School just started, so we can’t possibly talking Fall Break already. Right? Wrong. Fall break will be here before you know it and that means it’s time to start planning.
How about loading up the car for a trip down south to Music City? That’s right ya’ll – Nashville, Tennessee. In less than five hours, you and your family can be surrounded by the rolling hills, eating hot chicken and enjoying some honky tonk. All at the same time.
If that sounds appealing to you, then you will definitely want to check out Indy’s Child’s list of the top things to do in Nashville, Tennessee.
1. Put on your boots, head downtown and enjoy some honky tonk
Remember the movie Sweet Home Alabama, when Reese Witherspoon looks at her friend and says, “Look at you! You have a baby……in a bar?” In Nashville, as crazy as it may seem (up until a certain hour in the evening), you most definitely can bring your baby to a bar. Be sure to check out The Wildhorse Saloon. Why? For one, on most days they have free line dancing lessons every hour on the hour, available for people of all ages. Secondly, they have pool tables, shuffleboard and foosball. Want to save some money? If you arrive early in the day for your stamp – you can come back later in the evening when they are charging a cover and get in for free.
*A little tip for those of you heading downtown. On most days, you can park for free in the R Lot at the Nissan Stadium and walk across the Pedestrian Bridge to downtown. It’s a beautiful view and again…..FREE
2. Learn about the history of country music at The Country Music Hall of Fame
Even if you aren’t a huge country music fan, this is still a cool museum to explore. It isn’t very big, so it won’t take up too much of your day. They have a scavenger hunt that will keep the little ones occupied and engaged. Be sure to check out the Taylor Swift tour bus upstairs. On the bus, you can pretend like you’re a Nashville musician recording one of your latest hits.
3. Parks, parks and more parks
Nashville is not lacking in amazing green space for families to explore. There are trails for hiking, lakes for fishing, water features, rock climbing walls, playgrounds and much more. (Be sure to look online for more information on the specific attractions available at each of these parks.) Here are some of the top parks in the Nashville area: Centennial Park, Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, Radnor Lake, Percy & Edwin Warner Parks, Fannie Mae Dees Park, Crockett Park, Concord Park, Pinkerton Park, Memorial Park and Charlie Daniels Park.
4. Pet a kangaroo at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
Yep, that’s right, at the Nashville Zoo you can pet a kangaroo. Actually, you can pet a whole slew of kangaroos. In the Kangaroo Kickabout, you enter an area where the kangaroos roam freely, and as long as you stay on the path – you can pet until your heart’s content. This is only one of the many interactive exhibits you will find. While you are there, be sure to check out the massive, highly entertaining Jungle Gym play area and the beautiful Grassmere Historic Home and Farm. For an extra fee, you can also ride on the zip line, carousel or train.
5. Explore, play and learn at the Adventure Science Center
Fun and education meet at the Adventure Science Center. Here, your family will have a blast learning about all things science through interactive exhibits and play. Would you like more time at the museum? Take advantage of their Twilight Special. If you purchase a general admission or combination ticket onsite two hours prior to closing time, you receive FREE admission the next day. All you need to do is show your receipt.
6. Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
With numerous atriums, botanical gardens, a boat ride, waterfalls, shopping, restaurants and more – this massive hotel is worth the visit. Located near Opry Mills where you can find numerous shops, restaurants (including the Aquarium Restaurant), a movie theater and Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum. And don’t forget to take a peek (and maybe even check out a show) at the Grand Ole Opry House while you are there.
*SoundWaves will be opening Dec 1, 2018, featuring four acres of combined indoor and outdoor water activities
Nashville has plenty to offer guests of all ages in the way of music, entertainment, an incredible food scene, outdoor attractions, parks and more. And the best part? It’s all just a car ride away, ya’ll. So what are you waiting for?
