Nashville may be famous for live music and legendary entertainment, but Music City also has plenty to offer families.

From animal encounters and hands-on science exhibits to parks, playgrounds, music attractions, and family-friendly outdoor adventures, there are many fun things to do in Nashville with kids.

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, a summer vacation, or a longer family trip, the key is to create an itinerary that balances big attractions with plenty of time to play, rest, and explore.

Here are 15 family-friendly things to do in Nashville that can help you make the most of your visit.

1. Spend the Day at Nashville Zoo

For many families, a visit to the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is an easy choice.

The zoo offers animal exhibits, keeper talks, rides, and experiences designed to make a full day of family fun. Younger visitors can also enjoy attractions such as the carousel, train, and Jungle Gym.

It is a particularly good option for families visiting Nashville during warmer months when kids want plenty of room to explore outdoors. The zoo recommends planning ahead, as hours and experiences can vary by season.

2. Explore the Adventure Science Center

For a hands-on indoor adventure, visit the Adventure Science Center.

The science center offers interactive exhibits and activities designed for visitors of different ages and abilities. Families can explore science, technology, space, and other topics while enjoying a welcome break from walking around the city.

The Sudekum Planetarium can also add another memorable experience to your visit.

3. Let the Kids Play at Cumberland Park

Cumberland Park is a great stop for families exploring downtown Nashville.

The park gives children an opportunity to move, climb, and play while parents enjoy views of the city and river.

It's also easy to combine with other downtown attractions, making it a convenient addition to a family sightseeing day.

If you're traveling with younger children, building time for a playground stop into your itinerary can make the rest of the day much easier.

4. Visit Centennial Park and See the Parthenon

Centennial Park offers families an easy way to spend time outdoors without leaving the city.

Walk around the park, enjoy the open green space, and see Nashville's famous full-scale Parthenon replica.

The 132-acre park also features a one-mile walking trail, Lake Watauga, gardens, monuments, and other outdoor spaces, making it a flexible stop for families of different ages.

5. Take a Family Walk Across the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge

For great views and an easy outdoor activity, take a walk across the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge.

The bridge offers views of the Nashville skyline and Cumberland River and can be an enjoyable way to introduce kids to downtown.

Pair it with a visit to Cumberland Park for a family-friendly morning or afternoon of sightseeing.

6. Experience the Country Music Hall of Fame

Nashville's music history can be fun for families, too.

A visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame can introduce children to the artists, instruments, stories, and history that helped shape Music City.

Consider visiting earlier in the day when kids have more energy, then follow the museum with lunch or an outdoor activity.

Nashville's official tourism resources include the museum among the city's essential attractions and highlight the important role music experiences play in a first visit to the city.

7. Visit the Grand Ole Opry

A trip to Nashville is a great opportunity to introduce children to the city's famous music culture.

The Grand Ole Opry offers one of Nashville's most iconic entertainment experiences.

Depending on your family's interests and your children's ages, you may want to look into a tour or performance during your stay.

Planning ahead is helpful for popular dates and family trips with a busy schedule.

8. Explore Opry Mills

Sometimes families need an activity that gives everyone options.

Opry Mills offers shopping, dining, and entertainment in one convenient area.

It can be especially useful on a rainy day or during the hottest part of a summer afternoon.

Families can combine shopping with a meal or another nearby attraction, making it easy to build into a flexible itinerary.

9. Play a Family Game at Great Big Game Show

Looking for something different from traditional sightseeing?

Great Big Game Show Nashville offers an interactive experience where families can take part in a game-show-style competition.

This can be a fun option for older children and teens who want an activity that feels more interactive than a museum or walking tour.

Because it is located near the Opry Mills area, it can also be combined with other family activities nearby.

10. Discover Nashville's Outdoor Spaces

Nashville has plenty of opportunities for families to get outside.

Take a walk through a park, explore a greenway, enjoy a picnic, or simply give the kids time to run around between larger attractions.

Mixing outdoor activities into your itinerary can help prevent younger travelers from getting overwhelmed by a full schedule of museums, restaurants, and sightseeing.

Nashville's official tourism resources highlight a wide variety of attractions and free outdoor experiences throughout the city.

11. Visit a Local Museum

Museums can be a good option when Nashville weather is especially hot, rainy, or cold.

Choose an attraction that matches your family's interests and avoid trying to visit too many museums in one day.

For families with younger children, hands-on and interactive experiences often work best.

For older children and teenagers, art, history, music, and cultural attractions can make the trip feel more meaningful.

12. Take a Family-Friendly Sightseeing Tour

A sightseeing tour can help families see more of Nashville without spending the entire day walking.

Tours can be especially helpful when you're visiting for a short weekend and want to cover several parts of the city.

They can also give parents a break from navigating while children get a chance to see Nashville from a different perspective.

When choosing a tour, consider the length of the experience and whether it matches your children's attention spans.

13. Enjoy a Nashville Treat

Vacations are a great excuse to enjoy something sweet.

Add a stop for ice cream, chocolate, cookies, or another local treat to your family itinerary.

A snack break can also be strategically helpful after a morning of sightseeing or before an afternoon activity.

The best family itineraries don't have to be filled with major attractions. Sometimes a simple treat and a walk through a new neighborhood become one of the most memorable parts of the trip.

14. Explore a Family-Friendly Nashville Neighborhood

Downtown isn't the only place to experience Nashville.

Spend time exploring a neighborhood with walkable streets, restaurants, local shops, and places to stop along the way.

Choose an area where you can move at a relaxed pace and give the kids opportunities to take breaks.

Exploring different neighborhoods can also help families experience a side of Nashville beyond the city's most famous entertainment district.

15. Create Your Own Music City Adventure

One of the best things about Nashville is that families can create an itinerary that fits their own interests.

Your perfect day might include animals and outdoor play.

Another family might prefer science exhibits and music history.

A different group might spend the morning sightseeing and the afternoon shopping or enjoying a family activity.

Nashville works best when you don't try to see everything at once. Choose a few experiences your family will genuinely enjoy and leave room for rest, meals, and unexpected discoveries.

A recent family itinerary for Nashville recommends balancing parks, play spaces, music attractions, and downtime rather than packing every hour with activities.

How to Plan a Family Weekend in Nashville

Traveling with children can make vacation planning more complicated, but a little flexibility can make a big difference.

Start With One Major Activity Each Day

Choose one larger attraction as the focus of your day.

For example, you might spend the morning at Nashville Zoo and keep the afternoon open for lunch and relaxation.

The next day, visit Adventure Science Center and then explore a park.

This approach gives you structure without making your schedule feel overwhelming.

Add Time for Outdoor Play

Children often need time to move between sightseeing stops.

Parks, playgrounds, walking trails, and open spaces can give kids an opportunity to recharge.

Plan Around Meals and Breaks

Don't underestimate the importance of food and downtime.

Schedule meals before children become too tired or hungry, and leave room for breaks between major attractions.

Have a Backup Plan for Weather

Nashville weather can affect outdoor plans.

Include at least one indoor attraction on your list, such as the Adventure Science Center or another museum, so you have an alternative if rain or extreme temperatures change your plans.

A Sample Family Weekend Itinerary in Nashville

Want to combine several of these activities into one trip?

Here's one way to structure a family-friendly Nashville getaway.

Friday

Arrive → Check in → Explore a local neighborhood → Dinner → Relax.

Saturday

Breakfast → Nashville Zoo → Lunch → Return to the hotel for downtime → Dinner → Family-friendly evening activity.

Sunday

Breakfast → Adventure Science Center → Explore Centennial Park → Lunch → Visit another attraction or enjoy a local treat → Departure.

This itinerary gives families a mix of major attractions, outdoor activities, and time to recharge.

Where to Stay During a Family Trip to Nashville

A family vacation is easier when you have a comfortable and convenient place to return to after a busy day.

GLo Best Western Nashville Airport West offers accommodations for families, groups, and travelers visiting Music City. Families can choose room options that provide comfortable sleeping arrangements, including rooms with two Queen beds.

The hotel's location near Nashville International Airport also makes it convenient for families flying into or out of the city.

After a day spent visiting attractions, exploring parks, and discovering Nashville, a comfortable hotel gives everyone a chance to relax before the next day's adventures.

Ready to Explore Nashville With the Family?

From animals and science to parks, music, and interactive entertainment, there are plenty of fun things to do in Nashville with kids.

The best family vacation doesn't require filling every minute of your schedule.

Choose a few memorable attractions, make time for outdoor play, enjoy some of Nashville's famous food, and leave room for spontaneous discoveries.

Whether you're visiting for a weekend getaway, a school break, or a family summer vacation, Music City offers experiences for every age.

When you're ready to plan your trip, GLo Best Western Nashville Airport West provides a comfortable and convenient home base near Nashville International Airport.

Book your family stay, start planning your itinerary, and get ready to make unforgettable memories in Music City.