{"id":11576,"date":"2026-06-04T11:51:28","date_gmt":"2026-06-04T16:51:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/visitfranklin.com\/your-best-summer-break-ever-top-kid-friendly-activities-in-franklin-tennessee\/"},"modified":"2026-06-04T11:51:29","modified_gmt":"2026-06-04T16:51:29","slug":"your-best-summer-break-ever-top-kid-friendly-activities-in-franklin-tennessee","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/visitfranklin.com\/blog\/your-best-summer-break-ever-top-kid-friendly-activities-in-franklin-tennessee\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Best Summer Break Ever: Top Kid-Friendly Activities in Franklin, Tennessee"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Summer is a wonderful time for family activities that bring everyone together. Whether you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Spend a Day on the Farm<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

If your kids love animals, Williamson County has several local spots worth adding to your summer itinerary. This year, Noble Springs Dairy<\/a> 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<\/a> and spend an hour interacting with these friendly exotic animals. And for a full day of fun, Lucky Ladd Farms<\/a> has Tennessee\u2019s largest petting farm, as well as mega slides, pony rides, playgrounds, nature trails, and even a splash pad. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Catch a Movie Under the Stars <\/h1>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s 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\u2019s lineup includes PG-rated favorites like Wreck-it Ralph and Sonic the Hedgehog. Check the schedule<\/a> for more details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Explore The Factory at Franklin<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Looking for indoor fun on a hot or rainy day? There\u2019s something for everyone at The Factory at Franklin<\/a>. In addition to The Factory\u2019s many shops and restaurants, your kids will love the new Carousel of Dreams<\/a>, a hand-carved carousel 30 years in the making by artist Ken Means. At Third Coast Clay Ceramic Studio<\/a>, 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\u2019s 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<\/a>, where you\u2019ll learn about the global water crisis in a deeply immersive, high-tech environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Go on a Scavenger Hunt for Trees at Deerwood Arboretum<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s easy to combine physical activity with education at Deerwood Arboretum<\/a> in Brentwood. The park\u2019s one-mile paved trail winds through open fields, wooded areas, and along the Little Harpeth River\u2013but the real fun comes from printing out a tree identification guide<\/a> 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\u2019s part nature walk and part learning experience, offering just enough structure to keep everyone engaged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Encounter Owls & Other Surprises at Owl\u2019s Hill Nature Sanctuary<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Owl\u2019s Hill Nature Sanctuary<\/a> is definitely one of Williamson County\u2019s best-kept secrets. Its privately-owned trails are peaceful and filled with fun surprises\u2013including rehabilitated owls\u2013and its family-friendly summer events include everything from firefly and full moon hikes to a naturalist day camp for kids. Check the event schedule<\/a> to see what\u2019s coming up, and if you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Let the Kids Choose Their Dinner at a Local Farmers Market<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

One of the easiest ways to get kids excited about eating their fruits and vegetables is to let them choose the produce themselves\u2013and yes, I speak from many years of experience! Farmers markets across Williamson County make the selection easy, fun, and nutritious. The Franklin Farmers Market<\/a> is one of the most popular farmers markets in the state, with scores of vendors; you\u2019ll find it on Saturday mornings in its new location at Franklin First United Methodist Church. My family loves the Nolensville Farmers Market,<\/a> which takes place at the Historic Nolensville School on Saturday mornings. Afterward, take your kids to the wonderful Nolensville Toy Shop<\/a>, but only if they\u2019ve behaved themselves! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fresh produce, local meats, baked goods, and more can be found at the Westhaven Farmers Market<\/a> on Wednesdays from 4\u20137 p.m. Just outside Leiper\u2019s Fork, Farm Market Fridays<\/a> at The Davis General run from 11 a.m.\u20132 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<\/a> takes place Saturdays from 11 a.m.\u20132 p.m., featuring specialty baked goods, artisan vendors, produce, prepared foods, and seasonal duck eggs. Meanwhile, in Fairview, the Fairview Farmers & Makers Market<\/a> is held Saturdays from 9 a.m.\u2013noon beside the wildly popular Fairview Fresh Deli Donuts, with local produce, honey, preserves, herbs, breads, woodcrafts, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beat the Heat with Bowling<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>. Here, kids can bowl one free game each day during the summer months. All you have to do is fill out an online form<\/a> in advance and your child will be registered in the program for the summer. It\u2019s a fun and easy way to stay active, even when the temperature rises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Discover Williamson County and Earn a Prize with a Digital Passport<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

If your kids need a little extra motivation to explore this summer, Visit Franklin\u2019s digital passports<\/a> 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\u2019s a fun, easy way to discover more of Williamson County together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enjoy Old-School Fun at the Brentwood Skate Center<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s beat. And don\u2019t worry if your kids don\u2019t share your impressive roller skating skills\u2013the skate center has special walkers-on-wheels designed to help little ones learn without falling and hurting themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get Your Game On at the Arcade<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a> 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<\/a> 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\u2019s needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Stay Cool on the Water at Paddle Dog<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Keep your summer day easy and uncomplicated by renting a canoe, paddle board, or kayak at Paddle Dog<\/a>, 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\u2019s popular outdoor restaurant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019t last forever, but the memories you make while you\u2019re here just might!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Pick a basket full of blackberries at Boyd Mill Farm My kids are teenagers now, and they still beg to go berry picking every single summer. It\u2019s definitely a sweet memory for us and a rite of passage for children across the South. In Franklin, blackberries abound at Boyd Mill Farm. The official start date for the season is July first, but you\u2019ll want to check\u00a0the farm\u2019s Facebook page\u00a0for updates on hours.\u00a0 Enjoy Family Movie Night at Pinkerton Park Fridays are for families at Franklin\u2019s popular Pinkerton Park. Each Friday at 8 p.m. in July and August,\u00a0a different family movie [\u2026]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":70,"featured_media":99958101,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_EventAllDay":false,"_EventTimezone":"","_EventStartDate":"","_EventEndDate":"","_EventStartDateUTC":"","_EventEndDateUTC":"","_EventShowMap":false,"_EventShowMapLink":false,"_EventURL":"","_EventCost":"","_EventCostDescription":"","_EventCurrencySymbol":"","_EventCurrencyCode":"","_EventCurrencyPosition":"","_EventDateTimeSeparator":"","_EventTimeRangeSeparator":"","_EventOrganizerID":[],"_EventVenueID":[],"_OrganizerEmail":"","_OrganizerPhone":"","_OrganizerWebsite":"","_VenueAddress":"","_VenueCity":"","_VenueCountry":"","_VenueProvince":"","_VenueState":"","_VenueZip":"","_VenuePhone":"","_VenueURL":"","_VenueStateProvince":"","_VenueLat":"","_VenueLng":"","_VenueShowMap":false,"_VenueShowMapLink":false,"_tribe_blocks_recurrence_rules":"","_tribe_blocks_recurrence_description":"","_tribe_blocks_recurrence_exclusions":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[25,43,45,240],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11576","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-family-friendly","category-food-drink","category-outdoor-adventures","category-whats-new"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/visitfranklin.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11576","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/visitfranklin.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/visitfranklin.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/visitfranklin.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/70"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/visitfranklin.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11576"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/visitfranklin.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11576\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":99958130,"href":"https:\/\/visitfranklin.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11576\/revisions\/99958130"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/visitfranklin.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/99958101"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/visitfranklin.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11576"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/visitfranklin.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11576"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/visitfranklin.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11576"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}