Things to do for Families in Nashville

Whether you're traveling with a toddler, a group of teens or any combination in between, look to the family-friendly attractions in Nashville to keep you all busy. It's no wonder that Parenting magazine named Nashville one of the top U.S. cities for families.

Adventure Science Center

With nearly 200 interactive exhibits for little hands to explore, you can easily spend at least half a day at Adventure Science Center, just south of downtown Nashville. Since it is indoors and open every day except for Thanksgiving and Christmas, this is the perfect anytime destination. In addition to the collection of permanent and rotating exhibits—the center covers topics like nanotechnology and human biology in kid-friendly ways. The Center also houses the Sudekum Planetarium, where you and your future astronauts can lean back and get lost in the stars. The planetarium rotates its show schedule and isn't always open on Mondays.

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

No trip to Nashville is complete without a visit to this Music City institution. The rotating collection of exhibits features country music icons and current radio stars, and the musical and video elements of the exhibits will appeal to little ones. But it's the weekend family programs that really make Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum a must-see. Older kids will enjoy seeing songwriters perform original music every Saturday, and musicians play every Sunday. Weekend programs also include hands-on sessions where kids can design their own record label logos, learn the basics of country dancing and jam on the banjo.

Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort

This combo water and adventure park is only 10 miles east of downtown Nashville, but city life will feel even further away when you're zip lining through the treetops. You can strap into a safety harness and follow a sky-high obstacle course that includes hanging nets and Tarzan swings. At the adjoining Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort water park, you can speed down one of the eight water slides and watch little ones play on the mammoth Kowabunga Beach—a four-story water treehouse featuring water jets, bridges, tunnels and four water slides.

The Warner Parks

Named after two brothers, the Edwin Warner and Percy Warner parks—two adjoining properties also known as the Warner Parks—encompass more than 3,000 acres of land 15 miles south of downtown Nashville. Hike 12 miles of primitive trails, complete a ropes course, visit the model airplane field or horseback ride through the forest. You can also borrow free "purple packs" from the Nature Center. They're stocked with activities and tools, such as binoculars and scavenger hunt lists, which little ones can use to explore the park.