Five Free and Cheap Family Things To Do in Middle Tennessee

This weekend, the best little festival for families will be at Centennial Park. It’s worth hopping in for at least an hour or two — it’s truly a good spot for a first show for even your smallest kids. There are a couple more outdoor choices this week: Head to Lascassas for the Watermelon Festival, or go north for an outdoor concert in White House. The Nashville Public Library also has a few great offerings this week: Two on our list are the Mommy & Me Barbie Workshop, where you can work on your braiding skills, and the other is a ballet storytime that is great for your youngest kids.

As part of our series on free cheap things to do with the family, here is our weekly roundup of places to spend time together over the next week:

Kidsville at Centennial Park

At the three-day, family-friendly Musicians Corner, caregivers and parents can bring kids of all ages to enjoy fun, fitness, crafts, and educational musical meet & greet guests and activities at Kidsville. The concert series begins Thursday evening and is celebrating 15 years in Centennial Park this year. In addition to the kid’s area and music, there will be several vendors and food trucks on site. 

Mommy & Me Barbie Workshop

At the Richland Park branch of the Nashville Public Library, they’re hosting a Mommy & Me Barbie workshop at 2 p.m. on Aug. 31. Kids and their grownup can bring their own Barbies to learn how to braid unique hairstyles and bond in a free and safe environment. The hourlong event is best for ages 3-7, and while there’s no registration, attendees must have their own Barbie to join in.

Music Under the Stars

At White House Municipal Park, the Music Under the Stars Summer Concert Series is slated for this weekend. Concerts begin at 6 p.m. on Aug. 31 with band The Pak to round out the final iteration of the series. Food trucks will be on-site, but folks are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs, blankets and snacks as well. 

Watermelon Festival

The Lascassas Farmers Market’s Watermelon Festival will celebrate all things watermelon on Aug. 31 beginning at 8 a.m. and ending at noon. They’ll have live music, watermelon slushies, sand crafts, and fresh watermelon as well as all the normal goodies that come along with the market.

Nashville Ballet presents 'Sleeping Beauty' Story Time

Take your little ones the morning of Aug. 29 to join in with a Nashville Ballet teaching artist as they tell the tale of an evil fairy’s curse on a beautiful young princess doomed to sleep until love’s kiss breaks the spell. The Bordeaux branch of the Nashville Public Library will host kids as they are invited to dance through the tale of Sleeping Beauty and “learn how the ballet has become a timeless, cherished tale through its beautiful music and movement.”