Weekend in Nashville
This itinerary for Nashville families with children aged 3-12 balances free community events with engaging paid attractions, ensuring a fun and affordable weekend. We've included outdoor fall festivals, interactive museums, and opportunities for imaginative play. Specific event details for October 2025 are based on typical annual offerings and confirmed seasonal festivals. Remember to check event websites closer to the date for any last-minute changes. For unexpected bad weather, the Adventure Science Center or Nashville Public Library are great indoor alternatives. Look for family passes or early booking discounts to maximize value at ticketed attractions.
Friday Evening - Fall Festival Fun
Friday, October 3Fall Fest Bluegrass
Kick off your weekend at the Nashville Fall Festival, enjoying live bluegrass music by Jared Fink and Friends amidst festive fall decor.
This family-friendly event offers a taste of autumn with various activities and a relaxed atmosphere.
Perfect for all ages, kids can enjoy the initial festive atmosphere, watch live music, and get excited for the weekend. Restrooms and food vendors are available on-site. The music is generally family-friendly. Plan for a 1.5-2 hour visit here. Under 6 is free, making it budget-friendly for younger children.
Free parking is generally available at the festival grounds. Arrive a bit early to secure a good spot. Stroller-friendly paths are usually present, though some areas might be grass or uneven terrain.
Casual Dinner & Treats
After enjoying the festival atmosphere, head to a family-friendly restaurant nearby for an early dinner.
Many local spots offer kid-friendly menus and a relaxed environment, followed by a sweet treat to end the evening.
Choose a restaurant with a kids' menu and a comfortable setting. This allows for a good meal before winding down for the night. Ice cream or a cupcake can be a great reward for a fun-filled start to the weekend. Aim for places that understand early bedtimes for little ones.
Parking will vary by restaurant; many suburban locations have ample parking. Consider carpooling or ride-sharing if downtown. Stroller access is typically good in most modern restaurants.
Saturday - Cultural Adventures & Farm Fun
Saturday, October 4Celebrate Nashville Festival
Immerse your family in the vibrant Celebrate Nashville Cultural Festival at Centennial Park.
This free event showcases Nashville's diverse cultures through live music, dance performances, international food vendors, a global marketplace, and interactive activities for all ages.
This festival is fantastic for energetic kids with multiple stages for entertainment, arts and crafts, and engaging cultural displays. It's a great opportunity for them to learn about different traditions in a fun, interactive way. Public restrooms are available, and the park has plenty of space for running around.
Centennial Park offers free parking, but it can fill up quickly during large events. Consider arriving early or using a ride-sharing service. The park is stroller-friendly with paved paths.
Farmers Market Lunch
After the festival, head to the Nashville Farmers' Market for a diverse and affordable family lunch.
Explore the international food hall with over 20 restaurants, grab some fresh produce, and let the kids enjoy the nearby Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park with its Rivers of Tennessee Fountains (splash pad!).
Kids will love the variety of food options, from pizza to ethnic dishes, allowing everyone to pick their favorite. The adjacent Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park provides an excellent free play area, especially the splash pad, for kids to cool off and burn energy. Remember swimsuits and towels if they want to play in the fountains!
Parking is available at the Farmers' Market. It's also accessible by public transit. The area around the market and park is very walkable and stroller-friendly.
Science Center Wonders
Dive into hands-on learning and interactive fun at the Adventure Science Center.
With over 175 exhibits spanning biology, physics, and space, plus a planetarium, your kids will be engaged for hours.
Ideal for children aged 3-12, with many interactive displays like playing a floor piano, exploring the human body, and an observation deck. Plan for 2-3 hours. Stroller accessible with restrooms on every floor. This is an excellent indoor option in case of bad weather.
On-site parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The center is located minutes from Downtown Nashville.
Honeysuckle Hill Magic
Conclude your Saturday with more fall fun at Honeysuckle Hill Farm's Fall Festival.
Enjoy a magic show (scheduled for 2 PM & 4 PM, so catch the later one or explore other attractions if you arrive closer to 5 PM), pig races, a petting farm, and corn maze activities.
The farm offers a variety of attractions suitable for kids, from animal encounters to mazes and shows like pig races and the singing chicken show. It's open until 8:00 PM on Saturdays, allowing for a good few hours of evening fun. Restrooms and food options are available. The farm is about a 30-minute drive from Nashville.
Plenty of parking is available at the farm. Car is necessary for this location. Paths are generally farm-appropriate (dirt, gravel), so be mindful with strollers.
Sunday - Relaxed Zoo Day
Sunday, October 5Nashville Zoo Exploration
Spend your Sunday morning exploring the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, home to nearly 3,000 animals across 350 species.
Kids will love the expansive Jungle Gym playground, Expedition Peru, and interactive animal encounters.
The zoo is a fantastic family destination with plenty to see and do for all ages. The Jungle Gym is one of the largest community-built playgrounds in the U.S., perfect for energetic kids. Stroller rentals are available, and restrooms are plentiful. Plan for 3-4 hours here.
Parking is available on-site for a fee of $10. The zoo is located about 6 miles south of downtown Nashville and requires a car for convenient access.
Farm Activities & Treats
After your zoo visit, enjoy more fall charm at Honeysuckle Hill Farm.
On Sunday, October 5th, they have a Balloon Twist activity from 2 PM - 4 PM. You can also re-visit favorite attractions like hayrides, the petting farm, or grab some fall treats.
This provides a relaxed way to enjoy the farm's offerings, focusing on the Balloon Twist for the kids. It’s a good opportunity to grab a snack or drink before heading home. Perfect for a mellower afternoon.
Parking is available at the farm. It is a 30-minute drive from Nashville.
Centennial Park Play
Wind down the weekend with some free play at the shaded playground in Centennial Park.
Kids can climb, run, slide, and swing, surrounded by large trees. It's a perfect spot for one last burst of energy before preparing for the week ahead.
The playground is ideal for children aged 3-12, offering various play structures and ample shade. Public restrooms are available, and the open space is great for letting kids burn off any remaining energy in a safe environment. It’s a classic Nashville park for local families.
Free parking is available at Centennial Park. The park is easily accessible and has paved paths suitable for strollers.
This weekend itinerary for Nashville can be customized using our AI travel planner. Chat with our AI assistant to modify activities, adjust timings, add personal preferences, and get recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and transportation.