Family Living


Parent Picks: Fall Activities for Families in Nashville

Family Living | September 22, 2023
father and child with a full apple picking basket

Nashville Farmers’ Market

The Nashville area is a fantastic city for family fun, especially if you know where to look! When temperatures drop, the fun you’ll have will increase as Music City prepares to celebrate autumn. For families looking to make some fall memories with their children, here’s The Gardner School’s list of top fall activities in Nashville you don’t want to miss!

Breeden’s Orchard

Take a drive out to Breeden’s Orchard, located in Mount Juliet. They host “Story Time at The Orchard” on Fridays at 10 a.m., Friday Night Markets throughout the fall, and have fresh apples and apple treats for purchase. Because the apple trees are young, you can’t pick your own apples just yet. But you can visit for a firsthand, preschooler-approved lesson on where apples come from.

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

Throughout October, every member of the family can celebrate the autumn season at Cheekwood. Enjoy the changing of the leaves on Cheekwood’s trees, more than 5,000 chrysanthemums, and a collection of creative scarecrows created by Cheekwood’s diverse community members.

Music City Walk of Fame

As the hot summer temperatures cool down, get outside for a stroll on downtown Nashville’s Music City Walk of Fame. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a bite to eat in the neighboring open green space. The Walk of Fame is free, open to the public, and a perfect way to show your preschooler the impact of music on your hometown.

Flying Ghost Pumpkin Patch

We all love to decorate our homes for fall. Why not let your preschooler get in on the excitement? Explore Nashville’s largest selection of pumpkins, hay bales, mums, and corn stalks at Flying Ghost Pumpkin Patch. They even offer mini pumpkins in various shapes, sizes, and colors so your child can choose their own to display at home.

Nashville Children’s Theatre

Introduce your preschooler to live performances at the Nashville Children’s Theatre. The shows at NCT run under 60 minutes and are appropriate for all ages. You can download a Social Story so your child will know what to expect from the theatre experience.

children performing on stage at Nashville Childrens Theatre
Photo courtesy of Nashville Childrens Theatre

Farmers’ markets may be synonymous with summer, but the Nashville Farmers’ Market is open all year-’round! Explore the open-air outdoor farm sheds where more than 150 vendors sell fresh produce and other wares. Let your preschooler pick out seasonal fruits and veggies like apples, pears, and squash. With so many varieties to choose from, you can introduce your little one to new produce and new flavors!

a band playing string instruments outdoors
Photo courtesy of Nashville Farmers Market

Nashville Zoo

During weekends in October, the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere invites children to show off their favorite costumes for Boo at the Zoo. These nights of delightfully frightful fun have become an annual fall tradition. Families can enjoy games, entertainment, carousel rides, hayrides, trick-or-treating, and more.

little girl petting a kangaroo at Nashville Zoo
Photo by Jordan Sloan, Nashville Zoo

Tennessee Titans

Get dressed up in blue, red, and white for a Tennessee Titans football game at Nissan Stadium. Preschoolers who are sports fans will enjoy watching the game in person, dancing to the music at the halftime show, and munching on concession stand treats. Check the schedule for noon kick-off times to make it home before bedtime.

It’s never too early to start learning.

The Gardner School offers an engaging curriculum for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Our caring teachers encourage children’s curiosity while supporting a strong educational foundation. To learn more about our Nashville preschools, contact us to set up a tour.

Nashville Zoo

Family Living

10 Signs You Know You’re a Parent in Nashville, TN

Best Rated Nashville Preschool

TGS in the News

Best Rated Nashville Preschools