Welcome to Things In Nashville! The place that gives you the needed information from a Nashville native

More great articles about Nashville

Nashville Hotels Under $100, 9 Great Choices


Nashville hotels under $100? In the right areas and at the right time you can get a room in Nashville pretty cheap in comparison to the downtown prices.

Nashville hotels under $100? It’s possible as long as you’re not expecting to be on Lower Broadway. Check the Opryland area, around the airport, towards West End, and even possibly Germantown for cheap yet quality places to stay. The West End area and Music Row are kinda close to Lower Broadway.

There are quality and lesser expensive options around The Music City. It will depend on the day of the week and if there are any big events in town. Here are a few options for Nashville Hotels under $100. Well .. possibly. It’s like this .. if any Nashville event calls for the room to actually be over $100. So, with that being said, I can’t promise that any of these will be under $100 all the time. They will probably still be the lesser expensive hotel options in Nashville.

Close to Lower Broadway

As mentioned above, to get to the cheaper Nashville hotel rooms you gotta get away from Lower Broadway. Based upon my research of Nashville hotels under $100, these two hotels popped up on the list. They are in the “Midtown” area which is still within walking distance, but .. it is a fairly good walk. If you have had a few too many drinks, a ride share or taxi may be a good idea.

Best Western PLUS Downtown/Music Row

Best Western PLUS Downtown Music Row

Located about half a mile from The Gulch, which means a little over a mile walk to the action of Lower Broadway, you are close to the action of Midtown and within walking distance of the fun of The District. Being located kinda close to downtown it may be a hit or miss for it to qualify as one of the Nashville hotels under $100. The reason I say that is again it depends on if there is a big event in town.

This hotel features a fresh omelet station, that also includes cereal, fruit, and other easy-to-make breakfast items. Guest rooms have a microwave, coffee maker, a small fridge, and of course a flat-screen TV.

Downtown party central is about an 8-minute car ride away.

Address1407 Division StreetParkingYes with a fee
DistrictMidtownPet Friendly?
Smoke-Free PolicyYesInternet AccessFree Wi-Fi
Walk Distanceabout a 1.5 milesAirport ShuttleNo
“Nice To Know” info about Best Western PLUS Downtown/Music Row Nashville

Book your room with this link: Best Western Plus Downtown/Music Row

Comfort Inn Downtown Nashville/Vanderbilt

Comfort Inn Downtown Vanderbilt

Within about a 5-minute drive, you can be downtown enjoying the bars, Bridgestone Arena, Assembly Food Hall, The Ryman, and so much more. If you happen to be visiting the Vanderbilt campus, it is just over a mile away. Like the hotel above being located rather close to the action of all the bars downtown, if there is a big event it can easily knock this out of the Nashville hotels under $100. But these two choices will still be less expensive than many of the others.

Rooms have a flat-screen TV, private bathrooms, a small fridge, a coffee maker, and of course a microwave. There is a continental breakfast as well.

Starting to feel like you wanna be in the heart of all the action? Check out this article about downtown hotels.

Interested in other lodging options? Click here to check out other helpful articles.

Address1501 Demonbreun StreetParkingYes
DistrictMidtownPet Friendly?
Smoke-Free PolicyYesInternet AccessFree Wi-Fi
Walk Distanceabout a 1.2 milesAirport ShuttlePublic Transportation Tickets
“Nice To Know” info about Comfort Inn Downtown/Vanderbilt Nashville

Book your room with this link: Comfort Inn Downtown/Vanderbilt

Close to the Airport has Nashville hotels under $100

There can be several Nashville hotels under $100 in this area. Being close to the airport, the Donelson area is more “business-driven” than party-hearty like downtown in the District. There are some very nice hotels in this area, but there are some budget-friendly ones as well.

Country Inn and Suites by Radisson, Nashville Airport

Nashville hotels under $100
Country Inn and Suites by Radisson, Nashville Airport

Country Inn and Suites is one of several Nashville hotels under $100 that has a shuttle service to and from the airport. They also have a hot breakfast each morning to get your day started out right. There is an onsite washing machine to freshen up your clothes and a swimming pool when in season.

Address590 Donelson PikeParkingYes
DistrictDonelsonPet Friendly?
Smoke-Free PolicyYesInternet AccessFree Wi-Fi
Distance to Downtownabout 6 milesAirport ShuttleYes
“Nice To Know” info about Country Inn and Suites Airport Nashville

Book your room with this link: Country Inn and Suites by Radisson, Nashville Airport

Booking.com

Country Inn and Suites by Radisson, Nashville Airport East

I’ll include the East location as well. It is located on Percy Priest Drive which is a short drive away from the airport. It still isn’t far from all the downtown action as well. This still makes it a good choice for the Nashville hotels under $100 list.

Address3423 Percy Priest DriveParkingYes
DistrictDonelsonPet Friendly?
Smoke-Free PolicyYesInternet AccessFree Wi-Fi
Distance to Downtownabout 12 milesAirport ShuttleNo
“Nice To Know” info about Country Inn and Suites Nashville Airport East

Book your room with this link: Country Inn and Suites by Radisson, Nashville Airport East

Quality Suites Nashville Airport

Address2615 Elmhill PikeParkingYes
DistrictDonelsonPet Friendly?
Smoke-Free PolicyYesInternet AccessFree Wi-Fi
Distance to Downtownabout 6 milesAirport ShuttleYes
“Nice To Know” info about Quality Suites Airport Nashville

Book your room with this link: Quality Suites Nashville Airport

Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Nashville Airport

Red Roof offers a free shuttle to the airport. Plus …. downtown shuttle for $10 per trip per person from 11am to 1am. That makes the party life a bit easier. There are several attractions that are a short drive away. If you don’t take the shuttle, downtown is bout 8 miles. The Nashville Zoo is about 5, and the Oprymills shopping mall is about 10 minutes.

As for going downtown to party, parking varies depending on when and where you park. It can be as little as $5 or $40+. So weigh your situation as to how you want to get downtown so you can keep your expenses to a minimum. You are trying to find Nashville hotels for under $100 ya know.

Address510 Claridge DriveParkingYes, Free
DistrictDonelsonPet FriendlyYes
Smoke-Free PolicyYesInternet AccessFree Wi-Fi
Distance to Downtownabout 8 milesAirport ShuttleYes
“Nice To Know” info about Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Nashville Airport

Book your room with this link: Red Roof Inn Plus+ Nashville Airport

Wanna know more about parking downtown? Click here for an article detailing that a bit.

Hotel Preston Nashville Airport

Nashville hotels under $100
Hotel Preston Nashville Airport

Offering an on-site restaurant with breakfast and dinner, and on weekends they offer brunch as well. The airport is about 3 miles away, the Nashville Zoo is about 6, and downtown party central is about 5 miles. So there are plenty of entertainment options with just a short ride or drive away. This is a nice place to be one of the possible Nashville hotels under $100.

Address733 Briley PkwyParkingYes
DistrictDonelson “ish”Pet FriendlyYes
Smoke-Free PolicyYesInternet AccessFree Wi-Fi
Distance to Downtownabout 5 milesAirport ShuttleYes
“Nice To Know” info about Hotel Preston Nashville Airport

Book your room with this link: Hotel Preston Nashville Airport

Comfort Suites Airport Nashville

Nashville hotels under $100
Comfort Suites Airport Nashville
Address2521 Elm Hill PikeParkingYes
DistrictDonelsonPet Friendly?
Smoke-Free PolicyYesInternet AccessFree Wi-Fi
Distance to Downtownabout 7 milesAirport ShuttleYes
“Nice To Know” info about Comfort Suites Airport Nashville

Free onsite parking, shuttle transport to the airport, a hot breakfast, and an outdoor pool when it is in season. The Grand Ole Opry is within about 5 miles and downtown party bars are about 7 miles.

I have been fortunate enough to get to travel to lots of great places. I have a few times stayed in Comfort Suites and they were nice and inexpensive. So it is no surprise that it made the Nashville hotels under $100 list.

Book your room with this link: Comfort Suites Airport Nashville

Close to the Music Valley / Opryland area

Quality Inn Opryland Area

Quality Inn Music Valley

Wanna go shopping, Oprymills mall is about a 5-minute drive away. You can park in the mall parking lot and walk to the Grand Ole Opry or to the Gaylord Opryland Hotel. Feel the need to go party? There is a shuttle that takes you downtown where all the Honky Tonk bars are for $10 per person per trip.

It’s kinda strange that there weren’t more Nashville hotels under $100 in this area. The Music Valley area is one of the lesser expensive areas for locals and tourists to have a good time. I’m going to research this area a bit more, I’ll add more when I find them.

Address2516 Music Valley DriveParkingYes, Free
DistrictMusic Valley / OprylandPet FriendlyNo Pets
Smoke-Free PolicyYesInternet AccessFree Wi-Fi
Distance to Downtownabout 10 milesAirport Shuttle4
“Nice To Know” info about Quality Inn Opryland Area

Book your room with this link: Quality Inn Opryland Area

Want to know more about the Music Valley area? Click here to read that article.

Summary of Nashville hotels under $100

As I said in the beginning of this article, finding Nashville hotels under $100 can be a bit difficult. I spend some time looking through differnt booking agent software and websites. I checked Googles search function that finds local prices. The places in this article were the ones that came up the most. If there is a big event like the CMA’s, you can expect prices to escalate. But, it would be fair to say that these places mentioned here could still be the less expensive rate. Good luck and enjoy Nashville!!

Best Nashville Bars for Bachelorette Parties


Nashville bars for bachelorette parties? Oh yea, the Music City has lots of them! Most people think of Lower Broadway first thing, there are actually several around the downtown area. We are going to cover some of the best ones plus a few other cool options.

Here is a condensed list of Nashville Bars for Bachelorette parties. Music City is one of the most popular destinations for bachelorettes to cut loose before the big day. Just hang out on the Broadway strip for a bit and you are sure to see a group of bachelorettes hollering and having a good time.

There are lots of great bars for bachelorettes. Let’s take a look at a few of them.

Bachelorettes taking a tour break in The Gulch

The Valentine

This is one of the upscale Nashville bars for bachelorette parties. There are four floors to throw a party which includes a rooftop bar with a great view overlooking the famous lower broadway. You can book different kinds of parties such as birthdays, corporate, and holiday parties. But, there are several different bachelorette party packages to suit how many ladies are in your crew or what you may want available.

Tequila Cowboy

A little bit of country and a little bit of rock and roll is this Nashville bars for bachelorette parties theme! There are no reservations needed here to have a good time with your bridal entourage.

On your special wedding event do you feel the need to get up and sing? Then go check out WannaB’s Karaoke Bar! These two venues are connected, each having a top-of-the-line sound system and awesome lighting. So pick your favorite song that expresses your wedding happiness and sing it to the whole place!

Famous Nashville Rooftop Bar

The Stage on Broadway

It is no secret that many ladies choose Nashville Bars for bachelorette parties. The Stage on Broadway is no exception. Check out the famous mural painting on the wall featuring Waylon, Willie, Johnny Cash, and other famous artists.

If you and your bridal crew like a unique experience with a slight dive bar vibe, get your party one of the private VIP rooms. This is one of the few places on Lower Broadway that truly has a deep-rooted history with country music. This alone would make your bridal party/gathering even more special.

Wanna check out The Stage to see if it is right for you? Click here to check out the site.

Would like to see what else is on Broadway to do? Check out this article.

Wanna get a place to stay on Broadway close to the actions? Check out this article.

Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa

Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa

Of the Nashville bars for bachelorette parties, Miranda Lambert’s place is a bridal mecca! The inside decor is all about the ladies. The floral and pink decor throughout with all the glowing neon lights makes for a perfect place for a Nashville bridal party.

There are four levels of entertainment which include a rooftop bar with live entertainment. The food here deserves a mention, I’ve eaten at Casa Rosa a couple of times. The Tex-Mex menu is great and there is a good selection of adult drinks to get the party turned up!

Casa Rosa is a very cool place. Click here to check out the site.

Nashville Bars for Bachelorette Parties – Mobile Versions

Bachelorettes love the mobile drinking tours. Nashville has pedal taverns, a pontoon boat, and some very nice party tour buses. I’ll tell ya about a few options.

Nashville Pedal Tavern

Come check out Nashville Pedal Tavern for a fun tour and an energetic good time. NPT can do private parties, corporate events, and of course your crew when you just walk up. It is BYOB, no glass containers, and no alcohol higher than 7.9 abv per state law.

Wanna take a ride? Click here for more information.

Sprocket Rocket

Nashville Bars for Bachelorette parties
Bachelorettes having a good time pedaling around

Now you wanna check out the best party bike in Nashville! Come check out Sprocket Rocket. You can buy your drinks at check-in, you have an experienced bartender on board, a premium sound system to enjoy the tunes, and an electric assist motor so pedaling around isn’t that hard. But yes you do have to pedal some.

Got more questions? Check out their site for more info.

Pontoon Saloon

Now, this is getting into the more unique Nashville bars for bachelorette parties! Take a Honky Tonk ride on the Cumberland River, if you get lucky maybe you may get a close-up view of the General Jackson Showboat. As you are cruising the river jamming to a variety of tunes, you are in good hands with a licensed Captain and Deckhand.

The Pontoon Saloon is a 50-foot floating party pad with a rocking sound system, a restroom, and an ice cooler to keep your drinks cold. You can BYOB or purchase drinks from the pontoon staff.

Wanna party while floating down the river? Click here to schedule your ride.

Upstage Party Bus

How about big rolling Nashville bars for bachelorette parties? Here come the tour buses!! I gotta start out with the top-of-the-line party buses that Nashville has to offer. We talking about holding 30 people, a live DJ, a large dance floor, and a bartender.

The bus picks you up at a location where you can purchase any drinks you want to take on the bus. Then you depart on your tour around Nashville while you jam, dance, and party!

Check out Upstage Party Bus by clicking this link!

Upstage Party Bus Nashville

Honky Tonk Party Express

This bus has been called “Mardi Gras meets Nashville! Votes best in Nashville by TripAdvisor and Nashville Guru. This is an old-school bus seating 25 people, a sound system with more than 40 speakers, and an onboard bartender.

You will embark on a 2-hour tour around Nashville with a restroom break about an hour into the tour. Your tour will be taking a ride around Nashville seeing all the cool hot spots. As for your drinks, it is a BYOB so hit up your favorite drink spot to purchase what you want. I do know Frugal McDougals liquor warehouse is close to downtown.

Check out Honky Tonk Express by clicking this link.

Summary of Nashville Bars for Bachelorette Parties

It is no doubt that Nashville is one of the, if not THE most sought-after locations to have a good time before the big day. There are boats, pedal taverns, and even buses to have your bachelorette party for your bridal entourage. So get yerself to Nashville Tennessee with your bridal crew and have a good time! A big congratulation from everyone at Things In Nashville!!

ZooLumination #1 Biggest and Best In The US


The Nashville ZooLumination or otherwise known as the Chinese Lantern Festival is a massive display of colorful scenes made up of custom-made silk lanterns. Some of them are just a few inches tall. Some are … well … absolutely MASSIVE!!

Zoolumination in Nashville is a huge Chinese Lantern Festival held at the Nashville zoo. The festival is made up of over 1000 custom-made silk lanterns creating many different scenes. Some are Christmas-related, some New Years related, but they all have some form of meaning.

I visited this wonderful event, I can tell you firsthand that the Zoolumination Chinese lanterns are absolutely beautiful. Allow me to share some information to help you. I’ll also include a few pictures to give you a bit of a teaser of the awesomeness!!

Nashville Zoolumination Dragon
This Nashville Chinese Lantern dragon is so huge!

Nashville zoo Chinese lantern Festival 2022 or ZooLumination

Each year the Nashville Zoo transforms into a massive glowing display of Chinese lanterns spanning over 60 acres of the zoo. There are small ones and very very big ones!! I’m talking like some of them are 3+ stories tall and half the length of a football field!!

The lantern company that builds these magnificent attractions also builds them in Miami and Charleston. The Nashville Zoolumination is the largest and best in the country! It is open nightly from November 18th to February 4th except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Christmas Eve.

The absolute largest Chinese Lantern festival is in Chiang Mai, Thailand and it is called The Yi Peng Festival.

Want to check out ticket prices to ZooLuminations? Be sure to prepay for parking! Click here to check.

Beautiful Lantern City along the walking path

How long does it take to walk the Chinese Lantern Festival?

Honestly, this is subjective. A straight-up walk-through will take you about an hour. Let’s be honest here, where is the fun in going to a spectacular event like ZooLumination and just simply walking through? Nope .. not going to happen. There is way too much to see to simply walk through. There are pictures and videos to take, maybe even a selfie or a dozen. Oh, there is the Soaring Eagle zipline ride that gives you an awe-inspiring view from way up high viewing all the awesome lit-up lanterns. You gotta do it!!!

Some of the animals may be still awake so you may get a peek at them. The building with all the snakes and other creepy critters was open the last time I did the Nashville Chinese Lantern Festival. I also got to see one of the exotic bears walking around as it was making its way to bed down.

Big Silk Lantern Flowerer

What kind of scenes do they create with the Chinese Lanterns?

In the past there were only about 500 lanterns at Zoolumination, in the year 2022 (this article was written) there are over 1000!! There are massive displays of mythical beasts such as a HUGE dragon that you walk through its body like it is coiled through the ground.

There is also a North Pole Village that is a must-see. Santa will be there each night from November 25th to December 24th.

Water Creatures on the water create an awesome reflection

Can you bring food into the Nashville Zoo?

Based on the research I found, yes you can. They ask that you not bring glass, any type of straws, and lids. They also don’t want any balloons in the zoo. All these items can harm the animals if not disposed of correctly. Let’s just be real here, there are some people who simply will not even try to do the right thing. But, don’t worry, the Zoo has all lots of good offerings of food and drink inside.

Need to see a map where food and are? Just click here for the zoo map.

Want to check out more great things to do with kids while in Nashville? Click here to check it out.

This Nashville Chinese Lantern is CRAZY tall!!

Summary of the Nashville Zoolumination Chinese Lantern Festival

All I got to say is .. if you like art and cool lights .. you will LOVE this Nashville event! It is a show that adults and kids alike will enjoy. Arrive early so you don’t have to be rushed because you may want to walk through multiple times. My friends and I did.

Zoolumination YouTube Video

Opryland ICE is Nashville’s #1 Best Ice Show


Opryland ICE at the Gaylord Opryland hotel is one of the most awesome “Christmas time” events in the Nashville area. There is such awesome detail that goes into the artwork created from colored ice.

Opryland ICE is an ice show held at the Gaylord Opryland hotel that has a different Christmas character/movie theme each year. It takes about 20-30 minutes to walk through the event checking out all the magnificent artistic displays of ice sculptures.

Opryland ICE is lots of fun for the whole family. The theme for Christmas of 2022 is Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Be mesmerized by the beauty and detail of the sculptures while talking about your favorite parts of the wonderful show.

Opryland ICE Bumble the Snowman and Hermey the Elf
Opryland ICE Bumble the Snowman and Hermey the Elf

What is ICE at Opryland?

Opryland ICE is a spectacular ice sculpture event that features a different Christmas theme each year. Being that it is held on the same property as the Gaylord Opryland Christmas light display, it is a perfect combination for friends and family to be embellished in the Christmas spirit.

Artists from China come from 7,000 miles away to sculpt over 2,000,000 pounds of ice over the span of several weeks into a wonderful Christmas display for everyone to enjoy. Yes, I know that is a “run-on” sentence. Some subjects just require a moment of “it is getting real up in here”!

I’ve been to three of the Opryland ICE events, each one was amazing at how detailed the ice sculptures were.

How cold is the ICE event?

Well .. I’ll answer this straight to the point. It is dad gum cold up in there!! It is like 9 degrees to be exact. They give you these big blue puffy parkas to help keep you warm. If you are sensitive to cold I do suggest bringing a hat, gloves, and even ear warmers if you need them.

The building that houses the Opryland ICE event has its own special industrial chillers and air handlers to maintain the crazy low temperature.

Once most people start walking around looking at the ice sculptures, they pretty much forget how cold it is. They are too mesmerized by that ice awesomeness to realize they too could become an icicle. No seriously, it really isn’t too bad as long as you are prepared for it. Not to mention it is totally worth it!!

ICE visitors wear puffy parkas to stay warm

What ages is ICE appropriate?

Opryland ICE is an all-ages event. So, bring your whole family and invite your friends to tag along to enjoy the festive event. As mentioned above, it is cold in there so make sure all the little family members are dressed appropriately for the cold temperatures.

Across the sidewalk is even more great fun for the whole family. There is a big “snow hill” that you can ride an innertube down. A couple of ice skating rinks as well for all ages.

Get warmed up by going inside the hotel and walking the atriums while checking out all the millions of Christmas lights. Inside you will find 3 huge atriums each with its own theme, each with a selection of restaurants with food for any age.

Want to know more about the awesome atriums? Click here to read that article.

Where is the ice skating?

Well, if you are standing at the door waiting to get into Opryland ICE, the ice skating is just across the sidewalk. Most seasons they have two ice skating rinks set up, with one being much larger than the other. They even have ice-skating aids/walkers to assist the little ones until they learn to skate.

You can skate all day for the one admission charge. Click here for ticket prices.

Bumble looking over the mountain at Opryland ICE
Bumble the Snomonster Ice Sculpture

Opryland Christmas Events

The Opryland ICE show was obviously mentioned in this article and so were the ice skating and the beautiful lights. But those aren’t the only cool Christmas events you can do at the Opryland location. The Oakridge Boys puts on a dinner show. There is a riverboat ride inside the hotel located in the Delta atrium. Just outside the main entrance are the horse and buggy rides.

Just a short walk from the Opryland hotel is the Grand Ole Opry House. That is where the Opry Country Christmas is held each year. With performances from special guests such as the Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barrett, and more. Obviously, there is bound to be lots of Christmas cheer for everyone.

Is parking free at Gaylord Opryland?

Actually, you can park for free. But not at the actual hotel is self. You can park at the Oprymills shopping mall, take a short walk across the street .. to da!! You are there!! I’m not gonna go into a bunch of detail in this article about the free parking. I have an article all about that already. Click here to read about free parking for visiting Opryland Hotel.

Beautiful Ice Angel

Where to get tickets to ICE?

The Gaylord Opryland website has a webpage with all the events listed. That is also where you can get your tickets. Click here to check out the events there which include Opryland ICE!

Summary of this awesome show

Definitely go to check out the Opryland ICE show, but don’t forget about all the other great attractions and rides that are within a very short walk. There is ice skating, riding the tube down the big “snow hill”, live music, and the beautiful Christmas lights that Opryland Hotel is world famous for. I am really happy to see that the ice show has returned after the pandemic, it didn’t happen for a couple of years and it was missed by many! Welcome back ICE!!

Video Tour

Nashville WhatLiftsYou Wings Mural


Nashville WhatLiftsYou Wings Mural is a must-see if you are visiting the Music City. I’ve been around that mural several times, it is always the center of attention in that area.

Nashville WhatLiftsYou Wings Mural is probably the most popular and most photographed mural in the Music City. It is located in heart of The Gulch near Biscuit Love and Juice Bar. This famous mural is 20 feet high, it took the artist Kelsey Montague 60 large paint pens to draw it out.

Nashville WhatLifts You Wings Mural is probably the most photographed mural in Music City.
Bachelorette party getting pictures in front of the Nashville WhatLifts You Wings Mural. Photo by: Things In Nashville

Let’s talk about what’s so cool about this mural.

Music City has murals all over every neighborhood and district. Some of the more popular ones are Drippy Lips and the Hillsboro Dragon in Hillsboro Village. Then there is the Silo Mural in the Nations part of Nashville. This mural is of an old fella painted about 160 feet tall looking up at the sky.

Although the above-mentioned murals are very popular, none of them compare to the “Gulch Angel Wings” as the locals call it. Most tourists that ask me about it call it the Nashville WhatLifts You Wings. I normally tell them to set their GPS to find Biscuit Love on 11th Avenue in the Gulch, it is right around the corner from that. For you, since you are reading this article I’ll put the address in the summary below.

A little about the Nashville WhatLiftsYou Wings Mural artist

The artist Kelsey Montaque is known for her artistic style of creating “Interactive murals”. The Nashville WhatLiftsYou Wings Mural did not disappoint! At any given time during the day into the evening before it gets dark you can see someone standing in front of the wings to get their picture taken.

It took Kelsey a week with a boom lift and 60 paint pens to draw the 20-foot-high Instagrammable mural. Kelsey has done other murals in Nashville and many other places throughout the world. She has even done work with Taylor Swift in doing the temporary #ME Butterfly wings pop-up art that was across the street from the Nashville WhatLiftsYou Wings Mural.

Wanna read more about Kelsey? Click here for her art webpage.

Are you thinking of getting a room in The Gulch? Click here are some choices.

Want to check out another famous Nashville mural? Click here to check it out.

Summarize the Gulch Angel Wings

If you are visiting Nashville from out of town, this is one of the more sought-after items that people seek out. Especially if you are part of a bachelorette party! So get yer tail down in the Gulch and get your picture made with the famous Nashville WhatLiftsYou Wings Mural that is located at 302 11th Ave S, Nashville.

Nashville kids activities – 12 Great ones!


Nashville kids activities? Oh yea, I raised 3 boys trying to find ways to entertain them. So, I’ve got some experience in knowing what kids will like. This list is a few great options that are available in Nashville.

There are many great Nashville kids activities to entertain from toddlers to teenagers. Here is a summarized list of what this article will cover.

  1. Climbing Gyms
  2. Adventure Towers
  3. Waterparks
  4. A zoo
  5. Beautiful lights
  6. Zip Line
  7. Warrior Course
  8. Astronomy
  9. Science
  10. A Dragon Park
  11. Baseball

Awesome Nashville Kids Activities

One of the most popular Nashville kids Activities is Fannie Mae Dees Park
Rock Climbing Mound at Fannie Mae Dees Park

Does the list above sound like some fun Nashville kids activities? Let’s get into more detail below.

Soar Adventure Tower Franklin

Soar Adventure Tower

Franklin being just a short drive south is one of the bigger if not the biggest suburb of Nashville. There is tons of history, little boutique shops, and restaurants to explore. It is also home to one of the largest Nashville kids activities .. well adults can play as well … the activity I’m referring to is Soar Adventure Tower.

The is a MASSIVE rope jungle gym-style structure standing 4 stories tall with over 100 climbing elements to test your skills or more than likely test if you are afraid of heights. It measures about 100 x 100 feet with the ground level being little kid friendly. There is also an 18-hole miniature golf course to hone your “hole-in-one” skills.

Grand Old Golf

Grand Ole Golf and Go-Karts

Located in the Music Valley area of Nashville, Grand Old Golf and Go Karts is actually fun for the whole family. I know this because my boys and I have been there several times as they were growing up.

There are 3 outdoor miniature golf courses that are each themed of a great feature of Tennessee. One course has a big windmill with a working waterwheel. Another course has lots of little water features that you are sure to get your golf ball wet in.

Feel the need for speed? Well then check out the go-kart track with some really tight and winding curves and some long straightaways. Inside there are bumper cars and a fun arcade for everyone to enjoy.

Want to know what else is in the Music Valley area? Read this article to find out.

Urban Air Nashville, the ultimate of Nashville kids activities

Kids are full of energy! They love to run, jump, climb, and play. Of the Nashville kids activities on this page, this is the BEST place for kids to do all these things and much more!!

There is SOOOO much to do at Urban Air Nashville! Adventure Hub is a big jungle gym with a rope course, tubes, and more. Like basketball? Then come visit the Slam Dunk Zone where you can use a trampoline to catch some serious air to do an awesome slam dunk with style! Oh, speaking of trampolines … come play on the Apex trampolines where they aren’t just on the floor, aw naw … it’s the walls as well!

Now the kids can have some fun friendly competition on the Warrior Course where there are places to climb, angles surfaces, hanging rings, and ball pits. These are only a few of the things to do in Urban Air Nashville. This would be a great team-building day, or an awesome self-esteem builder as they conquer the games and obstacles. No matter what they make of it, they are sure to have a good time!

Wanna check out Urban Air at the Nashville location? Click here to see the site.

My Adventure Park

OK .. this article is about Nashville kids activities, this place is .. well .. awesome for the whole family. Adventure Park is located just minutes outside downtown so it’s close enough to be a cheap Uber ride if you are from out of town. There is zipline, axe throwing, tree climbing, rope courses, and so much more!

The adventure park has something for everyone, but there are areas/courses specially designed for 3-6-year-olds. There are over 160 treetop platforms connected by bridges, ropes, ladders, and zip lines. So, there is something for any person at any age at any comfortable adventure level!

Does Adventure Park sound like fun? Click here to check out the site.

Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory

This would be one of those Nashville kids activities if your child is really into astronomy. You have to check the calendar to see when they are having events to bring in the public.

In these events, y’all will talk astronomy and how to view through the big awesome telescope, and if the weather permits, gaze at some fabulous celestial objects in that big ol’ telescope. Now that would be cool!!

Wanna know more and see the schedule? Click here to check out the site.

Adventure Science Center has lots of Nashville kids activities

I’ve been to the Science Center MANY times! I’m 52 years old and I’m still a kid at heart! I love science, I love adventure, and I love learning new things. Of the Nashville kids activities on this page, this place rotates new learning adventures on a regular basis.

I really like this place ALOT!! Click here to see what exhibits they have at this time.

Indoor Rock Climbing at Climb Nashville

If there is one thing for sure about kids, they love to climb! What better way to entertain that trait than indoor rock climbing? In this little spot of this article about Nashville kids activities.

The Climb Gyms are located on Charlotte Pike (known as Climb Nashville West) and the other is on Eastland Avenue (known as Climb Nashville East). My boys and I were once regulars at the Charlotte pike location.

Each location has its own special features. The West location has the really tall walls, like nearly 50 feet tall!! There are kiddie walls and adult walls from the experienced to rookie walls. If you are there solo you can use the auto-belay walls for your descent. If you are there with a friend, they offer belay classes to train you and your partner to assist each other in “learning the ropes” of proper safe descent.

The East location has bouldering walls. No ropes or belays are needed due to the height of the walls being so low. But, here is the kicker, some of the walls are inverted so you gotta hang on tight! This is a great training center for strength and endurance, not to mention really boosting self-esteem.

There is more than just rock climbing, they offer other great exercise classes as well. Go check them out! Click here for their website.

Fannie Mae Dees Park aka The Dragon Park

Fannie Mae Dees also known as The Dragon Park

The Dragon Park is so cool!! Located a couple of blocks away from Vanderbilt hospital, this park has one of the coolest Nashville kids activities that is still just a simple outdoor playground. What sets it apart from the rest of the parks in Nashville is the wonderful sculpture of the large Sea Dragon slithering in and out of the ground.

This is an all-abilities play park that has fun features for everyone. There are several “play-scapes” to enjoy for kids and the young at heart as well. Around the dragon, there is play sand and a soft mat so this makes climbing on the dragon safer. Behind the dragon is a rock mound for climbing complete with a tunnel to crawl through.

There is a series of platforms joined by various bridges, ramps, slides, and even a “fireman’s pole”. To the left of that are picnic tables, see-saws, and other play features. Most of these children’s play areas are under trees to provide shade from the summer sun.

Here is a Google Maps link to help you get there. Fannie Mae Dees Park aka The Dragon Park

Nashville Sounds game if your kid is a sports fan

Nashville Sounds at First Horizon Park

Do you have a child that is a sports fan? Well, come to First Horizon Park to check out a Nashville Sounds game. The Nashville Sounds is a Minor League Baseball team with a park that sits over 10,000 fans. The scoreboard is about 4,200 square feet of HD LEDs shaped like a guitar. I mean .. this is Nashville the Music City, what did you expect it to be shaped like?

Not only can you watch the game, but you can also head over to the “The Band Box” and play some ping pong, corn-hole, foosball, shuffleboard, or just hang out at the outdoor bar. Obviously, this is another one of those Nashville kids activies that adults can enjoy as well.

Wanna check when the Nashville Sounds are playing at home? Click here for the schedule.

Gaylord Opryland Hotel Nashville has fun kid stuff

Opryland Hotel Delta Riverboat Cruise
Gaylord Opryland Hotel. Boat ride through the Delta Atrium

I know … What?? Why is a hotel on a list for Nashville kids activities? Well, I’ve mentioned Gaylord Opryland Hotel a few times throughout the website. So, what can I say, that awesome hotel has something for everyone.

Asking what is there at a Nashville hotel for kids to do is a totally valid question. As each season passes though the hotel changed its decor and even adds fun events to the calendar. During Halloween, there are ghouls and goblin decorations throughout the atriums. Even take a ride in a flat bottom boat inside the Delta atrium.

But, it is Christmas when the hotel pulls out all the stops! Opryland Christmas Lights has over 2 million wonderful Christmas lights throughout the property. But that is just the beginning! There are ice boat rides, ice skating, an innertube slide, and more! If you want to brave the cold, there is an ice sculpture show that has a different theme each year.

This year in 2022 the theme is Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. I’ve been to several of the shows in the past, and the artistry of carving over 2 million pounds of colored ice is simply amazing! If you can visit Nashville any time of year, I highly recommend around Christmas if you plan on staying at the Opryland Hotel. There are many Nashville kids activities just on this one property. Oh, can’t forget the indoor waterpark if you happen to be a guest at the hotel!!

Here is an article about Opryland Hotel. Click here to check it out.

Want to book a room at the hotel? Click here to reserve your stay.

Nashville Shores Waterpark

Nashville’s largest water park has over 1,000,000 gallons of summer adventure! There are 8 water slides, a water tree house, a playground, and a huge wave pool! Wanna just lay back and chill? Then take a casual ride on the lazy river or just chill on the beach. This is one of the great Nashville kids activities that is sure to be a lifelong memory for the whole family.

Not only is there the waterpark, but there is also the Treetop Adventure Park. Transition from tree to tree by way of Tarzan swings, suspended bridges, ziplines, and much more!

Located on Percy Priest Lake which is just minutes from all the action of downtown Lower Broadway, this fun Nashville activity is an adventure for kids and adults.

Want to know more about the park? Click here to see what all is at the lakeside resort.

Want a nice place to stay near Nashville Shores? Click here to check out this vacation home.

What Lifts You Wings Mural in the Gulch

Wings that Lift You Mural in The Gulch area of Nashville

Of all the murals in Nashville, this is probably the most sought-after and photographed of them all. I have several times been in the Gulch and seen adults and kids alike getting their picture taken with “the wings in Nashville”. This may not be a good thing for Nashville kids activities … well .. teenagers love it sooo .. maybe? Either way, it would make a great souvenir picture of visiting Nashville.

There are two sets of wings. The main and largest set is about 20 feet tall. The small set is just the perfect height for a toddler or even your fur baby. So head down to The Gulch area of Nashville and take your Instagram pic to make your family back home jealous!

While you are in The Gulch be sure to check out all the great restaurants in the area.

Where are the wings? Click here for the Google Maps location.

OK .. I know the headline said 12. Here are a few more ideas.

Nashville Game Rooms

There are several game rooms in Nashville that kids and adults would love. Just to name a few there is Dave and Busters in Oprymills Mall, Pins Mechanical, and Digital World VR. Pins Mechanical is 21 and over after 8pm. Pins Mechanical normally has one of Nashville’s great food trucks parked outside to get your grub on.

Cheekwood Gardens Christmas Lights

If your children enjoyed the lights at Gaylord Opryland hotel, they will like the Christmas lights at Cheekwood. It isn’t as big as Opryland Hotel, but very beautiful nonetheless. This isn’t really a big hoopla for a Nashville kids activities thing. But if they enjoy the pretty lights .. go for it!

Nashville Zoo

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

OK .. I’ll end this with a real winner for a Nashville kids activities gig!! You can’t go wrong going to the zoo! I’ve mentioned the zoo in another article, but just in case you come across this article before the other one, I got to at least mention it.

At the Nashville zoo, besides just having a great variety of animals to see. They feature seasonal events as well. For instance, Boo at the Zoo is where the zoo does trick-or-treat for the little ones. Plus there are lots of scenes and animal shows that go along with the events.

Later in the year around Christmas / New Years they have Zoolumination. This is an awesome Chinese lantern festival with over 1,000 custom-made silk lanterns.

Wanna check out the events schedule? Click here to see what is on the calendar.

Click here for “skip the line” tickets.

Summary of Nashville Kids Activities

In this article about Nashville kids activities, I covered several of the most popular places to hopefully help the kids have the best Nashville adventure they possibly can. Topics range from science, climbing, cool lights, and critters were presented. Hope this list helps!!

Here is another Nashville kids activities article for ya. Click here to check it out.

I’ll add more pictures later. Peace … later y’all!!