If you’ve ever navigated the raucous bar crowds and bachelorette parties in downtown Nashville, Tennessee, you’ll understand why the “Music City” may not be the best place for a family vacation.
However, just 30 miles north of the state capital is a charming mountain town that offers plenty of family-friendly activities. Springfield, a historic city near Tennessee’s northern border, is surrounded by lush rolling hills and expansive farmlands.
There is a lot to do here, but to get a sense of the place and enjoy the fresh mountain air, take a hike along the Springfield Greenway. This 4.5-mile paved trail begins at Garner Street Park in downtown Springfield and runs along Sulphur Creek.
Its picturesque bridges and tree-lined path provide an ideal setting for a stroll or bike ride. Martin Luther King Jr. Park offers a variety of sports fields, an inclusive playground, and a splash pad for children to cool off during hot weather.
When the kids have had enough of the outdoors, take them inside for an agricultural lesson at the Robertson County History Museum. Friendly docents will teach you about the city’s role in the tobacco industry, which earned it the nickname “Home of the World’s Finest Dark-Fired Tobacco.”
Speaking of tobacco, history buffs might enjoy the Springfield Antique Barn. The “barn” was built in 1923 to house tobacco and is now a massive two-story mall of collectibles.
Springfield’s friendly reputation is also reflected here. “When you visit the Springfield Antique Barn, you really feel at home,” one Tripadvisor reviewer wrote. “The staff are genuinely friendly and welcoming.”
Treat your family to a unique stay in Springfield
Springfield has a plethora of unique accommodation options to choose from. Why stay in a hotel when you can sleep on the boat? If you’re looking for unique lodging, especially one that the kids will love, Kelly’s Jubilee is a must-see.
This 50-acre property, located just 10 minutes south of downtown, features a variety of unique rental homes. Relax in a riverfront cottage, embrace your inner child in a treehouse, or camp out in your own ark!
If you’re not quite ready to play Noah, there are numerous hotel chains, historic bed and breakfast establishments, and cozy cabins in the area. Look for budget-friendly hotels just south of downtown Springfield, with rates starting at under $100 per night (as of writing). And if you’re planning to stay at an Airbnb, here’s how far ahead you should book to get the best deals.
Hotel prices are typically lowest between March and May, making spring an ideal time to visit. You’ll find fewer people, milder temperatures, and plenty of blooming trees and flowers. While lodging costs may be higher in the fall, the stunning foliage and numerous festivals and fairs make it worthwhile. Use these apps and websites to find the best dates for fall leaf viewing near Springfield.
Family-friendly farm entertainment and tips for your journey
Honeysuckle Hill Farm, located 20 minutes south of Springfield, hosts one of the area’s most popular fall events. This 200-acre farm is open from September to November and offers over 30 different attractions for your family to explore, all for about $20 per person.
A rope challenge course, a mechanical bull, and bungee trampolines await adventurers. Animal lovers in your family will enjoy visiting the petting farm and watching the hillbilly pig races. When you need to refuel, stop by the market for farm-fresh produce or Paw Paw’s Smoke Shack for southern barbecue.
If you have any remaining energy, stay after dark for roasted marshmallows and bonfires, or take the train down to the glowing pumpkin trail. Saturday night visitors can end their evening with a fireworks display (September 21 to October 31).
Travelers flying into Springfield should fly into Nashville International Airport, which is only 35 miles south of the city. The quickest way to travel from the airport to the city is to rent a car and drive.
If you have a large crew and a lot of luggage, consider renting a U-haul; it may save you money! If you don’t want to drive, a direct bus departing from Nashville runs Monday through Friday and takes about an hour to reach the destination.
