22 Things to Do in Nashville with Kids

Find fresh produce, artisanal food, restaurants, shops, and crafts at the year-round Nashville Farmers’ Market.

Vanessa M. said:  If you are looking for low-key things to do in Nashville with family, the Farmer's Market is a feast for the eyes and belly! Local farms and businesses bring their freshest seasonal produce, artisan foods, flea market crafts, and more. Walk the market, shop, and enjoy a few samples. The Market House is a large food court featuring ~20 local restaurants serving fresh, tasty dishes. Check out the calendar for special events, too.

Adventureworks Nashville offers thrilling ziplines near the Narrows of the Harpeth. Fly through towering old-growth forests and race over scenic waterways on fast-paced canopy lines. Enjoy unforgettable outdoor fun in a beautiful natural setting, perfect for families, teams, and nature lovers.

Fannie Mae Dees Park is also known as Dragon Park because of the large mosaic serpent sculpture that slithers through the landscape. 

Kristy Pepping said:  For one of the best playgrounds in Nashville for kids, check out Dragon Park. It's a great spot located in Nashville with plenty of street parking, two major play structures including a separate toddler area. There is also a wooden climbing structure with a fun tunnel and of course a large dragon sculpture. If it's hot, there is also a small spray fountain to cool off. There are benches, bathrooms, and picnic tables around the park, too.

Centennial Park is one of Nashville's premier parks. The 132-acre features: the iconic Parthenon, a one-mile walking trail, Lake Watauga, the Centennial Art Center, historical monuments, an arts activity center, a beautiful sunken garden, a bandshell, an events shelter, sand volleyball courts, a dog park, and an exercise trail.

Kristy Pepping said:  Centennial Park is located downtown Nashville, across the street from Vanderbilt University. If the kids need to burn off some energy, this is a great place to walk around. You can easily park, walk the nearby Vanderbilt campus, and then head over to the park. The park offers 132 acres with a replica Parthenon, a one-mile walking trail, Lake Watauga, the Centennial Art Center, historical monuments, an arts activity center, a beautiful sunken garden, a bandshell, an events shelter, sand volleyball courts, a dog park, and an exercise trail.

Experience spectacular gardens and world-class art at this 55-acre historic estate. With something to inspire and excite everyone, there’s no other place like Cheekwood.

Franklin is a city just south of Nashville about 20 minutes from city center. It has a historic past with key sites of the American Civil War, the 1864 Battle of Franklin: Carter House and Carnton Plantation, which includes the McGavock Confederate Cemetery. The 1858 Lotz House has a large collection of 19th-century furniture. Besides history, you'll find plenty of shops, restaurants and dessert places lining the downtown along Main Street.

Rocket Fizz Soda Pop & Candy Shop offers a vast selection of sodas, nostalgic, trendy, & international candies, as well as gag gifts and more!