Nashville isn’t just for music lovers and honky-tonk nights—it’s a city filled with enriching, exciting, and surprisingly diverse activities for families. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or attending an event at Music City Center, there’s plenty for kids of all ages to explore. In this guide, you’ll find the best attractions, restaurants, and activities tailored for children and families, including tips on how to get around the city stress-free with your kids.

Indoor Attractions That Combine Fun and Learning

When the weather is hot, cold, or rainy, these indoor spots offer the perfect blend of education, entertainment, and adventure.

Adventure Science Center

One of the top-rated children’s attractions in Nashville, the Adventure Science Center offers hundreds of interactive exhibits related to biology, physics, astronomy, and more. Kids can crawl through a giant human heart, experience a simulated moonwalk, or explore the stars in the planetarium. It’s ideal for toddlers to pre-teens, and even parents find themselves learning something new.

Nashville Children’s Theatre

Nashville Children’s Theatre is one of the oldest children’s theaters in the country and continues to deliver high-quality, age-appropriate performances that captivate young minds. From whimsical fairytales to thought-provoking stories, each production is designed to engage kids while introducing them to the magic of live performance.

Frist Art Museum – ArtQuest

Art may seem like a quiet pursuit, but at Frist’s ArtQuest interactive gallery, kids are encouraged to touch, explore, and create. With a wide range of rotating stations—drawing, sculpting, digital art—children can dive into the creative process. Bonus: kids 18 and under get free admission.

Outdoor & Active Experiences for All Ages

If your family prefers to stay on the move, Nashville offers a wide variety of outdoor spaces where kids can run, climb, explore, and interact with animals.

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

This expansive zoo offers more than just animal exhibits. Kids can feed lorikeets, walk through kangaroo habitats, and ride the Wilderness Express train. There’s also a huge jungle gym and shaded play areas, making it an ideal stop for a half or full-day outing.

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

Cheekwood isn’t just for garden lovers—kids adore it. Seasonal exhibits like pumpkin patches in fall and holiday lights in winter transform this estate into a wonderland. There’s a train garden with moving model trains and plenty of space to explore. It’s a calm, enriching experience for kids and a peaceful escape for parents.

Centennial Park & The Parthenon

A trip to Nashville isn’t complete without a stroll through Centennial Park. It features wide open spaces, walking trails, and an impressive replica of the Parthenon. Kids can feed ducks by the pond, climb on the playground, or run through wide grassy areas. During summer, it also hosts live performances and outdoor movie nights.

Radnor Lake & Warner Parks

Looking for nature without leaving the city? Radnor Lake and Warner Parks offer easy-to-moderate hiking trails, perfect for kids who enjoy outdoor adventure. Look out for deer, turtles, and native birds along the way. Both parks also feature nature centers that offer educational programs and interactive exhibits.

Unique & Seasonal Family Fun in Nashville

Some attractions and activities shine at specific times of the year, while others offer a one-of-a-kind experience that makes your trip unforgettable.

Gaylord Opryland Resort & SoundWaves

Even if you’re not staying here, a visit to this indoor resort complex is well worth your time. During the holidays, the entire property transforms into a Christmas dreamscape. Year-round, kids can enjoy boat rides through the indoor gardens and spend hours splashing at the SoundWaves water park. It’s a vacation within a vacation.

Dragon Park (Fannie Mae Dees Park)

Famous for its colorful mosaic dragon sculpture, this playground is great for younger children. It’s partially shaded, has a variety of play structures, and offers a unique visual experience that makes it different from your average park.

Murals & Public Art Walks

For families with tweens and teens, a mural hunt around the city can be a creative way to explore Nashville. Popular spots include “What Lifts You” in The Gulch and colorful installations in East Nashville. Grab your phones—it’s time for a family photo session!

Nashville Shores Waterpark

If you’re visiting in the summer, this lakeside waterpark offers slides, a wave pool, lazy river, and more. It’s an excellent way to cool off, especially after a few days of sightseeing.

Kid-Friendly Restaurants and Local Favorites

Mealtime doesn’t have to be a challenge in Nashville. Here are some local spots that both parents and children will love.

Pinewood Social

With its hip atmosphere and in-house bowling lanes, Pinewood Social is a fun place for families looking for more than just a meal. Parents can enjoy great coffee or cocktails while the kids have a blast knocking down pins or enjoying the lively setting.

Pfunky Griddle

One of the most interactive dining experiences in Nashville, Pfunky Griddle lets you cook your own pancakes right at your table. Choose from a variety of batters and toppings—kids absolutely love it, and even adults find it fun.

Cecil’s Skate Shop & Soft Service Station

This unique East Nashville hangout combines a toy store, a mini skate park, and soft-serve ice cream. It’s quirky, creative, and guaranteed to entertain.

Free & Low-Cost Family Activities

Traveling with a family can get expensive quickly. These attractions are budget-friendly and offer just as much fun as their ticketed counterparts.

Tennessee State Museum

Free and centrally located, this museum covers everything from fossils to civil rights. It’s interactive enough for kids and informative for adults, with rotating exhibits and family-friendly programming.

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

Right next to the State Museum, this park includes a large open plaza, musical fountains, and plenty of shaded seating. It’s a great stop for an impromptu picnic and history lesson rolled into one.

Free Downtown Events

Depending on the season, downtown Nashville hosts outdoor concerts, street performances, and even free dance lessons. It’s a great opportunity to introduce your kids to the city’s musical roots without buying a ticket.

How Our Limo Service Makes Family Travel Easy

Navigating a city with kids can be tiring. At Nashville Limo Service, we make your visit smoother with stress-free transportation designed for families. Our airport transfers, hotel pickups, hourly service, and group transportation options allow you to move between attractions comfortably—no parking, no waiting, just more time for fun.

From stroller storage to clean, spacious vehicles, we make sure every ride adds to your peace of mind and enjoyment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best museums for children in Nashville?

Adventure Science Center and the ArtQuest gallery at Frist Art Museum are top choices for hands-on learning and creativity.

Is Nashville Zoo good for small kids?

Yes. It has interactive areas, shade, and plenty of stroller-friendly paths, making it perfect for toddlers and younger children.

Where should we eat if our kids are picky?

Try Pfunky Griddle for make-your-own pancakes or Pinewood Social for food plus activities. Both are reliable favorites among local families.

Are there any free things to do with kids in Nashville?

Absolutely. Visit Centennial Park, the Tennessee State Museum, and attend free concerts or events downtown, especially during warmer months.

How do we get around with a big family?

Our limo service provides safe, reliable rides with room for the whole family—ideal for airport pickups, day trips, or multi-stop adventures.