What to Do in Nashville When the Weather Is Bad

As much as you may try to plan around the weather, there’s no guarantee that Mother Nature is going to cooperate. Whether you’ve lived in your hometown your whole life or have a trip to a new place on the horizon, you can’t always trust the weather forecast, and all kinds of weather conditions—from freezing cold to sweltering heat and slippery snow to rain downpours—can interfere with your planned activities and outings.

Luckily for those living in or visiting Nashville, it’s likely that you’ll see relatively temperate weather most of the time. But the winters can get pretty cold (with occasional breaks of milder temperatures) and the summers are often hot and muggy with frequent thunderstorms, as noted by Climates to Travel. The best times are usually spring and autumn, but even then, you never know what will happen so you’ll want to be prepared for a variety of situations.

That’s why we’ve rounded up some fun and exciting activities you can partake in if you’re in Nashville and have been sidelined by the weather. Read on to find out more about this great array of indoor picks.

16-Bit Bar+Arcade

If you’re looking for a taste of nostalgia, 16-Bit Bar+Arcade levels up retro gaming! With over 30 vintage arcade games like Galaga, Street Fighter, and classic pinball machines, your inner child will be beyond happy. All the arcade games and gaming consoles are free to play, with the exception of pinball for a dollar a round. If you need something to wet your whistle while you play, there’s an impressive selection of local and domestic beers, wines, specialty cocktails, and mocktails.

Adventure Science Center

Get the kids out of the house or the hotel at the amazing Adventure Science Center, where they can run around and explore 175 hands-on interactive exhibits. With themes including biology, physics, visual perception, listening, mind, air and space, energy, and earth science, visitors will enjoy educational activities mixed with play. The Sudekum Planetarium, a state-of-the-art 63-foot dome theater, boasts an incredible projection system that hosts planetarium shows, laser shows, and featured events like concerts for the whole family!

Assembly Food Hall

Nashville’s largest rooftop, Assembly Food Hall, houses over 30 restaurants and bars and three stages of live music inside. Right off of Broadway, it has a little something for everyone! Try the city’s best burgers at Pharmacy Burger; get your hot chicken fix at Prince’s; and then wash it all down at Homegrown, which features 32 beers on tap. Plus, there’s a lot of great shopping nearby!

Frist Art Museum

See some of the most outstanding local, state, and regional artists, as well as major national and international exhibitions, at the Frist Art Museum. Rather than displaying a permanent collection, this unique museum showcases exhibits that phase in and out all the time, so you’re bound to experience something new each time you visit. And there’s a bonus if you’re a history buff: the museum is housed in the city’s historic U.S. Post Office building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

National Museum of African American Music

Immerse yourself in the rich history of the National Museum of African American music at this distinctive museum. The only one of its kind, it’s dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history of Black music in America through its carefully curated collection. Incorporating cutting-edge technology and interactive experiences, you can explore more than 50 genres and subgenres of music, from blues and jazz to hip-hop and R&B, spanning Black music legends both past and present. The museum even hosts live concerts!

Peg Leg Porker Spirits Tasting Room

Pitmaster Carey Bringle is best known for his award-winning Tennessee–style BBQ. But he’s created a brand of bourbon that’s just as exceptional as his food and was recently crowned the world’s best bourbon. Now you can experience it for yourself at the Peg Leg Porker Spirits Tasting Room in the heart of South Nashville, where the blending and bottling facility is a must-see stop for any bourbon lover to savor the hickory charcoal–filtered flavor that Bringle uses at his restaurants. Sample the whole line of spirits and even buy a bottle or two, plus some signature swag!

Pins Mechanical Company

Pins Mechanical Company is a mecca of activities that will delight groups big and small! Featuring duckpin bowling, 40+ pinball machines, giant Jenga, Ping-Pong, foosball, and more—it’s all indoors, complemented by daily specials on craft beers and classic cocktails. It’s right next door to 16-Bit Bar+Arcade, so you can count on a double-header for a rainy day!

Puttshack

Nashville’s only tech-infused mini golf experience, Puttshack offers an uncommonly fun and engaging time for all ages! The proprietary Trackaball™ technology that elevates the game to a whole new level allows guests to play without the hassle of having to keep their own score. So gather some friends and family for a bit of friendly competition in a lively atmosphere with exceptional food and beverage offerings.

Tennessee State Museum

Completely free to visit, the Tennessee State Museum highlights Tennessee’s history, art, and culture from the state’s prehistoric times to the present day. The permanent collection includes natural history exhibits, artifacts from the first peoples of Tennessee back at the end of the Ice Age, and relics from the Civil War, while the temporary collection provides something new to see each visit. The whole family will enjoy the interactive elements and the in-person demonstrations and tours.

Don’t let a little bit of rain, snow, or steamy heat stop you from enjoying Nashville to the fullest. With all these options in your back pocket, you’ll be set for a great time no matter the weather!