What in the world are y’all doing this wonderful October weekend?! Check out one of our top Things to Do with Kids (listed in no particular order).
Click on the links for more information about each event.
- READ MORE! Top Things to Do for Parents This Weekend
Top THINGS TO DO for Kids THIS Weekend
Kids will have fun decorating pumpkins, bouncing on inflatables and so much more THIS Saturday at The Avenue Murfreesboro.
Fall Kids Fest
Saturday, Oct. 17 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
2615 Medical Center Pkwy. (Outside, behind Belk dept. store)
FREE
Enjoy trick-or-treating fun, carnival games, live performances and demonstrations, food vendors, a kids’ costume parade and giveaways for the 18th annual Fall Kids Fest! Head to The Avenue in Murfreesboro (behind Belk department store). The family-friendly festivities will feature more than 40 local vendor booths representing area businesses and services. Kids will love jumping on inflatables, face painters and yummy food vendors. The popular pumpkin decorating patch returns, too (while supplies last!).
Lucky Ladd Farms is a favorite for families in the fall with all kinds of friendly activities for all ages.
Fall Harvest Festival at Lucky Ladd Farms
Wednesdays – Sundays through Oct. 31 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tickets start at $18 (with a $2 fee) online
Enjoy all-things fall at Lucky Ladd Farms (4374 Rocky Glade Road, Eagleville) during pumpkin patch and corn maze season. Oh, and did we mention their new pumpkin spice lattes and apple cider donuts?
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READ MORE: 2026 Fall Farm Fun Guide in Middle Tennessee
FINAL WEEK! A Year with Frog and Toad at Nashville Children’s Theatre
Wednesday, Oct. 14 | 2 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 15 | 11:45 a.m.
Friday, Oct. 16 | 11:45 a.m.
Saturday, Oct. 17 | 2 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 18 | 2 p.m.
$38.50 for adults; $28.50 for youth
Hear the story of a friendship that endures throughout the seasons at Nashville Children’s Theatre (25 Middleton St., Nashville). Based on Arnold Lobel’s well-loved books, and featuring a score by Robert and Willie Reale, this whimsical show follows two great friends – the cheerful, popular Frog and the rather grumpy Toad – through four fun-filled seasons. The two best friends celebrate and rejoice in the differences that make them unique and special. Recommended for grades K – 8.
Kids 8 and younger get a free pumpkin from the patch (while supplies last) THIS Saturday at the Streets at Indian Lake.
Pumpkin Patch Festival in Hendersonville
Saturday, Oct. 17 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
FREE
Free pumpkins for kids up to age 9 at the Streets of Indian Lake Shopping Center (300 Indian Lake Blvd., Hendersonville) means pumpkin painting! Plus live music, a kids’ play zone, face painting, costume and dance contests for prizes, a magic show at 11 a.m., a balloon artist, artisan vendors and more.
Celebrate everything literary during this free, annual event surrounding authors and books THIS weekend in downtown Nashville.
Southern Festival of Books
Saturday, Oct. 17 | 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 18 | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
FREE
Vanderbilt University presents the 37th annual literary festival at the confluence of the Bicentennial Mall, the Tennessee State Museum and Tennessee State Library. The weekend features appearances, signings and round tables from approximately 150 authors, letting you connect with favorite writers and more. Kids can enjoy the Kids’ Tent, character meet-and-greets and exploring the world of books. NOTE: The Museum side of the festival address is 1000 Rosa Parks Blvd.; and the library side of the festival address is 1001 Rep. John Lewis Way.
Bring kids in costumes to the downtown Main Library’s Children’s Theater for a magical puppet show.
FINAL WEEKEND! Wishing Chair Puppet Show: A Very Magical Halloween Storytime
Friday, Oct. 16 | 10:30 and 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, Oct. 17 | 10:30 and 11:30 a.m.
FREE
As a special Halloween treat, prepare to be amazed by a live puppet show filled with mystery, laughter and a few magical surprises. Costumes are encouraged, so come dressed in your Halloween best. Performances are inside the Children’s Theatre on the second floor of the downtown Nashville Public Library branch (615 Church St., Nashville).
Bring costumed kiddos to the family-friendly Halloween event featuring trick-or-treating, animal shows and decorations.
Boo at the Zoo
Friday, Oct. 16 through Nov. 1| 5 to 9 p.m.
Cost for ages 2 and older is $19 on Mondays – Thursdays and $23 on Fridays – Saturdays. Parking is $10
Enjoy fall-themed scenes and activities, trick-or-treating for the kids (ages 2 – 12), animal shows (nightly at 5:45, 6:45 & 7:45 p.m.) and more during Boo at the Zoo! The fun takes place at Nashville Zoo (3777 Nolensville Pike, Nashville).
Enjoy breakfast while Mystic Mermaids swim through the tank!
Mystic Mermaids Under the Sea Breakfast
Saturday, Oct. 17 | 9 to 11 a.m.
$28.61 for adults, $22.26 for kids 3 – 10
Come out to the Aquarium Restaurant (516 Opry Mills Drive, Nashville) for an exclusive “Under The Sea Breakfast” event with the Mystic Mermaids! Enjoy while watching mermaids swim to music and teach you how to protect the ocean. Reservations required.
A young boy learns he has a lot to say about his dog thanks to a teacher’s poetry assignment.
Love that Dog by Little Blue Theatre Company
Wednesday, Oct. 14 | 2 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 16 | 7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 17 | 2 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 18 | 2 p.m.
$13 for kids and $19 for adults
See this live play based on the book by award-winning author Sharon Creech in Centennial Performing Arts Studios (211 27th Ave N, Nashville). The story follows a boy who resists a poetry assignments until he discovers he has a lot to say — especially about his dog. Recommended for ages 8 and older and their families.
See the Preds take on the Golden Knights on Tuesday, the Sharks on Wednesday and the Blues on Saturday.
Nashville Predators Hockey
Tuesday, Oct. 13 | 7:45 p.m. vs. Vegas Golden Knights
Thursday, Oct. 15 | 7 p.m. vs. San Jose Sharks
Saturday, Oct. 17 | 7 p.m. vs. St. Louis Blues
Ticket prices start at $49
Get your fang fingers and catfish ready because the Nashville Predators are back on our home ice at Bridgestone Arena (501 Broadway, Nashville) for the 2026-27 season.
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