Nashville for the Family

Nashville might be Music City, but that doesn’t mean its attractions are limited to loud concerts, honky tonks and the Grand Ol’ Opry. There’s plenty to do, see and enjoy for families of all interests.

Stay

Families will love Gaylord Opryland Resort. The expansive property provides endless entertainment for everyone. Families should consider booking a guestroom with access to the resort’s new waterpark. The indoor waterpark is open year-round and designed with an upscale aesthetic parents can appreciate. There’s even a private, adults-only space with a bar, giving parents a chance to escape the hubbub around the water slides, lazy river and other fun water activities.

A visit during the winter is ideal, as Gaylord Opryland Resort comes alive for the holiday season with its annual “ICE!” The indoor ice exhibit is themed after a different holiday classic story each year with activities including ice skating, tubing and more.

Play

If you’re visiting during the summer months, visit Cheekwood Estate & Gardens. Previously a private estate owned by the family behind Maxwell House coffee, it’s now a public historic home and huge array of gardens. There are 55 acres of space to explore and loads to entertain, such as an impressive outdoor model train display and new and improved children’s garden. Even if you visit Nashville during the winter months, Cheekwood is still worth a trip at night, as the property lights up with Christmas décor and extravagant light displays.

Nearby, Belle Meade Plantation is a fun, historic spot offering something for everyone. After touring the beautiful Greek revival mansion, parents can enjoy a wine tasting on the patio while kids can pick their favorite flavors of ice cream or fudge from the little scoop shop — previously a chicken coop when the property was a working plantation.

Closer into downtown, The Parthenon is a full-sized reproduction of the Greek Parthenon and dates back to Nashville’s centennial celebration. Get plenty of pics of this impressive structure’s exterior, then head inside for a tour to see the impressive art galleries and, of course, to marvel at the tallest indoor structure in the Western Hemisphere — the Parthenon’s replica of the statue of Athena.

Consider renting a car while you’re in Nashville, too, so you can best get around the city with ease. Driving in and around Nashville is fairly stress free and quick, so long as you’re not driving during peak commute hours. If you do have a vehicle at your disposal, it’s worth taking a trip out to nearby Franklin, a historic and charming town about 20 minutes south of the city. There you’ll find Civil War sites such as the Carter House and Carnton, as well as plenty of boutique shopping.