Playground. Picnic. Pool. Repeat. Ever feel like you’re stuck recycling the same predictable activities summer after summer? Even after you’ve scoured the internet for “fun outdoor activities near me,” it kicks back the same old options. Before you throw in the towel, it just so happens that there are plenty of outdoor adventures ready to switch up your summer, and they are closer than you think!
We laced up our sneakers and pounded the pavement in search of the most unique family-friendly outdoor activities and found several that are sure to add some flavor to your summer. Better yet, they are all located in Franklin, TN! These adventures sit just minutes south of Nashville and are loaded with fun for everyone (even those hard-to-please teens).
1. Spend the day floating down an historic river.
Have you ever wanted to float the day away on a beautiful, serene river? Now you can with the help of Franklin Float Company! Rent a tube, grab some snacks and relax as you let the historic Harpeth River guide you on a 2-3 hour scenic float through Franklin. Stop along the way to play in the water and catch the scenery of small rock cliffs and beautiful canopied trees. You can even rent a tube for your cooler so you truly don’t have to lift a finger. The staff is super helpful and the service is 5-star. Book your float and set sail on a “tube-ular” adventure.
Franklin Float Company
Location: Pinkerton Park 405 Murfreesboro Road, Franklin, TN 37064
2. Visit a working cattle ranch.
Nestled in the countryside of Leiper’s Fork sits Semler Cattle Company, a breathtaking 250 acre cattle farm. Catch a front row seat to cattle roaming free on this traditional ranch. Visit their petting zoo with loads of animals to love on and be sure to grab some lunch at their on-site farm-to-table restaurant. For a perfect family outing, head to their “Semler Saturdays” featuring farm activities, live music, and the very best Wagyu burgers (sooo delicious). Check Instagram for dates!
Semler Cattle Company
Location: 3350 Bailey Road, Franklin, TN 37064
3. Catch a baseball game that will go down in history.
Ever wonder what sports were like in the 1800’s? See for yourself as you watch a Civil-War era baseball game! America’s greatest pastime has been bringing “vintage-style” base ball (yes, it was originally two words) to audiences since 2012. Enjoy bygone era rules, equipment and costumes. The backdrop of these games adds to the fun as they are typically held on the properties of historic homes throughout Tennessee, such as Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage and Rippavilla. Take a peek at the 2026 season schedule and root, root, root for your home team: The Franklin Ferriers!
Tennessee Association of Vintage Baseball
Location: Various historic homes throughout Tennessee. See schedule for location details.
4. Let fireflies light up your hike.
Hiking after dark reveals a completely different side of the natural world. From the gentle hum of crickets to the beauty of hundreds of fireflies, your family will experience these unique happenings and much more on a guided Family Firefly Hike at Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary. Meet some owls, learn why fireflies glow, and listen for nocturnal friends as you traverse meadows and orchards. You can even bring a picnic dinner to enjoy before the hike!
Family Firefly Hikes
Location: Owl’s Hill Sanctuary 545 Beech Creek Road South, Brentwood, TN 37027
5. Watch a polo match at the only public polo arena in Tennessee.
Considered the “Sport of Kings,” the game of polo dates back thousands of years and is still one of the premier sports around the world. Can you believe that Franklin is home to the only premier public polo arena in the state of Tennessee? Franklin Polo Academy has been showcasing world class arena matches on the historic grounds of Harlinsdale Farm since 2015. You’ve got to see this for yourself, so mark your calendars for August 29th for The International Cup as USA takes on Mexico for one unforgettable night. Two nations. One arena. Endless adrenaline.
Franklin Polo Academy
Location: The Park at Harlinsdale Farm 239 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37064
6. Experience a sewage treatment plant turned arboretum.
Yes, you read that correctly. Deerwood Arboretum, located in Brentwood, TN, sits just north of Franklin and was the original site for the city’s waste water facility! After moving the city’s water treatment to Nashville, the site sat abandoned for years before becoming one of the most beautiful natural spaces in the area. Home to over 70 species, native trees, migratory birds and countless butterflies, this arboretum is a feast for the eyes. The Little Harpeth River weaves its way through this nature sanctuary offering up even more beauty. Visit the website and grab coloring sheets and species guides for your adventure!
Deerwood Arboretum
Location: 320 Deerwood Ln, Brentwood, TN 37027
Which adventure will you try this summer?
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