Nashville, TN · Guide
Things to do with kids in Nashville
Nashville is far more than just a haven for country music aficionados; it is a sprawling, scenic city that offers a surprisingly robust landscape for families. From the lush, paved trails and historical monuments of the West End to the interactive, free-entry exhibits in the Germantown neighborhood, the city blends outdoor activity with educational depth. This guide focuses on venues that cater primarily to the preschool and school-age bands, ensuring that parents can navigate both the high-energy atmosphere of Broadway and the quiet, natural escapes on the city outskirts.
While the musical heritage of the Ryman and the Grand Ole Opry remains the primary draw, families will find significant value in the city’s green spaces and museum-dense corridors. Whether you are aiming for a morning of wildlife viewing or an afternoon of hands-on art creation, these locations provide a structured yet flexible itinerary. This selection emphasizes accessibility and variety, highlighting spots where the environment is as conducive to learning as it is to play.
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Grand Ole Opry
4.8 (32,814)600 Opry Mills Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USALivelyBest for school-ageThis legendary music venue offers a welcoming, down-home atmosphere focused on pure performance without pyrotechnics. Shows feature a mix of up-and-coming artists and veteran favorites in an intimate setting with great views from every seat.
When to go: reserve on weekends
Parent tip · You can park for free at the nearby shopping mall area if you do not mind a slightly longer walk. - 02
Ryman Auditorium
4.8 (21,070)116 Rep. John Lewis Way N, Nashville, TN 37219, USALivelyBest for school-ageThe historic former home of the Opry features incredible acoustics and a self-guided tour that focuses on music history. Visitors can see stage outfits from famous artists and even stand on the stage for a photo.
When to go: no wait weekdays
Parent tip · The self-guided tour is calm and includes a photo on the stage in the price of admission. - 03
Centennial Park
4.7 (15,465)2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203, USALivelyAll agesThis iconic city park features paved trails perfect for strollers and bikes, alongside beautiful lawns for picnics. The grounds include a dedicated playground for children and the massive Parthenon replica as a centerpiece.
When to go: walk-in only
Parent tip · Paths are concrete and smooth for walking or pushing a stroller. - 04
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
4.6 (20,160)222 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN 37203, USALivelyBest for school-ageThis museum houses a wide selection of memorabilia ranging from Elvis's gold Cadillac to rotating exhibits on modern stars. The well-organized layout takes visitors through the history of the genre with detailed artifacts.
When to go: reserve on weekends
Parent tip · Plan to spend 2 to 3 hours to see the special and expanded exhibits. - 05
Tennessee State Museum
4.8 (3,901)1000 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Nashville, TN 37208, USACalmBest for preschoolThis free museum features modern exhibits covering pre-historic times through modern Tennessee history. The facility includes a dedicated little kids area and interactive displays that include music trivia and battle simulations.
When to go: no wait weekdays
Parent tip · The museum is across from the Farmers Market, making it easy to find snacks or lunch. - 06
The Parthenon
4.6 (15,186)2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203, USALivelyBest for school-ageA full-scale replica of the Athenian original, this landmark features a massive Athena statue and a museum detailing the building's construction. The surrounding flat green space is popular for family sports and dog walking.
When to go: no wait weekdays
Parent tip · Parking is free but can be hard to find because the area is popular. - 07
Cheekwood
4.7 (6,094)1200 Forrest Park Dr, Nashville, TN 37205, USACalmAll agesThese botanical gardens feature walking trails, glass art installations, and a popular model train display. The grounds are designed with children's elements incorporated throughout the various gardens and woodland sculptures.
When to go: reserve on weekends
Parent tip · Kids especially love the train exhibits and the art installations along the woodland trail. - 08
Johnny Cash Museum
4.6 (11,302)Lower Level, 119 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201, USACalmBest for school-ageThis museum honors the life of Johnny Cash through handwritten letters, song lyrics, and well-organized displays. It is a compact, heartfelt tribute located in the heart of downtown Nashville.
When to go: no wait weekdays
Parent tip · The museum was not too crowded, which makes it easy to take everything in at your own pace. - 09
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
4.5 (21,455)3777 Nolensville Pk, Nashville, TN 37211, USAKids' menu likelyLivelyBest for toddlersThis clean, well-organized zoo features interactive exhibits where visitors can pet kangaroos and goats. A massive playground area provides a space for children to burn energy between viewing animals.
When to go: walk-in only
Parent tip · Check out Lorikeet Landing where you can go in and feed the birds. - 10
Sri Ganesha Temple in Nashville
4.8 (2,091)527 Old Hickory Blvd, Nashville, TN 37209, USACalmAll agesThis beautiful Hindu temple is known for its serene atmosphere and traditional ceremonies. The well-maintained grounds and quiet interior offer a space for reflection, and the on-site cafeteria serves traditional food.
When to go: walk-in only
Parent tip · The cafeteria on-site offers nice food options for visitors. - 11
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
4.7 (4,249)600 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN 37243, USACalmAll agesA wide-open state park featuring historic monuments, a World War II memorial, and plenty of paved pathways. It provides a relaxing green space adjacent to the Tennessee State Museum and the Capitol building.
When to go: walk-in only
Parent tip · The park is well-organized and a perfect open space for kids to roam. - 12
Radnor Lake State Park
4.7 (4,078)1160 Otter Creek Rd, Nashville, TN 37220, USACalmBest for preschoolThis natural state park features wood-chip covered trails and a lake path where visitors can spot eagles, turtles, and turkeys. It offers a quiet, shaded outdoor experience with various difficulty levels for hiking.
When to go: arrive before 9
Parent tip · Strollers are not allowed on the specific trail that goes along the lake. - 13
Honky Tonk Highway
4.6 (7,731)501 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203, USALoudBest for school-ageThe center of Nashville's nightlife, this stretch of Broadway is filled with neon signs and live music spilling into the street. During the day, it is a vibrant spot for photos and shopping for western wear.
When to go: walk-in only
Parent tip · Weekdays are much better for families to avoid the heavy night-time foot traffic. - 14
Nashville WhatLiftsYou Wings Mural
4.7 (3,356)302 11th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203, USALivelyAll agesA popular piece of street art in the Gulch neighborhood, these painted wings are a frequent stop for family photos. The area is surrounded by various shops and eateries within walking distance.
When to go: walk-in only
Parent tip · If you are just going for a photo, you can park across the road for free for under an hour. - 15
Frist Art Museum
4.6 (4,741)919 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203, USAKids' menuCalmBest for preschoolHoused in a beautiful Art Deco building, this museum features rotating art exhibitions and a dedicated ArtQuest area for children. The kids area includes activities like drawing and making stop-motion movies.
When to go: no wait weekdays
Parent tip · The upstairs ArtQuest area has great rotating activities and hands-on art for children.
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