Ring in the New Year With a Month Full of Family Fun!
Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary Marshmallow Hikes
Kick off the new year with hands-on STEM fun through a variety of robotics camps and workshops happening throughout the month of January. On Friday the 2nd, the New Year’s Robotics Camp runs from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm in Spring Hill for kids ages 7–12, where kids can build two robots a day, tackle creative challenges, and explore engineering with expert guidance.
On Monday, the 19th, the Demolition Robots Workshop takes place at the Franklin Recreation Complex from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, inviting ages 7–12 to design powerful robots built to safely demolish structures.
Younger builders can join the My First Robot Parent & Child Workshop (ages 4–7 with one grown-up guest), offered at multiple locations and dates. The workshop will be held on Saturday, the 17th, at the Franklin Recreation Complex, Saturday the 24th in Nolensville, and Saturday, the 31st, in Spring Hill, all from 2:00 to 3:30 pm. Using age-appropriate kits, families build simple robots while learning early STEM concepts through guided play. No experience is required— just curiosity, creativity, and a love of building together.
Mark your calendar for Saturday, the 3rd, from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, and join the Franklin Card Show at Moore Elementary School. Held on the first Saturday of every month, this popular event brings together local vendors and collectors for a fun morning of buying, selling, and trading sports cards, Pokémon memorabilia, and more. Connect with fellow enthusiasts, discover unique finds, and be part of Franklin’s growing and vibrant card-collecting community.
Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary in Brentwood hosts its annual Marshmallow and Hot Chocolate Hikes on January 2nd, 3rd, 10th, and 17th, offering a cozy winter outing for the whole family. Guided hikes begin promptly at 9:30 am, 11:00 am, and 1:00 pm, followed by hot chocolate and roasted marshmallows. Participants can choose an easy or moderate hike along natural trails.
Join Owl’s Hill again at the end of the month for Family Geocaching Day. It takes place on Saturday, the 31st, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, with trails open until 3:00 pm. Families are invited to explore kid-friendly trails while searching for hidden geocaches using a GPS device or smartphone. No experience is necessary, making it a fun and accessible outdoor adventure for all ages. Picnic tables are available for families who wish to stay and enjoy lunch.
Battle Ground Academy will host a special preview of the new musical One Step At a Time on the 12th at 7:00 pm and on Tuesday the 13th at 9:30 pm. Performed by local student talent, this inspiring production brings real student experiences to life through heartfelt storytelling and an uplifting score. The musical follows a family navigating change within a struggling middle school and highlights themes of growth, resilience, and leadership. Audience feedback during this early preview will help shape the final production. Suitable for all ages.
AVALANCHE Winter Weekend Overnight Camp takes place Friday, 16th at 5 pm and Monday (MLK Jr. Day), the 19th, at 4 pm in Thompson’s Station. They offer campers an action-packed winter escape focused on adventure and connection. From guided recreation like zip lines, giant swings, and nighttime laser tag to small group devotionals and cabin time, campers stay engaged all weekend long. Additional highlights include game room fun, group challenges with prizes, cozy campfires with s’mores and hot cocoa, wagon rides, and visits to the camp store for treats and souvenirs.
Come in from the cold for Saturday Morning Cartoons at The Franklin Theatre. Anastasia (1997) will be shown on the 10th at 11:00 am. This special screening invites families to enjoy the beloved animated classic on the big screen. The film follows a young orphan who, years after being separated from her family, travels to Paris in hopes of reuniting with her grandmother– unaware that two con men are using her journey for their own scheme. A nostalgic and heartwarming movie experience perfect for a cozy Saturday morning outing.
The fun continues at The Franklin Theatre. Disney’s Frozen KIDS takes the stage Friday, the 16th, at 5:30 pm and again on Saturday, the 17th, at 1 pm. Rated G and presented as a 35-minute, one-act production, this family-friendly musical is a delightful adaptation of the Broadway hit and beloved animated film. Audiences will join Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and friends on a heartwarming journey featuring favorite songs like “Let It Go” and “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” The show is performed by the talented youth of Act Too Players, ages 7–9.
Stay awhile at The Franklin Theatre for Disney’s Aladdin, Jr. on the 17th at 4:00 pm and on the 18th at 3:00 pm. Rated G and running 60 minutes, this one-act adaptation brings the Academy Award-winning Disney classic to life for young audiences. Follow Aladdin and his friends as they discover a magic lamp, meet the Genie, and embark on an adventure full of wishes, bravery, and heart. Performed by Act Too Players ages 10–13, the show features new songs, expanded characters, and all the magic of the beloved story.
The Franklin Theatre will also present Oliver Twist: The Musical. It will be performed by the teen cast of Act Too Players (ages 7–18) on Saturday, the 24th, at 12:00 pm and Sunday, the 25th, at 7:00 pm. Rated PG and running 60 minutes, this adaptation of Lionel Bart’s classic musical brings Victorian England to life. Follow Oliver, a young orphan, as he navigates workhouses, London streets, and a band of petty thieves while discovering friendship, danger, and the meaning of family. A heartwarming production filled with memorable music and engaging storytelling for audiences of all ages.
On the same weekend, the 24th and 25th at 3:00 pm, experience the darkly witty, Tony Award-winning musical Sweeney Todd: School Edition at The Franklin Theatre (PG-13, 2 hrs 20 min with two acts and an intermission). Wrongly exiled barber Sweeney Todd returns to nineteenth-century London seeking vengeance on the judge who ruined his life. Teaming up with Mrs. Lovett, owner of a failing pie shop, Todd’s thirst for blood turns her business into a sensational success… with deadly results. Witness this thrilling tale of love, revenge, and murder, performed by the talented teen actors of Act Too Players (ages 14–18).
Also, on Saturday, the 24th, at 10 am, The Mockingbird Theater at The Factory at Franklin presents “Getting Looney At The Bird” with comedian Carrie Murphy. Perfect for kids ages 1–10, this fun-filled show features ventriloquy, games, songs, and plenty of laughs for the whole family. Carrie Murphy, a clean comedian featured on K-LOVE On Demand and national platforms like Amazon Fire and Roku, brings her joy and energy to audiences across the country. Tickets include a carousel ride, popcorn, and a drink, making this an unforgettable afternoon experience for families looking to beat the January lull.
At the end of the month, The Franklin Theatre hosts SMC x Filmmakers in Franklin for a special screening of Disney’s Mulan (1998) on Saturday, the 31st at 11:00 am. This one-of-a-kind event features director Tony Bancroft, who will participate in a post-film Q&A and meet-and-greet, sharing behind-the-scenes insights from the beloved animated classic. Hosted by actress Leah Allers, the screening is part of the Filmmakers in Franklin series, bringing a touch of Hollywood to historic Franklin for a memorable, family-friendly experience.
