things unique to Nashville.
If you have more time in the city and want to add a few more kid-centric activities, definitely check out the Adventure Science Center. Kids of all ages will love exploring so many of the hands-on exhibits. Topics include beekeeping, principles of flight, and the human body, just to name a few.
There's also an adventure tower playground area, and an outdoor garden area to explore.
22. Visit the Capitol Building
Nashville is Tennessee's State Capital, so your family can make a stop at the capitol building. Take a tour of the building or stroll the grounds of the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park.
You can hike the nature trails with young kids, see a 200-foot granite map, or learn about Tennessee's rich history at one of the many memorials around the park. This is a great place for family fun as well as a learning experience!
Things to Know Before You Plan a Nashville Family Vacation
Is Downtown Nashville Kid-Friendly?
Yes! Downtown Nashville had so many wonderful activities to do with our kids, and it was very walkable and stroller-friendly. The Country Music Hall of Fame, the Goo Goo Shop, the start of the trolley tour, and many more family activities are located in the downtown area.
I would maybe avoid Broadway after dark as it starts to become more of a party atmosphere and a little rowdy, but it was really fun to see during the day.
Is Nashville Toddler-Friendly?
Even though Nashville has a reputation as a hub for bachelor and bachelorette parties, there were so many activities aside from the honky tonks on Broadway that were so family-friendly and fun for babies, toddlers, and little kids.
Our toddler particularly enjoyed Centennial Park, the trolley tour, and walking the pedestrian bridge! Plus all of the unique donut and ice cream shops around town and the many parks make for great rest stops if your toddler needs a break.
Is Nashville Stroller-Friendly?
We took our stroller all around downtown Nashville and it made our lives so much easier! Strollers were welcome almost everywhere, but just be aware that some of the smaller shops around town might be hard to navigate if you have a larger stroller.
Where to Stay in Nashville with Kids
Omni Nashville
We were hosted by the Omni Nashville during our stay, and it was one of the most family-friendly Nashville hotels!
The Omni Kids Crew was a highlight of our stay. They offer a complimentary gift bag to kids with an activity book and a small game, not to mention the free milk and cookies delivered to our room on the first night of our stay!
The view from our room of the Nashville skyline was incredible, and we thoroughly enjoyed an evening swim in the rooftop pool before winding down for bed.
Gaylord Opryland Resort
Gaylord Opryland Resort is one of the most family-friendly hotels in Nashville with plenty of spacious suite options, the Soundwaves aquatic center with a wave pool and water slides, and a botanical garden.
It's a Marriott property, so if you have Marriott loyalty or points to burn, this might be the perfect option for your family.
The Gaylord Opryland is also located near popular Nashville attractions like the Grand Old Opry and Ryman Auditorium.
Check current rates for your stay here.
Other Nashville Hotels
You can book your stay in Nashville through Booking.com to search for properties. I highly recommend the Omni Nashville, but there’s something for every price point.
Don’t forget about Airbnb.com as an alternative, especially if you have a bigger family or you want to save money by cooking your meals instead of eating out.
A Great Destination For Families
As you can see, our weekend in Nashville was barely enough time to cover the essentials. There were so many activities I read about that we weren’t able to get to because we simply didn’t have enough time.
Bare minimum, I would make sure to spend 3 days in Nashville, and would highly recommend a week if you can swing it. Don’t forget it’s within driving distance of some other really great destinations like Gatlinburg and Atlanta, so you can really make your way around the South for a diverse family vacation.
Our kids had such a wonderful time in Music City, and I really felt like there was something for every age and interest. Whether you’re country music fans, nature lovers, or foodies, you’ll find something to love.
We had a great time, and I really want to go back again when the kids are a little older!
Nashville Tours
You can save up to 58% on entrance fees with the Nashville Sightseeing Pass which includes attractions like the Country Music Hall of Fame, a Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour and more.
Check out the entire list and see if the pass is a good fit for you here.
There are so many family-friendly attractions in Nashville, so the sightseeing pass will help you make the most of your time there.
Destinations Near Nashville
If you want to add a few more stops to your itinerary, here’s what I would recommend:
Rock City is just over 2 hours from Nashville
Gatlinburg and Great Smoky Mountain National Park are just 4 hours from Nashville
Atlanta is a 4 hour drive from Nashville
St. Louis is a 4.5 hour drive from Nashville
New River Gorge National Park is just over 4 hours from Nashville
HELPFUL TRIP-PLANNING POSTS:
More Florida Destinations for Families
The Best Types of Trips to Take with Toddlers
Tips for Flying with Little Kids and Toddlers without Losing Your Mind
How to Budget and Save for Your Dream Destination
50 Road Trip Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers
DON’T FORGET IT! PIN IT!
