If you ask me, two of the biggest things that hold life together are music and travel. They have a way of bringing people together and uniting us in a way that makes us feel like we are bigger than ourselves. So, if you have the opportunity to blend both and share that magical combination with your family, it’s a no-brainer, right?
Fortunately, there are cities across North America where music is more than just background noise. From Mississippi’s blues trails to Ohio’s rock ‘n’ roll roots, these destinations will resonate with the entire music-loving family.
Austin, Texas
You may have already visited Austin and experienced its food scene or outdoor adventure scene. And, for the record, both of these are incredible incentives to visit. But there’s a reason Austin is called the live music capital of the world, and experiencing it with kids can be very special. From rock and indie to blues and country, from daytime jams along South Congress Avenue to kid-friendly events at major music festivals like Austin City Limits and SXSW, this city is family-friendly.
Billy Lyne, travel expert and founder of Horseshoe Ridge RV Resort, loves that Austin’s many venues inspire and entertain young music lovers. “When it comes to music-loving kids, Cherrywood Coffeehouse offers a great setting. In addition to offering live music, it’s also a welcoming space for families to enjoy creative activities. This venue fosters a love of music in a relaxed and intimate environment,” he says, adding, “King Brewery is another unique spot that combines an immersive musical experience with a scenic outdoor setting.”
calgary, canada
Who knew Calgary was such a hot spot for music-loving families? Start by catching a show with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. They offer all kinds of programs and concerts, especially created for young audiences, such as “Symphony Sunday for Kids”. This is a one-hour matinee performance designed for children that aims to allow families to explore the fascinating world of orchestral music. Before the show, kids can join the Instrument Discovery Zoo to meet musicians, try out string and percussion instruments, compose their own songs for musicians to play, and enjoy a variety of creativity stations.
Echo Wang, co-founder of Cool Travel Vibes, has some other must-see suggestions for when visiting Calgary with your family. “Studio Bell is a must-see. The museum has five floors of interactive exhibits. You start on the top floor and work your way down. In my opinion, the fourth floor is the most kid-friendly, with hands-on activities such as instrument stations,” says Wang. “For another hands-on experience, visit Soundbox, where children create musical instruments from everyday objects. It’s a super fun spot to explore, with everything from music history exhibits to famous musician costumes. It’s designed to allow kids to dive into the world of music at their own pace.”
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania may have flown under the radar in the past, but music lovers should now. Every August, the city transforms for Musikfest, the largest free-admission music festival in the country. It’s also very kid-friendly, with art-making workshops, a creativity center, children’s performances, and even an inclusion zone (a sensory support space for those who might benefit from a quiet break from the festivities).
It’s all put together by ArtsQuest, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide access to arts and cultural programming for all, and is located on the former Bethlehem Steel industrial site (you couldn’t ask for a cooler backdrop than a steel blast furnace!). Other music-interested experiences held throughout the year include the German-inspired Oktoberfest, ArtsQuest’s free outdoor concerts on the Levitt Lawn, and many other smaller festivals like “Sabre!” Latin Festival and Reggae Fest.
Granville, Tennessee
Listen, it goes without saying that Nashville, also known as “Music City,” is famous for its country music tradition. There are plenty of lively live music venues, not to mention the Grand Ole Opry. And in reality, we offer far more services for children and families than you probably think. But if you’re looking for something a little quieter, away from the hustle and bustle of the bar scene and bachelorette parties, Granville, an hour east, is the place for you.
Known as “Tennessee’s Mayberry Town,” this historic gem sits on the banks of the Cumberland River and is full of charm. Start your night with the Sutton All Time Music Hour, a bluegrass show on the front porch, and end your night at the cozy Granville Bed & Breakfast or at the lakefront Wildwood Resort & Marina, which features cabins, an Airstream Village, restaurant, and fire pits. Perfect for spending balmy evenings singing around the campfire. While you’re in town, browse cute little shops and attractions like Sutton Homestead, Whiskey Decanter Museum, and Granville Bloom Works, or soak up the scenery while boating, hiking, or horseback riding. Since Nashville is within easy driving distance, you can take a day trip to Music City and experience all it has to offer.
new orleans louisiana
Let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite cities to visit, and one I would recommend to music lovers of all ages. After all, it is the birthplace of jazz. From the moment you arrive in NOLA, you’ll be immersed in a world of music: Jackson Square’s jazz trios, talented street performers, and impromptu bands playing music in the cobblestone alleyways. Families can visit the New Orleans Jazz Museum, where young children can try out instruments and learn about the legends that shaped the sound. Or, why not catch a performance at one of the city’s many venues? If you get a chance, I highly recommend seeing the Preservation Hall Jazz Band (we can’t be friends if you don’t cry at their rendition of “It’s a Wonderful World”), catching an age-appropriate show at the very cool Toulouse Theater, or enjoying a Sunday jazz brunch at Broussard.
Check out the new(ish) Louisiana Music & Heritage Experience to learn about Louisiana’s various musical forms and heritage, or visit View Orleans for truly spectacular panoramic views of NOLA. Vue Orleans also features fun, interactive exhibits highlighting some of the city’s musical greats. Let’s also add festivals. It is held almost every weekend. October, New Orleans Music Month, showcases New Orleans’ vibrant music scene with NOLAxNOLA, Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival, and NOLA Funk Fest. What about the cherry blossoms above? New Orleanians are some of the kindest people you’ll meet anywhere in the world.
Chicago, Illinois
If you’re loving the energy emanating from Chicago these days (we are!), then plan a trip to Chicago with your family and enjoy that fun-time vibe first-hand. This is a city that proudly wears its musical history, from the massive summer festivals that take over the lakefront to the many free park concerts.
Enjoy the big event by timing your trip to the Chicago Blues Festival or the famous Lollapalooza. Lollapalooza has its own Kidspalooza stage for families with performances and activities for little ones. For something a little more low-key, visit Old Town School of Folk Music. Here, up-and-coming virtuosos can strum, sing, and dance along in a family-friendly program.
denver, colorado
Anyone who loves music has undoubtedly added Red Rocks Amphitheater to their bucket list. With ocher sandstone walls and awe-inspiring natural acoustics, this venue is perhaps one of the most famous and iconic music venues in existence. But if you’re planning a musical pilgrimage, Red Rocks isn’t the only big deal in Denver. Families can hike trails around the city during the day and enjoy afternoon and evening concerts at venues such as Fiddler’s Green Amphitheater, Mile High Stadium’s Empower Field, Mission Ballroom, and the Denver Botanical Gardens Summer Concert Series. When you book Limelight Denver’s Mile High Music & Stay: Rhythm Retreat package (which also includes breakfast in bed and late checkout), you’ll also receive private transportation to and from all venues, including Red Rocks.
bonus? Denver is less than two hours from Breckenridge, another Colorado city with a great music scene. The Riverwalk Center is the town’s concert hub, with everything from bluegrass to rock filling the mountain air. Families may want to check out the Air Stage series. Kids are invited to dance and play, and parents can relax with a local beer at the free outdoor show held Thursdays in the Arts District. So if you’re planning a long trip to Denver, consider venturing to Breck.
Tupelo, Mississippi
Calling all Elvis fans: This is where the story of the King of Rock and Roll begins, and it’s a no-brainer for music-loving families. Starting at the Elvis Presley Birthplace attraction, you can enter Elvis Presley’s childhood home and visit the church where gospel music first sparked his imagination. At Tupelo Hardware, kids can stand where Elvis stood when his mother, Gladys, bought him his first guitar for $7.75 (and if you’re feeling froggy, you might even have fun learning about inflation). And you can’t miss a visit to Johnny’s Drive-In, the classic American diner frequented by Elvis and his friends.
Oh, and 2025 is a milestone year for Tupelo, celebrating Elvis’ 90th birthday. That means more festivals, concerts and exhibitions giving families the chance to follow in the King’s footsteps and get ‘all shaken’ by this dynamic city. In addition to Elvis, Tupelo has been humming at live shows at the Blue Canoe and outdoor concerts at Romy’s Grocery. Memphis is just less than two hours away, making it easy to add in additional adventures. There’s Graceland there, sure, but there’s also so much rock and roll and blues history.
Sacramento, California
I know – you probably weren’t expecting this, right? But you’d be surprised at how much Sacramento has to offer for families. First, it’s becoming a popular festival destination. Annual events like the Farm to Folk Festival and Golden Sky put kids at the center of the action, with an outdoor stage and plenty of space to dance. A-list talent performs year-round at Golden 1 Center, with summer being peak concert season in the park. The city also boasts a thriving theater scene, with the Sacramento Youth Symphony and Broadway at Music Circus presenting musicals such as: frozen and hamilton Go to the stage.
The City of Sacramento proudly encourages parents to bring their children to all events and festivals in the city. So if you and your kids love live music but don’t want to be sidelined, this is the kind of inclusive destination where your little ones will feel like part of the crowd.
Cuba
As you stroll through Havana, you’ll hear music emanating from courtyards, plazas, and cafes. Havana fills you with rhythm. It’s an energy that’s contagious, and your kids will love how tactile and fun every Cuban musical experience is. Rosalyn Acosta, a sustainable travel specialist and founder of Live Heal Travel, especially loves the way Cuba offers families the opportunity to dig deeper into its musical heritage.
“Imagine your children learning the complex music and dance of the rumba, a traditional Afro-Cuban dance, at a local school. Or imagine taking dance and music lessons at Teatro América, exploring genres such as danzón, son, salsa, and rueda. You might even have the opportunity to speak with an accomplished musician about the history and evolution of Cuban music,” she told Scary Mommy, continuing. At Mnequitos de Manzanas, we explore spiritual genres such as orixas, guaiacos, abacuas, and changos. And for an unforgettable night, don’t miss Style’s live music show. Buena Vista Social Club”
cleveland ohio
Say it with me, “Cleveland is great, Cleveland is great!” But you might actually be surprised at how much fun this city is for music-loving families. Naturally, the star attraction here is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, where kids can dive into interactive exhibits, try out instruments, and even mix their own tracks. However, free outdoor concerts are also held by the lake in the summer. Additionally, areas like Ohio City and Tremont often host family-friendly festivals with live bands.
Combine it with a trip to nearby Oberlin (about 40 minutes drive), known for its world-class greenhouses. Student recitals (often free) allow families to stop by any time to hear everything from classical piano to experimental jazz.
Detroit, Michigan
When we talk about musical experiences that are some kind of canonical event, it would be careless not to include Detroit, Michigan. why? Because this city is Motown, plain and simple, and there’s no better place for kids to learn how soul shaped the sound of America. And you know what? I’ll be selfish here. Yes, I want to take the kids, but I also want to visit the Motown Museum and step into Studio A, where legends like Stevie Wonder and the Supremes recorded.
Detroit hosts numerous outdoor jazz and R&B concerts along the river, as well as festivals featuring everything from techno to gospel. The grassroots energy here is a big part of the city’s charm, and local community centers often host free music workshops, giving kids the chance to strum, sing, and drum with locals.
Bellingham, Washington
You can always take me to Bam. Located between Seattle and Vancouver, this city is a truly great university town musically. From waterfront summer concert cities to cozy music venues downtown to street performers and community festivals, there’s a little something for every musical taste. Plus, with mountains on one side and a bay on the other, Bellingham is a place you’ll want to explore every nook and cranny.
Of course, the fact that Seattle and Vancouver are so close together is a big plus. Granted, it’s about a two-hour drive to Seattle and just over an hour to Vancouver, but you can easily take day trips to either if you’re planning a big trip to the area. Since music is the theme here, we highly recommend Seattle, the birthplace of grunge.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
We’ve introduced some obviously classic musical experiences here, but we’ve also introduced some lesser-known musical experiences. But if you want to experience music in a truly unique way, it’s time to start planning a trip to Portsmouth, New Hampshire for the Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival (PMFF) in September. Modeled after the small maritime festivals that take place in the coastal towns and villages of the British Isles, this annual event gives you a front row seat to watch small bands sing sea songs on the waterfront. It’s as if the entire city has become a living history lesson.
However, outside of PMFF, you can almost always rely on music in some form while visiting Portsmouth. Street musicians often fill the market square, and cozy historic halls host folk and acoustic shows year-round. Portsmouth’s walkable downtown, ice cream shops, and ocean breezes make you feel like you’ve stepped into the world of a Hallmark musical.
More music cities to visit
northeast
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — Roots of Jazz, R&B, and Hip-Hop, Sound Exhibition at the Franklin Institute
- boston, massachusetts — Symphony Hall, Boston Calling Music Festival, and numerous outdoor concerts
- Burlington, Vermont — Jam band energy, lakeside concerts, church street performers
- portland maine — Coastal indie scene, Old Port street performers, and intimate family-friendly venues
- Croton-on-Hudson, New York — Pete Seeger’s Riverside Folk Fest (Clearwater Festival) venue
south
- memphis tennessee – Beale Street, Graceland, Stax Museum
- raleigh, north carolina – Bluegrass Live!, museum concerts, outdoor music
- Eureka Springs, Arkansas – A quaint Ozark town with folk festivals, street performers, and Victorian charm
- Tampa Bay, Florida – Intimate venues like the Blues and Gasparilla Festival, Capitol Theater
- Boca Raton, Florida – Free concerts at Mizner Park, orchestra-supported movie nights, and Broadway tours.
Midwest
west
Where are you heading first?
