Whether you’re entertaining grandchildren or seeking fresh ways to connect with younger family members, the Nashville area offers a wealth of engaging options for kids of all ages. From dynamic museums and theaters to accessible parks and creative play spaces, these activities promise shared experiences and lasting memories.
Let’s get to it.
Tennessee State Museum
Inside the Tennessee State Museum, you’ll find a climate-controlled space packed with family-friendly displays. The Children’s Gallery invites hands-on exploration with a train table, building blocks, and a large floor map designed for active play. Weekend storytime sessions, scavenger hunts, and rotating workshops give kids concrete tasks and challenges.
Younger visitors can build and play safely while older children use the “History Passport” scavenger hunt to navigate exhibits. Admission is free, and the museum’s open most days, which makes drop-in visits easy. Wide corridors and ramps make the layout accessible, and parking is just steps away.
Staff members are always on hand to answer questions or guide families. The museum backs up to Bicentennial Mall, which means after an indoor session, you can head outside for a picnic or let kids burn off extra energy on the open lawns. Combine a structured museum visit with outdoor time for a budget-friendly day that appeals to all ages and interests. Count this museum as a practical choice that blends fun learning with flexible scheduling.
Fannie Mae Dees Park
Right in the heart of Nashville, Fannie Mae Dees Park, also known as Dragon Park, offers families a unique blend of art and play. At the center stands a 200-foot mosaic dragon sculpture covered in more than 6,000 community-crafted tiles. Each tile features designs from playful animals to musical notes and even a portrait of Fannie Mae Dees.
Children can climb on the dragon’s back, explore a rock tunnel, or cross the swinging bridge as adults relax under shady trees or gather at the inlaid chess tables. The newer Lily’s Garden section adds wheelchair-friendly swings, interactive sensory panels, and a misting fountain in the dragon’s head for warmer days.
Since the park is open year-round with free admission, it suits both quick drop-ins and longer visits. Reservable picnic shelters accommodate larger groups. Well-maintained restrooms, water fountains, and ample seating keep families comfortable. The inclusive layout welcomes children of all abilities, and the combination of public art and thoughtful playground design makes this park a favorite stop for grandparents, parents, and kids alike.
Nashville Children’s Theatre
At Nashville Children’s Theatre, performances cater to audiences from toddlers to teens. The “Snuggery” shows focus on children ages 0 to 5, offering gentle interaction with short run times and simple staging. These productions encourage quiet participation and occasional sing-alongs.
Mainstage performances run 60 to 75 minutes with clear sightlines and booster seats available. Every show is indoors, and free parking nearby makes arrival stress-free. Families who need sensory accommodations will appreciate dedicated sensory-friendly performances and a calming room equipped with weighted blankets and bubble tubes. ASL interpretation is offered for select shows, and staff members guide guests through any special requirements.
For deeper engagement, the theatre offers classes and summer camps led by experienced instructors. Options span basic acting workshops to tech-focused sessions where older kids learn set design and lighting. Ticket prices are reasonable, and “pay what you can” days allow families to choose an amount that works for them. With a season that includes classic tales, contemporary plays, and community collaborations, Nashville Children’s Theatre provides a welcoming space where young audiences can discover the performing arts at their own pace.
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere spans 188 acres of trails and exhibits designed for family adventure. Well-marked walking paths wind through shaded areas, leading to habitats for animals such as kangaroos, lorikeets, and red pandas. The zoo staff schedule daily keeper talks and interactive experiences like lorikeet feeding and kangaroo encounters.
For extra fun, kids can ride the Wilderness Express train or spin on the classic carousel. A giant Jungle Gym playground offers swings, slides, and climbing structures. When temperatures rise, the air-conditioned Conservation Discovery Center and Living Reef exhibit provide a cool break.
The zoo features sensory guides, quiet zones, and wheelchair rentals to accommodate all visitors. Stroller-friendly sidewalks and accessible viewing platforms ensure everyone can join in. On-site restrooms and water fountains are spaced at regular intervals along the main loop.
If you plan multiple visits, a membership package includes unlimited entry and discounts on rides. Special events throughout the year, like summer camps and holiday light displays, add variety to repeat trips. With its mix of animals, rides, and educational programming, Nashville Zoo at Grassmere gives families a convenient and engaging outdoor experience.
Adventure Science Center
Adventure Science Center brings hands-on STEM fun indoors year-round. Interactive exhibits include a physics playground with pulleys and ramps for school-age children and a softer, sensory-friendly area designed for toddlers. Many families head straight to the planetarium, where hourly shows project stars and planets onto a 45-foot dome. Booking in advance is wise for special feature presentations, which often sell out.
The center also features a small outdoor garden and water play area for warmer days. Inside, family lounges and low-seating nooks give visitors a place to rest between exhibits. Knowledgeable staff and volunteers roam the halls, offering quick science demonstrations and answering questions. The liquid nitrogen show is a crowd favorite.
Admission is sold per person, but membership options provide unlimited visits and discounts at the gift shop. Accessible restrooms, elevators, and low-sensory mornings support visitors who prefer quieter times or need mobility assistance. Complimentary Wi-Fi and a small café area round out the amenities.
Overall, Adventure Science Center offers a clean, well-organized space where kids of all ages can explore science concepts at their own pace.
Nido Indoor playground
Nido Indoor Playground in Nashville offers a play café experience that feels both upscale and welcoming. The entire space is designed for children ages 6 months to 4 years old. You’ll find active climbing structures, Montessori-inspired play zones, and creative corners with rotating art projects and sensory bins.
Parents enjoy clear sight lines for easy supervision. A cozy coworking area features a real espresso bar so you can catch up on emails while little ones explore. Sessions have guest limits to maintain a calm atmosphere. Padded floors and visible staff members add layers of safety.
Pricing remains sensible for families with multiple children. Passes and memberships let you choose single visits or regular outings. Nido operates year-round, with most morning sessions available. Special events like themed hunts and Moms’ Night Out pop up throughout the calendar.
If you’re after a dependable, inclusive spot for early learners and a few minutes of grown-up downtime, this venue checks all the boxes.
Zip Lines & Ropes Courses at Nashville Shores
Perched among tall trees on the lakeshore, Nashville Shores’ Zip Lines & Ropes Courses invites families to tackle adrenaline-pumping challenges. This outdoor adventure spot offers courses for every level. Kids as young as seven can try low-to-the-ground obstacles. Teens and adults can climb higher and zip along longer lines over the water.
Certified guides handle harness fittings, perform safety checks, and stay nearby with helpful tips. Continuous safety cables keep everyone securely attached. The layout moves in stages, starting with easy wobbly logs and progressing to elevated bridges and soaring zips.
Sessions operate rain or shine, with clear procedures in case of storms. Ticket prices match the excitement level. Group discounts and seasonal promotions make it budget friendly. You can pair your ropes course visit with Nashville Shores’ water park admission or book camping sites on the property.
Families, teens, and active adults will find more than just thrills here. It’s a day spent outdoors, filled with team spirit and physical challenges.
The Monkey’s Treehouse Play Space & Eatery
Inside The Monkey’s Treehouse Play Space & Eatery, families discover a thoughtfully organized environment for children from crawlers up to second graders. The toddler zone has padded floors and sensory-friendly features. Beyond that, themed mini-villages include a play grocery store shelves for stocking and a child-sized workshop with real tools.
Staff members circulate to engage children in activities and ensure safety. Parents can settle into a separate coworking area behind a large viewing window. Nearby, the attached café and beer garden invite adults to relax with coffee, snacks, or a local brew while still keeping an eye on little explorers.
The venue offers flexible options: drop-in play passes, unlimited monthly memberships, and scheduled science or cooking classes for kids. Accessible restrooms and stroller-friendly entrances simplify logistics for families with young children or mobility needs. Rain or shine, The Monkey’s Treehouse stays open on school breaks and weekends.
With clear pricing and consistent hours, it’s easy to plan visits around busy schedules. This spot keeps kids busy and lets parents unwind nearby.
Lost Worlds Dinotopia
Lost Worlds Dinotopia provides an indoor adventure built around a dinosaur theme at Northside Marketplace. Its 9,000 square feet of padded, slip-resistant flooring means the weather outside is never an issue. Children ages 1 to 4 get their own toddler section. Older kids ages 3 to 10 can explore climbing towers, rope courses, an interactive fossil-dig sandbox, and agility challenges.
The facility uses a wristband system to track sessions, and staff members supervise every area. Participants wear special “Lost Worlds” safety socks to prevent slips. There are low-noise toddler sessions for those with sensory sensitivities. Parents can sit in café-style seating just steps away or join in the fun on the play structures.
When hunger strikes, the Pterodactyl Café serves pizza, snacks, and drinks. You’ll also find themed souvenirs at the on-site gift shop. Lost Worlds stays open for regular playdates, birthday parties, and school-break hours, so it fits into busy family calendars. Fair pricing makes two-hour play visits a reasonable treat.
