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Best Adventures in Williamson County, TN

Discover all the fun-filled activities awaiting you in Williamson County.

By Stephanie Inman on July 13, 2016

Franklin

Williamson County is brimming with fun activities and adventures to keep you entertained year-round. From shopping to outdoor excursions to things to do with your kids, you’ll always have options to keep your weekends and evenings as packed (or not) as you want. Before you plan your next excursion, check out these suggestions:

Just for Kids

When the weather is iffy, don’t keep your kids cooped up inside. Williamson County has plenty of indoor play places where your kids can run around for hours. Indoor trampoline parks, like SkyZone and Above All Extreme Air Sports, allow kids to burn off some energy and have a blast. Children of any age can enjoy Franklin Family Entertainment Center, which has bowling lanes, pool tables and food. For an unforgettable birthday party, head to Glow Galaxy, a glow-in-the-dark environment with inflatables, mini-golf and a dance floor.

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Cultivate your kids’ love of learning with a trip to the Brentwood Library.  The library constantly hosts engaging and fun events, and it has an area designed for children where they can browse through their favorite books.

Nice weather always means a trip to the park. You can cruise down the slides with your kids at the Tinkerbell Playground in Pinkerton Park or the Treehouse Playground at Bowie Nature Park. Pack a picnic and head to the beautiful Crockett Park. If your kids like to live on the edge, go to the Jim Warren Park Skatepark. Then visit Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary at Fairyland and let your kids enjoy the local wildlife.

Getting your child involved in sports is a great way to encourage healthy habits, learn about teamwork and develop better social skills. From basketball to swimming to tennis, there are numerous sports options to choose from, so you are bound to find something your child will enjoy.

Date Night

Spice up your date night with a little drama…the good kind…by enjoying a live play or movie. Support the local theater community with a visit to the Pull-Tight Players Theater or Towne Centre Theatre, both of which provide an intimate setting to appreciate a variety of shows. At the Franklin Theatre, you can watch movies (both classics and recent releases) and enjoy live performances in a historic building dating back to 1937.

Take your partner on a trip down memory lane with a few throwback activities. Head to the Brentwood Skate Center for a couples skate. Or, try not to strike out at the new bowling alley, King’s.

When you get hungry, Williamson County has some of the best restaurants around, with the reviews to prove it. Connors Steak & Seafood is perfect for straight-from-the-seas catches. In search of good, ole’ Southern food? You can’t beat Mere Bulles. Cork & Cow, on the other hand, features a high-end dining experience with superb service. The extensive menu at The Honeysuckle will have you trying food you’d never consider tasting.  And Circa features many wood-fired entrees that will leave your mouth watering.

Still searching for fun after dinner? You have numerous choices to grab a drink and enjoy some live music. JJ’s Wine Bar is a converted historic home where you can sip wine while reclining on plush couches. Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant has that quintessential Southern flair with its laid-back vibe, home-style cooking and foot-stomping music. If you want to turn up the romance, Arrington Vineyards has picturesque backdrops where you can easily talk while listening to a local band play.

Shop ‘Til You Drop

Folks in Williamson County have access to many high-end national retailers. Nordstrom Rack offers many of the same brands as its sister store, Nordstrom, but at lower prices. If you are looking for a one-stop shopping experience, Cool Springs Mall is expertly laid out with numerous excellent stores, including Macy’s, H&M and Belk. 

Whether you prefer browsing for treasures in antique stores or enjoy the high-end experience of boutiques, Williamson County has got you covered. The Factory, Leipers Fork and Second Avenue in downtown Franklin are prime spots for finding antique gems. For small boutiques, downtown Franklin is overflowing with unique places.

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Shopping trips are best begun with a satisfying breakfast/brunch. Indulge yourself with a visit to Just Love Coffee for one of their waffles. First Watch is perfect for delicious dishes that are easy on the waistline. 55 South provides an upscale atmosphere, whereas Daily Dish in Franklin is more casual. For a place you can relax in for awhile, head to Tupelo Honey.  

Williamson County has embraced the trend toward eating fresh, local and organic. The number of specialty food stores available is a testament to that. There are widely known grocery stores chains, like Whole Foods, Fresh Market, and Sprouts Farmers Market. But there are also local, more intimate stores such as as Herban Market in the Franklin area.

Explore Nature

Tennessee scenery doesn’t get more spectacular than the Natchez Trace Parkway. This 444-mile drive offers breathtaking views of the countryside and is an important part of American history. Settlers, American Indians and future presidents traveled this road, which now stretches across three different states. Visiting the parkway is a must, and can be enjoyed on horseback, bike or car. While there, check out Timberland Park, adjacent to the parkway. It’s the perfect place for an afternoon hike.

Get a different perspective on the great outdoors with a hot air balloon tour. Grab your kids, spouse or friends and check out Ace High Ballooning or Middle Tennessee Hot Air Adventures to enjoy the beautiful Tennessee landscape from a viewpoint that you don’t see everyday.

You don’t have to travel far to access gorgeous trails that are perfect for hiking or biking. Crockett Park is full of winding trails that follow the Little Harpeth River. Not too far from Crockett is Aspen Grove Park, which features a half-mile paved trail. Winstead Hill Park, which consists of 61 acres, also features a trail perfect for walking or running. Marcella Vivrette Smith Park is the largest park in Brentwood, with plenty of trails. And if you live near Thompson’s Station, the Alexander Trail is 2.2 miles with tons of beautiful scenery.    

The right equipment is crucial with any outdoor adventure you embark on, and you can easily find that in Williamson County. REI and Mountain High Outfitters are excellent spots that feature a wide variety of equipment, gear, clothing, etc. and knowledgeable staff to guide you in the right direction. Bink’s Outfitters is perfect for finding high-quality outdoor clothing. And at specialty stores such as Pedego Franklin you can rent or purchase electric bikes.

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