Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum might not be the first thing that comes to mind for a family outing, but it consistently surprises parents with how well it engages kids — especially those old enough to care about music. Located right in the heart of downtown Nashville on what is now Rep. John Lewis Way, the massive building is hard to miss with its distinctive architecture meant to resemble a piano keyboard from above.

The museum spans three floors and traces the entire history of country music from its folk and blues roots through today's pop-country crossovers. For adults, this is fascinating. For kids under about 7, it is a lot of reading and looking at things behind glass.

But here is what saves it: the museum has invested heavily in interactive elements throughout. There are listening stations where kids can hear different genres, touchscreen timelines, and video displays that break up the exhibit-heavy floors.

The real winner for families is the instrument gallery and interactive music stations. Kids can sit down at real instruments — acoustic guitars, electric guitars, drums, keyboards — and follow along with on-screen tutorials. Even a kid who has never touched a guitar can play a simple song within a few minutes. This alone can eat up 30 to 45 minutes and is included with admission.

The rotating exhibits tend to feature current artists that kids actually know. Past exhibits have featured Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, and Keith Urban with costumes, instruments, personal items, and immersive video installations. The Taylor Swift exhibit in particular drew massive crowds of young fans. Check the museum website before your visit to see what the current featured exhibit is.

For families with older kids, the RCA Studio B tour is an absolute must. This is a separate ticketed add-on that includes a bus ride to the actual recording studio on Music Row where Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, and dozens of other legends recorded hits. You stand in the same room, see the original equipment, and a guide tells stories that are genuinely riveting.

Kids get to sing into the studio microphone, which becomes an instant core memory. The tour is best for ages 8 and up — younger kids tend to lose interest during the bus ride and presentation.

Logistically, the museum is in downtown Nashville, which means parking is expensive. Use one of the public garages on Demonbreun Street rather than the museum's own lot. The museum itself is fully stroller-accessible with elevators, clean restrooms with changing stations, and a coat check area. The air conditioning is aggressive, so bring a light layer even in summer.

One honest note: if your kids are under 6 and have zero interest in music, this might not be your best use of a Nashville day. But for families with grade-schoolers and up, especially any kid who plays an instrument or loves singing, it is genuinely one of the best museums in the city.