Adventure Science Center, Nashville

The Adventure Science Center is a not-for-profit science museum designed primarily for children, situated in Nashville. This museum boasts an impressive array of more than 175 interactive exhibits that allow hands-on exploration of various scientific topics, covering areas such as biology, physics, visual perception, auditory senses, cognitive processes, the atmosphere and outer space, energy, and earth science. The facility itself spans 44,000 square feet and features notable attractions such as a towering adventure tower reaching 75 feet in height and the Sudekum Planetarium.

The institution's history traces back to its establishment in 1945 when it was known as the Children's Museum of Nashville, founded with the vision of naturalist John Ripley Forbes. Initially, it was situated in Lindsley Hall in downtown Nashville, and it introduced its first planetarium in 1952. In 1974, the museum underwent a significant relocation to its current premises atop Old Saint Cloud Hill, a historic site associated with Fort Negley during the American Civil War. Over the years, the organization underwent various name changes, culminating in its rebranding as Adventure Science Center in November 2002.

Why You Should Visit:
One of the only things to keep the kids/toddlers occupied in the downtown area. Multiple floors of activities provide a nice divide so it's not visually overwhelming.
The center features a safely contained climbing structure with multiple floors and access points of varying difficulty.
You can make your way up to a viewing platform with great views of the city – even in the rain.

Tip:
Make sure you get a map so you don't miss anything – there's a lot to see and do here.