Heading to Nashville with Kids? How to Have the Best Time as a Family in Music City

Nashville, world-renowned for its vibrant country music scene, iconic buildings, and relaxed vibe, is one of the USA’s most popular tourist destinations. If you’re heading to Nashville with kids, stick around. We’re going to tell you about all the must-see child-friendly spots and events, free attractions, and the very best things to do with children around Nashville. Let’s dive in!

Contents:

• Places to Take Kids in Nashville
• Best Museums for Kids in Nashville
• Things to Do With Kids Around Nashville
• Why it’s Important to Always Use the Findmykids App When Traveling as a Family
• Kid-Friendly Events 2024
• FAQs

Places to Take Kids in Nashville

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Whether your family members are huge music fans, love to get out in nature, or enjoy nothing more than a trip to the zoo or aquarium (or all the above!), Nashville has plenty for you.

Take in the Atmosphere at the Grand Ole Opry

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Head to the famous Grand Ole Opry musical venue for an electrifying concert and unforgettable atmosphere. Each live radio show is a perfectly kid-friendly 45 minutes long, meaning that even the youngest members of the tribe won’t get the fidgets! And that’s not all; you’ll also have the opportunity to experience a backstage tour of the venue, allowing you to explore the dressing areas and discover the rich history of this iconic Nashville music hall.

‘Meet’ the Stars at Madame Tussauds, Nashville

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Madame Tussauds is the most famous waxwork museum in the world, and the whole family will relish visiting this top Nashville attraction. Kids will get a kick out of coming face-to-face with their favorite celebs and superstars, and the museum is located next to the Grand Ole Opry, so it’s easy to take in both attractions at once. Those with older kids will be interested to know that Madame Tussauds is open until 9 pm (apart from Sundays when it closes at 7 pm), making for a fun evening adventure.

Have a Roarsome Time at Nashville Zoo

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Looking for an activity that the whole family is guaranteed to enjoy? Nashville Zoo could be the answer! Located a few miles from the city’s downtown area, the zoo is home to more than 6,200 animals from around 340 species. Kids will be thrilled to get up close and personal with some of the animals—there’s the opportunity to pet baby kangaroos, for example—and tots will adore the fun jungle gym.

Prepare for a Great Show at the Nashville Children’s Theater

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The Nashville Children’s Theater is the oldest professional youth-centered theater in the country. It’s nationally recognized as a beacon of education, culture, and entertainment and features a wide range of family-friendly programs and hands-on lobby activities. Recent shows include The Flopsy Bunnies: A Peter Rabbit Adventure, The Gingerbread Kid, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Strong Inside.

Chill Out at Cheekwood Estate and Gardens

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If you’ve had an exciting few days as a family rushing about and taking in all the amazing sights and sounds of Music City, a trip to the tranquil Cheekwood Estate and Gardens could be just the thing to get everyone recharged. This 55-acre estate is home to a beautiful botanic garden, arboretum, and museum, and is the perfect place for a quiet stroll. For the littlest members of the posse, there’s the Brackens Foundation Children’s Garden, where children can have fun exploring the range of interactive features.

Have Agri-Fun at Lucky Ladd Farms

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Ready for a hands-on agricultural adventure for all the family? Then a trip to Lucky Ladd Farms in the Greater Nashville area is on the cards! A popular attraction that draws thousands of visitors each year, there’s plenty here to keep everyone entertained for the whole day, from the petting zoo to pony rides to corn mazes. There’s also the opportunity to pick your own strawberries, tulips, and sunflowers, and kids of all ages will love the mega park and monster slides.

Make a Splash at Tennessee Aquarium

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Endless aquatic adventures await at the fabulous Tennessee Aquarium. Visitors will come face-to-face with many of the region’s most colorful and characterful fish, as well as alligators, otters, sharks, penguins, and many more. Designed to be a multisensory experience, a trip to the aquarium is sure to be a success for both younger and older families. Tennessee Aquarium hosts regular special events and tours, so be sure to check the website as part of planning your visit, to see what’s on.

Unwind at Fannie Mae Dees Park

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This cute little park on Blakemore Avenue is known locally as ‘Dragon Park’ due to the huge mosaic serpent crawling across the landscape. It was created in 1978 and takes its name from Fannie Mae Dees, a local civic leader. The park is good for disabled children: as the first accessible playscape in the state, it features long wheelchair ramps so that all kids can use the equipment and swings designed for wheelchairs. Little ones will love the picnic tables and chairs shaped like lily pads, too.

Best Museums for Kids in Nashville

Nashville isn’t just about the current music scene. The city is dedicated to preserving its musical legacy, and there’s a plethora of great music-themed museums to visit here and others that the kids will love, too.

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

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Vacations to Nashville aren’t complete without a trip to the city’s Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Easy to find in the heart of the downtown area, it’s a hit with adults and kids alike. As well as memorabilia from country music icons of yesteryear, you’ll also find exhibits on today’s crop of country stars like Kacey Musgraves and Darius Rucker. Children will love the interactive displays and activities, as well as the games, quizzes, and listening areas.

The Adventure Science Center

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This hugely popular facility is one of the top kid-friendly activities in the city and a must-visit on your Nashville family vacation. A fun laser game teaches kids about their immune system while a water table gives children the inside track on their body’s circulatory system. Planetarium shows and live science demonstrations are regularly on offer, so check out the center’s schedule before your visit to see what’s on.

Frist Art Museum

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Located right in the heart of Nashville, the Frist Art Museum is one of the city’s top attractions and, if you’re in Nashville with kids, it definitely should not be missed. The museum’s mission is to encourage people to look at the world around them differently, through their encounters with art.

As well as a regularly changing range of exhibitions, there are plenty of interactive displays and activities for children to get to grips with, while ArtQuest offers an inclusive, immersive experience designed to inspire and delight. Here, kids can have a go at painting, animation, and lots more, with a view to celebrating their unique creative energy.

Lane Motor Museum

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If you’ve got a young automobile fan in the family, Nashville’s Lane Motor Museum should be on your vacation itinerary for sure. Here, you can view the largest collection of antique European cars in the US, and an enviable collection of military vehicles, motorbikes, planes, and more.

For very young visitors, there’s a kid’s museum section with automobiles children can interact with and plenty of car-themed toys to try out. Lane Motor Museum holds regular family fun days, so be sure to check the website before planning your visit.

Tennessee State Museum

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This museum boasts a wide-ranging, interactive gallery featuring six permanent exhibits and several regularly changing temporary exhibits—meaning there’s always something new to see if you regularly vacation in Nashville. Covering the state’s rich history, from its first peoples to the present day, you’ll also find a Children’s Gallery here that encourages young visitors to get hands-on and explore. Weekly storytimes take place in the Children’s Gallery every Tuesday and Saturday.

Johnny Cash Museum

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Boasting the largest collection of Johnny Cash memorabilia and artifacts in the world, and officially authorized by the late singer’s estate, this museum has been consistently ranked as one of the best music museums worldwide, by publications including National Geographic Traveler and Forbes.

The creative way the museum is laid out, and the interactive elements, make it appealing to kids and adults alike, and the entrance fee represents great value given the extent of the exhibits on offer. Be aware, however, in peak times it can get very crowded.

Tennessee Central Railway Museum

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If your child is fascinated by trains then they’ll simply adore the Tennessee Central Railway Museum, where they can see a collection of antique trains and, on a Saturday, even have a ride in a vintage-style passenger train. Take a look at the museum’s website to view its planned 2024 events, which include a ‘Train Robbery’ excursion and a range of Christmas rides—booking is essential.

Stay relaxed on your travels by using the Findmykids app. With real-time location tracking, you can ensure your child’s safety and enjoy your trip to the fullest. Download Findmykids for a stress-free journey.

Things to Do With Kids Around Nashville

Looking for more inspiration for your Nashville family vacation? No worries, we’ve got you covered! Check out the ideas below.

Stroll the Honky Tonk Highway

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The whole family will enjoy a wander along Nashville’s famous Honky Tonk Highway, found on Upper and Lower Broadway Streets. This area of the city is renowned for its treasure trove of restaurants serving up classic Southern comfort fare, gastropubs, free-entry music venues, and stores where Western-style clothing can be purchased.

Music is a permanent fixture of the Honky Tonk Highway: whether it’s emanating from the establishments or one of the many street musicians, you’ll have a wonderful soundtrack to accompany your stroll!

Enjoy a Picnic in Centennial Park

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There are plenty of things you can do as a family for free in Nashville, Tennessee…like a visit to Centennial Park! Located on the outskirts of the city, enjoy strolling the grounds of this huge park, and tucking into a yummy picnic on its velvety lawns. You’ll also find a replica of the ancient Greek Parthenon here, complete with a 24-foot statue of the goddess Athena inside. You will have to pay if you’d like to enter the ‘Parthenon,’ although it will only cost you a few dollars per person.

Visit Nashville Musician’s Corner

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Another good option for free family entertainment is a trip to the city’s Musician’s Corner, which hosts a wide range of music festivals and live concerts. Bring a blanket and chill out on the grass as you enjoy a variety of wonderful sounds. Hungry? Musician’s Corner is a great place to tuck into some authentic Nashville street food—food trucks are always in attendance, serving snacks such as grilled cheese and snow cones.

Ride the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

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This hugely popular Nashville activity is perfect for families: it’s entertaining enough to keep even little kids entertained, while mom and dad get to rest their legs for a little while! Along the way, your friendly, highly knowledgeable guide will point out all the city’s main attractions, and the stories behind them, and the tour makes for a cost-effective way to get an overview of Nashville. The Hop-On Hop-Off buses can get very busy in peak times, so you may wish to book your seats in advance.

Get off the Beaten Track at Bowie Nature Park

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Head to nearby Fairview for a few hours (or a whole day) out in the serenity of nature at this beautiful park. Enjoy a family hike, take in the park’s lakes and wildlife-filled forests, enjoy a spot of fishing, or head to the Treehouse Playground. Bowie Nature Park is open every day of the year, so it’s easy to fit in a visit during your Nashville vacation. There are regular events to make the most of such as arts and crafts fairs, the chance to pet and learn about the park’s resident turtles, and stargazing evenings.

Immerse Yourself in History at the Belle Meade Plantatopm

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A former horse-breeding plantation, Belle Meade offers fascinating, engaging tours that take in the estate’s stables, carriage storage, house, and great lawn. Best of all, each tour is only 45 minutes long, meaning they’re just the right length of time to hold kids’ attention. And parents will appreciate the chance to have a go at some wine tasting at its culmination!

And just to give you an idea of how beautiful the mansion and grounds are, the Belle Meade Plantation has been awarded Best Place to Have a Wedding Reception for the last three years in a row.

Gaylord Opryland Resort and Conference Center

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If you’re doing Nashville with kids on a budget, you’ll definitely want to add Gaylord Opryland and Resort to your list of places to go! The resort offers free entry, and there’s no cost to explore many of its features, including the garden conservatory, delta river, and cascades. There are also plenty of pretty stores, restaurants, and cafes to visit, and you can even take a boat trip, to sail along the river running through the middle of the hotel.

Learn to Line Dance at the Wild Horse Saloon

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The Wild Horse Saloon in Nashville is famous for its line dancing bar and dancefloor. Head here during the afternoon and you can even take part in a free line dancing lesson given by one of the staff. These run throughout the afternoons, so you simply need to turn up—there’s no need to book. Once you’ve learned the steps, you can try your new moves as the live band plays. It’s a seriously fun way to get into the Nashville groove! Most bars in Nashville welcome kids until around 7 pm.

Explore the Beautiful Riverfront Park

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Set on the Cumberland River, Riverfront Park is the ideal place to let kids burn off some energy. Discover the park’s collection of unique public art, stroll alongside the water, and visit its amphitheater—a popular location for outdoor concerts and events. The park is also home to a replica of a two-acre fort, originally constructed by Nashville’s first settlers in the 1780s.

And when hunger strikes, you’re in the right place. There are a tonne of popular eateries nearby, including the Hard Rock Cafe, Leon’s Candy, and the Coyote Ugly Saloon.

Watch a Nashville Sounds Game

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Is your family sports mad? Then a trip to see the local minor league baseball team, the Nashville Sounds, is a great idea. The Sounds’ ballpark is particularly great for kids: take a blanket and some snacks with you and spread out on the grass to watch the game in a relaxed style. Kids’ nights and free giveaways are a regular feature on the team’s roster, so have a look at their schedule online to find the next fun family-friendly event.

Make New Furry Friends at Piccolo Farm Animal Sanctuary

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Mainly serving as a sanctuary for livestock needing rescue, Piccolo Farm Animal Sanctuary is a friendly place that toddlers and young children especially will love. Just an easy fifteen-minute drive north from Nashville, it’s donor-funded, so you’ll just be asked to make a small contribution instead of an entrance fee, which is well worth it to keep such a great place going. Private tours of the sanctuary for up to ten people can be booked if you have a larger group.

Nashville Evening Trolley Tour

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A great option for families with slightly older kids, an evening trolley tour of the city is a wonderful way to round off a day of sightseeing. Take in the vibrant atmosphere of Music City as the streets come alive with the setting of the sun, and drink in famous sites such as Music Row and the Ryman Auditorium. The on-board guides, who are all musicians themselves, will entertain you with information and stories as you travel.

Why it’s Important to Always Use the Findmykids App When Traveling as a Family

Findmykids app

Vacationing is fun (if stressful at times!), and a wonderful way to create special memories that will last forever. However, there’s always the concern that, amidst all the excitement and the hustle and bustle, the worst happens, and your child gets lost. This can happen so easily. They wander to the store and, in unfamiliar surroundings, can’t figure out how to get back to the hotel; they get lost in a crowded area, or they become separated from you while at an outdoor attraction. It’s one of a parent’s worst nightmares.

This is why the Findmykids app is so vital. It provides real-time tracking, so you can discover your child’s location, fast, if they become lost. Plus, it allows you to receive instant updates on your child’s whereabouts, so you’ll know immediately if they’ve wandered somewhere they shouldn’t. All of this means that you can enjoy peace of mind while you’re away on your Nashville family vacation, and get on with simply making more of those magical memories!

Traveling with kids can be stressful, but with the Findmykids app, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing their whereabouts. Download Findmykids now to ensure your family’s safety and have a more relaxed and enjoyable trip.

Kid-Friendly Events 2024

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• July 4th, 2024 — Music City Hot Chicken Festival. Local residents and visitors alike are welcome to this fun celebration that pays homage to Nashville’s signature dish: Hot Chicken.
• July 6th, 2024 — Family Jam Session at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. This fun, relaxed family music event takes place on the first Saturday of each month.
• July 8th to 14th, 2024 — Burger Week. More than twenty restaurants will be participating in this year’s celebration of the burger!
• July 12th–14th, 2024 — Sunflower Festival at Red River Farms. Just 30 minutes north of Nashville, Red River Farms is set to hold its 5th annual Sunflower Festival this year, which kids of all ages (and adults) will love.
• August 31st, 2024 — Music Under the Stars. A free event at the Fran Hutson Amphitheater, where you can relax and enjoy a listening extravaganza as the sun sets.
• September 17th to 21st, 2024 — AmericanaFest. Held at a range of venues all across Nashville, the AmericanaFest will feature a wide variety of artists, across genres, playing live, and culminate in the Americana Awards Night.
• September 27th to 29th, 2024 — Artville. Enjoy this playful annual exhibition of contemporary art, public art installations, and immersive experiences celebrating the unique culture of Nashville.
• September 28th, 2024 — Kidsville Family Festival. Head to Centennial Park to enjoy a range of performances, games, crafts, character meet-and-greets, food trucks, and much more.
• December 20th, 2024 — Nashville Christmas Flea Market. Browse a selection of local crafts and unusual Christmas gifts at this friendly local market.

Making the Most of Music City with Kids

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Nashville is a great place to visit as a family. There are so many things to do here that kids of all ages—and adults, too—will enjoy. Your biggest problem may be trying to fit everything in! Making an itinerary before heading off is a great idea. Use the guide above to identify the attractions and activities everyone will enjoy to help plan your trip and make the most of every moment.

Have you been to Nashville with your kids? What attraction or location did they most enjoy? Do you have any tips for parents heading to Nashville with little ones for the first time? We’d love to hear your stories and recommendations! Drop us a line in the comments box below.

FAQs

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Is Nashville worth visiting with kids?

Nashville is a great place to visit with kids. As well as attractions and activities specifically geared to children, such as the Adventure Science Center and Nashville Children’s Theater, many of the top attractions have kid-friendly areas or elements, and so are great for the whole family.

What is fun for kids in Nashville?

There are many fun things for kids to do in Nashville, and we’ve rounded up some of the most popular options in the guide above. From listening to live music to visiting Madame Tussauds, you won’t be short of things to keep children entertained in Music City.

Can kids go to Nashville bars?

While this varies from one bar to another, many bars in Nashville welcome children until around 7 pm, although some establishments will allow kids entry later. There are still some bars in the city where smoking is allowed, and these establishments don’t allow entry to under 18s.

Can kids go on Broadway Street in Nashville?

Yes, kids can go on Broadway Street in Nashville, which is a generally very kid-friendly location during the daytime.

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