Things to Do in Nashville with Kids: A Local's Family Guide
Quick answer: The best things to do in Nashville with kids are a family zipline tour at Fontanel (ages 7+, about 1 hour), the Nashville Zoo, the Adventure Science Center on rainy days, and the Warner Parks and Shelby Bottoms Greenway for free outdoor time. Older kids and teens love the 10-zipline Big Adventure at Nashville West.
Whether you live in Music City or you're visiting with the whole crew, Nashville has plenty for kids beyond the Broadway crowds. Here are our picks, sorted by age and by what kind of day you want.
Nashville with kids: quick picks by age
| Activity | Good for ages | Indoor / outdoor | Time needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fontanel Express Zip (6 ziplines) | 7+ (recommended) | Outdoor | About 1 hour |
| Nashville West Big Adventure (10 ziplines) | 6+, great for tweens and teens | Outdoor | About 1.5 hours |
| Nashville Zoo | All ages | Mostly outdoor | Half day |
| Adventure Science Center | All ages | Indoor | 2–4 hours |
| Warner Parks & Nature Center | All ages | Outdoor | 1–3 hours |
| Shelby Bottoms Greenway | All ages (stroller-friendly) | Outdoor | 1–2 hours |
1. Go ziplining as a family at Fontanel
Fontanel, our park on the historic Fontanel Mansion grounds in Whites Creek just north of downtown, runs the Express Zip: a guided tour of 6 ziplines in about 1 hour, with short hikes between platforms. It's a shorter, beginner-friendly tour.
- Price: $59.90 adults, $49.90 youth (17 and under)
- Ages and weight: recommended for ages 7 and up, 50–250 lbs
- Safety: our guides walk you through each zip and make sure your equipment is snug
- Where: 4225 Whites Creek Pike, Whites Creek, TN 37189
- Book: reserve online; reservations are recommended
- Park details: everything about our zipline at Fontanel
Anyone under 18 must have a signed release form if not accompanied by a parent. Find the forms on our waivers page.
2. Take older kids on the Big Adventure at Nashville West
Got tweens or teens who want more? Nashville West in Kingston Springs, inside Harpeth River State Park, runs the Big Adventure: 10 ziplines in about 1.5 hours ($65.90 adults, $49.90 youth). Pair it with the Aerial Adventure obstacle course for $80 total. Monday–Thursday is by reservation only, and walk-ups are accepted Friday–Sunday when space allows. See the Nashville West ziplines page for details. More ideas for this age group: things to do with teenagers.
3. Visit the Nashville Zoo
The Nashville Zoo, in southeast Nashville, is a family favorite for animal encounters, a carousel and a huge playground. Plan on half a day, and check the zoo's site for current hours and tickets.
4. Spend a rainy day at the Adventure Science Center
You can't miss it: it's the building with the pyramid on top, just south of downtown. The Adventure Science Center is packed with hands-on exhibits, a multi-story climbing structure and a planetarium. It's the go-to indoor pick when the weather turns.
5. Get outside at the Warner Parks
Percy and Edwin Warner Parks have easy trails, wide meadows and picnic areas. The Warner Park Nature Center offers kid-friendly nature programs. It's a great free option between paid activities. See more green spaces in our Nashville parks guide.
6. Ride bikes on the Shelby Bottoms Greenway
The flat, paved Shelby Bottoms Greenway in East Nashville follows the Cumberland River past wetlands and boardwalks. It's perfect for little bikes, scooters and strollers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum age for ziplining in Nashville?
The minimum age for Adventureworks zip tours is 7. At Fontanel, the recommended weight range is 50 to 250 lbs; see our FAQs for general fitness and weight guidance. Our guides walk you through each zip and make sure your equipment is snug. Anyone under 18 must have a signed release form if not accompanied by a parent.
Which Nashville zipline is better for young kids?
Fontanel is usually the better fit for young or first-time zipliners. Its Express Zip is 6 ziplines in about 1 hour, just north of downtown. Nashville West's Big Adventure is longer, with 10 ziplines in about 1.5 hours, and suits older kids and teens who want a bigger challenge.
What can kids do in Nashville when it rains?
The Adventure Science Center is the classic rainy-day pick, with hands-on exhibits, a climbing structure and a planetarium. Museums downtown are another good indoor option. Adventureworks zip tours run rain or shine and are canceled only for severe weather like high winds or lightning, so a drizzly day can still be a zipline day.
How can I celebrate a kid's birthday in Nashville outdoors?
Fontanel offers a kids' birthday party package: $350 for up to 8 people to zipline together, with a few extra surprises for the birthday crew. Party slots are limited and booked by phone at 629-307-1058. See more ideas in our guide to birthday party ideas in Nashville.
More family adventure reading
Book Your Adventure
Fontanel
The Express Zip: 6 ziplines in about 1 hour.
$59.90 adults · $49.90 youth
Nashville West
The Big Adventure: 10 ziplines in about 1.5 hours.
$65.90 adults · $49.90 youth