There are so many great cities across the U.S. where you can experience the arrival of spring. From Washington D.C., that pulls out all the stops for its National Cherry Blossom Festival, to the aromatic Lilac Festival in Rochester N.Y. and, of course, the famous Coachella in California, that kicks off another year of music festivals.
Luckily, if you’re a Tennessee local, you don’t have to travel far to experience the charm and beauty of spring. Simply head to the quintessential Southern town of Franklin, Tennessee where you’ll find blossoming countrysides, busy farms, a bustling historic Main Street, and plenty of family-friendly fun!
Here is your guide to celebrating spring in Franklin!
Family-Friendly Festivals
These annual family-friendly festivals are the perfect way to welcome spring!
Main Street Festival
Historic Main Street | Downtown Franklin
April 25 – 26 | 10am – 6pm
This highly-anticipated (free) annual tradition is held in historic downtown Franklin and features over 200 arts and crafts vendors, superb entertainment, great food, and fun for the entire family!
Tennessee Tulip Festival
Lucky Ladd Farms | 4306 Rocky Glade Rd, Eagleville, TN 37060
March-April
Experience the largest you-pick tulip farm festival in the southeastern United States! The festival features amazing food, shopping, and fun activities for the entire family all set against a stunning backdrop of their vibrant tulip fields, plus enjoy live music on select dates.
Tennessee Renaissance Festival
2135 Newcastle Rd, Arrington, TN 37014
Every Saturday and Sunday in May | 10am – 6pm
Step back in time to the days of kings, queens, jesters and jousting as you wander through this immersive outdoor renaissance festival. You can shop with artisans and merchants, watch a live jousting tournament, tour a castle and you might even get to meet the Queen!
Historic Nolensville Buttercup Festival
Historic Downtown Nolensville
Saturday, May 2 | 10am – 6pm
This annual event celebrates the art, music, food, and creativity that embodies the heart and spirit of the Nolensville community. Rain or shine, this event will brighten up your spring with family-friendly fun including face painting, a petting zoo, local food trucks, live music and more!
Outdoor Adventures
From bike rides to canoeing down the Harpeth River, Franklin has plenty of outdoor adventures for your whole crew!
Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary
545 Beech Creek Rd S, Brentwood, TN 37027
For an educational outing, bring your family to this nature sanctuary where you’ll learn about environmental conservation and native Tennessee wildlife. In the springtime, they offer expert-led wildflower hikes that highlight the colors of the season and lantern hikes that allow you to explore the woods by night. Owl’s Hill offers plenty of other kid-friendly hikes, events and workshops throughout the year.
SOAR Adventure Tower
3794 Carothers Pkwy, Franklin, TN 37067
This aerial adventure playground is great for thrill seekers of any age. Test your skills as you face obstacles along ropes courses that range from easy to moderate to challenging. Littles can enjoy the ground level “kid’s course.” Don’t miss their mini golf course, which is a great way to get everyone’s feet “on the ground.”
Timberland Park
Mile Marker 437.2 (South of the SR Highway 96 entrance) Franklin, TN 37064
Soak up the natural beauty of the area at Timberland Park, which offers nine different hiking trails. The park has a great information center (usually with complimentary walking sticks) and a butterfly garden! Their spring programs include wildflower hikes, a spring scavenger hunt, and a special Toddlers, Tales, & Trails Program consisting of a short hike, followed by a nature-themed story time!
Pedego Franklin
248 2nd Ave S, Franklin, TN 37064
Nothing says spring like a good bike ride, which can be especially fun on electric bikes! Rent from Pedego Electric Bikes and peddle your way through historic downtown Franklin or the Leiper’s Fork countryside at a pace that works for everyone in your group. Pedego even has bikes that will accommodate your precious cargo (a.k.a. kiddie seats), so even the youngest in your crew can enjoy the ride!
Wilkins Branch Mountain Bike Park
5664 Wilkins Branch Road, Franklin, TN 37064
For the adventure-seeking mountain bikers, this one is for you! This dedicated mountain bike park includes miles of single track trails consisting of beginner through advanced flow and down hill trails. Check out their website before you go to familiarize yourself with each trail’s difficulty level and their quirky names (Outhouse, Moonshine Run and Stache n’ Cash are my favorites).
Paddle Dog Adventures
1006 Westhaven Blvd, Franklin, TN 37064
Enjoy a day out on the water as you canoe, kayak, or paddleboard your way across the lake at Westhaven. Paddle Dog’s canoes are perfect for families and seat up to three people. Don’t have a boat or board? No problem! Rentals range from $25-$30 per hour and no reservation is needed. Afterwards, soak up some more sun on their patio and enjoy live music and lite bites.
Franklin Digital Passport Trails
Ever just want to spend the day being a tourist in your hometown? Franklin’s got an easy way for you and your family to do just that with their Digital Passports! Sign up here and choose your own adventure. From the kid-friendly Midnight Sun Scavenger Hunt and Sweet Treats Trail to the numerous history trails, there’s an adventure for everyone with prizes to celebrate!
Fun On The Farm
Experience life on the farm at any of these popular agricultural gems!
Lucky Ladd Farms
4306 Rocky Glad Rd, Eagleville, TN 37060
Open year-round | Wednesdays – Sundays | 10am – 5pm
This farm has it all from animal encounters, pony rides and a giant petting zoo to train rides, mega slides and more! Enjoy special events all year long, including their famous tulip festival, strawberry picking and pumpkin patch.
Noble Springs Dairy
3144 Blazer Rd, Franklin, TN 37064
March – November | 10am – 1pm
*Tours and Goat Cuddling: Reservations required
This sweet, family-owned goat farm produces all kinds of goat’s milk products including milk, artisanal cheese, soaps, lotions and more. Tour the farm and cuddle up with some baby goats while you’re there!
Hatcher Family Dairy
6545 Arno Rd, College Grove, TN 37046
Farmstand hours: Mondays – Saturdays | Hours vary
*Tours: First weekend every month. Purchase tickets online.
This family-owned working farm has been milking cows for over 75 years in the heart of College Grove, Tennessee. Book a tour to see how their milk goes from cow to bottle and be sure to visit their farm store for fresh eggs, meat, baked goods and, of course, fresh milk.
Nash Family Creamery
4019 US-41A N, Chapel Hill, TN 37034
Open year-round | Tuesdays – Sundays | Open at 11am
*Tours available by appointment only
This 4th generation dairy farm provides their creamery with milk straight from their farm to bring you the best ice cream you will find in Middle Tennessee. Come for a visit to learn about the farm’s humble beginnings as a small dairy farm over 90 years ago. Tour the farm, see the cows and learn the science behind how their dairy products are made! The creamery offers a small playground for kids as well as seasonal events and experiences, including their giant corn maze in the fall.
Young Harvest Farm
2955 Beulah Church Rd, Arrington, TN 37014
May – August | Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays | 8am – 7pm
Come wander the fields as you pick gorgeous flowers and create your own beautiful bouquet at your own pace. Everything you need is ready when you arrive—just come enjoy the experience. The farm offers classes and events throughout the year including a special Spring Farm to Table Dinner on May 16th!
Coleman Valley Alpaca Farm
1482 Coleman Road, Franklin, TN 37064
*Tours: By appointment only
Come to this farm to love on your new favorite animal…alpacas! Each one has a unique personality, from the curious and playful to the gentle and reserved. The farm offers a private 1-hour Alpaca Feed & Greet experience to learn about these friendly farm animals and give them their favorite treats!
Kid-Friendly Patio Dining
Enjoy the delightful atmosphere of Franklin’s iconic Main Street as you dine al fresco with your family on its historic Square or anywhere near its charming downtown district.
Onyx + Alabaster
234 Public Square A, Franklin, TN 37064
Mondays – Saturdays | 10am – 5pm
Catch the sights and sounds of Franklin’s Historic Public Square at this modern coffee lounge.
Ruby Sunshine
231 Public Square, Franklin, TN 37064
Mondays – Fridays | 7am – 2pm
Saturdays & Sundays | 7am – 3pm
Enjoy brunch or lunch at this New Orleans-style cafe that sits on Franklin’s Public Square.
Mellow Mushroom
317 Main St Ste 100, Franklin, TN 37064
Sundays – Thursdays | 11am – 10pm
Fridays & Saturdays | 11am – 11pm
Grab a psychadelic slice of pizza as you catch the sights and sounds of Franklin’s Historic Public Square.
Edley’s Bar-B-Que (The Factory at Franklin)
230 Franklin Rd Building C03, Franklin, TN 37064
Sundays – Thursdays | 11am – 9pm
Fridays – Saturdays | 11am – 10pm
Enjoy delicious BBQ outdoors at Franklin’s popular historic Factory at Franklin.
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken (The Factory at Franklin)
230 Franklin Rd #14b, Franklin, TN 37064
Mondays – Thursdays | 10am – 9pm
Fridays & Saturdays 7am – 10pm | Sundays 7am – 8pm
Enjoy Nashville’s famous hot chicken at Franklin’s popular historic Factory at Franklin.
Mojo’s Tacos (The Factory at Franklin)
230 Franklin Rd #11Y, Franklin, TN 37064
Mondays – Fridays | 10:30am – 9pm
Saturdays 9am – 9pm | Sundays 9am – 8pm
Enjoy a mix of unique tacos on Mojo’s enclosed patio at Franklin’s popular historic Factory at Franklin.
Franklin Mercantile
100 4th Ave N, Franklin, TN 37064
Sundays – Saturdays | 8am – 2pm
Savor delicious soups, salads and sandwiches from this nostalgic deli on a quiet side street in historic downtown Franklin.
Frothy Monkey
125 5th Ave S, Franklin, TN 37064
Sundays – Saturdays | 7am – 8pm
Frothy offers up the perfect porch to relax, unwind and enjoy as you savor a coffee or light bite from their eclectic cafe menu.
Meridee’s Breadbasket
110 4th Ave S, Franklin, TN 37064
Mondays – Thursdays | 7am – 5pm
Fridays & Saturdays | 7am – 6pm
Enjoy delicious baked goods while under the shade of towering trees on Meridee’s back patio.
Condado Tacos
4031 Aspen Grove Dr #108, Franklin, TN 37067
Sundays – Saturdays | 10:30am – 11pm
Not quite in downtown Franklin, but Condado’s patio soaks up the fun, upbeat, artsy atmosphere of McEwen Northside neighborhood and has a great menu for the whole family.
Scout’s Pub
158 Front St #120, Franklin, TN 37064
Mondays – Thursdays | 11am – 9pm
Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays | hours vary
Popular gastropub in Westhaven with a great patio and relaxed vibes.
Favorite Farmers Markets
Gather a rainbow of fresh produce at these local Franklin Farmers Markets.
Franklin Farmers Market
120 Aldersgate Way, Franklin
Year-round | Saturdays 8am – 12pm
Factory Farmers Market
230 Franklin Road, Franklin
Year-round | Saturdays 9am – 1pm
Church Street Farmers Market
406 Church Street, Franklin
March – November | Saturdays 9am – 12pm
Westhaven Farmers Market
Front Street, Franklin
May – October | Wednesdays 4 – 7pm
Music, Arts & More!
These fun experiences will be sure to add a little something special to your spring!
Vintage Baseball with the Franklin Ferriers
April 11 – August 30
*Various locations. Check website for exact game dates, times and locations.
Nothing says spring like the classic American game of baseball, but just wait until you catch a vintage baseball game! You’ll be enthralled as you watch history come to life through this amazing event, complete with 19th century costumes, equipment, culture, and rules. Franklin even has a home team: the Franklin Ferriers! Many games take place at historic homes that add to the vintage vibe. This is a fun and exciting way to share a bit of history with your kids.
Jazz and Bluegrass on the Lawn
Arrington Vineyards | 6211 Patton Rd, Arrington, TN 37014
Saturdays 3 – 7pm | Sundays 2 – 6pm
Middle Tennessee’s premier winery “springs” back to life in April with their Jazz and Bluegrass on the Lawn music series! Every Saturday and Sunday, bring the family, along with a packed picnic basket, to this gorgeous vineyard to enjoy an evening of superb wines, live music and breathtaking views.
Spring Break at Southhall
Southhall Farm & Inn | 2200 Osage Loop, Franklin, TN 37064
March 1 – April 5
Spring Break at Southall Farm & Inn is an easy, refreshing escape for the whole family. With wide-open spaces to explore, hands-on farm experiences, outdoor games, and seasonal dining, there’s something for everyone. Southhall’s Spring Break even features special activities designed specifically for children and teens!
Studio Tenn Theatre Company
The Factory at Franklin | 230 Franklin Rd, Franklin, TN 37064
March – May
Catch a live production of some of broadway’s favorites this spring as Studio Tenn wraps up its 25/26 season! This amazing, local theatre company produces broadway-level plays and musicals inside the historic Factory at Franklin. With two amazing shows left to see, including “Boeing Boeing” and “Jesus Christ Superstar,” add Studio Tenn to your spring bucket list!
Saturday Morning Cartoons at the Franklin Theatre
419 Main Street, Franklin, TN 37064
Select Saturdays | 11am
As if the Franklin Theatre couldn’t get any better…this renowned, historic theatre is offering up a Saturday Morning Cartoons series for families showing Disney favorites such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, Brave, The Little Mermaid and more!
