Top 20 Places to Take Kids in Nashville

The Opry House delivers live country and bluegrass performances in a spacious, comfortable venue where every seat offers a solid view and the energy feels both grand and genuinely welcoming. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the accessible concessions, padded seating, and the chance to witness the musicians who shaped Nashville's sound—plus there's a gift shop and backstage tours available if you want to extend the experience beyond the show itself.

Three floors of Tennessee history unfold with excellent pacing and plenty of spots to pause—whether watching short films, trying music trivia, or stepping onto the second-floor deck for a breather. Free admission and interactive exhibits (including a dedicated kids' area and battle displays) mean families can easily spend several hours here without feeling rushed, making it ideal for a rainy-day outing or between other activities.

This international auto museum showcases one-of-a-kind vehicles from around the world—many you've never seen before—alongside a dedicated kids' playroom, making it easy to spend an afternoon exploring everything from vintage classics to bold concept cars. The detailed placards tell the story behind each unusual machine, and the optional basement tour reveals even more hidden gems worth the extra cost.

Illuminated train displays with intricate handcrafted details and synchronized light shows set the festive tone at this 55-acre estate, where kids can wander multiple themed gardens while parents enjoy the walking grounds, seasonal sculpture installations, and on-site refreshments. The grounds strike a rare balance—peaceful enough for contemplative strolls and exploration, yet designed with child-friendly elements like water features and interactive displays throughout.

Seasonal — typically fall through winter for holiday events; spring and summer for gardens

The beautifully preserved mansion and expansive grounds transport visitors into 19th-century life, with guided tours through period rooms, gardens, and historic buildings that bring American history into sharp focus. Kids and parents alike can spend a couple of hours exploring the property, watching interpretive films, and learning about Andrew Jackson's era from knowledgeable guides—plus there's a cafe and wagon rides to round out the visit.

This expansive green rectangle stretches between Nashville's Capitol and downtown, offering wide-open spaces perfect for running around, exploring paved trails, and discovering memorial gardens with fascinating historical stories. Bring a picnic or just let the kids burn energy on the manicured lawns while you soak in views of the Capitol building and skyline—it's the kind of breezy, car-free afternoon that makes city exploring feel like a real break.

The wide, newly paved lower trail here makes it easy to push strollers or let older kids scooter alongside a serene lake where wildlife sightings—deer, turtles, ducks, owls, and even bald eagles—keep young naturalists captivated. Flat terrain and multiple shaded rest stops mean even families with toddlers can enjoy a full outing without the strain of steep hiking, plus you'll find clean bathrooms and a visitor center to round out the experience.

Walking through the Country Music Hall of Fame, you'll encounter everything from Elvis's gold Cadillac to handwritten lyrics and iconic stage outfits—a chronological journey through country music's evolution that works at your own pace. Even kids unfamiliar with the genre find themselves drawn in by the well-organized exhibits, immersive storytelling, and sheer volume of artifacts, and many families discover they want to linger far longer than they initially planned.

The grand staircase leading into this full-size Greek replica makes an impressive first impression, and kids will be amazed by the enormous Athena statue dominating the main hall—plus the surrounding park offers plenty of space to explore and burn energy before or after your visit. The interior details about how the building and artwork were recreated are engaging enough for an hour or so, and the grounds are especially beautiful if you can catch it on a nice day or return at night to see the lighting.

The Frist occupies a beautifully restored Art Deco building that was once Nashville's main post office, making the visit itself a lesson in local history. Kids gravitate toward ArtQuest on the second floor, where rotating hands-on activities and rotating student-artist galleries spark creativity, while parents can browse curated exhibitions (many changing seasonally) at a manageable scale—most families see everything in a couple of hours. The on-site cafe and friendly staff make it easy to linger without exhaustion.

The sprawling grounds invite leisurely exploration of a historic mansion, beautiful gardens, and outbuildings where knowledgeable guides bring family stories and overlooked histories to life. Kids can tour the mansion, stroll manicured lawns, catch live music under magnolia trees, grab ice cream, and parents can unwind with wine or bourbon tastings while everyone soaks in the peaceful, unhurried atmosphere just outside the city.

The renovated main library features a stunning marble-floored interior that doubles as both a cultural showcase and a haven for kids—the expansive children's section offers interactive games, puppet shows, story times, and activities for all ages, while parents can explore civil rights exhibits, historical displays, and a peaceful courtyard. Free parking validation and plenty of bathrooms make it an easy, screen-free outing that feels more like visiting a museum than checking out books.

Wide, mowed trails wind through 800 acres of meadows and rolling hills toward creeks, ponds, and riverside views—making this a manageable outdoor escape for families wanting an easy walk without feeling crowded. Bring bug spray and sturdy shoes, and you'll find plenty of space for kids and dogs to explore nature at a gentle pace, with a visitor center and educational areas near the entrance.

The sprawling indoor gardens and atrium spaces create an almost magical environment that keeps kids entertained just exploring the property, and the on-site restaurants and water park (seasonal) mean you can spend days without leaving the resort—perfect for families who want everything under one roof near the Grand Ole Opry.

Water park seasonal — typically open weekends and peak times

The petting zoo and interactive animal encounters—including hand-feeding lorikeets and petting kangaroos—make this a standout hands-on experience for young children, while the spacious, well-maintained grounds, playground, and zipline keep older kids engaged for several hours. The zoo is thoughtfully laid out and easy to navigate with strollers, though the zoo train operates intermittently, so check its status upon arrival if that's a must-do for your group.

Three floors of hands-on exhibits let kids dive into everything from dinosaurs and space to the human body and sound—with enough interactive stations to easily fill a few hours. The planetarium is a standout, staff are genuinely engaged, and free parking plus reasonable admission make it an accessible pick for a rainy day or weekend adventure.

The multi-level indoor exhibits here mix hands-on exploration—from water play to dramatic performance spaces to a slide that whooshes between floors—with rotating activities that keep repeat visits fresh. The welcoming staff help navigate a thoughtfully paced experience, and the adjacent wetland trails and nature viewing offer a chance to stretch legs and spot wildlife outdoors.

The driving range bays here let families skip the full golf course hassle and jump straight into hours of entertainment, with plenty of games and food options to keep everyone—including preschoolers—happily occupied. Book at least two hours, grab a pizza and drink, and you'll have a laid-back outing that works whether your kids are just learning or you're all mixed skill levels.

The water park and lakeside grounds deliver genuine all-day entertainment—splash pads, slides, and swimming pools keep kids engaged for multiple visits—plus families can lodge in cabins, RV spots, or campsites right on the property and enjoy boat rentals, fishing, and a marina restaurant without leaving the grounds. Parents should plan to bring their own snacks, since on-site food is overpriced and underwhelming, but the clean facilities, friendly staff, and easy access to both water attractions and a quieter outdoor escape make it a solid weekend destination near Nashville.

Seasonal — water park typically spring through early fall

The on-site pool and bounce houses keep kids entertained between Nashville explorations, while cabin and RV options make this a budget-friendly base near the Grand Ole Opry and downtown. Staff go out of their way to help families adjust plans on the fly, and the mix of activities means younger children have plenty to do without leaving the grounds.