Here’s how to have a memorable day in Nashville, TN with all of your crew. 

Learn

The Country Music Hall of Fame is well worth a visit, whether you like country music or not. Featuring fabulous exhibits – including Elvis’ amazing car collection – which allows kids to learn about the artists, explore music, and see jaw-dropping costumes up close. But little kids will be extra-wowed by the Taylor Swift Education Center – a wonderful addition featuring free summer craft projects and much more. For an up-to-date schedule, visit the website and select "Kids."

Chomp

Bakersfield Tacos has a kids menu with quesadillas and tacos – it also has games like tic-tac-toe to entertain the kids.  For the parents, it offers fantastic drinks and brews and guacamole.

Explore

The beautiful and unique John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge spans the Cumberland River in Downtown Nashville. At over 3,000 feet long it’s one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world! Travelers will find a beautiful view of the river, the Downtown skyline, and Nissan Stadium – your kids will be excited to spot a boat or two in the river and be amazed by the vistas. Often, you can find local artists or musicians sharing their work, which can make it memorable and beautiful to sit on one of the many benches, sitting and listening.

Bicycles and scooters are allowed in the center of the bridge with pedestrians on the large exterior sidewalks – there’s a little bit of an incline and often crowded so use your best judgment on letting your kids loose. On weekdays, however, you should have plenty of room to let them ride or push a stroller.

Many country music videos – "Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)” by Big & Rich, "Together You and I" by Dolly Parton, etc. – have been filmed here so it may look a tad familiar if that’s your genre.

Note: On the rare occasion the bridge is cordoned off due to a public event, you can still cross it, but you don't have the access that you normally would. 

Sweets

The Goo Goo Shop and Dessert Bar at 116 3rd Ave S is an iconic Shop & Dessert Bar that is the ultimate Nashville treat (“Goo” is Grand Old Oprey).  Hit it for your sweet tooth and for gifts for those at home! 

Splash

The splash park at Cumberland Park near Downtown – right off the Cumberland River, next to Nissan stadium – is a fun way to spend a couple of hours splashing around in the variety of fountains and jets. I recommend getting there early as it can get crowded and shade (for adults) is limited (kind of like stadium seating).  There’s not a ton of shade in the actual water area so bring hats and sunscreen galore. In addition to the water area, the park houses a sandpit, a climbing wall, and slides.  It’s certainly a fun and enjoyable (and free!) way to spend a morning or afternoon. Though, note, correlating with summer months, the splash part is open Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Tour

The Nashville Hop on Hop Off Tour is great for out of towners to get a sense of the downtown city. Tours depart from boarding locations every ~20 - 30 minutes.  The main ticket booth is located at 201 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37210 ( 2nd Ave and Broadway).  And stops include Lower Broadway; Country Music Hall of Fame; Johnny Cash & Goo Goo; Ryman Auditorium; Tennessee Performing Arts Center; Musicians Hall of Fame; Farmer's Market; Marathon; Motorworks/Antique Archaeology; The Parthenon/Centennial Park; Vanderbilt University; Hot Chicken; Belmont Mansion; Bobby's Idle Hour/ Music Row; The Gulch; The Frist Center.