23 Things To Do in Nashville With Kids

Kristy Pepping said:  Five Daughters Bakery has several locations around the area. It was started by a husband and wife team who have five daughters. Basically, if you are a donut lover, you must stop at one of their restaurants. These baked fresh donuts include everything from a s'more-inspired creation to a cinnamon cream donut. They also have cookies and other pastries. You can either order out or dine in.

Vanessa M. said:  You'll find more things to do in Nashville for family a short drive east of the city. The Nashville Shores Waterpark and Treetop Adventure Park attracts many thrill-seeking guests in the warmer months. The waterpark boasts a giant wave pool, eight major waterslides, a lazy river, sandy beach, and kid-approved water treehouse and playground. The Treetop Adventure is a high ropes course set in the beautiful woods offering Tarzan swings, ziplines, suspended bridges, and many other fun obstacles!

Kelly R said:  Families staying at Nashville's Gaylord Opryland can book a premium package that includes their luxury SoundWaves water resort, with four sprawling acres of indoor and outdoor fun. Play structures for all ages, lazy (and not-so-lazy) rivers, waterslides with sound and light effects, and a FlowRider surfing experience are a hit with kids.

Vanessa M. said:  The Grand Ole Opry is one of Nashville's most visited spots for tourists and locals alike. The iconic radio show has been called "the home of American music," that attracts world-class talent to perform live concerts and shows. Check the calendar to see who will be performing, or just walk its grounds. Book a backstage tours, too.

Vanessa M. said:  An unassuming place to visit, a trip to the Lane Motor Museum is fun for the entire family. It features a few kid friendly activities and indoor play, too! A remarkable collection of unique automobiles, each with its own interesting history, makes this museum a great place to wander and learn. More than just cars, the museum's extensive collection of motorcycles, aircraft, and other will wow you! The indoor kid's place area has car toys, coloring, and plenty of space to run.

The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, located about six miles southeast of downtown Nashville on the historic 188‑acre Grassmere plantation, features more than 300 species and over 3,000 animals housed in immersive, award‑winning exhibits like the Andean Bear Trek and Tiger Crossroads.

Nashville Children's Theatre is the country's oldest youth-centered professional theatre, nationally recognized as a premier culture, entertainment, and education destination for hearts and minds of all ages.

Kristy Pepping said:  No trip to Nashville is complete without a trip to a BBQ restaurant. A great one to try as a family is Martins BBQ Joint. They offer additional locations around the Nashville area featuring fresh meats like ribs, chicken and whole shoulders as well as scratch-made sides. Most of their dishes are made with family recipes like the desserts - Coconut Cake, Pecan Pie and Fudge Pie. You can grab a menu, choose your bbq of choice and then they will bring you out your dinner tableside. Kids will love looking at the fun decor and appreciate the fast service!

Vanessa M. said:  Goo Goo isn't just what your baby is babbling, it is also a chocolate-covered peanut, marshmallow, and caramel treat that is a Nashville specialty. The Goo Goo Shop & Dessert Bar is the best place to pick up Goo Goo Clusters to bring home, along with novelty items that make great souvenirs. This iconic dessert bar also serves delicious pies, cupcakes, ice cream, and coffee drinks. Check out their chocolate making classes, too, for a fun and interactive activity to do with the family or group. Work your chocolatier skills, sample flights of chocolate, and make your own Goo Goo! 24-hours reservations required.

Kristy Pepping said:  If you want to listen to live country music, Nashville is a great place for it. And when you have your family in tow, a great stop for lunch or dinner is Ole Red Nashville, Blake Shelton's restaurant. This place offers two stories with great views of a central stage where your group can listen to great artists. The menu is simple American favorites and they do have a dedicated kids menu.

Vanessa M. said:  When you are visiting Nashville with kids, stop in here! They will definitely be on board with a trip to this magical candy shop. Rocket Fizz Soda Pop & Candy Shop is full of wonderful nostalgic candies and unique flavored sodas that range from fun to downright bizarre flavors. Where else can you find Carrot Cake, Dill Pickle, and Bacon flavored sodas?

Vanessa M. said:  A visit to Music City isn't complete without a trip to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Kids can explore a few dedicated hands-on exhibits that cater to young musicians, learn about many favorite country music stars, and see exclusive memorabilia (like Elvis Presley's Cadillac!). Check the calendar for special exhibits and live concerts. The iconic rotunda features plaques of the Country Music Hall of Fame members - make this your stop for your family photo op!

Vanessa M. said:  Robert's Western World is a spot where you can hear live music in Nashville with kids. Known as the home of traditional country music, this historic concert venue and bar and grill makes a great daytime excursion for families. While it is limited to ages 21+ after 6 pm, kids are welcome at family-friendly daytime concerts. Music is in abundance here with many live concerts scheduled every day. Bonus: no cover fees means more money for fried bologna sandwiches, a house specialty!

When you walk through the doors of The Pfunky Griddle, you're the boss of your pancakes. They've got the classics like fluffy buttermilk, but with their scrumptious batter and array of toppings, mix-ins, and classic syrup, you've got the power to create pancakes that'll blow your taste buds away. Grab a spatula, flip that pancake like a pro on the griddle at your table, and let your imagination go wild.

Vanessa M. said:  One of the most intriguing things to do in Nashville with kids is to visit the Adventure Science Center. Geared toward curious kids of all ages, there are tons of STEM-based exhibits to explore, including a state-of-the-art planetarium. Family favorites include Dino Rumble, Vapor Vortex, and Imagination Playground. This is an amazing experience any day, but especially for a rainy day indoors too! Check out their DIY Science zone for inspiration too, and test out more interactive science experiments when you return home!