Family vacations in Nashville-Davidson can be rewarding experiences or absolute disasters -- it all depends on pretrip homework. To make planning easier, we've done all the preparation. As part of a Huffington Post Travel series on traveling with children, here are recommended attractions for those planning Nashville-Davidson family vacations.
Nashville Shores Water Park
Address: 4001 Bell Road, Hermitage, TN 37076Phone: 615-889-7050Hours: Open weekends only in late May, daily during the summer and weekends only from late August to mid-September. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Check the park's official website for more details.Price: General admission for those 48 inches tall and taller, $29.99; juniors under 48 inches, seniors 62 and older and military (with valid ID), $24.99.
Adventure Science Center
Address: 800 Fort Negley Blvd., Nashville, TN 37203Phone: 615-862-5160Hours: Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday; closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.Price: Under age 2, free; ages 2 to 12 years, $8; adults and teens, $10.
Frist Center for the Visual Arts
Address: 919 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203-3822Phone: 866-244-3341Hours: Open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday.Price: Kids 18 and under, free; adults, $10.
The Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry is the longest-running radio show in America and where many country music stars got their start. Kids will identify with stars such as Carrie Underwood and Kellie Pickler -- two of the many artists who perform live shows in the entertainment complex. Take a tour and see a live show to maximize your experience with the family.
Address: 2802 Opryland Drive, Nashville, TN 37214Phone: 615-871-OPRYHours: The dates and hours are specific to show and tour times, so it's best to plan ahead and call for more information.Price: Ticket prices depend on the event.
Willie Nelson and Friends Museum & General Store
Address: 2613 McGavock Pike, Nashville, TN 37214Phone: 615-885-1515Hours: Open 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.Price: Entrance to the museum is free.
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
Address: 3777 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211-3324Phone: 615-833-1534Hours: Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. mid-March through mid-October and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. mid-October through mid-March. It's not open Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year's Day.Price: Under 2, free; children 2 to 12 years, $9; seniors, $12; adults and teens, $14.
The General Jackson Showboat
The General Jackson Showboat is a 300-foot ship with four decks that hosts numerous concerts and shows. There are multiple dining rooms on this ship, which has been designed to look like a 19th-century riverboat. This cruise is best for children age 5 and older, as all of the attractions may overwhelm babies and toddlers.
Address: 2812 Opryland Drive, Nashville, TN 37214-1209Phone: 615-458-3900Hours: See calendar for dates and times. Hours vary.Price: Check the official website for ticket information and prices.
What's your favorite vacations spot in the Nashville-Davidson area?
Lead photo: Trevecca Student Government/ FlickrMid photo: Joe Shlabotnik/ Flickr
Check out more FAMILY TRAVEL GUIDES.