Things To Do In Nashville With Kids

Nashville is a city that feels like it was built for kids — and parents who want to enjoy the ride. I remember the first time we visited with my toddler, who was just learning to walk. We wandered through the honky-tonk district, and the music, the lights, the energy — it was like a playground for the senses. I was surprised by how welcoming the city felt, and how many places were actually designed with families in mind.

As a parent who's been to every corner of this city with my kids, I can tell you that Nashville isn't just about country music and hot chicken. There are parks with splash pads, museums with hands-on exhibits, and even interactive theaters where kids can become part of the show. The key is knowing where to go — and how to make the most of it.

If you're looking for 'things to do in Nashville with kids,' you're in the right place. I've spent the last two years testing and refining this list with my own children, and with input from dozens of other parents. Whether you're here for a weekend or a week, I've got the inside scoop on the best experiences — and the ones to skip if you want to avoid the crowds.

Visit the Adventure Science Center

As of September 2026, the Adventure Science Center is my go-to spot for STEM fun. My 5-year-old can't get enough of the planetarium, where they simulate a space mission and even get to 'fly' a virtual shuttle. The center has more than 200 exhibits, many of which are touchable and motion-based, making it perfect for kids who learn by doing.^[1]

One of the highlights is the ‘Eco Adventure’ area, where kids can explore a recreated ecosystem and learn about sustainability in a fun way. I've seen my daughter spend hours there, asking questions about how plants grow and how animals live in the rainforest.

The center is open from 10 a.m. To 5 p.m. Daily, and tickets are $12.95 for adults and $9.95 for kids. It's a great place to spend a morning or afternoon, and there are even live science demos at certain times.

Part of our Toddler activities indoor rainy day ideas guide.

Explore the Parthenon and Centennial Park

The Parthenon is a full-scale replica of the original in Athens, and it's actually a museum with exhibits on Greek history and culture. But what really drew my kids was the park that surrounds it — a massive green space with trails, picnic areas, and a lake.

Centennial Park is one of the largest urban parks in the country, and it's free to visit. My 3-year-old loves the playground, which has a unique treehouse and a slide that curves around a tree. The park also has a splash pad that’s especially popular in the summer.

I’ve taken my kids there on weekends, and it's always a hit. We've met other families, had picnics, and even rented bikes to explore the park. It's a great place to combine a little education with a lot of outdoor fun.

Nature doesn’t need a filter — it’s already perfect.

Related: Easy toddler activities indoor rainy day ideas

Dine at a Kid-Friendly Restaurant

One of my favorite spots is The Boathouse, which has a dedicated kids' menu and a play area. My kids love the mini pizzas and the ‘build-your-own-dinner’ option, where they can choose from a variety of toppings. The play area is just big enough for them to run around for a bit without getting lost.

Another great option is The Butcher's Daughter, a farm-to-table restaurant that has a special kids’ menu with dishes like mac and cheese and grilled cheese sandwiches. The restaurant is kid-friendly, with high chairs and a waitstaff that’s used to dealing with little ones.

I’ve also had great success with The Southern Steak & Seafood Co., which has a ‘kids eat free’ deal for kids under 10. It’s a treat for the whole family, and the food is always fresh and well-prepared.

“Nashville is a city that feels like it was built for kids — and parents who want to enjoy the ride.”— Toddlerwhirl editors

Related: Toddler activities rainy checklist

Attend a Live Music Show

I was skeptical at first about taking my kids to a live music show, but we went to a performance at the Ryman Auditorium, and it was amazing. The show was for all ages, and the performers were very interactive with the audience. The kids were dancing in the aisles, and I was just happy to see them so engaged.

The Ryman has a kid-friendly section where they can sit and watch the stage without the pressure of being in a crowd. The venue also has a great kids’ menu and a souvenir photo booth that the kids loved.

Other family-friendly venues include the Bluebird Cafe, which has a more intimate setting, and the Grand Ole Opry, which has a special kids’ section and a performance tailored for younger audiences.

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Explore the Tennessee Aquarium

The Tennessee Aquarium is one of my favorite places to take my kids. The main building has a huge tank with sharks, stingrays, and a variety of fish, and the kids love watching the dolphins swim above them. There are also interactive exhibits where they can touch certain sea creatures and even feed the fish.

The aquarium is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas, and tickets are $16 for adults and $11 for kids. We’ve taken our kids there on a few occasions, and they’ve always left with a sense of wonder and a few new facts about marine life.^[2]

One of the highlights is the ‘River Journey’ exhibit, which simulates a river ecosystem and includes a live feed of the Amazon River. It's a great way to teach kids about conservation and the importance of protecting waterways.

Related: Toddler activities indoor rainy day ideas checklist

Check Out the Children’s Museum of Nashville

The Children’s Museum is a must-visit for any family with young kids. The museum has a variety of exhibits, including a mini city where kids can build their own structures, a sensory room with different textures. A play kitchen where they can cook up a storm (with safe, child-friendly items).

My kids love the ‘Play It Forward’ exhibit, where they can learn about teamwork and cooperation through a series of collaborative games and activities. The museum is also a great place for kids to burn off energy and have fun without getting in trouble.

The museum is open from 10 a.m. To 5 p.m. Daily, and tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for kids. It's a great place to spend a few hours, and there are even special events and workshops for kids on the weekends.

A child’s museum is a place where learning happens without the pressure of school.

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Take a Day Trip to the Great Smoky Mountains

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a short drive from Nashville and offers a chance to get away from the city and enjoy the outdoors. We've taken our kids there a few times, and they've always loved the hiking trails and the wildlife.

One of the highlights is the Cades Cove Loop Road, which is a 11-mile scenic route that's easy to drive and has plenty of spots for kids to see wildlife. We’ve seen deer, bears, and even a fox or two. The park also has a few picnic areas where we can have a quick lunch and enjoy the view.

We always make sure to bring extra layers of clothing, as the temperature can change quickly in the mountains. The park is free to visit, and there are plenty of resources online to help you plan a trip that works for your family.

Things To Do In Nashville With Kids