Planning a trip to Nashville with teenagers? You’re in luck. While Music City is famous for honky-tonks and nightlife, it’s also packed with activities teens actually enjoy: from adrenaline-pumping ziplines to Instagram-worthy murals and authentic live music shows.
Picture this: You’ve just checked into your Nashville hotel. Your teens are scrolling on their phones, unimpressed by the thought of country music bars. But then you mention flying through treetops on a zipline, creating your own candy bar, or biking past the murals they’ve only seen on TikTok. Suddenly, their eyes light up. Nashville isn’t just for adults, it’s full of stories your family can live out together.
As the owner of Nashville’s top-rated food tour, with 2,400+ five-star reviews and recognition in the top 1% of things to do worldwide on TripAdvisor, I’ve seen firsthand what families with teens love most about this city. This guide pulls from that experience to help you plan a Nashville trip your teens will rave about (and actually put down their phones for).
Here’s a breakdown of the best tours, outdoor adventures, food spots, and cultural stops that will keep your teens engaged while giving parents the authentic Nashville experience.
Outdoor Adventures for Teens in Nashville
Ziplining at Fontanel
Just 15 minutes north of downtown, the Fontanel Zipline Adventure is a hit with thrill-seeking teens.
What to Expect
A course of 9 ziplines stretching across 1.5 miles of Tennessee forest.
Professional guides who blend safety with fun, pointing out local wildlife and forest history.
Platforms perched high above the trees, giving teens a rush of independence and adrenaline.
Why Teens Love It
The moment they step off the first platform, nerves turn into pure exhilaration. Teens love the sense of freedom, the wind rushing past their faces, and the bragging rights that come with conquering a full zipline course.
Family Tip: Wear sneakers and book a morning slot in summer to beat the heat.
E-Bike Tours With Music City Adventure Company
For active teens, exploring Nashville on an e-bike feels both grown-up and photo-worthy.
Tour Options
Mural & Street Art Tour: Snap selfies in front of Nashville’s most famous murals like the iconic “Wings of Nashville,” plus discover hidden street art.
Hidden Gems Tour: See quirky neighborhoods, tucked-away coffee shops, and off-Broadway hangouts you’d never find on your own.
Neighborhood Explorer Tour: Cruise through Germantown, East Nashville, and 12 South while guides share insider history and fun local stories.
Why Teens Love It
The electric boost makes biking effortless, so they can keep up with adults while still feeling independent. Plus, the mural stops are Instagram gold.
Family Tip: Most tours require riders to be at least 12. Helmets are provided.
SOAR Adventure Tower (Franklin)
A 25-minute drive south, the SOAR Adventure Tower offers one of the best teen-friendly challenges near Nashville.
What to Expect
A four-story ropes course with more than 100 climbing, swinging, and balancing obstacles.
Different levels of difficulty, so teens can challenge themselves while younger siblings take on easier sections.
Encouraging staff who guide participants, keeping the vibe safe but adventurous.
Why Teens Love It
Every obstacle is a mini victory. Teens push past hesitation, grow more confident with each level, and often surprise themselves with what they can do. Parents get to watch pride build in real time — and sometimes join in the fun themselves.
Family Tip: Plan for 2 to 3 hours, wear athletic shoes, and bring water.
Instagram Worthy Nashville Experiences for Teens
Nashville Mural Tour by Golf Cart
The Nashville Mural Tour by Golf Cart combines sightseeing with the fast-paced fun teens crave. Instead of walking between murals in the Tennessee heat, families zip around in open-air golf carts, hopping out for photos at each stop.
What to Expect
Knowledgeable guides know all the mural hotspots, from the iconic “Wings of Nashville” to hidden gems tucked in alleys. They’ll also share fun tidbits about the artists and neighborhoods along the way. The tour moves quickly, making it ideal for teens with shorter attention spans.
Why Teens Love It
It feels like an adventure, both part ride, part photo shoot. Teens walk away with Instagram and TikTok-ready content they’re proud to share, plus stories about discovering murals most visitors would miss.
Family Tip: Bring a good camera or make sure phones are fully charged. Outfits matter here, teens often love planning what to wear for the perfect photo.
Underground Donut Tour
Dessert meets sightseeing on the Underground Donut Tour, a walking experience that combines local bakeries with fun storytelling about downtown Nashville.
What to Expect
Families sample donuts from four different shops, each with its own style — from classic glazed to over-the-top creations piled high with toppings. Between stops, guides weave in Nashville history, architecture, and insider stories that keep the walk engaging.
Why Teens Love It
It’s a treat they don’t have to be convinced to join. Teens love choosing their favorite donut, comparing flavors, and taking photos of the most Instagrammable pastries. It’s also a sneaky way to get them moving through downtown without it feeling like a history tour.
Family Tip: Tours run rain or shine, so bring an umbrella if the forecast looks iffy. Consider sharing donuts at each stop so you don’t get too full before the end.
Goo Goo Chocolate Tasting & Candy Making Class
At the historic Goo Goo Chocolate Co., families can go behind the scenes of Nashville’s most famous candy brand and create their own confections.
What to Expect
The tasting portion walks guests through the history of the Goo Goo Cluster, Nashville’s original candy bar, with samples of different chocolate varieties. In the hands-on candy making class, teens design their own custom candy bar by choosing fillings, toppings, and decorations before sealing it up to take home.
Why Teens Love It
It’s interactive, creative, and edible, the ultimate trifecta for a teen activity. They love showing off their candy creations (usually on social media before eating them). It’s also an experience they can’t get anywhere else, making it a truly Nashville-only memory.
Family Tip: Classes sell out quickly, so book in advance. Consider pairing this with the Underground Donut Tour earlier in the day for a sweet-themed outing.
Music Experiences Teens Will Love
Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry is a Nashville classic, and teens are often surprised by how much they enjoy it.
What to Expect
A 2.5-hour show with multiple acts, so no single artist dominates the night.
A mix of country legends, emerging stars, and unexpected musical styles.
Optional backstage tours where you can step into dressing rooms and onto the famous circle of wood.
Why Teens Love It
The variety keeps them engaged. They get to witness music history in real time, and maybe see an artist before they blow up on Spotify.
The Listening Room Café
Unlike Broadway honky-tonks, the Listening Room Café is designed for audiences who want to truly hear the music. Songwriters perform their original songs, often the same ones later recorded by famous artists. Between songs, they share the inspiration and stories behind the lyrics, which adds a layer of meaning you don’t get in a standard concert.
Why Teens Love It
For teens who love music, this feels like a backstage pass to Nashville’s creative heartbeat. They get to see musicians up close in a relaxed environment — sometimes even spotting the writers behind songs they already know from Spotify or TikTok. The smaller venue means there’s no bad seat, and the chance to hear unreleased songs makes the night feel exclusive.
Family Tip: Dinner and drinks are available during the show, making it easy to settle in for the evening without juggling multiple stops. Book reservations early, especially on weekends, as shows often sell out.
Broadway Honky-Tonks (Daytime Only)
Most honky-tonks on Broadway welcome under-21 guests until about 5 or 6 p.m., making daytime the best window for families.
What to Expect
Step inside and you’ll find live bands on every floor, neon lights, and a buzzing energy that captures Nashville’s personality. During the day, the atmosphere is lively but family-friendly, with plenty of space to watch the bands or grab a soda while adults enjoy a beer.
Why Teens Love It
It’s authentic Nashville without the late-night party vibe. Teens often love the chance to hear talented musicians covering their favorite pop or rock hits in addition to country classics. For music lovers, it feels like walking through an endless concert — and it’s a fun way to say they’ve been “on Broadway.”
Family Tip: Visit two or three honky-tonks back-to-back to sample different styles. Robert’s Western World is a classic, while places like Legends Corner and Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge often surprise families with their range of music.
Best Restaurants in Nashville for Teenagers
Pancake Pantry (Downtown)
A Nashville institution, Pancake Pantry is famous for huge stacks and long lines — but worth the wait. Teens love customizing their own pancakes with toppings from chocolate chips to fruit.
Martin’s BBQ Joint
Laid-back and lively, Martin’s BBQ serves smoked meats, giant baked potatoes, and BBQ nachos. The open-air vibe and picnic tables make it a hit for teens who just want good food without formality.
Assembly Food Hall
Right in the heart of downtown, Assembly Food Hall features 30+ vendors. Teens love the freedom to grab pizza, tacos, bubble tea, or burgers while parents enjoy a craft cocktail.
Five Points Pizza
A local favorite in East Nashville, Five Points Pizza serves up giant New York-style slices that are perfect for sharing. Teens can grab a slice between shopping vintage stores or hitting murals nearby.
Shopping & Hangout Spots for Teens
12 South: Murals, boutiques, and ice cream at Jeni’s.
East Nashville: Vintage shops, quirky record stores, and independent cafés.
Grimey’s Record Shop: A must for music-loving teens.
Opry Mills Mall: Movies, Dave & Buster’s, and a massive selection of shops.
Family-Friendly Evening Activities With Teens
General Jackson Showboat: Dinner cruise with live entertainment.
Live Music at Acme Feed & Seed: All ages welcome, plus rooftop views.
Country Music Hall of Fame: Extended evening hours in summer.
Frist Art Museum: Rotating exhibits, often with interactive features.
Sample Itinerary: 3 Days in Nashville With Teens
Day 1: Underground Donut Tour → Mural Golf Cart Tour → Assembly Food Hall for dinner.
Day 2: E-Bike Hidden Gems Tour → Pancake Pantry brunch → Country Music Hall of Fame → Grand Ole Opry evening show.
Day 3: Fontanel Zipline → Martin’s BBQ lunch → Shopping in 12 South → Listening Room Café evening show.
FAQ: Visiting Nashville With Teenagers
Is Nashville fun for teenagers?
Yes! Between outdoor adventures, music experiences, Instagram-worthy murals, and great food, Nashville offers plenty that appeals to teens.
What are the best activities in Nashville for adventurous teens?
Ziplining at Fontanel, SOAR Adventure Tower, and e-bike tours are top picks for thrill-seekers.
Are Broadway honky-tonks appropriate for teens?
During the day (before 5–6 p.m.), many honky-tonks allow accompanied minors. Evenings are 21+ only.
Where should teens eat in Nashville?
Popular spots include Pancake Pantry, Martin’s BBQ, Five Points Pizza, and Assembly Food Hall.
What’s a good Nashville itinerary with teens?
Plan for 3 days: one for food + murals, one for music + culture, and one for outdoor adventure.
Making Nashville Teen-Approved
Visiting Nashville with teenagers doesn’t have to be stressful or limited to adult-focused attractions. From the rush of a zipline to the creativity of a candy class, Music City is packed with experiences that meet teens where they’re at whether adventurous, curious, social, and eager to share. By mixing outdoor adventures, Instagram-worthy stops, music they’ll actually enjoy, and food that satisfies, you’ll craft a trip your family will remember long after the suitcases are unpacked. And who knows, you may even catch your teen putting down their phone to soak it all in.