33 Things To Do In Nashville with Kids [2023 Edition]
There are way more than 33 things to do in Nashville with kids because Nashville, TN is truly one of the most eclectic places in the southeast.
In a ten mile radius you can experience rolling farms, the parthenon, the best donuts on the planet, and even the Grand Ole Opry. Nashville is also known for its live music scene, Vanderbilt University, and sometimes the University of Tennessee. Sometimes (Go Dawgs!).
With all of these amazing adult-oriented venues, it almost sounds like it would be hard to find things to do in Nashville with kids, right?
Not even close! There are so many kid activities in Nashville out there. We made a list that includes families with toddlers because that most closely fits our family model. You won’t find a Hop On Hop Off bus on our list or the Grand Ole Opry, because no two year old wants to do those things (and no parent wants to try to make them).
Our list is not like everyone else’s. Check out our recommendations for fun things to do in Nashville with kids of all ages in 2024.
Do you travel with young kids? Check out our recommendations for travel toys that are perfect for the car!
What can families do in Nashville?
Oh, the possibilities are endless. Depending on the ages of your kids, you could do everything from a food tour to the Nashville Zoo. On our list, we have included the best parks and playgrounds, animal encounters, museums and historical sites, as well as some really cool kid activities in Nashville.
If you have a younger family like us then you are probably looking for some free things to in Nashville (and we totally understand). Check out some of the suggestions below!
Are there parks in Nashville?
Yes! Yes! Yes! It is hard to believe that a city as bustling as Nashville can have so many beautiful parks. It is also hard to believe that Nashville city borders go so far outside of the downtown streets.
We have checked out so many of their wonderful parks over the years. In fact, these are our top recommendations when people ask for free things to do in Nashville.
Keep reading for more details!
Okay, but does Nashville have GOOD parks?
Nashville has some genuinely state of the art parks. Their parks have a little bit of everything including grassy steps, water fountains, splash pads, playgrounds, and boardwalk trails. Check out which parks we recommend for little kids, for hot summer days, and for a perfect picnic spot!
There are TONS of Free Things to do in Nashville, Tennessee
Some of the greatest sights to see in Nashville are absolutely free. How cool is that?? Obviously all of the parks in Nashville are free to enjoy, including the amenities within the parks (hello, playgrounds). The water fountains at the Bicentennial Mall are a free “event” that our kids have loved.
One of our favorite free things to do is to walk a pedestrian bridge in Nashville. It sounds not so exciting but walking over the Cumberland River is actually pretty cool! It also makes for a great photo opportunity.
Our List of Top Things to do in Nashville with Kids
There are so many fun things to do in Nashville with kids, but there are quite a few things that are geared more toward an older audience. With that in mind, we have divided our list into two groups of things: those that are great for families of all ages, and those that are great for families with older kids (6+).
— Things to do in Nashville with kids of all ages —
Adventure Science Center
The Adventure Science Center in downtown Nashville is a really cool place for kids of all ages (and even adults)! They have a space dedicated to toddlers on the Second Floor called “Early Learners” where they have activities for younger kids and a story time. However, our toddlers loved getting to see the big kid activities as well. Everything is very stimulating!
The science center has a variety of really cool science exhibits including Body Quest, Galactic Gardens, Physics of Flight, Soundbox, and more! You can see a complete list of all operating exhibits here.
In addition to their regular exhibits, they also offer planetarium shows. You can see a list of their upcoming shows here. The planetarium ticket is an additional $9 to the regular science center admission. You must purchase admission to both if you want to see a planetarium show.
If you’re looking for cool things to do in Nashville then this should be at the top of your list!
Address: 800 Fort Negley Blvd, Nashville, TN 37203
Cost: Adults $18 // Children 2-12 $14 // Children under 2 are free
Ages: The Science Center is great for all ages, truly.
Website: Check out their site here.
Nashville Zoo
The Nashville Zoo is a wonderful adventure for babies, kids, and even adults. I think my husband and I enjoyed it as much as our children did!
They have a wide variety of animals and some really neat ways to interact with them. Their reptile house has actually been closed for a couple of years due to COVID-19 but just recently reopened!
In addition to the animal exhibits, they also have a petting zoo, a playground, and some exciting adventure rides. My son’s favorite “ride” was the train. He’s four so I think that’s to be expected.
They also feature seasonal exhibits, like Dino Trek, that they offer for a few months at a time. If you are planning a trip before the end of July then you need to check out this dinosaur exhibit! It is was cooler than I would have ever imagined. You can even dig for fossils at the end!
Address: 3777 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211
Cost: Adults $16-25 // Children 2-12 $12-21 // Children under 2 are free [prices vary by day and time]
Ages: The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is great for all ages, truly.
Website: Check out their site here.
Nashville Sounds
If you and your family love sports then this one is for you. The Nashville Sounds are the Triple-A club for the Milwaukee Brewers and they have a really great park.
We have always loved bringing a blanket and a few interactive toys so that we can sit on the lawn and enjoy a game while our kids play. Snacks are never a bad idea either!
As with any minor league team, the Nashville Sounds offer a ton of free giveaways and the plan kids’ nights at the ballpark. Check their schedule to plan a fun afternoon or evening trip to the field.
Ticket prices and availability change with each game due to promotions so check their website for up to date prices.
Address: 19 Junior Gilliam Way, Nashville, TN 37219
Cost: Ticket prices vary by section and by promotion. Check their website for specific dates.
Ages: Great for any age if you can secure a spot on the lawn. Our toddlers even loved the seats!
Website: Check out their site here.
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
At first glance this looks like a really grown up thing to do. In fact, a lot of grownups would not put this at the top of their list of cool things to do in Nashville. Hear me out: our 2 and 4 year olds loved it!
It was a great place for them to see some gorgeous seasonal flowers, run around in a controlled outdoor environment, and be photographed like the celebrities that they are.
Cheekwood operates similarly like a state botanical garden even though it isn’t titled as such. Within the gardens their is a children’s garden that boasts some beautiful paved pathways, gardens on a child’s level, and even a turtle pond with real turtles! This was by far my kids’ favorite part.
Address: 1200 Forrest Park Drive, Nashville, Tennessee 37205
Cost: $20 for adults // $13 for children ages 3-17 //children 2 and under are free
Ages: Great for all ages!
Website: Check out their site here.
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
The Bicentennial Mall State Park in downtown Nashville is a really neat place to visit with kiddos. It highlights Tennessee’s history from 1796-1996 with a variety of features throughout the park.
The features include a large map of the state, a WWII memorial, a pathway of history and a 95-Bell Carillon. The park is not large (about 11 acres) but it is packed with historical exhibits that are fun for all ages!
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park : Water Fountains
One of the coolest features in the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park is the rivers of Tennessee fountains. There are 31 fountains that shoot up out of the ground during the day. This is a great midday activity if you are traveling to Nashville during the summer months!
At night, these fountains light up and change colors! Each of the fountains represents a major river in Tennessee, hence the name.
The rivers of Tennessee fountains is one of the easiest and cheapest things to do in Nashville with kids during the summer. We spent about 2 hours here eating lunch and playing in the fountains!
Address: 600 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN 37243
Cost: FREE
Ages: Great for all ages!
Website: Check out information about the park and fountains here.
Defy Nashville
Okay, so Defy is not native to Nashville. However, Nashville has rainy/stormy days just like the rest of the world so it is always a good idea to have a place like Defy waiting in your rainy day plans.
If you are visiting Nashville during the week with young kids then you can participate in KidJump from open-noon. Big kids are allowed to jump as well but this special jump time allows parents to jump with their kids (6 and under) for free!
Defy is an indoor trampoline park with a foam pit, zip line, basketball, dodgeball, and ninja course. Our little only participated in the trampolines and foam pit but they had an absolute blast!
Address: 1647 Mallory Ln, Brentwood, TN 37027
Cost: Tickets are purchased by 1 hour, 1.5 hours, and 2 hours time slots. The prices for these vary by age and time. Check their ticket page for specific pricing.
Ages: Great for ages 2 and up!
Website: Check out information about the park and fountains here.
Redhead Ranch
Redhead Ranch is a locally owned and operated farm just north of Nashville that prides itself on back-to-basics farming. They are able to provide fresh produce, eggs, beef, and pork that is sourced straight from their farm. They also offer a market store that opens during the summer with fresh sauces, jams, and other homemade items.
Most people do not know that they also schedule private tours to come out and visit their farm animals! This is a great “get out of town” option for those who are visiting downtown Nashville but would also love to see the farm side of the city. Contact Stephen here to set up a tour or order fresh supplies for dinner.
Address: 250 Ray Rd, Unionville, TN 37180
Cost: Contact Stephen for more information about tours.
Ages: Great for all ages!
Website: Check out their website here.
Lucky Ladd Farms
Lucky Ladd Farms is a great outdoorsy thing to do in Nashville with kids of all ages. Their farm is located just outside of the downtown scene which offers travelers a great break from the traffic. The farm offers a petting zoo, nature trails, pony rides, tractor train rides, a toddler town, jump pad, habitat discoveries, and more!
Lucky Ladd Farms is an awesome Nashville petting zoo that happens to have a ton of great rides and educational activities as well. It is a great place to spend the day with the entire family. They open mid-April and will have a ton of fall activities when September rolls around!
Address: 4374 Rocky Glade Rd, Eagleville, TN 37060
Cost: Weekdays: $16 for everyone age 3+ // Weekends: $19 for everyone age 3+
Ages: Great for all ages!
Website: Check out their website here.
Piccolo Animal Sanctuary
We stumbled upon this place after we promised our kids a trip to the Nashville Zoo, only to find out it was full. We very quickly googled “things to do in Nashville for kids” and saw a lot of the run of the mill kids activities in Nashville proper.
They really wanted to see animals though so we started trying to find another “zoo” when this gem popped up. Piccolo Animal Sanctuary takes in all kinds of animals but they mostly serve as a refuge for discarded livestock. They have some of everything on their little farm!
Piccolo Animal Sanctuary is donor funded so they ask that you donate a small amount per family that is coming to visit. This helps pay for the care of the animals that you get to enjoy. The owners, Jeff and Bonnie, are the nicest people! Our toddlers loved this place. The animals are so friendly and the up close experience was well worth the small donation we gave.
Address: 4371 Dry Fork Rd, Whites Creek, TN 37189
Cost: Recommended $25 donation per family
Ages: Great for all ages!
Website: Check out their website here.
Frist Art Museum
We travel with toddlers so an art museum is never on our list of things to do. Ever. Let me be the first to say how pleasantly surprised I was with First Art Museum! They pride themselves on being a family-friendly place and they have taken extra measures to ensure that any age can enjoy their visit.
First of all, strollers are allowed and talking is encouraged. First Art Museum truly wants you to experience the art they have on display (just not by touching it). They have a dedicated space for younger artists to explore their creativity. The Martin ArtQuest Gallery allows kids to paint, draw, do printmaking, and animation. It is such a neat space and perfect for any age.
Address: 919 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
Cost: $15 for adults // Kids 18 and under are free
Ages: All ages are welcome!
Website: Check out their website here.
Cumberland Park
Cumberland Park in Nashville is a really unique space that was designed with families and animal lovers in mind! They offer spacious paved walking paths and large grassy areas in addition to many kid-friendly features like a splash pad, rock wall, sand play, a see saw, and much more. There is not a “playground” in the traditional sense but there are so many activities for kids to enjoy.
Cumberland Park is Nashville’s riverfront park so there are plenty of picture perfect opportunities throughout the park! There is also an explorer trail that my toddlers really enjoyed following (it is a stone trail). It is lined with bushes that attract butterflies which made it even more fun! I would highly recommend this place for families!
Address: 592 South First Street Nashville, TN 37213
Cost: Admission to the park is free but you will probably pay for parking if you park close to the park.
Ages: Great for all ages!
Website: Check out their website here.
Dragon Park/ Fannie Mae Dees Park
Our ids thought Dragon Park was the coolest place! It literally has a giant dragon running through the center of it! In addition to the large dragon, the park has a playground and picnic pavilions.
The park is also home to Lily’s Place, the first playscape built in Nashville for kids with different physical abilities. This park is a great place to bring the whole family!
Address: 2400 Blakemore Ave, Nashville, TN 37212
Cost: Free!
Ages: Great for all ages!
Website: Check out their website here.
Nashville Public Square Park
Nashville public square park is a great free thing to do in Nashville with kids. Bonus points because it is actually in downtown Nashville so you do not have to go far from the good food.
There are reflection ponds for kids and a large grassy area for kids to run around in . The grassy area is also a wonderful spot for a picnic! You can find it at Union St & 3rd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37243.
John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge & Cumberland River Pedestrian Bridge
Does anybody else really love pedestrian bridges? I think they are so cool and our kids love to look out over the city. We tend to find these in every city we travel to so you will always see a bridge option on my lists of “things to do.”
The John Seigenthaler Bridge is the most popular bridge with wonderful views of the Nashville skyline. The Cumberland River Pedestrian Bridge is a greenway connecting two of the most beautiful parks in the area, but with no view of the city.
These bridges make for some really awesome family pictures. We have found that meal times are the best times to get a picture without a ton of people in the background.
One would think early morning would be great because most people are sleeping. Well, yes, they are sleeping. But, those who are not sleeping are out running or riding their bikes and guess where they want to be. Hint: on a pedestrian bridge.
You can find access to the John Seigenthaler Bridge from 3rd Avenue S in downtown Nashville. You can find access to the Cumberland River Bridge by way of Two Rivers Park.
Local Parks + Playgrounds
As mentioned above, Nashville has some amazing parks right around the outskirts of town that are perfect for families traveling with younger kids. The last time we went to Nashville our kids were 3 and 2 so we were not exactly touring the Grand Ole Opry. In between kid-friendly activities we would stop at a local park to let the kids get some energy out. Check out some of these awesome playgrounds we found:
Peay park is home to a little free library, cute little playground, and a splash pad. All are free to use and located about 20 minutes north of Nashville. You can check out their website here and you can find them at 200 Memorial Drive
Goodlettsville, TN 37072.
Kirkpatrick Park Playground offers a playground and splash pad for babies, toddlers, and for older kids! They typically open after Memorial Day Weekend and you can find them at 620 S. 9th Street Nashville, Tennessee.
Shelby Bottoms Park is not just a playground. They have a nature center and a Shelby Bottoms Greenway! It is the perfect spot to spend a low key morning or afternoon with so much space to run around in. The Greenway is close to 1,000 acres and Shelby Bottoms Park is around 300. Bonus: they are less than four miles from downtown Nashville! You can find them at 1900 Davidson St. Nashville, TN 37206.
Sevier Park is home to a large community center that offers a lot of resources for locals. If you are just visiting you can check out their playgrounds and picnic spots! You can find them at 3021 Lealand Lane Nashville, TN 37204.
Seven Oaks Park has two nice, covered picnic pavilions as well as large grassy areas for the kids to run and play. They have a playground and public restrooms right next door. Its a perfect place for a lunch picnic and quick play date before an afternoon nap. You can find them at 3474 McGavock Pk, Nashville, TN 37217. Check pictures of their facilities here.
Brentwood Playground is one of the coolest playgrounds in the area! It is very unique and has a variety of features you won’t see at the other standard playgrounds. Like the awesome teepee pictured! They also have a variety of picnic tables and benches within the playground area that are perfect lunch spots. You can find them at 1500 Volunteer Pkwy, Brentwood, TN 37027.
Harpeth Valley Playground is a small local spot about 15-20 minutes southwest of downtown Nashville. There are actually quite a few parks in this area! Harpeth Valley has two playground areas, though one was closed for renovation when we were there last. There is also a basketball court! You can find them at 7840 Old Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37221.
Mary’s Magical Place is one of the farthest recommendations from downtown Nashville but it is SO worth it! They offer a ton of playscape for children of all kinds of different abilities. It is a really wonderful place! We spent half of a day here (by accident) but we definitely could have stayed longer! You can find them at 140 Scotch St, Hendersonville, TN 37075.
— Things to do in Nashville with kids that are older —
Belle Meade Plantation
If your kids love history then Belle Meade should definitely be on the top of your list of things to do in Nashville. It is located right outside of downtown and has so much historical value. Seeing a plantation that was born before the Civil War is amazing!
Although kids are most certainly welcome, I did not get a sense that young kids are the desired audience for the mansion. The plantation has a one-mile walking trail through the grounds that allows you to see all of the buildings and experience the wine tasting, if you choose to. They do have an ice cream shop, restaurant, gift shop, and a game court (with games like corn hole, croquet, bocce ball, and a small putting green).
They offer a “grounds only” admission and a “Family Tour” option, both of which would be my recommendations if you are traveling with younger children who are not interested in the museum and mansion tour. The “Family Tour” is designed for children under the age of 12 (I personally would recommend ages 6-12).
Address: 110 Leake Ave, Nashville, TN 37205
Cost: Varies based on programs selected and age. See all of their options here.
Ages: I would recommend ages 6+ but it is doable if you have younger children traveling with you as well.
Website: Check out their website here.
Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
About 30 minutes northeast of Belle Meade Plantation is another historical landmark from an earlier period in history. Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage is a beautifully preserved mansion and plantation that includes a museum, garden, grounds, and even a film.
There are two admission types: grounds pass and mansion tour. The mansion tour admission gives you access to everything there is to offer.
The grounds pass gives you access to anything outdoors. As with Belle Meade, I recommend the grounds pass for families with young children. Bonus points: children 4 and under are free with a paid adult ticket!
Address: 4580 Rachels Ln, Hermitage, TN 37076
Cost: Grounds Pass: $18 for adults, $11 for kids 5-12, FREE for 4 and under // Mansion Tour: $24 adults, $15 for kids 5-12, FREE for 4 and under.
Ages: I would recommend ages 6+ for the mansion tour but it is doable if you have younger children traveling with you as well. The grounds tour is perfect for all ages (and dogs!).
Website: Check out their website here.
Parthenon in Centennial Park
The Parthenon in Centennial Park in Nashville is the world’s only full scale and detail replica of the Parthenon in Athens, Greece. In addition to the actual structure, there are two galleries with exhibits that change every few months, and a gift shop. There is also a permanent exhibit that features the Cowan Collection of American Art.
Address: 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
Cost: $10 for adults // $8 for kids 4-17 // FREE for 3 and under
Ages: Great for all ages but older kids can appreciate this full scale replica more than the toddlers can.
Website: Check out their website here.
Country Music Hall of Fame
If you have country music fans in your family then this stop in Music City is a must-see. You can take a trip back in time to explore some of the greatest country artists in history. Their exhibits do update every few months so be sure to check their website to see what is coming up.
Address: 222 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN 37203
Cost: There are a variety of options/packages available. Check out their website for more details.
Ages: I would recommend ages 6+ to be able to appreciate the exhibits.
Website: Check out their website here.
Historic Mansker’s Station
Just 20 minutes north of Nashville you can experience a frontier fort and the longest standing brick building in middle Tennessee. Though parts of the frontier have been recreated, the Bowen’s House is authentic and built in 1787. This is a great detour from downtown Nashville if you are looking for a historical site that will not break the bank.
Address: 105 S. Main St. Goodlettsville, TN 37072
Cost: $8 for adults // $6 for kids ages 6-12 // Kids 5 and under are free
Ages: Great for all ages.
Website: Check out their website here.
Madame Tussauds
These museums are so cool because the wax figures inside them look [ r e a l ]. As it turns out, our oldest thinks “pretend people” are hilarious. Our youngest is not amused and maybe even a little frightened. Check it out for yourself and get some great pictures with some of your favorite celebrities!
Address: Opry Mills, 515 Opry Mills Dr, Nashville, TN 37214
Cost: $25 for adults // $20 for kids ages 5-12 // Kids 4 and under are free
Ages: Great for all ages if your kids like wax figures!
Website: Check out their website here.
Nashville Shores Waterpark & Tree Top Adventure Park
We have not braved a waterpark with our kiddos yet but this is a pretty popular thing to do in Nashville with kids, especially if they are a little older than ours. Nashville Shores has a ton of slides, a wave pool, and a beach so there really is something for everyone!
Address: 4001 Bell Road Hermitage, TN 37076
Cost: Weekday admission is $34 // “Good Any Day” tickets are $42 // Kids 2 and under are always free
Ages: There is something for everyone!
Website: Check out their website here.
Soar Adventure Tower
Every once in a while the history stuff gets a bit dull and the kids (and adults) need a fun activity. Soar Adventure Tower is that activity! It is putt putt golf combined with an adventure course. The best part? They have a “ground course” for ages 3 to 8!
Address: 3794 Carothers Parkway, Franklin, TN 37067
Cost: $50 for adults // $40 for kids 8-17 // $33 for kids 3-7
Ages: Anyone 3 and up!
Website: Check out their website here.
Wrap Up: Things to do in Nashville with kids
We’ve covered just about everything within 30 minutes of downtown. If you know of something new popping up or something we left off, please leave a comment! There truly is so much to do and see in Music City. Happy traveling!
