Nashville is famous for Broadway, but there is a whole city here for families too. Between riverboat cruises, a museum full of country music legends, sightseeing rides the kids will actually enjoy, and the Grand Ole Opry, you can fill a trip with activities that work for every age. This guide covers the best family-friendly tours and things to do in Nashville, what each one costs, which ages they suit, and how to plan a day the whole crew will love. Every tour here is one our local team books and stands behind.

The Best Family-Friendly Tours & Activities in Nashville

• Hayride Sightseeing Tour: A fun, all-ages spin through the city, around $39 for two hours, cruising The Gulch, Midtown, Broadway, Marathon Village, and the Capitol. An easy, open-air way to see Nashville with kids.
• Double Decker Bus Sightseeing Tour: The classic hop-up-top city tour, around $35 for an hour, rolling past Capitol Hill, Broadway, Midtown, and Centennial Park. Short enough for shorter attention spans. Ages 12 and up, or younger with a guardian.
• Country Music Hall of Fame Admission: Around $32 for two hours inside a genuinely engaging museum, with interactive exhibits, instruments, and the Hall of Fame Rotunda. A great rainy-day pick for ages 13 and up.
• General Jackson Showboat Cruise: A Cumberland River paddlewheel cruise with lunch or dinner and live entertainment, around $154, running about four hours. A memorable, all-in-one family outing for ages 12 and up.
• Grand Ole Opry Show Admission: A live variety show at the legendary Opry, around $131, welcoming all ages. A true Nashville rite of passage the whole family can share.
• Monster Truck Tour: A novelty sightseeing ride in an actual monster truck, around $45 for 90 minutes, cruising downtown with live commentary. A guaranteed hit with kids who love big wheels, though check the age and ticketing details for little ones when you book.

Compare Family-Friendly Activities at a Glance

Activity	Price	Length	Ages	Best for
Hayride Sightseeing	~$39	2 hr	All ages	Easy open-air sightseeing
Double Decker Bus	~$35	1 hr	12+	A short, classic city tour
Country Music Hall of Fame	~$32	2 hr	13+	Rainy-day museum
General Jackson Showboat	~$154	4 hr	12+	A special all-in-one outing
Grand Ole Opry	~$131	2.5 hr	All ages	A bucket-list evening
Monster Truck Tour	~$45	90 min	Check per child	Kids who love big wheels

Best Picks by Age

The right activity depends on how old your kids are. For younger children, keep it short and open-air: the double decker bus runs just an hour, and the hayride keeps little ones entertained with fresh air and constant scenery. For tweens and teens, the Country Music Hall of Fame, the monster truck ride, and the General Jackson Showboat hold attention longest. And a few experiences, like the Grand Ole Opry and the hayride, genuinely span every age, which makes them the easiest choices for a multi-generational group.

How Much Does a Family Day in Nashville Cost?

Prices vary widely by activity. Sightseeing rides like the double decker bus and hayride are the most budget-friendly at around $35 to $39 per person, and the Country Music Hall of Fame is about $32. The bigger-ticket experiences reflect what is included: the Grand Ole Opry is around $131 for a full live show, and the General Jackson Showboat is about $154 because it bundles a river cruise with a meal and entertainment. Look for child pricing, which many of these offer, and remember that a couple of well-chosen activities usually beat a packed, expensive schedule.

What to Know Before You Go

A little planning keeps a family day smooth. Check each activity's age minimum and any child pricing when you book, since a few tours set a minimum age or charge little ones differently. Bring water, sunscreen, and layers, especially for the open-air hayride and bus tours, and pack snacks for the younger crowd. For the showboat and the Opry, plan around meal and show times so nobody melts down mid-outing. Strollers are easy to manage at the museum and on the boat, less so on the shorter sightseeing rides, so plan accordingly.

Best Time to Visit With Family

Spring and fall bring the most comfortable weather for the open-air activities and the smaller crowds that make traveling with kids easier. Summer is busy and hot, so aim the outdoor tours for morning or early evening and save the museum and the showboat for the midday heat. Mornings are calmest at the Country Music Hall of Fame, and booking the Opry or showboat in advance locks in the best seats and times for your family.

Who It's For

Beyond the classics above, families often branch into a few other areas:

• History-curious families: Our history and culture guide covers walking tours and museums that work for older kids.
• Sightseers: For more ways to see the city, our Nashville sightseeing guide rounds up open-air rides, e-bikes, and bus tours.
• Big or multi-gen groups: A private tour keeps everyone together at your own pace.

Where Tours Depart and How to Plan

Meeting points are spread around the city. The double decker bus departs from Riverfront Station, the monster truck and several rides leave from Joyride HQ, the Country Music Hall of Fame is on Demonbreun Street, and the Opry and General Jackson are out in the Music Valley area, so confirm your exact spot and time on your booking. A few planning notes:

• Arrive early. Give yourselves a buffer with kids in tow, about 15 minutes ahead.
• Check ages and child pricing. Confirm minimums and any discounted kids' tickets when you book.
• Pack the essentials. Water, sunscreen, snacks, and layers for the open-air tours.
• Plan around naps and meals. Match start times to your family's rhythm.

Tips for the Best Family Day

• Do not overschedule. Two well-chosen activities beat a rushed, expensive five.
• Mix indoor and outdoor. Pair a museum with a sightseeing ride so you are covered whatever the weather.
• Let kids pick one thing. Buy-in keeps everyone happy, whether it is the monster truck or the boat.
• Tip your guides. On guided tours, 15 to 20 percent is customary.

Not sure what fits your family, or want a whole day mapped out? Message our local planners and we will build an itinerary around your kids' ages and interests, or point you toward the right private tour for your group.