Plan a perfect weekend in Nashville with the kids

March 15, 2024 • 5 min read

Dive into country music (and so much more) when you plan a long weekend in Nashville, Tennessee with the kids. This entertainment-rich town is sure to inspire a lifelong love of everything from honky tonks to hot fried chicken. We’ve put together a list of the best family-friendly activities for a Friday to Sunday adventure, with plenty to keep everyone happy, full, and entertained.

Points of interest

The Country Music Hall of Fame is a great place to start your adventure
There are lots of options for live music — with kids or without!
Keep it comfy and stay in a vacation rental in your favorite neighborhood

Two smiling kids dance and take part in a music class.

Friday in Nashville

Start your trip to Nashville with the kids on the right note. Friday’s itinerary is all about checking out kid-cool outdoor spaces, touring your way through music history, developing a deeper understanding of country music’s roots, and eating at some of Nashville’s greatest spots.

Get coffee with sea serpents: Fannie Mae Dees Park is no ordinary park. Your kids can run around surrounded by a colorful, tiled sea serpent that rises out of the ground. On your way here, grab coffee and a bite at Fido Nashville, which serves breakfast classics no matter what time you get there. The surrounding area is perfect for strolling and shopping — and it also has a few cool wall murals to scope out.

(Re)introduce the kids to country music: The Country Music Hall of Fame is the perfect way to really kick start your trip with something memorable (and it’s free for little ones under five). Learn the story behind songs you love or discover a new favorite artist by way of their recordings, history, and even their stage wear. Then, make your way to Hatch Show Print, which is a part of the CMA Theater. This letterpress shop has been defining print design since 1879 — you can even try your hand at making a poster of your own.

Get casual with dinner and some tunes: Hot dog, fried chicken, or BBQ for dinner? You don’t have to choose at Hugh Baby’s, which is casual and kid-friendly. They also have a delicious veggie burger and classic milkshakes. When you’re feeling full (and probably tired from a day on the town), go back to your vacation home and build out a family playlist with all the fun new music you learned about during the day.

Four adirondack chairs surround a fire pit with an excellent view.

Entire cabin in Pleasant View, Tennessee

Saturday in Nashville

Now that your Nashville trip with the kids is going strong, it’s time to spend a little time outdoors, continue with the good eats, and end the evening with what Nashville does best — a live music show.

Pick up an amazing biscuit breakfast: Big Al’s Deli is an irresistible breakfast stop, and if you don’t want to wait for a table, you can drop in a phone order and eat it at home. Then, take a short drive to Nashville Farmers’ Market. While many farmers’ markets are seasonal, this one is open all year — and it’s a great place to pick up some local ingredients for dinner later.

Befriend some animals at the zoo: Spend the afternoon hanging out with bears, leopards and tamarinds at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere. Kids under two are currently free — just make sure to plan your trip in advance as the zoo requires timed entry. When your legs get tired, rest up at your vacation rental before heading out for the evening. If you’re going to do a show, everyone will need a nap and a nibble at home.

Check out a concert: Put on your country best and go out for some of Nashville’s music with the kids. While honky-tonks on Broadway are geared towards adults, you’ll find plenty of live music in more casual settings if you research events within your travel dates. If you invited your extended family along and they’re willing to babysit, leave the kids at home and grab tickets at the Grand Ole’ Opry for a show.

Want to try a honky tonk? Go during the day while things are casual and research places that are more kid-friendly — like Robert’s Western World — in advance.

Sunday in Nashville

The fun isn’t over yet. Sunday’s the perfect day for more great eats, a leisurely city walk, and going with the flow.

Get some IG-worthy Nashville shots: Have a light bite at your vacation rental, then head out to pose by some of Nashville’s popular murals together for a family photo. I Believe in Nashville is one of the more visited murals, and 12 South is a fun neighborhood for a morning walk and window shopping. Then, take a short drive to check out Centennial Park and pose in front of Nashville’s own realistic replica of the Parthenon.

Make it a brunch date to remember: Ready for brunch? Stop by Fancy Sandy’s where you can grab decadent breakfast sandwiches on biscuits or croissants. Then, pick up some edible souvenirs for yourself and your friends at Goo Goo Chocolate. Once you’re feeling satiated, make your way to one of the very best things to do in Nashville with kids: Adventure Science Center, where little ones can make their own music in the Soundbox exhibit.

Eat pizza at the playground: Pizza night is even better when it comes with a side of… slides. Head to Boombozz Pizza (East side location) and the kids can fly down slopes and tubes while you wait for your pies. Then head back and relax at your vacation home as you wind down your time away together — a movie night with some of your Nashville leftovers is definitely in order.

Of course there is so much more to do in this amazing city, but hopefully this will give you a jumping off point for your weekend adventure. Who knows, maybe next time you, or your kids, will be the ones up on the stage (karaoke, anyone?).