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City Cast Nashville

Insights into activities, places, and things for Nashville’s kids and their caregivers.

Margaret Kingsbury

So many kids go through a dinosaur phase, and you might be surprised to know several places in the Nashville area cater to dinosaur enthusiasts. From outdoor treks to indoor playgrounds, here are five experiences dinosaur kids will love.

From now until July 26, you can find life-sized animatronic dinosaurs at the Nashville Zoo. Cross a rope bridge beside a 23-foot-tall brachiosaurus, let a dilophosaurus spit water at you, and get roared at by raptors. It’s a short trail close to the carousel. While I do wish the trail were longer, it’s well worth the $5 ticket on top of zoo admission.

This dinosaur-themed indoor playground in Madison is packed with fun activities: A ball pit by a volcano, slides, climbing mazes, and, of course, dinosaurs. Grab a snack at the Pterodactyl Cafe inside. While there’s lots to do, it’s on the expensive side: Tickets start at $15, purchasing Dinotopia socks is required, and parents have to pay for tickets, too. It can also get crowded and dirty, and it’s hard to see your kids in some areas. Consider visiting during the week if you’re able, and don’t forget the hand sanitizer.

Not enough people know about this very cool natural history museum in Murfreesboro. It’s full of rocks and fossils, but the star of the show is Frank, a 38-foot-long T-rex skeleton. The museum also houses a working paleontology lab, where you can watch experts at work. There’s a small children’s playroom, too. While on the small side and with limited hours, this is a great place for rock- and dino-loving kids and adults. They're visiting 

Adventure Science Center’s Fossil Frontiers

In 2024, the Adventure Science Center added a dinosaur-themed exhibit, where future paleontologists can dig for pretend dinosaur bones, see a giant mamenchisaurus cast, and learn more about Tennessee’s fossil history. I haven’t been since this new exhibit opened, and I plan to check it out soon!

About an hour and a half north of Nashville in Kentucky is an awesome outdoor dinosaur park. Follow several paved trails to see hundreds of life-sized dinos. There’s also a dino-dig area, a dino-themed playground with picnic tables, and a large gift store. There’s no on-site food, nor good restaurant options nearby, so I recommend packing a cooler with lunch before you go, and eating at the playground. Mammoth Cave is nearby, so you can make a day or weekend of it by going to both!

🧒 Indoor Activities for Kids

From outdoor treks to indoor playgrounds, here are five experiences in the Nashville area dinosaur kids will love.

5 Dinosaur Adventures in the Nashville Area

Nashville Area Adventures for Dinosaur-Loving Kids

For Nashville's Kids

For the Kids

It’s that time of year, parents! While it might seem bonkers to think about summer child care in February, if you don’t sign up for programs now, they will likely sell out. Here are some of my favorite summer day camps in Nashville, from theater experiences to free educational opportunities.

 Varies. Before and after care is available at select schools.

 MNPS extends the school year by one month into the summer with its Promising Scholars program. My kid goes every year and loves it. This program runs from May 28 to June 26. Make sure your kids attend the first few days, or your spot will be given to someone on the waitlist. 

Metro Nashville Summer Enrichment Program

 This program runs the entire summer at local community centers. Registration is in person on a first-come, first-served basis. The exact 2026 registration dates haven’t been announced yet, but it will likely be in April. There was a long line at my local community center last year, so arrive early to secure a spot.

 Several YMCA locations and select Metro Nashville Public Schools

 include swim lessons and crafts based on weekly themes. 

 are affordable and a great way for kids to play with classmates from the school year. 

 9 a.m.-3 p.m., with before and after care options

 Not yet announced, $350+ based on previous summers

 Do you have a budding thespian? Nashville Children’s Theatre hosts themed weekly camps, from musicals to Minecraft, that end in a Friday performance. This is my kid’s personal favorite summer camp. Registration begins Feb. 18, and you want to be online early to nab a spot.

 You’re in luck: While some grades are sold out, Nashville Zoo still has a few day camp openings left! The zoo’s camps have weekly themes, and offer animal encounters, behind-the-scenes tours, and lots more. High schoolers can sign up for a Pathway to Zoo Careers program.

Adventure Science Center Summer Break Camps

 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., with before and after care options.

 Kids can learn more about STEM at these weekly, themed Adventure Science Center camps. This year’s themes include wizardry, disaster discovery, and drone making. These usually sell out pretty fast, too.

🏫 Even More Summer Day Camps

Here are some of my favorite summer day camps in Nashville, from theater experiences to free educational opportunities.

Here Are Some of the Best Summer Day Camps in Nashville

The Best Summer Day Camps in Nashville

Spending hours outside at a playground is no fun when it’s cold or rainy. While Nashville has several trampoline parks and indoor playgrounds, they can be expensive. Here are some free indoor playgrounds and play places to take your kids to instead, from nature centers to libraries and museums.

Several parks in the Nashville area have excellent nature centers with toys and activities. We frequent the 

, where they have puzzles, a sensory area with skulls, sticks, and rocks, a hollowed-out tree, an art station, and animal figures to play with.

While I’m sad the downtown library is still closed, every local Nashville Public Library branch has a children’s play area, often with Legos and puppet theaters. Check 

 for children’s programming. I also recommend visiting 

, which is not part of NPL but has a beautiful children’s area.

Most local community centers have children’s activities on their schedules, from designated toddler play time to family open gyms and skate nights. Check your nearest location for options!

The Tennessee State Museum has an excellent children’s room that more parents should take advantage of. It’s always free! And it's so fun, with a dress-up center, mini farmers market, train set, and MAGNA-TILES.

As a kid, I played in the Bellevue Mall’s indoor playground, but alas, that charming caterpillar tunnel is no more. We still have a few malls around, though. I’ve taken my kid to both the 

 indoor playgrounds on cold and rainy days. The only downside is that my daughter always convinces me to play nearby arcade games, so it’s not exactly free.

I’m cheating: While kids are always free at the Frist, adult tickets are $20. But their children’s area, Martin ArtQuest, is fantastic, with a plethora of art activities that keep kids busy for hours, like painting, printmaking, and creating movies from stills. While the types of art activities remain the same, they switch up themes based on current exhibits.

Children five and under are always free at this museum, but adult tickets are $15. Their kids’ area is a blast, with vehicles to zip around on a giant city carpet, and small cars to hop in and pretend to race. race.

Free Indoor Play Areas

🍽️ Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free

Cold or rainy? Check out these free indoor playgrounds and play areas for kids in Nashville, from libraries to museums to malls.

Keep Warm and Dry at These Free Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Areas in Nashville

Free Indoor Playgrounds and Play Areas for Kids in Nashville

! Check out these local Santa meet and greets, whether you’re looking for the perfect Santa photo op with your kid, or planning to make some gift requests.

, in the barn behind the Grassmere historic home.

 in Franklin, and snag a picture of Santa at the end. Don’t forget s’mores and hot chocolate.

Take pictures with Santa and the Grinch at 

 in Lebanon. I recommend trying their cinnamon bread.

 in Lebanon, where pictures and a petting zoo are included in admission. Carnival rides, mechanical reindeer, and inflatables cost extra.

 and Nashville Farmers’ Market on Dec. 6 for a free holiday event that includes live music, holiday crafts, cookie decorating, and visits with Santa.

 on Dec. 6 for a visit with Santa AND his reindeer. There will also be carolers. Kids are free with the purchase of an adult ticket.

Get some holiday shopping done, plus hang out with Santa, on Dec. 6 at the 

. There will also be holiday crafts, face painting, and science experiments. Pictures with Santa cost $10, and include a print photo and digital copies.

 at the Stompin’ Grounds, inside JW Marriott, on Dec. 7, 14, and 21.

 on Dec. 13 features live music, line dancing, and Santa. There will also be face painting, gift wrap services, and more.

. Local kids visit free, and up to two accompanying adults can receive 25% off.

, kids can take a picture with Santa, then check out his 22-foot-tall sleigh and play in a snow room. While reservations are encouraged, walk-ins are welcome. Picture packages start at $39.99, and on Dec. 7, there’s a sensory-friendly Santa experience.

 has a similar experience — same packages and sensory-friendly day — located between Coach and Ann Taylor. If that price point is a bit steep, head to Bass Pro Shop and get 

 with Santa instead. If you want something a bit different, eat breakfast with scuba-diving Santa and mermaids at 

, packages start at $39, and that’s just for digital pictures. On select dates and times, Black Santa will be there for pictures.

🧑‍🎄 Our Interview With Santa

Here are the best places to find Santa in Nashville, from festive pop-ups to holiday light shows.

Santa's in Nashville. Here's Where To Find Him.

Where Kids Can Find Santa in Nashville

It’s been a hard year financially for many Nashville families. These eight toy drives serve local families and children, ensuring that every child receives gifts this holiday season.

This nonprofit allows families going through hard times to choose the perfect gifts for their children by shopping at its toy store full of new, donated items at no cost. They accept 

 at the Highland Park Church and Sheriff’s Office Services Center. Or order from its 

. As a warning, the car line to donate can sometimes be quite long. 

Sign up to become a holiday hero and buy gifts from a child’s holiday wish list. Shop by Dec. 7. Many of the children served by this program are local foster kids.

The Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots nonprofit collects new toys and distributes them to local kids in need. Here’s 

. Any toy you bring to Lane Motor Museum for its Toys for Tots bin 

Adopt an Angel (a local child in need), shop from their wish list, and drop off your gifts at one of five Nashville-area locations by Dec. 5.

Metro Nashville police officers choose families in need of holiday gifts for this nonprofit toy drive. Here’s 

 where you can drop off new toys by Dec. 14, and their 

Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt accepts toy donations for patients from Dec. 8-17. They’re looking for new toys, activities, and comfort items. You can also donate to its 

Help families who shop at this free grocery store find gifts for their kids by donating, shopping from 

, or dropping off new toys from Dec. 5-6.

Bring new toys to Connectus Health Vine Hill by Dec. 5, or donate to 

🧸 The Best Local Toy Stores

These eight toy drives in Nashville serve local families and children, ensuring that every child receives gifts this holiday season.

Where To Find Toy Drives in Nashville

Donate to These Toy Drives in Nashville

Halloween is right around the corner! It falls on a Friday this year, and Metro Nashville Public School students have the day off. Here are some of the best Nashville neighborhoods for trick-or-treating, plus spooktacular trunk-or-treats.

Trick-or-treating typically begins at sunset, around 6 p.m., though feel free to start as early as 5 p.m. if you have littles.

We have very few sidewalks, so I recommend that kids wear reflective gear or fluorescent necklaces. Drivers, please be extra wary.

October temperatures can be erratic, so be prepared with extra layers.

 for homes that provide allergy-friendly treats.

🎃 The Best Neighborhoods for Trick-or-Treating

While these neighborhoods tend to go all-out for Halloween, don’t discount the areas with fewer trick-or-treaters. People in quieter neighborhoods tend to be eager to offload their candy on the few kids who show up, and you can come home with quite the haul!

Head to South Inglewood in East Nashville for a free 

 Halloween block party, with games, a haunted bus, and, of course, plenty of candy. All five streets in the area will be closed.

Nearby Eastland Avenue has professional-caliber decorations.

Hey Nashville reader Nico recommends Old Hickory Village. Not only do some of the houses have full-size candy bars, but they also give the grown-ups a shot of BOOze. Park at the Old Hickory Library Branch. The Shoppes at Old Hickory are also hosting a 

I frequently go to the Indian Ridge neighborhood in White House with friends. It’s packed, everyone decorates, and some houses have Halloween performances.

The Richland neighborhood in Sylvan Park goes all out with Halloween decorations, and many homes have those coveted full-sized candy bars.

Avondale Park in Bellevue has a Halloween parade at 5 p.m.

Lenox Village in South Nashville is rumored to be great.

Stinson Road off McGavock has great decorations.

Check out The Nations neighborhoods around 

 for a trunk-or-treat sponsored by the 510 Foundation.

 is hosting a trunk-or-treat at Brush Hill Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

 has their annual trunk-or-treat with the Hispanic Family Foundation and MNPD. Also check local community centers’ social media pages. Many host events on Halloween, like the 

Trick-or-Treating

🎃 Where are you trick-or-treating?

Here are our favorite Nashville neighborhoods for trick-or-treating and the best Halloween trunk-or-treats.

These Nashville Neighborhoods and Trunk-or-Treats Are Great for Halloween Trick-or-Treating

The Best Places to Trick-or-Treat in Nashville

 annual Halloween extravaganza almost every year since 2017, and my daughter and I have so much fun. Here’s everything you need to know about the event.

 Mondays-Thursdays are $19, Fridays through Sundays are $23. Members save $3 a ticket, and kids under two are free.

The field in front of the carousel has bouncy houses, carnival games, and a monster mash dance floor, which is always packed with spooky little dancers. Carousel rides are free, though the zipline costs extra, as does pumpkin painting. My daughter’s favorite part are the animal shows, which in the past have included magic tricks and the zoo’s spookiest animals.

Photo ops with popular characters, like Disney princesses, are located in front of the reptile area. It tends to get super congested here. I recommend bringing a stroller for the younger kids.

All the zoo restaurants and food stations have special food for the night, like Dracula’s delicious dessert ice cream, toasted s’mores funnel cake, and a blood orange margarita bucket for the adults. A lot of the food is basically what you get during the day, though.

 for a Día de los Muertos night on Nov. 1.

Each kid receives a free trick-or-treat bag, and 10 candy stations are scattered along a trail through the zoo, where you can see the flamingos, tigers, and Andean bears. Sorry adults and teens, trick-or-treating is limited to kids 12 and under only, though some stations like to throw a candy or two to the parents.

Don’t expect a full bag of candy. Boo at the Zoo is more about the fun of being at the zoo at night and kid-friendly Halloween activities than it is about trick-or-treating.

If you have a child two and under, or still too young to fully enjoy candy and Halloween fun, skip it. Many of the Halloween decorations are up all day, so if you go during regular hours, you can still get some cute pictures, without spending the extra money on activities your child wouldn’t enjoy.

My main gripe is how short Boo at the Zoo runs. Since it’s only two weeks, it’s hard to find a time to go that’s not on a school night. If that’s not an issue for you, weekdays tend to be less crowded. I like going because it supports the zoo, and my kid has fun, but there are less expensive Halloween options around town.

🎃 More October Fun

Nashville’s Boo at the Zoo is back! Here’s everything you need to know about the annual Halloween event.

Everything You Need To Know About Nashville's Boo at the Zoo

Your Guide to Nashville’s Boo at the Zoo

Fall break for Metro Nashville Public School students 

. If you’re looking for child care during that time, here are some fall break camps in Nashville that still have openings. Don’t forget to register for Thanksgiving break while you’re at it.

 Cole Elementary School, Inglewood Elementary School, or Jones Elementary School

 This MNPS fall break program includes meals and snacks, a field trip to meet the Nashville Predators, and hands-on activities. Registration ends Oct. 10.

 YMCA partners with select MNPS elementary schools for child care throughout the year. If you only need a few days of care and don’t want to register for the entire week, this is the best option.

 Kids will have a blast learning how to act like a monster at this Metro Parks theater camp. Friday ends with a monster showcase. Scholarships are available.

 9 a.m.-3 p.m., free before and after care

 While their “Bluey” and “Paw Patrol”-themed camps are full, Nashville Children’s Theatre still has openings for their “Minecraft” and “The Last Airbender” camps. My kid has so much fun at these camps.

 This outdoor school’s fall break program teaches kids how to build shelters, forage for edible plants, make trail maps, and more. It looks like it’s going to be a gorgeous week for outdoor fun!

 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., before and after care available at additional cost

 The Adventure Science Center’s camp is very popular, and a great way for kids to explore STEM through hands-on activities. Families on SNAP, WIC, or TANF can apply for reduced registration.

 Nashville SC welcomes kids of all ability levels at their soccer training camp.

Have the week off? Here are the easiest beaches to drive to from Nashville.

Need childcare during fall break? Here are seven programs in Nashville that still have openings.

Check Out These Fall Break Camps in Nashville 2025

Fall Break Camps for Nashville Kids

I recently took my seven-year-old to the 

 in Murfreesboro, and we loved it. While I’d taken her a few times as a toddler, we hadn’t visited since the pandemic, and I wanted to see if it was as great as I remembered. Some areas are specifically geared towards toddlers, but my daughter still had a blast. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting.

On the first floor, kids can splash and experiment at several sensory water stations, play pretend at a farmers market and restaurant, create masterpieces in an art room, climb aboard a fire truck, and visit turtles and fish in the aquarium section. Kid-friendly science experiments are scattered throughout. There’s a separate area for toddlers only, with pretend play stations and soft mats for playing on without being trampled by bigger kids.

Climb the book-themed stairs, or take the elevator to the second floor, where kids can play musical instruments from all over the world. There’s also a miniature town with a train set, an auto mechanic pretend play area, and more science experiments. Kids can take a twisty slide to return downstairs.

If you’re paranoid about germs, like me, there’s hand sanitizer everywhere, and I found it surprisingly clean.

The center has a patio outside with messier and nature-themed experiments, like dirt cooking and bubble making. Have a snack at one of the picnic tables or benches surrounding a pond, and visit the owl. The pond also has a water feature, and stepping stones toward the parking lot. Behind the pond is a short trail where kids can see the Murfree Spring wetlands.

On the far side of the parking lot is a small playground geared toward toddlers. My daughter thought it was “boring,” but she loved it when she was a toddler! The larger trailhead, where you can really explore the wetlands, is beside the playground. It’s mostly wooden boardwalks with some paved trails, and are stroller and wheelchair friendly. We spotted turtles, red-winged blackbirds, and great blue herons. Fellow hikers told us about beavers building along the trail, but I’m afraid my daughter’s non-stop talking likely scared them off! You don’t need a ticket to the center to play on the playground and explore the trails, and there’s a separate bathroom.

Tickets are only $12, and you can leave and come back throughout the day, as long as you keep your wristband. Don’t expect something like The Adventure Science Center. This is smaller and geared toward younger kids. It’s perfect for ages 1-8, though I saw some older elementary kids upstairs with the musical instruments.

, and if you live close and have a toddler or preschooler, I’d say it’s worth springing for a 

. Expect to spend 2-3 hours here or longer.

The one negative is a lack of food. You’ll have to go somewhere else for lunch, or pack a picnic to eat outside.

🧒 Free Indoor Play Areas in Nashville

Here's your guide to the Discovery Center at Murfree Spring, and why you should bring your kids.

Your Guide to the Discovery Center at Murfree Spring

Why Kids Will Love the Discovery Center at Murfree Spring

Are you a new parent in Nashville? If so, congrats! Here are nine tips to make your journey into parenthood a bit easier.

Have your car seat inspected by a technician to ensure it’s properly installed. Call ahead for an appointment, and I recommend doing it at least a month before the baby is due, in case things move along faster than planned (speaking from experience).

If your baby is covered by TennCare or CoverKids, they’re eligible for the 

, which provides up to 100 diapers per month from 

 partners with local organizations to provide families free diapers.

Don’t have a Facebook account? You might want to reconsider that. Local Buy Nothing Facebook groups can be a great resource for finding free baby stuff, and neighborhood Mom groups can provide support and advice.

Having trouble breastfeeding? You’re not alone. Try calling the 

. Vanderbilt, St. Thomas, and Centennial all offer breastfeeding clinics and support, too.

Any Davidson County resident who is pregnant or has an infant under six months old, regardless of income, can sign up for the Nashville Strong Babies program. This program pairs new parents with a specialist who can help in a variety of ways, from breastfeeding support to insurance enrollment assistance.

, and regularly attend its infant storytimes. This is a great way to meet other local parents with newborns and form a community. The library also hosts breastfeeding support classes.

Speaking of books, your baby can get a free book every month until they’re five through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, regardless of your income.

Tour and sign up for child care and daycare programs as soon as possible. If you’re on a waiting list, call regularly for updates. Finding infant care before you start back to work can be tricky! You might need to think outside the box with nanny shares and mother’s day out programs.

It’s easy to get stir crazy staying home with an infant all day. Getting a membership can help break up the monotony, if you can swing it. I had a 

🧒 Nashville’s Child Care Crisis

Are you a new parent in Nashville? Here are nine tips to make your journey into parenthood a bit easier.