5 things to do in Nashville with kids

Heading to Nashville with the kids in tow? Planning a trip with kids is a great way to explore new destinations as a family, but it can be tough finding activities that everyone will enjoy. The good news? From family-friendly tours to museums and landmarks that suit all ages, you’ll find plenty of things for kids to do in Music City. With so much to choose from, it can be tough to decide what to add to your itinerary—that’s where we want to help. Whether you and your family are spending an extended amount of time here, or you’re just passing through, check out our top five things to do in Nashville, TN with kids.

1. Check out the animals at the Nashville Zoo

A visit to the zoo is one of the most kid-friendly things to do in Nashville. With over 2,700 animals and 365 species from all over the world, you’re guaranteed to find a favorite critter and hands-on activities for everyone in the family. Whether you choose to experience what goes on behind the scenes with a Backstage Pass, partake on a guided walking tour with a resident zoo expert, or explore the historic home and gardens located on the property, a visit to the Nashville Zoo is sure to please kids, teens and adults alike.

Skip-the-lines and purchase your Nashville Zoo tickets in advance. The zoo opens daily at 9am; closing times vary by season. It’s located at 3777 Nolensville Pike, Nashville.

2. Learn about Nashville’s storied musical history

Music appeals to all ages, including kids. With the city’s storied musical history, exploring famous landmarks like the Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, and Country Music Hall of Fame are the perfect kids activities in Nashville. If music (especially country and soul) piques your family’s interest, add these top music attractions to your itinerary.

• Enjoy a concert at the Grand Ole Opry, or snag tickets for a backstage tour and entrance for Opryland Resort Delta River Flatboat Ride.
• Check out the vintage instruments and rare original recordings and tour Nashville’s oldest recording studio with tickets to the Country Music Hall of Fame and RCA Studio B.
• Get the Nashville Music Pass for entrance into RCA Studio B, Ryman Auditorium, Johnny Cash Museum and more.

3. Visit the Parthenon and other popular parks and landmarks in Nashville

Sometimes, the best way to get to know a new city is to explore its most famous attractions and landmarks. Nashville is chock-full of popular tourist spots, many of which include gorgeous parks and stunning architecture. Best of all? Most are budget-friendly too.

• Explore the Parthenon and the re-creation of the statue of Athena, which serves as the main focal point of this jaw-dropping piece of architecture. Built in 1897, it also serves as one of Nashville’s art museums. Visit the Nashville Parthenon’s website for a full list of operating hours and art exhibitions.
• Visit the Nashville Public Library if you’re looking to pass some time with your kids. Check out the Nashville Library’s calendar of events. It offers several free things to do in Nashville for families, including story time and puppet shows. Most scheduled events are geared toward younger ages, but the library can also be a great place for older kids to enjoy a few hours of downtime.
• Take a stroll through one of the city’s public parks like Centennial Park and Cumberland Park. Both offer plenty of kid-friendly outdoor activities, including playgrounds, walking trails, and water sports like kayaking and canoeing.

4. Rest your feet while seeing the sights

Exploring a new city on foot with kids can be exhausting, and in some cases, disastrous. Between the whining, complaints about tired feet, and constant pit stops, sometimes it’s best to find a tour that doesn’t require you to walk. Thankfully, there’s plenty of things to see in Nashville that don’t involve trekking around the city with your kids.

• Hop on a Nashville Old Town Trolley, where an entertaining host will regale you with tales of Music City as you view the sights and sounds of Nashville aboard one of these iconic bright orange trolleys. You can hop on and off at any of the 15 stops, making it easy to explore the sites that interest you and your family.
• Get a little closer to the streets on a guided golf cart tour of Nashville, where a local will lead the way as you and your kids experience over 35 attractions in Nashville.
• If your kids are a little older, take a bike tour of Nashville, from spotting top landmarks like the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium to exploring hidden gems and scenic bike paths, you’ll see the city in a whole new light as you pedal you way along the streets.

5. Meet your kids’ favorite wax celebrities

Kids, and the kids at heart, can rub shoulders with their favorite celebrities at Madame Tussauds Nashville. This world-famous wax museum institution has been around for over 250 years, and it continues to attract crowds who want an up-close-and-personal look at the life-like figurines.

Parents will get a kick out of seeing iconic musicians like Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley, and kids will recognize the faces of current chart-topping artists like Rihanna and Katy Perry. It’s old-fashioned fun for all ages, and the perfect way to spend an afternoon if you’re exploring Nashville with kids.

Save time and purchase your Madame Tussauds Nashville tickets ahead of time. The museum is open daily from 10am to 9pm, Monday through Saturday, and from 11am to 7pm on Sunday. It’s located at 515 Opry Mills Drive, Nashville.

As you plan your family-friendly itinerary, consider these top things to do in Nashville with kids. Looking for more things to do in Nashville? PlacePass has unique excursions and experience for all ages, so your whole family can enjoy all that Music City has to offer. Not traveling with kids? Check out our tips for fun things to do in Nashville for couples and things to do in Nashville at night.