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Home › Donut Guides › Things to Do with Kids › Nashville
Things to Do in Nashville with Kids
Nashville has much more for kids than honky-tonks: a science center with a planetarium, a full-size Parthenon, free state museums, a big zoo and riverfront playgrounds. This guide is organized by area, with parent tips from our local guides and free picks flagged.
Our Downtown Donut Tour mixes great donuts with Nashville history, and families with kids are some of our favorite guests.
By the Underground Donut Tour team · Updated November 2026
At a glance
- Free favorites: The Tennessee State Museum, Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, Centennial Park, Cumberland Park, the Frist Art Museum for kids under 18
- Rainy day picks: Adventure Science Center, the Tennessee State Museum, the Country Music Hall of Fame
- Sweet treat: Our Nashville donut tour welcomes kids 2 and up, with kids' tickets from $55
Kid-friendly things to do in Nashville, by neighborhood
Downtown and the riverfront
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Rainy day pickCostumes, instruments and Elvis's gold car, plus a hands-on family area.
Cumberland Park
FreeA riverfront playground with splash areas across the pedestrian bridge.
John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge
FreeA walk over the river with great skyline views.
Parent tip: Broadway is fun to see in the daytime with kids. Plan to head out before the evening crowds.
Germantown and the Capitol
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
FreeBig lawns, a giant Tennessee map and fountains to splash in.
Around town
Adventure Science Center
Rainy day pickHands-on science, a climbing tower and the Sudekum Planetarium.
Centennial Park and the Parthenon
FreeA full-size replica of the Parthenon, a lake and a playground. The giant Athena statue inside is in the paid museum.
Sweet treats and kid-friendly eats
Underground Donut Tour (kids' tickets from $55, ages 2 and up). Our Downtown Donut Tour walks the heart of Nashville with stops for local donuts and stories about the city's history and music. Guides set the pace around your group, which makes it easy with kids.
Taste Nashville's best donuts on one walk
Kids 2 and up are welcome. Guides set an easy pace for little legs.
Parent tip: Let us know about allergies or dietary needs when you book, and download our free Kids' Activity Book for the trip.
What families say about our Nashville tours
"My family had a fun experience. Kids from 8-13 were all happy & sugar filled."
Jacquelyn P., TripAdvisor, June 2026
"Trip to Nashville with 2 kids. Was a great way to spend the day eating delicious donuts and learning all about the city at the same time."
Kristin S., TripAdvisor, August 2025
"Had 2 kids in tow and the tour was totally doable."
Lindsey B., TripAdvisor, April 2025
All 5-star guest reviews.
Exploring on your own? Our Best Donut Shops in Nashville guide lists the city's best donut shops by neighborhood, and Best Holiday Donuts in Nashville covers the festive specials.
Sample days
Day 1: Downtown
- Morning: donut tour downtown.
- Country Music Hall of Fame.
- Walk the pedestrian bridge.
- Play at Cumberland Park.
Day 2: Science and the Parthenon
- Adventure Science Center when it opens.
- Lunch.
- Centennial Park and the Parthenon.
- Dinner in Midtown.
Day 3: Animals and history
- Nashville Zoo.
- Lunch at the Farmers' Market.
- Tennessee State Museum.
- Splash in the Bicentennial Mall fountains.
Nashville with kids by season
Holidays
- Christmas at Gaylord Opryland: huge light displays and indoor gardens decked out for the season.
- Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood: a lights display in the gardens on winter evenings.
- Nashville Christmas Parade: floats and bands downtown in early December.
- For seasonal treats, see Best Holiday Donuts in Nashville.
The rest of the year
- Spring: blooming gardens and pleasant walking weather.
- Summer: hot. Plan museums midday and splash pads in the afternoon.
- Fall: festivals and great days in Centennial Park.
- Winter: mild days and big holiday light shows.
Nashville with kids FAQ
Is the Nashville donut tour good for kids?
Yes. Kids 2 and up are welcome, the route is a daytime walk downtown, and kids' tickets start at $55.
What are free things to do in Nashville with kids?
The Tennessee State Museum, Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, Centennial Park, Cumberland Park and the Frist Art Museum for kids under 18.
Is Broadway OK with kids?
In the daytime, yes. It gets busy and loud in the evening, so plan family time earlier in the day.
What's a good rainy-day plan?
Adventure Science Center, the Tennessee State Museum or the Country Music Hall of Fame.