Here are Tennessee spring break vacations you can take with your family in Nashville
As the Tennessee snow melts away Spring Break is on the way! If you are looking for a quick getaway or a change to explore around home here are some of our favorite spots for the perfect Tennessee staycation.
My family has made so many memories at many of these locations and we are planning to leave the East Tennessee Mountains and return to The Music City for our Spring Break 2025.
1. The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
Why You Should Go: Home to 360 different species the Nashville Zoo provides ample space to play, experience, and learn right in the heart of Tennessee’s capital.
What to Expect: Be sure to plan extra time for the 66,000-square-foot jungle gym playground, my kids never wanted to leave! Keep in mind that it takes about 2-3 hours to see all the exhibits.
Parent Tip: You CAN bring lunch and outside food and drinks into the zoo and snack with the animals. Check the website for restrictions.
2. The Adventure Science Center
Why You Should Go: The squeals of excitement will begin as the glass pyramid of the Adventure Science Museum comes into view.
What to Expect: Between the hands-on activities, live demonstrations, climbing structures, interactive exhibits, and crafting stations my family can easily spend 4-5 hours at this museum. Time flies when you are having fun.
Parent Tip: The Adventure Science Center IS a part of the ASTC reciprocal program! If you’re a member of an Association of Science-Technology Center (ASTC) institution located more than 90 miles from Adventure Science Center — and you live more than 90 miles from Adventure Science Center— you are eligible for free general admission for up to two adults and four children under 18 living in the same household.
3. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Why You Should Go: Can you even say you are in Nashville without embracing country music? You have to have some country music on your trip to Nashville!
What to Expect: The Country Music Hall of Fame provides fun for the whole family with puppet shows, video stations, listening booths, and interactive music displays. Your swiftie will obsess over the Taylor Swift Education Center.
Parent Tip: If bringing a littler learner don’t forget to grab The Young Explorer Kit. The Young Explorer Kit is designed for families with young children that includes fun and educational activities to enhance the Museum experience. The kits are available for free at the box office and the information desk.
4. Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
Why You Should Go: Visiting Nashville in the spring provides the perfect opportunity to checkout Cheekwood Estates and Gardens. At first glance it may feel like a garden estate isn’t the best fit for a family day, but Cheekwood offers so many fun experiences for the whole family.
What to Expect: You will enjoy exploring the 30,000 square foot Mansion and 55 acres of cultivated gardens, art galleries, exhibitions, and 1.5-mile woodland trail featuring monumental outdoor sculpture.
Parent Tip: Mom, you absolutely do not want to miss the chance to take your family photos during Cheekwood in Bloom (March and April) when the gardens fill with thousands of colorful buds.
5. Lucky Ladd Farms
Why You Should Go: Nothing makes for a better spring break than fresh air and snuggly animals.
What to Expect: Lucky Ladd Farms is Tennessee’s largest petting zoo with over 100 friendly animals to love on, but the fun doesn’t end there. Swings, a train, pony rides, slides, bubbles, trails, pick-your-own seasonal treats, play spaces, and flowers will provide your family with more than enough to fill your day.
Parent Tip: While many things are tons of activities included with the general admission, be sure to take a look at the add-on options to plan and budget before you go.
6. Frist Art Museum
Why You Should Go: The Frist is not your average art gallery. It is a museum with over 30 hands-on art exhibits. There is even a space for your little artist to create their own artwork!
What to Expect: Martin ArtQuest is the Frist Art Museum’s inclusive and interactive art-making space where guests of all ages get creative with activities that delight and inspire. With regularly changing exhibits, The Frist will not be a one-time visit but will be a place your family will want to check-out again and again.
Parent Tip: If you are an adult who receives EBT/SNAP/WIC you will receive free admission to Frist. Children (18 and younger) are always free at Frist!
7. The Adventure Park
Why You Should Go: When you are ready for a break from the buildings a hustle hop, or zip, on over to the Adventure Park.
What to Expect: You’ll love that there is a separate Adventure Playground area for kids 3-6 that provides them with age and safety appropriate activities that are just 24 inches or less off the ground. Bigger adventurers, ages 7 and up, with love the higher courses. If your family is full of thrill seekers, don’t miss the Glow in the Park nighttime experience for extra fun.
Parent Tip: There are picnic tables throughout the park, and you can pack a picnic lunch or cooler.
8. Topgolf
Why You Should Go: Tired of the same over-themed mini-golf holes? Then, Topgolf is for your family!
What to Expect: Topgolf combines the fun of golfing with technology, while still offering the outdoor fresh air feel. A variety of games can be played at Topgolf making it a great fit for the beginner and the most advanced.
Parent Tip: Topgolf rotates the games out regularly and offers games like Sonic the Hedgehog and Angry Birds.
Why You Should Go: My family loves a go, go, go vacation, but at some point, we just need some grass to run on and a football to toss. Centennial Park is our go to outdoor space when in the city.
What to Expect: There is a duck pond, picnic areas, swings, a full-scale Parthenon replica, and plenty of walking paths. It’s a great choice for a relaxed family picnic or a spot to run out the energy before you head back to your hotel. All sorts of classes including dance lessons, group games, and craft days can be found on community calendars.
Parent Tip: This is a great spot for some fancy family portraits at sunset. A local photo op favorite!
10. Goo Goo Shop and Dessert Bar
Why You Should Go: Goo Goos are a core Nashville tradition. If you don’t yet know about Goo Goo Clusters, I’m sure your waistline thanks you. Does anything say spring Break like a sweet treat?
What to Expect: Head downtown for a dessert experience like none other. You can walk right in and smell the deliciousness of homemade chocolate. My kids are obsessed with the make your own stations, where they can add all the toppings and sprinkles and create their own masterpiece.
Parent Tip: After the sugar rush, be sure to stroll down Broadway to get some of that sugar energy out.
