School’s Out! 10 Kid-Friendly Things to Do This Summer in Franklin, TN
The final bell has rung, and summer is officially here! Williamson County Schools have wrapped up the academic year, marking the start of summer break for students across the district. Whether you’re balancing work with family time or just trying to fend off the “I’m bored” chorus, here are 10 local ideas to keep the kids entertained in and around Franklin.
1. Visit a Local Park or Playground
When the weather is nice and the kids are full of energy, heading to a park is one of the easiest and most budget-friendly ways to spend time outside. Franklin’s parks offer more than just slides and swings—they provide shaded trails, picnic areas, open fields for games, and plenty of space to explore. Whether you’re packing a lunch or just looking to run off some steam before dinner, local favorites like Pinkerton Park and Fieldstone Park are perfect go-to spots.
If you’re looking for more ideas, check out Sunshine & Smiles: Your Guide to Williamson County Playgrounds for a list of family-friendly playgrounds throughout the area.
2. Splash Around
Few things beat splashing in cool water on a warm day. Franklin and the surrounding areas offer options for water play, from splash features to outdoor pools, giving kids a chance to play while staying cool. Whether it’s a quick visit to the splash pad at the Franklin Recreation Complex or a full afternoon at one of Williamson County’s outdoor pools, water play is a guaranteed way to beat the heat and enjoy some summer fun.
For a roundup of the best local spots to swim, cool off, or lounge poolside, check out Dive In! Top Places for Swimming in Franklin, Williamson County, and Nashville, TN.
3. Sign Up for a Drop-In Class or Mini Camp
For families looking to mix in a little structure with their summer, local camps and classes are a great way to keep kids learning and engaged while school’s out. From art studios to sports clinics, there are plenty of short-term or drop-in programs around Franklin that let you commit on your schedule. These activities build new skills and give parents a bit of breathing room, too.
Many camps still have availability, and several offer flexible drop-in options. To find a program that fits your child’s interests and your family’s schedule, browse The Complete Guide to Summer Camps in and Around Franklin, TN.
4. Get Moving Indoors
When the temperatures rise, or if there’s a surprise summer storm, it helps to have indoor options in your back pocket. Bowling alleys, trampoline parks, and VR arcades around Franklin make for easy, active outings that get kids moving without having to brave the heat. Bonus: Many of these venues offer summer weekday specials and group packages, perfect for a playdate or spontaneous family afternoon.
For a comprehensive list of local entertainment options the whole family can enjoy, check out Family Fun in Franklin and Williamson County, Tennessee. This guide highlights a variety of spots where kids and adults alike can stay active and have fun, no matter the weather.
5. Explore the Franklin Library
The Williamson County Public Library in Franklin offers a full lineup of summer programs, including storytimes, craft days, teen activities, and more. It’s a quiet retreat on hot days and a great place to keep young minds engaged. And the best part? Most programs are free.
To kick off the season, the library will host a Summer Reading Kick-Off event on May 31st, featuring tie-dye crafts, kindness rock painting, and chalk activities. This marks the start of the 2025 Summer Reading Program, themed Color Our World, which runs from May 17th to August 2nd. Participants of all ages can track their reading, attend special events, and earn rewards throughout the summer.
Regular Family Story Times resume on June 3rd, held weekly on Tuesdays at 9:30, 10:15, and 11 am. These sessions are perfect for preschoolers and their caregivers.
6. Ride a Carousel
A new attraction is spinning into town just in time for summer break! The highly anticipated Carousel of Dreams by Ken Means is set to open at The Factory at Franklin, bringing hand-carved, museum-quality carousel animals and a nostalgic experience for families to enjoy. This beautifully crafted ride is the result of years of work by carousel designer Ken Means and is a unique addition to Franklin’s family-friendly destinations.
The carousel opens to the public at 10 am on May 31st, offering early visitors a chance to ride before the official ribbon-cutting celebration begins at 1 pm. Families can enjoy magical attractions, including face painting, a balloon artist, appearances by beloved princesses and superheroes, carousel merchandise, and interactive booths.
Learn more about the carousel’s history and craftsmanship in The Factory at Franklin to Welcome Ken Means’ Carousel of Dreams in 2025.
7. Take a Short Nature Hike
There’s something refreshing about trading screens and schedules for time outdoors. Franklin is full of easy-to-navigate trails ideal for younger kids, with plenty of shade and natural beauty. These walks provide a change of pace while encouraging kids to explore, observe, and get a little messy in the best way possible.
Stick to easy trails for little legs—like the wide, open paths at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm or the walking trail at Pinkerton Park.
For more outdoor adventures, including hiking, boating, camping, and fishing near Franklin, check out Embrace Summer: Where to Hike, Boat, Camp, Fish, and More Near Franklin, Tennessee.
8. Watch a Movie Indoors or Out
Summer movies are a tradition for many families, and in Franklin, you can enjoy them both indoors and under the stars.
The Franklin Theatre offers a special indoor movie option, screening a mix of classic films and new releases in its beautifully restored 1930s-era setting. One of its most popular family offerings is the Saturday Morning Cartoons series, featuring animated favorites like Tarzan, Tangled, and more.
For those who prefer to watch movies outside, Franklin’s Movies in the Park series is a seasonal favorite. The 2025 lineup begins on May 30th with Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest at Fieldstone Park, followed by Shrek 2 on June 20th, also at Fieldstone. The Incredibles will screen at Pinkerton Park on June 27th, with Finding Dory showing there on July 18th. The series wraps up with a fall showing of Hotel Transylvania 2 on October 10th at Bicentennial Park. Movies begin at 8 pm or sunset, and families are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. Food trucks are available on-site for an easy dinner or treat.
Additionally, Berry Farms hosts its own Movies in the Park series at Hughes Mill Park, featuring family-friendly classics throughout the summer. The series begins on June 10th, with additional showings on June 24th, July 1st, July 15th, and July 29th, all starting at 7 pm.
9. Visit Local Museums and Historic Sites
For older kids or families looking for something different, Franklin’s historic sites and small museums offer immersive experiences that go beyond the classroom. Whether you’re walking through Civil War history at Carnton, learning about Black heritage at the McLemore House, or stepping into the Tennessee Walking Horse legacy at the newly opened Hayes House Museum at Harlinsdale Farm, these sites help spark curiosity while connecting visitors to the deeper stories of the area.
For a full overview of museums and historical sites in the area, check out Visit Franklin’s Treasures: Museums and Historical Points of Interest in Williamson County, Tennessee.
10. Try a New Restaurant
Franklin has several new restaurants to explore this summer, with menus and atmospheres the whole family will enjoy. Opening May 31st in downtown Franklin, Perenn Bakery will offer a full café experience with fresh-baked goods, coffee, and a selection of made-to-order breakfast and lunch options, all in a relaxed, market-style setting along the Harpeth River.
Next door, Slice House by Tony Gemignani is already serving award-winning pizza styles like New York and Detroit. In Cool Springs, Little Hats Italian Market brings handmade Italian dishes, sandwiches, and imported pantry staples to the table. And in Brentwood, Whataburger is now open, offering 24-hour service with dine-in and drive-thru options.
For families navigating food allergies or dietary restrictions, there are also plenty of local spots that prioritize inclusive dining. Check out Breaking Bread: Food Allergy-Friendly Restaurants and Bakeries in and Around Franklin, Tennessee for helpful suggestions.
Bonus: Make Your Own Fun!
Sometimes the best summer moments happen without leaving home. Turn a slow afternoon into an adventure by setting up a backyard obstacle course, letting the kids run a lemonade stand, or hosting a themed movie night complete with homemade tickets and snacks. Keep a running summer bucket list on the fridge with simple ideas everyone can contribute to, like building a fort, trying a new popsicle recipe, or camping out under the stars. Local shops like Learning Express and Brilliant Sky Toys are great places to pick up craft supplies, outdoor games, and DIY kits to help spark creativity and keep boredom at bay.
Keep the Fun Going All Summer Long
With so much happening in and around Franklin and Williamson County, it’s easy to fill your summer with memorable experiences for the whole family. From local adventures to backyard fun, these ideas offer something for every kind of day. Keep this list handy and check FranklinIs throughout the season for even more ways to make the most of summer break!
