USA & Canada · Best Apr–May & Sep–Oct
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.
Best timeApr–May & Sep–Oct
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyUS dollar
PassportNot for US citizens
Your packing edit
Nashville
This time of year
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Every item links to what Kristina would buy. Tap Add to bag on what you're missing, then check out on Amazon in one tap.
Carry-on17
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Travel neck pillow for the grown-ups
Kids' travel pillow
Light blanket or large scarf for the plane
Change of shirt for the grown-upsSpills on a kid mean spills on you.
Baby wipes, even for big kids
Kids' backpack for their own things
Coloring book, sticker book, or activity pad
A new book or two
Gum or mints
Clothing15
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light sweater or sweatshirt per personPlanes, restaurants, and evenings run cool.
Light rain jacket per person
Leggings or comfy travel pants for the flight
Shorts and skirts
Belt
Sports bra or workout clothes
Socks for closed shoes, plus a spare pair
Pajamas for the first night in the carry-onIf a bag is late, bedtime still happens.
Tall boot socksPrevents blisters in new cowboy boots.
Compact umbrellaSpring and summer storms arrive fast.
Light layers and a rain jacketSpring and fall weather changes fast.
Shoes3
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower
Dress shoes or nicer sandals
Beach & pool1
Mineral sunscreen
Little ones14
Lightweight travel strollerKristina's pick
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Sippy cup or straw cup
Bibs and a few spoons
Portable changing pad
Diaper cream
Baby monitor
Fitted crib sheet from homeA familiar smell helps babies sleep in a new crib.
Outlet covers
Potty seat or folding potty
Kids' ear protectionKristina's pickLive music on Broadway is loud for small ears.
Little things19
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Stick-on battery night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Small foldable tote for souvenirs and laundry
Sewing kit and safety pins
Luggage tags
Collapsible water bottle for the grown-ups
Sunglasses for the grown-ups
Small umbrella
Health & toiletries19
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, and hair ties
Face wash and moisturizer
Makeup and makeup remover
Razor
Contact lenses, solution, and glasses
Prescription medicines in original bottlesKeep them in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
Bandages and blister pads
Kids' thermometer
Anti-itch cream
Hand lotion and SPF lip balm
Feminine products
Clear quart bag for liquids
Cooling towelsSummer humidity makes outdoor afternoons tough.
Documents & tech17
Phone lanyard or crossbody case
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
Driver's licenses and kids' IDs
Health insurance cards
Travel insurance details
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Some cash in small billsFor tips, taxis, and markets.
Photos of passports and IDs on your phone
Booking confirmations saved offline
Phone chargers and cables for everyone
Multi-port wall chargerOne outlet, every device charged by morning.
Tablet chargers and kids' headphones adapter
Wireless earbuds for the grown-ups
Airplane Bluetooth adapter for seatback screens
Camera and memory card
E-reader
The outfit edit
Desert tones
Terracotta, sand, sage, bone
For the grown-ups
For photos
- Warm tones glow at golden hour
- Sage or white keeps it fresh
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
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 |
Questions families ask
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.