Family-Friendly Attractions in Franklin, TN
Kids and families find great things to do in Franklin and Williamson County.
Williamson County residents know how to have some good old-fashioned fun. All year round people flock to its cities and hamlets to take part in local festivals, fairs, free concerts and other family entertainment.
“It really brings us together,” says Andy Marshall, who grew up in Franklin and owns the popular Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant Southern-style restaurants in the region. “[The events] mean a lot to us, and they’re a great way to show off our community.”
Festivals for Every Season
In April, ring in spring at the Main Street Festival in downtown Franklin. Consistently rated one of the top 20 Southeast events by the Southeast Tourism Society, the weekend-long festival attracts more than 100,000 people, who come from all over the country to sample international food, dance to live bands, shop for handmade arts and crafts, and much, much more.
“It has so much going on at one time,” says Nancy Williams, director of the Downtown Franklin Association, which helps produce the Main Street Festival. “And it’s all ages, so there’s something for everyone.”
In the summer, nearby Nolensville throws the annual Nolensville Lawn Festival, sponsored by Nolensville First United Methodist Church. The June event features a parade of colorful floats, antique cars, homemade ice cream and lots of activities for the kiddies.
Early October is a great time to pig out at the Spring Hill Country Ham Festival. The two-day event is chock-full of ham-related fun like hog-calling competitions, baby pig races and, of course, an array of creative dishes, from country ham casserole to country ham pepper jelly. In late October, kids and adults alike get a big kick out of Pumpkinfest in downtown Franklin, which features costumes, pumpkin painting and a delicious chili cook-off.
Country Fun for the Whole Family
Want to see some bull ridin’? Then grab your cowboy hat and head on down to the famous Franklin Rodeo. Andy Marshall and his wife haven’t missed it in years.
“It’s a big community event,” he says. “You see your neighbors. Everybody comes to have a good time. It’s just a blast.”
Horses and other farm animals also take center stage at the award-winning Williamson County Fair, set in the rolling, green hills near Franklin. In the quaint village of Leiper’s Fork, catch some great music and folksy charm at the Lawnchair Theater. The free, outdoor venue is the perfect place to spread out a picnic blanket in the grass and watch a bluegrass band or a family-friendly movie on a big screen.
Charitable events also play a big role in Williamson County life. One of the largest, the Race for the Cure in Brentwood, draws thousands of people to raise money and awareness to help end breast cancer.
“There’s just so many neat people that live here,” says Marshall. “We take such pride in our community, and it shows up in all these events. I can’t imagine living anywhere else.”
Find more family fun in Franklin, TN.
