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Kid-centric Nashville recs
Posted on 1/13/26 at 3:20 pm
Posted on 1/13/26 at 3:20 pm
I've searched the board and of course there are hundreds of suggestions on things to see and do in Nashville, but this question is a little different since the trip will be focused around a 2 and 5 year old.
My wife desperately wants to take our 2 year old girl to the closest American Girl Doll store which happens to be just south of Nashville. I don't really get the whole scene but that's a topic for another board i suppose. We also have a 5 year old boy. We absolutely aren't going to be hanging around Broadway or any of the other typical nashville spots due to the kids' ages and all that goes on there, or if we do it might just be early in the day before things crank up. Wife has her heart set on staying at the Gaylord Opryland hotel which looks very family friendly and out of the chaos. It's pricey but man it looks badass. Due to the cost, I figure our options are either: 1) spend 1 night only at that hotel by coming up early Saturday, spend the night, go back home Sunday, or 2) stay Friday night in a normal/lesser priced hotel somewhere else for just Friday, then check into Gaylord Opryland Saturday then go home Sunday.
The answer to that above dilemma will largely depend on the recommendations and if there is enough stuff to get into to really fill out our time. Since the whole purpose of the trip is just that one stop (and they are open on Sundays so we can easily stop there on our way back home), we aren't really required to try to stay multiple days and squeeze in as much as possible.
Any other ideas for family friendly stuff we can do or places to check out? Would be looking at a late February visit date.
My wife desperately wants to take our 2 year old girl to the closest American Girl Doll store which happens to be just south of Nashville. I don't really get the whole scene but that's a topic for another board i suppose. We also have a 5 year old boy. We absolutely aren't going to be hanging around Broadway or any of the other typical nashville spots due to the kids' ages and all that goes on there, or if we do it might just be early in the day before things crank up. Wife has her heart set on staying at the Gaylord Opryland hotel which looks very family friendly and out of the chaos. It's pricey but man it looks badass. Due to the cost, I figure our options are either: 1) spend 1 night only at that hotel by coming up early Saturday, spend the night, go back home Sunday, or 2) stay Friday night in a normal/lesser priced hotel somewhere else for just Friday, then check into Gaylord Opryland Saturday then go home Sunday.
The answer to that above dilemma will largely depend on the recommendations and if there is enough stuff to get into to really fill out our time. Since the whole purpose of the trip is just that one stop (and they are open on Sundays so we can easily stop there on our way back home), we aren't really required to try to stay multiple days and squeeze in as much as possible.
Any other ideas for family friendly stuff we can do or places to check out? Would be looking at a late February visit date.
3
Posted on 1/13/26 at 3:38 pm to WG_Dawg
quote:
My wife desperately wants to take our 2 year old girl to the closest American Girl Doll store which happens to be just south of Nashville. I don't really get the whole scene but that's a topic for another board i suppose
Want to score some points with the wife? There is a hotel right next to it that does American Girl Doll stays, they will give you some goodies and things. Book this without your wife and kid knowing about it and you will score some points. Girl dad hookup for you
Link to the Marriott
LINK
Try to get a balcony in the main atrium at the Gaylord. Its a lot, but a ton of fun for the kids. They have an indoor waterpark that is a lot of fun too.
This post was edited on 1/13/26 at 3:40 pm
Posted on 1/13/26 at 3:58 pm to Dam Guide
quote:
There is a hotel right next to it that does American Girl Doll stays
oh wow that could be a game changer
quote:
Book this without your wife and kid knowing about it and you will score some points.
I am
Her bday is that weekend so wanted to book it on the sly
quote:
Try to get a balcony in the main atrium at the Gaylord. Its a lot, but a ton of fun for the kids
yeah it's definitely a lot ha, more than I'd ever consider spending on any other hotel. I'm trying to stomach the thought that if we just do the 1 night it's not that bad. We're like 2.5 hours from Nashville so it's not really a huge deal if we just go up and back over the weekend
quote:
hey have an indoor waterpark that is a lot of fun too.
I saw that but couldn't get a straight answer on cost. They definitley make sure you know you don't get access just by booking a room, so it sounds like somethign you ahve to pay for separate but didn't see all that. I'll look harder later on
Posted on 1/13/26 at 4:02 pm to WG_Dawg
quote:
yeah it's definitely a lot ha, more than I'd ever consider spending on any other hotel. I'm trying to stomach the thought that if we just do the 1 night it's not that bad. We're like 2.5 hours from Nashville so it's not really a huge deal if we just go up and back over the weekend
Yeah I haven't looked at the cost in a few years. I use to travel for work a bunch with Marriott and stayed there on gov rate and they upgraded me to a balcony and my wife and kid hauled butt to stay with me
. I think you can book packages that include entry to the waterpark:
LINK
I think there is a restaurant in that American Girl store too. Reserve lunch and also reserve a birthday girl appointment at the store itself. They get some birthday stuff and I think a hair do for the doll when you do that.
This post was edited on 1/13/26 at 4:04 pm
Posted on 1/13/26 at 6:49 pm to WG_Dawg
Agree with the Gaylord - gotta do it with kids those ages
If you're going while the waterpark is open that should be all the entertainment you need
Not sure about a 2yo and the American Girl Doll store (a bit young), my daughter loved it at 5 and up, but the decision has been made
I wanted to try and drive up to Mammoth Caves as part of a Nashville trip with kids but yours might be too small for that
Otherwise Nashville doesn't have much kid specific stuff to do
If you're going while the waterpark is open that should be all the entertainment you need
Not sure about a 2yo and the American Girl Doll store (a bit young), my daughter loved it at 5 and up, but the decision has been made
I wanted to try and drive up to Mammoth Caves as part of a Nashville trip with kids but yours might be too small for that
Otherwise Nashville doesn't have much kid specific stuff to do
Posted on 1/13/26 at 11:20 pm to WG_Dawg
Soundwaves waterpark is about 45 per person. Your two year old will be free. You can just call the hotel guest services line to book the Waterpark. Another plus of that, it opens at 10, you can arrive and check your things with Bell service until your room is ready and go directly to Soundwaves. Big pool, 2 lazy rivers, great kids area and slides depending on how adventurous the older fella is. Food at the place in there ain't too shabby either if you need lunch before the room is ready. Ain't cheap, but nothing in there is. Has a bar too if you need it.
Also, on the balcony interior rooms, not guaranteed, but we usually get a lower level interior view with a tiny step out without the full balcony with table and chairs just by booking a regular room. We were actually directly beside a waterfall in cascades one time with just a regular room.
Science museum and zoo are probably the other biggest kids draws in Nashville. It's just not an exceptional kids city all in all.
Also, on the balcony interior rooms, not guaranteed, but we usually get a lower level interior view with a tiny step out without the full balcony with table and chairs just by booking a regular room. We were actually directly beside a waterfall in cascades one time with just a regular room.
Science museum and zoo are probably the other biggest kids draws in Nashville. It's just not an exceptional kids city all in all.
This post was edited on 1/13/26 at 11:25 pm
Posted on 1/14/26 at 7:31 am to WG_Dawg
For a late-February trip with young children (ages two and five), spending one night at Opryland is typically sufficient unless you wish to add nearby attractions like the Nashville Zoo or Adventure Science Center. You can adjust how long you stay based on your own budget and interests.
The Gaylord Opryland Resort offers a full family experience and pairs well with a visit to the American Girl Store for a stress-free weekend plan. Although the resort is more expensive, it's especially child-friendly—with indoor gardens, boat rides, and the SoundWaves waterpark. There are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained for an entire day without having to leave the resort. If you'd like more variety, both the zoo and science center are excellent choices.
The American Girl Store at Cool Springs makes a convenient stop on your way home, ensuring the weekend stays simple, fun, and age-appropriate for young kids.
Note: Traveling from Gaylord Opryland to Cool Springs Galleria (American Girl Store) covers about:
22–25 miles
25–35 minutes depending on traffic
Taking I-65 South is usually the quickest and most straightforward option.
Might be perfect as a Sunday stop on your way back.
Posted on 1/14/26 at 7:43 am to Nole Man
thanks all!
Posted on 1/16/26 at 6:55 pm to WG_Dawg
Take your five year old to get a fried baloney sandwich at Robert’s.
The Parthenon might be an option if the weather is not horrible.
And some may say it’s overrated, but there is a reason the line is so long at Pancake Pantry. They are incredible.
The Parthenon might be an option if the weather is not horrible.
And some may say it’s overrated, but there is a reason the line is so long at Pancake Pantry. They are incredible.
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