Nashville packing list for families
Nashville is a music city first, which means loud afternoons, a lot of walking, and maybe a first pair of cowboy boots. A few smart extras make it a great family trip, not just a grown-up weekend.
Photo by kortney musselman on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Nashville
- Many Lower Broadway honky-tonks welcome kids during the day and early evening, but each sets its own cutoff time. Go for an afternoon set, then head somewhere quieter for dinner.
- If cowboy boots are on the wish list, buy them in the first day or two and break them in before the big night out. A thin pair of tall socks saves little ankles.
- Summer is hot and humid, and spring brings strong thunderstorms. I plan indoor anchors like the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Ryman tour for the afternoons.
Nashville
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Carry-on8
Clothing7
Shoes1
Beach & pool1
Little ones6
Health & toiletries4
Documents & tech3
Desert tones
Terracotta, sand, sage, bone
For the grown-ups
- Linen in sand and terracotta
- A light layer for cool desert evenings
- Sturdy sandals or sneakers
For the kids
- Breathable long sleeves for sun
- A sun hat with a chin strap
- Trail shoes for hikes
For photos
- Warm tones glow at golden hour
- Sage or white keeps it fresh
Nashville weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 49°F 9°C | Cool to cold, gray, and damp, with occasional ice or light snow | |
| February | 53°F 12°C | Cool to cold, gray, and damp, with occasional ice or light snow | |
| March | 62°F 17°C | Mild and blooming, with strong spring thunderstorms some afternoons | |
| April | 72°F 22°C | Mild and blooming, with strong spring thunderstorms some afternoons | Dogwoods and redbuds in bloom, perfect for patios and outdoor music |
| May | 80°F 27°C | Mild and blooming, with strong spring thunderstorms some afternoons | Dogwoods and redbuds in bloom, perfect for patios and outdoor music |
| June | 87°F 31°C | Hot and humid, with pop-up afternoon storms | CMA Fest in early June, when downtown is packed and hotels fill early |
| July | 90°F 32°C | Hot and humid, with pop-up afternoon storms | Fourth of July fireworks downtown along the Cumberland River |
| August | 89°F 32°C | Hot and humid, with pop-up afternoon storms | |
| September | 84°F 29°C | Warm, drier September giving way to crisp, colorful fall days | |
| October | 73°F 23°C | Warm, drier September giving way to crisp, colorful fall days | Fall color and comfortable weather, great for a day trip to the Natchez Trace |
| November | 61°F 16°C | Warm, drier September giving way to crisp, colorful fall days | Holiday displays at Gaylord Opryland and Christmas shows at the Ryman |
| December | 51°F 11°C | Cool to cold, gray, and damp, with occasional ice or light snow | Holiday displays at Gaylord Opryland and Christmas shows at the Ryman |
Nashville with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Nashville with kids?
The best time is Apr–May & Sep–Oct. Warm, drier September giving way to crisp, colorful fall days
What's the weather like in Nashville?
Typical daytime highs range from about 49°F (9°C) in January to about 90°F (32°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Nashville?
US citizens don't need a passport, but bring a government ID for adults.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Nashville?
None. Nashville uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for Nashville with kids?
Many Lower Broadway honky-tonks welcome kids during the day and early evening, but each sets its own cutoff time. Go for an afternoon set, then head somewhere quieter for dinner.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.