Summer is a wonderful time for family activities that bring everyone together. Whether you’re looking for an adventure-filled nature walk, an all-ages movie in the park, or a visit to a local farm, Franklin and its surrounding communities have plenty of options guaranteed to keep everyone happy. Here are some of our favorite ways to spend a summer day with the family in and around Franklin.
Spend a Day on the Farm
If your kids love animals, Williamson County has several local spots worth adding to your summer itinerary. This year, Noble Springs Dairy is offering Baby Goat Cuddling Days every Saturday through November. Families are invited to walk around the farm, learn how artisanal goat cheese is made, and of course, cuddle the adorable baby goats. For a truly unforgettable experience, book a private Feed & Greet session at Coleman Valley Alpaca Farm and spend an hour interacting with these friendly exotic animals. And for a full day of fun, Lucky Ladd Farms has Tennessee’s largest petting farm, as well as mega slides, pony rides, playgrounds, nature trails, and even a splash pad.
Catch a Movie Under the Stars
There’s something about experiencing an outdoor movie that often ends up turning into a core memory for many kids. On select Friday nights in June and July, various parks in Franklin transform into an outdoor theater where families spread out blankets, bring a picnic or purchase dinner from food trucks, and let the kids play before settling in for a movie at sunset. This year’s lineup includes PG-rated favorites like Wreck-it Ralph and Sonic the Hedgehog. Check the schedule for more details.
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Explore The Factory at Franklin
Looking for indoor fun on a hot or rainy day? There’s something for everyone at The Factory at Franklin. In addition to The Factory’s many shops and restaurants, your kids will love the new Carousel of Dreams, a hand-carved carousel 30 years in the making by artist Ken Means. At Third Coast Clay Ceramic Studio, you can choose and paint a piece of pottery and create your own unique masterpiece. Be sure to make a pit stop at Five Daughters Bakery or Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams for a truly decadent sweet treat. And before you visit, book a tour for your group at The Factory’s Experience Lab by charity: water, where you’ll learn about the global water crisis in a deeply immersive, high-tech environment.
Go on a Scavenger Hunt for Trees at Deerwood Arboretum
It’s easy to combine physical activity with education at Deerwood Arboretum in Brentwood. The park’s one-mile paved trail winds through open fields, wooded areas, and along the Little Harpeth River–but the real fun comes from printing out a tree identification guide ahead of time and seeing how many species you and the littles can find along the way. With more than 70 types of trees, most native to Tennessee, it’s part nature walk and part learning experience, offering just enough structure to keep everyone engaged.
Encounter Owls & Other Surprises at Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary
Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary is definitely one of Williamson County’s best-kept secrets. Its privately-owned trails are peaceful and filled with fun surprises–including rehabilitated owls–and its family-friendly summer events include everything from firefly and full moon hikes to a naturalist day camp for kids. Check the event schedule to see what’s coming up, and if you’re simply planning to go for a hike, be sure to register for day passes on the website before you go. In order to protect the property, the sanctuary only offers a limited number of passes each day.
Let the Kids Choose Their Dinner at a Local Farmers Market
One of the easiest ways to get kids excited about eating their fruits and vegetables is to let them choose the produce themselves–and yes, I speak from many years of experience! Farmers markets across Williamson County make the selection easy, fun, and nutritious. The Franklin Farmers Market is one of the most popular farmers markets in the state, with scores of vendors; you’ll find it on Saturday mornings in its new location at Franklin First United Methodist Church. My family loves the Nolensville Farmers Market, which takes place at the Historic Nolensville School on Saturday mornings. Afterward, take your kids to the wonderful Nolensville Toy Shop, but only if they’ve behaved themselves!
Fresh produce, local meats, baked goods, and more can be found at the Westhaven Farmers Market on Wednesdays from 4–7 p.m. Just outside Leiper’s Fork, Farm Market Fridays at The Davis General run from 11 a.m.–2 p.m., offering produce, meat, farm-fresh eggs, sourdough bread, gifts, and delicious sandwiches from the general store. In Spring Hill, the Hidden Gem Farmers Market takes place Saturdays from 11 a.m.–2 p.m., featuring specialty baked goods, artisan vendors, produce, prepared foods, and seasonal duck eggs. Meanwhile, in Fairview, the Fairview Farmers & Makers Market is held Saturdays from 9 a.m.–noon beside the wildly popular Fairview Fresh Deli Donuts, with local produce, honey, preserves, herbs, breads, woodcrafts, and more.
Beat the Heat with Bowling
When the summer heat kicks in, indoor options are essential. One fun way to beat the heat is with a free game of bowling at The Franklin Family Entertainment Center. Here, kids can bowl one free game each day during the summer months. All you have to do is fill out an online form in advance and your child will be registered in the program for the summer. It’s a fun and easy way to stay active, even when the temperature rises.
Discover Williamson County and Earn a Prize with a Digital Passport
If your kids need a little extra motivation to explore this summer, Visit Franklin’s digital passports turn sightseeing into a fun challenge. Choose a theme, such as the Murals of Williamson County or the Sweet Treats Trail, then check in at each stop along the way. Complete the passport and earn a prize at the downtown Franklin Visitor Center. It’s a fun, easy way to discover more of Williamson County together.
Enjoy Old-School Fun at the Brentwood Skate Center
If you grew up roller skating, this one may be as much for you as it is for your kids. Brentwood Skate Center still has that nostalgic skating rink vibe, giving you and the fam a chance to share in a little intergenerational fun while you move to the DJ’s beat. And don’t worry if your kids don’t share your impressive roller skating skills–the skate center has special walkers-on-wheels designed to help little ones learn without falling and hurting themselves.
Get Your Game On at the Arcade
Sometimes, you just need to get the kids out of the house, and an arcade can provide a fun-filled distraction. In Spring Hill, Joyfull Arcade bills itself as the first-ever next generation arcade, with top of the line gaming PCs, Virtual Reality systems, full-motion racing and flying simulators, and arcade towers with more than 10,000 retro games. In Nolensville, Pixel Planet has 50 classic and modern arcade games, as well as pinball, skeeball, and other ticket redemption games. Both arcades allow guests to play by the hour or by the day, depending on your family’s needs.
Stay Cool on the Water at Paddle Dog
Keep your summer day easy and uncomplicated by renting a canoe, paddle board, or kayak at Paddle Dog, located right beside Westhaven Lake in Franklin. Rentals are by the hour, giving families a great way to introduce kids to the art of kayaking or canoeing in a relaxed environment. Afterward, enjoy burgers, signature hot dogs, and live music under the stars at Paddle Dog’s popular outdoor restaurant.
No matter what kind of summer adventure your family is craving, Franklin and its surrounding communities have so many options. From farm animal snuggles and firefly hikes to arcade games and farmers markets, there’s truly an activity for every age, interest, and budget. Summer in Franklin won’t last forever, but the memories you make while you’re here just might!
