Staying put for fall break? Whether it’s because you don’t have the mental energy to plan another family getaway or because your kid’s summer activities drained your bank account, there’s good news!
You don’t need to plan an expensive Hallmark-style getaway to make your family’s fall break memorable. In fact, you’ll hardly need to spend any money at all!
Nashville is packed with plenty of free (or nearly free) ways to fill those days off school, and your kids won’t know the difference between a five-star family vacation and a budget-friendly staycation. Better yet, all that money you save now means more breathing room for your holiday gift budget later.
Here is your go-to guide filled with Nashville’s best FREE activities you can add to your fall break plans that’ll keep the kids happy and your wallet full.
Keep Their Brains in Gear
Keep up the learning with these FREE kid-friendly educational adventures.
Tennessee State Museum
1000 Rosa L. Parks Blvd
Nashville, TN 37208
Free daily admission for all ages
Local Public Libraries
Multiple locations – Check your local branch for programming.
Always free for all ages
Williamson County Animal Center
Book Buddies – Children (5-12) can practice their reading skills with cats and dogs.
1006 Grigsby Hayes Court
Franklin, TN 37064
Free to sign up and participate
National Museum of African American Music
510 Broadway
Nashville, TN 37203
Free admission for all ages on the first Wednesday of every month
Get Everyone Moving
Keep their blood pumping and feet moving at these FREE indoor and outdoor spaces.
Indoor Public Play Spaces
Opry Mills Mall
433 Opry Mills Dr.
Nashville, TN 37214
Free indoor playground
Bass Pro Shop at Opry Mills
Free indoor activities like scavenger hunts, aquarium feeding times and more!
Cool Springs Galleria
1800 Galleria Blvd.
Franklin, TN 37067
Free indoor playground + fun murals
Global Cafe
5670 Granny White Pike
Brentwood, TN 37027
Free indoor playground
Outdoor Public Play Spaces
The Hangout Cafe
4602 Gallatin Pike
Nashville, TN 37216
Free outdoor playground
Local Parks and Playgrounds
Check your city or county parks and recreation website for park and playground locations and details.
Nashville Area Parks and Playgrounds
Free for all ages
State Parks
Hiking, fishing, biking, water activities and more!
Free for all ages
Warner Park Nature Center
7311 TN-100
Nashville, TN 37221
Indoor and outdoor nature activities
Free for all ages
Let Their Creativity Soar
Let their inner artist shine with these FREE arts-inspired activities.
Martin ArtQuest at The Frist
919 Broadway
Nashville, TN 37203
Free admission for guests 18 and younger
Kidsville at Centennial Park
Free arts & educational programming for all ages
Country Music Hall of Fame
222 Rep. John Lewis Way S.
Nashville, TN 37203
Free admission for youth 18 and younger from eligible Tennessee counties (up to two accompanying adults can receive free or discounted admission).
Keep Them Entertained
Engaging, fun and FREE activities that can easily fit into your schedule.
Family Movie Night at Home
Cuddle up on the couch, pass the popcorn and press play! Set up a fun concession stand with a mix and match popcorn and candy station and soda or juice boxes. Have your kids design movie tickets for everyone. Want more ideas? Here’s how to take movie night up a notch!
Free – $10
Have a Pumpkin-Themed Day
Start the day with warm pumpkin pancakes. After breakfast, head out to a pumpkin patch or your local grocery store to buy some pumpkins and end the day carving or painting them!
Pumpkins $10-20
Head to your local Farmers Market
Farmers markets are always free to attend and can be fun to explore, especially in the fall! They often have free samples to try and some offer kid-friendly entertainment and activities. Check out our list of Nashville Area Farmers Markets.
Free for all ages
Explore Downtown Nashville
Take the kids on a field trip to downtown Nashville. Show them the art murals and sculptures. Head inside the Bridgestone Arena Tower and check out the Nashville Welcome Center. Share some history as you stroll the State Capitol.
Free for all ages
Dress Up and Head to the Symphony
Experience the culture and beauty of the symphony alongside your kids without spending a fortune. The Nashville Symphony K-12 Free Ticket Club offers kids in grades K-12 complimentary tickets to a Classical Series concert of their choice. Check out their Classical Series calendar for performances and dates.
Free for kids K-12
Catch An Award-Winning Puppet Show
Wishing Chair Productions, Nashville Public Library’s award-winning puppet troupe, creates world-class shows that delight children and adults alike. Enjoy original full-scale literature-based puppet productions and interactive weekly story times.
Free for all ages
Hop In The Car, But Don’t Travel Far
These mini roadtrips are full of adventure and fun for the whole family.
Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop
I-65 Exit 22
Cornersville, TN 37047
Full service restaurant, live entertainment, general store, dog park, photo ops and more!
Free for all ages
Natchez Trace Parkway
Multiple access point
Visually stunning views, architectural wonders, historic trails and homes, natural beauty and more.
Free for all ages
Discover Trails and Byways
The State of Tennessee has 16 self-guided driving routes so you can discover all the hidden gems and places you never knew existed.
Free for all ages
Franklin, Tennessee’s Self-Guided, Curated Trails
Explore charming downtown districts, discover colorful public art, and venture into scenic countryside communities throughout Williamson County with over 10 digital trail passports.
Free for all ages. Individual sites may include charges or admission.
