Family vacations make for the very best memories. When parents are able to step away from the distractions of work and home routines, it allows everyone to reconnect and strengthen their family bond.
If you're traveling to East Nashville with young children this summer, you’ll want to soak in everything our vibrant neighborhood has to offer from a proper home base; something different from a standard hotel room with limited square footage where relying on housekeeping to refresh your laundry and the on-site restaurant for breakfast and snacks can quickly derail plans and budgets.
Families that book with Noa Nashville sidestep each of these concerns.
Noa is a gated, wellness-driven urban resort with a collection of 16 thoughtfully designed homes, including 4-bedroom/4-bathroom townhomes with rooftop patios and close to 1,800 sq. ft. of space; 5-bedroom/4-bathroom carriage homes with XL bunk beds and 1,943 sq. ft.; and 4-bedroom/4-bedroom single-family homes approaching 2,000 sq. ft.
Every home features a chef-inspired kitchen with island seating, generous living and dining areas, an in-suite washer/dryer, a private patio, and 60” smart TVs in the living room plus flat screens in every bedroom. Some homes even include bean bag chairs, children’s books, musical toys, and are dog-friendly!
Pro tip: By making a special request at the time of booking, our staff will stock your kitchen with your family's favorites, your preferred wines, and popcorn for movie night.
Noa also offers a fantastic list of on-site amenities your family can enjoy on a whim. This includes a seasonally-heated resort swimming pool, cedar sauna, cold plunge, an open courtyard for picnics and play, a fully equipped gym so you can work on your fitness, and a rustic fire pit surrounded by Adirondack chairs and strung with café lights. At Noa, you have everything you need to enjoy the Nashville and East Nashville music scene, nature areas, and kid-friendly activities just steps from your door.
At our premier luxury resort, you’ll be ensconced by sumptuous interiors featuring spa-like bathrooms and elegant bedrooms with plush pillow-top mattresses and high-thread-count sheets. Meanwhile, the kids can choose their own bedrooms and explore their vacation home the way kids do their thing: with exuberance.
But with so much to see and do in Nashville, and a family with competing ideas about how to spend each day, a little structure goes a long way. So, we've put together a family-focused four-day itinerary built around Noa's East Nashville location that introduces you to our favorite parks, museums, playgrounds, and local favorites. We’ve also included a full swap-out list at the bottom for families who want to customize as they go.
What to Do in East Nashville Over Your Four-Night Stay
Monday: Your Vacation Begins…
4:30 PM — Check-In at Noa Nashville
After a day of travel, it’s time for you and yours to settle into your Noa Nashville quarters, rest, and recalibrate. Noa's spacious townhome layout gives you lots of room to unpack, get oriented, and sync into the neighborhood vibe. Prepare some snacks for the kids, open a bottle of wine for yourselves, and toast to all that awaits.
6:00 PM — Dinner at BoomBozz Craft Pizza & Taphouse (~1-minute walk from Noa, $$)
When everyone is hungry after a day of traveling, BoomBozz is the perfect place for a first-night’s dinner. Conveniently located right across the street from Noa, this family-friendly neighborhood favorite serves handcrafted pizzas, pasta, sandwiches, salads, and kid-approved classics, so there's something for even the pickiest eaters. Best of all, the restaurant features a secure, gated playground where the kids can burn off some energy while you relax with a craft beer or cocktail and settle into what’s about to be a fantastic family holiday.
After dinner, stroll through the Five Points neighborhood and make note of places you’ll want to return during your stay. Once back at Noa, bypass your suite, jump in the car, and surprise the kids with an evening walk at Wasioto Park.
7:30 PM — Evening Walk at Wasioto Park, 592 S. 1st St. (~5-minute drive from Noa, free)
Located along the Cumberland River, Wasioto Park offers beautiful skyline views, easy walking paths, and open green spaces ideal for winding down after a long day. It's a peaceful introduction to Nashville's riverfront and outdoor lifestyle you can enjoy before the sun sets, and a wonderful way to help everyone transition into full vacation mode.
Tuesday: Nature, Playgrounds & East Nashville Favorites
Breakfast at Noa
Pick up groceries from The Turnip Truck just down the road at 701 Woodland Street and enjoy a relaxed breakfast at home. Fresh fruit, pastries, yogurt, and coffee or tea on Noa's private patio sets the tone for an exciting day of adventuring and exploring. Then pack a picnic for the day’s first stop.
9:00 AM — Shelby Bottoms Nature Center & Greenway, 1900 Davidson St., (10-minute drive from Noa, free)
One of East Nashville's most beloved outdoor destinations, Shelby Bottoms Nature Center & Greenway in Nashville, TN, is an expansive natural corridor along the Cumberland River offering miles of paved greenway trails, wetland scenery, and the chance to view wildlife in their natural habitat. There are nature education exhibits for curious young minds, and kids can look out for turtles and shorebirds while learning about the value of spaces like these. Parents get to enjoy a genuinely beautiful morning outdoors (and take a breather).
Lunch: Enjoy your picnic in the park, under a beautiful canopy of trees.
1:30 PM — Shelby Park Playground ("Red Park")
From Shelby Bottoms Nature Center on Shelby Bottoms Greenway, head west by foot, past Cumberland Kayak, until you reach Red Park, one of Nashville's most beloved playgrounds for younger children. Red Park's giant climbing structures, wide-open swings, and slides make it a real hit with the elementary-age crowd. Plan for at least an hour there, because the kids won’t want to leave.
3:30 PM — Rest Time at Noa
An important part of any family trip with younger children is the built-in recharge window. Noa's comfortable courtyard and pool area make it easy to power down before the evening. If the kids need a nap, you and your partner can enjoy a coffee or a cocktail on the patio, taking in the property and the East Nashville horizon while the kids snooze and everything is quiet.
Dinner: Takeout or Head Out, It’s Your Choice
For a fun, stay-at-home evening, order takeout from Five Points Pizza at 1012 Woodland St. ($$), less than 5 minutes from Noa. Five Points Pizza is a big favorite among locals and visitors alike for their large New York-style slices, fresh salads, and selection of familiar crowd-pleasers that will travel well back to Noa. It's one of the most popular East Nashville kid-friendly takeout restaurants for family-friendly pickup options in the neighborhood.
If the consensus is dinner out, another one of the super popular kid-friendly restaurants in East Nashville is Hugh Baby’s at 975 Main Street ($), less than a 10-minute walk from Noa. Hugh Baby’s is a BBQ and Burger Shop reminiscent of old-school, small-town eateries. Its vibrant, modern design, counter service, and “all are welcome here” Southern hospitality are especially geared toward families with kids.
Wednesday: Science, Cars, and Sweet Treats
Morning: Breakfast at Woodland Play Café, 823 Woodland St. (~10-minute walk from Noa, $$)
A neighborhood institution known as the ‘best kid-friendly spot in Nashville’ is just steps from Noa. Woodland Play Cafe lets kids move and play in a supervised indoor space while parents linger over coffee. A deeply appreciated spot by parents everywhere, this is a great little stop on a morning when you're not quite ready to rush.
10:00 AM — Adventure Science Center, 800 Fort Negley Blvd. (~15-minute from Noa, $$)
One of Nashville's premier family attractions, the Adventure Science Center is purpose-built for kids. Hands-on STEM exhibits, interactive engineering challenges, space galleries, and climbable structures keep young children engaged for hours (and give you a wonderful teaching moment on the way home to Noa for lunch, as curious kids with tons of questions are eager to learn more).
2:00 PM — Lane Motor Museum, 702 Murfreesboro Pike (~20-minute drive from Noa, $$)
Don't let "car museum" undersell this one. Lane Motor Museum is home to one of the most eccentric and delightful vehicle collections in the country, with over 500 autos from Europe, amphibious cars, impossibly tiny microcars, and 150 vehicles on display on any given day. Even non-car kids will find it baffling and engaging. Parents tend to enjoy it just as much.
Mid-Day Dessert Stop — GooGoo Chocolate Co., 116 3rd Ave S. (~10-minute drive from Noa, $$)
Head northwest down Lafayette St. from Lane Motor Museum to GooGoo Chocolate Co., home to Nashville's iconic GooGoo Cluster, and an easy win for families looking for a sweet, souvenir-friendly stop. The whole family will love the “Build Your Own” kiosk, where you can custom-design your own candy bar for just $16. You’ll also find “Lil Goos”, seasonal confections, hot cocoa mixes you can enjoy by the fire pit later at Noa, and so much more. Think of it as both a “sweet” experience and a fun piece of Nashville history.
On the way home, pick up a few more groceries from The Turnip Truck so y’all can stay in and enjoy more homemade meals.
Thursday: Nashville's Biggest Family Adventure Day
Breakfast at Noa
A slower start is worth it today because you'll want to conserve your energy (much awaits)!
9:00 AM — Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, 3777 Nolensville Pk. (~25-minute drive from Noa, $$)
Our Nashville Zoo is an exceptional destination for families with young children. Home to more than 300 animal species, along with a massive playground complex, ziplines, tree walks, and interactive exhibits, this is the place to introduce your kids to kangaroos, pelicans, and everyone’s favorite, the lemurs. There are also tigers, rhinos, and the cutest little Spider Monkeys that the zoo actually rescued. Plan to spend most of your day here!
For lunch, grab a bite at the zoo before continuing to explore.
Evening: Dinner in East Nashville
7 PM — Lockeland Table, 1520 Woodland St., (3-minute drive or 15-minute walk from Noa, $$)
Close out the day with a relaxed dinner back in the neighborhood. With its welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere, Lockeland Table is a restaurant parents will appreciate. A chef-driven menu features seasonal dishes and acclaimed wood-fired pizzas. Meanwhile, your kids can choose from a dedicated children's menu with favorites like pizza, mac and cheese, and healthy sides. Housed in a beautifully restored historic storefront, it's an ideal spot for a relaxed family dinner at the end of an incredible day.
Friday: One Last Nashville Memory Before Departure
10:30 AM — Check Out of Noa Nashville
It might be time to check out, but there’s more to do and see in the area if you have time!
11:00 AM — Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, 222 Rep. John Lewis Way S., (8-minute drive from Noa, $$)
A must-see attraction when you’re visiting Nashville, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum brings the story of country music to life through interactive exhibits, legendary artifacts, and engaging multimedia displays. Your kids will be thrilled by the costumes, instruments, and hands-on experiences, and you’ll get a lot out of this visit too, especially if you’re a fan of country music. This makes for a surprisingly family-friendly way to explore a defining part of Nashville's cultural heritage on your last day here.
Additional Family-Friendly Activities Near Noa Nashville
Browse the following full list of Nashville’s family-friendly venues and experiences here in Nashville and swap out activities as desired for a truly personalized itinerary.
Great Big Game Show Nashville, 521 Opry Mills Dr. (16-minute drive from Noa, $$)
Play All Day, 337 Cleveland St. (6-minute drive from Noa, $$)
We Rock The Spectrum Nashville (an inclusive Indoor playground for kids of all abilities), 2054 Gallatin Pike N. (15-minute drive from Noa, $$)
Lane Motor Museum, 702 Murfreesboro Pike (16-minute drive from Noa, $$)
The Adventure Park at Nashville, 801 Percy Warner Blvd. (27-minute drive from Noa, $$)
Nido Play Cafe & Party Venue, 13260 Lebanon Rd., Suite C, Mt. Juliet (28-minute drive from Noa, $$)
Tennessee State Museum, 1000 Rosa L. Parks Blvd. (9-minute drive from Noa, $$)
Woodland Play Café, 823 Woodland St., Suite D (2-minute drive from Noa, $$)
Wasioto Park, 592 S. 1st St. (5-minute drive from Noa, $$)
Nashville Children's Theatre, 25 Middleton St. (9-minute drive from Noa, $$)
Goo Goo Chocolate Co., 116 3rd Ave. S. (9-minute drive from Noa, $$)
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, 222 Rep. John Lewis Way S. (8-minute drive from Noa, $$)
Shelby Park Playground ("Red Park"), 1900 Davidson St. (7-minute drive from Noa, free)
East Nashville Farmers Market, 511 Woodland St. (3-minute drive from Noa, $$)
Adventure Science Center, 800 Fort Negley Blvd. (10-minute drive from Noa, $$)
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, 3777 Nolensville Pike (23-minute drive from Noa, $$)
K1 Speed Nashville, 404 Davidson St. (5-minute drive from Noa, $$)
Nashville Shores Waterpark, 4001 Bell Rd. (23-minute drive from Noa, $$)
Shelby Bottoms Nature Center, 2941 Lebanon Pike (10-minute drive from Noa, free)
A Nashville Getaway Your Family Will Treasure
The best family trips require a little research and planning, so we did it for you. And when you anchor your travels in and around East Nashville with resort accommodations at Noa Nashville, you can enjoy the space and comfort you want when you’re traveling with the kids. Explore East Nashville your way, with everything you need to relax and recharge right here at the property. Whether you follow this itinerary to the letter or treat it as a jumping-off point, one thing is certain: East Nashville is one of the most rewarding, family-friendly destinations in the South, and Noa is the ideal place to experience it.
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