Location: Nashville
Top Things to do in Nashville
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What to do and see in Nashville, Tennessee (TN): The Best Things to do Good for Kids
With live music to be heard all across town, 24/7, 365 days a year, Music City lives up to its name. From honky-tonk bands jamming at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge to songwriters in the round at the Bluebird Cafe and country music legends rocking the Grand Ole Opry, you never know who you might see. The creative spirit from Nashville's music landscape flows into the area's myriad art galleries, up-and-coming fashion scene, historic landmarks and chef-driven restaurants.
Restaurants in Nashville
1. Centennial Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,113 reviews
This downtown park has jogging paths, grassy spots for picnics and a small lake for paddle boating.
Reviewed By 529todda
this review specific to Parthenon replica: entertaining enough for adults and wondrous for children/kids. If your kid/s likes Percy Jackson they will be overjoyed to find some movie props (from the book adaptation) along with an impressive permanent exhibition inside. Clean bathrooms; good gift shop. Side note: the replica statues were created by a female artist--empowering visit for young girls.
2. Nashville Parthenon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,714 reviews
Standing as the centerpiece in Nashville's Centennial Park, the Parthenon is a full scale replica of the Parthenon in Athens, Greece. Come inside to see the 42-foot gilded sculpture of Athena, the permanent display of American paintings from the Cowan Collection, the history of the Nashville Parthenon dating back to the 1897 Tennessee Centennial Exposition, and a variety of temporary shows and exhibitions! The entrance is located on the ground level of the East side of the building.
Reviewed By rishumishu9 - Jodhpur, India
Yes it’s an exact replica of The Parthenon at Greece!... Made with the same Patience, Artistic Excellence and knowledge about the the then History and Cultural expertise, Parthenon is a treat to Watch and adds to the many Attractions to the Beutiful City Of Nashville.A very Green, Calm and Picturesque Location at Centennial Park the Parthenon houses the Greek Goddess Of Victory and other Replicas Of Ancient Greek times. It also houses a good Sovenighr Shop.
3. Historic Travellers Rest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 258 reviews
Historic Travellers Rest is the oldest historic house museum open to the public in Nashville. Our primary mission is history education and we serve more than 12,000 children and adult visitors each year. Our programs and events cover 1000 years of history, from Mississippian settlement through the 19th century using the cultural resources at the 1799 home built by John Overton. Self-guided grounds tours and guided house tours are available Tuesday-Saturdays. House tours last about an hour and are offered on the hour starting at 11:00 am. Last tour at 3:00 pm. During this time tour sizes will be limited to 8 people. Tour availability is first-come first-serve so reservations are suggested. Please call to make a reservation.
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
I suppose most people visit Andrew Jackson's Hermitage to get a perspective on the history of Nashville, Tennessee. Well, that certainly is an important part of it. But don't pass up an opportunity to visit Travellers Rest Plantation and Museum to get another perspective. Located at 636 Farrell Parkway, the two-story structure with four rooms was built in 1799 by Judge John Overton, who was an advisor and close friend of Andrew Jackson. In fact, he was a co-founder of Memphis, Tennessee. An addition was made to the house in 1812 to accommodate more members of the Overton family and a long ell was added in 1820 when Overton married a widow with five children. He died at Travellers Rest in 1833. A final addition was added in 1887. At one time, the plantation covered 1,050 ares and was worked by 80 slaves. Historically, it is significant because Overton discovered a large number of prehistoric skulls on his property. Today, archaeologists know that the remains were part of a large Mississippian village site. The house was saved from demolition and restored in 1954 to become a museum when construction of a visitors center uncovered additional human remains from a prehistoric period. During a one-hour guided toour, visitors can view exhibits that document the life and work of John Overton, his relationship with Andrew Jackson and the history of the Overton plantation and Nashville during the Civil War, then explore the lavish gardens that surround the plantation. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969.
4. Grand Ole Opry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12,999 reviews
The Grand Ole Opry, an American Icon and Nashville's number one attraction, is known for creating one-of-a-kind entertainment experiences for audiences of all ages. It's where unforgettable moments happen every week...moments like the night Trace Adkins revealed a tweet inviting his pal Blake Shelton to become a member of the Opry. With country music's new stars, superstars, and legends live on stage, you never know what'll happen next. See the show that made country music famous.
Reviewed By jdmac1953 - Vero Beach, United States
We took the backstage tour of the Grand ole Opry, Wow! so very cool and informative, Anna did an amazing job explaining all the aspects of the theater and was able to answer our questions. So amazing to be able to stand where so many music greats have made their name. Definitely would recommend..
5. Andrew Jackson's Hermitage
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,595 reviews
The Hermitage, Home of President Andrew Jackson, is one of the largest and most visited presidential homes in the United States, and recently named the #1 historic house in Tennessee. Today, The Hermitage is a 1,120-acre National Historic Landmark with over 30 historic buildings, that welcomes some 200,000 annual visitors, including 30,000 schoolchildren, from all 50 states and many foreign countries. Visit Andrew Jackson's Hermitage to witness "The Duel: The Art of the Southern Gentleman." This 30-minute visitor experience will answer questions about dueling followed by an ACTUAL demonstration by our historic re-enactors. “The Duel” takes place every Thursday through Sunday throughout the day, free with paid admission.
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
The Hermitage, Andrew Jackson's home from 1804 until his death in 1845, has been acclaimed the fourth best Presidential site in the nation by USA Today, behind the White House, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello and George Washington's Mount Vernon. Located at 4580 Rachels Lane in Davidson County, 10 miles east of downtown Nashville, the Greek Revival structure has a rectangular layout, about 104 feet from east to west and 54 feet from north to south. The main entrance includes a central block with a five-bay, two-story structure with a portico supported by six modified Corinthian style, wooden columns. Within the portico is a two-story balcony. One-story wings flank the mansion. Inside, the main block of the house consists of four large rooms separated by a center hall. At the far end of the hall is the elliptical cantilevered staircase with mahogany handrail that leads to the second level. Notice the crystal chandeliers and Italian marble mantels and the entry hall with plank flooring painted dark and decorated with block-printed wallpaper made in Paris, France. To the right of the entrance hall are two bedrooms that were occupied by Jackson and his son. On the second level are four bedrooms that once were occupied by guests such as Sam Houston, the Marquis de Lafayette, James K. Polk and Martin Van Buren. Perhaps the most interesting feature in the house is a rustic mantelpiece called the "Eighth of January" that was carved by a veteran of the Battle of New Orleans, who worked on the mantelpiece on each anniversary of the battle until he finished on January 8, 1839. The Hermitage, which was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1960 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966, can be viewed in via a two to four-hour self-guided tour, a 90-minute guided tour of the mansion and grounds and access to the mansion's balcony, a tour of the grounds via a horse-drawn wagon allowing a glimpse of what life was like on the 1,000-acre cotton plantation and two tours that include access to the mansion, grounds and exhibit gallery, an interpreter-led tour of the mansion, a self-guided auto tour of the gardens, grounds and the other historic buildings, a self-guided tour of the farmland that used to be the Heritage Planation and viewing a film, "Andrew Jackson: Born From A Star," at the visitors center. Also of interest is the large brick smokehouse at the rear of the kitchen that was built in 1831 and cured 20,000 pounds of pork a year and a nearby slave cabin known as Uncle Alfred's Cabin, named for Alfred Jackson, who was born into slavery on the property in 1812 and worked as a freedman after Emancipation and stayed on as a caretaker following the purchase of the estate in 1889 by the Ladies' Hermitage Association. He died in 1901 and was buried near the tomb of the seventh President of the United States and his wife, Rachel, who died in 1828. There is so much to see at the Hermitage, so much history and so many stories.
6. Bridgestone Arena
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,000 reviews
This new arena is home to sporting events including Nashville Predators hockey and concerts.
Reviewed By Decj0791 - London, United Kingdom
One of the best arenas I've been too! Really quick and easy getting through security. More than enough staff dotted around the arena that are quick to help you if you need to find something. Beer prices are extortionate once again but that's expected of an arena holding a sporting event. Seats were great (Section 117 Row KK Seat 4). Definitely a must do if you're in town and a game is on!
7. Cheekwood
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,355 reviews
Experience Cheekwood, the 55-acre estate built by the Maxwell House Coffee fortune in Nashville, Tennessee, and one of the finest examples of an American Country Place Era Estate in the United States. The Botanical Garden is a spectacular showcase of color and horticultural diversity with eleven specialty display gardens and stunning natural landscape. The Museum of Art has collections of Painting, Sculpture and Decorative Arts. Visitors can enjoy year-round family-friendly activities with four distinct festivals held during the year. From Cheekwood in Bloom with more than 100,000 tulips in the Spring, to a children’s wonderland of Christmas trees, Trains, Santa, live reindeer, and more during Holiday LIGHTS, Cheekwood celebrates the seasons in style with something for everyone!
Reviewed By argiguy - Colleyville, United States
Our night tour to see the holiday lights at Cheekwood included a visit to the mansion as well as the 3 million Xmas lights throughout the grounds, some of which were unique in our experience. An added treat was the music of the professional carolers. It didn;'t hurt that the weather was perfect during our stay.
8. Tennessee State Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 911 reviews
The Tennessee State Museum is located at the corner of Rosa L. Parks Blvd. and Jefferson Street at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. It is designed to bring history to life. It includes a “Tennessee Time Tunnel” chronicling the state’s rich history and leading visitors though the Museum’s permanent collection, a hands-on children’s gallery, six rotating galleries, a state-of-the art digital learning center and a two-story Grand Hall. Exhibitions include significant artifacts related to the state’s history, along with displays of art, furniture, textiles, and photographs produced by Tennesseans. The Museum's Civil War holdings of uniforms, battle flags and weapons are among the finest in the nation.There is no admission charge for visitors. Hours are subject to change. Please check our website at tnmuseum.org for the most up to date information on parking, exhibitions and events.
Reviewed By jerb2014 - Bristol, United States
The museum itself is located on Rosa L Parks at the intersection with Jefferson and very close to the Bicentennial Park and the Farmer's Market. It is filled with an astonishing collection of art, crafts, furniture, artifacts, and tools that resent the history of Tennessee very nicely. The collection starts with items from prehistory, through colonial times, the Civil War, Victorian era and up to modern times. It is just a Disneyland for lovers of art, history and culture. The admission to the entire museum is free as is the parking in the lot associated with the museum. Strikingly beautiful building. If the lot is full, you can get two hours of parking free along either 6th or 7th street. This was a most enjoyable experience for us all.
9. Edwin and Percy Warner Parks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 362 reviews
A 2681 acre park 7 miles southwest of downtown Nashville.
Reviewed By Duracraft
This is an incredibly beautiful park. Be warned, though, that Google Maps will not take you to the trail head. We had to circle around awhile to find that. It's also wise to take a picture of the park map as the trails themselves are not well marked (usually with just a color that sometimes changed mid-trail). The park itself is massive and beautiful. Even though we went during Spring Break, we encountered few people. We saw several wildlife, including wild turkeys. You can choose the length of the trail that you want to take. It was a beautiful way to spend a morning.
10. Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 933 reviews
This 19 acre park in the heart of Nashville serves as a monument to the bicentennial celebration of the State of Tennessee. This park offers plenty of opportunities to learn about the long history of Tennessee while having a great experience in a beautiful green space. More information on this park and many more can be found at the TN State Parks website.
Reviewed By RNfromJMU - Grand Haven, United States
Great place to stroll with the family. Large park allowed social distancing and included multiple historical markers teaching quite a bit about Tennessee history and its impact on the rest of the nation. Park is well positioned to serve many needs and included families walking, joggers, and people with pets. Proximity to the Farmers' Market makes it a good spot for picnic lunch especially given the scenery. If we lived in the area, this would probably be a regular stop for us.
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