Museums
8 children's museums, science centers, and interactive exhibits rated and reviewed by families.
🎨 MuseumThe Tennessee State Museum offers an impressive journey through Tennessee's history that's completely free for families. With interactive exhibits spanning from prehistoric times through modern day, kids can explore everything from Native American artifacts to Civil War history, all presented in an engaging, hands-on way that brings the past to life.
🎨 MuseumLane Motor Museum offers a refreshing twist on the typical car museum experience with over 500 unique and unusual vehicles from around the world that will fascinate both kids and adults. Beyond the impressive collection of quirky automobiles, the museum features a dedicated indoor play area where younger children can burn energy, plus coloring stations throughout to keep little hands busy when they need a break from vehicle viewing.
🎨 MuseumCheekwood offers 55 acres of botanical gardens perfect for letting kids roam and explore nature. The Bracken Foundation Children's Garden is specifically designed for little hands to dig, climb, and discover, while seasonal festivals and the beloved model train exhibit keep families coming back throughout the year.
🎨 MuseumThe Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum offers a surprisingly kid-friendly journey through music history in the heart of Nashville. From Elvis Presley's iconic gold Cadillac to interactive scavenger hunts and the Taylor Swift Education Center, this museum engages young music fans with hands-on activities and eye-catching exhibits that make history come alive.
🎨 MuseumStep into ancient Greece without leaving Tennessee! This stunning full-scale replica of the original Parthenon houses a breathtaking 42-foot statue of Athena covered in gold leaf, plus rotating art exhibits. Kids can burn off energy at the adjacent playground while parents soak in the incredible architecture and beautiful Centennial Park setting.
🎨 MuseumThe Johnny Cash Museum offers an intimate look at the legendary Man in Black through personal artifacts, interactive exhibits, and music that brings American history to life. While geared more toward adults and older children, music-loving families will appreciate the engaging displays, listening stations, and the chance to see iconic guitars, costumes, and handwritten letters from one of country music's greatest legends.
🎨 MuseumThe Frist Art Museum offers a winning combination for families: free admission for all visitors 18 and under and the interactive Martin ArtQuest Gallery where kids can unleash their creativity through hands-on art projects and animation stations. The museum's rotating exhibitions expose children to diverse artistic styles while the dedicated children's space ensures they're actively engaged, not just observing.
🎨 MuseumAdventure Science Center is Nashville's ultimate hands-on science playground where kids can touch, explore, and experiment with over 175 interactive exhibits. The showstopper 75-foot Adventure Tower challenges kids to climb through multiple levels while the state-of-the-art Sudekum Planetarium takes families on immersive journeys through space, making this a can't-miss destination for curious minds.