Best Indoor Things to Do in Nashville

Nashville is packed with interesting indoor activities for couples, families, and small and large groups alike. In fact, some of Nashville’s best entertainment options are indoors. Rain or shine, no matter what time of year you visit, Music City offers visitors plenty of options for having fun. Here are the best things you can do indoors next time you’re in Nashville.

Tour Ryman Auditorium

First stop: Ryman Auditorium, a must-visit indoor destination in Nashville. The Ryman is one of the most famous and well-respected music venues in the country, not only for performers but for music fans, too. Having been the home of the Grand Ole Opry for more than 30 years, the Ryman is a living museum that celebrates the shared histories of Nashville and country music. 

Ryman Auditorium was built in 1892 as a church called the Union Gospel Tabernacle. In addition to weekly church services, the facility also hosted lectures, meetings, and performances, as it was the largest venue of its kind in Nashville at the time. In 1943, the Grand Ole Opry moved into the Ryman, earning the building its nickname: The Mother Church of Country Music. The Grand Ole Opry was performed live there for 31 years until moving into its permanent home, the Opry house, in 1974.

Today, Ryman Auditorium is open for daily tours. Learn about the rich history of the venue, hear the stories of famous performers, and even peek behind the curtain with a guided backstage tour. Or, explore the exhibits at your own pace with a self-guided tour. Each tour starts with an energizing video in the Soul of Nashvilletheater and ends with a chance to get your picture taken on the famous Ryman stage.

Tour the Grand Ole Opry

Visit the Opry House, home to the Grand Ole Opry, the world’s longest-running live radio broadcast. Opened in 1974, the venue has hosted weekly stage performances of the Grand Ole Opry since it moved from its previous home at Ryman Auditorium. It’s also the home base for Opry members – country greats who’ve been invited into the most respected and exclusive club of country music performers.

The Opry is open for weekly performances of the Grand Ole Opry, concerts by music superstars, and venue tours, including a guided backstage tour that gives visitors a behind-the-scenes look at its dressing rooms and stage. Called the True Home of Country Music, the Grand Ole Opry is a must-see for any country fan.

Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum displays an extensive collection of musical artifacts and memorabilia, like instruments and stage costumes, taking visitors on a journey through the most memorable moments in country music history. The museum has interesting permanent exhibits, as well as rotating features of popular artists, like Kacey Musgraves and Bob Dylan. It’s also home to Hatch Show Print, a working letterpress shop that was founded in the 1870s, famous for its signature concert and event posters. The museum and Hatch Show Print are open for tours, with exhibits rotating regularly.

Tour a Museum

Downtown Nashville is full of interesting and engaging museums for a variety of interests. If you’re interested in music history, visit the Johnny Cash Museum, offering the world’s largest collection of Johnny Cash artifacts and memorabilia, the Patsy Cline Museum, honoring the life of the beloved country singer, or Nashville’s newest, the National Museum of African American Music. Check out the Tennessee State Museum for exhibits, art, and history of the state of Tennessee, from its first peoples to present day. Those with an appreciation for the arts will love the Frist Art Museum, featuring rotating and permanent exhibits from well-known artists and an interactive children’s art area perfect for families.

See a Concert

With a name like Music City, it’s no surprise that Nashville is packed with concert venues with live music on tap. There are tons of indoor venues to see a great show. Start at Ryman Auditorium, widely regarded as the best music venue in Nashville, with unique acoustics that wrap concert-goers in sound. Check out the Ryman show calendar to see upcoming performances of country, rock, classic rock, hip hop, folk, and bluegrass music. The Grand Ole Opry is another great place to see a country concert, regularly hosting big names like Kelsea Ballerini or the Eagles. Or, try other venues, like rock venue Exit/In or the Bluebird Cafe, made famous by Taylor Swift and the TV show, Nashville.

Karaoke

If all the music in Music City gets you inspired, head straight to a karaoke bar and prove your musical chops. Visit Miss Kelli’s Karaoke Bar in Printer’s Alley or Lonnie’s Western Room, voted Nashville’s #1 spot for karaoke. Another local favorite is the quirky Santa’s Pub. Located in a double-wide trailer, decked in holiday decor, and run by Santa himself, Santa’s Pub is a can’t-miss.

RCA Studio B

RCA Studio B is a recording studio best known as the birthplace of the Nashville Sound, a soft, crooning style of country music that became popular in the mid-1950s. RCA Studio B has been a recording home for music legends like Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Elvis Presley. It’s located among other legendary recording studios on the historic Music Row and is open for tours seven days a week.

Brewery & Distillery Tours

There are tons of delicious breweries and distilleries in Nashville. Why not schedule a tasting or a tour? Check out local favorites like Black Abbey Brewing Company, Southern Grist, Jackalope, or Tennessee Brew Works. Sip something stronger at local distilleries, like Corsair Distillery or Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery. Take a tour of these hot spots or arrange a chauffeured tour service for a fun day.

Trivia Nights

Trivia is a great way to get out on the town with friends no matter the weather. There are tons of trivia nights all around the city on any given night. Try weeknight trivia at M.L. Rose, BoomBozz, Von Elrod’s, or Southern Grist. Check out trivia schedules for popular trivia hosts, like Nerdy Talk Trivia and Challenge Entertainment, to find a trivia night near you.

Blacklight Mini-Golf

Who says putt-putting is only for the outdoors? Music City Indoor Karting & Entertainment Center brings the fun inside–and in the dark–with blacklight mini-golf. Weave your way through all 18 glow-in-the-dark holes. Music City Indoor Karting also offers go-karts and other games.

Bowling

Pinewood Social is a social club and restaurant popular with locals and visitors alike. In addition to its full-service restaurant, bar, coffee shop, and workspace, Pinewood also has an indoor bowling alley made of six reclaimed wooden lanes from an old bowling alley in Indiana. Reserve a lane and get food and drink service while you play. Brooklyn Bowl is another option in Nashville with great food and drinks. Lanes are first-come, first-serve, so get there early. For something a little different, try duckpin bowling at Nashville Underground or Pins Mechanical Co.

The Escape Game

Think you’ve got what it takes to escape? Try your hand at The Escape Game where you and your group must work together to solve a puzzle and escape the room in 60 minutes or less. Choose from a variety of themed rooms and scenarios, including a jewel heist, an underwater adventure, a prison break, and more.

Climb Nashville

Rise to new heights at Climb Nashville, an indoor rock climbing facility offering open rock climbing, climbing classes, yoga, and other special events. With locations in West Nashville, East Nashville, and Murfreesboro, Climb is easy to reach. Reaching the top of the rock wall? That’s up to you.

Sporting Events

With three professional sports teams and a Triple-A baseball team, sports fans have plenty to do in Music City. Watch the 2021 AFC South champion Tennessee Titans play at Nissan Stadium in downtown Nashville. Nissan Stadium is also home to Nashville’s MLS team, Nashville SC. See the Nashville Predators take the ice at Bridgestone Arena, or enjoy a warm, spring night at First Horizon Park with the Nashville Sounds, the Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. Nissan Stadium and First Horizon Park are open-air stadiums, so for an indoor option, watch the games from one of Nashville’s sports bars, like Von Elrod’s.

Adventure Science Center

Located downtown, Nashville’s Adventure Science Center is a science and technology center dedicated to opening young minds to the wonders of science and tech. The indoor facility spans more than 44,0000 square feet and has more than 175 exhibits focused on biology, weather, sound, astronomy, space, physics, and more. Plus, the center also houses the state-of-the-art Sudekum Planetarium, a highlight for visitors.

Bars & Restaurants

Nashville’s culinary offerings continue to get more diverse and numerous. Whether it’s fine dining, a boozy beverage, or a signature dish, delectable treats can be found all around Music City. Start with spicy, Nashville hot chicken from Prince’s, Bolton’s, or Hattie B’s. For fine dining downtown, try Merchants, The Southern, or Etch. Share a yummy breakfast at Pancake Pantry, Biscuit Love, or Milk & Honey. For a meal plus entertainment, visit one of the city’s social clubs, Pinewood Social or The Hampton Social, or enjoy Topgolf’s vast menu while you hit some golf balls under the covered awning. Don’t forget to try a Bushwacker, a signature boozy drink of Nashville.

FAQs

What are the most fun things to do in Nashville?

There are so many fun things to do in Nashville that it can become overwhelming to know where to begin. Start by seeing a concert at one of the city’s many venues. Tour a museum, like Ryman Auditorium, the Grand Ole Opry, or the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. See a professional sports game. Nashville’s got three professional teams, plus a MiLB team. Spend time at the honky-tonks on Broadway, listening to live music and enjoying food and a cocktail or two. Find more must-see places in Nashville to plan your best trip ever.

What is There to Do in Nashville on a Rainy Day?

On a rainy day in Nashville, spend time indoors visiting one of the city’s many museums. There are tons of music museums to choose from, like Ryman Auditorium, the National Museum of African American Music, the Grand Ole Opry, or Hatch Show Print. Learn about Tennessee history at the Tennessee State Museum, or visit an art museum, like the Frist Art Museum. If you’re looking for something more social, grab a delicious meal with friends. From Nashville hot chicken to fine dining, you’ll find a welcoming table to cozy up and spend an hour or two.

What is There to Do in Nashville on a Hot Day?

On a hot day in Nashville, head straight for a restaurant or bar with a shaded patio or garage door with a breeze, like Pinewood Social or Acme Feed & Seed. Go to Broadway and hop from one honky-tonk to another. The walk is short, so you won’t need to be outside for long. Swim straight to a pool, like the rooftop lounge at the Bobby Hotel or the retro Dive Motel, or rent a boat and cool off on one of the lakes or rivers around the city. Check out Nashville’s most famous landmarks for other fun ideas.

What is There to Do in Nashville on a Cold Day?

On a cold day in Nashville, visit one of the city’s many museums and warm up while learning about Nashville, music, or art history. Seek out a new restaurant or bar to enjoy a cozy meal. Or, find a fun indoor activity, like bowling at Brooklyn Bowl. If the cold doesn’t bother you too much, why not bundle up and take a hike at one of the city’s surrounding parks, like Radnor Lake State Park or Percy Warner Park? The views are beautiful on a frosty day.

Is Nashville Fun for Adults?

Nashville is a blast for adults. Ranked one of the top tourist destinations in the country, Music City is packed with fun things to do, casual and fine dining, party spots, and other unique attractions. Check out our list of must-see places in Nashville to plan your trip itinerary.

Is Nashville Fun for Kids?

Yes, Nashville’s great for families with kids on the go. Visit the Nashville Zoo, one of the top-ranked zoos in the country. Learn about science and tech at the Adventure Science Center, complete with a planetarium. Visit the seasonal attractions at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, or play in the sun at Cumberland Park on the banks of the Cumberland River.

Is Nashville Fun for Couples?

There are tons of great date-night spots in Nashville. Spend a day wine tasting and seeing the beautiful views at Arrington Vineyards. Get some quiet time at the hidden Love Circle. Enjoy live music together at a historic concert venue. For a really memorable date, check out the Ryman proposal package which includes a tour of Ryman Auditorium and a chance to propose on the famous Ryman stage.

Book Your Tour

When you tour Ryman Auditorium, you’ll get an experience that takes you back through the venue’s 130-year history. Each tour starts in the Soul of Nashville theater where you’ll be treated to a star-studded video with choreographed light and sound design. Then, you’ll have the chance to explore the exhibits at your own pace or with a friendly Ryman Auditorium tour guide. See artifacts and photos from past performers and tour the Hatch Show Print gallery featuring concert posters from memorable performances past, hand-printed in Hatch’s signature style. Book your tour today.

Book a Ryman Show or Event

Ryman Auditorium has a full calendar packed with concerts, shows, and events by well-known performers. And it’s more than country music; The Ryman hosts rock, hip hop, indie, folk, and bluegrass bands, plus a lineup of speakers and comedians. Visit during one of the Ryman’s recurring specials events, like Amy Grant & Vince Gill Christmas at the Ryman, Opry at the Ryman, or Bluegrass Nights. See the show calendar for upcoming concerts and buy your tickets.

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