Welcome to this week’s “See the World”! We are visiting Nashville, Tennessee courtesy of Lesli Peterson of 365 Atlanta Family. Hopefully you were able to read about Mexico City last week and London the week before. If you missed any of the other destinations this year, you can find them here! Let’s carry on and see what Lesli has to recommend as the top 5 family friendly things to do in Nashville.
You may think of Nashville as a place just for mom and dad to escape, but the truth is that there are tons of fun and exciting things for the entire family. Here are five of our favorites.
Nashville Zoo
This is a smaller zoo, but packed with exciting ways to see the animals close up. You can even pet the kangaroos and feed the tortoises. Don’t miss the newest animals, the gorgeous white rhinos. Plan to spend 2-3 hours on your visit, and check their Facebook page for deals before heading out.
On the grounds of the zoo you’ll also find Grassmere Historic Home, a 19th century plantation. Tours are available, but if you’re in Nashville with little ones then a better bet is to head to the Jungle Gym. It’s the largest community-built playground in the country and boasts a 35-foot tall tree house.
The Grand Ole Opry
I know what you’re thinking, “The Opry? With kids?” But yes, I can’t urge you enough to take the family. Every seat in the house is ideal for kids’ viewing pleasure. There are also plenty of snacks and drinks, and the “church pew” style seating makes it easy to manage the wiggles.
The reason I think my kids enjoyed it most of all was because of the multiple short sets. Each singer only performs a few songs, and the number of performers rotate throughout the night. Because of this, the stage kept their attention. I also appreciated how this gave them exposure to all different types of musical styles.
If you’re heading there, consider a stay at the Gaylord Opryland Resort, right next door.
Photo: 365 Atlanta Family
Mural Hunting
The murals around Nashville are spectacular! Our favorites include the Dragon Mural in Hillsboro Heights and The Wings in The Gulch. The wings mural is 20-feet high, but there is also a small version to the right that many people don’t see. It works great for younger kids and pups.
What we appreciate most about these murals is that they are all located in some fun neighborhoods, with adorable shops nearby. It is a great way to explore the city in an unexpected way. Plus, your kids will love creating a photo book with pictures of themselves in front of each mural. The best part? It’s FREE!
Photo: 365 Atlanta Family
Centennial Park
Best known for Nashville’s nod to Athens, Greece, this is where you’ll find The Parthenon. Spend a few bucks for a tour of the museum here, but don’t stop there. The green space is well-loved by the community, and is an ideal location for having a picnic or letting the kids run off the wiggles.
Franklin
Our final suggestion about Nashville isn’t in Nashville, but right outside. You’ll want to add a day to your trip in order to take in this sleepy town of Franklin. It’s no surprise that this little Americana town is big on music – from live shows to festivals, there is always something happening here.
Stroll through downtown, taking in the antique shops and such, or head over to Timberland Park and hike the paved trail. Tour the Civil War sites here, or rent a canoe and head lazily down the Harpeth River. Your options are endless.
Lesli Peterson, Owner, Editor -in-Chief & CEO of 365 Atlanta Family, made her way to Atlanta over 20 years ago, after living in Germany, Japan and six U.S. states. She relishes the discovery of obscure, offbeat and unwonted places, and she will chat up any willing stranger to uncover a new secret locale.
