November is right around the corner and there are lots of FREE! things to do in Middle Tennessee with the kids. We have ideas for you!
- READ MORE! Get in the Holiday Spirit with 2024 Holiday Craft Shows
- READ MORE! Best THINGS TO DO for Kids & Parents This Weekend
40 Fun (& FREE!) Things To Do in November!
Home Depot Kids Workshops
Saturday, Nov. 30
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Various Home Depot Locations
Kids can head in to their local Home Depot on the first Saturday of each month to build something fun with staff in this free workshop from from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Visit the website to reserve your spot.
Parnassus Books Storytime
Saturdays in November
10:30 am – 11:00 am
Parnassus Books
The whole family is invited to put on their finest pajamas and come out to Parnassus Books (3900 Hillsboro Pike Suite 14, Nashville) for a special storytime from 10:30 – 11 a.m. For ages 0 – 7.
Kidsville at The Parthenon
Saturdays in November
10:30 am – 11:45 am
The Parthenon
Join Kidsville at the Parthenon on select Saturdays each month. Families with children ages 12 and under can enter the Parthenon (2500 West End Ave., Nashville) for free. A Kidsville team member will be taking registrations at the entrance of the Parthenon beginning at 10:30 a.m. Weekly storytelling or special guest programming will begin promptly at 11 a.m. in front of Athena. Scroll down to see the story schedule!
Music in the Vines
Saturdays & Sundays in November
3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Arrington Vineyards
Come out to Arrington Vineyards (6211 Patton Road, Arrington) for free live jazz and bluegrass bands Saturdays and Sundays on the Hillside stage from 1 – 7 p.m. Food will be available. No reservations required.
Storytimes at local libraries & beyond!
Various dates & times
Age-appropriate songs, activities and lots of early literacy fun at multiple local library branches. Find one near you!
Free Wednesdays at NMAAM
Wednesday, November 6
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM)
Enjoy a day at the National Museum of African American Music (510 Broadway, Nashville) every first Wednesday of each month with free admission from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Wishing Chair Puppet Show: Cinderella
Fridays & Saturdays, Nov. 8 – 15
10:30 am – 11:00 am
11:30 am – 12:00 pm
Nashville Public Library
Wishing Chair Productions presents this musical telling filled with magical surprises featuring some of Tom Tichenor’s beautiful puppets. Performances are in the Children’s Theater at Nashville Public Library (615 Church St., Nashville).
Community Days at Glen Leven Farm
Saturday, November 9
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Glen Leven Farm
Hike the 1.4-mile Nature Trail at Glen Leven Farm (4000 Franklin Pike, Nashville), say hi to the donkeys and hang out on the lawn with a frisbee or a picnic from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. This month, they will have complimentary hot High Garden Tea!
Home for the Holidays
Saturday, November 9
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Mt. Juliet Community Center
One of the largestes vendor/craft fairs in Wilson County returns in the Mt. Juliet Community Center at Charlie Daniels Park (1075 Charlie Daniels Pkwy., Mount Juliet) from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Plus, enjoy live music from local young talent, food trucks and free Santa photos!
Explore with a Naturalist
Saturday, Nov. 9 & Saturday, Nov. 23
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Warner Park Nature Center
Do you want your kids to spend more time in the great outdoors? Take them to explore with a naturalist this weekend at Warner Park Nature Center (7311 Highway 100, Nashville). This free outdoor exploration focuses on discovery, observation and connecting with nature from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Family Literacy Month Celebration
Saturday, November 9
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Williamson County Public Library
Join United Way of Greater Nashville for a Family Literacy Month celebration at the Williamson County Public Library (1314 Columbia Ave., Franklin) from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Enjoy a lively story with local author Jeff Crossan (I ate a Cicada), do some crafts and register for 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten to receive a special logbook. Plus, United Way of Greater Nashville/Imagination Library will be on-site to sign up kids for free books!
Fall Craft and Vendor Market
Saturday, November 9
10:00 am – 8:00 pm
CoolSprings Galleria
Get ready for a delightful autumn experience filled with local vendors, sweet treats and endless gift inspiration at CoolSprings Galleria (1800 Galleria Blvd., Franklin). Happens Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Nov. 10 from 12 – 6 p.m.
Fall Star Party
Saturday, November 9
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Warner Parks Special Events and Sports Field
Admire with awe the night sky of autumn with Local astronomers and their telescopes at the Special Events and Sports Field (61 Vaughn Road, Nashville). View stars, planets, constellations and nebulae from 6 – 8 p.m. You should be able to see Jupiter, Saturn and the Moon! Call or email to register.
Frist Family Sunday
Sunday, November 10
1:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Frist Art Museum
On the second Sunday of each month head to the Frist Art Museum for kid-friendly programming, family tours, multisensory gallery experiences, and a visit to the Martin ArtQuest Gallery.
- Martin ArtQuest is open every Sunday from 1 to 5:30 p.m. Explore new art-making stations relating to the exhibition Journey through Japan: Myths to Manga.
Jazz Ambassadors of the US Army Field Band
Tuesday, November 12
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Schermerhorn Symphony Center
The US Army’s Jazz Ambassadors present “This We’ll Defend,” a video-integrated, patriotic concert experience in honor of Veterans Day. Join America’s Big Band as they celebrate military service through music and storytelling in the Schermerhorn Symphony Center (1 Symphony Place, Nashville). Honor our Greatest Generation, welcome home Vietnam Veterans and get to know today’s American soldiers. Ticket reservations are required for this free community concert.
Nashville Ballet Homeschool Day
Wednesday, November 13
10:00 am – 11:30 am
The Martin Center for Nashville Ballet
Guided by a Nashville Ballet Teaching Artist, students and families will discuss and dance through artistic concepts at The Martin Center for Nashville Ballet from 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Belle Meade Holiday Open House
Thursday, November 14
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Belle Meade Historic Site
Get into the holiday spirit at Belle Meade Historic Site (110 Leake Ave., Nashville) from 5 – 8 p.m. Listen to the sounds of Victorian carolers as you stroll through a transformed Winter Wonderland. Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy free hot chocolate and cookies, make ornaments and more!
Autumn Sunset-Moonrise Hike
Thursday, November 14
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Shelby Bottoms Nature Center
Enjoy the wonders of autumn and mosey along the paved 1-mile Greenway loop at Shelby Bottoms Nature Center (1900 Davidson St., Nashville) with special guest volunteer naturalist Jackie Shea from 5 – 6 p.m. For all ages. Must register.
Santa’s Arrival Event
Saturday, November 16
9:00 am – 10:00 am
The Mall at Green Hills; first floor
Join The Mall at Green Hills (2126 Abbott Martin Road, Nashville) and Nashville Predators as they welcome Santa to Nashville! There will be games, crafts, snacks, music and jolly good fun for the whole family from 9 – 10 a.m. Plus, a special appearance by Santa!
Shabby Lane Shopping event
Saturday, November 16
10:00 am – 3:30 pm
Lane Agri-Park
Shop with 70 amazing small businesses at Lane Agri-Park (315 John Rice Blvd., Murfreesboro) from 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Visit with Santa from 12 – 3 p.m. Free gifts to first 200 adult shoppers!
Lowe’s Build & Grow Workshop
Saturday, November 16
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Various Lowe’s Stores
Cruise into various Lowe’s locations with your mini DIYer for this month’s “Build & Grow” kit! They’ll provide all the parts needed to roll away with a fun, hand-built toy that kids can really play with. Workshop happens from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Reserve your spot online.
Franklin Makers Market
Saturday, November 16
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Westhaven Lakefront
Find unique holiday treasures while supporting local makers and small businesses at the Westhaven Lakefront (1001 Westhaven Blvd, Franklin) from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Attendees can expect 100 craft and artisan vendors, free photos with Santa, tasty treats, a cocktail bar and more.
MNPS Celebration of Schools Parade & Fair
Saturday, November 16
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Nissan Stadium
Schools and students will gather at Nissan Stadium for the third annual Metro Nashville Public Schools parade and fair, where in addition to food, giveaways and activities, attendees will have the chance to meet educators representing their schools. The Fair is a great way to enjoy a day of community and learn more from school leaders about the unique qualities and programs offered to students.
Hot Chocolate in the Park
Sunday, November 17
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Cornelia Fort Airpark
Come enjoy biking, games and, of course, hot chocolate at the Cornelia Fort Airpark (2640 Airpark Drive, Nashville) from 2 – 4 p.m. This ride is for all ages.
Outdoor Explorers at Brentwood Library
Wednesday, November 20
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
The John P. Holt Brentwood Library
Explore the world with this family nature walk at the Brentwood Library (8109 Concord Road, Brentwood) from 5 – 6 p.m. Each session will explore a different aspect of the ecosystem we live in. For grades K – 7, but all are welcome.
Patterson Park Community Center Community Thanksgiving
Thursday, November 21
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Patterson Park Community Center
Join Patterson Park Community Center (521 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Murfreesboro) to give thanks and enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving dinner from 5 – 8 p.m. For all ages.
Nashville Flea Market
Friday, November 22
8:00 am – 4:00 pm
The Nashville Fairgrounds
Nashville’s monthly flea market weekend returns with over 800 hundred vendors from 30 states to shop from at the Nashville Fairgrounds (625 Smith Ave., Nashville). Parking is $5.
MADE SOUTH Holiday Market
Friday, November 22
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Factory at Franklin
Join for the 10th annual market inside Liberty Hall at The Factory at Franklin (230 Franklin Road, Franklin) Nov. 22 from 5 – 9 p.m. and Nov. 23 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Shop with 60+ makers and artisans from around the South while sipping on cocktails, eating delicious food and experiencing wonderful music and art!
Sparkle Night Tree Lighting
Friday, November 22
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Streets of Indian Lake Mall – Center Stage Plaza
Families can come out to welcome Santa to the Streets of Indian Lake Mall (300 Indian Lake Blvd., Hendersonville) with festive Thanksgiving & Christmas fun, warm treats, Santa Claus & special characters visits, sparkle tree lighting, holiday music and more. Happens from 5 – 6 p.m.
Jr. Naturalist: Animal Signs
Saturday, November 23
9:30 am – 11:00 am
Shelby Bottoms Nature Center
There’s some sneaky animals at Shelby Bottoms (1900 Davidson St., Nashville) … from tracks to scat to burrows, come to the Nature Center to learn the signs to identify who’s walking around! We’ll gather observations and then categorize our evidence to learn more about life in the park. Happens from 1 – 2:30 p.m. For ages 6 and older. Registration required.
Nashville Ballet’s Nutcracker Storytime
Tuesday, November 26
10:30 am – 11:00 am
Nashville Public Library Edmondson Pike Branch
Bring your littles for Nashville Ballet’s own version of this timeless holiday classic. The highly interactive story time whisks you away to the Land of the Sweets! Happens at the Nashville Public Library Edmondson Pike Branch (5501 Edmondson Pike, Nashville) at 10:30 a.m. For ages 3 – 5, families welcome.
Bad Art Night at Brentwood Library
Tuesday, November 26
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Brentwood Library
Let loose, get creative and leave your talent at the door during this time for ages 8 – 12 and their parents at the Brentwood Library (8109 Concord Road, Brentwood) from 5 – 6 p.m. Must register.
Thankful for Hill Forest
Wednesday, November 27
9:30 am – 12:00 pm
Warner Park Nature Center
Hike with gratitude and appreciation for the ridges and valleys of the undisturbed Hill Forest during this autumnal excursion at Warner Park Nature Center (7311 Highway 100 Nashville). This rugged, off-trail and strenuous hike is only accessible with a naturalist and is a great adventure for kids 10 years and up. Happens from 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Lipscomb Lighting of the Green
Wednesday, December 4
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Outside Lipscomb’s Allen Arena
The Lipscomb University community is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its traditional start to the holiday season with Nashville entertainer Amy Grant and special friends and award-winning student choirs singing festive holiday classics outside Allen Arena (4021 Granny White Pike, Nashville). The evening concludes with the lighting of the campus’ Christmas tree. Festivities start at 4 p.m. Concert starts at 6 p.m.