Family-Friendly Activities For Your Next Trip to Nashville

Nashville has been included in countless travel lists that tout Music City as a must-visit spot.

From “The 25 Best U.S. Cities to Spend a Weekend” to “The 10 Best Bachelorette Party Locations in the U.S.,” Nashville has an excellent reputation for showing folks a roaring good time, which is largely due to a fantastic restaurant scene, a lively bar scene, and an unparalleled live music scene. But just because food, booze, and music are the main draws that bring countless tourists to Music City every day, it doesn’t mean those are the only attractions here in Nashville. This city has plenty to offer in regards to culture, adventure, sights, and — yes — sounds, but these offerings extend farther than the honky tonks downtown.

Whether you’re traveling with a flock of your best [adult] friends, or your crew is made up of small humans who are still learning the basics of arithmetic, Nashville has plenty of activities that people of all ages can genuinely enjoy. So for your next trip, take a look at our Eight Family-Friendly Activities in Nashville:

Challenge your family (and yourself!) at the SOAR Adventure Tower

Located about 30 minutes south of downtown in Nashville’s neighboring community called Franklin, SOAR offers thrilling activities for adults and kids — and can accommodate little ones as young as 4! The Tower features three main ropes adventure courses in three varying levels, plus a ground level course for kids ages 4 - 7. Whether you’re most comfortable staying at a mere 15’ above ground or want to literally explore new heights up at 45’, SOAR will not only push you to your mental and physical limits, but they’ll also ensure you have a safe and fun experience all the while. And if you get out there and ultimately chicken out, their mini golf will keep you entertained while the rest of your family climbs the tower — no judgement!!

Explore the Adventure Science Center

The Adventure Science Center has been a favorite spot for the city’s youngsters for more than half a century and today remains one of the best family-friendly activities in Nashville. The space features “more than 175 hands-on exhibits that educate visitors about biology, astronomy, physica, earth science, energy, water, sound, and space and is home to a state-of-the-art Sudekum Planetarium.” Sure, this spot is primarily intended to grow and expand the minds of little ones, but its impressive exhibits have become a favorite Nashville spot for children and adults alike. And with special events that are constantly rotating on and off the calendar, we can almost guarantee you’ll see — and learn! — something new on every single visit.

Photo Courtesy: Adventure Science Center

Play at Centennial Park

Centennial Park is one of Music City’s most gracious hosts. Consistently entertaining us with its beautiful landscapes, Greek-inspired Parthenon building and museum, and a seemingly endless reel of events during the spring and summer months, Centennial Park has long been a favorite spot. Named for its role as host to the 1897 Tennessee Centennial and International Exposition (during which the now beloved Parthenon building was erected as a representation of “Athens of the South”), today the park maintains its role as host to some of Nashville’s best public events. We particularly love checking out local music at Musician’s Corner and strolling through the various arts and crafts festivals in search of a new treasure. The Parthenon and adjoining museum share fascinating tales and images from the Centennial Exposition, the expansive paths are ideal for riding bikes, scooters, or skateboards; and the ample grassy fields dotted with shady trees are just begging for a picnic. Whether your family includes tiny tikes or eye-rolling teenagers, Centennial Park is one of the best spots to take your family for some fun in Nashville.

Work(out) at Percy Warner Park

If Centennial Park is Nashville’s favorite park to play, Percy Warner is Nashville’s favorite park to work — work out, that is. A lush, forested park filled with hiking trails, biking paths, and a set of stairs that’ll make Jell-O out of your legs after just one climb, Percy Warner is where Nashville goes to exercise. From running to hiking, mountain biking to frisbee throwing, there’s plenty there that’ll help you get your blood pumping. Plus, the wildlife sightings — think: deer, owls, amphibians and reptiles — will almost make you forget you’re in the middle of an urban city!

Go Wild at the Nashville Zoo

Sure, everyone knows that a visit to the zoo makes for a great family outing, but the Nashville Zoo offers more than just the opportunity to peer at exotic animals from behind a plexiglass wall. Not only does the zoo feature fascinating animals like giraffes, zebras, lions, meerkats, and an entire cove of alligators, but gaining entry into the park also includes entry to the reptile house, flamingo lagoon, and the kangaroo petting zoo. We repeat: kangaroo petting zoo!! What’s more, the zoo’s massive jungle gym is a major draw, itself. Arguably the best jungle gym in Nashville, kids go nuts for it; featuring giant nets made of rope, a huge, happy hippo perfect for photo opps, and ample opportunity for climbing, jumping, sliding, this place is a fantastic spot for your kids to get out all of their wiggles.

Catch a game!

Everyone loves a game! When it comes to the sheer enjoyment of watching professional athletes give it all they’ve got on the field, or the court, or the diamond, there’s no age limit. And when it comes to Nashville, there’s [almost] no limit to the sports you can spectate. From baseball to football, and soccer to hockey, Music City is now home to three major league sports teams (as well as one beloved minor league baseball team) that bring this city to life. Both the Tennessee Titans and the Nashville Soccer Club play at Nissan Stadium, located on the east bank of the river that runs through downtown. Head slightly north of downtown for a baseball game at First Tennessee Park where your family will likely spend more time eating great food and playing games than you will actually watching the game. (No judgement!) Or stay in the heart of the action downtown and score tickets to see The Predators play at Bridgestone Arena. Whichever team you choose to root on, you and your family will have a blast watching our Nashville teams.

Watch the Sunset from the Pedestrian Bridge

Not only does this activity cost less than a penny — it’s free! — but it makes for the perfect opportunity to snap a stunning photo of your family against the Nashville skyline. Access the Pedestrian Bridge either from the Nissan Stadium parking lot or from 3rd Avenue between Broadway and Demonbreun downtown, and then climb to the top and face west for a stunning end to your day in Nashville. And if you have littles with you who need to get their energy out beforehand, stop by Cumberland Park (located on the Nissan Stadium side of the bridge) and check out their fun obstacles like a rock wall, climbing ropes, and more.

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Explore local flavors at the Nashville Farmers' Market

It would be a travesty for you to come to Nashville and somehow miss out on one of this town’s best assets: the food. But we know *just* the place to get your bang for your buck in one fell swoop (and where your kids can run around without worry). The Nashville Farmers’ Market, which is located adjacent to the Bicentennial Park in Germantown, is one of our favorite spots to seek out stellar eats. Not only do local farmers flock here every weekend to sell their Tennessee-grown products (swoon!), but the Market House inside boasts 20 locally owned restaurants that get influence from cultures across the globe! Offerings include Southern BBQ, Chicago-style gyros, Neapolitan pizzas, cold-pressed juices, Jamaican soul food, and artisanal ice cream, just to name a few. (Click here to see the full list). And with the regular rotation of food trucks that are often parked outside on the weekend (we’re thinking of you, Grilled Cheeserie!), we know there’ll be a tasty treat for everyone in your family to get a taste of Nashville.

Photo Courtesy: Nashville Farmers’ Market