Family-Friendly Activities

Franklin was made for family fun! You’ll find plenty of family-friendly activities here sure to satisfy everyone from toddlers to teens and beyond. Whether your family loves outdoor exploration, virtual gaming, farm experiences, or kid-friendly restaurants, Franklin truly has something for everyone.

Noble Springs Dairy

AWESOME ADVENTURES

Looking for the perfect playground? Pinkerton Park boasts two fantastic playgrounds, as well as restrooms, picnic tables, and grills. The community playground in Brentwood’s Crockett Park is another great option. Shaded by large trees, it includes castle architecture, lots of slides, tire swings, rubberized paths, and shaded picnic tables.

SOAR Adventure Tower is a massive, outdoor four-level climbing tower that features 110 different climbing elements for every age and stage, as well as an 18-hole mini golf course and a bar for adults.

Featuring 17 miles of trails, Bowie Nature Park in Fairview is a fantastic place for a hike. The trails wind around multiple ponds and lakes and are mostly flat, making it perfect for family walks. Be sure and download a map before you go. With so many trails, it’s easy to get turned around!

Enjoy a leisurely float down the Harpeth River with Cumberland Kayak & Adventure Company. The outfitters will provide single or double kayaks and shuttle service for your float, which departs from The Park at Harlinsdale Farm’s canoe launch.

Rent canoes, kayaks, or stand-up paddleboards from Paddle Dog and spend an hour paddling around Westhaven Lake. This is a great opportunity to teach your kids how to kayak in a relaxed environment.

EXCITING EXPERIENCES

In the heart of downtown Franklin, the historic Franklin Theatre always has plenty of family-friendly movies and live shows on its schedule. You’ll find everything here from children’s theater performances to magicians and dancers to classic family films.

Rabbit Hole VR offers a virtual gaming experience your entire family will love. The 6,000 square foot virtual reality arcade has both arcade game sessions for 1-12 players and escape games for two players or four players. Ages 8 and up are welcome to come and play!

Franklin’s history comes alive on a guided children’s tour with Franklin on Foot. The 90-minute tour was created in

collaboration with The Heritage Foundation, so it’s both entertaining and educational!

Some of the region’s best farm experiences can be found right here in Williamson County. Book a tour at Noble Springs Dairy to cuddle baby goats and learn how cheese is made, or visit Mistletoe Farm for an encounter with the

adorable alpacas.

Teach your older children about the Battle of Franklin and the Civil War as a whole with a tour at Carnton, where they’ll learn how the battle affected the lives of the people who lived there and saw it all happen. If they’re intrigued, continue the story at Carter House and Lotz House.

Landmark Booksellers in downtown Franklin has a dreamy children’s room with one of the best collections of vintage children’s books you’ll find anywhere.

Local favorite Sweethaven features award-winning ice cream, farm-fresh yogurt, gourmet pops, and baked goods—plus lots of sprinkles!

The Nolensville Toy Shop is sure to put a smile on your child’s face. Located inside a lovely old home in Nolensville’s historic district, every room here is filled floor to ceiling with toys, games, dolls, puzzles, and more.

Follow up your Nolensville Toy Shop trip with a visit to Itty Bitty Donuts next door. Their piping hot donuts drizzled in chocolate are made fresh to order and their specialty coffee drinks are a local favorite.

Your little artists will love Third Coast Clay. Choose from hundreds of pieces of pottery to paint; then pick it up or have it shipped to your home a week later.

There’s something for everyone at the Franklin Farmers Market. On Saturday mornings at The Factory at Franklin, this bustling market includes food trucks, fresh local produce and meats, baked goods, arts and crafts, and

more.

In Spring Hill, Ghostlight Books has a variety of children’s books, games, and activities to choose from. Here, kids can discover a new favorite book or pick up a new hobby or interest with a kid-friendly activity kit.

With an entire room that’s just for kids, The Coffee House at Second & Bridge is a perfect option for your family’s breakfast or brunch. Don’t miss their made-from-scratch

baked goods and delicious sweet crepes filled with Nutella or mascarpone and topped with fresh strawberries.

Chock full of candy, baked goods, ice cream, and colorful toppings, Sugar Drop’s Dream Shakes are truly unforgettable. And be warned: one shake is easily big enough for two or even three people!

Franklin couple Isaac and Stephanie Meek started Five Daughters Bakery right here in Franklin. Try one of the legendary 100-layer doughnuts at Five Daughter Bakery’s original location inside The Factory at Franklin, plus lots of seasonal treats.

FRANKLIN ON FOOT

Experience kid-friendly guided, storied walking tours through historic downtown Franklin.

THE FRANKLIN THEATRE

Watch classic movies and live performances in a restored theater originally built in 1937.

THIRD COAST CLAY

Choose from a variety of pottery pieces to paint and customize as your own. Shipping is available!

WE ROCK THE SPECTRUM KID’S GYM

Let the kids enjoy open play and sensory experiences inside a safe, inclusive indoor playground.