Nashville, Tennessee is renowned for its vibrant music scene, delicious food, and rich history. But did you know that it is also home to some of the most exciting festivals in the country? And what's even better is that many of these festivals offer a wide range of activities for children, making it a perfect destination for families. One of the most popular festivals in Nashville is the Cherry Blossom Festival, held every spring to celebrate the blooming of the cherry blossom trees. This festival not only showcases the beauty of these delicate flowers but also provides a variety of activities for kids.
Families can enjoy traditional Japanese performances, arts and crafts, and even a tea ceremony. There are also games and activities specifically designed for children, such as origami workshops and a scavenger hunt.
And of course, no festival is complete without delicious food
, and the Cherry Blossom Festival does not disappoint. Visitors can sample a variety of Japanese dishes and snacks, including sushi, ramen, and mochi. If your child loves puppets, then the Nashville International Puppet Festival is a must-visit event.This festival brings together puppeteers from all over the world to showcase their talents and entertain audiences of all ages. Children can watch puppet shows from different cultures, learn how to make their own puppets, and even participate in a puppet parade. There are also workshops where kids can learn about the art of puppetry and try their hand at manipulating puppets. And for those who want to take home a souvenir, there are plenty of vendors selling unique handmade puppets. The Nashville Children's Theatre Festival is a celebration of all things theatre, specifically geared towards young audiences.
This festival features performances by professional theatre companies from Nashville and beyond, showcasing a variety of genres from musicals to puppet shows. Children can also participate in workshops and classes to learn about different aspects of theatre, such as acting, singing, and dancing. There are also opportunities for kids to create their own costumes and props, and even put on their own mini-production. And for those who prefer to sit back and watch, there are plenty of interactive performances that will keep them engaged and entertained. For a unique and unforgettable experience, families can attend the Nashville Hot Air Balloon Festival.
This festival takes place in the fall when the weather is perfect for hot air balloon rides. Children can watch as the colorful balloons take off into the sky, or even take a ride themselves (with adult supervision, of course). There are also other activities such as face painting, live music, and food trucks to keep everyone entertained. And as the sun sets, families can gather around the bonfire and enjoy s'mores while watching the balloons light up the night sky. The Nashville Greek Festival is a celebration of Greek culture and traditions.
This festival offers a variety of activities for children to learn about Greek history, art, and cuisine. Kids can participate in Greek dance lessons, try on traditional costumes, and learn how to make Greek dishes like spanakopita and baklava. There are also games and activities such as a petting zoo and face painting to keep children entertained throughout the day. And for the adults, there are plenty of opportunities to sample Greek wine and beer, as well as delicious Greek food. The Nashville Shakespeare Festival is a must-visit event for families who love the arts.
This festival celebrates the works of William Shakespeare through performances, workshops, and educational activities. Children can watch abridged versions of Shakespeare's plays, specifically adapted for young audiences. There are also workshops where kids can learn about the language and themes of Shakespeare's works, as well as try their hand at acting and stage combat. And for those who prefer a more hands-on experience, there are opportunities to create costumes and props, and even participate in a mock sword fight. The Nashville Oktoberfest is a celebration of German culture and traditions, held every fall in the historic Germantown neighborhood.
This festival offers a variety of activities for children to learn about German culture while having fun. Kids can participate in traditional German games and activities such as a stein-holding competition and a pretzel-eating contest. There are also crafts and workshops where children can learn about German traditions and create their own souvenirs. And of course, there will be plenty of delicious German food and drinks to enjoy including bratwurst, schnitzel, and beer (for the adults).And last but certainly not least is the Nashville Christmas Parade which is a beloved holiday tradition that offers plenty of activities for children.
This parade features colorful floats, marching bands, and Santa Claus himself. Children can watch the parade from the sidelines or even participate by riding on one of the floats. There are also opportunities to meet Santa Claus himself as well as enjoy holiday-themed activities such as cookie decorating or ornament making. And for those who want to give back there are toy drives or other charitable events associated with this parade. As you can see Nashville is not just a destination for music lovers but also for families looking for an enjoyable yet educational experience with its variety of festivals throughout the year there is always something fun for kids to do in this vibrant city so next time you plan your family trip consider visiting Nashville during one its many festivals for an unforgettable experience.
