Discovery Center at Murfree Spring

Discovery Center at Murfree Spring in Murfreesboro occupies a unique space in the Tennessee children's museum landscape: it's a legitimate hands-on science museum with a genuine outdoor nature component attached. The indoor museum covers science, technology, and natural history with the standard hands-on exhibit format. What makes the Discovery Center distinctive is the protected wetlands that border the property — there's a walking trail through actual habitat that functions as a living outdoor classroom.

Kids who've been in science-museum mode (touching everything, reading nothing, running between exhibits) completely recalibrate when they hit the outdoor boardwalk. A turtle appearing in the water below the boardwalk is capable of stopping a 6-year-old mid-sprint. The Murfree Spring wetlands have real biodiversity — native birds, turtles, various wetland species — and staff can guide families on what to look for if you ask at the front desk.

From a Nashville-area family perspective, this is a strong day-trip option at 35 minutes south via I-24. The admission cost is notably lower than Nashville's children's museum options, and the outdoor component differentiates it from a standard museum day.

The facility handles the youngest visitors well — dedicated toddler areas, nursing rooms available, and stroller access through most of the property including the main trail. The outdoor section in spring and fall is particularly beautiful, and the spring wildflower season adds another dimension for the nature-curious family.

Plan 2-3 hours minimum if you're doing both the museum and the full trail.