Admission runs about $14-$18 per person with kids under 2 free; the planetarium costs extra ($5-$7) and is worth it for kids 5 and up who can sit still for 30 minutes. Open Tuesday through Sunday 10am-5pm, closed Mondays most of the year — check the website before heading out. The BodyQuest exhibit and the giant light and sound area are the biggest hits for young kids; skip the upper-level engineering challenges for toddlers as they get frustrated quickly. Strollers are manageable on the ground floor but trickier on upper levels, so consider a carrier for little ones. Arrive early on weekend mornings before school groups and summer camp crowds fill the parking lot and main exhibits.

Address: 800 Fort Negley Blvd, Nashville, TN 37203

Google Maps: Click here for directions

Cost: Paid $$