Family-Friendly Places to Stay Near Franklin, Tennessee: Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
Whether you’re visiting the area or you’re a local looking for a relaxing staycation, there are some great options for hotel accommodations in and around Williamson County. For an exciting, one-of-a-kind option, look no further than Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, which offers much more than your average hotel stay. The resort is an experience in and of itself, complete with grand atriums, a plethora of dining options, exclusive amenities, and even an indoor water park. Whether you’re on a business trip, romantic getaway, or family vacation, The Gaylord is a fantastic retreat if you’re looking for some added fun as you set out to explore Nashville and its surrounding areas.
All About The Resort
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, the largest resort in Nashville, Tennessee, opened in November of 1977. Originally, the hotel was much smaller, offering around 500 rooms for guests of the Grand Ole Opry and Opryland USA, a music themed amusement park that sadly closed its doors in 1997.
Today, the hotel has transformed into an impressive 9 acre resort, so vast it has to be split into distinct, color-coded sections. Climate controlled atrium spaces, full of gorgeous plants and waterway displays, include the Delta Atrium, Cascades Atrium, and the Garden Conservatory. Popular Gaylord Atrium Rooms include balconies that overlook the vibrant plants and indoor rivers. Another notable section includes the convention center, split into the Governor’s Section, Presidential Section, and Delta Section, perfect for corporate stays and events. One of the most exciting facets of the resort is Soundwaves, an indoor/outdoor waterpark. Additionally, there is an on-site shopping and entertainment section called The District, Relâche Spa & Salon, Gaylord Springs Golf Links golf course, and various ball rooms for large events.
Atrium View Queen Guest Room.
Rooms
There are now well over 2,000 rooms at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, varying in size, price, and location. The typical range for an overnight stay is around $330-$580 per night. The most affordable room type is a Standard Room, which hovers around $340, depending on the time of year. The more expensive suites are usually around $575. There is also a daily resort fee to cover amenities, which is $28 plus tax. There is a 15% senior discount for visitors over the age of 62. The best deals on rooms can usually be found during the months of January and May. To learn more about your options or book a room, see what’s currently available on the resort website.
Old Hickory Steakhouse.
Dining
You don’t even have to venture out of the resort to get a good bite to eat. There are several on-site dining options, whether you’re looking for a fancy evening dinner or a mid-morning pick me up. The restaurants within the resort are open to the public, so you don’t have to book a room to enjoy great food with a view.
The most formal dining options include the Old Hickory Steakhouse and the Library Lounge at Old Hickory Steakhouse. More casual options for dinner include Cascades American Cafe, Conservatory Cafe, Jack Daniel’s, Stax, Fuse Sport’s Bar, Ravello, and Solario Cantina.
For those looking for a great drink, the Conservatory Wine Bar has a diverse selection of wines to choose from. You can also grab a beverage at The Falls Bar & Lounge.
Cocoa Bean is an in-resort coffee house with an array of gourmet sandwiches, pastries, and coffee. Alongside their specialty blends, the coffee house also serves Starbucks. For another grab-and-go option, the Delta Marketplace is a great spot for quick snacks and bites.
Strictly dessert options include Bravo Gelato and Delta Delight, which serves delicious frozen yogurt.
Soundwaves
One of the most jaw-dropping parts of Gaylord Opryland Resort is Soundwaves, an upscale 4-acre, indoor/outdoor waterpark with recreational spaces for every age group. The park is Nashville’s premier water attraction, and open to guests of the resort. Keep in mind that, while many of the public spaces at Opryland are open to non-guests, Soundwaves is exclusively for people staying at the resort. The park has incredible, exclusive amenities and fun for everyone. There are exciting slides and rides, rapid and lazy rivers, and relaxing water features. In the true spirit of Nashville, all the excitement is coupled with immersive music.
The indoor section of the waterpark is kept at 84 degrees and open all-year-round. Be aware that booking a room does not automatically secure access to Soundwaves; in order to experience the park, you have to book a Soundwaves Experience Package, which includes admission wristbands. While you can request the package at check-in, there is limited availability. If you know you and your family will want to enjoy the waterpark during your stay, it’s advised to book the experience package in advance, to guarantee a spot.
What to do Around the Resort
Spend an evening at the Grand Ole Opry House
Perhaps one of the most recognizable attractions in Nashville, Tennessee, the Grand Ole Opry House, is located right next to Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. The Grand Ole Opry is the world’s longest running radio show, and celebrated its 100th year in 2025. The Opry House hosts regular shows on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays and occasional shows on Wednesdays and Sundays. Regular shows usually feature 8 or more acts, from up-and-coming musicians to industry giants. Since its beginning, The Grand Ole Opry has been the pinnacle of country music. Some of the greatest musicians of all time have stood in the iconic circle that dawns center stage at the Opry, made up of a piece of the original Opry stage. This symbol honors the beginnings of the radio show, which began in Nashville’s famous Ryman Auditorium. Show tickets usually cost about $50 per person. Rest assured that, should you purchase tickets, no two shows are ever the same. If you’re more interested in the history of country music and the beloved Opry itself, there are a variety of daytime or post-show tours, and even an Opry proposal package! Tours usually last 45 minutes to an hour. Ticket costs range from $39-$98 per person.
Go on Shopping Spree at Opry Mills Mall
Located right next to the resort is Nashville’s largest outlet and retail destination, Opry Mills Mall, which has over 200 stores, a slew of full-service dining options, and incredible entertainment opportunities. Some popular stores and outlets at Opry Mills include TJ Maxx, Ralph Lauren, Sephora, Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, Nike Factory Store, and so much more. Entertainment options include Dave & Busters, The Escape Game, Regal Opry Mills Movie Theater, Great Big Game Show, and Madame Tussauds Nashville. The wax museum, which has been an attraction in Nashville since 2017, has over 60 famous wax figures including (but not limited to) Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Carrie Underwood, Bob Dylan, and Bruno Mars. Museum tickets are $24.99 per person. For even more whimsy, you can take the family to The Aquarium Restaurant or Rainforest Café for a lively dinner experience. Opry Mills Mall is open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cruise Down the Cumberland on the General Jackson Showboat
Docked near the resort, the General Jackson Showboat is a Nashville cruise along the Cumberland River that was first launched in 1985. A unique Nashville attraction, the elegant showboat is one of the largest ever built. During cruises, guests can enjoy beautiful riverside views, a gourmet meal, and music and dancing entertainment in the boat’s two-story Victorian Theater. There are themed daytime and evening cruises that are 3 hours in length, with boarding times usually 45 minutes from the time of departure. Adult tickets range from $60 to $103 per person, depending on the cruise package purchased. Children 3 and under are free. The boat is also available for private parties, should you choose to host a special event cruising down the Cumberland.
Logistics
Check-in/ Check-out policy: Check-in at Gaylord Opryland Resort occurs at 4 p.m. on the day of your arrival. Check-out is at 11 a.m. on the day of your departure. However, there are options available for early check-in or late check-out, if you’re looking to extend your stay.
In-room Amenities: There are a variety of room service options, including a la carte in-room delivery that includes an all day menu, cocktails, homemade pastries, and more. If you’re looking for an extra luxurious night in, you can put on your hotel robe, order dinner and dessert at your leisure, and dine in the comfort of your hotel room. Other amenities include house keeping services, free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, a game room, and more.
Resort Map: To help navigate the large space a little easier, the resort offers various maps and even a free, mobile app “Gaylord Hotels App” available in the Apple Store and Google Play Store.
Shuttle: If you don’t have a car to venture off the property, the resort offers a coinvent shuttle service from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. that makes regular stops at Opry Mills Mall, General Jackson Showboat, and the Grand Ole Opry during show nights.
Parking: If you do bring your car, on-site self-parking at Gaylord is $37 daily, or $50 for valet services.
Airport: If you’re travelling and want to keep a tight schedule, Nashville International Airport (BNA) is just 8.3 miles from the resort, or about a 10-minute drive, depending on traffic.
Pets: Unfortunately, the Gaylord has a no pet policy, so your furry friends cannot tag along to the resort.
Annual Events
Alongside various conferences and conventions throughout the year, the resort hosts popular, annual events each season, many of which are open to guests and non-guests alike.
The most widely known of these events is A Country Christmas, which is open each year from early November to early January. During A Country Christmas the resort atriums are decked out in over 3 million twinkling lights. Alongside the beautiful displays is an ICE! exhibit featuring stunning ice sculptures and Christmas-themed fun. The season also hosts ice skating, Christmas dinner shows, snow tubing, and appearances by the legendary Santa Clause himself. Public access and ticketing depends on the events you want to attend and how busy the venue is on a given night. Weekends and busy nights may require a fee, even to wander the indoor light displays. Annual fall activities include scavenger hunts and trick-or-treating. In the summer, the resort hosts pool parties and even fireworks displays on select Friday evenings.
Upcoming Springtime 2025 events include Easter and Mother’s Day brunches, along with special river boat cruises along the indoor waterways.
Explore Nashville & Williamson County
Once you venture beyond the walls of the hotel, there are seemingly an overwhelming amount of places to explore. Here is an overview of some popular activities and excursions to narrow down your itinerary:
Mere minutes away from Gaylord Opryland Resort, Downtown Nashville is known for being a good time, with its neon lights and Honkey Tonks. If you’re looking for the full cowboy’s paradise experience, consider going line dancing in your finest hats and boots. For a less hectic Nashville night with the family, The Gulch Neighborhood is a great place to hang out and grab a bite to eat. Other main attractions in Downtown Nashville include Ryman Auditorium, The Country Music Hall of Fame, The Johnny Cash Museum, and Bridgestone Arena, which hosts concerts and Nashville’s Hockey Team, The Predators.
Franklin, Tennessee is located around a half an hour from Gaylord, and is recognized as one of the South’s most charming towns. Franklin’s Downtown Historic District is known for its Civil War tours, local boutiques, antique shops, and great Southern food. If you are looking to get to know our area of Middle Tennessee just a little bit better, Williamson County is full of vibrant communities and hidden gems. If you’re craving some fresh air and some time in the country, our county has a variety of beautiful natural spaces and wonderful agritourism experiences.
Something for Everyone
Vacations can be stressful, especially if the whole family is tagging along for the adventure. Figuring out your budget, where you should eat, and how to keep everybody entertained is enough to give anyone a headache. Given there’s so much to do in one space, accommodations like Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center can shoulder some weight and decision paralysis that comes with planning a trip. There’s so much to do at the resort, you don’t even have to leave if you don’t want to! This being said, if you’re vacationing here in Tennessee, we absolutely recommend exploring Nashville and surrounding areas. The combination of American history, Southern hospitality, and our lively music scene is truly unlike anywhere else in the world.
Even if you’re a seasoned local, the Gaylord is absolutely worth experiencing at least once. The beautiful atriums, variety of entertainment options, and resort amenities are the perfect recipe for an overnight or weekend staycation to recharge and spend quality time with people you love. Whether you are bringing the kids to splash around in Soundwaves Waterpark, exploring more of Music City with friends, or planning a romantic getaway, Gaylord Opryland Resort is the perfect place to accommodate all your wants and needs.
