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. We also outline our favorite hotels that teens love, and restaurants that will impress them.
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.
Whether you're traveling with younger children or teenagers, Nashville has activities for every age. For families with kids under 12, check out our complete guide to things to do in Nashville with kids.
As the owner of Nashville’s top-rated food tour, with 2,600+ 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.
The Best Way to Start Your Trip to Nashville
A Little Local Flavor’s Downtown Nashville Food Tour
If you're traveling with a teen who watches cooking shows, follows food creators on TikTok, or has opinions about where to eat, this is their tour. The Downtown Nashville Food Tour was built around the locally-owned restaurants that serious food lovers actually want to know about, not the tourist traps on Broadway. As Nashville's highest-rated food tour with 2,600+ five-star reviews and a top 1% TripAdvisor ranking, this is the experience that turns a foodie teen's Nashville trip into something they'll talk about long after they get home.
What to Expect
Stops at 5 to 6 of Nashville's best locally-owned restaurants, with dishes that reflect the real depth and diversity of the city's food scene
Stories behind each restaurant, like who founded it, why it matters, and what makes it different from everything else on the block
A full meal's worth of food across the stops, thoughtfully paced so you're never too full for the next bite
A walkable downtown route that reveals the neighborhood layer by layer, the way a local would show it to you
Why Foodie Teens Love It Most teens who love food are genuinely curious about the why behind what they're eating, and this tour delivers that. They'll learn why locally-owned restaurants matter to a city's identity, and how Nashville's food scene and history has evolved.
Family Tip: Our food tours are all-ages, so the whole family can focus on the food (we do offer an alcohol package for adults who would like to partake. If your teen has a serious interest in cooking or the restaurant industry, ask your guide questions, our team loves going deeper with guests who are genuinely curious.
Outdoor Adventures for Teens in Nashville
Ziplining Adventureworks Nashville West
Just outside the city, this Nashville zipline adventure is an easy way to trade Broadway noise for fresh air and adrenaline. The 90-minute experience covers about 1.5 miles of Tennessee terrain, with eight ziplines that ease you in and then let you fly.
What to Expect
Eight ziplines stretching through wooded terrain, including runs up to 700 feet long and 85 feet high
Friendly, professional guides who keep things safe while sharing details about local plants and wildlife
A smooth, confidence-building pace that works for first-timers and thrill-seekers alike
Why Teens (and Adults) Love It
It hits the sweet spot between exciting and approachable. Once you step off the first platform, the nerves fade and the fun kicks in. Teens love the speed, the height, and the feeling of doing something just a little daring, while parents appreciate how well-run and secure the experience feels.
Family Tip: This is a great option for mixed-age groups. Wear closed-toe shoes and book earlier in the day during summer months for cooler temps and shorter wait times.
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.
Looking for more outdoor family activities? Our family-friendly Nashville activity guide covers everything from the Nashville Zoo to Centennial Park.
Nashville Family Activity Guides
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.
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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.
The Donut Tour works great for all ages - read more about why it's perfect for families with younger kids too.
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.
Interactive Rolled Ice Cream Crafting Class
This is not your average dessert stop. The rolled ice cream crafting class blends hands-on cooking, a bit of food science, and Nashville flavor into a fun, high-energy 45-minute experience. You’ll learn how rolled ice cream came to be, why it works the way it does, and then make your own custom creation from scratch.
The vibe is playful and interactive, with an unlimited topping bar that encourages experimentation. It’s social, fast-moving, and surprisingly educational without ever feeling like a lecture. Plus, there’s a built-in photo experience so your group can capture the moment.
What to Expect
A guided, small-group class that walks you through the history and science of rolled ice cream
Unlimited toppings to customize your flavor and presentation
Vegan and gluten-free options so everyone can participate
A complimentary branded apron to take home
Why It’s Great for a Group
It’s quick, creative, and universally fun. No one has to be a foodie or a great cook to enjoy it, and the payoff is immediate. You learn something, laugh a lot, and end with dessert you made yourself.
Christine’s Insider Tip: Go bold with flavors. Rolled ice cream is all about contrast, so don’t be afraid to mix sweet, crunchy, and unexpected toppings for the best results.
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 Opry is just one of many all-ages live music venues in Nashville. Acme Feed & Seed welcomes families all evening long.
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.
Instructor-Led Line Dancing Class with Souvenir Video
This instructor-led line dancing class is a fun, low-pressure way for families with teens to experience Nashville culture together. Instead of trying to learn on your own in a loud bar, you’ll get clear, step-by-step guidance from a professional teacher at a popular local venue.
The class starts with the basics and builds into line dances that are well known across the country, making it approachable for beginners while still engaging for teens who like to move and stay active. At the end, you’ll receive a video of your experience, so everyone can practice later or relive the fun at home.
What to Expect
A guided line dancing lesson led by an experienced instructor
Beginner-friendly instruction that works for teens and adults alike
Familiar dances you’re likely to see again during your trip
A souvenir video of your class to take home
Why Teens Enjoy It
It’s active, social, and just outside most teens’ comfort zones in a good way. They get to learn something new, move their bodies, and feel confident joining in if they see line dancing later during the trip.
Family Tip: This is a great afternoon activity before dinner or a show. Comfortable shoes help, and teens tend to enjoy it more when parents jump in and learn alongside them rather than watching from the sidelines.
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. Acme Feed and Seed allows underage all night during the week and until 9pm on the weekends.
For more music venue recommendations that welcome families of all ages, including younger children, see our comprehensive family-friendly Nashville activity guide.
Everything in One Place
Hand-picked Nashville experiences teens actually love — bookable in minutes.
Best Hotels in Nashville for Families with Teens
Where you stay shapes the whole trip. The right hotel means walkability to everything on your itinerary, less time in the car, and parents who actually get to relax. Here are my honest recommendations across every budget.
Affordable Family Hotels in Nashville
Drury Plaza Hotel Nashville Downtown This is one of the best value hotels in Nashville, full stop - and it books up FAST! It's walkable to Broadway, the honky-tonks, and your food tour meeting point. But the real magic is for parents: every night includes a free happy hour with two alcoholic drinks per adult and a spread of hot appetizers. Add in the free hot breakfast and you've easily saved $50 to $75 a day per family. Teens love the indoor / outdoor rooftop pool and hot tub. Parents love not paying resort prices for it.
Placemakr Premier SoBro Part hotel, part apartment, and entirely practical for families with teens. Placemakr Premier SoBro offers fully furnished one, two, and three-bedroom suites with full kitchens, in-unit washers and dryers, and floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping downtown views, which means more space, more flexibility, and less nickel-and-diming than a standard hotel room. The rooftop outdoor pool, hot tub, sauna, and sundeck on the 10th floor give teens a legitimate hangout spot between adventures, and the 24-hour fitness center keeps everyone busy. Location-wise it doesn't get better: you're a three-minute walk to Broadway, six minutes to Bridgestone Arena, and steps from the Country Music Hall of Fame. At a price point that often comes in lower than a standard two-bed hotel room nearby, it's one of Nashville's best-kept family secrets.
Memoir Wedgewood Houston For families who want to feel like Nashville locals rather than tourists, Memoir Wedgewood Houston delivers. Set in We-Ho, Nashville's most creative arts district, this apartment-style property features individually furnished suites with full kitchens, in-unit washers and dryers, and enough space that no one is tripping over each other. The amenity lineup keeps teens busy without leaving the property: pickleball courts, a pool deck with cabanas, putting green, and ping pong. Step outside and the neighborhood does the rest. You’re walkable to art galleries, live music venues, and some of Nashville's most interesting emerging restaurants. Downtown is a short Uber or scooter ride away when Broadway calls.
Family Tip: The full kitchen is a serious money-saver. Grab breakfast groceries and skip the $80 hotel breakfast tab.
Nashville Hotels Teens Will Actually Remember
Graduate Nashville If your teen is going to Instagram this trip (and they are), this is the hotel. The Graduate leans hard into its Vanderbilt University neighborhood roots with vibrant, music-themed décor and colorful rooms that are genuinely fun to wake up in. It's not downtown, but it's close to Centennial Park, boutique shopping, and some of Nashville's best local restaurants. Teens remember staying here.
Noelle A converted 1930 Art Deco building steps from Ryman Auditorium, Noelle hits the sweet spot between boutique cool and family-practical. The lobby coffee shop (Drug Store Coffee) means teens can grab their morning cold brew without a car, and the Printer's Alley location puts you in the middle of Nashville history without the Broadway noise. The design is editorial and photograph-worthy throughout. It's the kind of place teens actually want to take pictures inside, not just outside. Note from Christine: This is my favorite boutique hotel in downtown Nashville.
Thompson Nashville The Gulch's anchor hotel, and the one that makes the neighborhood feel like a destination in itself, and its the only Nashville hotel to land on Travel + Leisure's 2024 World's Best Awards list. Floor-to-ceiling windows in every room maximize the views over The Gulch and downtown Nashville. Teens will fight over who gets the window. The rooftop is genuinely one of the best perches in the city, and the location puts you steps from Nashville's most famous mural, the "What Lifts You" wings that every teen visiting Nashville needs a photo in front of. Add boutique shopping and some of Nashville's best restaurants right outside the door, and you've got a home base that earns its keep from morning to night. If your family wants to feel like they're staying somewhere locals actually talk about, this is it.
Luxury Hotels in Nashville for Families
Four Seasons Hotel Nashville Set right on the Cumberland River in SoBro, this is Nashville's most polished luxury experience. Floor-to-ceiling glass rooms, a seventh-floor infinity pool, a full spa, and the kind of service that makes you feel like the hotel anticipated everything before you asked. If you want to combine a downtown food tour, rooftop cocktails, and a truly indulgent stay, this is it. A short walk to Bridgestone Arena and all of lower Broadway.
The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel An art lover's hotel right in the heart of downtown. The Joseph houses over a thousand works by regional and international artists throughout the property. Teens with an eye for design or photography genuinely light up here. Rooftop pool itself is a destination, add in Italian dining, and one of the best locations in the city for getting everywhere on foot, and it’s a clear winner.
Best Nashville Resort for Families
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center This one earns its own category. Gaylord Opryland isn't just a hotel, it's a destination. The indoor atrium alone is worth a visit, with waterfalls, gardens, boat rides, and enough to explore that you could spend a full day without leaving the property. Add in SoundWaves Water Park with its slides, lazy river, and wave pool, and you have a legitimate resort experience that teenagers genuinely love. It's not downtown, but it's close to the Grand Ole Opry and Opry Mills Mall, and the tradeoff in scale and amenities is absolutely worth it for families who want that full vacation feel.
Pro tip from eight years of hosting Nashville visitors: families who stay downtown almost always say they wish they'd budgeted one night at Opryland. If your teens are music fans, consider splitting your stay.
Best Restaurants in Nashville for Teenagers
Pancake Pantry (Downtown)
A Nashville institution, Pancake Pantry is famous for huge stacks and long lines, but they’re 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+ local Nashville restaurants downtown. 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.
These spots are teen-approved, but they also appear on our list of best family restaurants in Nashville for good reason. Here are some other great places to eat in downtown Nashville.
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.
Looking for activities beyond shopping? Our complete Nashville with kids guide includes parks, museums, and hands-on experiences perfect for elementary-age children.
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
These evening options work for most age groups. For more all-ages entertainment ideas, check out our rainy day guide which includes indoor evening activities.
What if it Rains In Nashville?
Tennessee weather can be unpredictable, especially during spring and summer. If you need to pivot to indoor activities, check out our complete guide to indoor activities in Nashville including Adventure Science Center, escape rooms, and the Country Music Hall of Fame. We've compiled all the best things to do inside in Nashville on a rainy day so you won't miss a beat.
Sample Itinerary: 3 Days in Nashville With Teens
This 3-day itinerary focuses on teen interests, but you can mix in activities from our family-friendly guide if you have younger siblings along.
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.
Final Tip to Make Your Nashville Trip a Success
One thing I've noticed after years of hosting Nashville visitors: families with teens who build at least one food or hands-on experience into their trip have a dramatically better time. It breaks up the walking, gives everyone something to talk about, and creates a memory that sticks way more than another hour on Broadway. The experiences below are the ones I genuinely recommend to families who ask me. Most book up weeks in advance during spring break and summer, so if your dates are set, don't wait.
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?
Acme Feed and Seed is all ages all the time. 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.
Christine Wheatley
Christine is the founder of A Little Local Flavor — Nashville's #1 rated food tour with 2,600+ five-star reviews and a top 1% TripAdvisor ranking. She's spent 8 years showing visitors, families, and Fortune 100 teams the Nashville that locals actually love. She knows where the best bites hide, which murals are worth the detour, and how to make any group feel like insiders.