A couple sits on a wooden bench in a red pickup truck bed surrounded by pumpkins and hay bales in Williamson County, Tennessee.

Franklin, Tennessee, wishes you a wonderful fall break! Now that the weather is cooling down and the foliage will soon be showing off for us, it’s the perfect time to get outside and see what our beautiful city has to offer. Below, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite ideas for what to do with the family during your fall break, whether you’re a local on staycation or a tourist looking to soak in the beauty of autumn in Middle Tennessee.

A young girl in a floral dress sits on an old tractor, smiling as she holds the steering wheel in Williamson County, Tennessee.

Fun on the Farms

Your quintessential outdoor autumn needs can all be met at our local farms, Lucky Ladd Farms and Gentry’s Farm, and the events that they put on are perfect for Fall Break. Lucky Ladd will once again be home to Middle Tennessee’s favorite corn maze as well as a pumpkin patch for picking from September 18 through the end of October as part of their Fall Festival. Be advised that pumpkins go quickly in October, so plan accordingly! 

Gentry’s Farm has been owned and operated by the same family since 1849 and is known for their family fun fall festivities, such as hayrides, corn mazes, and pumpkin patches grown on site. They are typically open to the public on the weekends during the month of October; however, they will be adding two additional dates for fall break, Thursday, October 9th and Friday, October 10th from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., so be sure to add this to your fall break plans!

Rustic wooden cabin with rocking chairs, pumpkins, and fall decorations on a gravel path in Williamson County, Tennessee.

Lay Low & Feel Free in Leiper’s Fork

Rediscover the charm of small-town Americana with a day trip to Leiper’s Fork. Spend the morning perusing the village’s art galleries and antique shops. Relax with a spa treatment or let your children (and inner child) loose at an experiential candy shop in the afternoon. Finish the day off with dinner at the famous Fox & Locke while listening to live local music! There’s so much to do in this quaint and welcoming community, you’ll be planning your next trip here before you even leave.

For more tips on how to enjoy the day in one of the greatest not-so-hidden gems just outside of Nashville, check out our guide here.

A woman holds a child as they both reach out to touch a sunlit door in Williamson County, Tennessee.

Franklin’s Front Lines: Take a Civil War Tour

A break from school doesn’t have to mean a break from history. Franklin is home to three major U.S. Civil War locations—CarntonCarter House, and Lotz House—that played a major role in the events of the Battle of Franklin, which included some of the bloodiest hours of the entire war. Individual tours are offered at each location, or you can book a tour from Gray Line Tennessee that includes admission to all three and a tour bus to chauffeur you to the sites. 

Two ripe apples hang from a tree branch surrounded by green leaves in Williamson County, Tennessee.

Morning Glory Orchard

From October 7th – 9th, Morning Glory Orchard will be hosting their Fall Family Field Trips, during which they will teach participants about tree cycles, pollinators, tools used in farming, and the different animals you might see in an orchard. Honey, apple, and apple cider tastings will also be offered. Anyone over the age of two will need to purchase a ticket; ticket sales close 48 hours prior to the event, so don’t wait to get your tickets for this special event!

A barred owl with striking black and white plumage stares directly at the camera in Williamson County, Tennessee.

Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary

Nestled in our very own Brentwood is Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary. Occupying more than 300 acres of beautiful green space, it’s a protected home to more than 2,000 species of flora and fauna. You can enjoy hikes through the forests and meadows, experience various nature workshops and animal encounters, and even have fun with family geocaching events. Their Fall Color Hike takes place on Saturday mornings in October, making it a perfect fall break activity to start your day. Please note that $5 day passes must be purchased online before your visit. 

Three colorful hot air balloons float peacefully in a clear blue sky over a grassy field in Williamson County, Tennessee.

Ride in a Hot Air Balloon

Middle Tennessee is famous for its phenomenal fall foliage, and what better way to view its autumnal backdrop than from above? Located in Franklin, Middle Tennessee Hot Air Adventures has you covered. Expect to see plenty of nature, including views of our forests, hidden lakes, rolling hills, and winding rivers. Take to the sky and capture some stunning photos on this unforgettable fall break activity.

Of course, that’s just the beginning! Our wonderful city has many activities and experiences planned this fall, so follow along and tag us on social media @visitfranklin and #visitfranklintn to stay up to date on events happening in Williamson County this fall.