The Ultimate Guide To Fun Fall Things in Middle Tennessee

Special Fall Edition

11 Oct

Inside this Special Fall Edition of What’s Up Columbia…

🎃 The Ultimate Fall Destination Guide For Middle Tennessee

🍭 Trick or Treating, Trunk or Treats, Fall Festivals and MORE Halloween Fun!

🍁 What are the Best Places to See Fall Foliage in Middle Tennessee?

Happy Fall Y’all!

Sometimes places and dates to fun activities get lost in the shuffle of life… and with so many fun things happening, we wanted to make sure you had a handy guide to refer to for the rest of this wonderful Fall season!

This list should help you get out and enjoy the Fall every day for the rest of the season!

Enjoy!

The Ultimate Fall Destination Guide For Middle Tennessee

Credit: Lyon Family Farms

Every year Kadi Fitzgerald from Mom Plus 3 From Tennessee puts together the ultimate list of family destinations for Fall within a reasonable distance from Middle Tennessee. Special thanks to her for gathering all these details.  

Maury & Lawrence County

October 12th, 2-8 pm

Fall Fest is the perfect way to welcome the fall season in downtown Columbia. It's a free-admission, family-friendly community event. Experience the joy and spirit of the season with local music, freshly made treats, handmade goods, and traditional fall festival activities.

At this year's festival, Columbia Main Street is partnering with Kiwanis of Columbia for their renowned annual chili cook-off, a ticketed experience benefiting the organization's impactful initiatives. Attendees can savor a variety of chili recipes while also enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of craft vendors, food trucks, and activities for all ages. Live entertainment will roar from the Fall Fest stage, with performances by talented local artists throughout the day. Kiwanis of Columbia will also host an exhilarating fun zone featuring free face painting, balloon artists, caricature artists, inflatables, axe throwing, and refreshing snow cones, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy. 

753 Carter’s Creek Pike. Columbia

September 20th-October 27th

Friday & Saturday: 9:00am-7:00pm
Sunday: 10:00am-6:00pm

$8.50+ packages/bundles available 

Get ready for the ultimate fall experience at Hidden Bee Farm! Whether you’re feeding animals, chucking pumpkins, or racing through the obstacle course, every purchase helps support our farm’s rescue mission. Your support helps provide for the care of our animals and keeps our farm running smoothly. Thank you for being part of this fun-filled journey!

Hidden Bee Animal Rescue / Sanctuary is 100% donor-funded. We are able to rescue and save animals in need with the support of our community.

3005 Sheegog Lane. Columbia 

September 28th-November 2nd

Fridays: 2:00pm-6:00pm
Saturdays: 9:00am-6:00pm
Sundays: 1:00pm-6:00pm

Ages 2+: $8/person. 
Season Passes available: $24/person

Pumpkin Paradise offers a fun filled farm experience. Whether you are looking for a close place to have a field trip, an exciting birthday party, or just need a place for the kids to run off some energy, we are the place for you! We offer swings, slides, corn box, pedal track, climbing tires, inside hay maze, sit n’ play, flying pigs, gravel pit, and much more! Find more info on the website here.

1431 Carters Creek Pike. Columbia 

September 28th-November 2nd. 

6/7:00pm-10/11:00pm. 

Open Friday & Saturday Only

Ages 10+ ONLY

$15+ per person. Multiple attractions 

Experience an all new outdoor fright that is simply too big to house indoors. All of Nashville and surrounding cities will be talking about this for years to come! It is truly a can’t miss season. This haunted woods attraction is not for children under the age of 10 or for the faint of heart. 

October 12, 19, 26 & November 2 we open one hour early (6:00 pm). The attractions are less spooky without the darkness. If you are hesitant to do the attractions, then this is the time to test it. 

Hillbilly Hollar is for children 10 and older. The hayride is for ages 8 and up. Anyone under the age of 16 must have an adult with them for any of the attractions.

Highly recommend purchasing tickets online here.

1518 Westpoint Rd. Westpoint, TN

September 21st-October 31st
Saturday 10:00pm-6:00pm
Sunday: 12:00pm-6:00pm

Ages 3+: $13

Come check one of our favorite attractions the Jump Pad! We have a full menu and ice cream with tons of pumpkins!

1 -1.5 hr from Columbia/Spring Hill

Rutherford County

3722 Shady Lane. Murfreesboro 

October 1st-October 31st
2:00pm-9:00pm daily

Annual Corn Maze open 2pm-9pm every day October 1st through October 31st. Kids 4 and under are FREE and ages 5 and up $5. Corn Maze, Pumpkins, Toddler Maze and Haunted Woods.

Food Truck & Kona Ice 5pm-9pm Mon.-Thurs. & 2pm-9pm Fri.-Sun.

8653 Rocky Fork Road. Smyrna

Open Thursdays-Sundays September 21st-October 31st 

Thurs. & Friday: 2:00-6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00-6:00 p.m.

Free admission. Wristbands are $12 for ages 4+ (includes all activities)

It's free to visit Walden Farm. There is a separate cost to purchase a wristband to participate in all farm activities. Wristbands are $12 per person ages 4 and up. The wristband is valid for all-day access on the day of purchase. 

Wristband activities include: Hayrides, climbing wall, corn maze, TN slip n slide, hat my mountain, duck races, etc.

You do not need to purchase an activities wristband to shop for pumpkins, visit the country store or the food depot. Wrist bands can be purchased at the farm when you arrive. Cash or Credit cards accepted.

4374 Rocky Glade Rd. Eagleville

Thursday-Sunday September 21st-November 1st. 
Thursdays-Saturday 10:00am-4/5:00pm
Sundays 12:00pm-4/5:00pm

Open until 4:00pm during September. Open until 5:00pm in October 

Cost: Multiple options. Starting at $17+/person
Save $5 by purchasing tickets online. 

This fall bring the entire family to Lucky Ladd Farms for a harvest-time experience like no other. Enjoy all that autumn has to offer as the leaves begin to change in the cool crisp air; explore the corn maze, pick your pumpkins, bite into a juicy caramel apple and discover why Lucky Ladd Farms has become a family tradition for so many.

Featured as one of the "TOP FIVE BEST pumpkin farm events in the south," Lucky Ladd's Fall Festival is a "MUST DO" on your bucket list for fall family fun in Nashville, Franklin, Spring Hill, Mt. Juliet, Shelbyville and Murfreesboro TN.

Warren & Lincoln County

2900 Old Nashville Highway. McMinnville 

September 21st-October 31st

Thursday 8:30am-2:00pm
Friday 8:30am - 8pm
Saturday 9:30am - 8pm
Sunday 12:00pm - 5pm

General admission: Ages 11+: $15. 
Ages 3-10: $13. Ages 2 & under: Free

Bonfires on Friday & Saturday night. Bonfire Admission: Additional $6. Includes everything as well as hotdogs, marshmallows, chips, and a drink.

Come one, come all to the 24th Annual Cedarwood Pumpkin Patch! Pick your own pumpkin, make your way through our mazes, visit our petting zoos, jump on the jump pad, enjoy live music and bonfires by the pond, slide down our new 100ft super slide, and much much more! Every paid guest receives a pumpkin either from the walk to patch or the pumpkin bins at the entrance. Find more on the website here.

1hr 45min from Columbia/Spring Hill

130 Bellview Rd. Taft, TN

Friday September 20th-October 27th

Wednesday & Thursday: 12:00pm-6pm
Friday: 12:00pm-8:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am-6:00pm
Sunday: 1:00pm-7:00pm

$16.95 (online)+ 

Punch cards and peak weekends admission cost extra

Tickets are more expensive at the gate. Admission fees are higher Oct 12,13,18,19

Get ready for a day that bursts with laughter, adventure, and unforgettable memories at Lyon Family Farms! We've curated a fall experience that will delight every member of your family. Take a scenic wagon ride through the picturesque farm. Get lost in our challenging and fun corn maze. Pick the perfect pumpkin from our sprawling patch. Let the kids loose on our awesome playgrounds. Get creative with face painting. Delight in whimsical balloon animals. Grab a delicious bite from our tasty food trucks.

Find more information and purchase tickets here.


Williamson & Robertson County

4809 Byrd Lane. College Grove

September 21st-October 27th

Saturday & Sundays + October 9&10

Ages 2+: $13 admission 

10:00am-4:00pm on dates above 

Pick a pumpkin, navigate our 8 acre corn maze, enjoy a hayride, see all of the farm animals, walk through the sunflowers, try your luck at our slingshot and so much more fun when you come out to visit!

30-45 minutes from Murfreesboro & Columbia 

1974 Highway 96. Franklin

September 28th-October 28th; Fall Break. 

Monday: 9:00am-1:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am-5:00pm
Sunday: 1:00pm-5:00pm

Ages 2-64: $13. Under 2 & 65+: Free visit to the Gentry Farm has become a long-standing family tradition for many each Fall! We are a working farm and center our activities around making family memories and creating fun educational opportunities. Rather than carnival rides and petting zoos, we focus on hands on learning and imaginative play.

We are open to the public on Monday mornings (9:00am to 1:00 pm) in October with homeschool groups in mind. Smaller crowds and a slower pace make this an ideal time to visit with your group. Find more information on the website here.

30-45 minutes from Columbia & Murfreesboro

1765 Martins Chapel Church Rd. Springfield

September 21st-October 31st

Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Fall Break {10/7-10/11 & 10/14-10/18}: Check online

$19.95+ (tickets are cheaper online)

Punch cards available for additional cost 
Season passes available 

Honeysuckle Hill Farm has had 20 years of Sharing Traditions and Making Memories with Tennessee families and is the best place in Tennessee for family fun on the farm., We are a 200 acre family farm centrally located near Nashville, Clarksville and Hendersonville. Come fall, we throw a huge month long Fall Festival offering rides and attractions everyone will love, special events, delicious concessions and a Farm Market to take goodies home with you. 

1 hr 15 minutes from Columbia/Spring Hill

2087 Kinneys Road. Adams, TN

Now-October 31st

Thursday-Sunday: 9:00am-4:00pm

They are down to the bare minimum of apples to pick, BUT they have freshly made treats & will be hosting a “Fall Festival “ on 10/12.

Yes, we're open this weekend but the pickin' is SLIM. You're welcome to come out and test your luck to see if you can find a few! 

Fall Festival: The countdown to our Annual Fall Festival is on! It’s all happening on Saturday, October 12th from 10am-4pm. Get ready for a day filled with apple cider, delicious donuts, pumpkins, and so much more. With tons of vendors and a fun kids’ zone, there’s something for everyone! Find more information on the website here.

1.5 hrs from Columbia/Spring Hill

Franklin County

454 Highland Ridge Rd. Estill Springs

September 21st-October 26th

Tuesday-Thursday: 11:30am-6:00pm
Friday: 11:30am-8:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am-8:00pm

Weekday gate: $15.95 + tax
Saturday gate: $17.95 + tax

Save $4 per person when buying with online pre-sale!
Season passes available 

From our corn maze to our 150-foot long landslide, Grandaddy’s Farm is an all-day adventure and fun for the whole family. Come find the perfect pumpkin in the pumpkin patch, catch a hayride, and find your way through the corn maze. Or enjoy our animal corral, pig races, and many more fun fall attractions. Come hungry and enjoy our amazing food options! Find more information on the website here.

1 hr 15 minutes from Columbia/Spring Hill

Trick or Treating, Trunk or Treats, Fall Festivals and MORE Halloween Fun!

Oct. 11, 12, 18, 19 & 25th
8-9:15 PM

Oct. 26th
4:30-11 PM

Oct. 27th
4-6 PM

Oct. 27th
5-7 PM

Oct. 28th
5:30 - 7:30 PM

Oct. 29th
3-6 PM

Oct. 30th
5-8 PM

Oct. 30th
4-6 PM

Oct. 30th
5:30 - 7:30 PM

Oct. 31st
5-7 PM

Oct. 31st
6-8:30 PM

Oct. 31st
5-7 PM

Downtown Columbia
Oct. 31st
6-8 PM

2628 Pulaski Hwy, Columbia
Nov. 2nd
12-3 PM

1800 Highland Ave, Columbia
Nov. 2nd
3-6 PM

What are the Best Places to See Fall Foliage in Middle Tennessee?

According to the Tennessee State Park System, the best time to view fall foliage is typically from mid-October, peaking around Halloween, and lasting until late November, when most deciduous trees lose their leaves.

The 2024 Fall Foliage Map offers a guide to the peak color changes, with early October marking the beginning of the transition. The most vibrant colors, a mix of reds, oranges, and golds, are expected between October 21-28.

Here are some of the top places to enjoy the fall colors:

Natchez Trace Parkway (40 min from Columbia)
A 444-mile scenic route spanning three states, tracing the path of the historic "Old Natchez Trace," once traveled by Native Americans, settlers, soldiers, slave traders, and future presidents. Today, visitors can enjoy the picturesque drive along with opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping along the Parkway.

Radnor Lake State Park (45 min from Columbia)
Known for its abundant wildlife, Radnor Lake offers ranger-led programs like canoeing and nature hikes. Visitors can enjoy the fall scenery alongside sightings of owls, otters, and herons.

Montgomery Bell State Park (50+ min from Columbia)
With 3,850 acres and three lakes, this park offers beautiful views on water and land. The South Loop Trail is a favorite for hikers, while visitors can also enjoy biking, fishing, and boating.

Edgar Evins State Park (1 hr 49 min from Columbia)
For breathtaking views, head to the lookout tower to take in the golden treetops and lake vistas. The Highland Rim Nature Trail offers a scenic journey along Center Hill Lake.

South Cumberland State Park (1 hr 38 min from Columbia)
Home to the Fiery Gizzard Trail, this park is known for its rocky gorges and woodland beauty. The trail runs nearly 13 miles, offering stunning fall landscapes.

Savage Gulf State Park (2 hrs from Columbia)
One of Tennessee’s most scenic wilderness areas, this park offers 60 miles of trails. The Great Stone Door and Greeter Falls Loop are short but scenic hikes, showcasing dramatic cliffs and waterfalls. Nashville Comedians Host Comedy Benefit for Hurricane Helene Recovery

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