Looking for the perfect family getaway from Nashville? A 3-day weekend is all you need to explore exciting destinations within a few hours’ drive. Whether your family loves outdoor adventures, interactive museums, or thrilling amusement parks, these cities offer incredible attractions for kids and parents alike. Pack up the car, grab some road trip snacks, and get ready to create unforgettable memories on these 3-day weekend family road trips from Middle Tennessee.
1. Chattanooga, TN
Drive Time: ~2 hours
Chattanooga is a fantastic destination for families, blending outdoor adventures with interactive museums.
- Tennessee Aquarium – One of the best aquariums in the country, featuring fascinating marine life and hands-on experiences.
- Creative Discovery Museum – A must-visit for young kids who love to explore through play.
- Lookout Mountain – Visit Rock City, Ruby Falls, and ride the Incline Railway for breathtaking views.
- Coolidge Park – Perfect for a picnic, carousel rides, and riverfront walks.
2. Knoxville, TN
Drive Time: ~3 hours
Knoxville offers a mix of urban charm and outdoor fun.
- Zoo Knoxville – Home to red pandas, elephants, and an impressive reptile exhibit.
- The Muse Knoxville – A hands-on science and art museum for young explorers.
- Ijams Nature Center – A great spot for family hikes, canoeing, and nature discovery.
- Market Square – Enjoy kid-friendly restaurants and live street performances.
3. Louisville, KY
Drive Time: ~3 hours
Louisville is packed with family-friendly attractions and independent eateries! It is a foodies paradise. Make sure you stop for a family-friendly discovery tour at Mammoth Caves National Park!
- Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory – Watch how baseball bats are made and take home a mini bat.
- Kentucky Science Center – Hands-on STEM exhibits for kids of all ages.
- Louisville Mega Cavern – An underground adventure with zip lines and tram tours.
- Waterfront Park – Perfect for a scenic stroll or a playground break.
4. Cincinnati, OH
Drive Time: ~4 hours
Cincinnati offers a perfect mix of amusement parks, zoos, and museums.
- Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden – Home of the famous hippo, Fiona. This zoo is absolutely stunning! Make sure you give yourself the entire day if you want to maximize all it has to offer!
- Kings Island – A thrill-seeker’s paradise with roller coasters and a kids’ area.
- Newport Aquarium – Walk across a shark tank and see exotic marine life.
- Smale Riverfront Park – Interactive fountains, playgrounds, and beautiful city views
- National Museum of the U.S. Air Force – An absolute MUST DO for aeronautics junkies and kids that love to learn about airplanes! Kids can climb aboard and tour planes throughout history. Technically located just north of Dayton, this amazing museum is about 1 hour 20 minutes north of Cincinnati, but well worth the drive!
5. Indianapolis, IN
Drive Time: ~4.5 hours
Indianapolis is packed with kid-friendly museums and attractions.
- Children’s Museum of Indianapolis – The world’s largest children’s museum.
- Indianapolis Zoo – A fantastic zoo with an interactive dolphin experience.
- White River State Park – Great for family bike rides and picnics.
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum – A fun stop for racing fans. And the Indy500 is surprisingly kid friendly as well!
6. St. Louis, MO
Drive Time: ~5 hours
St. Louis offers an abundance of free and exciting activities for families.
- Gateway Arch – Ride to the top for incredible views.
- City Museum – A giant indoor playground with tunnels, slides, and climbing structures.
- St. Louis Zoo – A world-class zoo with free admission.
- The Magic House – A hands-on children’s museum with interactive exhibits.
8. Atlanta, GA
Drive Time: ~4.5 hours
Atlanta is a fantastic destination for families who love animals, science, and history.
- Georgia Aquarium – Home to whale sharks and an incredible dolphin show.
- World of Coca-Cola – Learn about the history of Coca-Cola and sample international flavors.
- Zoo Atlanta – Famous for its giant pandas.
- Fernbank Museum – Features dinosaur skeletons and an outdoor adventure area.
9. Huntsville, AL
Drive Time: ~2 hours
Huntsville is a must-visit for families who love space and science.
- U.S. Space & Rocket Center – Home to incredible space exhibits and real rockets.
- Huntsville Botanical Garden – A beautiful spot with a butterfly house and children’s garden.
- EarlyWorks Children’s Museum – Hands-on history and science exhibits perfect for young kids.
- Monte Sano State Park – Great for hiking, picnics, and enjoying nature.
10. Tennessee State Parks (Montgomery Bell or Fall Creek Falls)
Drive Time: ~1-2 hours
If you’re looking for a nature getaway, Tennessee’s state parks are perfect. Make sure you download The Tennessee State Parks app so you can track where you’ve been and make plans for where you’d like to visit next!
- Montgomery Bell State Park – Great for hiking, swimming, and camping.
- Fall Creek Falls State Park – Home to one of the tallest waterfalls in the eastern U.S.
- Radnor Lake State Park – A peaceful nature retreat with wildlife spotting opportunities.
- Frozen https://tnstateparks.com/parks/frozen-headHead State Park – Ideal for families who love hiking and picnicking.
Plan 3-Day Weekend family road trips out for your entire year!
A 3-day weekend is all you need for an unforgettable family adventure from Nashville. Whether you’re exploring an exciting city, visiting a theme park, or hiking in a beautiful state park, there are plenty of fantastic road trip options within a few hours’ drive. Pack your bags, hit the road, and make memories with your family!
Check out our other family-friendly travel tips and itineraries. Or download some of our free kids printables and boredom busters to keep your sanity during those long hours on the road!
