10 Best Things to do in Nashville with Kids!

Traveling with kids is always an adventure, and Nashville is one of those cities that makes family trips feel easy and fun. Families visiting Nashville can find many ways to spend time together, from interactive museums and science centers to outdoor parks and special attractions that keep kids busy while parents enjoy the city too. In this guide, we’ll walk you through 10 best things to do in Nashville with kids, sharing details from my own travel experiences and tips that make visits smoother.

1. Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Opened in the 1960s, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is considered one of Nashville’s most important cultural sites, that invite guests to explore a wide range of exhibits that include clothing, instruments, and personal belongings from well‑known artists such as Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Hank Williams. One major highlight is the Hall of Fame Rotunda, where plaques honor musicians who have made lasting contributions to the genre. To make the experience even more engaging, the museum hosts family programs, songwriter sessions, and special events throughout the year.

2. Nashville Zoo

The Nashville Zoo has grown into a large zoo with animals from around the world, including giraffes, tigers, kangaroos, and red pandas. Families enjoy the Kangaroo Kickabout, where visitors can walk inside the enclosure and see kangaroos up close, and Lorikeet Landing, where kids can feed colorful birds. The zoo also has a huge playground called Jungle Gym, which is perfect for children to run, climb, and play. A small train ride called the Wilderness Express is another favorite for younger kids. The zoo hosts special programs throughout the year, such as Boo at the Zoo during Halloween and other seasonal events.

3. Madame Tussauds Nashville

The Madame Tussauds Nashville is a wax museum that shines a spotlight on music icons who helped shape American culture. Inside, guests move through themed sections that showcase different styles of music, including country, rock, jazz, blues, and pop. The museum celebrates Nashville as “Music City” and shows lifelike wax figures of famous stars including Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Taylor Swift and Jimi Hendrix. Unlike many traditional museums, this one encourages visitors to join in the fun by standing next to the figures, taking photos, and feeling like they are part of the musical scene.

4. Adventure Science Center

The Adventure Science Center is another favorite spot where families can spend hours exploring exhibits, learning new things, and having fun at the same time. Inside, there are more than a hundred exhibits that cover topics like space, health, energy, and earth science, all designed in ways that children can touch, play, and explore. One of the biggest highlights is the Sudekum Planetarium, which shows movies about stars, planets, and the universe, along with laser shows set to music. The center also hosts camps, workshops, and special programs throughout the year, so every visit feels fresh.

5. Music Row

The Music Row is the center of the city’s music business and has been shaping the sound of country and popular music since 1950s. It is located around 16th and 17th Avenues South, and its filled with recording studios, publishing houses, and record label offices. Famous places like RCA Studio B and Columbia Studio have produced songs by artists such as Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, and Chet Atkins, making the area a landmark in music history. Visitors can take tours of the historic studios to learn how legendary songs were recorded and hear stories about the musicians who worked there.

6. The Escape Game Nashville

The Escape Game Nashville is a popular attraction where families and groups can work together to solve puzzles and complete challenges in themed rooms. Some of the most well‑known rooms include Prison Break, Gold Rush, The Heist, and Mission: Mars, giving visitors a chance to experience everything from breaking out of a jail to exploring outer space. Each game usually lasts about 60 minutes, and players must use teamwork, problem‑solving, and communication to finish the mission. The rooms are designed to be immersive, with detailed sets and clues that make the experience feel real.

7. Soundwaves at Gaylord Opryland

The Soundwaves at Gaylord Opryland is a large water attraction that combines indoor and outdoor areas, giving families a chance to enjoy slides, pools, and play spaces all year. The indoor part stays open every day and has drop slides, body slides, a lazy river, and pools made for both play and rest, while the outdoor section runs only in warm months and adds extra splash zones, many rides and family-friendly play areas. Younger kids enjoy the multi‑level play structure with smaller slides and water features, while older children and adults can try exciting faster rides and mat racers.

8. Nashville Speedway

Opened in 2001, Nashville Speedway was built as a 1.33 mile concrete oval with wide turns and seating for thousands of fans. The speedway is managed by Speedway Motorsports and continues to host Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Truck Series races. Race weekends give fans the chance to enjoy not just the races but also camping, pit tours, and family-friendly activities around the track. Popular events include the Tennessee Lottery 250 and other NASCAR races that bring fans from across the region. Camping areas are available on‑site, making it easy for people to spend the whole weekend at the track.

9. Piccolo Farms Animal Sanctuary

The Piccolo Farms Animal Sanctuary is a small nonprofit located in Whites Creek, where rescued farm animals are given a safe and permanent home. Started in 2018 with only a few animals and has grown to care for goats, pigs, and other farm animals that were neglected or abandoned. Each rescued animal has its own story, and visitors can hear about them during guided tours that make the experience more meaningful. Families often enjoy spending time here because children can meet the animals, and seasonal events are also part of the mission, teaching people about kindness and responsible care.

10. Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary

Covers about 300 acres, Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary is home to forests, meadows, ponds, and wetlands that support many plants and animals. Birdwatchers often visit because more than 100 species of birds have been recorded here, and families enjoy guided walks that highlight wildflowers, fireflies, and other seasonal changes. Educational programs are offered for schools and groups, giving children a chance to learn about nature in simple, hands‑on ways. Day passes are available for hiking, and special events like Wild About Bluebirds or Homeschool Days bring visitors closer to the sanctuary’s mission.

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