Five Free and Cheap Family Things To Do in Middle Tennessee

This list couldn’t possibly capture the sheer amount of fall and Halloween happenings going on around town, but here we try to get to some of the favorite, can’t-miss events for families this season. Beginning with the Fall Tennessee Craft Fair, which has plenty for the kids and other members of the family, and moving through several opportunities to get outside and enjoy the crisp, as-autumn-as-it-gets-in-Tennessee air. Here’s hoping your kid already has the perfect costume picked up and doesn’t request something different between now and Oct. 31.

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:

46th Annual Fall Tennessee Craft Fair

At Centennial Park, the Tennessee Craft Fair is slated for Oct. 11-13. This exhibition and fair requires artists to be on-site so that attendees can meet the artists. Folks will have items built from everything from clay to wood to metal and glass. The festival also has plenty of hands-on activities for children, food and educational demonstrations for the whole family. 

Boo at the Zoo

While it’s not at all free or cheap at $19 per person through the week and $23 on the weekends, Boo at the Zoo begins this weekend. This event, which takes place throughout the entire zoo, will have a Ferris wheel, storytime, spooky scenes and photo opportunities, giant straw creatures, free rides on the carousel and nightly animal shows. Dressing up is encouraged.

The Spectacular Drive-in Laser Light Show – Double Feature!

On Oct. 11-12 from 7:30-10 p.m., the Spectacular Drive-in Laser Light Show – Double Feature is coming to Franklin. Pack up your car to check out a laser light show set to music for $39 per car. The event will have food trucks and other vendors, and you can purchase tickets ahead of time to ensure your place at the show.  

Fall Fun Fest at The Mall at Green Hills

At The Mall at Green Hills, they're hosting a special Halloween fun fest with games, crafts, snacks, music, a selfie station and more on Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Everything is free, but it’s also first come, first served and while supplies last. Dressing up is encouraged. 

Columbia Main Street Fall Fest

Another fall must is the Fall Fest held by Columbia Main Street on Oct. 12 from 2-8 p.m. The event is free, and includes local music, treats, handmade goods and all kinds of traditional fall activities. Kiwanis of Columbia will also host a fun zone featuring free face painting, balloon artists, caricature artists, inflatables, ax throwing, snow cones and more.