23 Top Things To Do in Nashville With Kids​ in 2025

The country music capital is a great place to have a family — it’s loaded with things to do in Nashville with kids, top restaurants and pretty wonderful weather (most of the time). In fact, the entire state of Tennessee is rapidly growing with young families moving there to settle down with kids. 

Sure, the bounty of things to do in Nashville plays a major role but the affordable housing and great schools help to seal the deal. Movoto has 15 reasons why you should move (or at the very least visit) the Nashville area. And after you spend some time there yourself, you’ll probably be prepared to add at least another 15 to that list!

There are a few obvious things you think of when you think of Nashville: country music and hot chicken. While both can be family-friendly, there are a whole lot more things to do in Nashville with kids that adults will love too.

Whether you’re looking for a kid’s dream birthday, an after-school activity or a weekend full of fun, this list has you covered.  

Jump to Section

• Unique Things To Do in Nashville With Kids
• Indoor Kids’ Activities In Nashville
• Free Things To Do in Nashville With Kids
• Things To Do in Nashville With Teens
• Things To Do in Nashville With Kids FAQs

Unique Things To Do in Nashville With Kids

1. Shake It Off

If you’ve got young kids, then you know that finding a way to burn off their energy is always the name of the game. 

Dance classes in Nashville are a great way to get them moving while also teaching them a new skill or hobby. It’s one of the more unique things to do in Nashville with kids, and can even make for a truly memorable birthday party. 

2. Personalize At Stoney Clover Lane

Stoney Clover Lane is famous for their adorable personalized bags of all colors, shapes and sizes. Even amongst millennials and Gen Z, a nice duffel bag with your name or a cute makeup tote that says makeup is all the rage. 

A trip to their store is any girl’s dream, and it can be a fun and unique thing to do in Nashville with kids. A mother-daughter date to their beautiful location in the 12 South neighborhood is tons of fun. 

3. Visit Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage

You have a truly unique opportunity to step back in time and experience history just outside the downtown area. Visiting President Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage is like stepping into a moment in time, around 1830 to be precise. 

It is the most visited presidential home in the U.S. and is a really unique thing to do in Nashville with kids or adults. The tour itself is pretty short, given by actors in traditional garb. But you can stroll around and explore many acres and close to 30 historical buildings on your own time. 

4. See Dragons at Fannie Mae Dees Park

No, not actual dragons (obviously) but this stunning outdoor area features beautiful mosaic dragons for kids to admire and explore. It’s a lovely spot for some afternoon adventures with friends. Or, pack a picnic and make a day of it!

5. Roam Around Cheekwood Estate

This gorgeous and sprawling estate is one of the most unique things to do in Nashville with kids or adults. This beautiful British-style estate features winding paths through lush woods and tons of fragrant blooms. 

Inside, you can admire the architecture and art, but one thing you won’t want to miss is the six massive Danish troll statues. Handmade with recycled material by the internationally-renowned Danish artist Thomas Danbo, having more than one right in your backyard is quite a treat!

6. Admire Animals at the Nashville Zoo

Going to your local zoo is a classic and beloved kid-friendly activity, and the Nashville Zoo just happens to be top-notch. The outdoor Soaring Eagle zip line is one of the most unique things to do in Nashville with kids and the animal exhibits are sure to impress as well. 

Home to around 3,800 species of animals, kids will love checking out the Kangaroo enclosure before heading to a slippery reptile meet and greet. 

Indoor Kids’ Activities In Nashville

7. Scope Out Cars at Lane Motor Museum

For the kid who is obsessed with race cars, nothing could be more appealing than a day checking out some incredible old vehicles. Spending the day at the Lane Motor Museum is a great indoor kids’ activity in Nashville and the admission is super affordable. 

Kids are sure to see some fascinating vehicles from Europe as the museum has more than 500 at any given time. Approximately 150 are on display, and they rotate over time. 

8. Indulge In A Sweet Treat

The Nashville food scene is pretty legendary, so you’re bound to have more than a few favorite spots for a sugar fix. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream has several locations around town serving gourmet flavors like powdered jelly donut, brambleberry crisp and Texas sheet cake. 

After an afternoon spent adventuring or playing sports, this sounds like an ideal indoor kids’ activity in Nashville. Ice cream not your jam? There are tons of incredible bakeries, like Five Daughters, that serve freshly-baked cookies, cakes and more. 

9. Go To The Garden

The stunning Gaylord Opryland Garden Conservatory is an incredible location for everything from an afternoon stroll to a wedding. And, it’s a great place for indoor kids’ activities in Nashville on a rainy day. 

The lavish indoor gardens consist of more than 50,000 species of tropical plants and there’s something blooming year-round. It stays a comfortable 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit all year, encapsulated in massive glass domes. Check out their activity calendar for special events and learning opportunities.  

10. Find Fun at Franklin Family Entertainment Center

This family-friendly play center is one of the best indoor things to do in Nashville with kids. It features tons of arcade games, billiards tables, cosmic bowling and plenty of snack stations to refuel. It makes for an easy and entertaining kids’ birthday party, but it’s just as great for a Friday family night. 

11. Jump for Joy at a Trampoline Park

There are more than a couple of trampoline parks around town, and they’re all top indoor activities in Nashville for kids. From trampoline basketball to other games or just the pure, unbridled joy of leaping, flipping and flying through the air on a massive multi-trampoline area, kids will love the adrenaline rush and go home ready to sleep. 

12. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame

Knowing that you’re in the capital of country music means there’s a rich history to uncover. While that Southern twang might already run in your blood, a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame is a fun indoor kids’ activity in Nashville that just might encourage them to love country music. 

There’s plenty of age-appropriate exploring for kids and adults alike, along with hands-on workshops and ever-changing exhibits. By the way, tickets here are a top experience gift in Nashville that will delight just about anybody. 

Free Things To Do in Nashville With Kids

13. Stroll The Nashville Flea Market

Once a month, the Nashville Flea Market is open for business. This can be a great free thing to do in Nashville with kids that helps you tick off your to-do list. They can stroll through the many rows of vendors (2,000 booths to be exact), scoping out one-of-a-kind treasures.

14. Visit The Adventure Science Center

When it comes to free things to do in Nashville with kids, you probably want something fun that also offers some extra benefits like exercise or education. Luckily, the Adventure Science Center checks both boxes and it’s free! 

With over 175 hands-on exhibits, there are so many ways for kids to get involved and explore the realms of science, math, engineering and technology. 

15. Head To The Public Library

We can all agree that the library is probably one of the best places for your kids to fall in love with. And the public library is one of the best free things to do in Nashville with kids. 

There is a super fun and interactive kids' space geared towards younger kids with things they can climb and explore. Plus, a nearly unlimited supply of books and movies to enjoy and bring home. 

16. Get To Know Fort Negley

You’ll soon realize that Tennessee is actually rich in American history, and Fort Negley is a hidden gem. This Civil War-era fort is loaded with walking paths and placards for self-guided tours, plus some pretty cool sights to see.

It’s a top free thing to do in Nashville with kids and can offer some educational benefits as well.

17. Explore Murals

The wonderful weather here makes outdoor exploration a nearly year-round occurrence. Plus, the artsy nature of the city means there are tons of cool murals plastered all around the city, with new ones popping up all the time. 

Make it a fun scavenger hunt and stroll around the city streets, stopping to take photos with your favorites. This totally free thing to do in Nashville with kids is easy and fun. 

Things To Do in Nashville With Teens

18. Cheer On The Preds

Nashville is more than just a music town — they’ve got a pretty decent pro hockey team too! One of the best things to do in Nashville with teens who love sports is to take them to a live hockey game. The Nashville Predators play at Bridgestone Arena, which is conveniently located downtown. It’s an easy dinner and a show type of night for some parent-child bonding. 

19. Remember The Titans

If your kid loves football, then they’re sure to love tickets to a Tennessee Titans game. This is a top thing to do in Nashville with teens or even younger kids. Nissan Stadium is right downtown, and a day of exciting live sports and stadium food is a guaranteed good time. 

20. Cool Off at Nashville Shores Waterpark

The summers can get steamy, but a dip in the pool is all it takes to cool off. Whether as a birthday party or just a regular weekend spot, a trip to the Nashville Shores Waterpark is a top-notch thing to do in Nashville with teens and young kids. 

Their six-story-high waterslide is sure to cause a thrill, but there are plenty of laid-back options for anyone scared of heights. 

21. Hunt For The Best Hot Chicken

A long-term fun thing to do in Nashville with teens is to be on the lookout for the best hot chicken in town. Every local has an opinion, but you’ve got to decide for yourselves. Does Hattie B’s reign supreme? Or is Prince’s the best in the land? 

Both are legendary Nashville restaurants and their rivalry runs deep.  You can make it a monthly or weekly occurrence to try out different spots around town as you search for your favorite. 

22. Go To The Grand Ole Opry

Music legends are made at the Grand Ole Opry, a true honor and high career achievement, as any musician would tell you. 

The coolest part about having it in your backyard is that you can attend concerts there whenever you want! It’s one of the best things to do in Nashville with teens and it’s one of those ultra-memorable things they will remember for life. 

23. Day Trip To Franklin

Head to nearby Franklin for a lovely day trip, a great thing to do in Nashville with teens. There’s plenty of shopping and dining, just like in Nashville but with the added bonus of that small-town charm. 

Stop into a local coffee shop and let yourself enjoy the little things. Plus, if you’ve got a 16-year-old, it’s close enough that you’ll feel comfortable letting them drive there. 

Things To Do in Nashville With Kids FAQs

What Is The Number One Thing To Do in Nashville?

The Grand Ole Opry continues to rank as the top thing to do in Nashville with kids or without. It’s a rich part of musical history, especially country music. And the shows there are always something special. 

What Part of Nashville Is Best For Families?

Most of the city is safe and family-friendly but there are always some areas that are better than others. Franklin and Brentwood are popular suburbs for families, while East Nashville also ranks highly for safety, school and proximity to kid-friendly activities in Nashville. 

Is Nashville Worth Visiting With Kids?

Absolutely! Since it consistently ranks among the best places to raise a family, it’s a safe bet that it is also a family-friendly vacation destination. 

Is Broadway Street in Nashville Kid-Friendly?

During the day, Broadway Street could be considered kid-friendly, though it’s probably not considered one of the more interesting parts of town for them. As the sun goes down, the number of kids steadily drops off and it becomes more of a bar scene. 

Nashville is one of those cities that is broadly appealing to little kids, young professionals and even retirees. Once you’ve visited, you’ll understand why it’s so beloved. There is no shortage of family fun to be had, with indoor and outdoor kids’ activities in Nashville galore. 

Not to mention, the culinary scene is world-famous. From live music to thrilling sports events or gaining a new appreciation for musical history, it’s no wonder everybody loves Nashville. 

For even more fun things to do in Nashville, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!