Though nationally known as Music City, Nashville is so much more than bars and guitars. Tennessee’s capital is a great place for family fun. Check out these family-friendly spots during a quick trip to Nashville.

Cheekwood Botanical Gardens
Cheekwood Botanical Gardens offers kid-friendly activities. Parents can enjoy the exquisite gardens while the kids play scavenger hunt games and check out the kids’ activity pamphlet. Be sure to stop by the two model trains that will ignite your inventive spirit.

Photos: @cheekwood

Science Adventure Center
If you arrive in Nashville on a rainy day, the Science Adventure Center is a perfect place to spend the day. The Nashville Science Adventure Center has many exhibits that guarantee fun but are also a great learning experience. Why not sneak in some learning during a family trip? Permanent exhibits include Beekeeping, Space Chase, Physic of Light, Anatomy of an Earthquake, Virtual Reality, BodyQuest, Galactic Gardens, and more.

Photos: @adventuresci

Parks
Nashville has many parks and green spaces for your family to enjoy the outdoors. You can spot the Parthenon at Centennial Park while playing some frisbee or visit Fannie Mae Dees Park to let the kids climb and play.

Nashville Children’s Theater
The Nashville Children’s Theater offers shows during the week. Weekday shows run Tuesday through Friday at 10am and 11:45am. Shows rotate and feature productions for a variety of age groups. Their website lists current shows available for viewing and a spot to easily purchase tickets. You can check out the “Parent Tips” tab on their website to research which shows are most appropriate for your child’s age and fun facts about each production.

Photos: @nashvillechildrenstheatre

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
After enjoying a show at the theater, you can spend the afternoon at the Nashville zoo visiting animals from all over the world. The zoo is jam-packed with more than just animals. They feature events to learn more about their furry residents, as well as trails, tours, petting areas, and a café.

Family Friendly Restaurants
Your family is sure to work up an appetite after exploring Nashville. These restaurants are great for families and offer kid menus that will satisfy every young palate: Puckett’s, Hugh-Baby’s, and Martin’s Bar-B-Que. Don’t forget to head to Jeni’s after for some ice cream!

Photos: @hughbabys

-----------------------------------------

Heather Brown, a Nashville Guide writer
Hailing from the Old Dominion, I've easily adapted my "Virginia is for Lovers" slogan to the "Nashville is for Music Lovers" lifestyle. After moving to Music City from Oklahoma City, I've explored middle Tennessee through the lens of artists' paintbrushes and urban canvasses. I've enjoyed eating, sipping, and dancing my way through Tennessee's capital while pausing periodically to strike a pose throughout the journey.