Nashville With Kids: A Low-Key, Family-Friendly Guide to Food, Fun & Local Vibes

Explore Franklin, TN

Just outside Nashville, Franklin is a charming town with a walkable main street lined with boutiques, cafés, and restaurants. You can spend a leisurely afternoon popping into shops, grabbing treats, and soaking up the small-town Southern vibe. It was one of the most relaxed and enjoyable parts of our trip.

Go-Kart Racing at K1 Speed Nashville

If you’re visiting when the weather is chilly or rainy, K1 Speed is a fantastic indoor activity for kids. In addition to the go-kart racing, there’s an on-site arcade, so your kids can keep the fun going long after the races are over. This was a perfect multi-activity stop on a cold day.

Walk Broadway and Downtown Nashville (during the day)

Broadway is loud, lively, and unmistakably Nashville, with live music pouring out of nearly every bar. While it definitely leans adult in the evenings, visiting during the day is a fun and manageable way for families to experience the energy, neon lights, and constant soundtrack of live music.

The Arcade (Downtown Nashville)

The Arcade is a historic indoor shopping passage currently undergoing renovations. While it’s not fully occupied yet, there are still some cute shops and cafés worth browsing and it’s a quick, easy stop while exploring downtown.

Country Music Hall of Fame

This is a great stop for older kids, especially if they’re already fans of country music or enjoy interactive museums. It offers a deeper look into the artists, history, and cultural impact of country music in a way that’s engaging without feeling overwhelming.

Goo Goo Clusters Flagship Store

A must-stop for families in downtown Nashville. You can create your own Goo Goo Cluster from scratch—choosing your chocolate, fillings, and toppings. Or you can simply stock up on the classic versions. It’s a fun, hands-on experience that doubles as a sweet souvenir.

Nashville Zoo (save for a warmer visit)

We skipped the zoo during our January trip due to cold weather, but our local friends insisted it’s a must-do for families. Apparently their playground is epic and worth the price of admission alone! It’s firmly on our list for a future visit when temperatures are warmer.

• Whitney’s Cookies (Franklin): A total hit with the kids and absolutely worth the stop. Whitney’s cookies are thick, indulgent and unforgettable—perfect fuel for wandering Franklin’s main street. The kids will be asking to go back again and again.

• Stable Reserve Distillery (Franklin): A perfect stop for both adults and kids. The espresso martinis here were outstanding, while the kids happily enjoyed hot chocolate or sodas. Its location near Whitney’s Cookies makes it an excellent “treat for everyone” pairing.

• Mellow Mushroom Pizza (multiple locations around Nashville; including Franklin): This casual spot is ideal for families, with lots of pizza, calzone, and sandwich options. It’s easygoing, filling and exactly what you want after a busy day exploring.

• Acme Feed & Seed (Broadway): A classic Nashville experience that still works for families if you choose wisely. The ground floor can feel loud and party-heavy but heading upstairs gives you a much calmer atmosphere where kids are welcome and you can still enjoy the Broadway energy. Their rooftop patio is large and inviting and even though we only used it for a photo op, it would be the perfect spot to eat outside in warmer weather.

• Legendairy Milkshake Bar (Downtown Nashville): These milkshakes are over-the-top in the best way. With towering toppings and endless flavor combinations, this is a fun stop for kids and adults alike. Go hungry because the shakes are massive and can easily double as a meal.

• Wabash Southern Kitchen (Nolensville): A beloved local spot with hearty Southern classics and comfort food that hits the spot. The atmosphere is friendly and unpretentious which was perfect after a day exploring with kids.

• Mill Creek Brewing Co. (Nolensville): A relaxed brewery with a welcoming vibe, great for families. Adults can enjoy local craft brews while kids sip sodas and sample casual fare. This is a fun neighborhood hangout that feels authentically Tennessee.

• Dutch Bros. Coffee (drive-thru): Trying different drive-thru coffee spots became a fun part of the trip, especially since we don’t have the same options back home. Dutch Bros. was a familiar favorite for us after discovering it on a previous trip out West, and the kids loved the fun, sweet drink options.

• Scooter’s Coffee (drive-thru): Another drive-thru win, especially for families. In addition to coffee, they offer smoothies and non-coffee drinks that kids genuinely enjoy, making it an easy stop between activities.