School’s out, the sun is shining, and the kids are ready to declare war on boredom. But fear not! Whether you have toddlers, teens, or something in between, we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to help you fill your family’s summer with smiles, sunscreen, and seriously fun memories -- all without draining your wallet.

Festivals & Community Events

Bring the lawn chairs, sunscreen, and your best dance moves! These local events are packed with music, fireworks, games, and all the funnel cake your heart desires.

1. Feel Good Festival – Cross Plains Dates: June 20–21, 2025 Location: Ruby's Happy Farm Live performances, artisan booths, and homegrown charm. This event is like a warm hug in festival form. Creative Twist: Set up a pretend farmers market at home with play money and real snacks. Event Info

2. Freedom Festival – Hendersonville Date: July 3, 2025 Location: Drakes Creek Park Fireworks, food trucks, live music, and a Kids Zone. This one’s practically a patriotic paradise. Creative Twist: Craft red, white, and blue picnic decor at home for that VIP lawn seating flair. Event Info

3. Freedom Fest – Springfield Date: July 3, 2025 Location: Robertson County Fairgrounds Classic carnival vibes with rides, games, and explosive fireworks (the safe kind, of course). Creative Twist: Create your own mini carnival at home, bean bag toss and all. Event Info

4. Sunflower Festival – Springfield Dates: July 11–13, 2025 Location: Red River Farms Frolic through fields of sunflowers and enjoy food, music, and plenty of photo ops. Creative Twist: Paint a sunny masterpiece inspired by your floral adventure. Event Info

5. Tennessee-Kentucky Threshermen’s Show – Adams Dates: July 17–19, 2025 Location: Bell School Grounds, Adams Experience a celebration of agricultural history with antique tractors, steam engines, a parade, and live demonstrations. Creative Twist: Encourage kids to build their own mini tractor models at home. Event Info

Free Outdoor Movies

6. Free Movie Fridays – Springfield Dates: Third Friday of each month, June through September Location: Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Springfield Enjoy a different family-friendly movie each month under the stars. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Event Info

7. Movies in the Park – Nashville Dates: Thursdays in June Location: Elmington Park, Nashville Nashville's longest-running outdoor movie series features family-friendly films each Thursday in June. Event Info

Street Fairs and Community Events

8. 1st Fridays – Springfield Dates: First Friday of each month, May through October Location: Historic Downtown Springfield This free, family event series features food trucks, a kids' zone, specialty vehicle cruise-in, and over 80 local vendors. Event Info

9. Sumner County Fall Fest – Gallatin Date: September 20, 2025 Location: Gallatin Join thousands for the Sumner County Fall Fest featuring family fun, live music, and more. Event Info

Camps & Educational Fun

10. G.R.E.A.T. Summer Camp – Robertson County Dates: June 2–6, 2025 Fishing, swimming, and field trips await campers in grades 5–7. Creative Twist: Start a scrapbook to capture all the camp memories and muddy shoes. Camp Info

11. Sumner Academy Summer Camps – Gallatin Start: Late May 2025 Minecraft, science, and artsy weeks make this a choose-your-own-adventure summer. Creative Twist: Try themed science experiments at home to keep the camp magic going. Camp Info

12. YMCA Day Camp – Robertson County Dates: May 27–Aug 1, 2025 Ages 5–12 can dive into themed weeks of games, swimming, and new friends. Creative Twist: Host a backyard mini-Olympics. Bonus points for goofy team names. Camp Info

Music & Outdoor Fun

13. Summer Songwriter Nights – Hendersonville Dates: May 24 and June 21, 2025 Location: Sanders Ferry Park Bring a blanket and enjoy original tunes under the stars. Creative Twist: Have a family talent night where the kids debut their own “hits.” Event Info

14. Bledsoe Creek State Park – Gallatin Explore trails, paddle the lake, or join a nature program. Creative Twist: Create a nature scavenger hunt. Winner gets the last granola bar. Park Info

Historic Sites & Museums

15. Rock Castle – Hendersonville Tour an 18th-century mansion and stroll scenic grounds. Creative Twist: Let your kids sketch their dream castles, drawbridges and all. Tour Info

16. Rose Mont – Gallatin Walk through this antebellum mansion and imagine life in another era. Creative Twist: Start a family tree and trace your own history. Tour Info

17. Wynnewood – Castalian Springs Visit Tennessee’s largest log structure and feel like a pioneer for the day. Creative Twist: Build a pint-sized log cabin out of popsicle sticks. Tour Info

Extra Creative Activity Ideas

When staying home sounds better than braving traffic, turn your backyard into a wonderland of imagination and fun.

18. Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest – Draw your favorite characters or design a chalk mural.

19. Backyard Water Park – Sprinklers, a slip-n-slide, and a bucket of sponges equals instant splash zone.

20. Nature Art – Collect leaves, flowers, and twigs to make seasonal collages.

21. Solar Oven S’mores – Harness the power of the sun with a pizza box and foil. Melty, magical goodness.

22. Bug Hunt Journal – Spot bugs, sketch them, and give them funny names like Sir Wiggle Ant.

23. DIY Story Stones – Paint symbols or characters on rocks, then let the storytelling begin.

24. Sunset Picnic and Stargazing – Pack dinner and enjoy nature’s light show. Bonus points for constellation spotting.

25. Mini Movie Studio – Write a script, cast the family, and film a short movie. Don’t forget the popcorn.

26. Kids Cook-Off Night – Mini chefs create snacks and compete in taste, creativity, and presentation.

27. Library Reading Program – Check out summer reading programs and prize opportunities at your local branch.

Here’s to the Best Summer Yet! Whether you're marching in parades, hiking through history, or building popsicle-stick mansions, there's no shortage of joy to be found this summer in our area. So, fill your calendar, charge your camera, and remember, the best memories often begin with a little sunshine and a lot of imagination!

Stay Positive. Stay Curious. Stay Local.

(Cover Photo: Taken at Red River Farms, Courtesy of Norma Smith)