Nashville isn’t just about honky-tonk bars and late-night concerts anymore. Music City has transformed into one of America’s most exciting family destinations, offering everything from interactive museums to outdoor adventures. While the legendary music scene still thrums through every street corner, families now discover science centers, zoos, waterparks, and historic sites that make memories for every age group.
1. Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum
Step into music history where golden records shine like treasure and Elvis’s jumpsuit sparkles behind glass. Kids race between interactive exhibits, pressing buttons to hear legendary songs while parents marvel at Johnny Cash’s handwritten lyrics.
The museum’s recording booth lets families create their own country song together. Children giggle as they hear their voices transformed with professional effects.
Educational programs teach young visitors about Nashville’s musical roots through hands-on activities. Even toddlers find something fascinating in the colorful displays and kid-friendly listening stations throughout the galleries.
2. Grand Ole Opry Backstage Tour
Behind the famous circle of wood from the original Ryman stage, magic happens every day. Families peek into dressing rooms where country stars prepare for their biggest moments, seeing makeup chairs and costume racks up close.
Tour guides share stories that make children’s eyes widen with wonder. They learn how performers get ready and what happens before the curtain rises.
The backstage experience reveals the human side of stardom. Kids discover that even famous singers get nervous before shows, making the whole experience relatable and inspiring for young dreamers.
3. Johnny Cash Museum & Café
The Man in Black’s story unfolds through guitars, photographs, and personal letters that bring history alive. Children discover how Johnny Cash became a voice for ordinary people while examining his famous black outfits and awards.
Interactive displays let kids hear rare recordings and see handwritten song lyrics. The museum presents Cash’s life story in ways that engage young minds without overwhelming them.
Families often spend hours exploring artifacts from Cash’s childhood to his final performances. The café offers Southern comfort food that fuels continued exploration of this American icon’s remarkable journey.
4. Adventure Science Center
Science comes alive through hands-on experiments that make learning feel like playing. The 75-foot Adventure Tower challenges families to climb, crawl, and explore together while discovering physics principles in action.
Planetarium shows transport visitors to distant galaxies and ancient civilizations. Children gasp as stars dance overhead and planets rotate in stunning detail.
Interactive exhibits cover everything from human biology to space exploration. Parents and kids work together solving puzzles, conducting experiments, and discovering how the world works through engaging, educational play that sparks curiosity.
5. Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
Giraffes stretch their necks toward excited children while kangaroos hop playfully in spacious enclosures. The zoo’s design brings families closer to wildlife than ever before, creating unforgettable encounters with animals from around the world.
Clouded leopards prowl through treetop habitats as kids press against viewing windows. The interactive jungle gym and splash area provide perfect breaks between animal visits.
Educational programs teach conservation while entertaining young minds. Families spend entire days exploring different habitats, learning about endangered species, and participating in feeding demonstrations that make wildlife protection personal and meaningful.
6. Centennial Park & The Parthenon
A full-scale replica of ancient Greece’s most famous building rises majestically from Nashville’s landscape. Inside, the 42-foot statue of Athena amazes visitors with its golden splendor and incredible detail.
Families picnic on rolling green lawns while children feed ducks at the pond. The wide-open spaces provide perfect opportunities for kids to run, play, and burn energy.
Art exhibits within the Parthenon introduce children to classical culture through engaging displays. Parents appreciate the free admission and beautiful setting, making this destination both educational and budget-friendly for family outings.
7. Frist Art Museum
Rotating exhibits bring world-class art to Nashville while the Martin ArtQuest Gallery transforms creativity into hands-on adventure. Children paint, sculpt, and create masterpieces alongside professional displays.
Interactive art stations encourage experimentation with different mediums and techniques. Kids discover that art can be playful, messy, and incredibly rewarding.
Family programs connect young artists with professional techniques through workshops and guided activities. Parents watch their children’s confidence grow as they explore artistic expression in a welcoming, supportive environment designed specifically for creative learning.
8. RCA Studio B Tour
Where Elvis recorded over 200 songs, families now stand in musical history. The legendary studio’s vintage equipment and intimate setting transport visitors back to the golden age of recording.
Children sit at the same piano where Dolly Parton composed hits while learning about the recording process. Family-friendly tours explain how music gets made without overwhelming young attention spans.
The studio’s atmosphere sparks imagination in budding musicians. Kids often leave inspired to learn instruments or write songs, having witnessed where musical dreams became reality for countless country and pop legends.
9. Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
Seasonal flower displays create a living rainbow across 55 acres of manicured gardens. Children chase butterflies through blooming paths while parents admire carefully curated art installations throughout the grounds.
The historic mansion houses rotating exhibits that blend fine art with family-friendly programming. Interactive activities help young visitors connect with both nature and culture.
Botanical gardens provide outdoor classrooms where kids learn about plants, seasons, and environmental stewardship. Families often return multiple times yearly to experience how the landscape transforms with changing seasons and new artistic installations.
10. Riverfront Park & Cumberland River Walks
Nashville’s skyline creates a stunning backdrop for family strolls along the Cumberland River. Children play on modern playground equipment while parents enjoy scenic views of the city’s architectural evolution.
Paved walkways accommodate strollers, bikes, and scooters, making the area accessible for families with children of all ages. River breezes provide natural cooling during warm Tennessee summers.
The park connects downtown attractions through pleasant walking routes. Families often use the riverfront as a peaceful break between museum visits, enjoying nature while staying close to urban conveniences and entertainment options.
11. Music Row & Murals
Colorful murals transform ordinary buildings into Instagram-worthy backdrops where families create lasting vacation memories. Famous recording studios line the streets where countless hits were born.
Children spot musical instruments painted on walls while learning about Nashville’s recording industry. Walking tours reveal stories behind the studios where their favorite songs originated.
Street art celebrates both established and emerging artists through vibrant displays. Families often spend hours photographing each other against creative backgrounds while discovering the neighborhood where music industry magic happens daily behind unassuming doors.
12. Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort & Waterpark
Giant water slides twist and turn above a massive wave pool where families splash together in refreshing fun. The lazy river carries parents and children on gentle adventures around the park’s perimeter.
Multiple pool areas cater to different age groups, from toddler splash zones to thrill-seeking teen attractions. Lifeguards ensure safety while families enjoy worry-free water activities.
Lakeside location provides additional swimming and beach activities beyond the waterpark attractions. Families often make full-day adventures, combining waterpark thrills with natural lake recreation in one convenient location.
13. Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery
Carriage rides transport families back to Tennessee’s antebellum era while horses clip-clop along historic paths. The mansion tour reveals stories of the people who lived and worked on this famous thoroughbred farm.
Children learn about horse breeding and racing history through engaging, age-appropriate presentations. Interactive exhibits make the past come alive without overwhelming young minds.
Grape juice tastings let kids participate in winery activities alongside their parents. The beautiful grounds provide space for running and exploring while adults appreciate the historical significance and architectural beauty.
14. Farmers Markets & Food Halls
Nashville’s famous hot chicken sizzles alongside artisanal ice cream and fresh produce from local farms. Children sample new flavors while parents discover regional specialties in family-friendly environments.
Food halls provide comfortable seating areas where families can share different meals and accommodate various dietary preferences. Kids often try foods they’ve never experienced before.
Local vendors share stories about their products, creating educational opportunities about agriculture and entrepreneurship. Families enjoy supporting local businesses while experiencing authentic Nashville flavors in welcoming, community-focused settings.
15. Family-Friendly Live Music
Outdoor concerts at Ascend Amphitheater welcome families with lawn seating and kid-friendly programming. Children dance to live music while parents enjoy professional performances in comfortable, safe environments.
Street performers throughout downtown create spontaneous entertainment that captivates young audiences. Kids often join impromptu dance parties and musical celebrations.
Afternoon shows cater specifically to family schedules, ending before bedtime while maintaining Nashville’s authentic musical atmosphere. Many venues offer special family sections where children can move and enjoy music without disturbing other patrons.
16. Day Trips to Nearby Nature
Radnor Lake’s pristine trails wind through protected wildlife habitat where families spot deer, owls, and countless bird species. The easy hiking paths accommodate children while providing genuine nature experiences.
Percy Priest Lake offers swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities just minutes from downtown Nashville. Families enjoy water activities and picnicking along scenic shorelines.
Short hiking trails through Tennessee forests introduce children to local ecosystems and conservation efforts. These natural escapes provide perfect balance to city attractions, letting families experience Middle Tennessee’s diverse landscape and wildlife.
