Local’s Guide: Top 20 Things to Do in Nashville, TN with Kids!

Last Updated on September 5, 2026 by Tori Pines

Nashville is honestly one of the most underrated family destinations in the entire country, and as someone who has lived here for years and is raising my own kids in this city, I can say that with complete confidence. Yes, Nashville is famous for honky-tonks and hot chicken and bachelorette parties, but underneath all of that is an incredibly vibrant, kid-friendly city packed with amazing things to do for every age. Whether you’re a local looking for your next family outing or a visitor trying to plan the perfect Nashville trip with kids, this list is for you.

I also want to note that most of these spots are fun for adults too! I like to do things with my kids that I enjoy, and this list reflects that. These are my personal picks for the best things to do in Nashville with kids, organized from the tiniest toddlers all the way up to teens. Bookmark this one, because you’re going to use it a lot.

Why Trust Me?

Because I’m a local! I live in Nashville and visit these spots often with my kids. I’m always trying out new places to go in Nashville with kids and babies. I will give you all of my honest opinions, the good and the bad about each place! And I will continue to try new places often (for research of course), and add to the list as I find new places I love and think you will too!

Things to Do in Nashville with Kids: The Ultimate Local Guide

1. Nashville Zoo

Best for Ages: 2-12
Cost: Starting at $21pp
Website

Let’s start with one of the absolute best days you can have in Nashville with kids: the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere. This is a genuinely wonderful zoo and one that I think is really underrated on a national level. It’s beautifully maintained, has a great variety of animals, and the Unseen New World exhibit is one of the coolest things in the city. But the real star of the show for families with young kids is the Jungle Gym, one of the largest wooden play structures in the country.

Plan to spend half a day here minimum, pack snacks, and let the kids lead the way. Book tickets online in advance to save money and skip the gate line. If you’re a local, consider getting the season pass. It is absolutely worth the money!

Local Tip: You can bring food in! I highly recommend packing a picnic lunch and enjoying it at one of the many picnic tables around the property.

Looking into a travel credit card? I swear by the Southwest Credit Card for earning free flights around the US and the ability to earn the companion pass where you can take anyone on a flight with you for FREE!

2. Adventure Science Center

Best for Ages: 2-12
Cost: Starting at $18pp
Website

If you have kids who love hands-on learning (and really, what kid doesn’t love pushing buttons and touching everything?), the Adventure Science Center is an absolute must. This incredible interactive science museum in the Sulfur Dell neighborhood has exhibits on space, the human body, physics, and so much more, all designed to be completely hands-on and engaging for kids of every age. The planetarium shows are amazing and the rooftop offers a really beautiful view of the Nashville skyline. It’s educational without feeling like school.

Local Tip: If you live in the area, consider buying an annual pass to visit often! This is a great birthday or Christmas present idea if you’re sick of getting toys!

3. Slick City

Best for Ages: 4+ (but also has a toddler area)
Cost: Starting at $13.99pp
Website

Oh my goodness, Slick City is quite the experience for kids! Located inside Opry Mills Mall, Slick City is Nashville’s indoor slide and action park featuring 20+ foot tall slides, action-packed attractions, and nonstop movement all in one place. The park includes indoor slides, air courts, a Junior Jungle soft play zone, and a Sport Air Court for basketball and dodgeball.

Kids must be at least 4 years old to use the main slides, and the soft play area is designed strictly for ages 5 and under. There’s also a Little Sliders Club on Sunday mornings that is perfect for the youngest kids with activities, crafts, and kid-friendly music. CitySocks are required and cost $4.99 per pair, and they are yours to keep and reuse. Book your timed tickets online in advance, especially on weekends when it gets really busy. Although they do have the area for toddlers, this is definitely best for older kids.

4. PuttShack

Best for Ages: 5+
Cost: Starting at $10pp
Website

PuttShack is one of those spots that is equal parts kids activity and genuinely fun adult outing, and I absolutely love it for both. Located in The Gulch, on the site of the old Gibson Guitar factory, PuttShack spans 28,000 square feet and features four 9-hole courses powered by their patented Trackaball™ technology that automatically tracks every shot. No keeping score manually, no arguments about who cheated, just pure fun.

The courses are creative, colorful, and genuinely really enjoyable for all ages. I think they can get the most out of it starting around 5, but we have been bringing our kids there since they were babies. The food and drinks are great too which makes it a really easy one-stop outing for the whole family. Kids are welcome in the venue until 8 PM, after which it becomes 21+, so plan your visit accordingly. Book a tee time online in advance, especially on weekends.

5. The Great Big Game Show

Best for Ages: 10+
Cost: Starting at $39.99pp
Website

This one took me completely by surprise and ended up being one of my favorite Nashville date nights, but it is also SO fun for families with older kids. My husband and I went with pretty low expectations and spent a solid hour laughing so hard we were crying. The concept is simple: you and a group of strangers compete together in a live, interactive game show format, and something about the energy in that room is just absolutely contagious and hilarious. It’s perfect for family groups with kids old enough to participate, and it’s such a unique, fun Nashville experience that you genuinely cannot do anywhere else.

6. Indoor Play Places for Toddlers

Best for Ages: 1-4
Cost: Starting at $15 per child (Adults are free)
Play All Day
Woodland Play Cafe
Nido

Nashville has an incredible selection of dedicated toddler play spaces and this is something I recommend to every parent of little ones in this city. A few of my absolute favorites:

Play All Day is a wonderful indoor play space with a great variety of equipment for multiple ages and a really clean, well-run environment. Woodland Play Cafe is one of the most beautiful and thoughtfully designed toddler play spaces I have ever seen, with a gorgeous nature-themed aesthetic, a great cafe, and the most beautiful play structures. Nido is located in Mt. Juliet and has a great coffee bar for moms!. Each of these places has timed play sessions and requires advance booking, so check their websites before you go. They’re perfect for rainy days, cold days, or any day when you need somewhere for the kids to burn energy in a safe, contained environment.

7. Restaurants with Play Areas for Kids

Best for Ages: 3+
Cost: Free, just pay for food/drinks

There is NOTHING more loved by parents than a restaurant with space for the kids to run. You don’t have to beg them to sit still in their seats any longer, and parents can actually enjoy a meal for once. Here are the ones I love most for families:

Nectar Urban Cantina in Hermitage is my absolute favorite. It has the most amazing backyard setup with a huge lawn, a stage for live music, and a fun play area for kids. It is the PERFECT summer dinner spot for families. Plus the Mexican food here is so delicious, its one of my favorite Mexican Restaurants in Nashville. Boombozz has a great outdoor play ground that lets the kids burn energy while the adults eat pizza and drink beer. Such a win.

Hugh-Baby’s location on Charlotte has a small playground space that our young kids absolutely love and the burgers here are to die for!!! Actually the best burgers I’ve ever had. I don’t believe their other locations have a play space but the burgers make it worth the visit either way! East Nashville Brew Works is another great option with an outdoor space where kids can roam while you enjoy a drink. We love the location out in Lebanon too! All of these places understand that eating out with kids means you need a little extra space and a lot of patience, and they deliver on both fronts.

8. Baby Bee Playhouse

Best for Ages: 1-5
Cost: $20 per child or $15 for sibling pass
Website

Baby Bee Playhouse is such a gem and one I want to make sure every parent in the Nashville and Hendersonville area knows about. Located in Hendersonville, Baby Bee Playhouse is a safe and engaging indoor space where children can play and explore, featuring imaginative play areas, a honeycomb maze, a carousel, a ball pit, and other attractions designed for family fun. It’s like a toddler play area taken to the next level.

The playhouse is packed with slides, climbing structures, imaginative play zones, sensory toys, and soft play areas with something for every age, and most families spend about 90 minutes to 2 hours enjoying all the play zones. You’re also welcome to stay and play all day, or head home for a nap and come back the same day with their re-entry pass, which I think is the most parent-friendly policy in the history of indoor play spaces. Walk-ins are welcome, but you can also book online to check in quickly and get straight to the fun. Grip socks are required for kids in the play zone, so bring a pair or grab one at the door. It’s a really lovely, well-thought-out space and such a wonderful outing for little ones!

9. Hiking at Percy Warner Park

Best for Ages: All Ages
Cost: FREE
Website

Nashville is such an underrated outdoor city and Percy Warner Park is proof of that. This gorgeous 3,000-acre park just minutes from the Green Hills area has miles of beautiful hiking trails for every ability level, plus horse trails, picnic areas, and the most stunning natural landscape. It’s completely free and one of those places that makes you feel incredibly lucky to live in Nashville. We love going in the fall when the leaves are changing and the whole park is just breathtaking. The main loop is a great option for families with kids old enough to walk a few miles, and there are shorter, flatter trails that work great for toddlers in carriers or on training wheels. But there are so many other awesome hiking trails in Nashville, so use my guide to find the right one for you and your kids!

10. Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Gardens

Best for Ages: 0-12
Cost: FREE
Website

You don’t have to be a hotel guest to enjoy the Gaylord Opryland, and this is something a lot of Nashville visitors don’t realize. The gardens inside this iconic resort are open to the public and are genuinely one of the most spectacular free (or very affordable) things to do in Nashville with kids. Nine acres of indoor garden atriums feature dancing fountains, roaring waterfalls, meandering streams, koi ponds, and 50,000 tropical plants, with walking paths at two levels. Kids are absolutely mesmerized by this place and honestly so are adults. They also have one of my favorite Italian restaurants in Nashville for families inside the hotel!

And at Christmas time? Oh my goodness. The Gaylord at Christmas is something truly special and a Nashville bucket list experience. From early November through early January, the resort comes alive with millions of twinkling lights, towering Christmas trees, festive music, and seasonal treats. At the heart of it all is ICE! brought to life with more than 2 million pounds of brilliantly sculpted ice, with 11 interactive walk-through scenes with a different theme each year. There’s also ice tubing, ice skating, gingerbread decorating, photos with Santa, and so much more. It is the most magical Christmas experience in all of Nashville and one I look forward to every single year.

11. Line Dancing at Category 10

Best for Ages: 5+
Cost: FREE (Plus cost of food and drinks if desired)
Website

Okay, this one might sound a little left-field for a kids activity but hear me out! Category 10 right off Broadway, offers free line dancing lessons that are SO fun and completely family-friendly. Our daughter absolutely loves getting out on that dance floor and trying to follow along, and there is something so perfectly Nashville about line dancing with your whole family in a honky tonk. It’s free, it’s fun, and it is a genuinely great Nashville experience that most locals haven’t even tried. Check their schedule and just show up to my favorite bar on Broadway!

12. K1 Speed Nashville

Best for Ages: 8+
Cost: Starting at $31pp
Website

For families with older kids who are looking for a serious thrill, K1 Speed is an absolute blast. This indoor karting venue has professional-grade electric karts and a really well-run racing experience that is fun for anyone old enough to get behind the wheel. There are height and age requirements so check the website before you bring younger kids, but for older children and teens this is one of the coolest things to do in Nashville and a great activity for bigger family groups or birthday parties.

13. Play Playground

Best for Ages: 13+ only
Cost: Starting at $18.50pp
Website

For the tweens and teens in your life who have graduated from the typical kids’ activities, Play Playground is the answer. This is Nashville’s coolest social entertainment venue for older kids and adults, and it is actually so fun. Think competitive games with shuffleboard, ping pong, billiards, beer pong, and all kinds of other games in a really cool, energetic atmosphere. It’s a fantastic option for families with older kids who want something more sophisticated than a traditional arcade but still want to compete and have a great time together. And I honestly think the price is super reasonable.

14. Lucky Ladd Farms

Best for Ages: 2-12
Cost: Starting at $10pp
Website

This one requires a bit of a drive, but let me just say: Lucky Ladd Farms is Tennessee’s largest petting farm and family fun park, a 60-acre farm park that is perfect for families of all ages with acres of playgrounds, exciting hands-on animal encounters, pony rides, wagon rides, tractor train rides, a splash pad, nature trails, and educational exhibits. It is SO much fun and one of those places that genuinely keeps kids of every age busy and happy for a full day.

Lucky Ladd Farms is home to over 100 friendly animals and exotic livestock, and the hands-on animal interaction is truly wonderful. The farm is located in Eagleville, about 45 minutes from downtown Nashville, and is completely worth the drive. Admission starts at around $10, with children under 2 free. They also have a spectacular Christmas lights event in December and an amazing pumpkin patch season in the fall. Check their seasonal schedule and book tickets at luckyladdfarms.com in advance as they do sell out, especially in October.

15. Breeden’s Orchard

Best for Ages: 2-8
Cost: $8pp
Website

Breeden’s Orchard has been part of Mt. Juliet since 1974, a small female-owned orchard, store, and bakery carrying on the tradition with Tennessee peaches, crisp apples, and homemade baked goods, all served with a love for farming and community. And it is one of the most charming, wonderful family outings you can have near Nashville.

Located about 25 minutes east of downtown Nashville, the orchard offers pick-your-own peaches in June and July, blackberries in June and July, apples from August through October (Starting in 2027!), and pumpkins in October. The homegrown country store and bakery are stocked with the most incredible local goods and their baked treats are legendary. They also host storytime on Friday mornings that is perfect for toddlers, live music events, and baby animal encounters that little ones absolutely love. 

But the real gem here is the activity yard! It costs $8 per person and includes slides, activities, games and a petting zoo! We have been so many times and each time they keep adding on new fun things to check out. They even have a brand new cidery for the adults to enjoy! Check their website at breedensorchard.com for their current schedule and seasonal offerings.

16. The Hangout Cafe

Best for Ages: 2-8
Cost: Free (Plus cost of food and/or drinks)
Website

The Hangout Cafe is one of those Nashville spots that families with young kids absolutely need to know about. It’s a wonderful kids’ cafe with a great menu for both children and adults, a really warm and welcoming atmosphere, and a nice play area that makes it easy to have a relaxed meal with little ones. It’s the kind of place where you can actually sit and eat your food without feeling stressed about your kids disturbing other diners, which, as any parent knows, is genuinely priceless. Talk about the perfect day out with the girls and their kids!

17. Cheekwood Estate and Gardens

Best for Ages: 2-10
Cost: Starting at $13pp
Website

Cheekwood is one of those Nashville gems that locals absolutely love and visitors almost always overlook, and I want to change that because it is SO special. This stunning 55-acre estate just eight miles southwest of downtown Nashville was originally the 1930s home of the Cheek family and has been transformed into a world-class botanical garden, arboretum, and art museum with 13 distinct gardens and a 1.5-mile woodland trail dotted with outdoor sculptures.

Kids absolutely love wandering through the grounds, exploring the sculpture trail, and just having the freedom to roam in such a beautiful, sprawling outdoor space. Seasonal events throughout the year include Cheekwood in Bloom in spring, Summertime at Cheekwood, Cheekwood Harvest in fall, and Holiday LIGHTS in winter. And the Holiday LIGHTS event at Christmas is genuinely one of the most magical things you can do in Nashville during the holiday season. The whole estate is lit up in the most spectacular way and it is just breathtaking. Admission for infants ages 0 to 2 is completely free, adult tickets range from around $20 to $29, and strollers are welcome throughout the grounds though not inside the historic mansion. Buy tickets at cheekwood.org and check their event calendar before you go because something special is almost always happening.

18. Centennial Park and the Parthenon

Best for Ages: All Ages
Cost: FREE
Website

This one is completely free and one of my absolute favorite things to do in Nashville with kids. Centennial Park is Nashville’s answer to Central Park and it is just a beautiful, wonderful place to spend a few hours with your family. The wide open lawns, the lake with ducks to feed, the playgrounds, the gorgeous tree-lined paths, all of it is completely free and completely wonderful.

The Centennial Park Conservancy presents over 100 free annual children’s events through their Kidsville program, connecting Nashville families to enriching opportunities for growth through education, experience, and exploration. There are free family walks, craft days, storytime events, and the annual Kidsville Family Festival in September which is such a wonderful day out. And then there’s the Parthenon itself, a full-scale replica of the Parthenon of Athens built for the 1897 Tennessee Centennial Exposition that Nashville couldn’t bring itself to demolish, and which now serves as a genuinely fascinating museum. Older kids especially find it really cool and it is such a uniquely Nashville landmark. Check kidsvilleonline.org for the free event schedule and plan your visit around one of their programs for extra fun.

19. Nashville Shores

Best for Ages: 5+
Cost: Starting at $39.99pp
Website

For the ultimate summer Nashville day with kids of all ages, Nashville Shores is your answer and it is SO much fun. Located just 10 miles from downtown Nashville on the shores of Percy Priest Lake, Nashville Shores is the largest water park in Middle Tennessee, a 385-acre recreational paradise featuring 20+ water attractions including high-speed slides, a giant wave pool, Tennessee’s widest lazy river, Kowabunga Beach water treehouse, and a beautiful sandy beach.

Children under 2 enter completely free, and in 2026 Nashville Shores added brand-new drone light shows over Percy Priest Lake included free with daily admission. How fun is that?! There’s also a floating inflatable Aqua Park on the lake, a Treetop Adventure ropes course and zipline for older kids and adults, boat and jet ski rentals, and a great BBQ restaurant on site. It is honestly a full day of adventure and one of the best summer values in all of Nashville. Tickets start at around $39.99 online, which is significantly cheaper than buying at the gate, so always buy ahead at nashvilleshores.com.

20. Sporting Events (Sounds, Predators and Titans!)

Best for Ages: 3+
Cost: Starting at $13pp

Nashville is a serious sports city and taking your kids to a live game is one of those experiences that never gets old, no matter how many times you do it. And the great news is you have three incredible options right here in Music City.

Baseball

The Nashville Sounds are my personal top pick for families with younger kids and I shout this from the rooftops every chance I get. The Sounds are Nashville’s Triple-A minor league baseball team and they play at First Horizon Park, which is a genuinely wonderful stadium with a really fun, relaxed atmosphere that is absolutely perfect for families. Tickets start at very affordable prices, the 2026 season features 33 giveaway dates, 15 fireworks shows, and themed nights including Sunday Family Funday every single week. There is also a great playground at the stadium, tons of food options, and a vibe that is completely low-pressure and fun for kids of every age. Check the schedule and plan around a fireworks night for extra magic.

Hockey

The Nashville Predators are Nashville’s NHL hockey team and going to a Predators game at Bridgestone Arena is one of the most electric, exciting live sports experiences you can have in this city. Smashville fans are famously loud and passionate, and the energy inside that arena is just absolutely contagious. Kids who have never watched hockey before go absolutely wild for the speed of the game and the intensity of the crowd. Predators games are best for kids old enough to follow along with the action, and the concourse activities and team shop make it a really fun full outing. Just be prepared: it is LOUD in the best possible way, so little ones with sensitive ears might want earplugs.

Football

The Tennessee Titans are Nashville’s NFL team and a Titans game at Nissan Stadium on the Cumberland River is a quintessential Nashville experience. The stadium is stunning (a brand-new one opening in 2027!), and there is something so special about watching NFL football live with your family on a fall Sunday afternoon in Nashville. Tickets and schedule at tennesseetitans.com.

Any of these three options makes for an absolutely wonderful Nashville family outing, and honestly, why not try all three?

Tips for Exploring Nashville with Kids

Seasonal Fun: Farmer’s Markets and Outdoor Events

One of the best things about Nashville with kids is the incredible seasonal outdoor events and farmers markets that pop up throughout the year. The Nashville Farmers’ Market near Bicentennial Mall is a wonderful weekend outing with great food vendors, local produce, and a really fun atmosphere that kids enjoy. The weekly 12 South Farmers’ Market is another great one. Throughout the year there are also incredible free events at Centennial Park, outdoor movies, festivals, and so much more. Check the Nashville Parks and Recreation calendar and the Nashville Scene event listings before every weekend because there is always something wonderful happening in this city.

Book in advance for the popular spots

Slick City, PuttShack, The Great Big Game Show, and Lucky Ladd Farms all benefit from advance booking, especially on weekends and during school holidays. It saves time, secures your spot, and often gets you a better price.

Beat the heat

Nashville summers are HOT and humid, so plan outdoor activities for early morning and save indoor spots like Slick City, PuttShack, the Adventure Science Center, and the indoor play cafes for the afternoon heat.

The Gaylord at Christmas is non-negotiable

If you are in Nashville anytime between November and early January, you must visit the Gaylord Opryland. It is one of the most magical experiences in all of Tennessee. For ideas of more things to do in Nashville at Christmas read my blog!

Enjoy the seasons

Nashville is wonderful year-round but fall is truly spectacular. Lucky Ladd’s pumpkin patch, Breeden’s apple picking, Percy Warner Park in the fall leaves, the farmers markets. Fall in Nashville with kids is just really something special. I also love the Spring in Nashville when the weather starts to warm and the tulips bloom!

Explore neighborhoods

Some of Nashville’s best kid-friendly restaurants and play spots are tucked into neighborhoods like 12 South, East Nashville, and Germantown. Exploring these areas on foot is a wonderful family outing in itself.

Take Day Trips from the City

The area surrounding Nashville is filled with tons of amazing things for kids too! Use my day trips from Nashville guide to plan a fun day-long getaway!

Things to do in Nashville with Kids

Nashville is such a special city to raise kids in and to visit with kids, and this list barely scratches the surface of everything this incredible city has to offer. Whether you’re a lifelong local or visiting for the first time, I hope this gives you a great starting point for making some really wonderful memories in Music City.