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Things to do in Nashville with Kids

Nashville is a great place to visit with your kids! They will love everything about the country/rock and roll city. There is music everywhere you go, making it easy to make each day an adventure!

Many things in Nashville are geared toward adults, but there is enough family-friendly fun to be had if you know where to look!

 

Ryman Auditorium

Ryman Auditorium was the original home of the Grand Ole Opry (long before they moved to their new building). The auditorium has hosted some of country music’s biggest stars and is now used for several different types of performances. You’ll want to ensure you buy your tickets ahead of time since this place books up fast!

Although there are still live shows at the Ryman, it is a great place to visit during the day. The tour guides are very knowledgeable, and the building is fascinating. It’s a great first stop in learning all about Nashville and its music.

Plan on 1 hour.

 

Grand Ole Opry

The Grand Ole Opry is country music’s largest venue! The Opry is a great place to see country singers and other musicians. The regular shows are Friday and Saturday nights, but you can catch them doing their Christmas show earlier in December!

In its modern building, the Grand Ole Opry is not the most interesting to visit. So try to get tickets and see some fabulous music.

 

 

Country Music Hall of Fame

The Country Music Hall of Fame is located downtown near Broadway. It is chock full of exhibits about country music stars from the past until now. The exhibits are extensive and interesting, even if you only have a passing fancy for country music.

If your kids are really into country music, it’s worth checking out since there are displays about some artists they might not know too much about! You can stay as long as you want or walk through quickly, depending on your time!

Plan on 1-2 hours.

Walk Down Broadway

Broadway is mostly a tourist attraction, but some fabulous live music can be found just by walking down the street. Bars, restaurants, and nightclubs line the street, and you will hear live music ringing out from each establishment. You can easily spend a few hours walking from place to place and enjoying the music.

You can also buy some cowboy boots at many locations along the street 0r shop for a new cowboy hat.

This is the most popular tourist area in Nashville and is packed in the evenings, but it is a great place for families to visit during the day. You probably won’t want to visit the bars, but you can grab lunch and be serenaded by an up-and-coming new country star.

Plan on 2-3 hours.

Line Dancing at Wildhorse Saloon

This is a must-do! It is honestly one of the most amazing things we did in Nashville.

If you want to really experience some country, you will want to go line dancing. The Wildhorse Saloon is a must. You will find big crowds of people getting their line dancing on while some country singers perform live on stage.

You will want to head there early in the evening to learn how to line dance from the pros, but you will be tapping your boots in no time.

(Children are welcome before 10 pm as long as an adult accompanies them!)

Plan on 2-3 hours

Bluebird Cafe

This is a fun place to go to hear some amazing music. It has gotten very popular over the last decade, so you will need to be there an hour early to be able to get in for a show.

The cafe only seats 90, so you will get a great view of Country music’s next superstar. Kathie Mattea, and Garth Brooks, among others, got their start singing here. The Bluebird Cafe is also featured on the TV show, “Nashville,” which has helped add to the lines to get in!

Plan on 2-3 hours

Nashville Zoo

The Nashville Zoo is a fun place to go and explore. The zoo is the largest in Tennessee, and every year it also features a butterfly house.

Other animals make an appearance throughout the year as well, including penguins, gorillas, and lions! Educational programs are available for kids from preschool through high school, which can make a great family outing. It is one of the best zoos in the United States.

If you aren’t a zoo lover, this one is fairly painless. It isn’t too big, and you can see lots and lots of animals without walking long distances.

Plan on 2-4 hours.

 

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

If you visit during the summer months, make sure to stop by this park, as there is often some great musical entertainment going on here.

The park features several fountains that kids can run through or play in and also has a small amphitheater that hosts several different musicians of all genres. It is a great way to spend a sunny afternoon!

Plan on 1 hour.

 

Belle Meade Plantation

Belle Meade Plantation is a nice excursion from Nashville. The plantation has been in operation since 1807 and has a lot to tour on the property, including special gardens, a winery, and horse stables. They offer tours to teach about how this plantation operated in its prime and what was grown, made, and sold.

Now I know tours are not normally a kid’s favorite thing to do, but this tour is really a lot of fun. There is tons of room to run around, and you can choose the things you and your kids want to do.

Plan on 2-4 hours

The Hermitage

This is the home of former US President Andrew Jackson. It is a great place to learn about the history of the US during his tenure.

The Hermitage is another place in the area that not only has beautiful grounds but also tells the story of Andrew Jackson through many exhibits. They have many children’s activities and scavenger hunts to make them exciting and educational.

If I had to pick between Belle Meade and the Hermitage, I would probably pick the Hermitage. It is closer to town and smaller. If you have kids who hate touring “old things,” you might want to opt for this one.

Plan on 1-2 hours.

 

The Parthenon at Centennial Park

The full-size replica of the Greek Parthenon is a beautiful tribute to Nashville’s history as an important city in the south. In addition to being a great photo opportunity, there are also often exhibits inside showcasing various aspects of ancient Greece.

It is strange, but surprisingly really interesting! There is also a nice playground next door if you have little ones needing a break.

Hatch Prints

This is a smaller museum/shop, but it has a great collection of Hatch Show Prints, a company that prints some of the most well-known country concert posters in Nashville. This would be a great excursion for kids interested in art and design.

Plus, they have some beautiful reproduction prints and even some newly minted ones.

Plan on 30 minutes

Gaylord Opryland Hotel

This amazing hotel complex is near the new Grand Ole Opry building and is a great way to while away some hours.

This hotel is a massive wonderland. It has indoor gardens, waterfalls, and an enormous atrium with several restaurants. You could honestly wander around for hours here.

If you are in town during the holiday season, check out their lights! They are ranked as one of the top in the country every year!

There are also many shops if that is your thing, or you can chill on one of their many patios and enjoy some live music throughout the day/night.

I know it seems weird to tell you to go to a hotel, but this is a must-see!

Plan on 1-2 hours.

 

Get lunch at the Assembly Food Hall

The newest site in downtown Nashville is the Assembly Food Hall. This trendy and open new food hall has lots of delicious bites for you to try. The burger at the Pharmacy is so big and juicy. The shawarma at Istanbul Shawarma is divine, and we all agree that you can’t beat Hattie Janes for ice cream, and Cotton and Sno make the best shaved ice concoctions.

Your kids will love this spot for lunch or dinner, and you can all pick something yummy. There is live music that plays at the Food Hall most evenings as well.

 

 

Where to stay in Nashville

Gaylord Opryland 

You already know that the Gaylord Opryland Hotel is one of the biggest and most over-the-top hotels; why not stay here are really check it out? This 4-star hotel has tons of different sleeping options throughout the entire complex. Each room is large and airy, with comfortable beds.

Plus, you can explore the 9 acres of gardens throughout the hotel. Eat at dozens of restaurants, play in the new aquatic center, or just enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. Truly a one of a kind experience.

 

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I hope you consider Nashville as a family destination. It has so much to do and see, and you can easily spend a long weekend or an entire week enjoying Country Music City.

 

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