Let’s be honest. Just because you have kids doesn’t mean your weekends have to revolve around playgrounds, bounce houses and activities that are only fun for the little ones.
Sometimes you want to enjoy a good fall cocktail, eat somewhere that serves more than chicken nuggets, explore a cute neighborhood or do something that YOU actually enjoy, too.
And guess what? Nashville is full of places where you can do exactly that!
Fall is one of the best times to get out and explore Music City as a family. The weather is finally cooling down, patios are calling your name and there’s no shortage of activities that are just as fun for the adults as they are for the kids.
So, if you’re looking for a little less “standing around watching your kids have fun” and a little more “everyone is having a great time,” this guide is for you!
- Grab a Fall Coffee & Explore a New Neighborhood
First things first: coffee. Because every good family adventure should start with a little caffeine.
Grab your favorite pumpkin spice latte, maple cold brew or whatever seasonal drink makes you happy, and spend the morning exploring one of Nashville’s walkable neighborhoods.
12 South is always a favorite. Between the coffee shops, boutiques, restaurants and fun photo spots, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained. Grab a treat for the kids, browse a few shops for yourself and enjoy a morning that feels a little more like a fun day out and a little less like running errands with children.
The Gulch is another great option for a family outing with a more grown-up feel. Stop for brunch, grab a coffee and explore the neighborhood together.
Parent Win: You get your pumpkin coffee, a little shopping or some much-needed patio time. The kids get treats, playtime and an adventure. Everybody wins!
- Hit Up a Pumpkin Patch That’s Actually Fun for Adults, Too
Pumpkin patches aren’t just for toddlers!
Nashville and the surrounding areas have some seriously fun fall farms where you can spend an entire afternoon enjoying the season.
Lucky Ladd Farms in Eagleville is a great option for a full day of fall fun, with pumpkins, farm animals, seasonal attractions and plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained.
Gentry Farm in Franklin is another fall favorite, offering a more traditional pumpkin patch experience with a corn maze, farm activities and beautiful countryside scenery.
And let’s not forget the best part: the fall photos! Throw on those coordinating outfits, grab a pumpkin and get that family photo you’ll actually want to frame.
Parent Win: The kids get to run around and burn off energy while you enjoy the fall atmosphere, fresh air and all the seasonal photo opportunities.
- Go to a Brewery Where Kids Are Welcome
Yes, you can still enjoy a brewery afternoon with kids in tow!
Nashville has several family-friendly breweries where the adults can enjoy a cold beer and the kids can tag along without feeling out of place.
TailGate Brewery is a great place to start. With pizza, outdoor seating and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s an easy option for a casual family afternoon.
East Nashville Beer Works is another favorite for families, offering pizza, outdoor space and a relaxed environment.
Fall weather makes this even better. Grab a table outside, order something delicious and enjoy an afternoon where nobody has to dress up or be anywhere at a specific time.
Parent Win: You get a brewery outing. The kids get pizza. Everyone is happy.
- Get a Little Competitive at Puttshack, Topgolf or PopStroke
Who says family outings have to be all about the kids?
If your family loves a little friendly competition, Nashville has plenty of places where everyone can get in on the action.
Topgolf is always a hit, even if nobody in your family actually plays golf. Order some appetizers, grab a drink and see who can score the most points.
Puttshack takes mini golf to a whole new level with tech-driven courses, fun challenges, music and a lively atmosphere.
PopStroke is another great option for combining mini golf with food, drinks and a little family competition.
These are especially great choices for families with older kids who have officially decided they’re too cool for the playground.
Parent Win: You get good food, drinks and an activity that’s genuinely fun for adults. The kids get to compete against you (and probably brag when they win).
- Spend an Afternoon at Cheekwood
If you haven’t experienced Cheekwood in the fall, add it to your list!
Cheekwood Harvest is one of Nashville’s prettiest fall traditions, with pumpkins, colorful foliage, seasonal displays and plenty of places to explore.
The kids will love the pumpkin houses, scarecrows and outdoor spaces, while you’ll appreciate the beautiful gardens, festive atmosphere and endless photo opportunities.
It’s one of those rare outings that feels like a fun family activity and a relaxing afternoon for the adults.
Parent Win: It’s beautiful, it’s festive and it feels like you’re doing something a little more elevated than your typical weekend outing.
- Take the Kids to a Nashville Sporting Event
There’s something about fall and sports that just goes together.
Catch a Tennessee Titans game at Nissan Stadium, cheer on the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena or head to a local college football game for a full day of tailgating and team spirit.
Even if your kids aren’t huge sports fans, the atmosphere, music, stadium food and excitement make the experience memorable.
Plus, it’s a great excuse to spend the day downtown, grab a meal before the game and make an entire outing out of it.
Parent Win: You get to enjoy the game-day atmosphere while the kids experience something new and exciting.
- Make Something Together at a DIY Workshop
For the families who love doing something creative, skip the typical craft projects and try an experience where everyone gets to make something they’ll actually want to keep.
Nashville has several hands-on experiences where you can create custom hats, jewelry, candles and more.
Try a custom charm bracelet experience, design a hat together or explore a family-friendly pottery painting studio.
This is especially fun for families with tweens and teens who are getting harder to impress.
Parent Win: You get to do something creative and fun while making memories together. Plus, everyone leaves with a souvenir!
One of the best things about Nashville in the fall? Patio season!
When the temperatures finally start to drop, there’s nothing better than enjoying dinner outside.
Look for restaurants with spacious patios, casual atmospheres and menus that offer something for everyone.
Parent Win: You get a good meal and some fresh air without feeling like you’re constantly telling someone to use their inside voice.
- Take a Fall Day Trip
Sometimes the best family adventures happen when you get out of town for a few hours.
Head to Franklin for a day of shopping, coffee, dining and exploring its charming downtown. It’s especially beautiful in the fall!
Or make the drive to Arrington Vineyards for an afternoon surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful countryside views. Pack a picnic, enjoy the scenery and let the kids enjoy some fresh air while the adults relax. Check current family policies and event details before visiting.
For a more outdoorsy adventure, explore one of Middle Tennessee’s state parks, take a scenic hike or plan a picnic surrounded by fall colors.
Parent Win: It feels like a mini vacation without the packing, hotel reservations or major planning.
- End the Day With a Sweet Treat
Because no family adventure is complete without dessert!
Stop by Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams for a scoop of something delicious, grab cookies from Christie Cookie Co., or find a local bakery serving seasonal fall treats.
Better yet, let everyone pick their favorite dessert spot and turn it into a little family taste test.
It’s the perfect way to end a day of exploring Nashville, and let’s be honest, bribing the kids with ice cream never hurts.
Parent Win: You get dessert, too. Enough said.
Fall Fun Isn’t Just for the Kids!
Having kids doesn’t mean you have to give up the things you love doing. Sometimes it just means finding a way to bring them along for the fun.
And Nashville makes that pretty easy.
Whether you’re sipping a pumpkin coffee while the kids play at The Well, challenging your family to mini golf, enjoying a brewery patio or spending a beautiful fall afternoon at Cheekwood, there are so many ways to make memories that the whole family will actually enjoy.
