Fun Family Activites To Do With Kids In Nashville

Enjoy family fun in Music City with museums, parks, and cultural adventures.

Date Posted: July 1, 2024

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ACTIVITIES

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The pyramids of the Adventure Science Center

The pyramids of the Adventure Science Center

Nashville offers a plethora of family-friendly activities that cater to children of all ages, ensuring there's something exciting for everyone to enjoy. Families can explore interactive museums that showcase the city's musical heritage and cultural diversity, engaging kids with hands-on exhibits and educational programs. Check out our complete guide to educational opportunities in Nashville for a better look at these places. Outdoor adventures abound in Nashville's parks and green spaces, where children can run, play, and picnic while discovering middle Tennessee's natural wonders. Additionally, live music, seasonal festivals, farmers' markets, and community events offer opportunities for families to immerse themselves in Nashville’s unique culture, sample delicious food, and participate in creative activities that spark imagination. Here's a few of our favorite things to do in Nashville with kids.

Places displayed in geographic order from west to east

  • 1. Cheekwood
  • 2. Centennial Park
  • 3. The Parthenon
  • 4. Pins Mechanical Co.
  • 5. Tennessee State Museum
  • 6. Nashville Farmer's Market
  • 7. Country Music Hall of Fame
  • 8. Adventure Science Center
  • 9. Nashville Zoo
  • 10. Eastside Bowl
  • 11. SoundWaves at Opryland
  • 12. Adventureworks
1. Cheekwood
Neighborhood: Belle Meade

Cheekwood, which was built in 1929, is a 55-acre botanical garden and art museum located on the historic Cheek estate in Belle Meade. Since being converted into a museum of art and botanical garden in 1960, Cheekwood has presented world-class art exhibitions, and spectacular gardens unlike any other in Nashville. Visitors here enjoy family activities, programming for all ages and year-round festivals celebrating the four seasons. From 150,000 blooming bulbs in the spring to one million holiday lights in the winter, there’s always something to see at Cheekwood.

Centennial Park on a beautiful day
2. Centennial Park
Neighborhood: West End

Centennial Park which occupies 132 acres and is located west of downtown is considered Nashville's premier urban park. It hosts the iconic Parthenon, walking trails, a small lake, an art center, gardens, volleyball courts and more. There's a large playground on Centennial Park's west side and the grounds make for a great spot for young kids to run around and explore.

The Parthenon in Nashville
3. The Parthenon
Neighborhood: West End

The Parthenon, located at Centennial Park in Nashville, is a fantastic spot to explore with kids because of its unique blend of history and art. As a full-scale replica of the ancient Greek Parthenon, it offers children a glimpse into classical architecture and mythology. Inside, the highlight is the awe-inspiring statue of Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war.

4. Pins Mechanical
Neighborhood: The Gulch

Pins Mechanical is a large, multi-use game bar featuring duckpin bowling, pinball, a fun creative drink menu and much more in the Gulch. If your looking for a place perfect for a group in Nashville, you'd be hard pressed to find better spot than Pins which is kid-friendly until 7:00 p.m.

5. Tennessee State Museum
Neighborhood: Germantown

The Tennessee State Museum offers a fascinating and enriching experience for kids eager to explore the history and culture of Tennessee. With engaging exhibits that bring the past to life, children can discover everything from prehistoric fossils to artifacts from Native American tribes and Civil War relics. Hands-on activities and interactive displays make learning about Tennessee's heritage exciting and accessible.

6. Nashville Farmer's Market
Neighborhood: Germantown

The Nashville Farmers' Market offers a fantastic opportunity for kids to explore the vibrant flavors and diverse cultures of Tennessee. The market offers a lively atmosphere with local farmers showcasing fresh produce, artisanal foods, and handmade crafts.

Inside the Coutnry Music Hall of Fame
7. Country Music Hall of Fame
Neighborhood: Downtown

The Country Music Hall of Fame offers a unique opportunity for children to learn about the history of American music through interactive displays, artifacts, and multimedia presentations. Kids can discover the roots of country music, explore iconic instruments like guitars and fiddles, and even try their hand at playing some of these instruments themselves.

8. Adventure Science Center
Neighborhood: South Nashville

The Tennessee Adventure Science Center is a great place for kids to explore and learn in Nashville. With hands-on exhibits and interactive displays, children can immerse themselves in the wonders of science through engaging activities that spark curiosity and discovery. From exploring outer space in the planetarium to experimenting with physics and technology in the various interactive zones, every corner of the center offers something cool and educational.

Animals at the zoo
9. Nashville Zoo
Neighborhood: South Nashville

The Nashville Zoo offers an exciting and educational experience for kids of all ages. With diverse habitats showcasing animals from around the world, children can encounter everything from playful meerkats to majestic elephants and colorful birds. Interactive exhibits like the Kangaroo Kickabout and Lorikeet Landing allow kids to get up close and personal with wildlife, observing animals in their natural environments.

10. Eastside Bowl
Neighborhood: East Nashville

Charming and retro-themed Eastside Bowl is an East Nashville mixed use entertainment destination that has 16 bowling lanes, a 750-person capacity concert space, a diner, arcade and lounge. Operating out of a space that was previously a K-Mart, Eastside Bowl is a community minded place that makes for a great spot for friends and families to come together and have a good time.

11. Soundwaves
Neighborhood: Music Valley

SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland Hotel is a fantastic destination for kids, offering a blend of Summer fun and relaxation for the whole family. With its array of thrilling water slides, lazy rivers, and splash pads, children can enjoy hours of aquatic adventures. You must be staying at Gaylord Opryland hotel to visit SoundWaves.

Zipliners in a dense wood
12. Adventureworks
Neighborhood: Whites Creek

Adventureworks is a zipline tour located in Whites Creek that takes you up to 80 feet off the ground, reaching speeds of 45+ mph through a 40 acre natural forest. The tour includes eight ziplines, lasts approximately 90 minutes and is a great activity for couples, kids (8 and up) and families. Adventureworks is located just to the northeast of Nashville in Whites Creek, around a 15-20 minute drive from downtown Nashville.

13. Sporting Events

Attending a sporting event in Nashville is an exciting and thrilling experience for the whole family. Whether it's cheering on the Predators at a hockey game, watching the Titans play football, the Sounds play baseball or catching a Nashville SC soccer match, Music City's vibrant sports scene offers a lively atmosphere that can captivate young fans.

A colorful mural in Nashville
14. Mural Hunt

Embarking on a mural hunt in Nashville is a fun and artistic adventure that creative kids will love. Nashville is renowned for its vibrant street art scene, with colorful murals adorning buildings throughout various neighborhoods. Check out our article about Nashville's most iconic murals for more.

Know of a kid friendly spot we missed? Email [email protected] and give us a tip! ❤️

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