Can you believe it’s already OCTOBER?! Truly the pinnacle of Fall… the leaves are finally starting to change, the air is finally starting to cool down, and pumpkins are everywhereeee. Fall in itself is already my favorite season, but I think there is an added charm to the Autumn season here in Nashville that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. If you know Nashville, you know there is never a lack of things to see or do around here. I wanted to put together a list of 10 of my favorite Fall, family-friendly activities happening this season for y’all. No matter the kind of Fall festivity you’re looking for, I’ve got you covered!
1. Boo at the Zoo (October 13th-29th)
My kids would live at the zoo if they could. It is hands down one of their fave places in all of Nashville… and Halloween is their Super Bowl so this activity is a total twofer! This is such a kid-friendly place to get into the spooky spirit without the “scare” factor! Trick-or-Treat stations are set up for kids to get their candy fill as you stroll through your zoo attractions. There’s also a Monster Mash Dance floor and free rides on the “Scary”-Go-Round Carousel. Of course it wouldn’t be a zoo without the animals! They have special animal shows where you get a peek at the ones that are most lively and active at night.
Where: Nashville Zoo, 3777 Nolensville Pk, Nashville, TN 37211
When: October 13th-29th, 5:00pm-9:00pm nightly
Tickets: Children ages 2 and under are FREE / $15-$18 for Members / $18-$21 for Non-members
Link: https://www.nashvillezoo.org/boo
2. Cheekwood Harvest (September 16th-October 29th)
Cheekwood is already one of my favorite places in Nashville, but Cheekwood in the Fallllll is a next-level experience! It is like a pumpkin explosion! From the Pumpkin Village to the Scarecrow Trail this is the most perfect family activity this season. Cheekwood is also home to some of the most beautiful trees and gardens in all of Nashville, so when you add the red, orange, and yellow hues to the leaves, it makes for a dreamyyy Autumn scene.
Where: Cheekwood, 1200 Forrest Park Drive, Nashville, TN 37205
When: September 16th-October 29th
Tickets: Children ages 2 and under are FREE / Kids ages 3-17 are $13 / Adults are $20 (Member prices differ!)
Link: https://cheekwood.org/calendar-events/cheekwood-harvest/
3. Oktoberfest (October 5th-8th)
Nashville’s Annual Oktoberfest in Germantown has been a long running tradition here… since before I (and probably a lot of y’all) were even born! It really has something for everyone: live music, arts and crafts, a party tent for adults and a kid zone for your littles, a pup parade, delicioussss food and drinks, and so much more. Not to mention admission is freeeee!
Where: Bicentennial Mall, 600 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN 37243
When: October 5th-8th starting at 5:30pm
Tickets: General admission is FREE / VIP tickets are available for purchase
Link: https://thenashvilleoktoberfest.com
4. Tennessee Craft Fair (October 13th-15th)
The Tennessee Craft Fair is an annual event at Centennial Park where you can support and celebrate the talents of some of Nashville’s finestttt local artists. This event is FREE and sure to be one the whole family can enjoy! You can shop the artwork, meet the artists, take part in fun hands-on activities (perfect for kids!), and enjoy delicious food from area vendors. Tennessee Craft is also a non-profit organization aiming to showcase local fine art and give artists a space of appreciation for their creative endeavors… I don’t know about y’all but I am alllll about supporting local vendors and non-profits! This is a must-see for all you Nashville creative, art-loving peeps!
Where: Centennial Park, 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
When: October 13th-15th, 8:00am-4:00pm
Tickets: FREE
Link: https://tennesseecraft.org/events/craft-fairs/
5. Light The Nations (October 21st)
This annual event in West Nashville highlights local business, art, vendors, food, and local musicians providing live entertainment. There are activities for the whole family ranging from shopping, trivia, and even a pet parade! AND a percentage of this festival’s funds supports Thistle Farms, a nonprofit social enterprise dedicated to providing a sanctuary and pathway of healing for women survivors of things like trafficking and addiction. How incredible is thatttttt?!
Where: Centennial Park, 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
When: October 21st, 2:00pm-10:00pm
Tickets: FREE
Link: https://www.lightthenationsnashville.com
6. Fall Family Fun Pumpkin Festival (September 16th-October 29th)
This is about an hour outside of Nashville but was too goooood to not put on this list. Taking place at Lucky Ladd Farms in Eagleville, TN, this Fall Family Fun Pumpkin Festival is absolutely the perfect place to take your family this season. You can explore acres of family activities including a corn maze and pumpkin picking all while fueling off their juicy caramel apples, homemade kettle corn, apple cider donuts, and more! It wasn’t voted one of the best pumpkin patches in all of Tennessee for nothing! If you’re in Nashville and looking for a fun, Fall, family day-trip, you will definitely want to check this out!
Where: Lucky Ladd Farms, 4374 Rocky Glade Road, Eagleville, TN 37060
When: September 16th-October 29th
Tickets: Prices vary; Check them out here: https://luckyladdfarms.com/pricing.html
Link: https://luckyladdfarms.com/index.html
7. Fall Festival at Honeysuckle Hill Farm (September 23rd-October 29th)
I know I’m saying this about everything on this list, but this is perfecttttt for the whole family! This one is located about 45 minutes outside of Nashville at Honeysuckle Hill Farm. This Fall Festival is one that your kids will just dieee over. Make your way through their country music corn maze (this year’s corn maze artist is Reba!), pick out your own pumpkin in their pumpkin patch, and enjoy singing chicken and tractor shows, skeleton band performances, hillbilly pig races, a petting zoo, and soooo much more! I am already dead over imagining Ford and Shepherd seeing a skeleton band and pig races!
Where: Honeysuckle Hill Farm, 1765 Martins Chapel Church Road, Springfield, TN 37172
When: September 23rd-October 29th
Tickets: Children ages 2 and under are FREE / Depending on weekday/weekend, adult tickets are ≈$20 (with ticket card upgrades available for an additional $11.95-$19.95)
Link: https://honeysucklehillfarm.com/pages/fall-festival
8. Fall at Gentry Farm (September 30th-October 30th)
Have I mentioned enough farms and pumpkins patches yet?! You can never have too many because IT’S FALL Y’ALL! I think this is a hidden fall gem of Franklin, TN. This cute little farm offers so many great Fall activities to make lasting family memories. It focuses on hands-on learning and imaginative play rather than over-the-top carnival rides. (Great for your littles!) From a farm arcade and mini-farm putt putt, to wagon rides and tire swings you are sure to get your fill of fun here. They even have a farmer’s market which y’all know is my faveeee!
Where: Gentry Farm, 1974 Highway 96 W, Franklin, TN 37064
When: September 30th-October 30th
Tickets: All tickets sold at the gate / $11 per person / Adults over 65 AND children under 1 year are FREE
Link: http://www.gentryfarm.com/fall/
9. Shuckles Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch (September 30th-October 29th)
Make another family day-trip to Shuckles Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch just an hour outside of Nashville. Perfect for families with kiddos of all ages with their endless array of fall activities. Just to name a FEW of the activities included with general admission… corn maze, hayride, pumpkin skee ball, giant spider web climb, great pumpkin slide, obstacle courses, playgrounds, and so so so much more. You can also pick and decorate your own pumpkin – something people of all ages will love!
Where: 7526 Swift Road, Greenbrier, TN 37073
When: September 30th-October 29th (Saturdays and Sundays only!)
Tickets: Children ages 2 and under are FREE / Ages 3 and up are $18 after fees ($2 off after 5:00pm)
Link: https://www.shucklescornmaze.com/
10. Goodlettsville’s Halloween In The Park (October 28th)
Have a spooky good time at this family-friendly, one-day event consisting of a DJ, dancing, a pumpkin patch, crafts, games, photo booths, and goodies from local vendors. The also have Halloween inflatables… what a joyyy for Kyle!
Happening on the same day, same place, same time, is GOODFest and Fall Market which combines farmer’s market vendors and local artisans alike. There will also be food vendors and plenty of free activities for kiddos!
Where: Moss-Wright Park, 745 Caldwell Drive, Goodlettsville, TN 37072
When: October 28th, 11:00am-3:00pm
Tickets: FREE
Link: https://www.goodlettsvilleparks.com/Calendar.aspx?EID=6685&month=10&year=2023&day=28&calType=0
I hope this gave y’all some ideas of fun things to do in Nashville this season. Let me know if you make it out to any of these, I’d love to hear alllll about y’all living your best Fall livessss!
