As a mom of two high-energy, elementary-aged boys, I’m constantly on the hunt for activities that check three crucial boxes: fun for the whole family (so no one’s whining 30 minutes in), burns off their endless supply of energy, and doesn’t drain my bank account.

Enter Dozer Day® Mid Tennessee — the event that nailed all three.

Now, before you grab your keys and yell, “Kids, get in the car!” — I have some good news and bad news.

The bad news: this year’s Dozer Day® has already come and gone (it was held on September 20, 2025).
The good news: they’ll be back around the same time next year!

So do your future self a favor — bookmark this post and subscribe to their newsletter so you don’t miss next year’s dates. Trust me, your kids (and your sanity) will thank you.

Imagine a magical land where kids are encouraged to play in the dirt and operate heavy machinery — legally. That’s Dozer Day®.

This isn’t your typical “sit and watch” event. Kids (and let’s be honest, plenty of adults) get to climb inside real bulldozers, excavators, and other massive construction machines. It’s like Bob the Builder meets Monster Jam, with a dash of career exploration thrown in.

Beyond the fun, Dozer Day® is also an incredible opportunity for kids (and parents) to learn about the construction industry, meet local employers, and maybe even spark a lifelong interest in engineering or the trades.

It was so fun, in fact, that my kids were not ready to leave. My seven-year-old ended the day giving an unsolicited TED Talk to a bulldozer operator about how the hydraulics worked. My five-year-old? So caked in dirt, we had to bathe him twice. Twice.

But that joy — watching them operate real machines, eyes wide, smiles huge — it was priceless. You can’t replicate that kind of excitement (or that level of filth) anywhere else.

And the freebies didn’t hurt either. Hard hats, water bottles, candy, and drawstring bags — it was like Halloween in high-vis gear. Of course, we also made a stop at the Kona Ice truck because it was a blistering 94 degrees, and I’m not a monster.

Total damage? About $50 for entry, parking, snow cones, and waters — and worth every single penny.

Tickets were just $10 per person this year, which covered a full three-hour experience. You could pick between the 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. slot or the 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. slot.

Parking was free on-site… unless you’re like me and didn’t notice that part, so you accidentally bought VIP parking for an extra $10. Oops. But honestly, when we left hot, sweaty, and completely out of energy, that VIP spot felt like a five-star upgrade. I’m calling it a win.

Safety note: I usually avoid big public events solo with both kids. But my husband was out of town, and I decided to brave it. And you know what? It was totally fine. The event felt well-organized, safe, and not overcrowded. I always had the boys in sight and felt completely at ease the whole time.

So, if your kids love trucks, dirt, noise, or just the thrill of pretending they’re running a construction site, Dozer Day® is the ultimate family outing for you. It’s educational, affordable, and honestly just a blast.

We’ll definitely be back next year — and next time, I’ll remember the free parking. If you’re always looking for local things to do with your littles, keep an eye on our new category series, Local Food & Fun, where we’ll be sharing more hidden gems just like this one.