Most of our posts are about things to do with kids. This one is a little different. I took my kid – my adult kid who is now in their early 20s. We had a fantastic time. This is not a comprehensive list of what to do, but if you don’t plan to spend all your time at the honkeytonks on Broadway, this will be a good guide. Most of these links go to more in-depth posts we wrote about what we did in Nashville, so please do click and visit!
Things to do in Nashville Without Kids
Line Dancing
We had an awesome time taking a line dancing class through Stompin Grounds, which was at Bootleggers Bar. We took a 2:30 class upstairs. Their motto of have fun and fake it til you make it was great.
Cheekwood
Cheekwood Estate was amazing. We went for the Bruce Munro installation, which was a nighttime light installation (and an indoor exhibit in the mansion as well). But we loved seeing the gardens by day, including the amazing train area. You don’t have to be a child to enjoy the trains. It was a fairytale exhibit with different train types and creative settings. There’s a children’s garden as well, plus the historic estate, tons of different gardens, and flowers galore.
The Bruce Munro exhibit is only at Cheekwood through October 27, so you need to hurry to see it.
Hatch Show Print Block Party
We went to the Hatch Show Print Block Party and made posters and other art for two hours using their blocks and ink. So fun! Younger kids can tour the actual print shop and visit the gallery plus the gift shop. But you have to be 18+ to do the art yourself. Click the link above to see more about the block party.
Donut Distillery
This awesome place, the Donut Distillery, serves gourmet mini donuts and cocktails, and is not to be missed. Of course you don’t have to drink – you can just eat donuts. But if you like to drink, consider a whiskey flight, a coffee flight, a mimosa flight or a boozy milkshake with donuts. That’s my coffee cocktail flight above, with a whiskey flight on the left. Check out more about the Donut Distillery and see some of the Five Daughters Bakery donuts .
Grand Ole Opry
Even if you’re not a country fan, you should get a backstage tour at the Opry. They run frequently and it was super interesting. Also try to catch a show there. They have tour options on show nights as well.
Opryland Hotel and Convention Center
The Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention Center is right next to the Opry. Go over and wander through. It is unbelievable. It’s a 10 minute walk from the Opry, and you’ll feel like you entered a different universe with all the water, plants and 2800 hotel rooms.
Neighborhoods and murals
Tons of murals in Nashville. You can spend your time there just chasing down all the photo ops and not have time left for anything else. See some of the Nashville murals here.
Eat and drink
Tons of good food in Nashville, from BBQ to biscuits. And craft cocktails galore. Check out some of what we ate and saw in Nashville.
What are your favorite things to do in Nashville without kids? Share in the comments.