30 Fun Things to Do in Nashville: Your Guide to Exploring the Music City!

Just as the alphabet starts with the ABCs, the best things to do in Nashville begin with exploring its country music scene. This is the reason the city has been dearly titled “The Music City.”

However, it would be ignorant to believe that fun things to do in Nashville Tennessee, are limited to the music shows and concerts. I went in with the same naive thought, but after exploring the city for a few days with my family, we stumbled upon some unique activities. 

I am about to spill all the tea related to various activities, so start reading and find it all out for your trip to the Music City!

10 Must-Try Things to Do in Nashville 

A few things to do in Nashville Tennessee include taking an old town trolley tour, visiting museums, distilleries, zoos, art galleries and markets, and trying adventurous and recreational activities. While the country music of Nashville makes it a top attraction for young adults and music enthusiasts worldwide, that’s not all it has to offer. 

Here are some must things to do in Nashville TN:

1. Old Town Trolley Tour

The old trolley tour is one of the most fun things to do in Nashville for people who have never visited. This is a tour of the entire city, especially fun with kids, where the top sights of the city are covered. 

A few of the sights are the Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman Auditorium, the Belmont Mansion, and the Frist Art Museum. It is an amazing tour in a Wes Anderson-coded bus, with a tour guide who will let you in on insider facts and tips!

2. Grand Ole Opry and Backstage Tour

Attend a concert at the historically celebrated stage at the Opry, which is best enjoyed with a backstage tour of the Ryman Auditorium. There are so many incredible insider stories and 100 years of history that you can take a walk through. 

Get the chance to stand on the stage where singers and performers immemorial have stood before; if you’re lucky, they might let you into the family room where the artists gather before the show. 

3. Broadway at Tennessee Performing Arts Center 

Tennessee’s Performing Arts Center (TPAC) has a few remarkable Broadway performances lined up for 2025-26. The Outsiders, Beauty and the Beast, Les Misérables, SIX: The Musical, Some Like it Hot, The Book of Mormon, and Hamilton is one of a few of the upcoming shows. 

Check out the performance dates and book the tickets through the TPAC website. On a walk down Lower Broadway, between Bridgestone Arena and the Cumberland River, you will witness just how magnetic Music City is. 

4. 6th & Peabody Distillery 

Hanging out at the 6th & Peabody Distillery is one of the most fun things to do in Nashville Tennessee, for young adults. If you’re in Nashville with friends, just know that this is where the real party’s at. 

Book a tour of the brewery, and get to beer tasting with friends, since there’s so much going on here, with the live entertainment, beer & bottle shops, and merchandise. Moreover, nothing’s served plain here, as there are some amazing snacks like Daddy’s Dogs hot dogs and tacos!

5. Memorial Day Weekend at Nashville National Cemetery 

The entire city comes alive on the Memorial Day weekend, and events are hosted all around the town. Every year on this day, the Nashville National Cemetery hosts an event to pay respect to the martyrs. 

All of Nashville can be seen bursting into rooftop and terrace parties, with the kick-ass live music scene throughout. Every spot of tourist attraction has something or the other going on; even the lakesides are lively in the evenings, when people play lots of games and enjoy the sight of fireworks.

6. Country Music City Hall of Fame 

It is exactly as the name suggests—a hall of fame, displaying all the astounding recordings and chronicles of the history of country music in the exhibitions. There are various events happening at the museum throughout the year, which are too prestigious to miss. 

For creative people feeling overwhelmed or uninspired, a guided tour through the museum and the exhibitions can help reignite the lost spark. This is among the things to do in Nashville for everyone, even as a family, as the museum organizes special family activities that will help you bond. 

7. Belle Meade Plantation

One of the most elite and sophisticated things to do in Nashville for adults is visiting the Belle Meade Plantation. The space is expansive and elegantly carries the grandeur of its time (the 1800s). 

Different guided tours highlight different aspects of the plantation’s history. Take the Family Tour, Mansion Tour or maybe one of the Historic Tours as you sip and swish the finest quality wine from the fields. I personally went there for the chef-inspired food & wine pairings, which were a total delight.

8. Frist Art Museum 

Frist Art Museum is the perfect place to indulge in the intricacies of art. Many would consider an activity like this to be only for adults, but the museum actually encourages bringing the children along. The no-talking policy isn’t applied to them; they’re rather encouraged to ask questions and leave with more insight about the art. 

“Venice and the Ottoman Empire,” “Ellen Altfest: Forever,” and “Sole Study” are a few of the current exhibits of the museum. A few fascinating exhibits are to be launched about fabrics, African masquerades, and more that you should check out on your visit. 

9. Belmont Mansion

Once home to Adelicia and Joseph Acklen, somewhere between 1849 and 1860, this grandiose mansion was the biggest house built in Tennessee prior to the Civil War. 

It is one of the places that has stood through it all since the 1850s, and hence, it is quite ideal for learning about the history of the people, both free and enslaved, during that time and their hardships. Apart from this, the mansion is also an exemplary piece of architecture, maintained well to this day. 

10. Tennessee State Museum 

To know the core of Tennessee in the real sense, from politics to art and economy, one must visit it, as its numerous exhibits cover everything. Its permanent exhibitions cover areas ranging from the native Indians to the Civil War and the gradual evolution of the state. 

Additionally, the museum has some equally engaging and lesson-driven activities for kids in the children’s gallery. Do bring your little ones so that they can make friends over jigsaw puzzles and story time sessions!

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5 Adventurous Things to Do in Nashville Tennessee 

Adventurous things to do in Nashville Tennessee are plenty, like ziplining, riding the pedal tavern, activities at Radnor Lake State Park, and line dancing. Get reading to know about these in detail: 

1. Adventureworks Zipline Forest

Adventureworks provides the best ziplining experience in town since they are a local name in Nashville and have been here since 1987. There are two Adventureworks parks, one in the north and the other in the west of Nashville. 

Soar through the trees, enjoy the canopy view of the Harpeth River State Park, and the Whites Creek Pike. You must check out the Western Park, as it has been redesigned recently. Not enough people have tried ziplining under the moonlight and witnessed the glory of the moonlit forest, which is why my personal recommendation is the Moonlight Zip Tour.

Tickets: Adults—$59.90

               Youth (17 and under)—$49.90

Timings: Monday to Saturday – 10 am to 4 pm.

                Sunday – 12 am to 4 pm. 

Address: Here are the addresses of the two locations of this park in Nashville:

• North Branch– 4129 Whites Creek Pike, Whites Creek, TN 37189, United States.
• West Branch– 1300 Narrows of the Harpeth Rd, Kingston Springs, TN 37082, United States.

2. Nashville Pedal Tavern

Going around the city in this pedal-powered tavern is one of the most fun things to do in Nashville TN, for young adults especially! It is a 90-minute ride through the city’s most lively spots, starting from Demonbreun Street to the lower Broadway area. 

Only people over the age of 21 are allowed in the tavern, and you can pre-order the drinks and even BYOB. This is one of the easiest ways to make friends while exploring Music City if you’re on a solo trip. That is why it is better to keep this activity at the beginning of your itinerary. 

Tickets: $49 per person

Timings: Monday to Friday – 10 am to 9:30 pm.

Address: 1504 Demonbreun Street, Nashville, TN.

3. Percy Priest Lake 

There are a dozen things to do in Nashville’s Percy Preist Lake, a few of them are horseback riding, camping, fishing, jet skiing, hiking, biking, waterboarding, wildlife watching, and more. 

The marinas here are especially lively, since not only do they provide access to water for boaters, but they also have live music and good restaurants. 

Tickets: $5 vehicle entry fees. $14-$24 camping fees.

Timings: Monday to Thursday – 10 am to 6 pm.

     Friday – 10 am to 7 pm. 

     Saturday – 10 am to 6 pm. 

     Sunday – 11 am to 5 pm. 

Address: 3778 Bell Rd, Nashville, TN, US.

4. Radnor Lake State Park

Featuring some of the most distinct wildlife present in Nashville, Radnor Lake offers a lot of things to do. While the standard picnic and biking are not allowed, it makes an amazing spot for photography and wildlife watching.

The best experience here during the daytime is the wildflower walk, and during the nighttime, it’s astronomy night hikes. Barbara J. Mapp Aviary Education Center is a must-visit at the lake because of the snakes, turtles, and birds featured here. 

Tickets: No ticket required for general access to the hiking trails and the park. 

Timings: Open every day from 6 am to 20 minutes after sunset.

Address: 1160 Otter Creek Rd, Nashville, TN 37220, United States.

5. Stompin’ Grounds Line Dancing in Nashville 

Taking line dancing classes is one of the most priceless experiences I’ve had in Nashville. This was the most refreshing reminder of how thrilling it is to learn new things, which is why it is one of the most fun things to do in Nashville TN. 

Making friends is effortless when you’re thrown into a pot-mix of people to learn something; keep this too at the start of your itinerary, because who knows? You might stumble upon your next travel buddy in a class like this. Also, I really appreciate the keepsake video review that can be taken home without paying any extra money!

Tickets: Starting at $41.

Timings: Here are the timings for the classes for each day of the week:

• Monday – 8 am to 5 pm
• Tuesday – 8 am to 4 pm
• Wednesday – 8 am to 5 pm
• Thursday & Friday – 8 am to 6 pm
• Saturday – 11 am to 6 pm
• Sunday – 2 pm to 5 pm

Address: Stompin’ line dancing is available at 3 locations in Nashville:

• Bootleggers Inn at 207 Broadway.
• Whiskey Bent Saloon at 306 Broadway.
• The Stage at 412 Broadway.

5 Free Things to Do in Nashville 

A few free things to do in Nashville are visiting the Centennial Park, Gaylord Opryland Convention Center, Musicians Corner, Vanderbilt Fine Arts Gallery, and Nashville’s Hatch Show Print. 

Having fun in Nashville doesn’t have to pinch your pockets. Here are a few free things to do in Nashville that won’t have you diving into your pockets for dimes:  

1. The Marathon Village, Nashville 

Marathon Village is a fascinating place to visit, especially with family, due to its history that started with the Marathon Motor Works. This vision soon gave birth to a community built on the backbones of cars, which values creativity.

Once you’ve strolled through the Marathon Motor Works Museum, check out the various places to eat, sip, and shop nearby, which are plenty in town. This is one of the best free things to do in Nashville so far.  

Address: 1305 Clinton St. STE 100, Nashville, TN 37203, United States.

Timings: Visit any time.

2. Centennial Park and the Parthenon

The Parthenon featured at the centre of the Centennial Park is a full-scale replica of the original Parthenon, built in 1897 for the Centennial Exposition. It is marvellous and rises to its full glory in the evening, when it gets lit by the dreamy limelight.

Centennial Park has a unique art museum, is one of Nashville’s premium parks, and is a tourist-favorite spot.

Address: 2500 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203, United States.

Timings: Tuesday to Saturday – 9 am to 4:30 pm. 

     Sunday – 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm. 

     Monday – Closed

3. Musicians Corner

Maintaining the title of one of the best community centers in Nashville, ever since its inauguration in 2016, Musicians Corner has been the host of multiple events. Hosting various music events, it has been promoting community engagement and inquisitiveness about art and is therefore the best venue for a music festival. Check out the schedule and be sure to attend it on your trip to the city!

Address: 2500 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203, United States.

Timings: Varies from event to event.

4. Vanderbilt Fine Arts Gallery

It is almost unbelievable that we get to see these masterfully curated exhibits without paying a penny. The exhibits of the Vanderbilt Museum are breathtaking, and I can’t wait to check out the upcoming fall exhibition titled “Paperbacks: Hidden Stories of European Prints from VUMA’s Collection.” View their digital exhibition for a glimpse of what awaits at the exhibition. 

Address: Hall, Cohen Memorial, 1220 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203, United States.

Timings: The museum will end its summer recess by reopening on September 2nd, 2025.

• Monday – Closed 
• Tuesday to Friday – 11 am to 4 pm
• Saturday to Sunday – 1 pm to 5 pm

5. Nashville’s Hatch Show Print 

Visiting and viewing the incredible prints at the Hatch Show Print, a letterpress print shop since 1879, is one of the best free things to do in Nashville Tennessee. While visiting and touring the premises is free, the workshops do cost around $75. Printing on paper and fabric using hand-ink is an unmatched experience, like the satisfaction of getting your hands dirty with something!

Address: 224 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN 37203, United States.

Timings: Open every day from 9 am to 5:30 pm. 

If you’re wondering where to take your family in Nashville, the next section has got your back! 

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5 Family-Friendly Things to Do in Nashville 

Things to do in Nashville with the family include visiting the Nashville Shores Waterpark, Nashville Zoo, Urban Air Adventure, Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, and Brush Fire Pottery Studio.

1. Nashville Zoo

Visiting the zoo is always fun with the family, especially Nashville Zoo, because of their various kids’ camps and Nashville wildlife. It becomes more fun when you look at a funny animal and decide to tell your siblings, “Look, that’s you!”

Things not to miss at the Nashville Zoo include the 4D theater, the Soaring Eagle zipline, the Wilderness Express Train, and of course, the up-close animal experiences. 

Tickets: The ticket prices change with the dates; check out the website for prices. 

• Adult (13 or older) – $24-$29
• Youth (2-12 years) – $21
• Children (under 2 years) – Free

Timings: Open daily from 9 am to 6 pm. 

Address: 3777 Nolensville Pk, Nashville, TN 37211, United States.

2. Nashville Shores Waterpark 

Nashville Shores Waterpark is not short of any experience that you would expect going into a waterpark, since it has the slides, amazing pools and even a lake! 

There are 10 slides here, and all are different types, from breaknecks to twists. Check them out on the site. 

Keep hopping between the three pools, since swimming is not permitted in the lake, the pools start to look more appealing. Activities at the lake include a game of beach volleyball, a banana boat ride, and the interactive Aqua Park on Percy Priest Lake. 

Tickets: The prices mentioned below are not inclusive of taxes. 

• General Admission (48 inches and taller)- $56.99
• Juniors (shorter than 48 inches), Seniors (62+) & Military– $36.99
• Children (2 years and under)- Free

Timings: Waterpark hours differ according to the dates, therefore check out the schedule to find out the timings. 

Address: 4001 Bell Rd, Hermitage, TN 37076, United States.

3. Urban Air Adventure Park

You will be sold on the Urban Air Adventure Park the minute you lay eyes on their attractions. On top of arranging unique events from time to time, they have numerous attractions, which you might need a second trip to cover. 

With indoor skydiving, virtual reality, mini-golf, laser tag, a slam dunk zone, climbing walls, and more, this adventure park has set a very high standard for fun! This is why it is one of the must things to do in Nashville. 

Tickets: Ultimate Attractions – $25.99

   Deluxe Attractions – $20.99

Timings: Monday to Friday – 11:30 am to 10 pm. 

     Saturday to Sunday – 10:30 am to 10 pm.

Address: 4331 Old Hickory Blvd, Old Hickory, TN 37138, USA.

4. Brushfire Pottery Studio

Hold friendly creativity competitions and let the winner be the final boss of the day. Activities that involve using your imagination, attention to detail, and fine work are more fun with loved ones. 

It is one of the best things to do in Nashville this weekend. After you’re done strolling through the city, spend a laid-back day playing with clay!

Tickets: Prices range from $5 to $95.

Timings: Monday to Thursday – 11 am to 7 pm. 

     Saturday – 10 am to 6 pm. 

     Sunday – 1 pm to 5 pm.

Address: Green Hills Court 4004, Hillsboro Pike 175, Nashville, TN 37215, United States.

5. Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage

Exploring the expansive history of the people’s president in the walls of his mansion, the exhibits, and a wagon tour through the hermitage grounds is one of the must-see things in Nashville. This is one of those eye-opening experiences about how little we know about the world around us. 

Learn about the lives of those who were enslaved on his plantations in detail with much more insight. Only the museums or literature are free and credible enough to tell the whole story; this is what makes it a one-of-a-kind experience. 

Tickets: The following are the ticket prices for the Mansion Tour:

• Adults – $28
• Senior Citizen (62+), Veteran/Active Military – $25
• Youth (5-12 years) – $18
• Children (4 years and under) – Free

Timings: Open every day from 9 am to 5 pm. 

Address: 4580 Rachel’s Lane, Nashville, TN 37076.

Hunger always follows after fun, which is why I have discussed a few food options in the next section that you must try in Nashville. 

Best Places to Eat in Nashville: Indulge in the Food Bonanza 

Some of the best places to try food from in Nashville are The Listening Room Café, Harriet’s Rooftop, The Finch, Old Hickory Country Club, and The Stillery, among others. 

These are my top 5 best places to eat in Nashville: 

1. The Listening Room Café 

Grab a bite here for the most lively scenes in town, with live music, unique cocktails, and amazing food! Do not miss the Emmy’s Chicken Tenders, which are the most savory dish at this café. 

2. Harriet’s Rooftop

Elegantly preserving the values of an old-fashioned cocktail lounge, Harriet’s Rooftop is a nice place to unwind. I’ve never personally liked tuna a lot, but the spicy tuna with crispy rice really caught me off guard!

3. The Finch

I tried the Cajun Chicken Pasta, which was delectable, after that we tried Volcano Rock Shrimp, followed by the Banana Bread Pudding, and all of them were delicious! One thing that is for sure is that The Finch makes the best American Grilled food.

4. Old Hickory Country Club

The pasta dishes, the Shrimp, and the omelets here are light and yummy, I even tried recreating these at home after getting back. But the Old Hickory Country Club is more about its vibes than its food. 

5. The Stillery

One thing that should be taken note of is that no place in Nashville is bland, neither in taste nor with the vibes, the Stillery too has live music 7 days a week! Do try the Chicken Fingers 18, and the Catfish and ‘Chips’ 19 from the specials menu. 

Other than food, what’s another essential while travelling? Bingo! It is place to stay. Find the best stays in Nashville in the section that follows. 

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Where to Stay in Nashville Tennessee?

My top 3 suggestions for places to stay in Nashville would be Gaylord Opryland Resort, Margaritaville Hotel, and, well, how can we miss Airbnb Nashville? 

The Music City has grown from the center, which is why all the major attractions are in proximity to its central part. Here are a few places that might elevate your stay in the city: 

1. Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center

Gaylord Opryland is built like a hotel from the future, and quite extravagant at that. This is one of the high-end stays, but that said, it is also worth every penny due to the numerous amenities provided.

Address: 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, United States.

Cost Per Night: Average $389 per night. 

Ratings: 4.5-star rating on Google reviews.

2. Margaritaville Hotel Nashville

Best known for its savory food, Margaritaville Hotel makes for a very comfortable stay. It offers a plethora of amenities, all covered under a decent cost. This is by far the best value-for-money hotel in Nashville. 

Address: 425 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN.

Cost Per Night: $174 per night per person.

Ratings: 4.5-star rating on Google reviews.

3. Airbnb Nashville 

For a more budget-friendly stay, choose from any of the Airbnbs available across Nashville. They are homely, and you can pick one based on aesthetics, prices, as well as the location. No need to spend hundreds of dollars on midnight cravings, because the BnBs have a kitchen! This is especially a lifesaver on long stays. 

Here I’m giving the details of the Airbnb I stayed in:

Address: Nashville, Tennessee, United States (exact address revealed after booking).

Cost Per Night: Approx. $120 per night. 

Ratings: 5-star rating on Airbnb. 

All has been covered now, and it is about time we head to the ending notes. 

Nashville in a Nutshell

Due to its amazing live-music scenes, the city remains vibrant all year round. Other than giving us some of the best country music shows year after year, Nashville tops it off with fun things to do all over the town. 

Nashville is by far one of the most versatile places that I’ve been to, and I can confirm that there’s never a dull moment in the Music City! 

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