Things to Do in Nashville with Kids – 2025’s Top Picks for Learning, Playing & Exploring

Planning a family trip and wondering about the best things to do in Nashville with kids in 2025? You’re in for a treat—things to do with kids in Nashville go way beyond the usual tourist stops.

We’re talking splashy water parks, trolley tours with toe-tapping tunes, hands-on museums, and wide-open state parks where little feet can roam wild and free!

Craving some nature? Wander riverside trails along the scenic Cumberland River. Want to cozy up with artsy activities or catch a live show built for tiny audiences? You got it.

This music-filled city is bursting with kid friendly adventures and unforgettable family activities in Nashville TN that won’t break the bank.

So grab your sneakers, your camera, and maybe a little sweet tea—we’re about to dive into all the best ways to make your Nashville getaway playful, memorable, and oh-so-fun.

What Are the Best Animal-Inspired Things to Do in Nashville with Kids?

Things to do in Nashville with kids who love animals include unforgettable zoo adventures, scenic wildlife hikes, and playful garden escapes—plan your wild day out now.

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

Address: 3777 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211

Let the wild rumpus start! This sprawling zoo isn’t just about watching animals—it’s about getting right into the action. Kiddos can pet friendly farm animals, whirl around on a colorful carousel, and climb like monkeys on a jungle gym that might just be the best playground in the city.

With over 6,000 animals and immersive habitats, it’s a full-day adventure where kids (and grown-ups!) can learn, laugh, and leap like lemurs.

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

Address: 1200 Forrest Park Drive, Nashville, TN 37205

If you love a side of beauty with your fun, Cheekwood is your go-to. This garden paradise is blooming with seasonal events—think pumpkin villages in fall, dazzling lights in winter, and flower festivals in spring.

Little artists can dive into hands-on art activities while parents soak in the scenic views. It’s cozy, creative, and just the right amount of magical.

Bonus: the walking trails are stroller-friendly and picnic-perfect!

Radnor Lake State Park

Address: 1160 Otter Creek Rd, Nashville, TN 37220

Craving a nature break that’s equal parts calm and captivating? Radnor Lake is a serene escape just outside the city. Wander through lush forest trails, spy on deer and herons, and maybe even catch a glimpse of a sunbathing turtle or a swooping owl.

There’s no playground here—but who needs one when nature’s putting on a live show? It’s free, it’s peaceful, and it’s exactly the kind of unplugged moment every family trip needs. It’s even one of the best things to do in Nashville with teens.

Where Can You Find Music and Cultural Things to Do with Kids in Nashville?

Things to do with kids in Nashville include iconic music venues, hands-on museums, and cultural gems your whole crew will love discovering now.

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Address: 222 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN 37203

This isn’t just a museum—it’s a boot-stomping, banjo-strumming time machine through the heart of country music. From Elvis’s gold Cadillac to Taylor Swift’s interactive education center, families can dive into the genre’s evolution through kid-friendly exhibits, scavenger hunts, and hands-on music programming.

It’s part museum, part music lab, and all kinds of cool!

Grand Ole Opry

Address: 600 Opry Mills Drive, Nashville, TN 37214

You don’t have to be a die-hard country fan to feel the thrill of a live show at the Grand Ole Opry. This iconic venue puts on high-energy, multi-artist performances that even young audience members can groove to.

Behind-the-scenes tours offer a peek into dressing rooms, green rooms, and maybe even a ghost story or two.

Ryman Auditorium

Address: 116 5th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219

Known as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” the Ryman blends historic charm with modern-day wonder. Tour options include self-guided or guided walks through exhibits and the famous stage, plus a fun “record your own song” booth.

Kids will love seeing the pew seating and hearing about the Ryman’s role in launching radio history. It’s soulful, intimate, and just the right size for family exploring.

Johnny Cash Museum

Address: 119 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201

Even if your kids aren’t familiar with the Man in Black, they’ll be intrigued by this colorful, well-organized tribute to Johnny Cash’s life. The museum showcases interactive displays, videos, and personal artifacts, all laid out in an engaging and easy-to-navigate way.

Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum

Address: 401 Gay Street, Nashville, TN 37219

This hidden gem celebrates the behind-the-scenes legends—the studio musicians, session players, and producers who’ve helped craft your favorite hits. Kids can experiment with real instruments in the Grammy Gallery, sit behind a drum kit, and even try mixing a track.

It’s a hands-on heaven for music-loving families and a great way to inspire future rockstars.

The Parthenon at Centennial Park

Address: 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203

Yep, there’s a full-scale replica of the Greek Parthenon smack in the middle of Nashville—and it’s surprisingly awesome for kids. Inside, you’ll find an art museum and a jaw-dropping statue of Athena, while outside, there’s space to roam, picnic, and burn off some post-museum energy on the playground.

What Are the Most Engaging and Educational Family Friendly Things to Do in Nashville?

Family friendly things to do in Nashville that mix fun with learning include hands-on science, art exploration, and unforgettable adventure play.

Adventure Science Center

Address: 800 Fort Negley Blvd, Nashville, TN 37203

Let the curiosity run wild at this action-packed science playground! With 175+ hands-on exhibits, a climbable Adventure Tower, and a planetarium that’ll blow your mind (or at least spark some serious stargazing dreams), this place makes STEM feel like a party.

Kids can launch rockets, build circuits, and even play with giant body organs—yep, there’s a giant walk-through heart. It’s learning, disguised as adrenaline.

Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center

Address: 2800 Opryland Drive, Nashville, TN 37214

You don’t have to stay overnight to soak in the magic of this indoor oasis. With nine acres of indoor gardens, waterfalls, and sky-high glass ceilings, it’s like stepping into a tropical vacation—without leaving Tennessee.

Stroll through flower-filled paths, watch fountain shows, or float down the Delta River on a boat ride (yes, there’s a river inside). It’s the perfect chill-out spot between high-energy stops.

Nashville Shores Water Park

Address: 4001 Bell Road, Hermitage, TN 37076

Slip, slide, and splash your way into summer at this lakeside waterpark bursting with family fun. We’re talking towering water slides, a giant wave pool, splash pads for the little ones, and a lazy river that lets you kick back in style.

There’s even a lake beach if you’re craving that sandy-toes vibe. It’s the ultimate way to cool off and make waves without leaving the city limits.

The Adventure Park at Nashville

Address: 801 Percy Warner Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37205

Time to zip, climb, and conquer the trees! This outdoor aerial adventure park brings the thrills with ziplines, rope bridges, and tree-top trails designed for all ages. Even younger kids can test their balance and bravery on lower-level courses made just for them.

It’s an outdoor challenge course that builds confidence and burns energy—win-win for kids and grown-ups alike.

Which Hidden Gems Offer Can’t-Miss Family Things to Do in Nashville?

Family things to do in Nashville go beyond the big Nashville kids attractions with creative, quirky, and budget-friendly spots your whole crew will love—start planning your next adventure today.

Tennessee State Museum

Address: 1000 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Nashville, TN 37208

History doesn’t have to be boring—especially when it’s free! This sprawling museum offers a colorful journey through Tennessee’s past with kid-friendly exhibits, touchscreens, and immersive walk-through displays.

From Civil War artifacts to local legends, it’s the perfect place to mix learning with some good old-fashioned air-conditioned comfort.

Nashville Children’s Theatre

Address: 25 Middleton St, Nashville, TN 37210

This is where fairy tales leap off the stage and into your little one’s imagination. With dazzling performances, thoughtful storytelling, and productions geared entirely toward young audiences, this theater is one of the oldest—and most magical—children’s theaters in the country.

Frist Art Museum

Address: 919 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

Art doesn’t have to hang on the wall—it can be squished, shaped, and splashed across the floor, especially in the Frist’s ArtQuest Gallery. This hands-on creative zone lets kids dive into over 30 stations of art play, from digital drawing to clay sculpting.

It’s artsy, air-conditioned, and a great way to nurture those creative sparks.

Goo Goo Cluster Shop

Address: 116 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201

Yes, it’s candy—and yes, it’s a vibe. The Goo Goo Cluster Shop is a delightful stop where kids (and nostalgic grown-ups) can learn about Nashville’s iconic sweet treat, build their own candy bar, and shop for goodies to take home. It’s part mini-museum, part sugar rush, and totally worth a detour downtown.

Lane Motor Museum

Address: 702 Murfreesboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37210

If your crew loves the weird and wonderful, this museum is a must. With a collection of rare, wacky, and vintage vehicles from around the world—think microcars, amphibious vehicles, and flying machines—Lane Motor Museum is part auto exhibit, part curiosity cabinet.

Even non-car buffs will get a kick out of the oddball designs!

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

Address: 600 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN 37243

Take a break from the bustle with this peaceful green space loaded with history and beauty. Walk past towering monuments, splash around the fountains (yes, they’re splash-zone approved), and learn a bit of Tennessee trivia along the way.

Bonus: it’s totally free and perfectly located next to the Tennessee State Museum and Farmers’ Market.

Nashville Farmers’ Market

Address: 900 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Nashville, TN 37208

Food drinks, flowers, and family fun all in one spot. Wander through stalls of local produce, handmade crafts, global bites, and weekend events like live music or kids’ workshops. It’s a great way to taste the city without blowing your budget—and there’s something new every season.

Cooter’s Place

Address: 2613 McGavock Pike, Nashville, TN 37214

For families who love a little pop culture throwback, this quirky museum-slash-gift-shop dedicated to The Dukes of Hazzard delivers laughs and nostalgia in equal measure. With replica cars (yes, the General Lee is there), costumes, and wall-to-wall memorabilia, it’s a fun, quick stop just down the road from the Grand Ole Opry.

Where Can You Find the Best Nashville Hotel Packages for Your Trip?

Nashville hotel packages on Tripster help you save on lodging while staying near top attractions like Broadway, the Grand Ole Opry, and more.

Planning a trip to Music City? Nashville hotel packages are a smart way to bundle your stay with perks like attraction tickets, parking, breakfast, or even late checkout—saving you time, money, and hassle.

Whether you’re here for honky-tonks, history, or hot chicken, these packages offer convenient, budget-friendly options for families, couples, or solo travelers.

Are There Any Nashville Vacation Packages?

Nashville vacation packages on Tripster help you save up to 18% off on top attractions, tours, and hotel stays when you bundle everything in one easy deal.

If you’re planning a trip to Music City, bundling your hotel and attraction tickets into a Nashville vacation package is the smartest move. Whether you’re looking for sightseeing, water park fun, or music-themed experiences, these curated combos offer built-in savings and convenience.

No more piecing together your itinerary—just book, show up, and start exploring!

Nashville Shores Waterpark + Nashville Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour: Save up to 18%

Get the best of both worlds with this package: splash the day away at Nashville Shores, then hop on and off the trolley as you explore iconic spots like Ryman Auditorium, Belmont Mansion, and more.

Madame Tussauds + Soul of Music City Trolley Tour: Save up to 10%

Snap selfies with your favorite music legends at Madame Tussauds, then ride through the heart of Music City on an evening trolley tour filled with lights, local legends, and Nashville stories.

Hatch Show Print + Country Music Hall of Fame + Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage: Save up to 8%

This package is perfect for history buffs and music lovers. Craft a custom poster at the historic Hatch Show Print, stroll through the Country Music Hall of Fame, and take a self-guided tour of Andrew Jackson’s estate.

Why Travelers Love Booking with Tripster:

💥 Instant ticket confirmation

🚫 No promo code needed

💸 No surprise fees at checkout

📱 Mobile-friendly experience

🛎️ Bundle hotels + attractions

💼 Stress-free booking process

Ready to Find the Best Things to Do in Nashville with Kids?

When it comes to things to do in Nashville with kids, your family adventure is only just getting started. From water parks and museums to trolleys and tunes, you’ll find endless things to do with kids in Nashville that are both memorable and budget-friendly.

Looking for a place to stay close to the action? Browse the best hotels near Nashville for easy access to top family activities Nashville TN.

With Tripster’s curated selection of Nashville hotels, attractions, vacation packages, and our full Nashville travel guide, planning your getaway has never been easier—or more fun!

Things to Do in Nashville With Kids FAQs