Family Fun in Nashville This Fall

When the air gets a little crisp, football is on the TV, and the leaves start turning those perfect shades of orange and gold, you know fall has arrived in Nashville. And let’s be real, fall is one of the best times of the year to get out with your kids. It’s not too hot, not too cold, and the city is full of things to do that make the season feel extra special.

Whether your family is into pumpkin picking, exploring corn mazes, or simply enjoying a cozy walk through a park filled with crunchy leaves, Nashville has plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained and memories flowing. These aren’t just the same old playground trips either, think zoo nights with trick-or-treating, trolley rides through the city, and farms that feel straight out of a storybook.

So if you’ve been searching for things to do with your kids in Nashville this fall, consider this your seasonal bucket list. Let’s dive into the top activities that will keep your little ones smiling (and hopefully tuckered out by bedtime).

Activities to Do With Your Kids in Nashville

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere – Boo at the Zoo

From Oct. 17 to Nov. 1, the Nashville Zoo transforms into a family-friendly Halloween wonderland. Kids can trick-or-treat through themed stations, enjoy hayrides, paint pumpkins, and watch special animal shows under twinkling fall lights. (Tickets & Info)

Honeysuckle Hill Farm – Fall Festival

Running Sept. 27–Oct. 31, this Eagleville farm is basically fall central. With over 30 attractions—think corn mazes, pony rides, flower patches, and an adventure park—it’s an all-day affair kids will love. (Honeysuckle Hill Farm)

Lucky Ladd Farms – Pumpkin Patch Fun

About 45 minutes from downtown, Lucky Ladd Farms offers more than just pumpkins. Families can enjoy gem mining, a petting zoo, live music, and giant slides. Perfect for a weekend outing. (Lucky Ladd Farms)

Nashville Fall Festival at South Harpeth River

Happening Sept. 20–Oct. 27, this festival combines everything fall into one spot—sunflower fields, hayrides, food trucks, carnival games, and even hot air balloon rides on select weekends. (Nashville Fall Festival)

Cheekwood Botanical Garden – Harvest and Sculpture Trails

From Sept. 14–Oct. 27, Cheekwood turns into a seasonal masterpiece. Wander through pumpkin-lined paths, explore outdoor sculptures, and check out glowing light installations. Both art and nature rolled into one. (Cheekwood Harvest)

Adventure Science Center

Rainy day? No problem. With 175+ hands-on exhibits, a 75-ft Adventure Tower, and family-friendly planetarium shows, this spot is perfect for curious minds and restless kiddos. (Adventure Science Center)

Nashville Parks – Centennial, Percy Warner & Kossie Gardner Sr. Park

Enjoy scenic hikes, playgrounds, and open fields for fall picnics. Centennial Park’s full-scale Parthenon replica makes it a great backdrop for photos after your walk. (Nashville Parks)

Nashville Children’s Theatre

Introduce your kids to the magic of live theater with interactive performances designed just for them. With nearly a century of shows, this is a fall tradition worth starting. (Nashville Children’s Theatre)

Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tours or River Cruise

Give your feet a break while still exploring Nashville. The Old Town Trolley offers narrated tours, while the family-friendly Cumberland River cruise brings city views from a whole new angle. (Hop On Hop Off Tours)

Nashville Public Library – Early Literacy Activities

Free and fun, the library’s programs include Dolly Parton’s Begin Bright storytime, book clubs, and creative workshops to make reading exciting for young kids. (Nashville Public Library)

Bonus: Pop-Up Family Fun

• Kidsville at Musicians Corner: Rhythm activities, crafts, and live performances at seasonal events.
• Nashville Farmers’ Market: Fresh produce, local vendors, and kid-friendly eats—ideal for a Saturday morning stroll.

Making Fall Memories in Nashville

One of the best parts about living in (or visiting) Nashville in the fall is that it gives you endless opportunities to slow down and make memories with your kids. Between pumpkin patches, hayrides, and cozy library storytimes, you don’t have to look far for activities that bring the whole family together.

And let’s be honest, half the fun is watching your little ones run through corn mazes, pick out pumpkins bigger than they are, or light up during their first theater performance. These are the moments that stick.

So, whether you’re planning a big day out at a farm, sneaking in a quick park stroll after school, or hopping on a trolley for a new way to see the city, Nashville is full of experiences that make fall unforgettable. Grab your sweaters, bring the kids, and let the season’s magic do the rest.