13+ Tips for Visiting the Famous Grand Ole Opry Hotel and Concert Hall With Kids

If you’re in the Music City, the must-see attraction is the Grand Ole Opry, and the place to stay is Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center — which is sometimes just called the Grand Ole Opry Hotel.

The two go together like PB&J…and they make a great pair for kiddos, too! The boys and I visited over a weekend; we knew we’d enjoy it…we didn’t know we’d love it this much!

Here’s how (and why) we know you and your kids will have a blast at this popular Tennessee spot.

THE GRAND OLE OPRY

The Grand Ole Opry. Even if you aren’t a big country music fan, you’ve no doubt heard about this place.

When I was young, I recall my parents playing country music almost continuously. In the summer months, I would lounge on the floor in front of our huge 1970’s style speakers, singing along to Crystal Gayle, Reba McEntire, and Randy Travis…I knew all the words.

Even if you aren’t a country music fan, you still have to appreciate the influence of Country on Rock and Roll. Think about it: Elvis, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis…they grew up on country, too! And that, my friends, is why everyone – everyone – should head to the place “where country comes home.”

Book It: Grand Ole Opry Show Ticket

THE BACKSTAGE TOUR IS A MUST

We started our adventure by taking a Backstage Tour of the Opry! I highly recommend this; it’s a super way to understand the history of the museum and the artists that play here regularly.

The boys and I posed for a photo on the treasured eight-foot circle of hardwood taken from the Ryman Auditorium and placed center stage at the Opry House. Wow! That circle has graced the souls of over 200 members and all-time greats, from Hank Williams and Patsy Cline to Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood.

We also saw a marker along the wall reminding passersby of the 2010 flood that closed the Opry for five months, while country’s new permanent home was restored. You’d never know it survived such devastation – it’s as good as new.

We got a peek at the entrance that artists use when visiting. (They have a special parking place, but they have to move the cones themselves to get it in. “Keeping them humble” our guide said!) The walkway includes a sweet statue that was given by Sarah Ophelia Colley Cannon (aka Minnie Pearl) who made her debut at The Opry.

We also learned about the Opry Post Office, saw the dressing rooms (we loved the Johnny Cash room!!) and learned a great deal about the members – especially how passionate they are for the beloved Opry. It’s much more than a music venue…it’s an experience to be treasured.

If your kids are over 12 years (or your on a date night/girls night) then consider the VIP Tour. You’ll take the basic backstage tour like we did, but you’ll finish the night by watching the show from the seats on the stage!

Book It: Backstage Tour of the Grand Ole Opry

In our opinion, the best money-saving option for exploring the city is the Nashville Sightseeing Pass. Pick Day Passes or the FLEX Pass, and then select from over 30 different attractions, big and small.

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE CONCERT

After the tour, we ate a quick snack and then headed back to the Opry for the first show of the evening.

My son was so excited to be there, he asked me to, “Take my picture with this guy.” (It was bluegrass legend Jesse McReynolds.) When I showed him the picture he grinned from ear to ear, and exclaimed, “I did the thumbs up because this place is just GREAT.” That, my friends, is a bona fide endorsement!

Ours were not the only kids – it’s a very family-friendly venue, with easy restrooms, snacks, bench seating and more. Here are five things to know about the concert to help you feel comfortable bringing your own family.

EVERY SEAT IS GREAT

There are 4,400 seats that fill the theatre – that’s 1 million people hearing over 6,000 songs each year! From the front to the back, and the floor to the balcony, every seat in the house is great. It’s a cozy venue that makes it feel like a “living room” concert more than a grand arena…intimate and warm, with a terrific line of site.

As a mom, I also really like the bench seating (as opposed to folding chairs). The boys were able to snuggle me, lean on me, sit in my lap…I even saw a young girl in the aisle over from us that was sprawled out on the bench asleep. It sounds small, but it’s a big deal!

YOU CAN TAKE PICTURES

You are welcome to take as many photos as you want during the tour and the concert! (Be sure to tag them #Opry!)

Don’t be shy about snapping a photo of an artist you love, of the dressing rooms on the tour…and don’t forget about the outside with the oversized acoustic and electric guitars.

YOU’RE LIVE ON THE RADIO

My kids thought this was the coolest thing. If you don’t already listen, then be sure to check out a show on the radio before you go. Each show is streamed live at 650 AM WSM, via Opry.com, on Sirius XM Satellite Radio (Saturdays), and also via the free Opry App.

While you’re there live, point out to the kids the radio announcer (he’s got a spot Stage Right) and commercial breaks. In an age of “everything digital” it’s fun to be on the production side of the radio show.

THERE ARE A LOT OF SHORT SETS

Unlike a “regular” concert with an opening band and a featured guest, there are many short sets at the Opry. When we visited there were 10 performers. Each group of performers played two songs – except the feature guest, who played three songs.

I think this really made a difference in the ability of my kids to sit through the entire show with rapt anticipation and excitement. Things on stage were always changing…the oldest loved reading the program as each artist changed…the type of music changed each time, from classic country to bluegrass to folk to new country.

THERE ARE PLENTY OF DRINKS AND SNACKS

Kids need food – always. It’s like a rule of nature. At the Opry there are plenty of snacks and drinks available for the littles (and adult libations as well). My boys had popcorn, a hot dog, nachos…the list goes on.

It’s also easy to slip in and out of your seat for food and bathroom requests.

Book It: Grand Ole Opry Show Ticket

OPRY COUNTRY CLASSICS

Held at the Ryman Auditorium on select dates throughout the year, Opry Country Classics features a celebrity host sharing great stories and songs, guests singing their own hits as well as timeless favorites by the likes of Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash, and a Spotlight Artist headlining the show with several of his or her memorable classics.

You’ll also find this at The Grand Ole Opry throughout the year.

COMPLETE YOUR OPRY EXPERIENCE AT GAYLORD OPRYLAND RESORT

What makes the Gaylord Opryland Resort the ideal place to rest your head during a visit to the Grand Ole Opry is its proximity. The parking lot of the Opry can get pretty crazy at night, but you don’t have to worry if you’re staying at Opryland….it’s right next door with a walking path that leads you directly there.

In addition to that, Opryland Hotel is just AMAZING! It holds 9 acres of indoor gardens, with waterfalls, winding paths, gorgeous greenery and surprises at every turn. You won’t want to leave (well, except to head to the Opry)!

Book It: Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center

6 THINGS YOU SHOULDN’T MISS AT GAYLORD OPRYLAND RESORT

THE DELTA RIVERBOAT RIDE

The best way to see the waterfalls, flora and grand scenes is aboard the Delta River Flatboat Tours. You’ll take a loop around the Delta section of the resort, while hearing a bit about the history of the hotel and how its gardens are maintained. It does cost extra, but it’s worth it if you ask us. The boys LOVED it!

You can also see the International Waters Fountain Show and Aqua Fountain Show 2x each per day, and these water-dancing wonders are free to watch.

A ROOM WITH AN ATRIUM VIEW

We were spoiled with an Atrium View room, and I can’t imagine visiting any other way. Our view overlooked the Garden Conservatory.

You can rest in comfy chairs with a table…we had snacks out there one evening, people watching the entire time. At night, we opened the doors and lounged in the bed, taking in the sound of the waterfalls.

THE BREAKFAST BUFFET

There are multiple restaurants at Opryland Resort, including a spectacular brunch spread at Cascades American Cafe (with waterfall views, to boot)!

I enjoyed an omelet station, fruits and muffins, hot food like bacon and eggs and oatmeal…and more. The boys ate off the kids menu, picking French toast with a side of fruit and warm syrup. Two thumbs up from both of them.

We also had sushi at Wasabi’s, and burgers and shakes at STAX – also delicious. There is also a steakhouse, a pizzeria, a Mexican restaurant, Italian restaurant, a sports bar, tavern, gelato and yogurt shops…the list is endless. They also have room service.

A WALK UNDER THE WATERFALL

The Cascades waterfall stands at 3.5 stories tall – and you can walk under it! We loved glimpsing through the windows at the falling water.

There are other waterfalls throughout the property. I couldn’t find an exact number, but I’m going to guess there are about a dozen. What a fun scavenger hunt that would be!

Read More: 30 BEST CHRISTMAS HOTELS IN THE USA

THE POOLS AND SPA

If there’s a pool, my boys are going to find it! At Opryland there are THREE. We visited right on the cusp of spring, so it was too cold for the outdoor pools…but we made a splash in the Relache indoor pool.

All the pools are heated and come with towels. I really appreciated that there were lifeguards on duty at the pool, too.

The indoor pool is near the spa. Since 365Dad wasn’t with us, I didn’t get to partake, but I did read up on it. There are a number of treatment options (even kid’s options)! There is also an option for paying a day rate and just enjoying their facilities.

THE NIGHTTIME VIEWS

Whatever you do, don’t miss the resort at night. The fountains are lighted up, the lamp posts shine bright, and every nook and cranny is transformed. It’s gorgeous.

After we walked the entire hotel, we enjoyed the night time lights even longer with a glass of wine (and apple juices!) from the atrium balcony of our room. I just couldn’t get enough.

Book It: Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center

GRAND OLE OPRY HOTEL FAQ

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO TENNESSEE

• YOUR TENNESSEE VACATION
• NASHVILLE WITH KIDS: 35 Best Things To Do In Nashville With Kids
• WATER PARKS: 7+ Water Parks In Tennessee Your Family Needs To Visit Now
• FREE NASHVILLE: 21+ Free and Cheap Things To Do In Nashville, Tennessee
• DAY TRIPS: 18 Day Trips From Nashville That You Will Love

WHERE TO STAY IN NASHVILLE