Things To Do With Kids in Nashville

This city’s packin’ some serious family-friendly heat that’ll have your little ones beggin’ to come back. So grab those tiny humans and let’s explore the best spots where your kids can go wild while you actually enjoy yourself too (imagine that!).

1. Adventure Science Center

Holy moly, this place is basically kid heaven disguised as “educational.” The Adventure Science Center has over 175 hands-on exhibits where kids can climb through a giant heart, explore outer space, and basically touch everything without you yellin’ “don’t touch that!” for once. The three-story adventure tower with rope bridges will burn off all that energy that somehow never runs out.

Tip: Hit up the planetarium shows. They’re super cool and give you a chance to sit down for 20 blessed minutes.

2. Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

This ain’t your average zoo, folks. The Nashville Zoo has this epic Jungle Gym that’s literally one of the biggest playground structures in the country. Kids go absolutely bananas here. Plus, there’s a Critter Encounter area where your brave little souls can pet goats, brush sheep, and meet other farm animals up close. The carousel is a must-ride, and the DinoTrek exhibit lets kids pretend they’re time-traveling paleontologists.

Tip: The zoo’s misting stations throughout the park are lifesavers during those sweaty Tennessee summers.

3. Centennial Park & The Parthenon

A full-scale replica of the Parthenon? In the middle of Tennessee? Yep, it’s true and it’s awesome. This massive park has tons of open space for picnics and runnin’ around like tiny maniacs. The Parthenon is a mind-blower for kids – especially when they see the 42-foot statue of Athena inside. “Mom, she’s taller than our house!” The duck pond is perfect for those moments when you need to chill for a sec.

Tip: Pack some bread for duck feeding, but don’t tell the park rangers I told you that.

4. Nashville Children’s Theatre

Even kids who can’t sit still for more than 30 seconds somehow manage to be mesmerized by the shows at NCT. They’ve been puttin’ on kid-friendly performances for over 90 years, so they know what they’re doin’. The productions are colorful, engaging, and usually under an hour – perfect for those short attention spans we all know and love.

Tip: Book tickets in advance cuz the popular shows sell out faster than hot biscuits at Loveless Cafe.

5. The Frist Art Museum

I know what you’re thinkin’ – an art museum for kids? Trust me on this one. The Frist has a dedicated Martin ArtQuest Gallery where kids can make their own masterpieces while learnin’ about art. We’re talkin’ printing presses, animation stations, and enough colorful supplies to make your Pinterest board jealous. Best part? It’s included with admission.

Tip: Hit this spot on rainy days when the kids are bouncing off the walls at home.

6. Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort

When the weather heats up, Nashville Shores becomes every kid’s dream come true. This massive water park has slides for all ages, a lazy river (parent favorite!), and a ginormous water treehouse with 750 gallons of water dumping from the top every few minutes. The littlest ones have their own splash area, and the beach area on Percy Priest Lake is perfect for sandcastle competitions.

Tip: Bring your own towels and snacks – buying that stuff there will cost ya an arm and a leg.

7. The Opryland Resort Gardens

Even if you ain’t stayin’ at this massive hotel, the indoor gardens are a must-see adventure for kids. We’re talkin’ 9 acres of indoor gardens with waterfalls, rivers, and walkways that make you feel like you’re explorin’ a tropical jungle. Kids love spotting the fish in the water and running across the little bridges. It’s surprisingly peaceful despite being kid-friendly.

Tip: Parking can be expensive, so either validate your ticket somewhere in the hotel or visit during the holidays when they sometimes offer free parking with their light displays.

8. The Nashville Farmers’ Market

This ain’t just for food snobs – the Nashville Farmers’ Market is actually super fun for kids. There’s plenty of space to roam, tons of colorful fruits and veggies to look at, and usually some street performers or musicians to entertain the little ones. Let them pick out some weird fruit they’ve never tried before, and grab some local treats while you’re at it.

Tip: The international food court inside has something for even the pickiest eaters, I promise.

9. Cumberland Park

This ain’t your mama’s playground. Cumberland Park is a cutting-edge play space right on the riverfront with interactive splash pads, a climbing wall, and an explorer trail. The views of downtown and the pedestrian bridge are killer, and there’s plenty of seating for parents who need a break from all the “watch me do this” moments.

Tip: Bring a change of clothes cuz your kids will 100% get soaked in the splash area.

10. Lane Motor Museum

For kids obsessed with anything that goes “vroom,” the Lane Motor Museum is mind-blowing. It’s got the weirdest, coolest collection of vehicles you’ve ever seen – tiny microcars, propeller-powered vehicles, and cars that look like they’re from another planet. They even have hands-on activities where kids can sit in some vehicles and turn knobs and switches without anythin’ breaking.

Tip: They sometimes have special “family day” events where they bring out extra interactive displays just for kids.

So there ya have it – Nashville’s best kid-friendly spots that won’t have parents checking their watches every five minutes. These places are the real deal – where kids can be kids and parents can actually enjoy themselves too. That’s what we call a win-win in the parenting handbook!