Whether you are visiting or your family lives in Nashville, finding things for teens to do can be challenging. Your teen won't be disappointed or bored in Nashville because there is a wide range of options to please any child's personality. With the rich musical presence, the long-standing history of the city and plenty of entertainment options, you're sure to find an activity that your teen won't turn her nose up at.
Nashville is the place to go if your teen is a country music fan. Even if he isn't, he might still have fun taking in live shows or learning more about the history of the genre. No trip into Nashville would be complete without seeing the Grand Ole Opry (opry.com). Less well-known artists perform every night, but if you want to see a big name country musician, buy your tickets in advance. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (countrymusichalloffame.org) is full of sound recordings, moving pictures, photographs and memorabilia that highlight the highs and lows of country music through the years. Listen to interviews with big name artists and check out the huge display of instruments. If you live in Nashville, check back often because the museum rotates special exhibits so there is always something new to see.
Many teens enjoy touring historical places because it is interesting to see how people lived in the past. Nashville offers up several historical landmarks sure to hold the interest of your teen. Check out the Belle Mead Plantation (bellemeadeplantation.com) for a tour of a grand, old mansion and its grounds that dates back to the 1800s. Your teen can see a dairy, horse stables, the gardens, the mausoleum and the carriage house, giving her a glimpse of plantation life. There is also a gift shop and restaurant on the grounds. The Carnton Plantation (battleoffranklintrust.org) is another must-see historical landmark. The plantation saw The Battle of Franklin, one of the bloodiest battles during the Civil War. The guided tour takes your teen through the house and grounds of the plantation.
Finding ways for your teen to take advantage of the often-temperate weather in Nashville allows them to get some exercise and fresh air. Radnor Lake State Park (radnorlake.org) has miles of dirt paths for your teen to walk on with his friends. If he watches closely, he might even catch sight of otters, beaver or deer. The park also hosts moonlight hikes, wildflower walks, canoe rides, and animal demonstrations to please the nature-loving teen. Wave Country water park (2320 Two Rivers Parkway) gives teens a fun place to cool off when the hot summer months arrive. With a wave pool, water slides and a lazy river, the park is sure to entertain your teen for hours.
Finding something new and different in your hometown or on a vacation creates memories to last your teen a lifetime. Music City Biplane Tours (musiccitybiplanetours.com) offer open plane tours of Nashville and let your teen get a birds-eye view of downtown Nashville, Civil War battlefields and famous country music sites. Rates are for two people, so ride along with your teen or have her invite a friend. Take a ride on General Jackson's showboat for a live music event your teen will never forget. Mingled with the music are extravagant views of the city and the sparkling waters of the river. Pair all that with a tasty meal and your teen will not get off the boat disappointed.
