While Music City’s reputation may be one of a rowdy nightlife full of honky tonk bars, Nashville is actually a great place for families—with plenty of fun activities and attractions for all ages. We’ve found some family-friendly things to do in Nashville, so you don’t have to! Here’s a list of places we think you’ll love.
Things to Do Outside
Take advantage of the beautiful weather Nashville offers by spending some time outdoors! Kid-friendly activities are scattered throughout this beautiful city. If you’re looking just for outdoor activities, check out our other blog on the 9 best outdoor activities in Nashville.
Nashville Zoo
Located just 9 miles from downtown, the Nashville Zoo is the perfect family-friendly place to check out! Open 7 days a week, they have more than just animals and exhibits. Get tickets for the zipline, train, 4D theater, and more! Reservations must be made on their website.
Minor League Baseball Game
For sports lovers, come down to First Horizon Park located in Germantown to watch the Nashville Sounds play! They sell tickets on their website, and walk-up tickets at the counter are just $10 per person. This is definitely our top pick for things to do in Nashville with kids. The whole family will really enjoy this outing—it’s not just for kids! The stadium is fully equipped with mini golf, ping pong tables, food vendors, and sweet treats. Catch a game when they’re playing at home this season!
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Nashville Shores
If you’re looking for things to do in Nashville with kids, a waterpark is just the thing. Beat the warm southern heat during the summer by cooling off at Nashville Shores. Located on Percy Priest Lake, Nashville Shores is Nashville’s biggest waterpark. It’s great for the whole family, complete with waterslides, wave pools, and a lazy river.
Pontoon Boat Rental
Boat Rental Nashville provides fun for the whole family! With full-day pontoon rentals, you can explore the Cumberland River right in the heart of Downtown Nashville. The pontoon boats are always in tip-top shape and have all the new dazzling features. Add on coolers with ice or a lilypad to get the most out of your excursion. Bookings can only be made on their website, and a boating license is required.
Kid-Friendly Music Venues in Nashville
Nashville is known for its stellar music scene. While certain honky tonk bars and venues may be 21+, there are plenty of family-friendly music venues! If you’re looking for things to do in Nashville with kids that include experiencing the music scene, we have some spots to recommend.
Listening Room
Unlike most venues in Nashville, the Listening Room believes live music isn’t just background music. At this venue, you can enjoy dinner and drinks while listening to a wide array of music. From well-known artists to rising stars, the Listening Room is a great place to let kids enjoy live music that isn’t a honky tonk. Open for lunch and dinner, reservations can be made online!
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The Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry is not only iconic, but it’s also a great kid-friendly music venue. With concerts every week and tours that allow visitors to experience the Opry behind the scenes, this is a great place for your kids to explore! They offer several tour types throughout the day with ticket pricing depending on group size. See a show, get some delicious food, and check out the one-of-a-kind gift shop on your way out.
The Bluebird Cafe
This is a great spot for kids to listen to live music that isn’t on Broadway. Open mics and headliners are very common at this venue and tickets are sold on their website. Enjoy dinner and listen to live music up close and personal. The Bluebird Cafe is a Nashville landmark that has seen many famous artists come through their doors. This is also a great spot to see up-and-coming artists in Nashville and bring the kids along!
Family-Friendly Sightseeing Tours & Activities
There’s no shortage here of things that are fun for the whole family. When visiting a new city, it’s always exciting to see the sights! These are some of our favorite family-friendly tours, activities, and attractions in Nashville.
Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour
Double-decker bus tours are a great way for the young ones to see the city! Old Town Trolley Tours are great for hopping on and off to see the different neighborhoods and sights throughout Nashville. With 13 stops along the route and multiple day passes, this is a great way to indulge in all the sights. See landmarks and parts of the city you may not see otherwise.
Pontoon Saloon Private River Cruise
In town for a family reunion? On a family vacation with a larger group? Private cruises are great for all ages! Enjoy a private boat tour, equipped with custom upgrades that provide a unique experience through Nashville’s Riverfront. The Luxury Private Cruise is the perfect pontoon experience for all occasions, with a capacity of up to 45 guests. This is a great option for things to do in Nashville with kids, as they can see downtown from the river!
Goo Goo Cluster Experience
Do you want to live your Willy Wonka candy-making dreams? Check out the Goo Goo Cluster shop in Downtown Nashville. These iconic candies are a must-try when visiting Nashville with kids. The one-hour workshop is a hands-on candy-making experience. While learning about the candy bar, you get to create your own and leave with some memorabilia. Tickets are available online and all ages are welcome!
Interactive & Educational Activities for the Whole Family
Nashville is full of interesting history and engaging activities. There are lots of opportunities for the whole family to learn and have fun while doing it.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
This is something to do in Nashville with kids that they’ll remember forever. Explore galleries of country musicians, exhibitions, and historical artifacts at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Learn more about the origins of country music and see how it has progressed and changed throughout the years. Reservations are available on their website, with plenty of times to choose from throughout the day.
Escape Games
For the older kids in the group, challenge them with the exhilarating escape room! The Escape Game has four immersive rooms with different themes to choose from. All rooms have specific difficulty levels and hold up to 8 players. Trailers for each game can be found on their website along with reservation details.
Nashville Adventure Science Center
Filled with thrilling exhibits and activities, the Nashville Adventure Science Center is a great learning and exploring experience. If you’re looking for something to do inside, the science center is a way to keep everyone entertained for several hours. Open from Thursday to Monday, it’s conveniently located near Downtown Nashville.
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Come Explore Nashville!
Just like in any big city, there’s so much to explore and learn! Nashville offers the perfect mix of opportunities for adventuring outside and exploring famous landmarks, and it’s a great city to bring your young ones along. With so many kid-friendly activities, you’re bound to find something that interests your family. Hopefully, this helps you in your pursuit of family-friendly things to do in Nashville!
