Music, museums and parks, oh my! Free outings for kids in Nashville

Rachel Wegner, Nashville Tennessean
Updated ·2 min read

Looking to explore Nashville with kids in tow but don't want to run up the bill? From parks and museums to musical events and story times, Music City has a variety of free kid-friendly things to do.

Here are a few of our picks.

Free things to do with kids of all ages around Nashville

While some venues offer free admission to younger children, there are many that are free for kids of all ages (and some that are free entry for the grown-ups, too!)

  • Arrington Vineyards: Grab a blanket or stake out a picnic table for free on the sprawling Arrington Vineyard grounds. The vineyard also regularly hosts free events. More information at arringtonvineyards.com.

  • Frist Art Museum: Free for ages 18 and younger. More information at fristartmuseum.org.

  • Nashville Flea Market: The monthly flea market offers free admission. However, parking is available for a $10 fee. More information at thefairgrounds.com/fleamarket.

  • Metro Nashville Parks: Nashville's extensive network of parks are free and open to all ages, including several nature centers. Learn more at nashville.gov/departments/parks.

  • Musician's Corner: This popular, free and family-friendly concert series is hosted at Centennial Park weekly in May, June and September. More information at musicianscornernashville.com.

  • Nashville Public Library: The Nashville Public Library system has more than 20 branches citywide that host a variety of free events for all ages. Learn more at library.nashville.org.

Pat Bashir leads CuentaCuentos, a bilingual story hour at the downtown Nashville Public Library.
Pat Bashir leads CuentaCuentos, a bilingual story hour at the downtown Nashville Public Library.

  • Tennessee State Museum: Free for all ages. More information at tnmuseum.org.

  • Tennessee State Parks: Tennessee is home to a wide variety of state parks, many of which are free and open to the public. Learn more about what they offer around Nashville at tnstateparks.com.

  • Story times: Along with offerings at Nashville Public Library branches, bookstores like Parnassus Books (parnassusbooks.net) and Fairytales Bookstore (fairytalesnashville.com) host free story times.

Free things to do with younger kids around Nashville

Got littles along for the ride? Here are a few outings that come free-of-charge for younger children.

  • Adventure Science Center: Free for kids under 2. More information at adventuresci.org.

  • Cheekwood Estate and Gardens: Free for ages 2 and younger. More information at cheekwood.org.

British artist Bruce Munro's Whizz Pops is part of the Cheekwood LIGHT display that runs through October.
British artist Bruce Munro's Whizz Pops is part of the Cheekwood LIGHT display that runs through October.

  • Nashville Zoo: Free for kids under 2. More information at nashvillezoo.org.

  • The Parthenon: Free for kids under 4 for regular admission. The Parthenon also offers free arts education and events through its Kidsville program. More information at nashvilleparthenon.com and kidsvilleonline.org.

  • Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: Free for children 5 and under. Also free for youth and two accompanying adults from Cheatham, Davidson, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson and Wilson counties. More information at countrymusichalloffame.org.

  • Lane Motor Museum: Free for kids ages 5 and under. More information at lanemotormuseum.org.

  • Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum: Free for kids 5 and under. More information at musicianshalloffame.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Free and fun things to do in Nashville with kids