Nashville with Kids and Teenagers – FROM A LOCAL

A question that I keep on seeing in Nashville tourist pages is, “What is there to do in Nashville with kids and teenagers?” As a local who has raised kids here (and one is now a teenager), I can provide many great options for families who are traveling to Nashville. You don’t have to be a bachelor / bachelorette to enjoy Music City and it can even be enjoyed by families who are not into the party scene (see my other blog post on non-drinking things to do in Nashville also!)

Whether you are coming for your kids sports or for a family vacation, this list will give you everything you need to know for your perfect Nashville with kids trip!

First – Commonly Asked “Nashville With Kids” Questions:

Why come to Nashville as a family?

1. Affordable and easy to get to

Nashville has become a top destination and for good reason. Not only does it have a lot to do, it is centrally located.

Millions of people can be to Nashville within a days drive. This means it is a more affordable destination for those who aren’t wanting to spend money on airfare.

If you are flying in, the airport is super easy to navigate. I have been in airports all over the world and can say that BNA (Nashville’s aiport) is definitely one of the easiest to get in and out of.

Add in Elon Musks’ new tunnel project to get people to and from the airport without being on the interstate, and it becomes even easier to get to downtown from the airport.

2. There is a wide variety of things to do in Nashville with kids!

Nashville is definitely most known as Music City; however, there are so many different things to do here. If you have a wide variety of interests in your family, like we do, then it will be easy to entertain everyone. Keep reading to see all of my suggestions!

3. Is it safe?

Nashville, unfortunately, has had some bad stories come out of it in the past few years that has caused concern, and rightfully so. However, as a local, I would say that it is still a safer big city than most.

Wisdom and caution are your best friends when it comes to this question. Those who have been the victims of crime (and even death) have had other factors involved…mainly alcohol.

If you are coming to Nashville with your kids, I would hope that you would not be partying and take your family’s safety very seriously.

We go downtown quite often with our kids, not to party at the Honky Tonks, but for other reasons like concerts, sporting events, dinner, etc. I even go by myself with the kids occasionally and feel safe when I do.

But just so that I am giving you all fare warning, here are some of the things that you will see when you are downtown near Broadway:

• homeless people
• drunks (with people maybe even throwing up)
• party wagons with questionable dancing going down the street
• people screaming out things you may not want your kids to hear

Gosh, with that list it seems like I am telling you all to stay away, but I’m not! Just use caution, stay alert, and go with your gut. If you do see / hear something that goes against your morals and values as a family, use it as a teaching moment with your kids.

4. Do I need a car?

I am going to say yes to this because I highly recommend if you are coming to Nashville with kids that you don’t limit yourself to just downtown.

We have some awesome communities around Nashville that hold a lot of fun things to do as a family. Unlike a lot of bigger cities though, we do not have public transportation. If you want to go somewhere, you’ll need to have a car. It would be pretty financially unreasonable to expect to Uber to all of the surrounding communities.

So spend the money on renting a car so that you get to really see what the Nashville area is all about!

5. Can kids go into the Honky Tonks?

Yes and no.

Most Honky Tonks will allow kids until a certain time, mainly 4pm. I have taken my kids to several throughout the years when people come in town and just *have* to experience those famous buildings.

While we aren’t a party-hardy family, going to the Honky Tonks around lunch time with people who are visiting has actually been kind of fun.

Yes, you will still have the lingering alcohol smell and sticky floors, but it will give you that Honky Tonk experience without dealing with the nighttime crowds. A lot of them will even have live music during the day. Just make sure to get out of there before all of the night time hardcore party people start to come out!

This pictures below were taken around 1pm on a weekday. As you can see, I had my two kids and my cousin from Ohio had her baby. Even though it was only 1:00, there was still live entertainment for you to get that honky tonk experience!

Make it extra special and let the kids order a Shirley Temple. My kids will sometimes bring up getting that special drink downtown lol.

Second – What To Do In Nashville With Kids?

Downtown Nashville

I’ve already mentioned how to do the Honky Tonks but there are other things outside of Broadway that I suggest you do with your kids too.

1. Play Playground

If you want to be the mom/dad of the year – then you absolutely must do a family day at Play Playground when you are in Nashville with your kids!

Just off of Broadway is Play Playground, a fully immersive experience where your family can play oversized games and compete like you are on a game show! They have individual games and team games. Not only is it so much fun, it is a great way to do some family bonding!

This was a surprise outing for my kids and they had no clue what this place had in store for them. Twice my 13 year old son looked at me and said, “Thank you so much for bringing us here, Mom.” If you have a 13 year old, you know that this is a pretty special moment and I want that for you too!

A family favorite was the spinning game where it is a “last man standing” to see who doesn’t fall off as a wheel spins faster and faster. My daughter was the ultimate champion and won all 3 times we tried it. Who in your family will come out on top!??

We are huge fans of the TV show “Survivor” so a lot of these challenges made us feel like we were on the show lol. There were also games that had us feeling pretty nostalgic like a massive “Operation” style game.

Not only are the games so fun, but the decor and vibe of the whole place is awesome! So many picture opportunities are at Play Playground! From their awesome rooftop that has views of the Batman Building and the river to the seats at the bar (where your kids can order fun mocktails in boots, cowboy hats and disco balls) to all of the neon lights.

I don’t want to forget another favorite of my kids – the balloon room!

This spot is so much fun and a great way to spend an afternoon. The kids aren’t the only ones to have fun, parents get right in on the action too!

Side note – Play Playground is ultimately an adult playground however, Sundays are “family day” and during the week they have certain times kids are allowed to come play. Make sure to check out their website for times your kids can be there before going.

Another side note – because it is ultimately an adult playground, be warned that their music is not censored or edited. There were several songs that played while we were there that I wish would have not been played. Even my son said that he wished the music would have been different. So be warned! Hopefully, you’ll all be having so much fun that no one pays attention to the music.

2. Art Crawl

If you happen to be in Nashville during the second Saturday of the month, there is a free art crawl downtown (not Broadway) that is a lot of fun.

There will be multiple art galleries, hotels and even a downtown apartment that will have art that you can view. Plus, the Arcade that connects 4th and 5th Avenue will have lots of up and coming Nashville artists that are a part of the Arcade Arts Residency program.

This is a great free thing to do when you are in Nashville with your kids / teenagers!

3. Sporting Events

Nashville has some amazing sporting event options that we, as a family, enjoy with our kids all of the time. It is what takes us downtown the most.

IMPORTANT INFO ON GETTING FREE TICKETS:

If you are a Veteran or a First Responder, you can actually get free tickets to a lot of Nashville sporting events!

This is how we get to go to so many since my husband is a first responder. Check out these links to see what tickets will be available when you are in town if you are a Vet or a 1st Responder!

Vets click here for free Nashville sporting event tickets!

First Responders click here for free Nashville sporting event tickets!

Even if you have to pay to get tickets, it is still worth it as Nashville sports are so much fun. Let’s go over what you need to know to enjoy these sporting events like a local!

A. Nashville Predators

The Preds is our NHL hockey team and the games are so much fun! The publication, The Tennessean, says, “The Nashville Predators have one of the most animated and raucous fan bases in all of professional sports.”

We have a lot of chants so be prepared by looking over this list before you go so that you can experience Smashville like a local!

B. Nashville Soccer Club (NSC)

Another huge thing to do in Nashville with kids is going to the NSC games. The NSC stadium has been called “The largest, and might be loudest, soccer stadium in the U.S.” by ESPN.

NSC is the first and only professional sports team to bring home a cup win to Tennessee, a huge feat that was done in the summer of 2025. “The boys in gold” have a heart for their fans too, standing at the end of the game singing back to their audience. I absolutely love that!

If you want to do a night out at NSC like we do, then hot chicken beforehand is a must! The stadium has Princes’ Hot Chicken, which is so good, but our family loves to get Hattie B’s as you can get more food for around the same price. Plus, we just love Hattie B’s more. The rival between the two hot chicken places is strong in Nashville and you really can’t go wrong with either though.

C. Tennessee Titans

We aren’t a football family, so I don’t have much to offer here. However, if you are a football fan, grab tickets to a Titans game!

D. Sounds Baseball

This is a minor league team, but still a lot of fun if you are a baseball fan.

4. Concerts

This is Music City so that means that at any given time, there will be a concert happening.

From the Ryman to Bridgestone Arena to the Grand Ole Opry (outside of downtown), check the websites to see if there is someone that your family would enjoy seeing.

You can also get free tickets to concerts if you are a First Responder or Vet! We go to a ton of free concerts because of this! Make sure to sign up for the free platform to get the free tickets here:
Vets click here for free Nashville sporting event tickets!

First Responders click here for free Nashville sporting event tickets!

5. Theater Productions

Nashville has a lot of theater productions at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC). From Broadway plays to Cirque du Soleil, I highly suggest seeing a show while you are here!

If you are like me, I love to have reasons to dress up. However, this is Nashville and I while I would love to wear my big black dress with the train, like I did to the Paris Opera House, you may stick out like a sore thumb if you get too dressed up.

I like to say that the dress code for TPAC is “Nashville fancy” which means you can wear anything from jeans and cowboy boots to a cocktail dress and fit in.

6. Nashville Library

The kid’s section of the downtown library is so unique! Right in the middle of all of the books on the 2nd floor is a huge replica of downtown Nashville buildings where your kids can play and climb!

I’ve never seen another library have something like this and I have been to a lot of libraries in my travels. So if you’ve got a little who needs to get their wiggles out, grab a coffee from a nearby coffee shop and head to the library where they can play without the fear of being in the rowdy Broadway crowds!

7. Wasioto Park

On a hot summer day, heading over to the Wasioto Park splash pad is a great way to cool down your kids. Located on the other side of the river, this is a big splash pad that is free to the public.

If it isn’t summer, a walk across the bridge and walking around this park where the kids can play and take in some of the art structures can still be fun. My son really loves climbing walls so I appreciate that there are benches near this wall where I can sit and watch him climb.

*A local’s point of view – they are trying to revitalize this area. Even though I have taken my kids here many times, I would still like to say keep a careful eye on your surroundings. I think it is safe enough to put it in this post and take my own kids, but just be aware, that is all. 🙂

Outside of Downtown

1. Plaza Mariachi

Plaza Mariachi is one of my favorite spots in all of the Nashville / Middle Tennessee area! Located just south of the city, Plaza Mariachi will make you feel like you have stepped onto a Spanish city square. It is all located inside a huge building so it is a great weather proof thing to add to your itinerary.

Once inside, you’ll be able to find authentic Hispanic food that is setup kind of like a food court in the mall with walk up and order counters. Once you get your food, you can pick any of the tables in the middle of the building to sit and eat your delicious food. The food is super affordable, so it is a perfect spot for families who want to stay on budget.

They are constantly having free entertainment also so check out their FB page here to see what your family would enjoy. On Saturdays, they do a free “Kidsfest” that would be a perfect thing to do in with your kids!

Even if they don’t have entertainment scheduled for when you can go, your kids will still have fun at the Tito’s Playground. We love taking our kids and letting them play in there while we sit in the “Plaza” area and watch through the windows.

If you are visiting Nashville with older kids, like teenagers, maybe check out the free Salsa dancing on Thursday evenings! There is an hour of free lessons before the night gets started. I am very conservative and a strong gate-keeper for my family and I think early on in the Salsa nights it is totally fine and a lot of fun!

*Need to note:

This is in an area of Nashville that is a bit more dicey so I would not let your kids go outside of the building on their own. Plaza Mariachi has a lot of security and I have always felt safe inside but I would not let my kids run to the car to get something on their own.

2. Zoo

A lot of cities have zoos but I will say that Nashville’s zoo is pretty special for a couple of reasons.

A. Touch a Kangaroo!

The Kangaroo exhibit is an interactive exhibit and a really cool experience. There is a walking path through the exhibit, and as long as the kangaroos are on that walking path, you are able to pet them!

*Pro Tip: The earlier that you get to the zoo, the better for a chance to play with the kangaroos. Most animals are more active early in the morning and then rest in the afternoon. What we do as locals is get to the zoo right when they open and head straight to the Roo exhibit, bypassing everything else. Once we are finished with the Kangas, then we circle back to the rest of the zoo that we passed. This plan has always worked and we’ve been able to spend lots of time with the Outback creatures!

B. The Playground

This is no normal playground. If your kids have endless energy, this is the place to take them! I’ve never seen another playground like it actually.

If your kids are super little, I would expect to be in the playground with them as you will not be able to sit back and see them the whole time. Too many spots where they could be alone with older kids (or adults) and that is a huge NO for me.

However, if they are older, grab a coffee from the coffee stand and sit back and let them do their thing. This is a fantastic spot for a great game of hide-n-seek!

C. The Bathroom

I know, what a weird thing to stay! Haha! However, this bathroom has actually won as the “Best Bathroom in America!” Why you ask? I am hesitant to tell you as I want you to just experience it for yourself but I’m a travel blogger and have a responsibility to give you the details. Lol.

With that, in the bathroom they have a huge window into an exhibit. It’s unsuspected so don’t tell anyone else in your party so they can be surprised!

D. Soar Through The Sky

Want to soar like an eagle? This ride takes you up really high and drops you down a zip-line like rope. It does cost extra but is fun!

3. Adventure Park

If the weather is nice then a family outing to The Adventure Park is a great idea!

This is one of the largest ropes course parks in the United States that is all within the trees. With roughly 162 treetop platforms connected by bridges, ropes courses, ladders, 31 zip lines and other crossings, this could be an all-day family fun event when you come to Nashville with kids and/or teenagers!

We really love their “Glow in the Park” where you do the course at night.

*Pro tip: Make sure that you bring gloves. You will NOT want to do this course without them.

4. Rock Climbing

Along the lines of climbing, the Nashville area has a couple of rock climbing gyms that are a lot of fun.

The Climb Murfreesboro is our favorite as their kids section has a bunch of fun climbing obstacles like a fire ladder, a massive stalk (think Jack and the Beanstalk), and “buildings” where your kid can feel like they are Spiderman!

These pictures suck because I had to screenshot them from a video but you get the idea.

5. Nashville Shores

If it summer and you need to escape the heat, Nashville Shores is a great oasis!

They have lots of water slides, a wet playground section for the little kids, a big wave pool, a lazy river and even an obstacle course out on the lake.

With the wave pool, please be within arms reach of your kids. Even kids that are a little older and are strong swimmers, those waves are strong and I’ve seen many kids have serious incidents with it. If you are looking at the wave pool, the left side is stronger so just please be careful.

Pro Tip: Pack a lunch to save money! You won’t be able to take it into the park, but you’ll be able to exit and get back in so you can do a little picnic at the car if you are on a budget.

6. Arrington Vineyards

I know vineyards doesn’t scream kids but this one is very kid-friendly and there will be a ton of other families there also.

They will have their wine for purchase but even if you don’t drink alcohol, this is still a great way to spend the afternoon. You can pack a picnic or grab some items from their little market and enjoy the beautiful TN landscape. Let your littles run around the hillside and while you listen to live music or stand by the fire pits.

Singer, Kix Brooks, from Brooks & Dunn, owns Arrington Vineywards and you may even see him there like we have!

7. Downtown Franklin

South of Nashville is the historic town of Franklin, TN. Franklin is a HUGE deal to local Nashvillians. In fact, most of our famous musicians live in Franklin, so keep your eyes open and you may even see one living their daily life there.

Downtown Franklin is not only a historic town, it is a bustling town. There are so many historic cities scattered across the United States, but not many are thriving like Franklin is. It is definitely worth it to drive down and spend the day walking through the shops, eating at the restaurants and people watching.

If you find yourself in Franklin during October or December, visiting the festivals then is an absolute must also!

Franklin is considered a “Hallmark” kind of town and in fact, there have even been Hallmark movies filmed here. “The Christmas Ring” and “A Little Women’s Christmas” are two on the Hallmark / Great American Family channels that feature Franklin!

8. The Factory At Franklin

Just outside of downtown, but still located on Main St, is The Factory at Franklin. This is another great stop when you are in Nashville with kids as there is a little something for everyone here. The kids (and grandparents!) especially love taking pictures with this massive rocking chair!

There are many restaurants from walk up and order to sit down and dine. Our favorite food in the Factory is Mojo’s tacos (Spicy Korean Tacos – just trust me on this!) If you aren’t watching calories, you can splurge for dessert with a donut from the famous Nashville “Five Daughter’s Bakery”!

There are also shops, a theater, a bar, and even a brand new carousal The Factory is another such a great place in the Nashville area to spend time with your kids if it is cold, rainy or just too hot to be outside.

9. Leiper’s Fork Movie Nights

In the summer months, the little town of Leiper’s Fork does free movie nights that are fun to go to with kids.

Leiper’s Fork in and of itself is something to visit as it is a historic little town in Nashville’s countryside. On your drive out, you’ll see multi-million dollar homes on rolling hills. A lot of country music’s most famous singers have farms here. So put on the song “Country Roads” and take the drive after you have visited downtown Franklin. (Leiper’s Fork is also still considered the Franklin area so you could visit both places in the same day.)

As you come into the town, there will be a great photo op spot next to a really old police car that is always parked at the entrance of the town. You’ll immediately feel like time has slowed down once you get to this car and for the next mile that is after it.

Kids love to play on the hillside, swing on the rope swing into the creek, and take in the movie at the old barn. Parents love the simpleness of the town. If you want to be inside of a country song, this would be it.

Check out Leiper’s Fork Lawnchair Theater movie line up on their social media page.

10. Science Museums

Nashville doesn’t have a lot of children museums, but they do have two science museums that are worth talking about.

A. The Adventure Science Center

The Adventure Science Center is listed first because it is right outside of downtown Nashville and is super easy to get to. It has all of your common science museum things, including a Planetarium.

B. Wonders Center & Science Museum

Even though this museum is listed second, it is my favorite science museum in the area. It is a little further of a drive but is worth it if you have a free day. Located southwest of Nashville in a town called Dickson is where you can find the Wonders Museum.

I love this museum so much because it is a BIBLICALLY based science museum. Through their exhibits, you will learn the Biblical proof that can be found in science and history. From dino bones to their electricity show, they do a fantastic job proving that science and God go together!

The Wonders Museum also has free talks that you can attend also. These are great for older kids that can sit still for an hour or so. My kids, ages 10 and 13, have been and have enjoyed them!

11. Gaylord Opryland Hotel

There are only 6 Gaylord Hotels in the world and Nashville has one of them!

Once, when I had family in town, I told them I wanted to take them to Gaylord. When I was driving around the parking lot looking for a parking spot, my uncle said, “It’s ok. I think we can get the idea of how big this hotel is.” My reply back was that he actually has NO idea and found a spot. (I later learned to park at the Opryland Mall and walk over to avoid the $30 hotel parking fee!)

Once inside, he admitted that he was so thankful that I didn’t listen to him and took them inside.

You can spend a whole day walking around the inside of the hotel exploring all of the botanical rooms. Plan on having lunch and even taking a gondola ride down the river that is INSIDE of the building!

12. Game Terminal

Just south of Nashville is an unsuspecting building that holds over 250 games that spans over 4 decades. So if your kids like games, or you are just feeling super nostalgic, this is a great thing to do when you are in Nashville with kids!

13. Golf / Soccer Golf

A. PopStroke

Nashville’s newest family-friendly attraction is called PopStroke and is owned by Tiger Woods himself!

PopStroke takes minigolf to a different level. With an outdoor course, 2 indoor courses, a kids playground, outdoor gaming, and much more this is a great spot to hang when you are in Nashville with your kids!

B. Soccer Golf

We recently tried soccer golf and we are now obsessed. Yes, you read that right. It’s soccer and golf combined!

Located at the Smyrna Golf Course outside of Nashville, there is a 9-hole golf course that has added holes large enough for a soccer ball. You play soccer golf just like you’d play regular golf, but with a soccer ball instead. We took my son and his friends for his birthday and it was a huge hit!

C. PuttShack

PuttShack varies from PopStroke because this indoor putt-putt outing is done in neon glow lighting that your kids are sure to love!

D. Top Golf

And of course, we have a Top Golf. 🙂

14. Clean Comedy Show

I love comedy but most comedy is not meant for kids. Really, not meant for any of us but most comedians can’t think hard enough and deliver dirty comedy, or as I like to call it, “cheap comedy.”

However, there is a group here in Nashville called The Clean Comedy Collective that is family friendly! They circle around Nashville delivering their comedy to various places so check out their Facebook page here to see where they will be performing. If your family likes to laugh together, I highly suggest going to one of their shows.

Third – Places I would NOT go in Nashville with kids

1. Honky Tonks after 4pm

I’ve already spoken about this above but it is important enough to say it again. Plus, I don’t think they will let you in anyway. Better to not waste your time.

2. The Parthenon

As a Christian, I don’t think anyone should be visiting the Parthenon as it is a worship center to a false goddess. I am ashamed that we have a replica in Nashville and you will never find me there nor taking my kids there. (“Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” – Ephesians 5:11)

Fourth – Where To Eat In Nashville With Your Kids

There are so many restaurants in Nashville, but where do you go as a family?? So many restaurants have a massive wait, aren’t really kid friendly, and/or their food is sub-par.

Here is a list of tried and true restaurants that my family highly suggests and that other local families love. My kids are not picky eaters at all so if yours are, maybe look up the menus before you choose as not all of these will have bland kid’s menus.

1. Assembly Food Hall at Fifth and Broadway

Assembly Food Hall is our family’s “go-to” spot when we have to be downtown. This is a food emporium that has a ton of options. Each person of your family could order something different if they wanted to here, which would take care of any pick eater situations that you may have. Plus, no reservations needed! Just walk up to the counters and order.

Some of our favorites are:

• Chicken and waffle tacos at Velvet Taco
• Calzone at Desano
• Cinnamon Apples from Honeyfire BBQ

2. Little Fib

If you want to have a sit down dinner without a huge wait, Little Fib Restaurant is the place I would send you to. I honestly have no idea why it doesn’t get more attention as their burger and Brussels sprouts are some of the best in Nashville.

3. Aba

Aba (Hebrew meaning for “Father”) is an absolutely stunning restaurant that serves Mediterranean food. My husband and I went for a date night and then booked a reservation to take the whole family back for Christmas Eve. Everyone in our party (including incredibly picky grandparents) absolutely loved it!

My sister has now said that this is a must every time she comes to Nashville. I did a TikTok video featuring Aba that gained a whole lot of attention too. Check it out here.

4. Martins

There are a couple of Martin’s BBQ Restaurants around Nashville, but I’m going to suggest you visit the downtown location. The reason being is that they have pool tables and darts on the 2nd floor and that is always fun while you are waiting for your table.

Don’t skip out on the dry rubbed wings. Absolutely delicious!

5. Hattie B’s Hot Chicken

There is a rival of hot chicken in Nashville, but our family favorite is Hattie B’s. (You really can’t go wrong with Princes either though).

However, don’t make your kids wait in the line downtown Nashville! Head over to the Hattie B’s on Melrose as that is a much better space with very little to no wait times.

Fifth – Sweet snacks / Must visit coffee houses

1. Cereal Bar

You don’t have to be a kid to love this nostalgic cereal bar, but kids do love it too! I took my son on a night out with me here and we both had such a great time.

From cereal with a twist to cereal milkshakes, this is a cute and fun place to spend an afternoon. They have an outdoor section where the kids can milk a pretend cow, play a few holes of putt-putt and get all of their energy out (they’ll need that space after the sugar rush haha!)

2. JOSFifteen

Another sweet spot is a place that has been gaining a ton of attention, JOSFifteen. The reason for it’s recent fame is because they serve “The biggest coffee in Tennessee”!

Even if you don’t grab one of the massive coffees, they have other sweet treats that you and your kids will love too. The concha bread has become a family favorite!

This is also such a great spot to visit with a team if visiting Nashville with kids for sporting events. While the space is small (see pic below), you can enjoy that gigantic coffee with the other parents as it feeds 8! Then the kids can all share the concha bread. It will be a fun and unique experience!

2. Onyx + Alabaster Coffee House

As a local, this is my favorite coffee house in Nashville. However, I wouldn’t say that it is the most kid-friendly in the whole area.

It would be good for older kids and/or if you are in the downtown Franklin area, but I wouldn’t make a special trip as a family there. I love it because it is in Franklin, it has a NYC / Paris / Vienna vibe, and it is a great place to read a book or work. It is a more quiet vibe so know that if you have loud kids, you may disrupt us locals who are trying to have quiet time. 😉

Keep reading for other coffee shops that are perfect for families though.

3. 1819 Coffee house

Located south of Nashville in Thompson’s Station, 1819 is located inside of a historic home that was actually turned into a hospital during the Civil War. (See if you can spot the blood stains that are still on the wooden steps!)

This is a massive property where kids can run free while you enjoy your coffee and sweets.

The mission behind 1819 is to have you “stay awhile”. Meaning, they want you to linger for as long as you and your family would like.

The mission goes even deeper than just being hospitable though. They are trying to combat the growing trends of loneliness and suicides in the United States. The belief is that by providing an incredibly beautiful place to come and feel welcomed, that they can help people dealing with depression, anxiety, etc. They have their mission on the wall that goes into more detail. You should take the time to read it while you are there. It’s a beautiful mission.

*From a local’s perspective – while I say that your kids can run free, please know that there is an active train track that is on the property so please watch them carefully!

4. The Southern Baking Co.

A little further south from 1819 is the Southern Baking Co. I am all about esthetics and this does it for me! It is a gorgeous, historic house turned bakery and is a perfect spot to go with kids. I absolutely love how they have decorated there with a mix of old and new, art and pottery.

The house itself has a “kids room” and a very large outside space where they can play. I hope to see you there!

5. The Awaken House

The Nashville area is covered in music artists who run businesses and The Awaken House is one of them! Singer/Songwriter, Lydia Ingegneri, has this incredibly beautiful, historic space that she turned into a coffee house / gathering spot.

From the spiral wooden staircase that leads to the “Upper Room”, to the stained glass window behind the coffee bar, to the decor in each room being unique and beautiful, this is a space that will quickly be a favorite of yours. It is for us!

This is a big property so kids are more than welcome. My kids meet their friends over there all of the time and play kickball, board games, or cards while the moms hang out and/or get our work done.

6. Tea Rooms

Not a coffee lover or just need a switch? There are three tea rooms that my daughter and I love to frequent. All are great options for a sweet afternoon when you are in Nashville with kids!

A. The Southern Tea Room and Candy Martini Bar

For a full English-style afternoon, book a tea time at Nashville’s newest tea room, The Southern Tea Room and Candy Martini Bar!

This tea room is a hidden gem as it is tucked back inside of a general store (how fun!) The store, Fork of the South, is one of the many stores located at The Franklin Factory. This is a bonus because if you have people in your party who aren’t into a tea time, they can wander around The Factory as there is so much to see, eat and do here for them too! In fact, just outside of the general store, is a carousal and green space for kids to play.

The Southern Tea Room is a full on tea experience starting with picking your own tea cup from their wall and each person choosing a pot of tea. The Sweetie Pie Chai is the one that I love and HIGHLY recommend!

In addition to the tea service, you’ll also have all of the goodies that accompany an English tea. Scones and pastries, macaroons, tea sandwiches, and let’s not forget that incredibly delicious homemade cream!

Our bellies and hearts were SO full after coming to The Southern Tea Room!

Not only was the food and tea delicious, I loved the esthetic of the place too. It’s fresh flowers, soft colors and lux chairs were the cherry on the top of the whole experience.

While I absolutely loved coming here with my daughter and recommend this spot for a mom-daughter date while you are in Nashville with kids, I also think this would be a great idea for all of the sports moms who travel to Nashville too!

In between the sports games, the moms can all get together and do a tea time as a special outing. Us moms need pampered too!

B. Triple Crown Bakery

Located in the heart of Franklin, Triple Crown Bakery has been a go-to spot for my daughter and I numerous times. What I love about this spot is that you don’t have to do a full tea service to enjoy a great tea date.

They have lots of really yummy pastries and you can order a tea for one, two or more. It’s not a sit down tea service like the one explained above, but a walk-up-and-order service which makes the price really reasonable.

C. The Mad Herbalist

The name alone had me hooked when I found out about this tea room!

It’s located north of Nashville in a town called Clarksville, TN (about a 45 min drive sans traffic). There are a lot of sporting events up in Clarksville so The Mad Herbalist made the list should any of you reading be in this area of town for a game.

It looks like it should be out in the middle of the woods far from town, but the reality is that it is right in town and easy to get to.

The Mad Herbalist specializes in “tea flights” where you get to choose several teas from these vials for your own handpicked tea flight.

Unlike the other tea rooms, pastries aren’t the things you’d accompany with this tea experience. Instead you’d pair it with a yummy breakfast or lunch.

The cabin

7. Go For A Hike

Now that I have given you a lot of spots to fill those bellies, it’s time to burn some calories!

I’m honestly a little reluctant to put hiking on this list. Middle TN hiking leaves you feeling pretty underwhelmed. We’ve done some of the most amazing hiking that this world has to offer…Cape Town, Alaska, the Rockies, the Alps and even East TN has had our hearts and our feet.

However, I decided to add it because fresh air, getting steps in and letting the kids get out their energy is always a plus, even though the only views you’ll get are of trees.

We like the trail near Cheekwood Gardens that has the big steps leading up to the trails and some trails off of Natchez Trace.

Please be careful of snakes and other wildlife though and don’t let your kids get off trail. Snakes in TN are a very serious thing. I took both of these pictures on the same day while out on a hike! The snake was right next to my foot and I didn’t even see it until after I had been standing there for several minutes!

Even though Middle Tennessee hiking isn’t the best hiking in the world, you’ll still be able to have fun in the woods with your kids. And to me, that is always a good day. 🙂

The Wrap Up – Is Nashville with kids a good idea?

Don’t be fooled. Nashville is not just honky tonks, woo girls, and Morgan Wallen throwing chairs over balconies.

Nashville can be a great spot for a quick, drivable trip to make memories with your kids! We live here so I would love to see more families come and enjoy the Nashville area like we do. It may not have as many children museums like some cities do, but I think there is a wide variety of activities that the whole family can enjoy. There is a reason why so many families are moving here from all over the country after all! 🙂

I hope that this post will help you plan the best trip to Nashville with your kids!

Thanks for reading…now go live that Free Life, my friends!