Woodland Play Cafe: The Best Kid Friendly Spot in Nashville for Traveling Families

Planning a trip to Nashville with little kids in tow? Between the honky tonks, hot chicken, and live music spilling out onto Broadway, the city can feel like a playground for adults. But parents know sometimes you need a family friendly break where kids can play safely and adults can recharge. That is exactly what you will find at Woodland Play Cafe, East Nashville’s cozy hub for coffee, connection, and creative play.

A Kid Friendly Escape Just Minutes From Downtown

Located in the heart of East Nashville only a five minute drive from Broadway Woodland Play Cafe is a game changer for families visiting Music City. Designed with children ages 0–6 in mind, the space blends a thoughtfully curated indoor play area with a full service coffee shop.

For parents it means lattes, cold brew, and pastries from local bakers. For kids it means 1-2 hours hours of climbing, pretending, and exploring in a safe, clean, and engaging environment. It is the perfect stop to reset before heading back out to explore Nashville’s big attractions.

Why Families Love Woodland Play Cafe

Woodland Play Cafe is not just another play place it was built with families and caregivers in mind. Here is what makes it stand out:

Clean, Calm, and Cozy
Unlike overstimulating arcades or giant indoor playgrounds, Woodland offers a calm, airy design with natural wood, pastel colors, and Montessori inspired play stations.

Play Spaces Kids Actually Love
Expect a modern climbing structure, pretend play zones like “Smith’s Grocery,” a play kitchen, train tables, and open ended toys. It is a space that sparks creativity while letting little ones burn energy.

Amenities for Kids
Everything is designed at their level—child sized toilets, handwashing stations, and scaled down furniture—so even toddlers feel independent.

Coffee Shop Comfort for Parents
While the kids are busy, parents can relax with specialty drinks like the Woodland Latte (espresso with brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon) or the Golden Fox miso caramel macchiato, plus kid friendly snack packs, toast boards, and popsicles.

Perfect for Tourists With Kids

If you are looking for things to do in Nashville with kids, Woodland Play Cafe should be at the top of your list.

Close to Attractions: Only minutes from Nissan Stadium, Broadway, and Five Points, it is an easy stop to pair with sightseeing.
Weather Proof Fun: Rain, heat, or cold—your kids have a safe place to play no matter the season.
Quick Reset: Two hour play sessions are just the right amount of time to let kids run, explore, and recharge before nap time or dinner.

Classes and Events

Depending on when you visit, you might catch one of Woodland’s special events or classes:

• Music with Tenn Little Birds – family singalongs led by Nashville teaching artists

• Art Classes – creative workshops where kids make and take home their own art

• Tiny Humans, Big Questions – parenting workshops and discussions

• Storytime and Seasonal Events – from themed story hours to holiday fun

It is a wonderful way for traveling families to experience East Nashville’s creative community firsthand.

Travel Tips for Visiting Woodland Play Cafe

• Reserve in Advance: Open play sessions can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Online booking is recommended.

• Grippy Socks Required: Both kids and adults need socks, so toss an extra pair in your travel bag. ( They also sell them at the cafe if needed!) 

• Ages: Best for kids 0–6, though older siblings are welcome.

• Pricing: Starts at $15 for 1 hour per child (siblings discounted). Adults are no extra charge. Babies under 1 are free with a sibling.

A Parent’s Hidden Gem in Nashville

When families think of Nashville, the zoo, Adventure Science Center, and Centennial Park usually make the list. Those are great stops, but Woodland Play Cafe offers something different a chance for kids to play independently while parents sip coffee, chat, or just breathe for a moment.

For traveling families, that balance can turn a good trip into a great one. It is the kind of stop where your kids will ask, “Can we go back?” and where you will secretly be wishing the same.

Insider Tip: Explore East Nashville After Playtime

After your play session, take a short walk down Woodland Street to explore family friendly restaurants and local murals. Five Points Pizza is just around the corner and makes for the perfect post play meal.

Final Word

If you are visiting Nashville with kids, make time for Woodland Play Cafe. It is more than just a play space—it is a community driven spot where kids laugh, parents relax, and everyone leaves happy.

Whether you are here for a long weekend or just passing through, this family friendly gem will quickly become one of your favorite Nashville memories.