35 Awesome Things to Do in Nashville with Teens!

Buckle up for our MEGA list of 35 exciting things to do in Nashville with teens!

Nashville, Tennessee is a mecca for good times – it combines sunny skies, a lively music scene, and dozens of opportunities for fun for all ages!

Nashville is a particularly big hit for families with teenagers because they can take advantage of the exciting nightlife that little ones aren’t quite ready for yet. 

With enjoyable museums, live music venues, and a busy downtown area, this bustling city is the ideal place to keep perpetually bored teenagers entertained all vacation long. 

In this post, I’m sharing the 35 best things to do in Nashville with teens that you and your family will love!

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Things to Do in Nashville With Teens

Nashville is quickly gaining in popularity as the ultimate family-friendly vacation destination!

Families love it because it’s incredibly diverse and there are endless things to do that will keep everyone in the family entertained from sun up til’ sundown.

Our list of the best things to do in Nashville with teens will provide ample excitement and bonding opportunities for both teens and parents alike!

Wondering what the overall vibe is in Nashville in terms of what to wear?

Check out our favorite Nashville looks including t-shirts, cowboy boots, and hats that are perfect for teens!

1. Stroll down Honky Tonk Highway

Honky Tonk Highway is Nashville’s iconic hub and is what most people think of when they think of visiting Nashville.

It is here that you’ll find four city blocks jam-packed with bars and restaurants featuring live country music 365 days per year – a.k.a. honky tonks!

One of the best things about visiting Nashville’s honky tonks is that there is no cover charge to enter – meaning that aside from food and drinks, visiting them is totally free!

While late-night visits won’t be possible with kids, the strip is totally family and teen-friendly before 8 PM when visitors of all ages are welcome to enjoy the music alongside excited crowds, flashing lights, and tasty eats. 

(After 8 PM, most venues only allow guests 21 and up.)

Check out my complete Guide to the Nashville Honky Tonks which includes a printable map of all the stops, plus information on the overall vibe at each place.

2. Watch a live performance

It wouldn’t be a trip to Music City without experiencing plenty of live music!

Along with the live music you’ll hear at Nashville’s honky tonks, there are several music venues where you can pay to watch intimate performances of up-and-coming country artists, as well as bigger performances featuring country music’s biggest stars.

With so many opportunities to enjoy local artists and touring musicians, you just need to know where to go. 

Grab a bite with some local tunes at any of these locations:

• Wildhorse Saloon
• Puckett’s Restaurant
• Robert’s Western World
• Honky Tonk Central
• Bluebird Cafe
• The Listening Room (our personal favorite!)

Finally, consider grabbing tickets for a live country music performance at a historic Nashville venue (often featuring famous country music artists), including:

• Ryman Auditorium
• Country Music Hall Theater
• Grand Ole Opry
• Nashville Palace

When it comes to nighttime entertainment, a live show is a great option that you and your teenagers are sure to love! 

3. Visit the Grand Ole Opry (& take a backstage tour!)

I highly recommend that you visit the Grand Ole Opry (the home of country music!) when visiting Nashville with teens!

A visit to the Opry should include time to take in both a 2-hour Grand Ole Opry show, as well as to enjoy a backstage tour.

If you’re able to snag tickets for a show in the Opry’s 4,400-seat auditorium, you’ll hear some of the best bluegrass and country music on the planet, as well as enjoy comedic performances and skits.

50-minute backstage guided tours of the Grand Ole Opry take place in both the daytime and after the shows.

They start with an immersive theater experience that shares stories about the Opry and its biggest moments, as well as shows exclusive photos and videos of country music’s superstars.

Along with seeing the artists’ entrance, you’ll get to see all of the unique dressing rooms, as well as step onto the stage and into the famed ‘wooden circle’.

Additional planning tip: Tickets for an Opry show and backstage tour can be purchased together or separately. You do not necessarily need to go to a show to book a backstage tour and vice versa.

*Plan and price either your Grand Ole Opry show with a post-show guided backstage tour or a guided backstage tour only, here.

4. Visit the Music City Walk of Fame

Similar to Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, Nashville is home to the Music City Walk of Fame – which teens are sure to love!

Here, you’ll find giant stars embedded into the sidewalk featuring the names of people from all genres of music who’ve made a significant contribution to Nashville’s music industry.

“Stars” found here include Trace Adkins, Alabama, Garth Brooks, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Faith Hill, Elvis Presley, and Hank Williams.

Additional planning tip: This Nashville attraction is outdoors and does not charge admission.

5. Make a Goo Goo Cluster

Coined as the official candy of Nashville since 1912, Goo Goo Clusters are a tasty combination of nuts, caramel, nougat, and milk chocolate formed into a rounded cluster. 

The Goo Goo Cluster Chocolate Company has a storefront in the heart of Honky Tonk Highway that includes a candy store and a chance to customize your own cluster!

After designing your cluster at a digital kiosk, the chocolatiers then build the candy right in front of your eyes at the Chocolate Bar. 

Take note that each handmade candy cluster takes about 15 minutes from start to finish (sometimes longer during the busy season) and that prices are steep, but vary depending on your ingredients.

6. Take Instagram-worthy photos at White Limozeen

When it comes to Instagram-worthy photos in downtown Nashville, my favorite spot is the Dolly Parton-themed rooftop bar called White Limozeen.

Complete with crystal chandeliers and plush pink sofas, gorgeous pink flower arrangements, and a giant pink Dolly head statue outside – your photo ops here are endless!

Other highlights include skyline views, a fuchsia-fringed daybed, and a chance to make reservations at the onsite Governor’s Pool.

Additional planning tips: White Limozeen is located on the rooftop of the Graduate Hotel, however, you do not need to be a guest of the hotel to visit.  

 White Limozeen is 21 and up after 7 PM.

7. Buy a pair of cowboy boots

Help your teens ‘bring on’ the country nostalgia with a new pair of cowboy boots!

You’ll run into several different places to browse for cowboy boots, hats, and other western wear when enjoying Nashville’s Honky Tonk Highway.

Even if you’re not up for a purchase, be sure to stop in and admire the unique designs at some of the best places to buy cowboy boots in Downtown Nashville.

Our favorite shops include Boot Country, Boot Barn, Betty’s Boots, and Big Time Boots!

8. Eat at Hattie B’s Chicken

A rite of passage when visiting Nashville, you absolutely have to eat at Hattie B’s Chicken when visiting Nashville with teens!

This family-run joint serves up locally-famous fried chicken in 6 different heat levels, from mild to very spicy.

They also have the most delicious made-from-scratch sides including baked beans and pimento mac-n-cheese.

Hattie B’s has 4 different Nashville locations and though there is usually always a line to enter and order….it is well worth the wait (trust me!).

9. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame

A little education never hurts anyone, especially when learning comes with interesting exhibits ignited with country music flare.

Nashville’s most famous museum is the Country Music Hall of Fame which hosts various exhibitions on the famous country music artists of the past and present. 

Included in the museum, The Taylor Swift Education Center offers a fun space for unique hands-on experiences specifically designed for kids and teens.

I suggest making reservations to the Country Music Hall of Fame right when it opens at 9:00 AM and then taking the shuttle from the Hall of Fame to a tour of RCA Studio B located on Music Row.

Teens will love this insider look at an actual country music recording studio!

*Plan and price an RCA Studio B and Country Music Hall of Fame Admission Combo here.

10. Go to the Parthenon

Another Instagram-worthy spot, and a cool place to visit in general is Nashville’s, The Parthenon.

Nashville’s parthenon is a replica of The Parthenon in Athens, Greece, and is also home to a 42-foot statue of Athena.

The building and the Athena statue are both full-scale replicas of the Athenian originals.

Additional planning tips: The Parthenon is located in Centennial Park, Nashville’s premier urban park complete with a man-made lake and walking trails.

Though it does not cost money to visit, view, or photograph The Parthenon, it does cost $8 – $10 to go inside for a self-guided tour.

11. Explore the Adventure Science Center

It doesn’t matter how old we get; there’s something awe-striking about exploring the unknown.

The Adventure Science Center is the perfect way to do so. 

Here, family members of all ages will enjoy immersive exhibits and experiences in the world of science and technology. 

One of the crown jewels of this center is the Sudekum Planetarium – a 63-foot dome theater that hosts laser shows, concerts, and planetarium shows.

Energetic teens will love the interactive climbing structures which include an indoor rock climbing experience with a twist.

There’s even a full-motion simulator, perfectly sharing the sensation of roller coasters, movies, flight simulations, and more!

Visit the Adventure Science Center website for tickets and pricing information.

12. Visit the Nashville Zoo

Take your family and teens on a trip to the Nashville Zoo for incredible animal encounters and superb exhibits. 

View monkeys, red pandas, tigers, and more (oh my!). 

On your visit, you can enjoy up-close animal encounters, including:

• Lorikeet Landing – Feed the lorikeets
• Kangaroo Kickabout – Walk through the kangaroo habitat
• Critter Encounters – Meet various critters, including tortoises, goats, alpacas, and birds

There’s even a Soaring Eagle Zip Line and Adventure 4D Theater!

For an extra special experience, opt for a backstage pass granting you access to behind-the-scenes areas and one-of-a-kind animal experiences.

These offerings include:

• Rise & Shine with Rhinos – 75-minute tour with up-close rhino encounter
• This is How We Zoo – a 75-minute tour where you meet (and feed!) giraffes and giant anteaters
• Aardvark Tour – 30-minute tour meeting the aardvarks
• Clouded Leopard Tour – 30-minute tour meeting a clouded leopard
• Sloth Tour – 30-minute tour meeting Fern, the two-toed sloth
• Veterinary Center Tour – a 30-minute tour of their state-of-the-art vet center

Additional planning tip: The zoo puts on several seasonal events throughout the year that are definitely worth checking out! Check their upcoming events calendar for cool offerings like the Chinese Lantern Festival or 5k Adventure Run!

13. Check out Madame Tussauds Nashville

Located just steps from both Gaylord Opryland Resort and the Grand Ole Opry, make it a point to head to Madame Tussauds (located inside Opry Mills shopping center) when visiting Nashville with teens!

Here you find life-size wax statues of country music artists from the past, as well as the most recent artists being heard on the radio.

These statues look totally real it is really fun to take close-up photos, as well as photos sitting and standing next to these life-like stars!

Teens will love this experience as it is very relatable, especially because it features current country music artists that they know and love.

14. Try an escape room

17. Go tree-climbing at The Adventure Park

The Adventure Park at Nashville is located just minutes from downtown Nashville!

Teens love this self-guided tree-to-tree climbing adventure and the 162 treetop platforms connected by bridges, ropes courses, ladders, and 25 ziplines.

Each of the 13 trails is color-coded by difficulty levels, so you can explore whichever ones suit your abilities. 

Additional planning tip: A similar attraction, Treetop Adventure Park, is located at Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort (if you looking for an additional option).

18. Enjoy the Gaylord Opryland Resort

The Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center is a luxury hotel that is also home to amazing indoor activities and specialty gardens (making it a fun place to visit, even if you’re not staying there).

Gaylord Opryland has multiple restaurants, seasonal events, riverboat tours, shopping, spa experiences, and so much more!

It even has an enormous indoor/outdoor waterpark called SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland that our teens LOVE! Visiting here is an experience in itself!

There is no charge for the general public to visit the hotel or to visit its restaurants, shops, and gardens, however, you do need to be a hotel guest in order to purchase a Soundwaves waterpark package.

Whether you’re a hotel guest or simply visiting, there are many experiences for you and your teens to enjoy at Gaylord Opryland Resort!

19. Photograph Nashville’s Murals

Nashville is decorated with beautiful wall murals and street art all throughout the city – something you and your teens will love to see!

It’s not uncommon for crowds of people to stand in line for several minutes in order to snap photos in front of them.

The prime spots for viewing and photographing Nashville’s murals are in The Gulch neighborhood and 12 South.

Here are some of the most popular and Instagram-worthy murals you’ll want to check out:

• What Lifts You wings (above): 302 11th Ave. South – The Gulch
• 12th and Porter mural: 114 12th Ave. North – The Gulch
• I Believe in Nashville mural: 2702 12th Avenue South
• Nashville Looks Good on You: 2511 12th Avenue South
• Country Music Icons mural: 711 6th Ave. South

*Plan and price a Murals and Mimosas Sightseeing Tour!

20. Go on a food tour

Do you have a teen who is also a foodie?

Nashville’s diverse neighborhoods each feature unique restaurants and cooking styles that make for an enjoyable touring experience.

Check out the Nashville food tour companies that offer teen-friendly food tours including driving tours, walking tours, and specialty tours that will introduce you to the best.

Our favorite food tour experience was The Gulch and Union Station experience with Local Tastes of Nashville.

21. Swim at Percy Priest Lake

If you’re visiting in the warmer months, finding a way to cool down from the Tennessee heat is a necessity.

Percy Priest Lake has a wonderful beach to spend a sunny afternoon playing or relaxing at, depending on your energy levels (traveling can be tiring!).

Take a dip in one of the designated swim areas to keep cool, even on the hottest summer days. 

The lake also has several opportunities for fishing and boating. Rent a commercial or fishing boat to enjoy a day on the water. 

If your family loves the outdoors, consider a Percy Lake campsite for easy access to the lake and surrounding hiking trails. 

22. Learn local history 

The best way to immerse yourself in a travel destination is to learn a bit about the local history. 

To learn about the history of Nashville and get an overview of the city, try taking a bus tour or trolley tour on the Old Town Trolley.  

For additional history, a visit to the Belle Meade Plantation paints an important picture of American history that visitors of all ages can learn from. 

23. Go shopping!

Nashville has great shopping options that your teens who love to shop won’t want to miss on your trip!

Opry Mills, located just steps from the Grand Ole Opry, is the most popular indoor shopping mall in Nashville.

Along with 200 stores, there is a Regal Movie Theater at one end and a Dave and Busters at the other.

For elegant shopping and dining, head to The Mall at Green Hills, and for eclectic shopping, check out Fatherland District.

Or, head to 12 South and visit Draper James, Reece Witherspoon’s flagship women’s clothing store.

Finally, if you love Mexican music, food, and culture, be sure to check out Plaza Mariachi Music City!

This shopping and entertainment plaza is located just 10 minutes from Nashville’s historic downtown area and combines food, shopping, and entertainment in a single location.

Enjoy the free Plaza Mariachi Dinner Show (circus-type variety show including aerials and fire) every Saturday starting at 7 pm.

Additional planning tip: If you visit one shop, stop by Hatch Show Print, a print shop located at the Country Music Hall Theater. 

This famous store sells woodblock prints of country music stars that would make the perfect Nashville souvenir to decorate your teen’s bedroom.

24. Catch a game

Another huge draw for tourism to Nashville for both teens and adults alike is the city’s four professional sports teams.

The Tennessee Titans play football at Nissan Stadium in the fall and the Nashville Predators hit the ice at their downtown Bridgestone Arena during the months of October through April.

Nashville Sounds are a minor league baseball team that plays at First Horizon Park from April through September, and finally, the Nashville SC plays soccer at GEODIS PARK from February through October.

25. Take a trip to the park

Tired yet?

Take a load-off at a local park!

Pack a picnic and enjoy the good weather at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. 

If you’re up for a bit more activity, you can also enjoy a gentle hike through the park, traveling through several marked landmarks along the way. 

Additional planning tip: This park is a hub for seasonal activities that you may want to check out on your trip! Access their event calendar for up-to-date information. 

For additional wildlife viewing and hiking opportunities, visit Radnor Lake State Park.

Nature lovers will love hiking through these ecologically diverse trails. 

More Things to Do in Nashville With Teens

Here are some additional things to do with teens in Nashville that can be paired with any of the other fun activities listed above:

• Go racing at K1Speed Go-Cart Racing (indoor go-kart track)
• Get a milkshake at the locally famous Legondairy Milkshake Bar
• Check out the Johnny Cash Museum and adjoining gift shop
• Visit Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage located Northeast of downtown Nashville
• Check out Cheekwood Estates and Gardens
• Kayak the Cumberland River with a kayak rental through Cumberland Kayak
• Walk the trails at Shelby Bottoms Nature Center
• Catch A movie at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center
• Have an iconic biscuit at Biscuit Love
• Grab a coffee at one of Nashville’s many popular coffee shops

Where to Stay in Nashville With Teens

The different areas of Nashville, Tennessee are referred to by neighborhood names such as 12 South, The Gulch, SoBro, Germantown, and Downtown. (See a map of Nashville’s neighborhoods here.)

If you want to be close to the action, the area you’ll spend the most time in when visiting Nashville with teens is Downtown Nashville.

Downtown Nashville is home to Nashville’s famous honky tonks, music venues, and the highest density of newly constructed restaurants and hotels.

Adjacent to Downtown Nashville (and within walking distance to the honky tonks) is the SoBro neighborhood – another great option for where to stay.

Along with Downtown Nashville’s Airbnbs and boutique hotels, the best places to stay in Nashville include:

• Grand Hyatt Nashville (1/2 mile from Honky Tonk Highway, rooftop bar, 5th-floor pool deck, 7 onsite dining and drinking options)
• Omni Nashville Hotel (1 block from Honky Tonk Highway, rooftop pool and hot tub, 3 onsite restaurants)
• Hampton Inn and Suites Nashville Downtown (1/2 mile from Honky Tonk Highway, budget-friendly, free breakfast, pool)
• Hilton Nashville Downtown (1 block from Honky Tonk Highway, spacious, all-suite luxury hotel)
• Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center (15 restaurants, 4 bars and multiple retail stores, plus, a 4-acre indoor and outdoor water experience called SoundWaves)

Conclusion: Things to Do in Nashville With Teens

That wraps up my action-packed ideas on things to do in Nashville with teens. 

If you’re up for it, each and every one of these activities is worth squeezing into your trip.

Include them in your plans for the ultimate Nashville family experience!

Do you know of any other things for teens to do in Nashville? I’d love to hear from you!

-Jen

If you need help planning your trip, don’t forget to check out our travel resources page, where you can take advantage of discounts for hotels, cars, tours, and more!