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Nashville is an exciting Tennessee destination full of distilleries, breweries, music memorabilia and concert venues. Eh, doesn’t sound that kid-friendly does it? Fear, not country music lovers, there’s plenty for the kids to do to. From outdoor spaces to magical museums, Nashville can hold promise for toddlers and teens. But make sure to bring along the in-laws, so you can take a barbecue and booze tour, see the Music Hall of Fame, or maybe even attend an event at the Grand Old Opry.
Adventure Science Center
What Is It? Adventure Science Center is where parents and kids can dive into a futuristic world of planets and gravity-defying activities, while also traveling back to a time of dinosaurs and prehistoric wonder.
Why Do It? Each interactive exhibit features a theme such as biology, astronomy, physics, earth science, energy, weather, sound, and space, designed to teach kids in a way that stimulates and fascinates. So if you’re in the mood for a little imaginative exploration, the center offers that.
Good to Know: From the center, you’ll find some pretty great Nashville views.
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
What Is It? Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is modest in its own presentation, but immediately impresses guests with its animal encounters and thoughtful touches throughout.
Why Do It? Even the restrooms offer cool exhibits. The zoo is an interweaving of natural habitat that blends with the surrounding walkways and foliage.
Good to Know: As if that isn’t enough to excite the little ones, there are super sweet playground areas to enjoy.
Tennessee Central Railway Museum
What Is It? Kids typically like trains—a lot. And the Tennessee Central Railway Museum isn’t your average boring display. Along with being able to explore historic and vintage locomotives, guests can actually go for a ride.
Why Do It? To make it a bit more lively, they’ve incorporated Thomas the Tank engine within the museum, along with mini train rides as well.
Good to Know: Enthusiastic hosts and a Polar Express themed ride at Christmas truly round out the lovability of this place.
Go-Karts at Music City
What Is It? Rainy day? No problem. Bring the family to this monster of an indoor go-kart track, which comes in at one-fourth of a mile.
Why Do It? While this may be something for kiddos a bit older since the electric carts are pretty darn fast, there are a few other activities like glow in the dark putt putt within the Music City complex as well.
Good to Know: This is a place to do some drifting while living out your NASCAR fantasies.
Lane Motor Museum
What Is It? If they love trains they’ll love these kooky cars at Lane Motor Museum. The museum is rare, featuring the largest European collection of vehicles in the United States.
Why Do It? While kids will appreciate the futuristic look of cars that have hailed from other countries, mom and dad can immerse into the unique events that shaped the automotive industry.
Good to Know: You’ll see some super weird stuff, from amphibious cars to prototypes that never made it to the road.
I Believe in Nashville Mural
What Is It? The I Believe in Nashville Mural is a beautiful artistic display expressing love toward the city.
Why Do It? With a colorful pallet and inspirational appeal, stopping by for a photo session will give your family some memorable souvenirs to keep forever.
Good to Know: The area features other fun paintings, along with a wealth of restaurants and famed shops.
Roam the Parks
What Is It? Nashville has a variety of nature areas and parks as well as non-designated lands to explore as well.
Why Do It? It’s a beautiful place with warm summer days and vibrant autumn foliage. So while it seems just too easy or simple, never underestimate the value of outside time for those energy-filled bundles of joy.
Good to Know: It’s typically free!
Zipline Adventure Park at Nashville West
What Is It? Explore and even learn some fun facts about the native foliage of Nashville, as you actually whisk through the tree canopy on an exhilarating zip line tour.
Why Do It? Appropriate for most kids and adults, you’ll be harnessed and sent off to feel the breeze in your hair.
Good to Know: Lasting around 90 minutes, it’s a great option to wring out all of that traveling excitement.
Madame Tussauds Nashville Admission Ticket
What Is It? Madame Tussauds has a Nashville location, filled with wax replicas of beloved musicians and stars, like Johnny Cash.
Why Do It? Figures even have real artifacts from each celebrity to add to its authenticity. Have your picture taken with your favorite singer—the photo ops are endless.
Good to Know: Being right beside the Grand Old Opry, you might convince the kids to run over there for a quick walkthrough.
Explore Nashville City Tour by Golf Cart
What Is It? A golf cart tour is a great way to see most of the city, including the Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman Auditorium, Johnny Cash Museum, Germantown, The Gulch, Tootsies, and Music Row.
Why Do It? Because we all know when little legs get tired, it’s over. Cruising at a low speed, kids and adults can enjoy the sites and valuable information provided by their local guide.
Good to Know: Over 30 Nashville sites are highlighted.
