Nicknamed “Music City” the capital of Tennessee is a major hub for the American music industry, particularly in the genre of country music. The Country Music Hall of Fame is one of the biggest attractions in Nashville. Country music fans also enjoy the CMA Music Festival in June and tapings of the Grand Ole Opry year-round.

Many record labels, in all genres, are based in Nashville. The four biggest music labels (EMI, Warner, Sony, and Universal) account for over eighty percent of the American music market and are all based in Nashville. There are also countless independent labels here. Many musicians come to Nashville to seek out their first record deal.

Music is the center of nightlife in Nashville. From country to classical, there is something for every music lover. Many bars and clubs offer live music, some daily. A guitar pick-shaped sign that says “Live Music Venues” marks many, but not all, of these locations. The District and Music Valley are the best neighborhoods for finding these and other venues.

Shows at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center are worth checking out as the center is home to the Music City Drum and Bugle Corps, Nashville Ballet, Nashville Opera, and more.

Nashville is also home to several excellent theater companies including a children’s theater and several good community theaters. The Nashville Shakespeare Festival puts on one of Shakespeare’s plays every summer and conducts workshops about the bard and his work.

While the music scene in Nashville offers many kid friendly performances and exhibits (consider taking your kids to a taping of the Grand Ole Opry), there are plenty of other fun things for kids to do in Music City.

The Adventure Science Center is a hands on museum designed to teach kids about science while they play. The center also has a planetarium where you and the kids can travel through the universe from your seat in the theater.

On warm days, Nashville Shores water park offers entertaining ways to cool off. You could check out the water slides, rent a jet ski, or just relax on the shore of Percy Priest Lake.

Maybe your kids prefer sports? If so, grab tickets to minor league baseball team Nashville Sounds while they’re in season. Mascot Ozzie (who is a cougar) is the face of the Kids Club, which offers special events and perks for kids.

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