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10 Things to Do in Nashville with Kids

Looking to visit the Music City with your kids? Nashville may be known for its country music fame and the honky tonk bars but that’s not all there is to see. You needn’t worry about what to do with your children since there are lots of options to choose from. From family-friendly theatres and museums, to cool game parks, the zoo, candy shops, and other foodie treats, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

See; Where to Stay in Nashville; Best Area Guide.

Regardless of the age range, there’s something for everyone and all you have to do is go for the kind of fun that suits them. Do they go wild over cars and trucks? Then don’t miss the Lane Motor Museum. Country music lovers? A visit to the Hall of Fame & Museum is a must. Stroll through the Nashville Zoo, or catch a show at the theater. Let them stay entertained and engaged for a vacation they’ll hardly forget.

1. A wild adventure at Nashville Zoo

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Join the fun and adventure that awaits at the largest zoological experience in the city! One thing about zoos that’s almost undebatable is that regardless of one’s age, a visit to one is generally cool and ideal. Nashville Zoo is about six miles southeast of Downtown and spans over 188 acres of land. It houses over 2,000 animals from an estimated 339 species. Marvel at the red pandas, leopards, zebras, monkeys, gibbons, and many other animals on a slow day.

It’s comfortably walkable especially since the bamboo on the grounds offers some good shade. You’ll find fun interactive exhibits, a kid’s playground, plenty of seats and tables when you need to catch a breather, and snacks on sale. You can also bring your food in coolers. Strollers are allowed. It’s free for kids under 2 and you’ll need a timed-entry reservation. Kids aged 2 to 12 pay $ 4, and adult tickets range from $ 16 to $ 26. Note that prices are subject to change.

ADDRESS: 3777 NOLENSVILLE PK, NASHVILLE, TN 37211, UNITED STATES

CALL: + 1 615 833 1534

OPEN: 9 AM TO 6 PM DAILY

2. Fun & games at Cumberland Park

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It’s undeniable that they’ll want to play and let out all that vibrant energy over some running or climbing. Cumberland Park lets you escape the bustling downtown and unwind by the river, lying on the green grounds as the kids play around. It has a climbing wall, splash areas, a walking trail, and an amphitheater. The park is also conveniently located close to downtown and gives you easy access to the Nissan Stadium. After some relaxation and fun, you can always head over to the Stadium for a Titans game when it’s play season.

Need to grab a good meal afterwards? Check out the 25 Best Restaurants in Nashville.

ADDRESS; 792 S 1^ST ST, NASHVILLE, TN 37213, UNITED STATES

CALL: + 1 615 862 8400

3. Scale the ropes at Treetop Adventure Park

Pack your comfortable sporting gear, leave your hotel rooms, and venture into the green woods of Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort. The park is neatly hidden here, offering an adrenaline-packed getaway for you and your kids. There are over 100 challenging obstacles, 10 ziplines, and rope courses curated for specific age groups. If your kid is older than 7 years, they can try the rope courses. The staff ensures that all participants are safe, whether it’s their first time or not. You don’t have to be a pro and neither does your kid to have fun. It could be a fun activity to try out, so book in advance on their website and get ready for a good challenge with your young ones! 

ADDRESS: NASHVILLE SHORES, HERMITAGE, TN 37076, UNITED STATES

CALL: + 1 615 889 7806

OPEN: SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10 AM TO 2 PM

4. Craft your candy at Goo Goo Chocolate Co.

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Every once in a while, you’ve just got to give in to candy. At Goo Goo Chocolate Co., everyone’s sweet tooth is about to go wild! It’s been in operation since 1912, and you know they’ve been doing it right to stay around this long. Have a go at your ‘Goo Goo’ cluster candy of your choice, or get creative with the kids and curate your mix options. There are lots of fillings to choose from, and the final act is sealing it with chocolate. Savor the sweetness of specialty custom-made candies, packaged candies, or hot beverages. It’s conveniently located south of Broadway on 3^rd Avenue and is easily accessible.

ADDRESS: 116 3^RD AVE S, NASHVILLE, TN 37201, UNITED STATES

CALL: + 1 615 490 6685

OPEN: 10 AM TO 6 PM DAILY

5. Beat the heat at Wave Country

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When the summer heat is driving everyone crazy, head over to Wave Country and cool it off while enjoying great family moments. The swimming pool has several amenities that make it ideal for kids and families in general. These include speed slides, water flumes, and wave-action pools. The pool is one of the most affordable, which is always a plus for a family budget. It’s however relatively small, but then again it hardly gets too busy. The pools are well-maintained and alcoholic beverages aren’t allowed. Admission fees ranged from $ 10 to $ 12 but always check the website just in case.

Read also; 20 Best Hotel Swimming Pools in Nashville.

ADDRESS: 2320 TWO RIVERS PKWY, NASHVILLE, TN 37214, UNITED STATES

CALL: + 1 615 885 1092

OPEN: SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10 AM TO 6 PM

6. Catch a football game at Nissan Stadium

Cheer the home team at Nissan Stadium whenever it’s play season and you happen to be in town. It’s not only home to the NFL Tennessee Titans, but also hosts other events including concerts, festivals, and wrestling matches. If your kids are NFL fans, catching a game here is pretty cool for a family activity. The fan base is quite energetic and you’re guaranteed to have a fantastic time. There are food booths and drinks as well. Cashless payment is preferred but there’s never harm in carrying some hard cash just in case. The venue is easy to navigate and parking is available.

ADDRESS: 1 TITANS WAY, NASHVILLE, TN, 37213, UNITED STATES

CALL: + 1 615 565 4300

7. Let the artistic ones thrive at Painting with a Twist

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Painting on canvas can be a fun way to bond with your younger ones as they also sharpen their creative abilities. Painting with a Twist offers interactive painting classes for all ages, and the art studio is located at the Hill Center Sylvan Heights along Charlotte Avenue. Have fun as you create masterpieces, and when you’re all done, you can carry them all home! It’s a brilliant idea too for a birthday party activity, and the memories made are forever captured in your paintings. Parking fills up fast since the venue shares it with other establishments. You can either come early or use public means of transport instead. Book a seat online and go have fun.

ADDRESS: 4009 CHARLOTTE AVE, NASHVILLE, TN 37209, UNITED STATES

CALL: + 1 615 982 8320

OPEN: MONDAY-SATURDAY 1 PM TO 7 PM

            SUNDAY 12 PM TO 6 PM

8. Car lovers will have a blast at Lane Motor Museum

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When you’ve bought them every kind of car toy around and their fascination with these machines only intensifies over time, a visit to the country’s largest European car collection museum will make their trip unforgettable. Lane Motor Museum has incredible exhibits of about 150 cars, from the 1920s and across the decades till now. This collection includes prototypes, microcars, motorcycles, military vehicles, custom-made curiosities, and more. You’ll enjoy the tour too especially if you’re a history and car fanatic. There’s a play area for kids, and entry is free for all below 5 years. The place is great for all ages. Under 18 tickets go for $ 3, and ticket prices for seniors and adults range from $ 8 to $ 12. Plan your visit on their website for convenience.

Read more on 40  Fun & BestThings to do in Nashville.

ADDRESS: 702 MURFREESBORO PIKE, NASHVILLE, TN 37210, UNITED STATES

CALL: + 1 615 7422 7445

OPEN: THURSDAY-MONDAY 10 AM TO 5 PM

9. Country music fans? Make a stop at the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum

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Nashville is well known as the Music City and this massive music museum is just one of the remarkable features for country music lovers. This is one of the world’s largest museums, and it houses hundreds of country music artifacts and memorabilia from some of the biggest icons in the industry.

If your teen enjoys this genre of music, they’ll love touring through the fantastic exhibits including cool guitars, costumes adorned by their favorite artists, a wall of albums and so much more! There’s a Taylor Swift Educational Center upstairs, and that would be fun to check out. The place is ideal for all groups, including families, couples, friend groups, and even solo visits. There’s available parking nearby. All tickets are timed admission, and they recommend about 2 hours to get the most out of the visit.  There’s an additional fee should you opt for an audio tour.

Have a look at the 15 Best Country Music Singers from the 80s.

ADDRESS: 222 REP. JOHN LEWIS WAY S, NASHVILLE, TN 37203, UNITED STATES

OPEN: 9 AM TO 5 PM DAILY

CALL: + 1 615 416 2001

10. Catch a show at the Nashville Children’s Theatre

This is the oldest professional theatre for young audiences in the country and one of the best around. Catch a kids’ show or play at the theatre with your young ones after brunch to crown the day. Most shows are ideal for younger kids, so no worries over where to find good entertainment for your 3-year-old. The venue is kid-oriented and friendly, quite interactive to keep their senses engaged before the play starts, and of course, fun.

ADDRESS: 25 MIDDLETON ST, NASHVILLE, TN 37210, UNITED STATES

CALL: + 1 615 254 9103

Nashville has numerous kid-friendly things to do, and you’re sure to have an amazing family trip in the city with some good planning and budgeting. Look out for the unsuspecting finds that turn out to be gems; whether it’s a neat, small museum, or a park by the river. Most of these will keep the kids entertained, and what better way to curate great family moments?