Known across the world as Music City, Nashville definitely lives up to its name. Street performers, honky tonks, amphitheaters, and concert halls are plentiful in this iconic travel destination. Enjoy Southern hospitality as you listen to live music, learn about the city's rich history, and gobble up the most enticing delicacies on your next trip to the city.
Find your family fun® with our list of 17 recommendations for kid-friendly things to do in Nashville.
2 Family-Friendly Places to Stay Overnight in Nashville
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center ~ Shown in the photo above, Gaylord Opryland is a massive, breathtaking resort for Nashville visitors (and locals!) that offers a lineup of family-friendly entertainment and amenities including SoundWaves, a four-acre indoor and outdoor water attraction with play structures, lazy rivers, rapid rivers, and waterslides.
The Graduate Nashville ~ Just a short walk from Vanderbilt University, The Graduate offers unforgettable overnight accommodations. The eclectic, playful guest rooms are kid-friendly AND pet-friendly. From guitar-shaped headboards to horse-shaped couches, guests can experience the Nashville vibe from the moment they wake up.
5 Indoor Activities for Families in Nashville:
Adventure Science Center ~ As its name implies, adventure awaits at the Adventure Science Center! Families can enjoy hands-on, interactive exhibits and programming all year long. Check out the 63-foot dome theatre for planetary shows, laser shows, and concerts.
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum ~ Exhibits at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum feature artists from country to roll 'n roll- and every genre in between! Snap a selfie with the most iconic music legends made out of wax.
Grand Ole Opry ~ A staple of Nashville's history, the Grand Ole Opry is a world-renowned stage for country music legends and rising talent. See a show or take a backstage tour of this iconic venue to experience music history in the making.
Wildhorse Salon ~ Get your boot scootin' boogie on at Wildhorse Salon, a family-friendly Nashville favorite, which offers live music and FREE line dancing lessons on Music City's largest dance floor. Plus, Wildhorse Salon boasts the largest per capita restaurant in all of Tennessee. BBQ, live music, and line dancing... count me in!
Country Music Hall of Fame ~ Immerse yourself in county music history with world-class exhibitions, live music, tours, and additional family-friendly activities at the Country Music Hall of Fame. Check out their upcoming event calendar for the latest attractions before you visit to get the most out of your experience.
- If you love country music as much as I do, there's one additional place you need to go! Get a glimpse of where many of the world's most famous country singers got their start by visiting Bluebird Cafe, a performance space that hosts legendary musicians along with up-and-coming songwriters.
5 Outdoor Activities for Families in Nashville:
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park ~ Bicentennial Mall is a must-visit for history buffs. Spanning an 11-acre area, the park hosts FREE (or super low-cost) special events such as tours, STEM-based hands-on activities for kids, "Tennessee Timeline" vignettes, and much more.
Listen to the carillon (the set of bells that ring all day between 6am and 11pm), walk the Pathway of History, visit the World War II and Centennial Memorials, traverse the Tennessee Map Plaza, and collect a souvenir or two at the Visitor Center and Gift Shop.
- Publisher note: This was one of our favorite Nashville stops because it offered so many family-friendly things to do and was a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Plus, it didn't cost us any money to explore and it's located right next to Nashville Farmers' Market which is a great place to grab some lunch.
Nashville Zoo ~ By landmass, Nashville Zoo is the 9th largest zoo in the United States. Visit more than 3,000 animals and get up close with your favorites when you check the zoo's calendar for a wide variety of daily family-friendly entertainment.
Cumberland Park ~ Stretch your legs at this 6.5-acre park that includes an outdoor amphitheater, splash pad, climbing wall, and one-of-a-kind play areas that kids of all ages can enjoy.
Honky Tonk Highway ~ Take in the sights as you wander through Honky Tonk Highway, a stretch of Broadway that is home to honky tonks, restaurants, party buses, street performers, and, of course, lots of music! It doesn't cost a thing to visit, but be sure to bring some cash to tip your favorite artists.
Parthenon ~ In the heart of Nashville's Centennial Park sits a full-scale replica of the Parthenon. The original Parthenon was built in Athens, Greece, and has since become one of the most recognized buildings in the world. Learn more about the history of the Parthenon at History.com.
5 Family-Friendly Places to Eat in Nashville
Assembly Food Hall ~ As Nashville's largest rooftop, Assembly Food Hall offers three stages and more than 30 places to eat and drink. From savory to sweet, the variety of food options makes it easy to find a little something for everyone.
Goo Goo Chocolate Co ~ Don't hold back when it comes to trying this sweet taste of heaven. Known as Nashville's signature candy, Goo Goo Clusters are the perfect combination of caramel, marshmallow nougat, roasted peanuts, and milk chocolate. Visit the iconic shop and use the Design Your Own kiosks to customize your very own chocolate bar. Can't get enough of the mouth-watering treat? Sign up for a specialty class to experience some hands-on learning.
The Pfunky Griddle ~ Experience the most fun, interactive breakfast in town! This family-friendly restaurant makes YOU the cook with griddles built into the center of each table. Enjoy savory DIY meals like pancakes and French toast or opt for a savory dish of eggs and potatoes. Dozens upon dozens of toppings are available so that you can customize your meal with unlimited flavor combinations.
The Pancake Pantry ~ The wait is definitely worth it for The Pancake Pantry's scratch-made breakfast and lunch specialties. Kids will love whimsical menu items like "Bears in the Snow" which includes three delicious bear-shaped buttermilk pancakes with powdered sugar.
Puckett's Grocery & Restaurant ~ Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner served with a side of live music at one of six Puckett's Grocery & Restaurant Tennessee locations. Dine inside or pick up a To Go Pack to take your meal on the road. Sweet and tasty favorites include the skillet cinnamon roll and deep-fried Brownie sundae. For savory menu items, try the "Low and Slow" options or take your pick from "Tennessee Favorites" that include dishes like southern fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and fried catfish.
Even More Fun Things to Do:
For special events and activities in Nashville, use the Macaroni KID location drop-down menu ("Change Your Town" in the upper right-hand corner) to find an event calendar closest to your destination.
