Things to do in Nashville with 3 kids

[ms.yt]

We're heading to Nashville next weekend with our kids, 13, 7 and 5. Usually when we've gone in the past we spent a lot of time at Opry Mills Mall shopping, eating, playing. I just realized that it's still not open, so there goes that. We're staying at the Opryland Hotel, so we plan to let them swim some. I also plan to go to the farmer's market and eat at Monell's. Other than that, I have no idea what we'll be doing. Any suggestions?

Also, for anybody who has been to both the Nashville and Memphis zoos, which would you say is better?

 

[Leajess99]

They do have a Science Center that is pretty cool. http://www.adventuresci.com/ My kids have really liked going to it.

 

[teacup princess]

We did the Duck Tour which was alot of fun and the General Jackson Showboat, although it's pricey. Actually, my kids just had alot of fun walking around the main strip shopping in all the junky little shops. Cowboy hat were as little as $5 (boots were cheap too) and my kids had a blast stopping in stores trying to find the perfect hat.

This may not be for everyone and I'm sure someone will flame me for it, but we also stopped in a few honky tonks to listen to the live music. Most are child friendly until 7pm. We went during Spring Break so there were a ton of kids there. We just tried to go in ones where the music was upfront away from the bar area. The live acts had a great time with the kids and let them dance their hearts away on the dance floor. My then 4 y.o. showed everyone a thing or two on how to do the boot-scoot-boogie in his oversized cowboy hat and boots. It was alot of fun.

 

[asta]

The Adventure Science Center is good for children. The zoo is smaller than the one in Memphis but is still fun. They have a huge playground for the kids. I agree with the PP's idea for going early to check out the honky tonks and shops on Broadway and Second Ave. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is downtown too but I don't know if it would be too boring for your youngest. Even though Opry Mills is still closed from the flooding, I think that the Bass Pro Shop has reopened.

 

[asta]

I just checked an event calendar and next weekend the TACA Spring Craft Fair is being held in Centennial Park on Friday and Saturday. The Spring show features mostly local artists. The fair will include Puppet Shows and a demonstration tent. This is a juried show so the crafts are usually very good. Centennial Park also contains a real size replica of the Parthenon that you can tour.

 

[crazelion]

I would like piggy back this thread ask. Do they have storm damage and is safe to travel to. I am going to a show at the Tennessee Fair grounds in couple weeks.

 

[asta]

I would like piggy back this thread ask. Do they have storm damage and is safe to travel to. I am going to a show at the Tennessee Fair grounds in couple weeks.

The recent tornadoes didn't cause much damage in the immediate Nashville area. Maybe there was a little damage to the southeast in Murfreesboro. Nothing like those poor souls in Alabama and north Georgia. A couple of warnings though: There have been reports of full hotels all along I-65 as far north as Nashville from those people in Alabama that are seeking shelter from storm damage and power outages. Make sure you have a room. We are expected to get a lot of rain over the next few days so there could possibly be minor flooding. Nothing like last year and it shouldn't affect the fair grounds.

 

[mandy200587]

The science center is a blast for kids. If your going downtown go early, that weekend is graduation weekend for colleges so by night it might get a little nuts. Why not see if you can take a tour of the Hall of Fame or Ryman? Visitmusiccity.com has discounts on different things and package deal on tickets.

 

[crazelion]

The recent tornadoes didn't cause much damage in the immediate Nashville area. Maybe there was a little damage to the southeast in Murfreesboro. Nothing like those poor souls in Alabama and north Georgia. A couple of warnings though: There have been reports of full hotels all along I-65 as far north as Nashville from those people in Alabama that are seeking shelter from storm damage and power outages. Make sure you have a room. We are expected to get a lot of rain over the next few days so there could possibly be minor flooding. Nothing like last year and it shouldn't affect the fair grounds.

Thank You for letting me know. It just be one day trip. It only two hour drive from Chattanooga. We have been declare a disaster area by FEMA.

 

[CurlyJo224]

The recent tornadoes didn't cause much damage in the immediate Nashville area. Maybe there was a little damage to the southeast in Murfreesboro. Nothing like those poor souls in Alabama and north Georgia. A couple of warnings though: There have been reports of full hotels all along I-65 as far north as Nashville from those people in Alabama that are seeking shelter from storm damage and power outages. Make sure you have a room. We are expected to get a lot of rain over the next few days so there could possibly be minor flooding. Nothing like last year and it shouldn't affect the fair grounds.

What about if you have reservations already? We're going to Nashville in two weeks *does an anti-rain dance*.

 

[2BNDisney]

Was going to suggest a Nashville Sounds game but they are out of town. And the Preds are also out of town this weekend. Centennial Park does have the TACA crafts as already mentioned and the Parthenon is there too. But this weekend does start the Tennessee Renaissance Festival which is between Murfreesboro and Franklin off 840. I would guess from Opryland that would be about a 45 minute drive (a guess at that). They have their own website. And I am jealous you are going to Monells! Have fun!

 

[Lehuaann]

Here's a few;

World Famous Loveless Cafe
http://www.lovelesscafe.com/

Tennessee Renaissance Festival May 7th, 8th...
Travel back to 16th Century England. Our Village of Covington Glen comes alive with the bustle of a Renaissance Marketplace. Over 60 skilled Artisians from all over the country display their wares from silks to swords; from gems to jewels. Flavors, aromas and tastes of specialty foods and drinks greet the festival-goer. Hear the sounds of Renaissance musicians and merrymakers as they echo through the trees. Color, movement, and peals of laughter welcome those who thrill to the challenges of Games of Skill and Man-Powered Rides.
http://www.tnrenfest.com/

Belmont Mansion
Little Red Riding Hood visits Adelicia May 7th
http://belmontmansion.com/event/little-red-riding-hood-visits-adelicia/

Cheekwood Art and Gardens
http://www.cheekwood.org/

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

Was going to suggest a Nashville Sounds game but they are out of town. And the Preds are also out of town this weekend. Centennial Park does have the TACA crafts as already mentioned and the Parthenon is there too. But this weekend does start the Tennessee Renaissance Festival which is between Murfreesboro and Franklin off 840. I would guess from Opryland that would be about a 45 minute drive (a guess at that). They have their own website. And I am jealous you are going to Monells! Have fun!

Monell's - LOVE that place. Great food!