The Ultimate List of Things to Do in Nashville: 20 Can’t Miss Experiences
At first glance, Nashville might seem like a city built for bachelorette parties, with its lively Broadway scene and nonstop music. But look a little closer and you will quickly realize there are just as many things to do in Nashville for families, making it easy to balance grown up fun with kid friendly experiences.
Beyond the neon lights, you will find interactive museums, hands on activities, great food, and plenty of experiences that kids and parents will both love. Nashville strikes that rare balance of being fun for adults while still feeling easy and welcoming for a family trip, with so many things to do in Nashville for every age and interest.
The Best Things to Do in Nashville: A Guide to Music City
1. Honky Tonks on Broadway
No visit to Nashville is complete without experiencing the energy of Broadway. With over 40 bars, each with live music pouring out onto the streets, it is now known as the Honky Tonk Highway.
Honkytonks on Broadway are actually open to all ages throughout the daytime, up until about 6 or 7 pm. After that, things start getting rowdy as the nightlife crowd takes over. I was also told that the bars owned by famous country stars tend to be the most family-friendly, including Luke’s 32 Bridge Food + Drink, Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar, and Casa Rosa by Miranda Lambert.
Experiencing a honky tonk is one of the most iconic things to do in Nashville and a fun way to introduce kids to the city’s music scene, especially if it is your first time exploring all the things to do in Nashville.
2. Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is a must visit, especially with the Taylor Swift Education Center. Kids can explore hands-on exhibits while parents dive into the history of country music. Don’t miss Elvis Presley’s solid gold Cadillac! It is easily one of the best things to do in Nashville for all ages.
3. Make Your Own Poster at Hatch Show Print in Nashville
A visit to Hatch Show Print is a fun way to experience a piece of Nashville’s creative history. This iconic letterpress shop is known for its bold, vintage concert posters, and families can take part in a hands-on workshop to create their own block print.
Kids will love choosing colors, arranging type, and operating the press to make a one-of-a-kind design. It is a unique souvenir you can take home, and one of the more creative things to do in Nashville.
4. Design a Custom Hat at Rustler Hat Co.
Designing your own hat at Rustler Hat Company is one of the most unique things to do in Nashville. Located in the Gulch, a trendy and walkable part of the city, this hands-on stop lets you create a completely custom piece from start to finish.
You will choose your hat style and then personalize it with details like branding, ribbons or scarves, feathers, pins, and more. The team will carefully steam and mold the hat to fit your head perfectly, making it as comfortable as it is stylish.
While it is definitely an investment, it feels like a true keepsake, and the staff guides you through every step so the process is easy and fun.
5. Have a Delicious Treat at Five Daughter’s Bakery
Treat yourself to something sweet at Five Daughters Bakery, a must-stop in Nashville. Known for their famous 100-layer donuts, these flaky, croissant-style pastries are as fun to look at as they are to eat, with flavors that change regularly.
There are also plenty of options for kids, from classic glazed donuts to cookies and other baked goods. My favorite was the Chocolate Sea Salt.
6. Tour the Ryman Auditorium
Take a self guided tour of the Ryman Auditorium, known as the “Mother Church of Country Music.” This historic venue once hosted the Grand Ole Opry and is filled with stories from legendary performers. The exhibits are engaging and the space itself is beautiful.
7. Walk the Pedestrian Bridge
Take a stroll across the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. It is a simple activity, but it offers one of the best skyline views of Nashville and is one of the easiest free things to do in Nashville with kids.
8. Make your own Goo Goo Cluster
Making your own Goo Goo Cluster in Nashville is a fun, hands-on experience that kids and adults both love. At Goo Goo Chocolate Co., you can choose your ingredients, layer caramel, marshmallow nougat, peanuts, and melted chocolate, and create a custom version of this iconic Southern treat.
This is an easy drop-in activity that does not require advance planning, making it perfect to fit into a busy day of exploring. If you have more time, you can also sign up for a guided class on making Goo Goo Clusters, which adds an extra interactive element and is especially fun for families.
Along the way, you will learn a bit about the history of the Goo Goo Cluster, first created in Nashville in 1912 and often considered America’s first combination candy bar. It is equal parts delicious and memorable, making it one of the sweetest things to do in Nashville.
9. Visit the Johnny Cash Museum
A visit to the Johnny Cash Museum is a great way to introduce kids to one of country music’s most iconic voices. The museum is easy to navigate and filled with engaging exhibits, including stage costumes, handwritten lyrics, and personal artifacts that tell the story of Johnny Cash.
Even if your kids are not familiar with his music, the storytelling and interactive displays help bring his legacy to life in a way that feels memorable for the whole family.
10. Retro Bowling at Pinewood Social
A visit to Pinewood Social is a fun and easygoing stop for families looking to mix entertainment with a good meal. This retro-inspired bowling alley has a vintage feel, along with a menu that goes well beyond typical bowling food.
While adults can enjoy craft cocktails and relaxed dining, kids can head outside to the play area with games and space to run around. It is a great spot to unwind and keep everyone happy during your time in Nashville, especially if you are looking for more things to do in Nashville with kids.
We spent over three hours here because everyone was having so much fun and didn’t want to leave!
11. Opryland and Delta Riverboats
A visit to Gaylord Opryland Resort feels like stepping into a destination all on its own. Inside, you will find lush indoor gardens, winding pathways, and even a boat ride, making it fun to explore with kids.
One of the biggest highlights is the on-site water park, which features slides, a lazy river, and splash areas that are perfect for all ages. It is an easy way to add a little resort-style fun to your Nashville itinerary, especially if you are traveling with children.
Just keep in mind that the water park is seasonal and does close for part of the year, so it is worth checking ahead to make sure it will be open during your visit.
12. Family Fun at Opry Mills in Nashville
A visit to Opry Mills is much more than just a shopping trip. This massive indoor mall is packed with entertainment that keeps the whole family engaged, from solving puzzles at The Escape Game to stepping into the spotlight at The Great Big Game Show.
Kids will love seeing lifelike celebrity figures at Madame Tussauds Nashville and a nostalgic visit to Toys R Us.
When it is time to eat, Aquarium Restaurant is a unique spot that kids especially love. Think of it like an underwater version of the Rainforest Cafe, where you can dine surrounded by colorful fish swimming all around you. Be sure to time your visit with one of their mermaid shows, which adds an extra layer of fun and makes the experience feel even more memorable.
Opry Mills is an easy place to spend a full afternoon with something for everyone.
13. Listen to Live Music
If you are looking to experience live music in Nashville in a more relaxed setting, there are several intimate venues that offer an entirely different vibe from the honky tonks. Spots like The Bluebird Cafe, The Listening Room Cafe, Station Inn, and The Basement East are known for their up-close performances where you can truly appreciate the songwriting and talent.
These venues often feature acoustic sets, songwriter rounds, or emerging artists, creating a more personal connection to the music. Many shows do require tickets in advance, so it is worth planning ahead if this is something you want to include in your Nashville itinerary.
14. Explore Murals
Hunting down murals is one of the most fun and easy ways to explore Nashville with kids, and it doubles as the perfect photo op. Start with the famous “What Lifts You” wings by Kelsey Montague in the Gulch, then head over to the “I Believe in Nashville” mural in 12 South, one of the city’s most iconic backdrops.
Nearby, you will also find the Draper James “I Believe in Nashville” wall and plenty of colorful street art along 12 South. Over in East Nashville, check out the vibrant “Make Music Not War” mural and other ever-changing designs that give the neighborhood its creative feel.
It is a simple, free activity that lets you see different parts of the city while capturing some really fun family photos along the way.
15. Go Shopping on 12 South
Shopping in 12 South is a fun and easy stop for families, with a mix of well-known brands and unique boutiques all within walking distance.
You can browse classic Southern style at Draper James, the lifestyle brand founded by Reese Witherspoon, then pop into Stoney Clover Lane for colorful, customizable accessories that kids especially love.
Be sure to stop by Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott, where Western-inspired pieces add a little Nashville flair. With plenty of murals, coffee shops, and sweet treats along the way, 12 South is just as much about the experience as it is the shopping and one of the most enjoyable things to do in Nashville.
I can’t talk about 12 South without mentioning Buttermilk Ranch, a cozy spot known for its Southern style breakfast and brunch favorites. From fluffy biscuits to hearty plates, it is a great place to fuel up before heading out to explore more things to do in Nashville. (If you can’t tell, eating was one of my favorite things to do in Nashville.)
16. Assembly Food Hall
A visit to Assembly Food Hall is an easy win for families, especially when everyone wants something different to eat. Located right on Broadway, this massive food hall brings together dozens of vendors under one roof, offering everything from hot chicken and barbecue to tacos, sushi, and sweet treats.
There is plenty of seating, live music throughout the day, and a lively atmosphere that still feels manageable with kids. It is a great spot to take a break, refuel, and sample a little bit of everything Nashville has to offer.
17. Make Friendship Bracelets at The Little Words Project
Creating a keepsake bracelet at The Little Words Project is a simple but meaningful activity that both kids and adults will love. You can choose from a variety of beads, colors, and positive words or phrases to design something that feels personal to you.
The experience is relaxed and hands-on, making it easy to drop in and create at your own pace. Whether you make one for yourself or as a gift, it is a thoughtful souvenir that captures a special moment from your time in Nashville.
18. Nature, Animals, and Art
For a break from the music scene, head to Cheekwood Estate & Gardens for seasonal exhibits like the train display. The Nashville Zoo often hosts special events like DinoTrek, while the Adventure Science Center and Frist Art Museum offer interactive spaces that kids love.
These are some of the best educational things to do in Nashville and a great way to balance out your itinerary with a mix of indoor and outdoor things to do in Nashville.
19. The Pancake Pantry
A visit to The Pancake Pantry is practically a Nashville tradition. There is almost always a line out the door, but it moves quickly and is well worth the wait.
The menu is packed with delicious options, and kids will especially love fun choices like the “Bears in the Snow,” making it a great way to fuel up before exploring more things to do in Nashville.
20. Take a Line Dancing Lesson
If you want to fully embrace the Nashville experience, taking a line dancing lesson is one of the most fun things to do in Nashville. It is beginner friendly, high energy, and a great way for the whole family to get involved.
You can take lessons at Category 10, which offers free line dancing lessons in a lively, modern setting right in the heart of downtown. Turn Their Heads Line Dancing is another great option with welcoming instructors who make it easy for beginners to jump in. For a more classic country feel, head to The Nashville Palace, where you can learn the basics in a relaxed, traditional setting.
Final Thoughts
There are so many things to do in Nashville that it is easy to tailor your trip to your family’s interests. From live music and creative workshops to great food and interactive museums, Nashville offers a mix of experiences that keep everyone engaged. It is a city that feels welcoming, lively, and full of moments your family will remember long after you leave.
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