Family Guide to Nashville, Attractions, Hotels, and Restaurants in the Most Charming City in the South
Nashville is the best place for a fun family getaway. It’s one of those cities that surprises you in the best way. As a mom of two and a registered nurse, I manage my family’s expectations just like I manage my patient load by being efficient, realistic, and focused on what actually matters: keeping everyone happy, fed, and not completely overstimulated.
And Nashville delivers.
This city has it all ya’ll from live music on every corner to kid-friendly attractions and the best venues for concerts, entertainment and not to mention some amazing food! Bring the family and spend quality time enjoying all that Music City has to offer and maybe see a country music star or two.
Planning a Nashville Trip:
I always check flights + hotel prices early, so I don't overspend or end up stuck far
from everything
Things to Do in Nashville with Kids:
Puttshack
Nashville is home to a unique family gaming experience called Puttshack. This is a 9-hole cosmic mini golf course located in the Gulch, a trendy area of the city with fun local shops and eateries. This place uses high tech sensors to track your score as you and your family try your best to sink that hole in one.
This place also has a surprising menu including fun foods like, Nashville Hot Bao Buns, Asian steamed buns filled with cayenne-marinated fried chicken, chipotle aioli and rainbow slaw. These are a fun play on the Nashville hot chicken craze. Grab one of their signature cocktails like their, Peach Tea on Peachtree made with Puncher’s Chance Bourbon, Helix 7 vodka, Ole Smoky Tennessee Peach Whiskey, Disaranno Amaretto, peach puree, fresh lemon juice and cola, or try one of their zero-proof cocktails like the Cotton Candy Crush made with Cotton Candy syrup, lime juice and Red Bull. Grab your drink and head to the course and take a swing! Puttshack Nashville | Upscale Mini Golf, Bar & Restaurant
Top Golf
Bring your family to one of the climate-controlled hitting bays and play a round of golf for any skill level in a fun and exciting setting. Each golf ball is equipped with a microchip and everything is calculated for you. Choose one of several games, including the always entertaining Angry Birds game, where you and your family try to knock down the Angry Bird’s castle.
The menu features all kinds of Pub food and fun cocktails including Cheesy mac and cheese bites, signature flatbreads and burgers. Try one of their signature cocktails like a Top Golf Marg or a Blueberry Lemon Drop Martini. This place is fun for all skill sets, and we especially enjoyed the party-like atmosphere. Golf, Party Venue, Sports Bar & Restaurant | Topgolf Nashville
Broadway + Live Music (yes, with kids)
I’ll be honest – Broadway can be a lot. But during the daytime, it’s actually one of the most fun and walkable areas in the city. Feel the excitement from all directions. Our lively down-town is home to Ole Red, Blake Shelton’s bar one of the many rooftop bars. Have some lunch or dinner and listen to some down-home country music. Take a tour of the Grand Ole Opry or the famous Ryman Auditorium, the church of country music. Watch a concert at Bridgestone Arena or the open-air Ascend Amphitheater.
Get your tickets early!
These venues sell out quick!
Find Concert Tickets and Live Music tickets
Ladies Check out these: The Cutest Cowboy Boots!
Visit the Music City Hall of Fame and learn some interesting info on your favorite country music stars.
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
This is an all-day win
Nashville is known for more than just country music, this city is home to the Grassmere zoo. This newly remodeled zoo has impressive exhibits including Sumatran tigers, as well as Andean Bears.
It also has a newly updated and remodeled playground and toddler area. The zoo has also added a 4-D theater sponsored by Chik filet and is currently showing Ice Age: No Time for Nuts, and Sharks.
The zoo has also added several new eateries, like the Screaming Gibbon Pizza Kitchen and Fat Cow Creamery Coffee and Cones, definitely try the Monkey Macchiato Latte. Spend the day petting kangaroos or riding the Soaring Eagle Zip Line. There is something here for everyone. And yes, they have Dippin Dots, my kids favorite. Nashville Zoo at Grassmere | Nashville, TN
Where to Eat in Nashville (Family-Friendly Favorites)
Assembly Food Hall
This is my “everyone gets what they want” solution
One place you can appease any type of food craving is Assembly Food Hall. This culinary gallery showcases some of the best local food and international cuisine in the city.
Assembly Food Hall is located off Broadway across from Bridgestone Arena. Here you can get Nashville’s famous Prince’s Hot Chicken or Nashville’s own delicious and juicy Pharmacy Burger.
The Hall offers everything from crepes, sushi, bbq and pizza. Also, don’t miss Cotton and Snow for some seriously delightful cotton candy and shaved ice. Visit the Homegrown bar for some ambiance and have a signature cocktail like Dragon Fruit Lemonade made with New Amsterdam Vodka, Dragon Fruit Syrup, Orgeat, Lemon Fever-tree Sparkling Sicilian Lemonade or a classic cocktail like an espresso Martini. Assembly Food Hall | Nashville, TN | Assembly Food Hall
Where to Stay in Nashville with a Family
As a nurse who has been in charge of discharge planning, I think Logistics: location + convenience + value.
Best Areas to Stay:
Downtown (walkable but busy)
Midtown (slightly calmer, still central)
Opryland area (resort-style, great for kids)
Some of the most family-friendly stays in Nashville are resort-style properties with indoor atriums, pools, and built-in entertainment. Perfect for downtime between sightseeing.
Drury Inn and Suites in Downtown Nashville
This is by far my family’s favorite hotel brand. The Drury offers King, two queen rooms or large two room suites great for larger families and offers an indoor, outdoor pool, as well as a jacuzzi.
This is one of the most affordable hotel brands helping us save money while we travel. Drury's also offers so many freebies, including a full free breakfast, a full free dinner with beverages and for the adults, three free alcoholic beverages everyday between 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Also, during certain times that may vary depending on the Drury, you can get free soda and freshly popped, popcorn in the lobby. Why would you stay anywhere else! The Drury Inn and Suites in Downtown Nashville, is also at the center of all the entertainment and excitement of our wonderful city. Stay here and walk to most of the places I talked about in this blog, or Lyft or Uber.
And if you find yourself visiting with your family on a rainy day, check out my blog, What to do in Nashville on a Rainy Day . I give you a rainy-day itinerary that everyone is sure to love!
This city has everything to impress your family no matter the age or the interest. Come visit Nashville and fall in love with the sights, sounds and tastes of our Music City, full of charm and southern hospitality.
And if you plan your trip right, you don't just visit Nashville..
You actually enjoy it!
and
Let's Make Memories!!!
Another Fun family vacation: A Family Guide the Best of San Antonio. Find out Why This City Offers to Most Fun for a Family Vacation
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