As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp, fall is the perfect season for families to embrace the outdoors and enjoy festive, kid-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a cozy pumpkin patch, a lively fall festival, or trick-or-treating fun, Middle Tennessee has something for everyone. We've rounded up some of the best activities for you and your little ones to enjoy this fall, along with the top costume trends that are sure to be a hit this Halloween!
1. Pumpkin Patches and Farms
There’s nothing quite like visiting a pumpkin patch to fully embrace the season! Kids will love picking out their perfect pumpkin, exploring corn mazes, and going on hayrides. Here are some top pumpkin patches and farms to check out:
- Lucky Ladd Farms (Eagleville)
Lucky Ladd Farms is a favorite for families, offering not only a pumpkin patch but also a petting zoo, corn maze, and a giant playground. This farm is perfect for a day full of fun with the little ones.
- Gentry’s Farm (Franklin)
Gentry’s Farm is a historic family-owned farm that offers a range of fall activities including pumpkin picking, nature trails, and barnyard games. The educational corn maze and tractor rides add to the excitement!
- Walden Pumpkin Farm (Smyrna)
Walden Pumpkin Farm is another family-friendly spot with pumpkins galore, tractor rides, and even a fun pumpkin train ride for kids. Make sure to stop by the farm animals to say hello before leaving with your pumpkins.
2. Fall Festivals Around Middle Tennessee
Fall festivals bring out the best of the season with food, music, crafts, and games. These family-friendly events offer a great way to enjoy the community and celebrate autumn.
- The Tennessee State Fair (Lebanon)
The State Fair might take place earlier in the season, but it’s a great kickoff to fall fun. Featuring carnival rides, a petting zoo, live entertainment, and delicious fair food, it’s perfect for a family outing.
- Pumpkinfest (Franklin)
One of the largest fall festivals in Middle Tennessee, Franklin’s annual Pumpkinfest takes place in downtown Franklin and is packed with live music, costume contests, food trucks, and tons of activities for kids. Don’t miss the trick-or-treating at local businesses!
- Cheekwood Harvest (Nashville)
Cheekwood Harvest is part of Cheekwood Estate & Gardens' seasonal lineup. This month-long celebration includes a pumpkin village, scarecrows throughout the gardens, and weekly family-friendly events like live music, crafts, and a beer garden for the adults.
3. Trick-or-Treating Events for Families
Halloween wouldn’t be complete without trick-or-treating! If you’re looking for safe and fun places to take your kids trick-or-treating, this article has many fun ideas on top of some yearly staples:
- Trick-or-Treat on the Square (Murfreesboro)
Head to the historic downtown square in Murfreesboro for an evening of trick-or-treating at local shops. This event is perfect for younger children, offering a safe and lively atmosphere for candy collection.
- Boo at the Zoo (Nashville)
Nashville Zoo’s annual Boo at the Zoo event transforms the zoo into a Halloween wonderland. Kids can trick-or-treat around the zoo, take a ride on the Scary-Go-Round, or venture through the Monster Mash dance floor!
4. Top Halloween Costume Choices for 2024
Now that you’ve got your fall activities lined up, it’s time to think about Halloween costumes! Here are the top costume trends for 2024 that are sure to be a hit with your little ones:
- Classic Characters
Some things never go out of style. Characters like Superman, Wonder Woman, Elsa from Frozen, and Spiderman remain popular with kids of all ages. These are timeless choices that everyone will recognize and love.
- Barbie and Ken
The release of the latest Barbie movie has made Barbie and Ken costumes a top choice this year! Whether your little one wants to dress as classic Barbie or opt for something more modern, this trend is sure to be a hit.
- Super Mario Characters
After the release of the Super Mario movie, kids are jumping at the chance to dress up as Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, or even the beloved villain Bowser. These characters make for an exciting group costume idea for siblings or friends.
- Dinosaurs and Dragons
For kids who love all things prehistoric, dinosaurs are always a fun and fierce option. Dragon costumes are also trending this year, fueled by popular fantasy TV shows and movies. Plus, these costumes are warm and cozy for trick-or-treating on cool fall nights!
- Mermaids and Pirates
This combo has always been a favorite, and with the recent resurgence in pirate-themed shows, both mermaids and pirates are once again trending. Whether you want to be a swashbuckling pirate or a shimmering sea siren, these costumes are sure to impress.
Fall in Middle Tennessee is a magical time filled with family fun, outdoor activities, and, of course, the excitement of Halloween. Whether you're picking pumpkins at a local farm, enjoying a fall festival, or planning out the perfect Halloween costume, there are endless ways to make this season memorable for the whole family. So, gather up your loved ones, embrace the cooler weather, and dive into all the fun that fall has to offer!
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