Best Things to Do in Nashville, TN With Kids

Hands-on exhibits across physics, the human body, and space, plus the Sudekum Planetarium — one of the stronger planetariums in the Southeast, with rotating shows suited to different ages. The Adventure Tower lets kids climb through a multi-story physical-challenge structure. A reliable rainy-day or hot-afternoon pick that holds attention for hours.

Watch out: Planetarium shows run on a schedule and can sell out on busy weekends — check show times when you arrive and plan the rest of your visit around it. Parking is a small on-site lot that fills fast; have a backup nearby garage in mind.

A well-regarded mid-size zoo with a strong Australia exhibit (kangaroo walkabout), a jaguar habitat, an alligator swamp boardwalk, and Grassmere Historic Farm, an 1810s homestead on the same property. The zoo's size is family-friendly — walkable in half a day without exhausting younger kids, but with enough depth for a full day if you linger.

Watch out: Summer afternoons in Nashville get hot and humid; go morning or plan a midday break. The kangaroo walkabout has posted rules about approach distance — read them before letting kids get close. Limited shade in some sections; bring hats and water.

A genuinely well-curated museum tracing country music history with real artifacts — stage costumes, instruments, handwritten lyrics. Lands best with kids 8+ who have some baseline familiarity with the genre; younger kids tend to move through the exhibits quickly. The rotating special exhibits (often artist-specific) are usually the strongest part.

Watch out: It's a museum, not an interactive experience — expect reading-heavy exhibits with limited hands-on elements, which can lose younger kids fast. Combo tickets with the adjacent RCA Studio B tour add real value if anyone in the family cares about how records get made.

A paddle-wheeler cruise on the Cumberland River with a live music show and a buffet or plated dinner, depending on the cruise tier. Lower-energy than a full day of walking, and a reliable evening option that still feels distinctly Nashville. Good pick for a rest-day evening between more active days.

Watch out: Dinner cruise pricing is a step up from the daytime sightseeing cruise — decide which tier fits your budget before booking. Seating during the show can be tight on full sailings; book ahead for weekend dates. Not a high-thrill activity — set expectations with older kids who want more action.

A compact, well-organized museum tracing Johnny Cash's life and career with genuine artifacts. Best for older kids or teens with an actual interest in music history — it's a focused, single-artist museum rather than a broad family attraction, and rewards visitors who already know some of the story.

Watch out: Small footprint — this is a 90-minute stop, not a half-day plan. Skip with kids under 8 who won't have context for the material. Downtown parking near the museum is metered and can be scarce on weekends; budget extra time.