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Nashville, Tennessee, is the sizzle in the pan that fries up music, history, and honky tonk. And that’s just peeling its top layers. When we visited, it felt like Nashville was made for teens. From celebrity-owned restaurants and bars, museums where visitors can walk away with a soundtrack of their own making, and food that makes mouths reminisce their flavors long after they’re enjoyed. Here’s what we loved doing the most in Nashville when we visited for a long weekend on one of our favorite family trips with our teens.
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Best Time To Visit Nashville and How To Save Money There
The best time to visit Nashville is in the Spring and Fall. This time of year is called the “shoulder season,” and not only are there fewer people traveling in general, but prices for hotels, flights, and events are much less expensive. Specifically, April-May and September-October are the best months for family travel if you can swing it with the teens’ school schedules. The weather hovers in the mid-70s. It could be a great long weekend getaway.
A way to save money on a family trip to Nashville for teens is to buy a pass that bundles admission prices of popular attractions. The city has retired its Music City Total Access Pass, but if you check the Visitor’s Center website, families will find tons of money saving deals for free!
One great option for the bundle buys is the Nashville Explorer Pass from GetYourGuide. These passes allow you to visit multiple attractions and tours at discounted prices. There are three pass options, and they’re valid for a year.
Not a planner? No problem! Get discounts on last-minute tours in the area, through Get Your Guide or Viator (which offers 51% off those last-minute tours!).
Music Scene Essentials: Where Legends Were Made
They call it Music City for a reason. This is where many country legends got their start, and Nashville has created several cool museums as cultural tributes to many of today’s and yesterday’s musical stars.
They may not be angels but they’ll feel much happier doing things for teens in Nashville. Photo by Ian Noble on Unsplash
Country Music Hall of Fame
Country music may not have originated in Nashville (the Appalachians get some credit for that), but the city launched many careers around its historic venues. Since 2025, there have been 158 inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame, and many of them have Nashville ties. Think Dolly Parton, who came to Music City after graduating high school, and Johnny Cash, who lived just outside of the city and regularly played the Grand Ole Opry, the longest-running country music show in the world. Even Elvis Presley played his first live concert in the Ryman Auditorium, the original home of the Grand Ole Opry.
Imagine our surprise when we learned that our tour guide at the Country Music Hall of Fame was the legendary Jim McDowell. It wasn’t until we stopped in front of his exhibit that he shared his identity with us.
The grand reveal with Jim McDowell, the CMHOF musician with all the inside stories. ©Rina Nehdar
Find the stories of legends and current favorites like Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Kenny Chesney, and many of their outfits and personal belongings at the Country Music Hall of Fame. Teens can also take a combo tour of the hall of fame and the recording studios, like RCA Studio B, where these legends put down their tracks.
DON’T MISS! A Local’s Guide To The Best Things To Do In Nashville With Kids
All the good stuff teens will love. ©Rina Nehdar
National Museum of African American Music
One could say that country music partially originated from the forced migration of enslaved people. Its roots come from various cultures, including West African folk music and instruments. The banjo, a quintessential instrument in country music, has its origins in West Africa. But country music isn’t the only kind of music that lives on the timeline of African American history.
Teens can explore blues, jazz, and rock and roll as they wander from room to room in the National Museum of African American Music in one of the best interactive museums we’ve ever visited.
Listen to all the songs…and take some home. ©Rina Nehdar
Ryman Auditorium
The Ryman Auditorium originated as a church built by music-loving and former playboy riverboat captain Thomas Ryman. Ryman called it the Union Gospel Tabernacle and built the venue for optimal acoustics. Musician say the way the floors and pews are shaped, the venue sounds like the inside of a guitar.
After Ryman’s death, they renamed the auditorium to commemorate its founder. From the start, musical acts flocked to play at the Ryman Auditorium, and the Grand Ole Opry began broadcasting its radio show from there in 1943, a tradition that continued until the space outgrew its capacity in 1974.
The sound of music ©Rina Nehdar
Today, teens can explore the exhibits, take a photo on its stage, and imagine what it felt like to be one of the many stars who made magic reverberate through its pews.
An Instagram treasure trove. ©Rina Nehdar
Grand Ole Opry
After audience demand forced the popular radio show to find a bigger home, the Grand Ole Opry chose a space away from the debauchery that existed in 1970s downtown Nashville. Since then the Grand Ole Opry broadcast its wholesome show from the Grand Ole Opry House in Opryland, about 13 miles away from its original home. In 2025, the Grand Ole Opry will celebrate 100 years of broadcasting. The show has featured every name known in country music circles, including Hank Williams, Garth Brooks, Patsy Cline, Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, and more than can be listed to fit inside this article.
Legends like Vince Gill perform the Grand Ole Opry. ©Rina Nehdar
Enjoy an unforgettable backstage tour to see dressing rooms dedicated to regulars like Minnie Peart and Roy Acuff. See rare photos of the artists that graced the show’s airwaves. Visit on a show night to hear legends and up-and-coming stars perform in the legendary venue.
The backstage tour lets teens get a glimpse into dressing rooms. Vince Gills gets ready to go on stage. ©Rina Nehdar
Dance Honky Tonk In Robert’s Western World
Families can’t leave Nashville without exploring the Lower Broadway Historical District, home of world-famous honky tonk dancing set to live music. Known as the “Honky Tonk Highway,” dozens of bars operate along the iconic street, many owned by celebrities such as Justin Timberlake’s The Twelve Thirty Club, Keith Urban’s Legends, and Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar.
Just another celeb-owned eatery. ©Rina Nehdar
Dancing begins at 10 in the morning, and most bars with live bands will allow kids and teens to dance with their adults until 6 pm, after which they become 21+ venues.
Yeeehawww!
One of the most famous honky tonk stages is at Robert’s Western World. When we got the chance to go inside and listen to the music, we were blown away at the sound and intensity of the musicians. It was a dynamic experience as the guitarist took us with him on his musical journey.
The vibe is real. ©Rina Nehdar
Even though we had never danced honky tonk, we gave it a go at Robert’s Western World. Swept away by the talented musicians, I allowed an older gentleman to grab my hand, and in between my self-conscious declarations that I didn’t know how to follow, he calmly guided me to look like I did. It was the night I learned what the term “Southern Gentleman” really meant.
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More Downtown Nashville Urban Adventures
Printers Alley
Named after the newspapers and publishing houses that once occupied this downtown space, just a few blocks from the famous Broadway entertainment district. Printers Alley runs between Third and Fourth Avenues, from Union Street to Commerce Street. This is the place to hear blues and jazz and sing Karaoke at Miss Kelly’s.
Unfortunately, teens will have to wait until they’re 21 to enter all the establishments in this part of Nashville, but since they’re old enough to hang out at the hotel on their own, mom and dad could enjoy these spots.
Frist Art Museum
The Frist Art Museum is not your grandma’s stuffy museum. The Frist switches up its exhibits constantly, so you’re not stuck staring at the same old paintings of fruit bowls. One month it’s street art, the next it’s weird digital installations that look like they belong on TikTok.
Instead of just looking at things behind ropes, teens can actually touch, experience, and mess around with interactive displays. Perfect for teens like ours, who get bored standing still for more than 30 seconds. The museum puts on programs especially designed for teens like the Teen Arts Action Group (TAAG) which allows teens to plan their own programs, collaborate with others, and learn from professional artists about creating art and pursuing art careers. Don’t miss the Martin ArtQuest (MAQ) Gallery. This award-winning gallery features interactive stations and hands-on activities designed for art-making and exploration for all ages. Also, every year the Frist puts on Teens Take the Frist! Exhibition, showcasing artwork by local, emerging teen artists. So parents won’t hear them say “You just don’t understand me,” as they collaborate with art professionals. Even my teen athletes enjoyed seeing art created by their peers.
Photo by Krista Jobe
Since it's in Music City, the Frist often connects art to music and local culture. It's not some random museum that could be anywhere - it actually feels like Nashville. Basically, the Frist figured out how to make art museums fun without dumbing them down. Revolutionary concept, honestly.
DON'T MISS! Don't Miss These Fantastic Museums In Nashville For Kids
Marathon Village: Creative District Discovery
About five minutes from downtown is the former headquarters of Marathon Motor Works. Car buffs can see five of the original seven cars produced by Marathon Motor Works in the museum located in its original brick building.
Beyond just cars, the space also houses restaurants, bars, boutiques, and a comedy club.
Doing it 100% their way. ©Rina Nehdar
Paddywax
It’s the scent that families will notice first. Flowers, smoke, and woods compete to become the candles kids and teens can create in a candle-making workshop at Paddywax. Select colors, fragrance, and the containers that will hold the candle in this family-friendly activity. It’s the perfect souvenir or unique gift.
Nashville Barrel Company
While the kids are creating candles, mom and dad can stop by the Nashville Barrel Company to taste one of their award-winning whiskeys (try the 86!) or bourbons. A group of friends got together to start the company, and they keep it light and fun. They even have a whisky and bourbon blending experience! It’s a barrel of laughs!
Co-founders James Davenport and Mike Hinds create quite a buzz with their bourbon and whisky. ©Rina Nehdar
Guided Experiences: Best Nashville Tours For Teens
It’s nice to know what you’re seeing. Even better when it’s a local who tells your family all the hidden stories behind major Nashville attractions. Here are a couple tour companies we used and would highly recommend.
Gray Line Tour
To get a comprehensive overview of the city, there’s nothing like the air-conditioned interior of a Gray Line Tour bus. When the weather is nice, families can enjoy the open upper deck of the bus. Our guide, Leonard, took us all through downtown, past Keith Urban’s Legends and Tootsies, a former outlaw hangout, past Centennial Park and the only full-sized replica of the Parthenon with a 40-foot statue of Greek goddess Athena inside, a site begging to be included on your teen’s Instagram page. Families can also consider the Hop On/Hop Off bus tours, which allow a slower pace and a deeper exploration at sites of interest.
An evening photo of the full-scale replica of the famous Parthenon, built in 1900 by William Crawford Smith to celebrate the Tennessee Centennial Exposition in Nashville, Tennessee, the Athens of the South. Photo by Brian Morin on Unsplash
Mint Julep Tours
Mint Julep Tours offers a variety of experiences, tailored to the ages and interests of a group. They provide insider access to Nashville's best spots.
Get The Wiggles Out: Indoor and Outdoor Adventures
Teens are still kids and will enjoy physical challenges in Nashville that may have nothing to do with music, museums, or incredible menus. We like to incorporate a Segway tour to combine learning with adventure, but we didn’t have time on this trip. These are also great places to drop off the teens while the adults do some of the adult things on their own. Here are a few fun suggestions.
Outdoor Adventure Parks & Ropes Courses
Nashville's got some seriously epic outdoor adventure spots that'll make your teen forget they ever complained about being bored. The Adventure Park at Nashville is basically a giant jungle gym for people who've outgrown actual jungle gyms - we're talking 31 zip lines and enough treetop obstacles to make you question your life choices (in the best way).
If you want to go full Tarzan mode, Nashville Shores Ziplines & Ropes Courses throws 100 different obstacles at you, including suspended bridges and cargo nets that'll have teens channeling their inner action hero. For groups who want to bond over mild terror and adrenaline, Adventureworks Nashville West delivers the goods with ziplines that'll make any teen’s stomach drop.
It's all a challenge. Photo by Stephanie Ecate on Unsplash
Indoor Adventures
Just because it's raining (or you're avoiding Nashville's summer heat) doesn't mean your adventure plans have to wait. SOAR Adventure Tower is basically a massive indoor jungle gym on steroids - we're talking a multi-level tower packed with over 110 different obstacles that'll challenge your teen’s balance, courage, and ability to not look down.
Urban Air Adventure Park is the place that may seem like it’s "just trampolines," but actually has a whole indoor adventure setup hiding inside. Sure, teens can bounce around like they’re five again, but Urban Air Adventure Park also has obstacle courses and climbing walls for when teens want to feel more accomplished than just doing backflips into foam pits.
And if your teens have watched American Ninja Warrior thinking "I could totally do that," Ninja Nation will either confirm their suspicions or humble them real quick with its legit ninja warrior-style courses. Spoiler alert: those salmon ladder things are way harder than they look on TV.
All three spots are climate-controlled, so your only excuse for not going is admitting you're scared.
Cumberland River
The part of the 668-mile Cumberland River that flows through Nashville offers year-round activities like kayaking, paddleboard tours, fishing, and riverboat cruises, with launch sites at Shelby Park and Cumberland Park. Teens can kayak the Cumberland River and see the famous Nashville Skyline from a unique downtown perspective - River Queen Voyages was even voted as having the "Best View of The City!"
Nashville Water Taxi offers scenic and narrated tours that provide a unique view of Nashville's landmarks, perfect for families. Get a workout with your view on River Queen Voyages, pedal pontoon boat! Bring the party on the boat with their BYOB and food options. For a more elaborate experience, you can cruise on the 'General Jackson Showboat', one of the country's largest paddle-wheel boats, with lunch or dinner cruise options featuring live entertainment.
Have a picnic and watch a show at Riverfront Park, located along the Cumberland River in downtown Nashville, a popular spot to sit and enjoy gorgeous river views, especially during the fall and spring cooler weather.
River fun. Getty Images.
Nashville Water Parks
Families visiting in spring and summer can enjoy three water parks in Nashville. Nashville Shores is the biggest of them. It hosts more than 20 attractions that include water slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, and family-friendly hangouts. If your teen wants something fancier, make the Gaylord Opryland your family’s headquarters and reserve a day at Soundwaves, their indoor/outdoor water park featuring all the fun stuff commercial water parks also offer. Check out their fun video below:
A public water park is another option. Wave Country, operated by Metro Parks, has two water flumes, two speed slides, a kiddie slide, a kiddie pool with water features, and a children's playground. This is all a steal at only $12 per ticket.
Beyond Nashville: Historical Adventures Through Nashville's Rich Past
We took a few trips outside of Nashville, and they really made an impression on us. Coming from California, we don’t have the type of history that the southern part of the country has. It was great for the teens to see, in real life, what their history books told them had happened.
A million thoughts lived here. ©Rina Nehdar
Travelers Rest Historic House Museum
Of course, the floor was just packed dirt. And why would the wooden slats that we sat on in the Traveler’s Rest basement have cushions? As our pupils adjusted to let in the anemic light inside the underground room overpowered with the smell of wet clay, the place where seven of the Overton children had once huddled while Confederate and Union soldiers swapped bullets above, there was no reason to expect the history of Traveller’s Rest would be comfortable. This Historic House Museum, 30 minutes outside of Nashville proper, tells the story of the fight for emancipation at the site of an upper-class Southern home where the pivotal Battle of Nashville saw the brave United States Colored Troops fight for their freedom.
Holy cow! Original wall from the Civil War: Battle of Nashville ©Rina Nehdar
As we walked through rooms still riddled with bullet holes from the battle, the reality of what we had read in our history books came to life in vivid detail. My heart went out to all who had to endure the atrocity of that war, and our teens left feeling grateful for the calm in which they live.
The Hermitage
In 1804, the would-be 7th President of the United States, Andrew Jackson, bought the 425 acres of land where he would complete building The Hermitage in 1821 and retire there after his Presidency. Jackson bought the property to serve as a cotton plantation with enslaved people working the operation. When we arrived for our tour of the home he shared with his wife, Rachel, we were surprised at how well-preserved the rooms seemed, with original furnishings and wallpaper. We toured the house, the gardens, the slave quarters, and the kitchen.
No photography is allowed inside the Hermitage museum so visit to see the historic rooms. ©Rina Nehdar
Pro-Tip: We opted for the 90-minute VIP tour which is when a guide takes you through the mansion and all around the grounds. The regular tour is about 25-30 minutes and only includes the inside of the house.
Andrew and Rachel Jackson never had their own biological children, so they adopted the twin son of her brother and named him Andrew Jackson Jr. After Jackson Sr. died, Jr. continued the family business.
The Jacksons had a servant named Alfred who stayed on after he was emancipated and worked as a tenant farmer, living on the property in a log cabin. Today, that cabin is known as Alfred’s Cabin. After Jackson Sr. passed, Alfred bought a cooler, a bed, and a mirror at the estate sale. He later donated the mirror to the Hermitage Ladies' Association in exchange for the promise of being buried next to his former master. Today, Alfred’s grave is mere feet from his friend’s tomb.
Albert's grave sits mere feet from the Jackson tomb. ©Rina Nehdar
Jackson is the only President to have come from Tennessee and is revered as a hero by state residents.
Franklin
About a half hour from Nashville, teens will love the cool boutiques and restaurants along Franklin’s Main St., a 16-block, beautifully preserved stretch of unique shops. Reece Witherspoon has her adorable store, Draper James there. We stopped by and grabbed a fun souvenir.
All the cool Southern things. ©Rina Nehdar
Other Family-Friendly Adventures
For nature lovers, Nashville has four main parks, Warner Parks, Shelby Bottoms Greenway, Beaman Park, and Bells Bend Park. To get an overview of the ecosystem and their history, families can visit one of the nature centers as they begin their visit.
The Nashville Zoo is another great place to spend the day for teens. Rare animals call the zoo their home and there are special events so check their calendar.
Did your teen love exploring the historic mansions? Check out Belle Meade Mansion that offers a complimentary wine tasting experience at the end. Young adults will enjoy this and there are discounts for kids and teens. Don’t miss Belmont Mansion, once the summer home to Adelicia Acklen, one of the wealthiest women in the antebellum South on a self-guided tour of her very fancy home.
Teens ready to make their friends jealous back home can take a tour with a professional photographer at the Gulch. Enjoy and pose next to next level street art and murals while your guide tells you their backstory while you pose for the world.
Nashville Food Culture: Family-Friendly Restaurants
No visit to Nashville is complete without trying the hot chicken. I know my teens are obsessed with hot chicken and no one does it better than Hattie B’s. Don’t worry if you’re not a huge fan of spice, when families order, they can specify the level of heat they want.
When you go, be prepared to wait for a table. ©Rina Nehdar
This is what they're waiting for. ©Rina Nehdar
Enjoy authentic Southern cuisine with live music at Pukket’s in downtown Nashville. Super casual but yummy, teens and kids will love eating here.
If your family is heading to a Tennessee Titans game, stop by Italian restaurant Mimo, just below the bridge to cross over to Nissan Stadium. Located inside the Four Seasons, their Tuscany-inspired menu is a great start to any night.
Every Thursday 10-15 food trucks line up to feed hungry locals and tourists alike for Street Eats. Grab a bite for a picnic or take it with you as your teen enjoys downtown Nashville.
DON'T MISS! The Best Kid Friendly Places To Eat In Nashville
When You Go
Where to Stay In Nashville
Luxury Options
The Hermitage Hotel combines the historical charm of Nashville with unparalleled comfort. A restaurant and bar provide instand gratification and the property sits within a 10 minute walk of many attractions listed above. This hotel has a range of experiences to make a teen’s visit unforgettable.
We enjoyed the Conrad by Hilton Nashville, just a short drive from our above itinerary, making our Nashville for teens an unforgettable family trip. The Conrad provides modern luxury with exceptional views of the city. We enjoyed the outdoor pool overlooking downtown. Three restaurants and a speakeasy called Thistle & Rye make this home away from home comfortable anytime. Ten percent of the rooms are suites so teens can spread out.
The view from our room. ©Rina Nehdar
Affordable Options
Right in the heart of Nashville, just a quick 7-minute stroll from Vanderbilt University, Graduate by Hilton Nashville is the perfect spot to crash after exploring Music City. This awesome 4-star hotel has everything you need—a fitness center to burn off that hot chicken, free WiFi to keep your socials updated, plus a restaurant, bar, and even karaoke nights! Every room comes with a flat-screen TV and all the essentials. Grab breakfast before heading out to check out the Parthenon (1.1 miles away) or catch a concert at Bridgestone Arena (1.4 miles). The airport's only 6.8 miles out, making it super convenient.
This Tennessee hotel is just 1 mile from the Music City Center and 2 miles from the Nashville Farmers Market, putting you right in the action. Dive into the indoor pool or stay connected with free Wi-Fi throughout your stay. Every room at Vanderbilt Homewood Suites by Hilton comes loaded with cable TV, a full kitchen (hello, late-night snacks!), an iPod docking station, your own desk, and a chill seating area. Need to stay on top of things? Hit up the business center or get your workout on in the fitness center. There's also laundry facilities and a snack shop when the munchies hit. Check out Nashville's epic Parthenon replica from the 1867 Centennial Exposition just 1 mile away, or venture 9 miles to hang with the animals at Nashville Zoo at Grassmere.
Budget Options
Located in Nashville, just an 11-minute walk from The Parthenon, Element Nashville Vanderbilt West End is where comfort meets convenience. Score free bikes to cruise around town, then cool off in the outdoor pool or chill on the terrace. This 3-star spot hooks you up with free WiFi, a restaurant, bar, and 24-hour front desk for whatever you need. Every room is decked out with AC, a flat-screen TV, mini fridge, coffee machine, dishwasher, and your own bathroom—basically everything to make you feel at home. Fuel up with an American breakfast before exploring, or grab snacks from the vending machines when hunger strikes. There's even a business center if you need it. Vanderbilt University is 1.3 miles away, Bridgestone Arena is 2.8 miles out, and the airport's only 8.1 miles from your door.
Sonesta Nashville Airport is perfectly placed—just 15 minutes from downtown Nashville's action and 5 minutes from the airport (with a free shuttle, score!). The coolest part? An indoor pool that connects to an outdoor one, so you can swim year-round. Every room comes with a comfy sitting area and coffee machine to get you going. When hunger hits, head to The Nashville Tap House for hand-selected bourbon cocktails and that famous Nashville hot chicken sandwich until 1am—yes, 1am! Need a quick caffeine fix? There's a Starbucks right in the hotel with coffee and light bites. Plus, you're only an 11-minute drive from the Country Music Hall of Fame and 9 minutes from The Grand Ole Opry, making this the ultimate home base for exploring Music City.
Getting To Nashville From Los Angeles
Getting from Los Angeles to Nashville is super easy with tons of nonstop flight options! Major airlines like Southwest, American, Delta, and United fly direct from LAX to Nashville International Airport (BNA), so you've got plenty of choices throughout the day. The flight takes around 3.5 to 4 hours. Book early for the best deals, and you'll be jamming out in Nashville before you know it!
An excellent discount site for rental cars and flights is Booking! We literally save hundreds using it.
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