Gentry Farm: A Fall Family Tradition in Franklin, TN
Located just 10 minutes west of Downtown Franklin, Gentry Farm is a must-visit for anyone seeking fall activities in Franklin, TN. This historic, working farm has been owned by the Gentry family since the mid-1800s and continues to serve as a beloved destination for families from Williamson County and beyond. Known for its autumn festivities, including pumpkin picking, hayrides, and corn mazes, the farm embodies the spirit of fall in Franklin. Gentry Farm also contributes year-round through educational programs, promoting agriculture and sustainability.
If you’re searching for things to do in Franklin, TN during the fall season, Gentry Farm offers a perfect blend of fun, history, and tradition. Its hands-on activities and seasonal events draw in families eager to enjoy the crisp autumn air and connect with nature. Whether you’re planning your fall weekend or simply looking to create long-lasting family memories, Gentry Farm is a treasure worth exploring!
A History Rooted in Family and Agriculture
The story of Gentry Farm begins with the land itself. Owned by the Gentry family for over 150 years, the farm is an enduring symbol of Tennessee’s rich agricultural history. Over the generations, the farm has been passed down, and each family member has left their mark, maintaining its role as a working farm while expanding its purpose to welcome visitors.
Many of the farm’s original structures, including the main brick house, date back to the 1800s and are still standing today. The family’s commitment to preservation is evident in their care for the land and the continued operation of the farm, which includes producing crops like hay and raising beef cattle.
A Commitment to Conservation and Responsible Farming
Gentry Farm emphasizes its dedication to conservation and responsible land management. The farm has received recognition, including the Conservation Farm of the Year award for Williamson County, for its efforts in stream mitigation and wildlife conservation easements. These practices ensure the health and sustainability of the land while maintaining its productivity as a working farm. By balancing agricultural work with conservation, Gentry Farm continues to serve as a model of responsible stewardship of the land.
Fall at Gentry Farm in Franklin, TN
For families looking for the best fall things to do in Franklin, TN, Gentry Farm is a must-visit destination. From pumpkin picking to exploring the corn maze, the farm offers classic autumn activities that bring visitors back year after year. Whether you’re taking a hayride through scenic fields or enjoying the crisp air on the farm’s nature trails, Gentry Farm embodies the spirit of fall in Franklin. Be sure to add this iconic spot to your list of fall events in Franklin, TN.
The Pumpkin Patch
At Gentry Farm, choosing a pumpkin becomes a fun activity for the whole family. The pumpkin area offers a wide variety of pre-picked pumpkins and gourds, making it easy for everyone to join in. Whether you’re after a carving pumpkin or colorful gourds for decoration, there’s something for everyone to pick out together. The experience of choosing a pumpkin is an annual tradition for many families, bringing them back year after year.
Corn Maze
Families eagerly anticipate Gentry Farm’s corn maze each year as part of their fall traditions. The maze offers a fun and engaging challenge for visitors of all ages, while younger children can enjoy a specially designed mini-maze. These activities have become a highlight of the farm’s fall season, with families returning annually to create lasting memories.
Wagon Rides
Another cherished fall activity at Gentry Farm is the classic wagon ride. Visitors can hop aboard and enjoy a leisurely ride through the scenic fields, taking in the beautiful views of the farm and the surrounding countryside. It’s a peaceful way to slow down and appreciate the land that has sustained the Gentry family for generations.
Nature Trails
In addition to hayrides, the farm’s nature trails provide a tranquil walking experience through wooded areas and open fields. These trails are accessible during the fall season and offer visitors a chance to connect with nature while learning more about the local flora and fauna.
More Fun Family Activities
Gentry Farm offers a variety of hands-on, family-friendly activities. Kids can explore the Inside Maze and Labyrinth, swing on tire swings, and visit the Tractor Playground. The Grain Barn, Farm Arcade, and Mini Farm Putt Putt add engaging interactive elements. Families can also enjoy visiting animals, providing a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
Gentry Farm’s Educational and Community Engagement
While Gentry Farm is only open to the public during the fall, its contributions extend far beyond this season. The farm remains a valuable educational resource for schools and groups, offering scheduled visits and field trips in the spring. During these times, Gentry Farm provides learning opportunities focused on farming, nature, and sustainability.
The Resources page on the Gentry Farm website provides helpful information for teachers and parents planning field trips or educational visits. It includes downloadable documents such as farm rules, directions, group activity schedules, and educational guides to prepare students for their visit. These resources ensure that groups have all the information they need to maximize their learning experience at Gentry Farm.
Gentry Farm School Field Trips and Educational Programs
Though Gentry Farm is closed to the public in the spring, it offers unique and educational field trips for scheduled groups of students, providing a hands-on learning experience across various topics. Running from mid-March to May, these trips allow students to participate in interactive activity centers. Activities include archaeology where students uncover artifacts, mapping skills with compasses, bug hunting, and planting, teaching children where food comes from.
Additionally, students can explore topics like architecture with Lincoln logs, enjoy math on the farm, and learn about Tennessee grains like corn, wheat, and soybeans. Fun activities like creating pretend pizzas, completing an obstacle course in the barn maze, and taking a hayride to feed the cows add excitement to the educational experience. For younger students, the Barn features a hands-on play area with a pretend farmer’s market, restaurant, Lincoln logs, and other interactive activities.
These field trips allow students to explore the importance of farming, develop motor skills, and understand the vital role farms play in today’s world. The variety of engaging and educational activities makes Gentry Farm a valuable destination for school groups, offering a memorable way to connect with agriculture and nature.
Gentry Farm Summer Camps
Gentry Farm Summer Camps offer an exciting opportunity for children to experience farm life while enjoying outdoor adventures. These camps provide age-appropriate activities that foster both learning and fun.
Junior Camp: Designed for children who have finished kindergarten through second grade, Junior Camp offers a variety of activities, including fishing, paddle boating, crafting, archaeology, and bug hunting. Each afternoon, campers float in inner tubes and hunt for crawdads in the West Harpeth River, making for an exciting and memorable experience. Run by Allen and Cindy Gentry, the camp provides a mix of fun, learning, and outdoor exploration.
Senior Camp: For children who have finished third through sixth grade, Senior Camp offers a more advanced experience, including chores, games like horseshoes and checkers, and activities like Capture the Flag. Afternoons are spent at the West Harpeth River, where campers float in inner tubes and explore the river while hunting for crawdads. Led by Jase Gentry and Laura Gentry DeFatta, this camp focuses on teamwork, outdoor fun, and connection with nature.
Know Before You Go to Gentry Farm
Before heading to Gentry Farm, it’s important to note the farm is open to the public only on weekends during the fall season, which runs from September 28th through October 28th. Operating hours are 9 am to 5 pm on Saturdays, and 1 pm to 5 pm on Sundays. Gentry Farm is also open to the public on Monday mornings in October from 9 am to 1 pm, particularly catering to homeschool groups. Additionally, Gentry Farm will be open on select fall break dates: October 7th, 10th, and 11th, from 9 am to 1 pm.
The farm is located at 1974 New Highway 96 West, Franklin, TN, across from Westhaven Subdivision. During your visit, you can enjoy snacks from a concession stand run by the Fourth Avenue Church of Christ Youth Group. The farm offers free parking and is mostly handicap accessible, with shuttle services available. Picnics are allowed near the pumpkin barn, but not in the activity area. Other than leashed service animals, pets are not allowed.
Gentry Farm: A Place to Grow, Learn, and Celebrate
Gentry Farm stands as a beloved destination for families in Franklin, Tennessee, offering a unique blend of tradition, education, and conservation. Known for its fall activities, like pumpkin picking and corn mazes, the farm also plays an essential role in the community through its spring educational field trips and summer camps. The Gentry family has cultivated a welcoming environment where visitors can experience the beauty of the land, learn about farming, and create lasting memories.Looki
If you’re looking to fully embrace the fall season, be sure to check out our guide, Where to See Beautiful Fall Foliage in Franklin, TN, and Williamson County. It’s the perfect complement to your autumn adventures at Gentry Farm!
