Looking for a family-friendly getaway? Nashville goes way beyond the wild nights on Broadway and bachelorette parties. This vibrant city offers plenty of hands-on exhibits, animal encounters, tasty treats, and wide-open spaces to explore. Whether your kids are curious explorers or full of energy, you’ll find plenty of kid-friendly spots perfect for making unforgettable memories together.
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens is a fantastic place to bring kids for a day full of adventure. The Enchanted Castles, open through August 17, are five intricate play structures—think dragon lairs and fairy palaces—where children can climb, explore, and let their imaginations run wild. The Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden adds hands-on fun with tunnels to crawl through, water easels to paint on, and a turtle pond that’s perfect for curious little explorers. Train fans won’t want to miss the Turner Seasons Garden, where model trains, including Thomas the Tank Engine, circle a detailed miniature village. As a family-friendly destination, Cheekwood has plenty to keep kids entertained all year long. Don’t forget to check their events page for seasonal exhibits and special family programs.
Puttshack Nashville
Puttshack brings a fresh twist to mini golf with tech-powered courses that keep the game exciting for both kids and adults. Each hole features interactive elements, bonus challenges, and automatic scoring—ideal for families looking for screen-free, indoor fun in Nashville. It’s especially great for those visiting with young children ages 7 and up, offering a mix of friendly competition and low-pressure play. With meals and drinks delivered straight to your table, it’s a convenient option when you want to combine kid-friendly entertainment with a relaxed dining experience.
Pins Mechanical Co & 16-Bit Bar & Arcade
Looking for a family-oriented spot in Nashville that combines classic games with plenty of room to play? Featuring duckpin bowling, vintage arcade games, pinball machines, foosball, and bocce ball, this venue mixes retro fun with interactive play—keeping children engaged while parents join the fun. During daytime hours, guests of all ages are welcome (before the 21+ policy starts at 8 p.m.), making it a great choice for visitors with young children. Rotating food trucks provide tasty bites between games, and the pet-friendly setting means even furry family members can come along. It’s a lively way to share classic games and make lasting memories together.
Nashville Zoo
If your little ones love animals and playtime, the Nashville Zoo is the place to be. The new Leopard Forest exhibit and the return of giraffes add exciting new sights for young ones to explore. Visitors can enjoy rides on the carousel and zoo train, plus zip across the zip line to burn off energy. With plenty to see and do, this kid-centric zoo offers an interactive experience that keeps everyone active and engaged throughout the day.
Adventure Science Center
For families who enjoy hands-on learning and exploring the wonders of science, the Adventure Science Center is a must-visit. Whether you want a fun indoor outing or a way to spark curiosity, this spot has it all. With over 175 hands-on exhibits and the immersive Sudekum Planetarium, visitors can explore everything from astronomy to biology and human performance. Live demonstrations, rotating exhibits, and engaging camps bring science to life, creating a welcoming space where kids can explore, imagine, and grow their curiosity.
Urban Air Adventure Park
Urban Air Adventure Park in Nashville is packed with activities that keep guests of all ages moving and having fun. This family-friendly destination offers climbing walls, obstacle courses, trampolines, and sky rides—providing plenty of ways for children to stay active indoors throughout the year. With options like an unlimited play summer pass and café perks, it’s a favorite for those visiting with young children who want engaging entertainment.
Elliston Place Soda Shop
Exploring Nashville with little ones? Elliston Place Soda Shop welcomes families with a menu of classic Southern favorites—from all-day breakfast and hand-pattied burgers to rich, creamy shakes that delight both young and old. Its retro ambiance, complete with mini-jukeboxes at every booth and a roomy patio, offers a relaxed, inviting setting where everyone can enjoy a meal together. Stop by for a quick bite or a sweet indulgence—this longtime Nashville establishment delivers a warm and memorable dining experience for those traveling with children.
Goo Goo Chocolate Co.
Anyone with a sweet tooth will appreciate Goo Goo Chocolate Co., a favorite Nashville destination for families and kids. Here, you can design personalized candy bars and watch as they’re crafted fresh from quality chocolate. The Taste of Goo Goo experience features delicious tastings and a fascinating history of America’s first combination candy bar, appealing to visitors of all ages. Those 21 and older can indulge in special events like Secrets of Goo Goo and Goos & Booze, which pair fine chocolates with wine or spirits. This lively venue offers a fun and sugary break in your day.
Game Terminal
Nashville’s largest arcade, Game Terminal, invites families to enjoy over 250 games spanning four decades of fun. This venue features everything from rare pinball machines to retro favorites and modern hits. Most games are free to play, and an outdoor area with yard games and food trucks adds even more entertainment options. Guests under 21 pay a $10 admission and can stay until 8 p.m., while adults 21+ enter for free—making it a convenient stop for shared fun during the day.
The Bluebird Cafe
For more than four decades, The Bluebird Cafe has been a cherished Nashville venue where families can enjoy live, intimate performances. Known internationally as a songwriter’s sanctuary, this inviting spot features artists singing their original songs—many made famous by top-charting musicians across diverse genres. While the bar seating is reserved for guests 21 and older, all ages are welcome throughout the rest of the 90-seat space. Located just outside downtown, The Bluebird provides a relaxed setting where parents and children can enjoy the stories and songs that define Nashville’s music culture.
Pinewood Social
Pinewood Social in Nashville’s SoBro neighborhood creates a warm environment ideal for those visiting with children. Just a short stroll from downtown, this distinctive venue serves modern American cuisine with Southern influences and features a coffee bar alongside a variety of activities geared toward younger guests, including a six-lane bowling alley and bocce ball court. While the outdoor pool area is reserved for adults 21 and over, the rest of the space welcomes people of all ages, making it a lively destination for parents and kids to connect, have fun, and make lasting memories. Housed in the historic Trolley Barns, Pinewood Social offers a dynamic setting perfect for family gatherings and casual outings.
The Stay That Becomes Part of the Story
When the city’s excitement winds down, a family-friendly GoodNight Stay offers a welcoming space for everyone to come together. Spacious, thoughtfully equipped, and ready for all ages, these homes provide plenty of room to share stories, plan your next day’s adventure, and create lasting memories. Plus, through our partnership with BabyQuip, you can easily rent baby gear right to your door—making travel with little ones that much easier. Discover your ideal Nashville getaway—book your stay today and start your next great family adventure.
