Let’s Hear It For The Boys! Mother-Son Date Ideas Around Nashville

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Nashville has tons of unique Mother-Son date options that can be just as meaningful, impactful, and FUN as any daddy-daughter ball or mother-daughter tea! With Mother’s Day just around the corner, now is the perfect time to try some of these fun-filled date ideas that are sure to be hits with your precious boy!


FOR THE ADRENALINE JUNKIES

Our sweet boys usually have a never-ending supply of energy that they love to unleash. So why not join in on the fun! Grab an extra cup of coffee and get ready for some thrilling adventures! 

The Adventure Park at Nashville is sure to satisfy his adventurous side. Climb and swing among treetops and test your inner thrill-seeker on an exhilarating zipline. Make it a date night and check out Glow in the Park, their nighttime event with lights that illuminate your way as you tackle ropes courses under the stars. For a different climbing adventure, try SOAR Adventure Tower – an all ages aerial ropes course tower with four levels of fun and lots of obstacles! They even have mini golf! 

Got a pre-teen or teenage boy looking for a pulse-pounding thrill ride? Take him to K1 Speed Nashvillethe fastest indoor go kart racing experience in Nashville. Take it up a notch with Glo Karting, when the lights get low and the tracks glow. Afterwards, hop across the Cumberland River and grab some dinner at Martin’s BBQ Joint on their amazing patio! For more high speed action, check out Slick City Action Park. This place has massive slides with twists, turns and sky-high launches! They even host mother-son date nights, so check their socials for dates and times. 


FOR THE GAMERS

Let him indulge in some seriously fun screen time with you! Nashville has some pretty amazing arcade halls featuring everything from old-school Pac-Man to today’s insane world of virtual reality. 

Game Terminal is the perfect arcade for both of you as they offer old-school arcade games and pinball! Plus, they have a seriously cool patio with corn hole and giant Jenga. Make it an early night since it’s 21+ only after 8pm! If you want to skip curfew, head to Dave and Busters, the one-stop-shop for gaming, sports and dining, located at Opry Mills Mall. For a classic arcade experience try Pixel Planet in Nolensville, offering both classic and modern arcade games all set to unlimited free play. And, for the ultimate in immersive gaming nothing beats Digital World VR – where you will step into a world of virtual reality. Choose from over 10 different genres including child-friendly genres


FOR THE SPORTS FANATICS

Football. Hockey. Baseball. Soccer. No matter the sport, or time of year, it’s always game time in Nashville! So, put on your jerseys and get ready to cheer on your favorite team, or each other!

Take him out to the ball game with the Nashville Sounds, Nashville’s minor league baseball team. Get the wiggles out at the stadium’s family fun zone, and don’t miss the fireworks after Friday and Saturday home games. Hockey fan? Catch a Nashville Predators game at Bridgestone Arena and check their calendar for theme nights! “Titan up!” and cheer on the Tennessee Titans, soon to be playing at their new state-of-the-art Nissan Stadium! Soccer fanatic? Catch Nashville’s newest professional sports team Nashville Soccer Club, now playing at Geodis Park. Check their calendar for fun theme nights like Star Wars or Harry Potter for some added fun. Let’s not leave out our car-loving kids! Spend a day at the races at the Nashville Super Speedway where you’ll catch tons of high octane races throughout the year! 

Get in the game at these fun places where stakes are low and the fun-meter is high. 
Pinewood Social – Bowling, lawn games, delicious menu.
Puttshack – Tech savvy indoor mini golf and elevated bar bites.
PopStroke – Indoor/outdoor mini golf, lawn games, ice cream, full-service restaurant.
Roller Skating – Check out our Guide to Best Roller Skating Rinks!


FOR THE ARTISTS

My son loves anything he can build, paint, draw or create. And, of course, the messier the better. Here are some fantastic places to feed your son’s creative side. 

Glass blowing is probably not the first thing you think of when planning an outing with your son, but Nashville Glasshaus will definitely be memorable in the best of ways. Recommended for ages 8+, you’ll both get to create glass masterpieces and an experience you will treasure. Afterwards, grab a bite to eat around the corner at M.L.Rose, home to the most delicious craft burgers.  

For a “cooler” experience, pottery painting is always a hit and it allows a lot of open space for conversation. One of my favorite pottery studios is Third Coast Clay located in the Factory at Franklin. Make your masterpiece then grab an ice cream at Jeni’s. For the boys who love a messy good time, Art Urban is a must! Just show up, suit up and start splattering! They offer tons of fun splatter paint sessions, including Glow in the Dark!

We can’t forget about the performing arts! There is no better way to celebrate the performer in your life than by treating him to show at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center offering Broadway hits, family programming and everything in between.  


FOR THE FOODIES 

For the mini chefs and food lovers, Nashville has tons of fun and unique dining experiences all ages can appreciate.

For a literally magical date, make brunch reservations at House of Cards. Indulge your imaginations, and your tastebuds, as you feast on delicious food, catch dazzling card tricks and enjoy a live magic show.

For a completely immersive dining experience, you need to check out Le Petite Chef, where your dinner actually comes to life! Your dining table becomes a stage where the world’s tiniest chef prepares your meal and embarks on magical adventures with every course. Want to make your own culinary creation? Spend an afternoon creating your very own custom candy bar at the Goo Goo Store! The Taste of Goo Goo is educational, fun for all ages and a chocolate-lover’s dream. If you want a little bit of everything, head to Assembly Food Hall in downtown Nashville, where you can indulge your tastebuds in everything from tacos and pizza to the best in cultural cuisine! Depending on the day you may even enjoy some live music. 


FOR THE MOVIE BUFFS

For the boys who appreciate the art of cinema or the ones who are just there for the popcorn, head to the movies. These quintessential Nashville area theaters are sure to offer unforgettable experiences.

One of the most iconic theaters near Nashville is the Franklin Theatre, whose marquee has lit up Franklin’s historic Main Street since 1937. You pretty much have your pick of feature films, as they show everything from Disney classics to cult classics. The Belcourt is another iconic Nashville “movie house” full of history and nostalgia. I love the Belcourt for its Weekend Classics series always delivering on the best in cinematic history like The Shining, Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones, and more! We simply cannot leave out the classic drive-in movie theater experience, and lucky for you, the Stardust Drive-In Theatre is only about 40 minutes from Nashville. You’ll get a double feature under the stars for only $8-$10 and a truly unforgettable experience.

Photo credit: Stardust Drive-In Theatre

FOR THE MUSICIANS 

Music City offers amazing live music for any age, day or night. For the boys who love a good beat or the ones who dream of singing in the spotlight, these live music venues are sure to hit a high note with them!   

For me, the Ryman is the ultimate in live music experiences and there’s not a bad seat in the house. Get more of this historic venue’s story through their amazing, immersive tours showcasing legendary acts and major historical events. When you’re done at the Ryman, show him the sights and sounds of Broadway! Many venues welcome guests under 21 before 8pm. For a more low-key option, head to The Bluebird Cafe, Nashville’s most famous listening room where guests get up close and personal with Music City’s best singer-songwriters. This place is known for famous drop-ins, so you never know who might show up! And of course, there’s the Grand Ole Opry, the show that made country music famous. These shows always deliver, featuring today’s hottest country music stars on one of the world’s most historic stages.


FOR THE OUTDOORSMAN

Let him run free as he indulges his wild side at these beloved outdoor spots! 

If it’s hiking he loves, head to Henry Horton State Park, with over 10 miles of hiking trails along the famous Duck River. The park also offers mountain biking, guided river floats, swimming, fishing and a beautiful restaurant when you need to refuel. Another great hiking spot is Radnor Lake State Park, with over 7 miles of paved and unpaved trails. This protected park is home to an abundance of wildlife, so be sure to bring your binoculars! During warmer months, hop on the Harpeth River for canoeing, kayaking or a relaxing float down stream with Franklin Float Company. Pack some snacks, rent some tubes and float your way down the river together.

For the animal-loving nature enthusiast, take a trip to the Nashville Zoo and spend your day surrounded by natural beauty and wildlife of all kinds. Experience their new Leopard Forest and catch a glimpse of the zoo’s newest and cutest resident: the Capybara!

 

 

 

 


DEDICATED MOTHER-SON EVENTS

Don’t miss these events just for moms and sons!
*Check websites and socials for the most up-to-date event information!

Deer Run Retreat’s Mother-Son Dates
Mother-Son Fall Date
: Sunday, November 1, 2026 | 1-5pm
Carve out some me-and-you time with a picnic lunch, recreational activities, campfire and hike. 
Mother-Son Dinner Date Boot Scootin’ Boogie: Sunday, February 21, 2027 | 3-7pm
During this dinner and dancing date, boys have an opportunity to learn about how to “treat a lady” while spending valuable focused time with their mom, along with some seriously fun outdoor activities 

Mother-Son Dance at Breeden’s Orchard: Annual event in March.
A heartwarming evening designed just for mothers and sons of all ages, filled with a family-friendly dance floor, sweet treats, and plenty of photo-worthy moments. This experience is all about connection, laughter, and making memories that last long after the music ends. 

Slick City Action Park Mother & Son Date Night: Specific weekends | 5:30-7:30pm
You’ll both have a rip-roaring good time as you spend time together slipping and sliding down Slick City’s massive slides! 

Williamson County Parks & Rec Mother-Son Dance: Annual event in the fall.
This annual dance always packs a punch with its fun-filled themes that both of you will love, like Minecraft, LEGO, and Totally Rad 80’s. 

We would love to hear about your favorite mother-son date adventures! Tell us about them in the comments! 

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Megan Weisinger
I am originally from the Philadelphia area, but have called Nashville home for over 15 years. I met my husband, Eric, shortly after moving here and we got married in 2012. I built my career in the tourism industry before becoming a stay-at-home mom to my son, David, in 2021. I live in College Grove and love the peace that this rural community offers while still being close to Nashville. I am an avid reader and a big fan of local libraries. I also have a passion for the performing arts and am involved in a local dance company and serve on my church's worship team. I enjoy traveling, a really good bar of chocolate, matcha lattes, shopping, cooking and finding the perfect pair of jeans.

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