10 Reasons Why Franklin, TN is Perfect for Kids
Parents love Franklin, TN because kids love it here! With top-rated schools, family-friendly events, and welcoming neighborhoods, Franklin is a great place to raise children. From endless activities to exciting outdoor adventures, there’s never a dull moment in this charming Middle Tennessee town. Here’s your ultimate guide to why Franklin is perfect for kids.
1. Safe and Welcoming Community
Franklin’s low crime rate and friendly neighborhoods create an ideal environment for raising children.
The City of Franklin’s FranklinForward strategic plan emphasizes transparency, accountability, and community engagement as central to the city’s vision. This initiative aligns with the goal of creating a safe, clean, and livable city, where quality of life is a priority.
The city’s commitment to safety is reinforced through well-trained and responsive police, fire, and emergency services. The city actively monitors crime statistics, comparing them to national averages to ensure Franklin remains one of the safest places to live.
Franklin’s proactive approach extends beyond crime prevention to maintaining a clean and welcoming community. Pristine public spaces and strong neighborhood watch programs contribute to the city’s reputation as a secure and livable environment.
2. Top-Notch Schools
Education is a cornerstone of family life in Franklin, TN.
The Williamson County Schools district is consistently ranked among Tennessee’s best public school systems, offering rigorous academics and a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and STEM programs. For families seeking private education, Franklin offers top-tier options such as Battle Ground Academy, Grace Christian Academy, and, in nearby Brentwood, Currey Ingram Academy. Whether you choose public or private schools, Franklin provides an excellent start for children’s futures.
3. Museums and Historic Sites
Franklin’s historic landmarks provide a valuable and enriching way for families to experience the past together.
Historic sites such as the Carter House and Carnton offer tours that provide an engaging and accessible introduction to the Civil War era. Nearby, the Lotz House Museum complements these experiences with a deeper dive into Franklin’s role in the Civil War. Families can explore the craftsmanship of the Lotz family, examine historical artifacts, and hear compelling accounts of the battle that unfolded right outside the house’s walls.
Through preserved artifacts, storytelling, and interactive exhibits, children can better understand this significant chapter in American history.
Main Street Festival.
4. Community Events and Festivals
In Franklin, kids don’t just participate in festivals—they’re often the focus.
Franklin’s family-friendly events are the highlight of the year for many families. Summer kicks off with Kids Day at Pinkerton Park, where games, entertainment, and refreshments make for a fun-filled day. Spring brings the Kids Art Festival of Tennessee, showcasing original art pieces by K-12 students, with winning works displayed at City Hall’s FireHall Art Gallery. Another cherished tradition is the annual Kite Festival. This free event fills the skies with colorful kites of all shapes and sizes and features food trucks and activities. The City of Franklin’s Touch-a-Truck event invites kids to climb aboard trucks, equipment, and vehicles of all shapes and sizes.
In the fall, Family Day at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm offers a free day of play with miniature train rides, hayrides, cane pole fishing, a petting zoo, and more. Each December, the Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt turns the holiday season into an adventure as children sip hot cocoa and hunt for candy canes under the stars.
In addition to these kid-centric events, annual traditions like PumpkinFest, the Main Street Festival, and Dickens of a Christmas offer plenty of kid-friendly fun, including games, music, and crafts.
5. Recreational Sports and Programs
Active families in Franklin and Williamson County have access to a wide variety of youth sports and recreational programs that keep kids engaged and learning valuable life skills.
Families love the recreational opportunities offered by Williamson County Parks and Recreation. Kids can join soccer leagues, basketball teams, baseball leagues, tennis programs, cheerleading squads, and swim classes. With opportunities for every age and interest, the parks department ensures children stay active, build skills, and make friends year-round.
Families looking for flexibility will enjoy i9 Sports, where kids ages 3 and up can try several activities like soccer, basketball, flag football, and t-ball. These programs are ideal for younger children who want to explore a variety of sports without long-term commitments.
6. Local Theaters and Performances
Franklin nurtures creativity and entertainment through its vibrant arts scene, offering opportunities for children to immerse themselves in the magic of theater, whether as audience members or budding performers.
The Franklin Theatre and the Williamson County Performing Arts Center, along with groups like The Pull-Tight Players and Studio Tenn Theatre Company, bring the magic of live performances to life through plays, musicals, and concerts.
For children eager to take the stage, programs like Star Bright Players Children’s Theatre and Rising Stars Musical Theatre offer a gateway into the world of theater. The Act Too Players School of Music and Theatre takes aspiring artists even further with classes in musical theater, dance, and voice.
Teens interested in non-musical productions can explore Straight to the Stars Youth Theatre, which stages dramas and comedies. Meanwhile, Center Stage provides a comprehensive theater education, giving participants the chance to join productions and events like the Junior Theatre Festival.
7. Great Library Programs
The Williamson County Public Library System is a cornerstone of the community, offering initiatives designed to engage children and support families.
Regular storytime sessions at the library cater to various age groups, including Babies and Books, Toddler Time, and Preschool Story Time. These interactive sessions incorporate stories, songs, and activities that promote early literacy and a love for reading.
For young readers, the Read with Sadie program provides an opportunity to practice reading aloud with a trained therapy dog, helping build confidence, improve reading skills, and make reading a positive experience for children.
The library also offers structured reading initiatives such as 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten and 500 Books Before Middle School. These programs encourage consistent reading habits by providing milestones and incentives, motivating children to achieve their reading goals at their own pace. During the summer months, the library’s Summer Reading Program engages children with themed crafts, science experiments, and reading challenges.
8. Inclusive Programs for Kids of All Abilities
Inclusive programs and facilities throughout Franklin and Williamson County ensure that every child has access to enriching opportunities tailored to their unique needs.
We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym provides specialized equipment and activities designed to promote sensory development and motor skills in a welcoming space for kids of all abilities. High Hopes Development Center, a nonprofit organization, offers an inclusive preschool and pediatric therapy clinic, supporting both educational and developmental growth for children with diverse needs.
MOVE Inclusive Dance, already a presence in Nashville, is expanding its reach by opening a new studio in Franklin. Dedicated to providing inclusive dance education for individuals of all abilities, MOVE offers classes for children, teens, and adults, both in-person and virtually.
Williamson County Parks and Recreation also plays a role in fostering inclusivity through its therapeutic programs, including Camp Will, a specialized day camp for children, adolescents, and young adults with physical or developmental disabilities. Additionally, fundraising is ongoing for Ellie G’s Dreamworld, which will be the first public inclusive playground within the Franklin Parks system. Once completed, the safari-themed playground will feature inclusive swings, a double zip line with accessible seats, a music area, and fully accessible restrooms.
9. Endless Outdoor Adventures
The City of Franklin offers 18 parks spanning over 900 acres, perfect for kids and families to explore.
Pinkerton Park is a favorite destination, featuring an expansive playground that’s perfect for climbing, sliding, and imagining, along with paved trails for walking or biking and picnic areas where families can gather. The Park at Harlinsdale Farm provides walking trails and wide-open spaces where kids can roam, play games, or even watch equestrian events. For more action, Jim Warren Park boasts sports fields, a skate park, and a catch-and-release fishing pond, while Eastern Flank Battlefield Park combines history with outdoor fun through its trails and interpretive markers.
These are just a few highlights of Franklin’s impressive park system, with activities and amenities to suit every type of family outing.
10. Unique Shops for Kids
Shopping in Franklin is fun for the whole family, especially at specialty stores catering to kids.
Local favorites include The Purple Butterfly, which offers whimsical clothing, accessories, and gifts perfect for little ones, and The Little Cottage Children’s Shoppe, known for its charming selection of boutique children’s apparel and unique items. For parents seeking budget-friendly options, Once Upon A Child Franklin provides gently used toys, clothes, and gear at affordable prices.
Educational play takes center stage at Learning Express Toys and Gifts, a store filled with creative toys, puzzles, and crafts that spark curiosity and fun. In nearby Brentwood, families can explore Brilliant Sky Toys & Books, a popular spot for kids and parents thanks to its extensive selection of toys, books, and games.
Franklin, TN: A Family-Friendly Destination Kids Will Love
Franklin, TN, is a family-friendly community that offers top-rated schools, exciting activities, and a supportive environment where children can thrive. From exploring beautiful parks and attending engaging festivals to discovering unique shops and participating in inclusive programs, Franklin provides countless opportunities for kids to grow, learn, and flourish every day.
Looking for More?
Curious about what else makes Franklin such a great place to live? Check out Moving to Franklin, TN: Living in One of the South’s Best Cities to see why this town is a destination for families, and explore tips for getting around with ease in How to Explore Franklin, Tennessee Without a Car.
