Planning an enjoyable day trip with young children requires a bit of preparation. There are nap times to consider, snacks and meals, and your child’s energy levels throughout the day to keep in mind. Nashville offers a variety of great options for families with young children to experience. So, grab the diaper bag and hit the town to create your adventure in Music City!
Morning (9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.)
For children in preschool at The Gardner School, our teachers begin the academic portion of the day with an engaging curriculum. This can include circle time, themed group activities, music and movement, art, learning centers, literacy, and more! Morning is usually the best time for activities that require more calm and focused behavior, so we’ve chosen locations that match morning energy levels.
- Nashville Public Library – Main Location
Settle in for story time at the Nashville Public Library’s main location in Downtown Nashville or choose from one of the many branch locations. During the week, babies, toddlers, and preschoolers can practice letter recognition and literacy skills with books, music, and fun activities. You can check out all the events on the library’s event page, and there’s even an option to filter the results by date, time, or age group.
(Hot Tip: Plenty of parking is available in the parking garage attached to the library, and the first 90 minutes are free with library validation.)
- National Museum of African American Music
Everyone loves music, and the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) is an incredible experience that your whole family will love! The museum’s mission is to educate the community about the many contributions Black artists have made to American culture and music. The interactive displays, touchscreens, videos, vibrant colors, and incredible music will give your children a thrill and may leave you inspired.
(Hot Tip: There is free admission every single Wednesday!)
Lunch Time (11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)
After a busy morning, your family will be ready for lunch! Assembly Food Hall is right next door to NMAAM, and depending on your schedule, you can opt for a sit-down meal or grab a quick bite to go. Dozen Bakery is a great alternative, especially if you need a more calming space to unwind and fill up.
- Assembly Food Hall
Located in the heart of downtown, Assembly Food Hall is a gathering place for locals and tourists alike! From authentic French crepes to Chinese comfort food like bao, dumplings, and noodles, you’ll find unique options that will appease you and your preschooler. Check out the full lineup of restaurants on their website.
- Dozen Bakery
This wonderful bakery is one of our favorite spots in Nashville, and we’re not alone. Beloved by locals, Dozen Bakery offers an array of freshly baked breads, pastries, and savory items. The egg sandwiches are delicious, and you can grab a “take and bake” pot pie to have for dinner!
Afternoon (1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
Preschool afternoons usually include nap time, followed by child-directed learning and outdoor play. So, we recommend you select one of these two great options to close out your adventure-filled day!
- Nashville Zoo
The 200-acre Nashville Zoo is home to over 3,700 animals representing more than 350 different species! In addition to meeting your new animal friends, you can climb aboard the Wilderness Express Train, take a ride on the wild animal carousel, or explore the massive jungle gym and playground. This blog’s featured photo is courtesy of Nashville Zoo.
(Hot Tip: Admission is free for children ages two and under.)
- Cornelia Fort Airpark
Head to east Nashville and let your child run their hearts out on the old runway at Cornelia Fort Airpark! The airpark is also perfect for bikes, scooters, strollers, and kite flying. There’s also an onsite playground and plenty of spots where your child can unleash their inner artist with sidewalk chalk.
(Hot Tip: There is no tree cover, so be sure to pack your hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water!)
Keep the Adventure Going at The Gardner School
The Gardner School encourages hands-on, experiential early childhood learning for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Our program nurtures each student’s emerging sense of self through a balanced curriculum, qualified and caring teachers, creative play with friends, and a supportive environment designed for exploration. Contact us today to learn more!