Nashville is a country music lover’s dream destination. So, if your family loves to listen to country music, head to Nashville for a future vacation! You can wander around the downtown streets. Walk into a bar, enjoy a drink, and listen to an up-and-coming country star perform. There are so many other things to do in Nashville during a family vacation too. Today, I am sharing the best things to do in Nashville with you. This list should help you, as you are trying to decide exactly what your next family vacation should include. Especially if you decide that a vacation in Nashville will thrill every member of your family. And make those memories that matter!  

Best Things to Do in Nashville 

Attend a Performance at the Grand Ole Opry 

Throughout the week, performers grace the stage at the Grand Ole Opry. There are normally two shows a night. The same performers are on stage for each one. It is best to purchase your tickets well in advance, because they sell out quickly. You can easily check out the full calendar of events at the Opry if you want to see a specific performer during your family vacation.  

Your family may also be interested in seeing behind the scenes at the Grand Ole Opry. A tour guide will walk with you through the halls, as they share stories of the musicians that have spent time there. You will be shown some of the dressing rooms, as well as the area where the performers wait to go on stage.  

Towards the end of the tour, you will be led to the infamous circle on the stage to feel like you are a star. Pictures will be taken, so your family can remember this moment forever.  

Check Out the Ryman Auditorium 

The Ryman Auditorium is where the Grand Ole Opry used to be held. Tours of this beautiful facility are offered throughout the year. Performers also grace the stage of the Ryman for sold out shows. It will be simple for me to add a show at the Ryman to your family vacation in Nashville itinerary, as I personalize your trip.  

Wander Through the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum 

There are three floors in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Some of the exhibits change throughout the year, while others remain the same. Popular items include Elvis Presley’s gold Cadillac, Johnny Cash’s guitar, and rows upon rows of gold and platinum country records.  

If you have the time, head over to Historic RCA Studio B. This recording studio is a couple miles away from the museum. It is where more than thirty thousand songs were recorded by popular artists.  

Drink Wine at the Belle Mead Historic Site and Winery 

You won’t need to spend all your time in downtown Nashville for your family vacation. You can easily drive out to the Belle Mead Historic Site and Winery. This mansion was constructed between 1853 and 1854. It is centrally located on the property and shares quite the history of the area.  

After a tour of the inside of the mansion, you can head to the winery to sip on some of the fine wines.  

Listen to Music at Bluebird Café 

The number of stars who have been discovered at Bluebird Café is quite high! After all, Garth Brooks was discovered there. So, you never know who the next super country star could be before they step on stage. Or which popular star may pop in for a quick performance.  

You must purchase your tickets at least a month in advance if you want to be a part of Bluebird Café’s history. The tickets sell out quickly for this 90-seat music venue.  

Wander Through the Cheekwood Estate and Gardens 

Making memories with your family out in nature is one of the best things to do in Nashville. At Cheekwood Estate and Gardens, you can wander around the fifty-five-acre botanical garden. There are numerous gardens within this garden. Each one focuses on a specific type of flower, tree, or theme.  

The best time to visit this estate and garden is during the summer months when everything is in bloom. 

Explore History at the Tennessee State Museum 

The exhibits within the Tennessee State Museum share the history of the state. You can learn quite a bit about the Civil War, natural history, and sporting history.  

There is a Children’s Gallery dedicated to younger visitors. Inside, you will find multiple exhibits young children will love.  

Experience the Best of Johnny Cash 

Anyone who loves listening to “The Man in Black” will love visiting the museum dedicated to his life. The Johnny Cash Museum is full of artifacts and memorabilia. Within the exhibits, you will discover items from the film, Walk the Line, as well as handwritten notes.  

There is even a stone wall that was excavated from the Hendersonville house he lived in with June Cash.  

Take a Nashville Bus Tour 

One of the best things to do in Nashville is take a bus tour. These tours are designed to show you all the sights in a short amount of time.  

The hop on hop off trolley buses make thirteen stops. You can get on and off as many times as you wish. Or simply stay on and listen to the tour guide share stories of the city.   

Take a Walk on the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge 

This bridge has had quite a few names since it was constructed in 1907. No matter what the current name is, you won’t want to miss the sights you can see while walking across it.  

There are four overlooks you can stop at while walking across the bridge. Stop at them all and grab a few selfies to remember your family vacation in Nashville.  

Get Up Close to History at The Hermitage 

The Hermitage was the home of President Andrew Jackson. It is a National Historic Landmark. The mansion and grounds have been preserved so everyone can capture a glimpse into his life.  

Start with a guided tour of the main house. Then head outside for an audio tour of the grounds. The audio tour will allow you to listen to snippets of information at each stop. Those snippets are shared in the views of President Jackson himself, as well as his wife and parrot. The kids will love hearing about history from the parrot’s point of view!  

Before you leave, pay your respects at Jackson’s tomb, and check out the Old Hermitage Church.  

Explore The Parthenon 

You don’t need to travel all the way to Athens with your family to see The Parthenon up close. All you need to do is take a family vacation in Nashville to see a replica of the building inside Centennial Park.  

This Parthenon was constructed in 1897 for the Tennessee Centennial Exposition. Inside, you will see models of the statues that are located in the original Parthenon. There is also a stunning art collection to view.  

Spend a little extra time near the statue of Athena. When the sun hits this statue just right, it appears like she is glowing.  

Eat Some Hot Chicken 

Okay, so hot chicken is a thing in Nashville, and I am not talking about piping hot. I’m talking spicy hot! You can find this chicken in many of the restaurants in Nashville. Most people prefer Hattie B’s or Prince’s Hot Chicken. However, you can try this spicy dish in a few places before claiming your favorite.  

Go Shopping at Marathon Village 

Marathon Village used to be an automobile plant. However, it has been turned into a shopper’s paradise. Amongst all the stores, you will discover old equipment from the plant, as well as descriptive panels explaining the history of it all.  

Discover the Street Art 

Street art is everywhere in Nashville. You probably won’t find all the hidden artwork. However, you can find a lot of it by simply walking around. At the aforementioned Marathon Village, you will find one of the “I Believe in Nashville” murals.  

In The Gulch, the “Wings” mural will be waiting for you. There’s always a lot of people near that mural. Thankfully, there is a line painted on the ground that shows where to stand while waiting for your turn for photos.  

Eat Some Deliciousness at the Goo Goo Shop 

The Goo Goo Cluster was invented in 1912. It is candy made with marshmallow, peanuts, caramel, and milk chocolate. You can purchase this candy at the Goo Goo Shop in Nashville.  

Although, they also have a dessert bar. So, you may want to create your own dessert using ice cream, fudge, and other delicious treats. Just don’t forget to top it with a Goo Goo Cluster or two.  

Grab Local Foods at the Nashville Farmers Market 

One of the best places to find local foods in Nashville is the farmer’s market. The Nashville Farmers Market opened in the early 1800s. Each vendor can be found inside farm sheds. There can be around one hundred vendors during the peak season.  

A visit to the farmer’s market will have you purchasing local produce, as well as cheese and other dairy products. You can also eat a full meal during your visit thanks to the twenty on-site restaurants.  

Explore Gaylord Opryland 

Gaylord Opryland is a beautiful hotel just outside downtown Nashville. However, it is also a great place to go and walk around. The inside is like a small city. And honestly, it is easy to get lost once you start walking.  

There are quite a few things to do at Gaylord Opryland. You can make memories while taking a boat ride through the hotel. Or head to the on-site studio to watch a radio broadcast. Your family will also love the water park called Soundwaves. There are slides, pools, and a lazy river.  

Visiting this hotel is one of the best things to do in Nashville at Christmas. They decorate the entire place, and it looks magical. Keep that in mind when planning your family vacation in Nashville.  

Go Kayaking on the Cumberland River 

If your family loves to see the sights in new destinations from a different perspective, I highly recommend taking a kayaking excursion on the Cumberland River. The launch point is at Shelby Bottoms. From there, your family can paddle downstream until you reach downtown.  

Another option is to take a ride on the General Jackson Showboat. There are four decks on this showboat, so you can easily see the sights during your cruise up the river. They offer both lunch and dinner cruises. You can choose the one that will work best for your family. Simply let me know and I will add it to your personalized itinerary for your family trip to Nashville.  

Visit the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame 

The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame is located inside Bridgestone Arena in downtown Nashville. This sports museum focuses on all the athletes from the state. Sports lovers will enjoy seeing the different exhibits that include college sports, hockey, football, and even the Olympics.  

This museum is small, and admission is free. So, it is a perfect option if you have a spare hour in the middle of the day. Or if a rain shower starts and you need a dry space until it passes through.  

Indulge in a Meat and Three Dish 

The locals in Nashville love their country music and their food. So, while you are on a family vacation in Nashville, you should probably embrace both too! When it comes to food, you must take the time to indulge in what is locally known as meat and three.  

This dish includes the meat of your choice and three vegetables. You can find this meal in many restaurants. But the local favorite is Arnold’s Country Kitchen.  

Oh, and the vegetables in this dish aren’t always vegetables. Mac and cheese counts, as do other Southern favorites.  

These are some of the best things to do in Nashville during a family vacation. I can add so many other things to your Nashville itinerary as I am personalizing your family trip. We can discuss this more in depth during a planning session.  

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary for your trip to Nashville or another destination?  

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session with me. When you click on the link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.  

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