BEST THINGS TO DO IN NASHVILLE WITH KIDS

VISITING NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: A FAMILY TRAVEL GUIDE

Although it’s mainly known for the music, bars, and party scene, there are also a lot of fun cultural things to do in Nashville. While it would indeed be an excellent place for a bachelorette party, it’s also fun for families or couples. In this guide, I’ll be sharing the best things to do in Nashville with kids.

We spent 4 nights in Nashville with my parents, my husband and our 2-year-old son and we had such a great time. There really is something for everyone in Nashville, so read on to plan your perfect trip.

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GETTING AROUND NASHVILLE

Nashville is a fairly spread-out city. It’s also very hot (even when we visited in mid-May). It would be ideal to have a car to get around but as we didn’t we mainly used the bus. The buses were easy to navigate and cost $2 per adult. You can ask for a 2-hour transferable ticket so you can use it as many times as you like within that time. Great if you’re going somewhere that requires you to change buses!

THINGS TO DO IN NASHVILLE WITH KIDS

THE PARTHENON AND CENTENNIAL PARK

When travelling as a family, parks are always a good idea. There’s plenty of open space for kids and beauty for everyone to enjoy.

Centennial Park is a relatively large park located in the West End of Nashville. In Centennial Park, the Nashville Parthenon is a full-sized replica of the one in Athens. This is possibly the most beautiful building in Nashville. The Parthenon is actually closed on Mondays which is when we visited but if you do go inside it’s essentially an art museum. Most famous for the statue of Athena.

Adult tickets are $10 with under 4’s going free. Find out more information on their website here.

There’s also a nice duck pond/lake with a 1-mile trail to walk around it. There were storyboard props around which were great entertainment for children.

There’s also a children’s playground which is always the best free way to let little ones burn some energy!

MATTHEESSENS – ICE CREAM, COOKIES & FUDGE

When the weather’s hot and you’re travelling with kids (or even without kids) you need ice cream! Located in Downtown Nashville you’ll find Matthessens and we’d highly recommend it!

THE GULCH

The Gultch is a small but trendy area in Nashville with nice shops and restaurants. It’s a lovely area to look around. You’ll also find one of Nashville’s most famous murals there, the WhatLiftsYou Wings Mural. This is the perfect photo spot to remember your trip. There are also mini wings next to the main one which is perfect for kids.

Top Tip: stand a little bit away from the wall to get the best effect of the wings!

12 SOUTH

This was my favourite area in Nashville. It’s another small neighbourhood in Nashville. You’ll find a few more fun murals here which make great photo backdrops. There are also some nice shops and restaurants.

Stoney Clover is a must visit. It is so pink and Instagrammable. My son had zero interest but if you have little girls, they are sure to love it!

Sevier Park is nice for wandering through and also has a large children’s playground which is perfect for kids.

Stoney Clover Store | Amelias Flower Truck

GRAND OLE OPRY AND OPRY MILLS OUTLET

The Grand Ole Opry is the home to country music in Nashville. You can go inside for a tour or see a real concert here. Find all the details HERE.

Located right next to the Opry is Opry Mills Outlet. I only had time for one of these activities and as my son was taking a rare nap I decided to treat myself to retail therapy!

Another thing located close to here is Gaylord Opryland. The water park looks so good. Unfortunately, it was closed when we visited. It would have been a great way to escape the heat so if you’re travelling with kids, definitely look into it HERE.

CAPITOL HILL

This is the highest hill in the centre of Nashville and is also known as the Tennessee State Capitol. The area consists mainly of government buildings that all have really nice architecture. Like the Parthenon, they were built with Greek influence.

Guided tours of these are available during the week. I wasn’t convinced doing this would be a fun toddler activity but older kids might enjoy it.

Outside The Grand Ole Opry | Capitol Hill

MUSIC ROW AND BROADWAY

Even though this is the party centre of Nashville, I still think you should visit here. We initially visited on a Sunday afternoon and it was a little bit wild. Going back in the week was a much nicer vibe if you’re visiting Nashville with kids. This area is what Nashville is most famous for so definitely check it out – at least once!

Seeing live country music while in Nashville is a must and this is the perfect place to do it!