The Fontanel Mansion
About
The Fontanel Mansion offers a unique blend of country music history and outdoor adventure that keeps kids entertained for hours. This sprawling 27,000-square-foot former celebrity estate combines mansion tours showcasing Music City heritage with thrilling activities like zipline canopy tours and scenic nature trails, making it an exciting destination for families who want variety beyond Nashville's typical downtown attractions.
Highlights
- ✓Thrilling zipline canopy tour through the Tennessee woods
- ✓Guided tour through the massive mansion filled with country music memorabilia
- ✓Scenic nature trails perfect for family walks
- ✓Gorgeous property views and photo opportunities
- ✓Learning about Nashville's country music heritage in a hands-on setting
Pro Tips
- 1.Book zipline tours in advance online as they fill up quickly, especially during weekends and summer months
- 2.Wear closed-toe shoes if planning to do the zipline adventure, and bring layers as temperatures can vary on the wooded trails
- 3.Start with the mansion tour first thing in the morning when kids are fresh, then head outdoors for active adventures afterward
- 4.The property is large and hilly,bring a stroller for little ones if they tire easily, though some areas may not be stroller-accessible
- 5.Check if any special concerts or events are happening during your visit, as the venue hosts festivals that might enhance or complicate your experience
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday) between 9:00-11:00 AM for smaller tour groups and cooler temperatures for outdoor activities. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather for combining indoor tours with outdoor zipline adventures and trail walking.
What to Know
Currently closed on weekends (Saturday-Sunday), so plan your visit for weekdays only. Tour and zipline prices vary, so check their website for current rates and package deals. Limited food options on-site, so consider eating before or after your visit.
Seasonal Notes
Closed Saturdays and Sundays year-round. Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer the best weather for outdoor activities. Zipline tours may be limited or closed during severe weather or winter conditions,call ahead during colder months.
Nearby Eats
Head to Monell's at the Manor (about 15 minutes away) for family-style Southern comfort food that kids love, or stop at Hattie B's Hot Chicken in North Nashville (20 minutes) for famous Nashville hot chicken with kid-friendly mild options available.
More Activities Near Nashville
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
The Gaylord Opryland Resort is a wonderland for kids with nine acres of stunning indoor gardens under glass atriums, complete with cascading waterfalls, koi ponds, and winding pathways to explore. Even if you're not staying overnight, families can visit to ride the Delta Flatboat along the indoor river, watch fountain shows, and let kids marvel at the lush tropical environment,all climate-controlled year-round.
Nashville Farmers' Market
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.
Madame Tussauds Nashville
Madame Tussauds Nashville offers kids an interactive musical adventure where they can get up close with lifelike wax figures of their favorite music stars. Unlike traditional museums, children are encouraged to pose, touch, and take unlimited photos with the figures, making it a fun, hands-on experience that brings music history to life in an engaging way for all ages.
Shelby Bottoms Greenway
Shelby Bottoms Greenway offers families over 5 miles of smooth, paved trails perfect for biking, stroller-pushing, and introducing kids to nature without venturing far from Nashville. The ADA-accessible paths wind through beautiful wetlands and forest along the Cumberland River, where you'll spot herons, turtles, and sometimes even deer, making it an ideal outdoor classroom for budding naturalists.