Things To Do With Kids in Forest Hills, TN

While primarily a denim boutique, imogene + willie's converted gas station setting offers a unique Nashville experience that makes for a quick, memorable stop in the trendy 12 South neighborhood. The vintage aesthetic and historic architecture provide excellent photo opportunities with kids, and the shop's welcoming atmosphere makes browsing enjoyable even with little ones in tow.

Frothy Monkey in trendy 12 South is a neighborhood café that welcomes families with open arms and a relaxed atmosphere where parents don't have to stress about a little kid noise. With a full menu of breakfast and lunch favorites, fresh pastries, quality coffee for grown-ups, and outdoor seating perfect for wiggly little ones, it's an ideal spot for a casual family meal before or after exploring the 12 South district.

Edley's Bar-B-Que in Nashville's trendy 12 South neighborhood serves up authentic Tennessee barbecue in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere where kids are genuinely welcome. The casual vibe means parents don't have to stress about little ones being a bit messy while tackling ribs and pulled pork, and the outdoor seating is perfect for letting kids decompress between bites.

Burger Up in the trendy 12 South neighborhood serves up delicious grass-fed burgers with creative toppings that adventurous eaters will love, alongside classic options for picky kids. The welcoming, laid-back atmosphere makes it easy to dine with children of all ages, and the thick milkshakes are a guaranteed hit that'll have your kids talking about this meal long after you leave Nashville.

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams in Green Hills is a must-visit treat destination where kids can explore adventurous flavors like Wildberry Lavender and Brambleberry Crisp alongside classic favorites. The friendly staff encourages sampling, making it fun for even picky eaters to discover new favorites, and the locally-sourced, high-quality ingredients mean parents can feel good about the splurge.

White's Mercantile offers a delightful shopping experience where kids can explore a curated collection of Southern goods, vintage treasures, and unique gifts in a welcoming general store atmosphere. The charming shop makes browsing fun for the whole family, with plenty of interesting items to discover, from locally-made treats to quirky home goods that spark children's curiosity.

Fonda On 12th brings vibrant Mexican flavors to Nashville's trendy 12 South neighborhood with a family-friendly atmosphere that welcomes kids with open arms. The tapas-style small plates make it easy for picky eaters to find something they'll love, while parents can explore the diverse menu featuring creative Mexican dishes and fresh salads.

Las Paletas is a delightful Mexican popsicle shop in Nashville's trendy 12 South neighborhood that transforms a simple frozen treat into a cultural adventure for kids. With authentic paletas in vibrant flavors ranging from fresh mango and watermelon to creamy avocado and horchata, children love picking out colorful popsicles while parents appreciate the all-natural, high-quality ingredients and reasonable prices.

West Meade Pools is a private member facility serving Belle Meade residents and club members, offering a welcoming community atmosphere for family swimming throughout the summer season. With organized swim lessons and summer activities, it's a neighborhood favorite where families can enjoy quality pool time in a safe, monitored environment.

The Pancake Pantry has been a Nashville breakfast institution since the 1960s, delighting families with fluffy pancakes in dozens of creative flavors and a charming tradition of featuring local children's artwork on their menus. This cozy, family-owned spot embodies Southern hospitality and makes every child feel like their creativity matters, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere that keeps generations of families coming back.

Centennial Park is Nashville's most beloved family destination, offering 132 acres of green space perfect for active kids and relaxed parents alike. The expansive playground features modern equipment for all ages, while the scenic duck pond provides endless entertainment for little ones who love feeding the ducks and spotting turtles along the one-mile paved walking trail.

Step 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.

The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is a spectacular 200-acre adventure featuring over 360 animal species and one of the country's most impressive zoo playgrounds,a massive 66,000-square-foot Jungle Gym that's worth the visit alone. With consistently high ratings from thousands of families, this zoo masterfully combines wildlife education with high-energy play, making it a must-visit destination where kids can burn energy while experiencing animals from around the world.

Hattie B's Hot Chicken in Midtown brings Nashville's most famous culinary tradition to families with a dedicated Lil' Uns Kid's Plate that offers milder options for young palates. The spacious outdoor patio provides plenty of room for restless kids to move around while you wait for your food, making this iconic Nashville spot surprisingly family-friendly despite its spicy reputation.

Parlor Doughnuts is a sweet treat destination that kids absolutely love, offering colorful, creative donuts that are almost too pretty to eat (almost!). This cozy cafe provides a welcoming, casual atmosphere where families can grab delicious breakfast items, fresh-baked donuts, and quality coffee without breaking the bank or worrying about little ones making a bit of a mess.

Tito's Playland in Nashville offers an energetic indoor escape where younger kids can burn off energy rain or shine. With multi-level climbing structures, slides, and interactive play zones, this amusement center keeps little ones entertained while parents can relax in the viewing areas. The combination of arcade games and active play equipment makes it a hit for birthday parties and spontaneous play dates alike.

Chaffin's Barn Dinner Theatre offers a unique experience combining live theatrical performances with a full dinner service in a charming, historic setting. While many shows cater to adult audiences, the theater schedules select family-friendly productions throughout the year that provide a wonderful introduction to live theater for children, complete with a meal that keeps everyone happy and seated.

Adventure 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.

Rudy's Jazz Room offers a unique cultural experience for families looking to introduce children to live jazz music in an upscale yet welcoming atmosphere. Located in historic Nolensville, this restaurant combines Italian-inspired cuisine with Louisiana Cajun/Creole flavors, creating a sophisticated dining experience that accommodates families during earlier evening hours before the late-night lounge crowd arrives.

The 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.

The 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.

Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint brings authentic whole-hog Tennessee barbecue to downtown Nashville in a casual, family-friendly setting where kids can dig into finger-licking ribs, wings, and pulled pork without worrying about table manners. The family-style service means everyone can share platters of smoky meats and classic sides, making it easy to please picky eaters and adventurous foodies alike.

The 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.

Puckett's Restaurant serves up Southern comfort food with a serious dose of kid-friendly charm in downtown Nashville. The Mickey Mouse-shaped pancakes are legendary among little ones, and the laid-back atmosphere with crayons at every table means parents can actually relax and enjoy their meal while kids stay entertained by coloring and the live music performances.

The 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.

Lane 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.

This 11-acre downtown Nashville park is a hidden gem that combines history, play, and education in one beautiful space. Kids will love running through the splash fountains on hot days, exploring the massive granite map of Tennessee, and playing around the 95-bell carillon that chimes throughout the day. The open green spaces are perfect for picnics and the various monuments and memorials offer teachable moments about Tennessee history.

Nashville Farmers' Market is a vibrant, year-round destination where families can explore fresh local produce, sample international cuisines from diverse food stalls, and enjoy the lively atmosphere near Bicentennial Mall. Kids love the colorful displays of fruits and vegetables, the opportunity to taste samples from friendly vendors, and the multicultural food court featuring everything from tacos to Thai cuisine.