The good news? You don’t have to break the bank to make this summer unforgettable. Whether you’re in Nashville, Franklin, Mt. Juliet, Hendersonville, Dickson or Bellevue, there are plenty of free summer activities for kids that combine fun, exploration and just enough sunshine to tire everyone out.

From splash pads to storytimes – and even a slime-filled adventure that’s totally worth the cleanup – here are 10 can’t-miss free activities for kids in Middle Tennessee this summer.

1. Nashville Public Library storytimes
Nothing beats the combination of air conditioning, imagination and free enrichment for kids. Nashville Public Library branches across Davidson County are a gem for summer. Families can drop in for free storytimes, puppet shows, music and movement sessions, craft workshops and early literacy classes. Each branch offers unique themed programming, so check the events page regularly. Bonus: Many storytime hours are followed by playtime or craft tables, so you can linger a little longer without spending a dime. It’s one of the best ways to encourage reading all summer long.

2. Bowie Nature Park in Fairview
Looking to get your kids off screens and into the great outdoors? Bowie Nature Park is a must-visit. Just west of Nashville in Fairview, this 700-acre park is one of the largest city-managed parks in the state. With miles of shaded hiking and biking trails, fishing ponds, picnic shelters and a nature-themed playground, it offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. It’s an ideal day trip for families who want to explore nature, observe wildlife or simply let little ones burn off energy.

3. Big Gross Adventure at Cross Point Church
Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like—wild, messy and full of laughter. Big Gross Adventure is a free kids event held at all six Cross Point Church campuses across Middle Tennessee. Kids entering kindergarten through fifth grade are invited to experience slime games, team challenges, hilarious surprises and high-energy storytelling that points back to one truth: God is with us in the mess. It’s a can’t-miss experience that’s equal parts meaningful and ridiculously fun.

Register at crosspoint.tv/summer and choose your campus:
Cross Point Bellevue: 7675 U.S. 70 South, Nashville, TN 37221
Cross Point Dickson: 229 Henslee Drive, Dickson, TN 37055
Cross Point Hendersonville: 1410 Stop Thirty Road, Hendersonville, TN 37075
Cross Point Franklin: 1213 Country Road, Franklin, TN 37069
Cross Point Mount Juliet: 85 Athens Drive, Mount Juliet, TN 37122
Cross Point Nashville: 299 Cowan Street, Nashville, TN 37213

This event is a summer highlight for families looking for free, safe, high-energy fun.

4. Hendersonville Splash Pad
This free community splash pad is the ultimate cool-down spot. Located at Veterans Park, it features fountains, sprinklers and plenty of shaded seating for parents. Open seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day, it’s one of the best free water activities for kids in the Hendersonville area. Bring a picnic, wear water shoes and let the kids splash to their hearts’ content. Pro tip: Mornings are usually quieter, so get there early for prime splash time.

5. Franklin’s First Friday Art Crawl
Downtown Franklin comes alive on the first Friday of every month. While it might sound like a grown-up outing, it’s surprisingly kid-friendly. Galleries and shops stay open late with free exhibits, treats and live performances. Kids can enjoy music in the square, free popcorn or lemonade, and stroll the charming streets alongside families, artists and performers. It’s a low-stress, creative evening that’s totally free.

6. Charlie Daniels Park in Mount Juliet
Named after the legendary country music star, this community park has something for everyone. The Kids Kingdom playground is a favorite, with swings, slides, climbing walls and shaded seating. There’s also a splash pad, walking trails, a skate park, sand volleyball courts and picnic shelters. It’s one of the most versatile free spots for kids in Middle Tennessee. Check their calendar for free concerts and movie nights, too.

7. Dickson Farmers Market Kids Days
Not your average farmers market—Dickson’s market goes all out for kids. On select Saturdays, it hosts Kids Days with free crafts, games, scavenger hunts and even pony rides. Children can enjoy face painting, meet local artisans and get a hands-on introduction to farm life and fresh food. Parents can shop for produce while kids stay entertained. Follow the Dickson Farmers Market on Facebook for schedules.

8. Local story trails and literacy walks
Scattered across Middle Tennessee are free story trails – short walking paths where kids read a story one page at a time as they move through nature. You’ll find these in places like Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary, Pinkerton Park in Franklin and Edwin Warner Park in Nashville. It’s the perfect combo of literacy and outdoor fun for curious young readers.

9. Bellevue Red Caboose Park
A neighborhood favorite in Bellevue, this park features a real red caboose and a wooden playground that’s been a kid magnet for years. Free summer concerts add to the fun, making it a perfect low-key family activity in West Nashville. Bring scooters or bikes to explore the paved paths around the park.

10. Family hikes on the Cumberland River Greenway
Running alongside the Cumberland River, this paved trail system is stroller-friendly and full of picnic-perfect spots. It offers views of the city, wildlife and shaded stretches for hot summer days. For families who want to move at their own pace, it’s a relaxing way to spend time outside, for free.

Whether you’re looking for free summer activities for kids in Nashville, family-friendly events in Franklin or budget-friendly things to do with kids in Middle Tennessee, there’s no shortage of options. Don’t forget to make Big Gross Adventure a must-do on your list – because if your kids are going to get messy, it might as well be in the name of fun.