Southern Melodies in Music City - A Family Guide to Nashville

Music City Magic

Nashville, Tennessee, is known for its lively music scene, family-friendly spots, and warm Southern hospitality. I’ve put together some tips to help with your planning. I hope this family guide to Nashville helps you explore the best of Music City with your family and ensures a memorable vacation.

On a road trip to visit family in Indiana, we made a “just us” stop. We took a few days to do something different. This “just us” time helps our family relax before the rest of the trip. For this trip, Nashville was the perfect choice.

Areas to Explore in Nashville

12 South

Explore this trendy neighborhood. You’ll find boutique shops, delicious food, and beautiful street art. It’s perfect for a family walk.

Downtown

Visit the heart of Nashville on iconic Broadway Street. It’s lined with Honky Tonks, live music venues, and historic landmarks. Perfect for soaking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

Germantown

Check out this historic area with Victorian buildings. It has unique restaurants and is close to Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park.

The Gulch

This modern area has chic dining options and stylish shops. The murals are perfect for family photos.

Marathon Village

Visit this creative hub in an old car factory. It has artisanal shops, local breweries, and the Marathon Motor Works Museum. Don’t miss Antique Archaeology from the TV show “American Pickers.”

West End

Enjoy Centennial Park with its Parthenon, a full-size replica of the ancient Greek temple. The park is great for picnics and play. The Adventure Science Center and Cheekwood Estate & Gardens are also nearby.

Top Tips for Exploring Nashville

Stay as long as you can: Nashville has a lot to offer. A quick weekend visit isn’t enough for the family. Aim to stay at least three days to fully enjoy the neighborhoods, music scene, and family-friendly spots.

Hop-On, Hop-Off Trolley: Start your trip with a hop-on, hop-off trolley tour. It gives you a good overview of the city’s main attractions. Old Town Trolley Tours offer narrated tours with knowledgeable drivers. You can hop off and explore at your own pace.

You’ll be driving: Nashville is a large city with attractions spread out. Having a car is recommended. You can also use the Music City Circuit’s free bus routes to get around downtown.

Plan your evenings: Honky Tonks may be a must-see, but they are less family-friendly after 6 pm. Enjoy visits to Rippy’s, Ole Red, or Robert’s Western World during the day and early evening. Save evenings for relaxed activities, like a riverfront walk or a show at the Grand Ole Opry.

Book ahead: Popular attractions like the Grand Ole Opry and historic tours fill up fast. Check schedules in advance and book early to ensure you don’t miss out. Check out my post on 9 things you should book ahead.

Explore local parks: Nashville has beautiful parks that offer a break from the urban hustle. Centennial Park, Shelby Bottoms Greenway, and Sevier Park are perfect for family picnics, outdoor activities, and enjoying nature.

Visit during the week: Weekends can be busy with locals and tourists. For a more relaxed experience, visit popular spots during weekdays when crowds are lighter.

Check for events: Nashville is known for its music festivals and cultural events. Check event calendars before your trip to see if there are any special events or festivals during your stay.

Stay outside downtown: If you have young kids, consider staying outside downtown. Areas like 12 South and West End offer quieter places to stay with easy access to family-friendly attractions.

Try local cuisine: Don’t miss Nashville’s famous hot chicken, BBQ, and Southern comfort food. Try places like Hattie B’s, Peg Leg Porker, and Loveless Café for a true taste of the city.

Family Dining

Loveless Café: (Bellevue) Famous for its biscuits and Southern comfort food. This was our first stop in Nashville. It’s popular, so expect a wait. There are games and a little shop to add to the experience.
Arnold’s Country Kitchen: (Lower Gulch) A classic Meat-and-Three restaurant offering hearty meals.
Liberty Common: (SoBro – South of Broadway) A French-American brasserie with delicious dishes and a relaxed vibe.
Peg Leg Porkers BBQ: (The Gulch) Savor award-winning BBQ. Named The Best Barbecue Joint in Tennessee by Southern Living in 2023. We ate here after taking photos at WhatLiftsYou Wings Mural.
Sun Diner: (Downtown) A 24/7 diner celebrating Nashville’s music history.
White Limozeen: (Downtown) A rooftop bar and restaurant with stunning views and a playful Dolly Parton theme.
Puckett’s 5th and Church: (Downtown) A Southern comfort food restaurant with live music.
Martins Bar-B-Que Joint: (Downtown) West Tennessee-style whole hog barbecue is the star at this classic eatery.
Legendary Milkshake Bar: (Downtown) Indulge in over-the-top milkshakes at this whimsical dessert spot.
Pastaria: (Germantown) A family-friendly Italian restaurant with a “sorta close to Italy” atmosphere.
Fat Bottom Brewing: (Germantown) A brewery with a spacious beer garden and a kid-friendly menu.
East Nashville Beerworks: (East Nashville) A family-friendly brewery with a playground for the kids.
Elliston Place Soda Shop: (Midtown) Indulge in ice cream, floats, and sundaes at this retro diner.
Hattie B’s: (Midtown) Famous for its hot chicken, a must-try Nashville specialty.
The Mockingbird: (Midtown) A fun and eclectic restaurant with a global menu.
Nicky’s Coal Fired: (West Nashville) Enjoy pizza, with kids 12 & under eating free on Monday nights.
Nashville Farmers Market: (Downtown) A lively market with diverse food options for lunch. Next to the Tennessee State Museum.

Where to Stay

Gaylord Opryland Hotel: The resort offers nine acres of indoor garden atriums. The Soundwaves water park is perfect for families looking for a mix of relaxation and entertainment.
The Omni Nashville Hotel: For music lovers, this hotel puts you next door to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Kids will love the roof top pool. Be sure to ask about the activity backpack for kids and milk and cookies when you check in.
The Thompson Hotel: This boutique hotel offers a modern and stylish atmosphere with spacious rooms, a rooftop pool, and a lively vibe. It’s a great choice for families looking for a unique and trendy stay. 12 South Area.
The Graduate Nashville (West End): A boutique hotel with whimsical décor and a welcoming atmosphere. It offers modern rooms, a rooftop pool and a central location in the West End Area.

Things to Do

Grand Ole Opry: No trip to Nashville is complete without experiencing a show at the Grand Ole Opry House. Enjoy a mix of country legends, chart-toppers, and rising stars. Check the schedule a month in advance and book tickets early. Don’t miss the backstage tour for an insider’s look!
Nashville Zoo: Explore diverse animal exhibits and interactive experiences.
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens: Discover beautiful gardens, a troll exhibit, and a model train display.
Goo Goo Chocolate Co: Visit Nashville’s official candy store for sweet treats and fun workshops.
The Parthenon: A full-scale replica of the ancient Greek temple, featuring an art museum.
Tour the Murals: Instagram worthy photo ops abound – check out Nashville Murals | Visit Nashville TN
Adventure Science Center: Hands-on learning experiences for kids of all ages.
Country Music Hall of Fame: Dive into the history of country music and pick up a young explorer kit for the kids.
Johnny Cash Museum: Celebrate the life and music of the Man in Black.
Lane Motor Museum: A fascinating collection of unique and rare vehicles.
National Museum of African American Music: Learn about the rich history and impact of African American music.
Game Terminal: Enjoy a vast collection of pinball and video games with unlimited play. Free for 21+, $10 for under 21.
Shopping: Find vintage clothing at Buffalo Exchange and stylish apparel at Draper James (Reese Witherspoon’s boutique).
Third Man Records: Tour Jack White’s music label and record shop for a unique musical experience.
The Hermitage: Explore Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, the historic home of the seventh U.S. President. The guided tours, beautiful grounds, and interactive exhibits make it a fascinating experience for all ages.
Music City Walk of Fame Park: Located downtown, this park features star-studded plaques honoring Nashville’s music legends. It’s a fun and educational stop for families, with plenty of open space for kids to run around.
Pedestrian Bridge: Walk across the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge for stunning views of the city skyline and the Cumberland River. It’s an easy walk for families and offers great photo opportunities.
Belle Meade Plantation and Winery: For a glimpse into the past, tour the mansion and grounds of this plantation. Complimentary wine tasting with your tour.