One of the most important lessons I’ve learned while traveling with kids is to expect the unexpected. Oftentimes, the big-name attractions on our itinerary have blurred together, while small, surprising details like the glow-worms spied in rock crevices along a hiking trail at dusk or the donuts served hot and fresh from an airstream trailer become stories that are told and retold for years.
So while I still make room in our vacation schedule for must-see sights, I also leave space for quirky stops, playful diversions, and tucked-away experiences that speak to kids and teens in a way guidebooks can’t predict. These small moments often make the whole trip smoother for everyone.
Luckily, Franklin and its surrounding communities deliver on all fronts. Whether you need a quick detour to reset the mood or a spot where kids can burn off energy for an afternoon, there’s no shortage of family-friendly experiences to choose from. Below, you’ll find a collection of ideas designed to delight and inspire younger travelers—and make the grown-ups happy, as well!
Energy Burners
Anyone who’s traveled with kids knows that unspent energy can make or break an experience. Fortunately, Franklin offers no shortage of ways for kids to climb, run, ride, and explore, rain or shine.
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If getting outside is part of the plan, Williamson County is packed with scenic green spaces that offer plenty of family-friendly adventure. Bowie Nature Park in Fairview, Peacock Hill Nature Park in College Grove, and Preservation Park in Thompson’s Station all have well-maintained trails that reward curious explorers with scenic views and room to roam. For younger kids, Crockett Park in Brentwood and Pinkerton Park in Franklin boast the most popular playgrounds in the area, which will easily entertain children for an hour or two.
Families with bikes will love the Brentwood Trail System, where flat, paved paths make for an easy and scenic ride for all ages. On weekends, Westhaven Lake can add a splash of novelty to any vacation with stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes available to rent through Paddle Dog.
Looking for something with a little more adrenaline? SOAR Adventure Tower offers more than 110 climbing challenges designed for a wide range of ages and skill levels. Indoor options abound here as well: Digital Worlds Virtual Reality Arcade lets families step into immersive games together, while Urban Air Adventure Park lives up to its reputation as an all-weather energy-burner, complete with trampolines, climbing walls, and dedicated toddler jump times. In Nolensville, Pixel Planet Arcade offers 50 arcade games as well as pinball, skeeball, and air hockey, while in Spring Hill, Joyfull Arcade has both retro games and virtual reality gaming available.
Traveling with toddlers? Monkey’s Treehouse in Brentwood is a standout indoor play space thoughtfully designed for younger children and their caregivers. Nearby, the Brentwood Library’s enchanting children’s room can offer families a calming, budget-friendly experience. Designed to resemble a forest, it’s filled with cozy nooks and inviting spaces that encourage kids to linger, read, and recharge.
Learning Made Fun
Franklin’s rich Civil War history is one of its biggest draws, and there are plenty of ways here to make learning about it enjoyable for younger travelers.
Franklin on Foot’s ghost tour offers a playful, family-friendly entry point into downtown Franklin’s past, blending local history with just enough spooky storytelling to keep things engaging. Meanwhile, older elementary and middle school–aged kids may find themselves absorbed by a visit to the Lotz House, where the story of the Battle of Franklin is told partly through the eyes of the children who lived in the home during the fighting.
To personalize the learning experience, the Battle of Franklin Trust provides a wealth of student-friendly online resources that can be explored before visiting their Civil War sites, such as Carnton, Carter House, or Rippa Villa, providing context that helps parents tailor the story to their children’s interests.
History isn’t the only kind of tour that can resonate with kids. Just south of town, Noble Springs Dairy offers a hands-on farm tour that’s equal parts educational and irresistible. Families can cuddle baby goats, visit the milking parlor, and tour the cheese-making facility. For another animal-centered outing, take the family to Coleman Valley Alpaca Farm in Franklin. Their hour-long Feed & Greet experience gives families the chance to feed, pet, and learn about alpacas up close. Or schedule a day of family fun and make the quick drive from Franklin to Lucky Ladd Farms. Here, you’ll find 60 acres of outdoor activities and experiences at Tennessee’s largest petting farm and family fun park.
And for a unique and transformative experience that will broaden your family’s understanding of the global water crisis, schedule a free, 45-minute tour of The Experience Lab by charity: water at The Factory at Franklin. This deeply immersive, high-tech tour allows children and adults to experience firsthand what it’s like to live without readily available clean water.
Sweet Treat Yourself
My family loves seeking out standout bakeries and dessert shops wherever we travel—and Franklin happens to be especially good at rewarding that effort! This is a town that takes its sweets seriously, much to the delight of tired kids (and grateful parents).
Local families line up for Tiny Little Donuts, where warm, made-to-order mini donuts are served from charming Airstream trailers. You’ll find them at 328 5th Avenue North and 1203 Murfreesboro Road, and chances are you’ll smell them before you see them. Downtown, Triple Crown Bakery is another favorite, offering an impressive lineup of cookies, cakes, cinnamon rolls, scones, and other classic indulgences tailor-made for sharing.
Over at The Factory at Franklin, Five Daughters Bakery draws a steady crowd with its famous 100-layer donuts, which are rich, indulgent, and memorable enough to double as a celebration-worthy dessert. Just up the road in Brentwood, Puffy Muffin lives up to its long-standing reputation for sweets; its display cases are filled with Southern-style cakes, pies, and cookies that make choosing just one a challenge.
If you’re craving something cold, try Paletas Tocumbo, a family-owned Mexican dessert shop specializing in fresh fruit paletas, ice cream, and creamy treats that feel both refreshing and special. And with locations in Franklin and Spring Hill, Whit’s Frozen Custard is a go-to for families who insist it serves some of the best frozen custard around.
Souvenirs Everyone Will Love
A family trip doesn’t feel quite right without souvenir shopping—and in Franklin and its surrounding communities, you can find keepsakes that are thoughtful, playful, and refreshingly different from the usual gift shop fare.
Downtown Franklin is a great place to start. Landmark Booksellers is a treasure in its own right, with a dedicated children’s room filled with beautifully curated antique and vintage children’s books that feel timeless and special. Just a short stroll away, The Purple Butterfly offers a warm, welcoming shopping experience. Owned by a pair of grandparents, the boutique is filled with children’s clothing, accessories, toys, and games that feel personal rather than mass-produced.
Leiper’s Fork is home to Prop’s Antiques, where kids will find shelves full of nostalgic toys, old-fashioned games, and classic candy. And in historic downtown Nolensville, the beloved Nolensville Toy Shop delivers old-school charm inside a cozy historic home, with high-quality toys and gifts that encourage imagination and creativity.
Franklin makes traveling with kids remarkably easy, with experiences that balance play, learning, treats, and downtime in a way families truly appreciate. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a little longer, you’ll find that Franklin has a way of turning family travel moments into something really special.
