5 Unforgettable Family Adventures in Nashville
From a luxe waterpark to hands-on museum exhibits and more, here are five unique ways to enjoy family fun in Nashville, TN! Image: SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland Resort
Nashville isn’t just a hub for live music and vibrant nightlife; it’s 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 celebrating American history, exploring hands-on exhibits, and indulging in decadent desserts, here are five ways to enjoy unforgettable family fun in Nashville!
Tennessee America 250 Celebrations
As we approach the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Tennessee America 250 Commission invites families to explore the profound impact the Volunteer State has had on the American journey. This milestone isn’t just about looking back. In fact, it’s a statewide call to engage with the people, places, and stories that helped shape our nation.
Tennessee has long stood at the heart of U.S. history — from its role in the Revolutionary War to pivotal moments in the Suffrage and Civil Rights movements. The Commission’s goal is to ensure every Tennessean feels a sense of pride in this shared legacy. The guiding philosophy? To celebrate your country, starting with your state.
Through the Tennessee America 250 initiative, families can discover the state’s national contributions through a variety of immersive experiences. You might find yourself exploring the expansive galleries of the Tennessee State Museum, which serves as a premier destination for these historic narratives, or enjoying community-wide celebrations now through the end of the year.
However you choose to honor the state’s storied past, the Tennessee America 250 is dedicated to making our history feel tangible and inclusive. By celebrating Tennessee’s unique heritage, we honor the lasting impact our state has made on America.
To find community events near you, visit tn250.com.
SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland Resort
For families seeking a blend of high-energy thrills and sophisticated relaxation, SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland Resort is the ultimate destination. This four-acre, indoor/outdoor water attraction transcends the typical waterpark experience, offering an upscale environment designed for guests of all ages.
The 111,000-square-foot indoor area remains consistently tropical at 84 degrees year-round. As you explore the three levels of play, you’ll notice the resort’s musical heritage woven throughout five distinct music zones.
A standout zone is the Down-Tempo Lazy River, which winds through cavernous rock features illuminated by LED lighting and synced to a lively soundtrack. For those seeking a true rush, the park features 11 thrilling water slides and the Crowd Surfer, Nashville’s only FlowRider® featuring double surfing lanes.
While little ones splash in Quarter Note Cove or climb the multi-level structures in Half Note Cove, adults can find their own sanctuary. The Status Cymbal Adult Pool & Bar, a third-floor infinity pool and lounge, was named one of the top 10 water attractions in the country by Thrillist.
When hunger strikes, head to Decibels, the on-site eatery perfect for a quick, delicious refuel between slides. Before heading home, browse The Signature Store or SoundWaves Store for a fresh bottle of sunscreen or shop premium brands like Under Armour and Vineyard Vines.
To experience this one-of-a-kind attraction, visitors must purchase a SoundWaves Experience Package or reserve a private party room. It’s the perfect centerpiece for a Nashville vacation or a luxurious local staycation. To learn more or purchase a package, visit soundwavesgo.com.
Country Music Hall of Fame
Often called the “Smithsonian of Country Music,” the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is much more than a quiet gallery of artifacts — it’s a vibrant, living tribute to the stories that define Music City.
Your journey begins in the galleries, where permanent and rotating exhibitions showcase everything from sparkling neon lights and iconic stage costumes to the instruments of the legends who paved the way.
The real magic happens when families step into the Taylor Swift Education Center. Here, the museum translates the history on the walls into immersive learning. You might find yourself in an introductory banjo class or collaborating on custom leather crafts in a setting where facilitators connect the history of each activity to its place in country music history.
For the musically curious, the museum’s theaters and educational spaces host a variety of interactive programs. The popular “Songwriter Sessions” are a weekend staple, bringing the composers behind country music’s biggest hits onto the stage to perform live and answer questions. It’s a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the craft of songwriting that resonates with both parents and young musicians.
Beyond the daily exhibits, the museum’s CMA Theater is a hub for high-energy entertainment. The venue regularly books star-studded, ticketed events featuring legends and headliners from a wide range of sounds, including Americana, bluegrass, rock ‘n’ roll, and country. From intimate interviews to full-scale concerts, there is always a reason to check the calendar before you visit.
Whether you’re crafting a one-of-a-kind souvenir or sitting front row for a live performance, the museum ensures every family member leaves with a piece of Nashville in their hearts.
To see the full schedule of family programs and book your tickets, visit countrymusichalloffame.org.
Goo Goo Chocolate Co.
No family trip to Nashville is complete without a visit to the Goo Goo Chocolate Co., the home of America’s first combination candy bar. Located just off Lower Broadway, this modern, inviting space provides a fully immersive, hands-on chocolate-making experience that is both educational and delicious.
The highlight for families is the chance to step into the role of a chocolatier. In these interactive workshops, both kids and adults can create their own custom Goo Goo-inspired candy bar. You’ll choose your favorite premium ingredients and watch your creation come to life, making for a personalized (and delicious) souvenir.
The one-hour Taste of Goo Goo experience is perfectly tailored for families. It’s engaging enough to keep little ones focused and fun enough for adults to enjoy, yet streamlined enough to fit easily into a busy day of sightseeing.
As you craft your masterpiece, knowledgeable instructors share the storied history of the iconic Goo Goo brand, a Nashville staple since 1912. It’s a rare activity that successfully combines creativity, local history, and a culinary treat.
Because it’s truly family-friendly, everyone can participate together, regardless of age. Whether you’re a local looking for a unique weekend activity or a visitor wanting a taste of Music City’s sweeter side, Goo Goo Chocolate Co. is sure to satisfy.
Ready to make your own candy? Book your chocolate-making session at googoo.com.
Lane Motor Museum
For families looking to veer off the beaten path, Lane Motor Museum offers a uniquely Nashville experience that is as quirky as it is educational. The Museum celebrates the art of the unusual, housing a collection of automobiles you won’t find anywhere else in the U.S.
Located in the historic Sunbeam Bakery building, the Museum displays over 150 cars and motorcycles. Unlike traditional American car museums, the collection here consists primarily of European-made vehicles, showcasing the innovative, the tiny, and the truly eccentric designs of the 20th century.
To keep the experience fresh for repeat visitors and locals, the Museum curates multiple themed exhibits throughout the year. These rotations allow the Museum to dive deep into specific niches, such as French automotive engineering, the history of micro-mobility, or rare motorcycles.
The spacious, bright, open floor plan makes it an easy destination for families to navigate, allowing everyone to get an up-close look at the sleek lines and strange silhouettes of automotive treasures.
Lane Motor Museum is the perfect “secret weapon” for a rainy day or a weekend outing. It’s a sophisticated, visually stunning space that appeals to the design lover’s eye while providing a fascinating history lesson.
Plan your trip at lanemotormuseum.org.
Ready to start planning your family getaway? Visit visitmusiccity.com.
This article is sponsored by the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial, SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland Resort, Country Music Hall of Fame, Goo Goo Chocolate Co., Lane Motor Museum, and Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.
Brianna Goebel
Brianna is StyleBlueprint’s Associate Editor and Sponsored Content Manager. She is an avid fan of iced coffee and spends her free time reading romance novels.