6 Reasons to Skip the Theme Park and Hit Nashville Instead

Get up close and personal with animals of all types at the Nashville Zoo. Considered one of the top attractions in the city, more than 2,890 animals and 338 species call the place home. They're all waiting for you to visit. You can also check out the Ryman Auditorium, which is right downtown and considered the "mother church" of music.

Get lost in the beauty of these popular botanical gardens that are filled with unique sculptures and even 265 feet of train with working minitrains that meander through the flowers. With enough fun things to look at and explore, plan an overnight stay right in the heart of downtown Nashville.

Or take a short drive with the family to Franklin, a suburb just 15 minutes south of Nashville. This small town is where the majority of country stars live — so keep your eyes peeled for sightings! Franklin is known for it's historic downtown Main Street, which is great for families, date night, or a bit of shopping.

For the budding history buff, head to Bicentennial Mall and explore the park that shares a slice of Nashville's past. There are different activities and events that take place during the year, so check the website to see what's happening during your visit. But the park is always open for exploring the monuments or enjoying a picnic on a sunny afternoon.

Head to the Country Music Hall of Fame for a dazzling exploration of music that kids and adults will love — even if they aren't country music fans. It's a self-guided museum, which allows you to experience the different interactive displays at your own pace. Check out the RCA Studio B, Nashville's only historic studio tour, then learn a little more about the various inductees.

OK, this is the place to bring young explorers. Adventure Science Center has a planetarium and laser shows, along with different hands-on science labs. You can check out the in-house bee colony, take a moon walk, or maneuver your own jet aircraft.

There's tons of fun stuff to do at the Grand Ole Opry other than catching a show with the family. Take a backstage tour — the home of American music is filled with history. What started out as a simple radio broadcast now draws hundreds of thousands of people each year for a chance to catch a live act.

Whether you’re staying two days or two weeks, Homewood Suites by Hilton has everything you need to be at home.