Welcome to Music City! Beyond the neon lights of Lower Broadway and the famous late-night honky-tonks, Nashville is a phenomenal, welcoming destination for families. If you are looking for a trip that balances rich cultural history with wide-open green spaces, you are in the right place. From two-stepping to live music before naptime and exploring ancient Greek wonders (well, a spectacular full-scale replica, anyway!), to digging into yummy BBQ that kids devour, this city delivers.

When mapping out the absolute best things to do in nashville with kids, the secret is knowing exactly where to find the family-friendly gems that both you and your children will genuinely enjoy. You want to skip the cramped tourist traps and focus on the spots that offer engaging, hands-on experiences. For a broader overview of the city, you can always check out our comprehensive Nashville city guide. But for now, grab your comfortable walking shoes, prepare for some spectacular Southern hospitality, and dive right into our favorite parent-tested spots.

7 Best Things to Do in Nashville with Kids

When you are traveling with children, an itinerary needs to be flexible, engaging, and ideally, completely exhausting in the best way possible. Here are our top seven recommendations for family adventures in Nashville.

1. National Museum of African American Music

If you think taking kids to a history museum means shushing them while they stare at dusty plaques, the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) is going to completely blow your mind. This high-tech, deeply immersive journey through American music history trades traditional exhibits for interactive beat-making stations, vocal booths, and dance floors.

When you enter, each family member gets an RFID wristband. As you move through the galleries exploring genres from gospel and blues to hip-hop and R&B, kids can use their wristbands to save songs, record themselves singing, or lay down their own drum tracks. It is incredibly engaging for all ages; toddlers love the lights and sounds, while older kids and teens will spend hours at the mixing stations.

• Practical Details: Open daily 10 AM to 5 PM. Tickets are around $25 for adults, $15 for youth, and kids under 6 are free.
• Stroller Access: Fully accessible with wide ramps and spacious elevators.
• Time Needed: Plan for at least 2 hours.

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2. Nashville Children's Theatre

Taking kids to a live performance can sometimes feel like a high-stakes gamble, but the Nashville Children's Theatre removes all the stress. As the nation's oldest professional youth theater, they deliver incredibly high-production value shows specifically designed for young, wiggly audiences.

The actors are top-tier professionals, the set designs are magical, and the environment is entirely judgment-free. They offer booster seats so little ones can actually see the stage, dedicated nursing rooms, and even sensory-friendly performance dates where house lights stay up and sound levels are softened.

• Practical Details: Showtimes vary by season, usually featuring weekend matinees. Tickets run $17 to $30.
• Stroller Access: Excellent. They have a designated stroller parking area in the lobby.
• Time Needed: Most shows run 60 to 90 minutes, perfect for short attention spans.

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3. Two Rivers Park & Music City Bikeway

When your family needs a break from the bustling downtown core, head east to Two Rivers Park. This massive 374-acre recreational hub offers way more than just a slide and some swings. It features an incredible skate park, sprawling playgrounds, and wide-open spaces perfect for burning off energy.

From here, you can hop onto the Music City Bikeway / Shelby Street Bridge. This scenic, paved multi-use trail system connects the lush Shelby Bottoms Nature Area directly to downtown. Rent some bikes, or simply pack a stroller and enjoy a peaceful, tree-canopied walk along the Cumberland River. It is a fantastic way to see the natural beauty of Tennessee without leaving the city limits.

• Practical Details: Parks are open dawn to dusk. Completely free.
• Stroller Access: The greenways and paths are beautifully paved and wide.
• Time Needed: 2 to 3 hours, or a whole afternoon if you pack a picnic.

4. Goo Goo Shop Interactive Experience

You cannot visit Nashville without tasting its most famous confection: the Goo Goo Cluster. The Goo Goo Shop downtown is the birthplace of the world's first combination candy bar, and it has recently been transformed into a high-tech, interactive dessert destination.

Kids can step up to digital kiosks and design their very own premium candy bar, choosing their chocolate base and loading it up with custom fillings like pretzels, marshmallows, potato chips, and caramel. While you wait for the chocolatiers to build your creation, you can browse the timeline of Nashville's sweet history and watch the chocolate-making process through massive glass windows.

• Practical Details: Open daily 10 AM to 6 PM. Entry is free, but custom candy bars cost around $15-$20 each.
• Stroller Access: The shop can get a bit crowded on weekends, but strollers are easily accommodated.
• Time Needed: About 45 minutes to an hour.

🎟️ Book family tickets & skip-the-line tours →

5. Geodis Park (Nashville SC Game)

If you have sports fans in the family, catching a Nashville Soccer Club match at Geodis Park (Nashville SC Game) is an absolute must. This state-of-the-art, soccer-specific stadium offers an electric, pulsating atmosphere that remains incredibly family-friendly.

The crowd chants are infectious, the sightlines from every seat are fantastic, and kids will love trying to spot Tempo the Coyote, the team's high-energy mascot. The stadium also features an amazing array of local Nashville food vendors inside, so you can grab some excellent local tacos or hot chicken while you watch the match.

• Practical Details: Season runs from late February through October. Tickets usually start around $30.
• Stroller Access: Strollers can be checked at Guest Services. Be aware of the strict clear bag policy for diaper bags!
• Time Needed: About 3 hours including pre-game festivities.

6. Tennessee State Museum

Museums and kids don't always mix perfectly, but the Tennessee State Museum is a massive, modern, and completely free history museum that surprisingly doubles as one of Nashville's best family stops.

The highlight for families is the dedicated Children's Gallery on the main floor. It features a giant, walkable map of Tennessee, interactive building blocks, and hands-on activities that explain the state's history in a tactile way. Because the museum is free, there is zero pressure to "get your money's worth." If your toddler melts down after 45 minutes, you can simply leave and walk right out into the adjacent Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park.

• Practical Details: Open Tuesday through Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM, Sunday 1 PM to 5 PM. Closed Mondays. Free admission.
• Stroller Access: Flawless. Wide, sweeping ramps and massive elevators.
• Time Needed: 1.5 to 2 hours.

7. Edwin Warner Park Nature Center

Sometimes, kids just need to get their hands dirty. The Edwin Warner Park Nature Center is a parent's dream for unstructured outdoor play. Just a short drive from the city center, this park features a dedicated "Nature Play" area where getting muddy isn't just allowed—it is the entire point.

Kids can build forts out of fallen branches, splash in the shallow creek, and play in the outdoor mud kitchens. Inside the nature center building, you will find excellent educational exhibits about local wildlife, including turtles and snakes. It is the perfect antidote to overstimulating, crowded tourist zones.

• Practical Details: Park grounds open dawn to dusk. The Nature Center building is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 AM to 4 PM. Free.
• Stroller Access: The indoor center and paved trails are accessible, but the Nature Play area requires walking over grass and dirt.
• Time Needed: 2 hours. Bring a change of clothes and a towel for the car ride home!

Where to Eat When Exploring Things to Do in Nashville with Kids

Nashville is a culinary playground, but waiting two hours for a table with hungry children is a recipe for disaster. Here are our favorite family-friendly spots that deliver iconic flavors without the stress.

Hattie B’s Hot Chicken (West Nashville)

You want to try Nashville's famous hot chicken, but you do not want to stand in the sun for two hours. Skip the downtown locations and head to Hattie B’s Hot Chicken (West Nashville). This outpost has much more manageable lines, free parking, and plenty of seating. For the kids, order the "Southern" heat level—it has zero spice but all the incredible flavor and crunch.

The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden

Located in East Nashville, The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden is a nostalgic staple. They pair world-class, locally sourced burgers and craft beer for the adults with an old-fashioned soda fountain that kids adore. Ask for a table in the massive, string-lit outdoor beer garden. It is loud, vibrant, and spacious enough that nobody will notice if your toddler drops a fry or two.

Monell's at the Manor

For a legendary Southern dining experience, Monell's at the Manor is unforgettable. You sit at large communal tables in a historic mansion and pass massive bowls of food family-style. Kids love the autonomy of serving themselves from bottomless bowls of macaroni and cheese, green beans, and arguably the best fried chicken in the state. It feels like eating Thanksgiving dinner at a very hospitable relative's house.

Age-by-Age Guide: Things to Do in Nashville with Kids

Tailoring your trip to your children's developmental stages will save your sanity. Here is how Nashville shines for different age groups.

Toddlers (Ages 2-3)

Toddlers need spaces where they can roam safely. The free puppet shows at the downtown public library (more on that in our Pro Tips below) are pure magic for this age. For outdoor time, stick to the Nature Play area at Edwin Warner Park, where they can touch, feel, and explore at their own pace without the confines of a stroller.

Preschoolers (Ages 3-5)

This age group thrives on imagination and mild thrills. The Nashville Children's Theatre is a must-do for preschoolers, offering perfectly timed, engaging stories. On a hot day, take them to the splash pads at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, right next to the State Museum, where they can run through the water jets to cool off.

School-Age (Ages 6-10)

School-aged kids want to be involved in the action. The interactive candy-building at the Goo Goo Shop is always a massive hit. This is also the perfect age to rent bikes and tackle the Music City Bikeway, or spend an afternoon climbing the rock walls at Climb Nashville - West, which features auto-belay systems that make parenting a breeze.

Tweens and Teens (Ages 11-14)

Teens want independence and cool factor. The National Museum of African American Music is highly recommended because they can put on headphones and create their own hip-hop beats. For an evening activity, book a room at the Nashville Escape Game (Downtown). The high-production value makes it feel like an immersive movie set, and it requires real teamwork. Finally, taking them to a roaring Geodis Park soccer game will definitely earn you some cool points.

What to Skip When Looking for Things to Do in Nashville with Kids

Not every famous Nashville spot translates to a good family experience. Save your time and money by bypassing these locations until you visit on an adults-only weekend.

• Lower Broadway Honky Tonks: Places like Robert's Western World and Ole Red are Nashville legends, but they are incredibly loud, cramped, and fundamentally adult spaces. The decibel levels alone are too high for developing ears, and navigating a stroller through the crowds is a nightmare.
• The Bluebird Cafe: The Bluebird Cafe is a world-famous "listening room." Absolute silence is strictly enforced during performances. Even a whisper from a child can result in being asked to leave. It is entirely too stressful for parents.
• Famous Hot Chicken Lines: Avoid Prince's Hot Chicken Shack original locations and downtown hot chicken joints during peak hours. Waiting 45 to 90 minutes with nowhere to sit is a guaranteed meltdown.
• Adult-Focused Attractions: Skip Dino's Bar (a cramped dive bar), the Muzik Mafia Music Experience (poor value for the time spent), and the Nashville Gun Club (a specialized sporting facility not meant for casual family drop-ins).
• Long Drives for Look-But-Don't-Touch: Cragfont State Historic Site is nearly an hour away and features a traditional no-touch guided tour. Kids will be bored and parents will be anxious.

Pro Tips from Parents for a Smooth Nashville Family Trip

To truly master your family vacation to Music City, keep these insider tips in your back pocket.

• Ride the Free Buses: Save your feet and your budget by using the city's free 'Blue' and 'Green' bus lines. These shuttles loop continuously and connect major areas like the Gulch, Bicentennial Mall, and downtown. It is a lifesaver when little legs refuse to walk another block.
• Beware the Sun and Humidity: Nashville's humidity is no joke. In the summer, 90°F can easily feel like 105°F. Places like the Bicentennial Mall have very little shade. Plan your outdoor activities for before 11 AM or after 4 PM.
• Stroll the 12 South Neighborhood: If you want a low-stress afternoon of shopping and snacking, the 12 South neighborhood is Nashville's most stroller-friendly district. Walk the half-mile stretch for great local boutiques, ice cream stops, and wide sidewalks.
• Catch a Free Puppet Show: Check the schedule for "Wishing Chair Productions" on the downtown public library's second floor. These are world-class, completely free puppet shows that rival professional theaters.
• Let Them Run at Percy Warner: If you grab takeout and need a wide-open space where kids can run wild while you eat, head to the Percy Warner Park Steeplechase area. The massive, beautifully maintained grassy fields are perfect for burning off energy.
• Skip the Wings Mural Line: The famous "What Lifts You" wings mural in The Gulch often boasts a 45-minute wait in a sun-exposed line with zero shade. Skip the queue and find one of the dozens of other vibrant murals around the city for your family photo.
• Plan Your Car Seats: While Uber and Lyft are plentiful in Nashville, finding a vehicle equipped with a car seat is nearly impossible. Bring your own travel car seats if you plan on relying on rideshares instead of a rental car.

Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Nashville with Kids

Nashville may have built its reputation on country music and late-night partying, but its welcoming spirit extends beautifully to families. Whether you are building chocolate bars, dancing through music history, or running through expansive, lush greenways, the city offers a deeply memorable backdrop for family bonding. By mixing high-energy interactive museums with relaxing parks and fantastic food, you can craft an itinerary that everyone will love. We hope this guide helps you discover the very best things to do in nashville with kids, ensuring your trip to Music City hits all the right notes!