Kid-Friendly Places in Nashville, Tennessee

Kids of any age can find adventure in Nashville. Explore space and other scientific wonders, get up close to animals, solve puzzles before time runs out and more. Here are a few ways kids can have a blast in Music City. 

Adventure Science Center

Explore the wonders of space when you visit Adventure Science Center.  Walk through and participate in engaging exhibitions. Catch a show in the planetarium featuring state-of-the-art digital projection and surround sound. Learn about science, culture and history. It even hosts laser shows throughout the year. Exhibitions include the merging of science and medicine, nanoscale science and technology, and even a moonwalk.

Frist Art Museum

Visitors 18 years old and younger are always free at the Frist, making it easy for families to make art and see the works currently on display that range from large installations to ancient art to world-renowned paintings. Children can let their creativity run wild in the Martin ArtQuest Gallery as it’s home to 30 hands-on, imagination-sparking activities. Kid-friendly meals of pizza, chicken tenders, corn dogs and grilled cheeses can be found at the Frist Center Cafe. 

Nashville Zoo

Get close to kangaroos; see cougars, Elands, Baird tapir, giraffes and meerkats among many other mammals, birds and reptiles at the Nashville Zoo. Catch a zoo keeper talk, held throughout each day at the zoo, that offers more information and a deeper experience with animals like red pandas, flamingos, rhinoceros hornbills and more.

The Parthenon at Centennial Park

Since Nashville is considered “the Athens of the South,” the city needed an exact replica of the Parthenon in Athens, Greece. The structure was constructed for Tennessee’s 1897 Centennial Exposition and houses a 42-ft. statue of the goddess, Athena. Enjoy Centennial Park’s grounds by taking a refreshing walk and having a picnic for a perfect, laidback afternoon. 

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

Take the family to Cheekwood Estate & Gardens for a day spent in nature. About 10 miles south downtown Nashville, Cheekwood has a variety of beautiful gardens, a natural sculpture trail, children’s garden and running brooks that welcome some quiet time. Large lawn areas are perfect to spread a blanket and enjoy the sunshine. Step inside the Cheekwood Estate to see historic artifacts from Cheek family. Upstairs is an art gallery with changing exhibits to give you a fresh experience every time you come to Cheekwood.

Soundwaves at Gaylord Opryland

If the kids wants to make a splash in Nashville, take them to Soundwaves at Gaylord Opryland, an indoor water attraction for all ages. Four acres of indoor rides include a lazy river, a mega raft ride, a double FlowRider®, a lily pad walk, basketball hoops and rock wall. After time spent in the water, dry off and hit The Bass-ment, an arcade full of virtual reality games, a rock climbing wall and game tables. 

The Escape Game

Family-friendly games filled with clues, puzzles and more will appeal to older kids at The Escape Game in downtown Nashville, Opry Mills and Berry Hill. You'll have an hour of nonstop action navigating temple runs, space, taking part in a heist and more.

Kids and parents will have a blast in Nashville. For even more kid-friendly ideas, check out these things to do.