Hi everyone,

Me, my wife and kids (ages 8, 5 and 3) will be travelling in the Great Smokies area in July. We have booked The Fairfield Nashville for a whole week. What should we do in Nashville that shouldn't be missed and that it wouldn't be too boring for the kids? We always wanted to visit the Bluebird cafe. Is it too crowded? Is it a child friendly environment? Thanks to all replies.

Parthenon in Centennial Park with gardens and lake with paddle boats, Bellemeade Mansion, Children's Museum and Fort Nashborough

There's the Adventure Science Center that's specifically geared towards kids.

http://www.adventuresci.com/

I haven't been to the Bluebird myself, but I've heard friends say that crowd noise is generally frowned upon - it's all about the music! If that's the case, it might not be the best spot for a 3-year-old - might also be boring for the kids. But it's probably great for a parents' night out.

I just visited the Nashville Zoo and Wildlife Park at Grassmere. It is very nice and great for kids, of course.

Not sure if you're into this type of outing, but we were in Nashville in March and went to Dave and Busters at Opryland Mills. They had a great deal where you received a choice of dining options and a $10 game card for $14.99. It was a lot of fun. There is also a Rainforest Cafe and The Aquarium in this mall. Both are touristy but your childen might enjoy them.

Opry Mills also has an IMAX, and the Opryland Hotel is very close. You could see if the Sounds (minor league baseball) are at home when you're in town.

Where will you be coming from?

The Red Caboose Park has a concert series. I don't think the July schedule is out yet. Here is their June schedule: ftp://ftp.nashville.gov/web/parks/me...boose_2006.pdf. It is outdoors, so the kids could run around if they got bored.

Nashville Shores is a fun water park with activities that all of your kids will enjoy. http://host1.bondware.com/~nashshore...p?viewStory=12. It will be hot in July!

For other kid stuff, check out Nashville Parent Magazine's events calendar http://www.nashvilleparent.com/news.php?viewStory=1311. Click on the days you will be here for activities around town.

Do go to Opry Mills. They have a stingray reef near the Aquarium Restaurant where kids can feed and pet the stingrays.

I hope this helps! Have fun in Nashville!

Oops, Nashville Shores' website should be www.nashvilleshores.com.

By the way, you aren't coming to Nashville to see the Great Smokies, are you? You'll need to go east for that. I'm assuming you are coming to Nashville in addition to time at the Smokies.