Photo: Lisa Stone
Photo: The Mall at Green Hills
Photo: Arme G
The Mall at Green Hills
★4.4(7,325 reviews)$Shopping
🕑 2-4 hours👶 Best for ages 2-12. Younger children enjoy the play areas and kid-focused stores like The LEGO Store and Build-A-Bear Workshop, while tweens appreciate the teen retailers and dining options. Stroller-friendly for toddlers.🧡 Saved by 350+ families
About
The Mall at Green Hills offers more than just shopping,it's a family destination with dedicated play areas, a diverse dining court, and regular community events that keep kids entertained. This upscale Nashville shopping center provides a comfortable, climate-controlled environment perfect for rainy days or escaping the summer heat while parents browse quality retailers.
Highlights
- ✓Dedicated indoor play areas where kids can burn energy safely
- ✓The LEGO Store with hands-on building stations
- ✓Build-A-Bear Workshop for interactive stuffed animal creation
- ✓Spacious dining court with options to please picky eaters
- ✓Regular free community events including story times and seasonal celebrations
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive right at opening (10 AM weekdays, 11 AM Sunday) to enjoy the play areas before they get crowded and snag close parking
- 2.Park near the Nordstrom entrance for easiest access to the play area and family restrooms with changing stations
- 3.Check the mall's event calendar before visiting,they often host free kids' activities, character meet-and-greets, and seasonal craft events
- 4.Bring hand sanitizer and wipes for before and after play area visits, especially during cold and flu season
- 5.Take advantage of personal shopping services at major department stores if you need to accomplish real shopping with kids in tow
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (10 AM-12 PM) offer the quietest experience with minimal crowds and clean play areas. Avoid Saturday afternoons and the holiday shopping season (late November-December) unless you're specifically attending a kids' event.
What to Know
Parking is free and plentiful in multi-level garages. The dining court offers numerous kid-friendly options from quick bites to sit-down meals, and multiple family restrooms are conveniently located throughout the mall.
Seasonal Notes
Extended holiday hours from Thanksgiving through Christmas with special events like Santa visits, holiday character appearances, and craft activities. Summer often features kids' entertainment programs. A perfect rainy day or extreme weather alternative year-round.
Nearby Eats
The Cheesecake Factory (located in the mall) offers a massive kids' menu with generous portions. For a quick nearby option, Chick-fil-A is just minutes away with a popular indoor play area.
More Activities Near Green Hills
Activity
Trader Joe's
★4.6$$❤️22
Turn grocery shopping into a fun family outing at this beloved Green Hills Trader Joe's! Kids love hunting for the hidden stuffed animal mascot, collecting treasure hunt stickers at checkout, and sampling kid-friendly treats throughout the store. The welcoming staff and manageable store size make it easy to navigate with little ones in tow.
Sports
Lipscomb Academy Athletic Complex
★4.7$❤️19
Lipscomb Academy Athletic Complex in Green Hills offers families a premier sports facility where kids can participate in organized youth leagues, tournaments, and active recreation. With multiple fields and courts, this well-maintained complex provides an excellent environment for young athletes to develop skills, compete, and stay active in a safe, supervised setting.
Entertainment
The Bluebird Cafe
★4.6$❤️231
The legendary Bluebird Cafe offers a rare opportunity for families to experience Nashville's iconic songwriter culture in an intimate setting. While primarily an evening venue for adults, they occasionally host special early shows that welcome families, giving kids a front-row seat to the storytelling and musicianship that made Nashville famous. It's a unique cultural experience that music-loving families will treasure.
Ice Cream
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
★4.6$$❤️11
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.