Nashville isn’t just a hub for country music and vibrant nightlife — it’s also a treasure trove of family-friendly fun. Whether you’re a local or visiting Music City, there’s no shortage of engaging activities for people of all ages. From splashing around in a luxurious indoor water park to exploring hands-on exhibits, uncovering history through art and storytelling, and indulging in decadent desserts, here are five ways to enjoy some unforgettable family fun in Nashville!
SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland Resort
SoundWaves is Gaylord Opryland Resort’s expansive, upscale, four-acre indoor/outdoor water attraction. Offering multi-level play structures, thrilling water rides, a wave pool, and immersive music, it’s perfect for any family’s vacation (or staycation!).
Spanning 111,000 square feet, the indoor area is kept at a cozy 84 degrees, and visitors can enjoy three levels of fun. A standout feature of the park is the Down-Tempo Lazy River, which winds through cavernous rock features complete with LED lighting and lively music.
Another favorite, the Crowd Surfer, is Nashville’s only double FlowRider®. Whether you want to surf standing up or boogie board, it’s sure to provide a thrilling experience. If you’re still looking for adventure and fun, take a ride on any of the water slides — Rapid Remix™, Stage Dive™ and Record Launch™.
Adults can take advantage of the Status Cymbal Adult Pool & Bar. The third-floor adults-only infinity pool, bar, and lounge was recently named one of the top 10 water attractions in the country by Thrillist!
Meanwhile, little ones can splash around in the Quarter Note Cove or climb on the multi-level play structure in the Half Note Cove.
An afternoon of waterpark fun is sure to help you work up an appetite. Luckily, SoundWaves offers Decibels, a family-friendly eatery offering delicious appetizers, entrées, and desserts. Whether you’re craving a salad, burger, or pizza, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your cravings!
Before leaving, stop by The Signature Store or SoundWaves Store to pick up a souvenir or two to remember your adventures. Whether you need a last-minute bottle of sunscreen or beach towel or simply want to shop well-known brands like Under Armour and Vineyard Vines, the stores offer a variety of goods.
To access the waterpark and its attractions, visitors need to purchase a SoundWaves Experience Package or reserve a party room. To learn more or purchase a package, visit soundwavesgo.com.
Adventure Science Center
Located just south of Downtown Nashville, Adventure Science Center is a wonderland of discovery for children and adults alike. Through hands-on exhibits and immersive experiences, visitors can explore the worlds of science, technology, engineering, and math.
The newest addition to the museum’s exhibition lineup is Wonders of the Universe. It features the only space rover on display in Tennessee, the Mars Curiosity rover, which is on loan from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
In addition to the rover, JPL has loaned Adventure Science Center a prototype that showcases the wiring of the Perseverance rover’s head. Visitors can also touch an actual meteorite from Mars in the exhibit!
Another popular exhibit, Fossil Frontiers, invites visitors to view remnants of life from Tennessee and beyond. Fossils include flying reptiles and a Deinonychus, which inspired the Velociraptors in Jurassic Park.
Another standout feature of Adventure Science Center is the Sudekum Planetarium. The state-of-the-art dome theater invites you to gaze at stars, enjoy laser shows, and discover new planets!
BodyQuest is another popular stop in the museum, offering a glimpse into the human body. Children are invited to fight pathogens, examine Pat the Patient, review X-rays, and check blood pressure.
This beloved space will soon be transformed into a brand-new gallery uncovering the incredible things your body is capable of. Slated to open in 2026 (and serve as Adventure Science Center’s largest exhibit to date!), PEAK Performance: The Science of Health will offer 10,000 square feet of space that explores the fascinating complexities of human body systems, the latest scientific discoveries, and how medical advancements keep us healthy.
Adventure Science Center is open Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit adventuresci.org.
Frist Art Museum
Located inside a stately, historic Art Deco building, the Frist Art Museum is a beloved landmark and cultural hub. From its robust and ever-changing lineup of visual art exhibitions to hands-on activities for children, there’s always something new to discover at the Frist — no matter how many times you visit.
One of the museum’s standout attractions for families is Martin ArtQuest®. Located on the museum’s upper level, the dynamic art-making space is designed for children and adults alike. Featuring more than 20 interactive stations, you’re invited to create your own piece of art or experiment with animation and printmaking. It’s no wonder the Frist is consistently named one of the most family-friendly museums in the U.S.!
Beyond ArtQuest, the Frist often hosts family-centric activities that align with current exhibitions, including art-making workshops and storytelling sessions. This allows visitors of all ages and backgrounds to connect with the featured artwork in the galleries. To see a complete list of happenings, check out the museum’s event calendar HERE.
Even some of the exhibitions at the Frist are known to include family-friendly features, ranging from interactive touch screens and activity guides to multi-sensory carts. The museum also encourages families to discuss art among themselves, so you don’t have to be quiet during your visit! The Frist’s volunteer docents encourage conversation and questions throughout the museum.
The newest addition to the Frist is Café Cheeserie, a brand-new concept from Nashville’s beloved Grilled Cheeserie. Before or after your visit, you and your family can enjoy everything from delectable sandwiches to seasonal soups, salads, and grab-and-go items.
The Frist is open Monday, Friday, and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tickets are available in-person and online at fristartmuseum.org.
Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
Step back in time by visiting Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, the historic home of the seventh President of the United States. The 1,120-acre estate invites families to learn about Tennessee history through immersive exhibits and interactive tours.
We recommend starting your visit at the Andrew Jackson Visitor Center, where you can explore interactive exhibits that introduce you to the former president’s early life and presidency.
In addition to highlighting the life of Andrew Jackson, the Visitor Center also offers an exhibit titled Slavery by the Numbers. This section explores America’s complex past through the eyes of enslaved individuals who lived at The Hermitage — all in an age-appropriate way.
When you’re done exploring the Visitor Center, head to the heart of the property: the mansion. The structure has been lovingly preserved to reflect early life in the 19th century. As you travel through various rooms, you’ll see original furniture and tour guides dressed in period attire.
After your mansion tour, spend some time exploring the surrounding grounds. Walking through the property, you’ll see Andrew Jackson’s tomb and historic buildings, including a sawmill, carriage houses, and an ice house. Children, in particular, will enjoy wagon rides and the chance to meet and interact with farm animals during seasonal activities and demonstrations.
Adults can also enjoy a wine tasting, courtesy of Natchez Hills Winery & Vineyard. Whether you prefer white or red, the on-site winery offers something for everyone!
Before leaving, stop by The Hermitage gift shop to pick up a souvenir or two. You’ll find everything from historical books and toys to handmade goods.
Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage is open daily for guided and self-guided tours. Tickets can be purchased in person and online at thehermitage.com.
Goo Goo Chocolate Co.
For a family adventure that is equal parts interactive and sweet, Goo Goo Chocolate Co. in Downtown Nashville is sure to satisfy. Home of the legendary Goo Goo Cluster — America’s very first combination candy bar — visitors are invited to explore the rich history of the sweet treat while enjoying a tasting or two along the way!
We recommend starting your visit at one of the shop’s Design Your Own kiosks. Simply walk up to the machine to begin designing your very own candy bar! When your virtual design is complete, you can then watch the Goo Goo experts build your creation right before your eyes.
While you wait for your creation to be prepared, take some time to peruse the shop’s exhibits, which further explore the history of the candy and showcase some of its appearances in modern-day television.
If you’re feeling creative, attend one of the confectionary’s hands-on workshops. Taste of Goo Goo is a popular option among families, as it explores the history of the Goo Goo Cluster brand. It also offers chocolate tastings and the chance to build your own candy bar.
SB Tip: Goo Goo’s experiential classes are very popular and fill up quickly, so we recommend booking your spot in advance!
In addition to hands-on activities, Goo Goo Chocolate Co. offers a range of pre-made candy and exclusive merchandise, perfect for picking up a souvenir or two to remember your chocolate-covered adventures. You’ll find everything from limited-edition sweet treats to locally made goodies.
Speaking of sweet treats, be sure to also try some of Goo Goo Chocolate Co.’s bonbons. Available only at the Goo Goo Chocolate Co. store, you can try two bonbons immediately or build your own collection of four, nine, or 16 to take home.
Ready to start planning your family getaway? Visit visitmusiccity.com.
This article is sponsored by SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland Resort, Adventure Science Center, Frist Art Museum, Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, Goo Goo Chocolate Co., and Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.
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