Explore fun family things to do in Nashville, TN, for music lovers! From Opry tours to live shows, discover kid-friendly music attractions.
Nashville isn’t just a city – it’s Music City. Families visiting Nashville, Tennessee, can immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of live performances, music history, and hands-on experiences.
From interactive museums to iconic stages, Nashville offers experiences that hit the right note for kids, teens, and parents.
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🎸 Things To Do in Nashville, TN
Whether you’re looking for things to do in Nashville today or planning a weekend adventure, this guide highlights family-friendly music experiences that strike all the right chords.
🎶 Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum
Step inside the Country Music Hall of Fame and you’ll immediately feel the heartbeat of America’s musical heritage. This museum isn’t just about displays – it’s about immersing your family in the stories, sounds, and sights that shaped country music.
Imagine your kids strumming mini guitars in kid-friendly zones while you wander through exhibits filled with rhinestone-studded costumes and iconic instruments.
Teens can explore workshops and interactive studios that bring music-making to life, and everyone can discover the history behind the songs that have become an integral part of American culture.
It’s the perfect blend of fun and learning, making it one of the top things to do in Nashville, TN, for families who love music.
🎤 Legendary exhibits featuring country music icons
🎧 Interactive zones, including recording booths for kids
👨👩👧 Taylor Swift Education Center workshops for teens
📸 Photo ops with guitars, stages, and rhinestone suits
🎭 Take the Grand Ole Opry Backstage Tour
The Grand Ole Opry Backstage Tour is like stepping into a living music legend. The backstage tour allows families to peek behind the scenes of one of the world’s most iconic music stages.
You’ll see where stars like Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash prepared for performances, and your teens will be fascinated to stand in the famous wooden circle where countless historic shows took place.
Storytelling from knowledgeable guides brings the Opry’s history to life, making the experience both entertaining and educational. It’s perfect for families who want to understand the magic behind the music while making memories together.
🎶 Explore star-studded dressing rooms used by legends
🎤 Step into the iconic wooden circle where performers stood
📖 Hear stories about Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, and more
📸 Capture family photos on the historic Opry stage
🎹 Explore the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum
For families who appreciate music of all genres, the Musicians Hall of Fame offers an immersive experience that spans rock, jazz, blues, soul, and more.
It celebrates the unsung heroes behind the hits and gives kids hands-on opportunities to experiment with instruments in the GRAMMY Gallery. Teens can explore interactive exhibits while parents enjoy learning about the musicians who shaped modern music history.
The museum makes music approachable and engaging, turning a family outing into an inspiring journey through sound, culture, and creativity.
🎸 Exhibits covering rock, Motown, R&B, and more
🥁 GRAMMY Gallery with hands-on instruments for kids
🎧 Learn about the session players behind famous songs
👨👩👧 Perfect mix of education and entertainment for all ages
🎵 Pay Homage at the Ryman Auditorium
Known as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” the Ryman Auditorium is a must-visit for families who love music. This historic venue has hosted legends from Johnny Cash to Emmylou Harris, and its rich history comes alive through guided tours and interactive exhibits.
Kids and teens can explore the stage, see vintage instruments, and learn about the artists who shaped Nashville’s music scene. The Ryman also hosts daytime performances suitable for families, making it a perfect mix of education and entertainment.
🎤 Step on the iconic stage where music legends performed
📖 Learn the history of Nashville’s most famous venue
🎸 View vintage instruments and memorabilia
👨👩👧 Family-friendly guided tours and daytime shows
Visiting the Ryman Auditorium lets families experience the heart of Nashville’s music culture and connect with the stories behind the songs they love.
🖤 Visit the Johnny Cash Museum
Step into the world of the Man in Black! The Johnny Cash Museum is a must-visit for families who love music history and storytelling. This interactive museum showcases memorabilia, personal items, and rare recordings that tell the story of Cash’s life, career, and influence on country music.
Kids and teens can explore hands-on exhibits, see stage outfits, guitars, and handwritten lyrics, and even try fun interactive displays that make learning about music history entertaining. Parents will appreciate the depth of the exhibits and the chance to share stories about one of country music’s greatest icons.
🎸 Memorabilia, including guitars, stage outfits, and awards
🎧 Interactive exhibits for kids and teens
📖 Learn the life story of Johnny Cash and his musical legacy
📸 Photo opportunities with iconic displays
👨👩👧 Family-friendly, engaging, and educational
Visiting the Johnny Cash Museum is an experience that brings music history to life, making it one of the top things to do in Nashville, TN, for families who love music.
🎷 Take the Music Row Walking Tour
Music Row is the heartbeat of Nashville’s music industry. A guided walking tour here immerses families in the environment where countless hits were written and recorded.
As you stroll past historic studios and labels, your teens can imagine the recording sessions of their favorite artists, and your kids will be amazed by the stories of how Nashville became a musical hub.
Visiting RCA Studio B adds a tangible connection to history, where families can see the piano Elvis Presley played. This is an educational, interactive, and memorable way to introduce children to the world behind the music they love.
🎶 Stroll through Nashville’s famous studios and labels
🎹 Visit RCA Studio B, where Elvis recorded iconic hits
📖 Discover the stories behind legendary songs
📸 Snap photos of historic plaques and colorful murals
🎤 Enjoy Live Family-Friendly Music Shows
Nashville’s live music scene is accessible to families, too. Many venues host early-evening or daytime shows that are perfect for kids and teens, offering intimate performances without the late-night crowds.
From acoustic sessions at The Bluebird Café to free outdoor concerts in local parks, there are opportunities to hear everything from emerging artists to seasoned performers.
Experiencing live music together not only entertains but also inspires creativity, builds appreciation for the arts, and makes for lasting family memories.
🎸 Bluebird Café: Acoustic sets in a cozy, family-friendly space
🎶 The Listening Room Café: Daytime shows ideal for kids
🏞️ Free outdoor concerts at parks and community events
👨👩👧 Kid-friendly set times and safe venues for families
🍗 Enjoy the Best Food in Nashville
Hungry after exploring all the fun things to do in Nashville, TN? You’re in the right city. Nashville has been a culinary hotspot for decades, and its signature dishes come with fascinating stories.
Take Nashville hot chicken, for example. Legend says it was created in the 1930s when Thornton Prince’s girlfriend spiced up his fried chicken as a prank – but the fiery flavor became an instant classic.
Beyond the heat, the city’s food scene celebrates barbecue traditions, meat-and-three diners, Southern comfort foods, and indulgent desserts that will delight the whole family.
🍴 Hattie B’s Hot Chicken: One of Nashville’s hottest (literally!) culinary destinations. Families can watch chefs craft spicy masterpieces and choose their preferred heat level.
🍔 The Pharmacy Burger: Known for house-made sodas and big portions, perfect for kids and teens craving classic burgers in a retro-inspired environment.
🍦 Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams: Creative flavors like Brambleberry Crisp and Gooey Butter Cake delight sweet-tooth adventurers of all ages.
🍖 Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint: Whole-hog barbecue cooked low and slow – a Nashville tradition passed down through generations.
🥘 Arnold’s Country Kitchen: Since 1982, serving “meat-and-three” plates that offer families a taste of Southern history.
🥞 The Pancake Pantry: Opened in 1961, famous for long lines and towering pancake stacks.
🥤 Elliston Place Soda Shop: Nashville’s oldest diner, established in 1939, serving burgers, shakes, and retro vibes.
🏨 Where to Stay in Nashville
Choosing the right accommodations can make your Nashville trip unforgettable. Music City offers options for every family, from budget-friendly inns to luxury resorts.
Staying downtown puts you steps away from major attractions, while East Nashville offers a quieter, artsy vibe full of murals, cafés, and local music venues.
For families who want to immerse themselves fully, resorts and historic hotels provide amenities that make the stay as fun as the city itself.
💰 Budget – East Nashville Inns: Cozy, affordable stays with quirky local charm, perfect for families who want comfort without breaking the bank.
🏨 Mid-range – Hyatt Place Downtown: Centrally located, offering family-sized rooms and easy access to attractions like the Country Music Hall of Fame.
🎶 Local Charm – Drury Plaza Hotel Nashville Downtown: Stay near live music venues with family-friendly rooms and Southern hospitality, just steps from downtown attractions.
⭐ Luxury – Omni Nashville Hotel: Upscale amenities, rooftop pool, and immediate access to music attractions make this a dream for families.
👨👩👧 Family-friendly – Gaylord Opryland Resort: Indoor gardens, pools, and kid-approved entertainment create a mini-vacation experience within your trip.
🛌 Boutique – The Hermitage Hotel: Historic elegance, modern comfort, and proximity to downtown landmarks for families who appreciate charm and history.
☀️ Best Time to Visit Nashville
Timing your visit can enhance your family experience. Spring and fall are widely regarded as the best seasons for comfort, festivals, and outdoor activities.
Spring (April–June) brings blooming parks, mild temperatures, and events like the Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival, which showcases the craft behind music.
Fall (September–October) offers cooler weather, colorful leaves, and harvest festivals, along with outdoor concerts for all ages.
Summer can be hot and humid, but daytime concerts, festivals, and water activities keep kids entertained. Winter brings fewer crowds, lower hotel rates, and seasonal indoor events like Gaylord Opryland’s ICE!, turning chilly days into family fun.
🌸 Spring (April–June): Blooming parks, mild temperatures, and family-friendly music festivals
🍂 Fall (September–October): Comfortable weather, colorful foliage, and outdoor concerts
☀️ Summer (June–August): Hot and humid, with many daytime shows and festivals
❄️ Winter (December–February): Cozy indoor attractions, holiday events, and fewer crowds
🚗 How to Get to Nashville, TN
Nashville is easy to reach whether you fly, drive, or take public transit. Nashville International Airport (BNA) connects to most major U.S. cities, making flights convenient for families.
Road-trippers can enjoy scenic drives via I-40, I-65, or I-24, stopping at diners, parks, or landmarks along the way. Amtrak and regional buses provide alternatives for rail or bus travel.
Once in the city, downtown is walkable, and rideshares or taxis make it simple to reach attractions. Scooters and bikes are fun options for older kids and teens, and family-friendly walking tours let everyone explore the city’s murals, streets, and historic music landmarks together.
✈️ Fly: Nashville International Airport (BNA) for major U.S. connections
🛣️ Drive: I-40, I-65, and I-24 provide scenic access
🚌 Public Transit: Buses and Amtrak services connect the surrounding cities
🚕 Getting Around Downtown: Rideshares, taxis, and buses are convenient
🛴 Fun Options: Scooters, bikes, and walking tours for playful exploration
Nashville, TN, is the ultimate destination for music-loving families. From iconic stages and interactive museums to legendary local food and kid-friendly shows, Music City offers unforgettable experiences for kids, teens, and parents alike.
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