Nashville, Tennessee, is known for its lively music scene, rich history, and southern hospitality. While it’s often associated with country music and honky-tonk bars, this vibrant city offers a surprising number of family-friendly activities. From museums to outdoor adventures, there’s something for every age and interest. If you’re planning a family trip to Nashville, here’s a guide to the best things to do with kids, including detailed information about locations, hours, and prices.
1. Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
Location: 3777 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211
Time: Daily from 9 AM to 5 PM
Price: $15.95 for children (ages 2-12), $24.95 for adults (ages 13+), free for children under 2.
The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is one of the city’s top attractions for families. This expansive zoo offers a variety of exhibits that will captivate children and adults alike. Kids can get up close to exotic animals, including giraffes, kangaroos, and tigers. The zoo also features a Jungle Gym playground, a Critter Encounters petting area, and the Himalayan Passage exhibit, where kids can walk through a replica of a Himalayan mountain range and see animals like snow leopards and red pandas.
For an additional fee, you can ride the Wild Animal Carousel or the Zip Line, adding a thrilling experience to the day. The zoo is a great place for children to learn about wildlife conservation while having fun in the process.
2. The Adventure Science Center
Location: 800 Fort Negley Blvd, Nashville, TN 37203
Time: Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM; Sunday, 12 PM to 5 PM
Price: $18 for adults and children (ages 3+), free for children under 3.
The Adventure Science Center is a must-visit for families with curious minds. This interactive museum features hands-on exhibits that cover topics such as space, technology, and the human body. The At&T Mobile Exploration Gallery is especially popular with younger kids, featuring interactive displays that let them engage with science through play.
The Planetarium offers awe-inspiring shows that take kids on journeys through space, and the Imagination Playground is a fun area where children can explore and build with oversized foam blocks. There are also rotating exhibits that cover everything from dinosaurs to engineering, making each visit unique.
3. Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
Location: 1200 Forrest Park Dr, Nashville, TN 37205
Time: Daily from 9 AM to 4:30 PM
Price: $22 for adults, $15 for children (ages 3-17), free for children under 3.
For families who enjoy a blend of nature and art, the Cheekwood Estate & Gardens offers an unforgettable experience. The Cheekwood Botanical Garden features 55 acres of beautiful gardens, including a family-friendly Children’s Garden where kids can explore nature trails, play in water features, and learn about the plants that thrive in Tennessee.
Additionally, the estate offers rotating art exhibits in the Cheekwood Mansion, which is a historic home turned art museum. Special family events like outdoor concerts, art workshops, and seasonal activities like holiday light displays add to the fun.
4. The Parthenon
Location: 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
Time: Daily from 9 AM to 4:30 PM
Price: $10 for adults, $8 for children (ages 4-17), free for children under 4.
Nashville’s Parthenon is a replica of the ancient Greek Parthenon in Athens and is a fascinating stop for families with an interest in history. Located in Centennial Park, this majestic building houses a stunning statue of Athena, standing at 42 feet tall, which is one of the largest indoor sculptures in the Western Hemisphere. The Parthenon also serves as an art museum, with rotating exhibits that appeal to both kids and adults.
For young visitors, the surrounding Centennial Park offers plenty of space for a family picnic, a stroll around the lake, or a game of frisbee. It’s a great place to let off some steam after exploring the Parthenon’s impressive interior.
5. Frist Art Museum
Location: 919 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
Time: Tuesday to Saturday, 10 AM to 5:30 PM; Sunday, 1 PM to 5:30 PM
Price: $15 for adults, free for children (ages 18 and under).
While art museums might not always seem like a child-friendly destination, the Frist Art Museum offers interactive exhibits and activities designed to engage younger audiences. The museum often features family-oriented exhibitions that encourage hands-on participation, such as art-making workshops and multimedia installations.
The museum also provides family activity guides to help children explore the art on display, making it a fun and educational experience for children of all ages. It’s an excellent place for older children to develop a deeper appreciation for art in a way that is accessible and exciting.
6. Nashville Children’s Theatre
Location: 25 Middleton St, Nashville, TN 37210
Time: Showtimes vary depending on the performance
Price: $25 per ticket for adults and children.
For an entertaining evening out, take your kids to the Nashville Children’s Theatre. This venue offers an array of live performances that cater specifically to young audiences, with productions ranging from fairy tales to contemporary works. The theater puts on high-quality, family-friendly shows that captivate kids with engaging stories and vibrant performances.
Check the Nashville Children’s Theatre website for the current season’s schedule, as there are often matinee performances that are perfect for families with younger children.
7. Radnor Lake State Park
Location: 1160 Otter Creek Rd, Nashville, TN 37220
Time: Open daily from sunrise to sunset
Price: Free
For families who enjoy the outdoors, Radnor Lake State Park is a beautiful natural area offering hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and picturesque landscapes. The park has several easy trails that are perfect for kids, such as the Otter Creek Road Trail and the Radnor Lake Trail. These trails offer a great opportunity to explore the local flora and fauna, including sightings of deer, turtles, and various bird species.
The park is also home to several picnic areas where families can relax and enjoy lunch surrounded by nature. It’s a peaceful and scenic spot to unwind, especially for families looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
8. Broadway and the Honky Tonk Highway
Location: Broadway Street, Downtown Nashville, TN 37203
Time: Various times depending on venue (usually from 10 AM to late night)
Price: Free to stroll, but expect to purchase food or drinks.
While Broadway is known for its lively nightlife, it can also be a fun place for families during the daytime. Many of the honky-tonk bars have daytime music performances that are more relaxed and welcoming to children. Some venues even offer family-friendly atmospheres, featuring musicians who play country classics and upbeat tunes.
If you’re in the area, take a stroll down Broadway, pop into the Country Music Hall of Fame, or grab a treat at The Cupcake Collection for a sweet snack.
9. Tennessee State Museum
Location: 1000 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Nashville, TN 37208
Time: Tuesday to Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM; Sunday, 1 PM to 5 PM
Price: Free
For a deeper dive into the state’s rich history, head to the Tennessee State Museum. The museum’s exhibits cover everything from the Civil War to the state’s cultural and industrial development. Kids will enjoy interactive displays like the Tennessee Time Tunnel, which takes visitors through the state’s history in a fun and engaging way.
The museum is free to enter, making it an affordable way to spend a couple of hours while learning more about Tennessee’s fascinating past.
Nashville is an incredibly family-friendly city that offers a wealth of activities for kids of all ages. From the educational exhibits at the Adventure Science Center to the natural beauty of Radnor Lake, there’s something to keep every child engaged. Whether you’re exploring the zoo, taking in a show at the Nashville Children’s Theatre, or enjoying the outdoors at Centennial Park, your family is sure to have a memorable time in Music City.
