Nashville, famously called the ‘Music City’ by natives and tourists alike, with a population density of 510 per square kilometre is easily the most populated city and the capital of the U.S. state of Tennessee. The city was found in 1779 and named after a general of Continental Army, Francis Nash. The city experiences a humid subtropical climate and lies on the Cumberland river. Nashville being the “centre of country music” is a major music production and recording hub. Though music seems to grab the attention of many, the largest industry in Nashville belongs to health care with world’s largest private operator of hospitals, Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) based here.
Music City has always lived up to its name with live music always being played in to our hearts and ears all throughout the year. The air here smells of a special kind of creative vibe, something very few cities can vouch for. The art galleries, the historic landmarks, the delicacies at chef-driven restaurants are all things that makes Nashville a traveller’s haven. This write up aims to sum up the fun places to go with kids in Nashville and all the attractions that you just can’t miss out on once you plan a visit to this glorious city.
Main Attractions
Ryman Auditorium
Located at 116 5th Avenue North in Nashville, Tennessee, Ryman Auditorium, one of Nashville’s true icons, is known throughout the world as “The Mother Church of Country Music”. Ryman Auditorium became the home of The Grand Ole Opry, from 1943 to 1974 and got broadcasted from the very stage every week. It was built in 1892, named after the wealthy riverboat Captain Tom Ryman.
The best part about the visit to Ryman Auditorium is that the visitors can themselves live through the moments that kickstarted the career of some of the great musicians. The auditorium can accommodate more than 2300 audiences and hosts events and concerts on almost all days of the week. Ryman is always going to be a pilgrimage worth making, no matter who’s on stage performing for you.
There is a self-guided tour which is best reserved for ardent country music lovers. Clearly, Ryman Auditorium has played a very significant role in making Nashville the centre of country music.
Events, Timings and Pricing:
For information regarding the event schedule, their timing and their pricing, click here.
The Grand Ole Opry
For more than 90 years, specifically starting from 1925, The Grand Ole Opry has provided the stage to some of the most promising singers who went to do great in their lives. The Grand Ole Opry is a weekly country music stage concert show and is the longest running radio broadcast in U.S. history.
The Opry attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the globe and many more radio listeners. It’s primary slogan, also which describes it the best, is ‘The Show That Made Country Music Famous’.
The Grand Ole Opry always proves to be a one of a kind entertainment experience for audiences of all ages. The show also provides an opportunity for audiences to promote and motivate the upcoming country music singers.
On any given day, any celebrity or superstar may join for a performance and the chances of that happening are pretty high. Opry general manager Pete Fisher rightly said, “The Grand Ole Opry celebrates country music’s diversity”.
Events, Timings and Pricing:
For information regarding the event schedule, their timing and their pricing, click here.
Parthenon
The full-scale replica of one of the greatest structures in the history of mankind, Parthenon is full of captivating history and currently functions as an art museum at the centre of Centennial Park, situated just west of Downtown Nashville. The original Parthenon is located in Athens, Greece. Centennial Park acts as the premier urban park of Nashville, at whose core the 42-foot statue of Athena lies.
You can find some of the craft done by local artists downstairs while a lot of statues are placed on the top. For anyone who loves history, this place is just perfect, after all, you don’t have to travel to Greece to see the Parthenon. There is also plenty of space for children to run around and play, if history isn’t fun enough. This is a huge learning opportunity, so don’t miss out on this awesome experience.
Pricing
Adults – $6.50
Children and Seniors – $4.50
Timings
Tuesday–Saturday – 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Sunday – 12:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
Monday – Closed
For more details, check here.
Jack Daniel’s Distillery
No one really needs to introduce what comes to mind when someone says Jack Daniels. The name says it all. The tour around the distillery provides an A to Z in depth knowledge about how one of the world’s most classic whiskey is made. The guides are always on point with their information and the sense of humour. One just can’t feel bored in their presence.
The tour involves alcohol and hence has age restrictions. Also the tours are conducted on a first come first serve basis, so booking prior on website is recommended. The entire history of Jack Daniels and the fascinating process of distilling the beverage takes not more than 90 minutes. Don’t stop yourself from taking a flight of Jack Daniels tour.
Pricing
Dry County Tour – $15
Mr. Jack Toast in the Hollow Tour – $15
Flight of Jack Daniels Tour – $20
The Angel’s Share – $25
Taste of Lynchburg – $100.
Timings
Sunday-Saturday – 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
For more details, visit here.
Belle Meade Plantation
If you want to visit a place whose very sight will give leisure to your eyes, Belle Meade Plantation is just the right one for you. Located in Belle Meade, it is a historic mansion turned into a museum which was built in 1807 in a Greek Revival style of architecture. Belle Meade is stilladmired as the greatest thoroughbred stud farm in USA.
The mansion has many intrinsic details that visitors can find extremely captivating. The smoke stack, stable, and mausoleum can be seen up closely. The tour also involves a wine tasting which can be as relaxing as resting on the front porch of the mansion. The guided tour is brief and effective, something that people with limited time would appreciate.
Timings
Sunday to Saturday – 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Pricing
Prices vary by tour. For details, check here.
John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge
Formerly known as Shelby Street Pedestrian bridge, the beautiful John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge manages to connect downtown Nashville to the residential suburbs of East Nashville. The automobiles aren’t permitted on bridge since 1998 but it can be used by pedestrians, providing a view of unreal scenic beauty of the river and the downtown skyline.
There is ample of space to sit and enjoy with peers and family and extremely photogenic location. When the whole of Nashville is lit up at night, that is when the entire beauty of the scene from the bridge reaches a whole new level. For this reason alone, it’s easily one of the most rewarding free things to do in Nashville with kids.
Pricing
All – FREE
Nashville Hop in Hop off Trolley Tour
This can be summarised as an all in all tour to know almost everything about Nashville within a couple of hours. With around 15 stops ranging from Ryman Auditorium, Music Row to Centennial Park, Marathon Motor works, the tour promises to be not just a sightseeing tour but also a fun and educational adventure.
All the trolley conductors have a good sense of humour, as they provide a narration explaining the little known facts. And as the name stands, you always have an option of hoping in and hoping out of the trolley. The trolley is clearly the most appropriate solution to see around the major attractions of Nashville in one single day.
Pricing
Adults – $43.65
Children (4-12) – $21.80
Children under 4 – FREE
Timing
Length of tour – 1 hour 40 minutes
For more details, visit here.
Museums
Hatch Show Print
One of the most fascinating places in the Music City is the Hatch Show Print, one of America’s oldest and most iconic letterpress shops. The tour will surely engage your senses, as you’ll slowly learn about the history of Hatch Show Print, the brilliant pieces of art gave that it so much recognition over the past century.
Eventually, you can carry back home a sovereign that will smell like divine ink in the form of your own keepsake print. There is also a shop of collectibles that contains a selection of historical restrikes, apparels etc… Hatch Show Print has lived for around 140 years and is going strong. Only a visit to the institution will explain why they call it a masterpiece and a living museum.
Timing
Daily tours at 12:30 pm, 2:00 pm and 3:30 pm
Additional tour at 11:00 am on Saturday and Sunday
Contact number
Call (615) 416-2001
Pricing
Adult – $18.00
Youth (Age 6 to 12) – $15.00
For further details, click here.
The Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
The home of the person famously known as the people’s president is ‘The hermitage’ in Nashville that explores the life of Andrew Jackson, the 7th United States president.
The hermitage was a plantation house for the former president and is located to the east of Nashville at Rachel’s lane. The whole tour may require a lot of walking but there are no time constraints and we can tour the property at our leisure. People loving the history of United States or presidents are highly recommended as a tour here would be like a dip into an ocean of knowledge.
Pricing
Adults – $20.00
Seniors (Age 62+) – $17.00
Students (Age 13-18) – $15.00
Children (Age 6-12) – $10.00
Veterans – $10.00
Active Military and Children (5 & under) – FREE
Family Pass (2 adults and 2 children/students under 18 years of age) – $54.00
Timings
Sunday to Saturday – 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
For more details, click here.
Frist Centre of Visual Arts
Ever since it’s opening in 2001, one of the main tourist attractions to the city of Nashville has been the Frist Art Museum. With a spectacular array of art from around the world, it has achieved the tag of ‘cultural focal point of Nashville’. The museum organizes a series of art shows in its 24,000 square feet of exhibit space.
Its architectural style also makes it distinct, as it portrays both of most distinctive architectural styles of the period: Classicism and Art Deco. The Frist Museum has special interests in young minds coming and having a hands on experience so as to enhance the creative levels and artworks are displayed which could appeal to their minds. So, if you plan on coming with your family, then clearly this museum is one that you just can’t miss out on.
Timings
Monday– Wednesday – 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
Thursday– Friday – 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Saturday – 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
Sunday – 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Pricing
Frist Art Museum members: Free
Visitors 18 and younger: Free
Adults: $15
Seniors: $10
College students with ID*: $10 (Free on Thursday and Friday evenings from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m for College Students)
Military (with ID): $8
Groups (10+ with advance reservations): $12 per adult
For more information, check here.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Being one of the largest museums and research centres all around the world, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is dedicated to the preservation of American vernacular music.
The museum was started in 1964 and has one of the most extensive musical collections. The museum safeguards more than 2.5 million artifacts and is also home to the historic RCA Studio B and Hatch Show Print. Even if you aren’t a big fan of country and western music, still you would enjoy gawking around the museum. It offers dining and retails options to public as well. If you are a country music fan, then a tour of this museum is highly recommended.
Timing
All days of week – 9:00am to 5:00pm
Pricing
Adult – $25.95
Youth (6-12) – $15.95
Children (5 & under) – FREE
Museum Members – FREE
Seniors (60+) – $23.95
Students – $23.95
Military – $22.95
Audio Guide – $5.00
For more information, click here.
Lane Motor Museum
Lane Motor Museum proudly exhibit around 150 unique automobiles and motorcycles with a broad variety of vehicles from various continents like Europe, Asia, North and South America. The goal of the museum is to maintain all these vintage vehicles in running order. For motor lovers, there are amphibious vehicles, alternative fuel vehicles, micro cars, military vehicles among many other.
The museum creates an ambience like no other for automobile passionate with all the unknown, innovative vehicles. Be ready to get surprised and overwhelmed on your visit to this classic museum.
Timing
Tuesday, Wednesday – CLOSED
Thursday – Monday – 10:00am to 5:00pm
Pricing
Adults (18-64) – $12
Seniors (65+) – $8
Youth (6-17) – $3
Age 5 & Under – Free
Members – Free
For more details, click here.
Fun and Food
Robert’s Western World
The undisputed home of Traditional Music, Robert’s Western World is a honky tonk that has hosted and continues to host some of the biggest names of the music industry. George Strait, Tim McGraw, Don Warden are few in the elite list of performers at Robert’s. Dancing and Drinking at Robert’s Western World is right of passage for the Nashville natives and tourists.
The fried bologna sandwiches and moon pies are extremely delicious and live music never disappoints. Come anytime and treat yourself to an experience that you’ll cherish for ever.
The website best describes the place, “Robert’s Western World, where the music is always old and the beer is ice cold!!!”
For Band Schedule and Timings and Pricing, visit here.
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
If you are looking for the best and the juiciest hot chicken, then Hattie B’s will never disappoint you. In fact, chances are that it will exceed your expectations. Every bite will reignite your love for chicken with such finger licking flavours. If you think Hattie’s are all about the high quality chicken, then you haven’t used the tee shirts they sell.
Be ready to experience standing in line at peak hours as Hattie’s have a huge fan base of passionate food lovers. The price seems reasonable and the ambience is impeccable. They say that once you’ve been there, you tend to come again and again. Just hot chicken things.
Timings
Monday – Thursday 11:00 am to 10:00 pm
Friday – Saturday 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Sunday 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
For more details on pricing, check here.
12 South Neighbourhood
One of the fastest growing neighbourhood in Nashville that is attracting people from all over the globe, 12 South Neighbourhood is the shopping Mecca in Nashville. It is jam packed on most days with people entering and exiting popular shops and restaurants like Savant Vintage, Corner Music Inc., Draper James, Serendipity among many others. Get some of the funkiest hats, shoes and clothes from this neighbourhood, something that will ultimately become one of the most cherished sovereigns.
HERO is one such gem for a shop where people can get something very special and unique. If you’re a woman, then you just can’t miss out on this shopping experience and if you’re a man, let your lady shop happily while you munch on some crazy delicacies.
Adventure Science Centre
If you are travelling with children to Nashville, visiting Adventure Science Centre would definitely be a great decision. It is one of the main kid’s attractions in Nashville for many reasons. There is so much to imbibe and learn at the museum with over 150 hands-on interactive exhibits with themes including Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Visual Perception, energy, mind, and earth science among many others.
The aim of such a non-profit museum is to instigate a sense of creativity using science and technology in the minds of people, especially the young ones. This would help the youngsters to understand the world around us a little better and open their minds towards the wonders of science and technology.
It can be extremely effective for school going kids between the age group of 5 and 15. So if you are accompanied by kids, this would surely an exploration for them and a wonderful learning experience.
Timing
All days of week – 10:00am to 5:00pm
Pricing
Members – FREE
Adults (13+) – $15.95
Youth (2-12) – $11.95
Toddlers (Under 2) – FREE
Zoo
Nashville Zoo
Located around 10 km southwest of Downtown Nashville, the National Zoo at Grassmere has everything that can mesmerise people of all ages, adults and children alike. Ranging approximately 180 acres in size, the zoo is inhabited by more than 320 species and is an accredited member of Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
One can see so many different birds and animals like new Andean bear and the kangaroos and the Lorikeets and the Sumatran Tigers. The zoo isn’t just about roaming but also provides the visitors to learn about the history of the zoo and exploring the animal habitats with ultra-detailing. The Spider Monkeys, Masai Giraffe along with white rhinoceros are one of the rarely found animals that makes this zoo a centre of attraction to all the fauna lovers.
The zoo is very clean and well maintained, something that most zoos fail to achieve. The landscaping is beautiful with bamboos all around the zoo, making you feel that you came to a whole different world altogether. If you are planning an outing with your family, this is one place that makes it into our list of best places to visit with kids in Nashville and you just can’t miss.
Pricing
Monday to Thursday
– Adults and Teens – $17
– Children (2 – 12) – $12
– Seniors (65+) – $15
Friday and Sunday
– Adults and Teens – $18
– Children (2 – 12) – $13
– Seniors (65+) – $16
Saturday
– Adults and Teens – $19
– Children (2 – 12) – $14
– Seniors (65+) – $17
Fixed Rates throughout the week
– Children Under 2 – FREE
– Parking – $7
– Zoo Members – FREE
Timings
October to March – 9am to 4pm
March to October – 9am to 6pm
For more details, check here.