East Nashville. The last time I visited this humongous warehouse, it was a textile recycling facility. Now it’s out with the threads, in with the treads. The course is almost a quarter-mile where electric karts can travel up to 45 mph. It is located in an industrial area about a half-mile south of Nissan Stadium. Might be a great choice for older kids.
Germantown. My neighbors gave high praise on their first visit. Yes, it’s a bowling alley but raise your expectations when it comes to the food and bar offerings. There’s also a large event hall with a hefty schedule of concerts and music-oriented events including its popular Taylor Swift nights.
East Nashville. Just across the Cumberland from downtown on the north side of town, you’ll see a structure that could possibly house pterodactyls. In fact, those nets keep in golf balls launched by the heavy hitters at this immaculately groomed driving range. You have options but ideally you’ve got a group who likes to hang together to hit a few balls, play some other games and enjoy the equivalent of cabana service at your tee.
North Gulch. Yes, it’s a high-tech indoor miniature golf course but it’s also a bar. (Think an upscale bowling alley vibe so there are alcoholic beverages and boutique-y snacks.) Kids are allowed until 8pm, then it’s 21+ until close.
SoBro. Founded in 1994 by Contemporary Christian artist Michael W. Smith, it opened as a teen club in Franklin, TN. It still strives to be a safe environment for teenagers but over the years, it’s moved to Nashville and gone through some changes to keep pace with the community. Today its mammoth facility at 601 4th Avenue S. (six blocks south of Broadway) is home to Sixth Avenue Skatepark (a huge indoor facility) with its own skate shop, concerts aimed at teenagers and young adults, and a coffee bar.
Old Hickory. This multi-attraction indoor park includes much more than trampolines. There’s a ropes course, climbing walls, Ninja Warrior course, multi-tiered playground, dodgeball, bumper cars, a slam dunk activity, a virtual reality game and Sky Rider, a kids’ version of a zipline. They utilize a multi-level pricing system that tops out at $30.99 for full-access access to every activity. A 90-minute playtime runs $27.99.
Brentwood. Indoor rec area includes a climbing way, parkour blocks, a trapeze, zipline, ultimate dodgeball, skyjoust, and other activities.
West Nashville. C’mon, admit it. You’ve watched curling on TV and thought, “How hard could that be?” Here’s your chance to check your chops at Nashville’s only curling venue. There’s also four lanes of bowling, food, and drink.
Midtown. Got grumpy teenagers? Drop into the Rabbit Hole at 1706B Church Street (near St. Thomas Midtown Hospital). They’ll land in the otherworldly virtual reality of games as they fight battles or accept challenges in an age-appropriate way. Adults who act like kids are welcome too.
South Nashville. Imagine a museum of video games–except everything is hands-on and operational. With more than 250 options in this arcade, you can go nostalgic or introduce the younger generation to a world before XBox. And did I mention “pinball”? When you want to take a break, there’s a patio and along with multiple bars. It’s about two miles southeast of downtown in an industrial district. FREE admission for 21+ because they’re counting on you spending at the bar. Under 21 is $10 until 8pm, then goes 21+ for the rest of the evening. Most games are free; a few require tokens. Private rooms available.
The Gulch. Foosball, pinball, bocce, duckpin and pinball–name your game and order your beverage of choice. Located at 1102 Grundy Street, good times will be had by all. Happy hour specials Monday-Friday until 7pm. On Sundays until 8pm, kids bowl free and get a free soda.
East Nashville. Located next door to K-1 go-carts near downtown, take your team to the indoor field for an adrenaline rush. Gear rental available.
East Nashville. Looking for low-key indoor entertainment? Enter Game Point, a side venture of Bongo East. Choose from 400 classic games–Ants in the Pants, Boggle, Scrabble, Sorry–as well as more niche-y games. Trivia Pursuit: Harry Potter, anyone? Settle in with a coffee, beer or a sandwich. Whether you’re a parent with young children or a strategizing brainiac, you’ll find something to capture your imagination.