Discover Where to Dine with the Whole Family in Music City
Taking the family out for a meal might seem like it’s just about feeding hungry mouths, but it’s so much more than that. It’s really about creating moments together, and Nashville knows how to make every family feel right at home.
With a wide selection of restaurants that cater to the taste buds of both the young and young at heart, the city makes it easy to find a spot that delights everyone. From interactive dining experiences that keep the kids entertained to menus crafted to satisfy the entire family, Nashville just gets family dining.
Every parent can appreciate dinner spots that think about the details, like having crayons ready for creative hands, offering diverse children’s menus that go beyond the usual options, and providing relaxed seating where a little noise is nothing to worry about. Many of the city’s eateries are designed with families in mind, whether you prefer a full diner with massive breakfasts or a quiet café with space for strollers.
Ready for a delightful family meal in the heart of Music City? Book your table—and your stay—at Nashville Luxury Stay today and make the most of your Nashville trip! Whether you’re in town for a special event or a unique vacation, Nashville’s family-friendly restaurants are ready to welcome you. Make every meal a special occasion and discover why families love coming back to Nashville.
Tl; DR Quick Guide to Nashville’s Family Dining Spots
- Best for Live Music and Southern Comfort: ACME Feed and Seed offers an engaging, family-friendly atmosphere with diverse live performances suitable for all ages before 9 PM.
- Best Interactive Dining Experience: Pfunky Griddle turns mealtime into a fun activity, providing ingredients for families to cook their own pancakes and more right at their table.
- Best Underwater Adventure Theme: The Aquarium surrounds diners with a captivating 200,000-gallon tank full of sea life, making meals mesmerizing for children and adults alike.
- Best Tropical Getaway: Margaritaville creates a laid-back, island-inspired setting where families can enjoy a meal feeling like they’re on vacation.
- Best for Pizza Lovers: BoomBoazz East wins over families with its friendly service and award-winning pizza, providing a welcoming spot where even picky eaters find something to love.
- Best Variety in One Spot: Assembly Food Hall caters to all cravings with over 30 eateries and bars under one roof. Its communal dining area is perfect for families who want to sample different cuisines while enjoying family-friendly events.
The Right Choice Makes All the Difference
Choosing where to eat with kids can be a bit of a mental exercise. Not just any restaurant will do when you need a place that caters to the needs of your little ones and keeps stress off the dining table. A restaurant with a kid-friendly atmosphere isn’t just about having a menu suitable for children. It’s also about creating an environment where kids can be kids! That means having enough space for high chairs, a welcoming attitude from staff, and maybe even a little entertainment to keep the youngsters engaged (or distracted!) while they wait for their food.
For example, places like The Aquarium or the Rainforest Cafe go above and beyond; it’s an adventure! These restaurants offer visual and interactive delights that can spark a child’s curiosity and make waiting for a meal part of the fun. Restaurants like these remind us that the right setting can turn a simple meal into a cherished memory.
Parents can relax by choosing venues equipped to handle the unpredictability and fun of family meals, knowing the kids are having just as good a time as adults. That makes the meal enjoyable for everyone at the table, transforming dining out from a routine event into a highlight of your family’s day.
Parents can relax by choosing venues equipped to handle the unpredictability and fun of family meals, knowing the kids are having just as good a time as adults. That makes the meal enjoyable for everyone at the table, transforming dining out from a routine event into a highlight of your family’s day.
The Top Kid-Friendly Restaurants Nashville Has to Offer
Nashville welcomes families with a variety of diverse and enjoyable dining experiences. Each restaurant on our list offers something special that makes dining out with children truly enjoyable for everyone. From menus catering to the little ones to engaging atmospheres that capture their imagination, here’s where you can enjoy a meal that feels prepared just for your family.
Scoreboard
Website: www.scoreboardopry.com
Address: 2408 Music Valley Dr, Nashville, TN 37214
Set close to some of Nashville’s beloved attractions, Scoreboard creates a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere that families love, with live music every day of the week. It’s easily one of the most popular restaurants near Opry Mills. With spacious seating and a menu that includes BBQ favorites like the must-try BBQ Chicken, it’s a place where adults can relax, and kids can enjoy their food without fuss.
The outdoor patio is filled with space to move and play games of cornhole or giant Jenga. The casual vibe is perfect for a family day out, making mealtime seamless and fun.
The Aquarium
Website: www.aquariumrestaurants.com
Address: 516 Opry Mills Mall Drive, Nashville, TN 37214
Dive into a dining experience like no other at The Aquarium, where the surroundings make you feel like you’re sitting inside an aquarium.
Watch a variety of fish, stingrays, sharks, and other undersea life cruise around the 200,000-gallon tank while you enjoy a delicious meal. Kids can enjoy everything from a personal pizza to a make-your-own sundae.
Rainforest Cafe
Website: www.rainforstcafe.com
Address: 516 Opry Mills Mall Drive, Nashville, TN 37214
Children are enchanted by the thematic decor at The Rainforest Cafe, which mimics a jungle excursion. You’ll find an entire herd of animatronic animals throughout the restaurant. It’s an interactive setting that keeps kids entertained and has an educational twist.
You can’t go wrong with the shrimp sample platter, allowing you to get a variety of flavors in a single meal.
BoomBozz East
Website: www.boombozz.com
Address: 1003 Russell St, Nashville, TN 37206
Known for its friendly service and award-winning pizza, BoomBoazz East offers a family-oriented dining experience that makes everyone feel at home. The restaurant’s layout accommodates families easily, and the children’s menu goes beyond the basics with options that even picky eaters will love. Additionally, there’s an outdoor play area, ideal for keeping the little ones entertained while you catch the big game.
Children’s meals start at only $7.99 and include a treat or applesauce plus a soft drink (or fresh milk/juice for an extra $1). Don’t forget to try the One Hot Cookie, a fresh-baked cookie served with vanilla bean ice cream.
Assembly Food Hall
Website: www.assemblyfoodhall.com
Address: 5055 Broadway Pl, Nashville, TN 37203
When your family can’t decide on just one type of food, Assembly Food Hall has you covered. This venue features over 30 eateries and bars under one roof, offering everything from spicy Prince’s Hot Chicken to sweet treats from Cotton Snow.
The communal dining areas are perfect for families, providing a lively and engaging atmosphere where everyone can choose their favorite dishes. Explore the event calendar to find family-friendly events that make the trip more than worth it.
ACME Feed and Seed
Website: www.acmefeedandseed.com
Address: 101 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201
ACME lights up Broadway with its energetic atmosphere, welcoming families to enjoy its diverse offerings during the earlier hours. Before 9 PM, the atmosphere is perfectly suited for families looking to enjoy a meal together in a fun setting. The restaurant hosts a variety of live performances that are appropriate for all ages, making it a hit for parents and kids alike.
Stop by for brunch to enjoy Chicken N’ Waffles or Pumpkin Pancakes, and browse the store afterward for some Music City souvenirs. The best part? They have an amazing rooftop that overlooks the Cumberland River and is the perfect spot to keep those little ones entertained while you enjoy a tropical treat.
Margaritaville
Website: www.margaritavillenashville.com
Address: 322 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201
Step into Margaritaville for a laid-back, tropical-themed dining experience that feels like a mini-vacation. The restaurant’s cheerful, island-inspired decor and a menu that features fun and approachable dishes like the must-try Cheeseburger in Paradise make it an ideal spot for families. Kids will love the colorful setting and engaging themes, and parents can relax in an atmosphere designed to be as stress-free as it is fun.
Your little ones will love sipping on a Parakeet Punch, a mixture of lemonade, pineapple juice, and strawberry/banana purees served in a light-up souvenir cup.
Ole Red
Website: olered.com
Address: 300 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201
Ole Red brings the spirit of country music to life, making it a perfect dining destination for families who enjoy toe-tapping tunes along with their meals. The venue regularly features live music performances that all ages can enjoy.
The menu features Southern favorites like the Redneck Nachos, while the kid’s menu offers all of your kiddos’ favorites like Mac & Cheese, Grilled Cheese, and All-Beef Hot Dogs.
Puckett’s
Website: www.puckettsrestaurant.com
Address: 500 Church St, Nashville, TN 37219
Puckett’s roots are in the tradition of Southern hospitality. It offers a warm welcome to families and a menu filled with comfort foods like its acclaimed BBQ Pulled Pork. The generous family-sized portions ensure that everyone at the table is satisfied. Live music and genuinely friendly service enhance the dining experience, making families feel right at home.
Grab a skillet cinnamon roll for a treat that every child will remember.
Nectar
Website: www.nectarcantina.com
Address: 206 McGavock Pike, Nashville, TN, 37214
At Nectar, families can indulge in meals as nutritious as they are delicious. This restaurant emphasizes fresh, healthy ingredients with a Mexican twist, like their must-try Black Bean Hummus. Parents looking for customizable meal options will appreciate the ability to customize dishes to suit their children’s tastes and dietary needs.
From taco bowls to chicken tenders, your little ones won’t be disappointed. Everyone at the table can enjoy a meal that’s good and good for them. We love ‘Live on the Lawn’ with kids’ night on the lawn in the back with live performances by Mr. Steve, The Music Man. Grab a margarita and let the kids sing along while meeting new friends!
Pfunky Griddle
Website: www.thepfunkygriddle.com
Address: 2800 Bransford Ave, Nashville, TN 37204
Pfunky Griddle offers a unique, interactive dining experience that puts the fun right in your hands. Each table has a personal griddle, and families are provided with all the ingredients to cook pancakes, eggs, and more.
This hands-on approach is perfect for keeping kids engaged and entertained throughout a meal that will help you create memories together as you flip pancakes and customize your creations.
Legendary Milkshake Bar
Website: www.legendarymilkshakebar.com
Address: 3814 Charlotte Ave Nashville, TN 37209
Legendary Milkshake Bar turns dessert into an event with its range of extravagant, over-the-top milkshakes. Each milkshake is a masterpiece of flavors and toppings.
The engaging setting and visually stunning shakes make this spot a favorite for children, who will marvel at creations like the towering chocolate shakes adorned with cookies and candy. It’s a sweet treat that will complement your day exploring the city.
The Wash
Website: www.eatwash.com
Address: 1101 McKennie Ave Nashville, TN 37206
When did you last grab a bite to eat in a cash wash? The Wash gives you that opportunity. This former car wash has been turned into a food hall, and a variety of vendors are waiting to cook up a treat.
While The Wash is typically meant for takeaway, it offers plenty of covered seating or is great for a picnic-style afternoon. Not only is this place kid-friendly, but you’re also welcome to bring your leashed pets. Make sure to stop by Leche De Tigre (Peruvian) and grab a delicious ceviche or grab the kids a quesadilla from Super Sweeza.
Making Mealtime Fun for Kids in Nashville
Dining out with your family in Nashville can be a breeze with savvy planning and a few parent-tested tricks. Opting for early dinners can help you beat the crowds and minimize wait times. Securing a reservation can keep the stress away for those busier days or special occasions.
Keeping children engaged during meals can make them go much smoother. Nashville’s family-friendly restaurants often come equipped with interactive elements such as coloring books or digital games that capture kids’ attention. For a unique twist, restaurants like Pfunky Griddle allow kids to participate in cooking their own meals right at the table, turning dinner time into an interactive adventure.
For parents, it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan to keep children entertained. Packing a small activity bag with favorites like books, quiet toys, or a tablet can be a lifesaver, especially toward the end of a busy day at the zoo, exploring the city, or engaging in family-friendly activities throughout the city. In venues with live music, consider bringing along noise-canceling headphones for younger children, ensuring they can enjoy the atmosphere without getting overwhelmed.
Plan Your Next Family Adventure at Nashville Luxury Stay
With so much to explore and enjoy, Nashville is the perfect backdrop for your next family getaway. And what better way to experience it than by staying at a place that feels like home? Nashville Luxury Stay offers luxurious accommodations that put you close to all these fantastic dining options and more. Each stay not only supports local businesses but promises an unforgettable family experience.
