Why Adventure Science Center in Nashville Is a Must-Visit for Families
We’re always on the lookout for kid-friendly things to do in Nashville for when we head there to hang with family and the Adventure Science Center did NOT disappoint on our last visit. This museum encourages kids to touch, build, create, launch, and explore. We’ve been to a lot of science museums and this is definitely one of the best.
If you’re searching for fun things to do in Nashville with kids, especially something educational and exciting, this spot should be at the top of your list. Whether you’ve got toddlers or teens (we visited with a toddler and an elementary student just to note), there’s something for everyone inside this 44,000-square-foot science wonderland. Even we were enjoying the spaces, places, and fun.
Get ready for a scientific adventure with kids in Nashville. Here’s what to know:
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Basic Info
- Address: 800 Fort Negley Blvd, Nashville, Tennessee
- Hours: Monday, Thursday, Friday: 9:00am ~ 3:00pm; Saturday & Sunday: 9:00am ~ 5:00pm
- Admission: Adults (13+): $22; Youth (2-12): $18; Members and Toddler: Free
- Website: www.adventuresci.org
What To Expect
There are over 175 interactive exhibits, an enormous Adventure Tower, a planetarium, and entire galleries devoted to the human body, sound, flight, space, and more.
This is not a “walk quietly and look at displays” kind of museum. This is full-on, hands-on science immersion. You’ll want to wear comfy shoes and be ready to chase after kids as they run from one exhibit to the next. This isn’t a stop in for one hour kind of place either. Be prepared to spend some time here.
Explore Our Favorite Exhibits
There’s more than enough to explore for one day. For our first visit, we just followed our bouncy daughter as she followed her own interests. These were our favorite sections… though there were more!
BodyQuest
This area was a huge hit. Kids can play doctor, step into an ambulance, explore a beating heart, and trace the path food takes through the digestive system (yes, all the way to the end).
The laser-tag-style Body Battles lets kids fight off germs using science. This took me back to laser-tag fun as a kid. It’s a great way to focus on germs, how our body fights them. Just make sure to grab some people nearby to go in with you. It’s more fun, the more people you have.
And don’t miss Brainstorm, where you can control a ball using only your thoughts. No joke. I did not win these battles.
Physics & Engineering
Crash test cars, race tracks, bottle rockets, tornado machines—there’s no shortage of motion and energy here. Kids can learn by doing (and probably yelling) as they crank, launch, and smash their way through concepts like force, motion, and momentum.
soundBox
This one’s for the music lovers and as a family that has a musician/producer dad, we spent a fair amount of time here. It’s all about the science of sound, and how music is made, heard, and even seen. You can mix tracks, conduct an orchestra, see how your voice moves a laser beam, and experiment with creating music from scratch.
Tinkering Garage
Real tools. Real materials. All it takes a bit of inspiration and sweat to come up with a contraption. After putting on the goggles, deciding on a game plan, work together to hammer, sand, and create. This is a fun and safe space to construct.
Sudekum Planetarium
This is a must-do while you’re here. With shows running throughout the day, the planetarium features stunning 360-degree visuals on everything from black holes to climate science to laser light shows set to music. It’s a great chance to sit, relax, and let your brain soak in some space knowledge.
The Adventure Tower
Got energy to burn? Climb up to the 75-foot-tall tower. Along the way are climbing challenges, motion-based exhibits, and lookout platforms.
Parents: it’s a good idea to follow younger kids up because they will stop in each section to test, use, and listen before moving on to another space. You could lose them fairly easily as they move up, out, or down.
i2 Makerspace
This permanent makerspace is loaded with tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, and vinyl machines. It’s where kids can build, code, and create. On weekends and select days, educators are on hand to guide kids through hands-on STEM challenges. If your kid is into Minecraft or loves tinkering, this space is a must.
Tips to Make the Most of Your Visit
- Get there early, especially on weekends. It fills up fast.
- Buy tickets online ahead of time to avoid lines.
- Bring snacks or plan to eat at the on-site café. There’s also a small area for eating brought-in food.
- Check the schedule for planetarium shows and makerspace sessions so you don’t miss out.
- Dress for movement—your kids will be climbing, crawling, and running from one exhibit to another.
- Follow their lead. Let them gravitate to what excites them. Whether it’s launching bottle rockets or exploring the circulatory system, there’s plenty of science to go around.
With its blend of education and excitement, it’s easily one of the best indoor things to do in Nashville with kids. If you’re planning a family trip to Music City, add this stop to your itinerary. You’ll leave a little more curious, and a lot more inspired.
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