Family Fun Guide: Discovering Murfreesboro's Best Attractions and Beyond

This article was written with the assistance of the following AI tools: Google Gemini, Open AI, and Claude. These AI tools were used to organize the article’s flow as well as curate preliminary information about things to do, attractions and restaurants listed below. Our human editors thoroughly fact-checked and wrote content to create a more robust article. The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development will continue to use Google Gemini, Open AI, and Claude with a disclosure in the spirit of full transparency, while also providing pertinent travel content efficiently and quickly.

Tucked in the heart of Tennessee, Murfreesboro is where history meets playtime! Just 34 miles from Nashville, this lively city is packed with family fun — from hands-on museums to outdoor adventures. With a mix of old-school charm and modern thrills, it’s the perfect spot for kids and parents to explore together.

Must-Visit Historical Sites

In Murfreesboro, history isn’t just something you read about — it’s something you explore. Families can walk in the footsteps of the past at Stones River National Battlefield, where engaging exhibits and ranger-led programs bring the Civil War era to life in an educational and unforgettable way.

Other key historic attractions include:

• Oaklands Mansion – Explore an elegant antebellum home surrounded by gardens and stories of Civil War history.

• Cannonsburgh Village – Step back in time with log cabins, a schoolhouse, and the World’s Largest Cedar Bucket.

• Heritage Center of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County – Discover the people, places, and moments that shaped Middle Tennessee.

• Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center – Learn about Murfreesboro’s African American heritage in its first school for Black students.

Outdoor Adventures Await Families in Murfreesboro

Just a short drive from Murfreesboro, Long Hunter State Park offers more than 2,600 acres of outdoor fun for all ages. Families can hike scenic trails, enjoy lakeside picnics, spot wildlife, or paddle along the peaceful waters of Percy Priest Lake. It’s the perfect place to unplug and reconnect with nature. 

Notable outdoor attractions in Murfreesboro include: 

• Old Fort Park – A favorite for families, with a massive playground, picnic spots and room to roam.

• General Bragg Trailhead – Hike or bike through scenic trails filled with fresh air and history.

• Thompson Lane Trailhead – Easy access to greenway paths perfect for strollers, scooters and family walks.

• The Discovery Center at Murfree Spring – Hands-on exhibits and a nature boardwalk make this interactive museum a hit with curious kids and grown-ups alike.

Family-Friendly Indoor Entertainment and Rainy-Day Activities

Murfreesboro boasts numerous indoor family attractions that provide entertainment regardless of weather conditions, including Earth Experience, which brings the past to life with fossils, gems, minerals, and dinosaur bones from around the world — including from Tennessee. This interactive museum showcases ongoing research and offers visitors a deeper appreciation of our planet’s fascinating natural history.

Popular indoor attractions include: 

• Urban Air Adventure Park – Zip, jump, and climb your way through wall-to-wall excitement.

• Go USA Fun Park – Mini golf, go-karts, arcade games — fun for every age, all under one roof.

• Lanes, Trains, and Automobiles Entertainment Depot – A mashup of bowling, arcade games, model trains and kid-approved entertainment.

Family-Friendly Dining Experiences in Murfreesboro

No family vacation is complete without sampling local cuisine. Murfreesboro offers a diverse range of family-friendly restaurants that cater to various tastes and dietary preferences. The Alley on Main serves up fresh, made-from-scratch meals in a warm, welcoming atmosphere just steps from Murfreesboro's Public Square. Known for hearty portions and Southern-inspired favorites like prime rib, pasta, and seafood, it’s a favorite for families and food lovers alike.

Additional family-friendly dining in Murfreesboro:

• Marina's on the Square (Italian) – Cozy up with kid-friendly pasta dishes and pizza in a charming downtown spot.

• Demos' Restaurant (American) – Southern hospitality and hearty meals in a laid-back, family-friendly setting.

• Jeff's Family Restaurant (Southern) – Classic comfort food served with a smile — and plenty of kid-friendly sides.

• Just Love Coffee (American) – Sip, snack, and smile at this cozy spot serving hand-roasted coffee and waffle-iron eats the whole family will love.