Known as Music City, Nashville is one of the most visited cities in the United States.
Tennessee‘s capital city has a population of just over 678,000.
It’s famous for being the birthplace of country and bluegrass music, great food, and good old Southern hospitality.
In fact, it’s been named the friendliest city in the country by Travel & Leisure (2016).
A visit to Nashville will also give you a plethora of history, culture, tradition, and activity.
The Cracker Barrel restaurant originated in Nashville, as did cotton candy and vinyl.
It’s home to Vanderbilt University and a full-sized replica of The Parthenon.
Most people know that Nashville has loads of adult activities like bars and clubs, but what do they have for kids?
The answer is plenty.
Kids will never be bored on a trip to Music City.
Read on for some of the best things to do with kids while in Nashville.
Contents
- 12 Things To Do In Nashville With Kids
- 1. Nashville Zoo – Nashville, Tennessee
- 2. The Grand Ole Opry – Nashville, Tennessee
- 3. Cooter’s Museum – Nashville, Tennessee
- 4. Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum – Nashville, Tennessee
- 5. Adventure Science Center – Nashville, Tennessee
- 6. Lane Motor Museum – Nashville, Tennessee
- 7. Tennessee State Museum – Nashville, Tennessee
- 8. North Shores – Nashville, Tennessee
- 9. Wave Country – Nashville, Tennessee
- 10. The Bang Candy Company – Nashville, Tennessee
- 11. Monster Truck Tour – Nashville, Tennessee
- 12. Cap’n Dave’s Water Sports – Nashville, Tennessee
- Nashville Safety Overview
- Frequently Asked Questions
12 Things To Do In Nashville With Kids
1. Nashville Zoo – Nashville, Tennessee
With over 3,000 animals from 325 species, the Nashville Zoo is a place for kids of all ages.
From zebras and ostriches to kangaroos and leopards, this zoo has a ton of interesting creatures.
Add to that the brand new Dinotrek exhibit (where Dinos come alive through animatronics), the 4D theater, zip lining, a carousel, and an express train, it’s an all-around exciting day.
Visitors can also check out the veterinary center (from behind glass) and go to the amphitheater for the live-action Wildworks show.
The zoo takes about 3 hours to get through and there are plenty of places to eat.
Wheelchairs and portable benches are available.
2. The Grand Ole Opry – Nashville, Tennessee
Even if the kids aren’t big on country music, they will appreciate the grandeur and stage presence that only the iconic Opry can deliver.
The lights, glamour, and laid-back atmosphere are something that everyone can appreciate.
Before the show, feel free to walk around and check out the exhibits full of country music history.
Take a tour backstage and see what goes into putting on an Opry performance, not to mention the longest-running live radio broadcast in history.
Feel free to grab a bite at the Opry Belle food truck or window shop at the Opry House store.
3. Cooter’s Museum – Nashville, Tennessee
Run by Ben Jones, who played the character Cooter on The Dukes Of Hazzard television show, this free museum will be fun for all.
Even if they aren’t familiar with the series, kids will get a kick out of the vehicles, like a replica of General Lee, Cooters Tow Truck, Daisy’s Jero, and Rosco’s cop car.
There are plenty of costumes, memorabilia, and props to give kids a good ole pop culture history lesson.
Be sure to visit the general store while you’re there.
4. Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum – Nashville, Tennessee
The premier wax museum chain, Madame Tussaud, has a stellar reputation for its intricate, lifelike figures.
The Nashville museum is no different. Visitors can take a photo with celebrities like Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, and Whitney Houston.
The self-guided tour takes about 90 minutes (depending on how many selfies you take).
Stroll through themed galleries like a recording studio, The Grand Ole Opry, the rock’ n-roll bar, and the music alley.
The museum is wheelchair accessible and does not use cash.
Be sure to bring a credit card.
5. Adventure Science Center – Nashville, Tennessee
Adventure Science Center was opened in 1945, as WWII was coming to an end.
War veteran, John Forbes believed the future should be focused on children learning as much about science and technology as they could.
Over the years, the center has stayed innovative and entertaining with its displays and interactive experiences.
Kids can enjoy the state-of-the-art planetarium, the space chase gallery (3D gallery), the Max Flight motion simulator, and the Innovation Incubator.
Then they can move into the bee-keeping room, the adrenaline tower, and the interactive Bodyquest gallery.
The center is a nice place to take kids for their birthday or special reward.
6. Lane Motor Museum – Nashville, Tennessee
With 150 unique cars and motorcycles on display, Lane has the largest collection in the United States.
Founded in 2002, the purpose was to preserve unique motor vehicles.
The collection spans from the 1900s to modern day.
It includes microcars, military vehicles, amphibious, prototypes, and one-of-a-kind vehicles from Europe.
Visitors can take a tour of the vault, where there are an additional 400 cars stored for future display.
Kids can go for a ride in one of the cars, and take part in Learning Lane activities.
7. Tennessee State Museum – Nashville, Tennessee
The Tennessee State Museum is open from Tuesday through Sunday each week, and admission is free.
The facility combines Tennessee’s history, art, and culture to bring visitors an entertaining and educational experience.
Younger kids will enjoy the Children’s gallery that hosts storytelling, and supports kids in imaginative play (with costumes and props), exploration, digging for fossils, racing boats, and building with blocks and logs.
The museum is located right next to the large open-air farmers market.
Here you can stop for lunch or dinner and choose from over 20 locally-owned restaurants with food from around the globe.
8. North Shores – Nashville, Tennessee
The kids (and parents) will absolutely love a day at this lakeside resort and water park.
Set on Percy Priest Lake, North Shores is one of the most popular spots in Nashville.
Spend the day in luxury by renting a cabana for the day.
The rental includes comfy lounges, an overhead fan, and a television.
Everyone can frolic in the giant wave pool or challenge each other on the brand-new Riptide Racer.
Catch some rays on Kowabunga beach, or float down the lazy river.
If you tire of the over 40 water attractions, try out Treetop Adventures, the park’s exciting zip line course.
There are fireworks each evening too.
If you want to stay over, cabin rentals are available.
9. Wave Country – Nashville, Tennessee
A summer trip to Nashville wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the only wave action pool in the area.
Visitors can ride the cool waves or let them break at their feet.
Use the complimentary float to roll around and take in the sites.
There are also 2 flumes, 2-speed slides, and a kiddie slide for smaller children.
There’s a large playground and concession stand for food.
Come early to get a spot under one of the super-large umbrellas.
The pool is open from Memorial Day until Labor Day.
10. The Bang Candy Company – Nashville, Tennessee
No trip to Nashville would be complete without a stop at The Bang Candy Company.
Handmade confections await you and your little ones at this one-of-a-kind shop.
The company combines vivid imaginations with top-quality ingredients to create some of the most deliciously original treats in the state.
Pick up a homemade S’mores kit, some rainbow bark, or hot chocolate on a stick, or choose from one of their signature syrups.
11. Monster Truck Tour – Nashville, Tennessee
Tour Nashville from high above in a beast of a monster truck.
The 2-hour guided tour can take up to twelve people at a time.
You’ll be safely buckled in on benches in the back of the truck with a professionally trained driver.
A cooler is provided so you can stock it with water, soda, etc.
It’s definitely the most exciting way to learn about Nashville’s history and landmarks.
12. Cap’n Dave’s Water Sports – Nashville, Tennessee
If the family is looking for adventure on a hot Nashville day, get down to Cap’n Dave’s for a great day of water activities on beautiful Percy Priest Lake.
Choose from jet skis, paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, and fly boards.
If you’re not into any of that, you can sit on the sand or go for a dip in the lake and watch your loved ones zoom back and forth. The rental shop is open 7 days a week.
Nashville Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Nashville Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Nashville with children?
May, June, and October are the best times to visit with kids.
The weather is warm, but not too hot, and there are plenty of sunny days to be had.
What is the best way to travel around Nashville kids?
If you’re traveling around Nashville with young people, your best bet is to rent a car.
If that’s not possible, Uber and Lyft work very well.
The mass transit system tends to be a bit chaotic.
Should I bring cash or cards to Nashville?
It’s a good idea to have both cash and a card on hand during your stay.
While many places take both, there are quite a few places, like Nissan Stadium, that only take cash.
Where are the best places to stay with kids In Nashville?
If you can afford to go all out, the Opryland Resort is a super fun place for the entire family.
Other great places include The Hilton, Grand Hyatt, Holiday Inn, and Hampton Inn.
Nashville, also known as Music City, is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves music, food, and Southern hospitality.
Nashville is a top tourist destination with its rich history, culture, and entertainment options for both adults and kids, making it a great choice for a family vacation.