Enrolled students only
LEAPs fall break camp is October 5-9
Putnam County's Extended Learning page lists Fall Break Camp for October 5-9. The listing says students must already be enrolled in LEAPs or 21st CCLC.
Guides / Putnam County Fall Break
Putnam County Schools · Kindergarten through high school
Fall break, October 3-18, 2026
Quick Answer
Putnam County students are out Saturday, October 3 through Sunday, October 18, 2026. School resumes Monday, October 19. LEAPs Fall Break Camp is October 5-9 for students already enrolled in LEAPs or 21st CCLC. On October 10, the History Hike, the Smithville Pumpkin Festival, and Liberty Square in Sparta overlap.
By Cookeville Scoop Editorial Team
Week one
October 3-9. Shakespeare is at 7 p.m. on October 3, 4, 7, 8, and 9. The library has morning programs. LEAPs camp is Monday through Friday for enrolled students.
Week two
October 10-18. October 10 has events in more than one town. The library science show is October 14 at 10 a.m. Library movies and Mario Kart are October 16. October 18 is the last day.
Closed days
The Depot and History Museum are closed Sunday and Monday. Cedarwood lists hours Thursday through Sunday.
The 16 days
October 10
October 10 has events in more than one town
The History Hike in Cookeville runs 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dogwood Park also has the Shakespeare festival that day, with the play at 7 p.m. Smithville's Pumpkin Festival is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Liberty Square in Sparta is a full day of music. Southern Market Events also lists a Tennessee Apple Festival for October 10-11, without hours.
Scheduled for the full break
Times and ages come from the library calendar, the city events page, or the organizer's site, checked September 23, 2026. Open the listing the day you go.
Cookeville · Most items $3
Twice-Told Book Sale
The Friends of the Putnam County Library hold this sale on the first Saturday of the month. Most items are $3. October 3 is the first day of fall break.
Give each child $3 and a limit of one book. The library calendar is the place to confirm the sale is still on that morning.
Putnam County Library, Cookeville branch, 50 E Broad St. Putnam County Library calendar, reviewed September 23, 2026.
Cookeville · Free
Shakespeare in the Park: All's Well That Ends Well
Cookeville Leisure Services lists the 22nd season of free outdoor Shakespeare on the pavilion lawn. Bring blankets, folding chairs, and a picnic. The concession stand is open during performances.
Kindergarten and first grade may want to leave after the first act. Sit near an aisle. Upper elementary through high school can stay for the play. On October 10 the festival runs during the day and the play starts at 7 p.m.
Dogwood Performance Pavilion, Dogwood Park. City of Cookeville events page, reviewed September 23, 2026.
Granville · Check the town site for ticketed events
Granville Fall Celebration
Granville's fall page lists an October 3 celebration with a quilt show and parade, Jazz on the Cumberland, a cornbread cookoff, and artisan booths. Scarecrow displays stay up for the Scarecrow and Artisan's Festival from October 1 through October 31.
Granville is in Jackson County. The same page lists a ticketed outdoor dinner theater on October 2 and 3. Read the schedule before you buy tickets. Scarecrow displays are listed through October 31.
Historic Granville. granvilletn.com/fall-events, reviewed September 23, 2026.
Cookeville · Free, no registration
Art Quest
A weekly hands-on art hour with visual arts teacher Annette Romero. The library lists it for ages 12 through adult, and both Mondays fall inside the break.
The Depot and History Museum are closed on Monday. Art Quest is at the Cookeville library that morning for ages 12 and up. A sixth grader who is still 11 is under that age. Ask at the desk before you walk in with them.
Putnam County Library, Cookeville branch. Putnam County Library calendar, reviewed September 23, 2026.
Cookeville · Free, limited to 25
Lego Club
Open building with the library's Legos: structures, vehicles, characters. The listing is ages 5-12 and caps the room at 25 kids.
Arrive before 3:30. The next Lego Club is Monday, October 19, the day students return to school. The listing is ages 5-12. Art Quest that same morning is ages 12 and up.
Putnam County Library, Cookeville branch. Putnam County Library calendar, reviewed September 23, 2026.
Cookeville · Free
Story and a Craft: Pumpkin Seeds
The library is marking National Pumpkin Seed Day a day early with a story, a craft, and a taste of pumpkin seeds.
The program lasts one hour. If pumpkin seeds are a problem for allergies, call Child Services at (931) 528-3636 before you go. The at-home seed count later in this guide uses the same activity at the kitchen table.
Putnam County Library, Cookeville branch. Putnam County Library calendar, reviewed September 23, 2026.
Algood · Free
Crafternoon with Holly Arms
Drop in at the Algood branch and make something with local artist Holly Arms, including a beginning crochet option, or bring a project already in progress.
The calendar does not post an age minimum. The session includes beginning crochet and projects already in progress. Call the Algood branch at (931) 537-3240 if you are bringing a kindergartener.
Putnam County Library, Algood branch, 125 Fourth Ave. Putnam County Library calendar, reviewed September 23, 2026.
Cookeville · Free
Chess Club
The library's chess club is posted for ages 13 and up, including people who want to learn the game. Three sessions fall during the break.
The listing includes people who are learning the game. On October 8 the club runs until 7:30 p.m., and Shakespeare starts at 7 p.m.
Putnam County Library, Cookeville branch. Putnam County Library calendar, reviewed September 23, 2026.
Cookeville · Free to enter
Teen Ghost Story Contest drop-off
Teens 13-17 can submit a story at the link on the library listing or hand it in at the front desk. The October 6 hour is the on-calendar window.
Read the library listing for length, deadline, and how to turn the story in. Leave classmates, real addresses, and real families out of the story.
Putnam County Library, Cookeville branch front desk. Putnam County Library calendar, reviewed September 23, 2026.
Cookeville · Ticketed if you already brought a costume in
Costume Swap for donors
If your family already donated a costume to the swap, Wednesday is the ticketed window to choose a replacement. The library says it cannot promise sizes or how many costumes will be left.
Wednesday is for families who already donated a costume. Thursday, October 8, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., is open to the public. Treat Trail at Dogwood Park is October 31, from 4 to 6 p.m., after fall break.
Putnam County Library, Cookeville branch. Putnam County Library calendar, reviewed September 23, 2026.
Cookeville · Free while supplies last
Costume Swap, public hours
Thursday's swap is open to the public with no ticket. The listing says gently used Halloween costumes, while supplies last.
Go in the morning if you need a specific size. Algood storytime that day is 9 to 10 a.m. for ages 0-4. Imagine Foundry on the Go is at the Algood branch at 3:30 p.m. Shakespeare is at 7 p.m.
Putnam County Library, Cookeville branch. Putnam County Library calendar, reviewed September 23, 2026.
Algood · Free
Storytime in Algood
Stories and play for children 0-4. October's theme is fall and Halloween.
The posted age is 0-4. A first or second grader is older than that. Algood branch phone: (931) 537-3240.
Putnam County Library, Algood branch, 125 Fourth Ave. Putnam County Library calendar, reviewed September 23, 2026.
Monterey · Free
Storytime in Monterey
October 8 has a guest reader on fall and Halloween, plus what the town has planned for the season. October 15 is a pumpkin morning with a story, a craft, and a treat.
Monterey is in Putnam County, east of Cookeville. Branch phone: (931) 839-2103.
Putnam County Library, Monterey branch, 401 E Commercial Ave. Putnam County Library calendar, reviewed September 23, 2026.
Algood · Free
Imagine Foundry on the Go
The library and Imagine Foundry's Making Spaces Initiative bring maker materials to Algood for an hour. The listing says all ages, best from about age 4 up.
The listing says the hour works best from about age 4 up. The studio at 1225 S Willow Ave is a separate stop. Call (931) 341-9106 for those hours.
Putnam County Library, Algood branch. Putnam County Library calendar, reviewed September 23, 2026.
Cookeville · Free
Read, Play, Grow
Story and play for children from birth to age 3. Both Fridays of the break are on the calendar.
Brown Bag Lunch Concerts are the same Fridays, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Depot, a short walk from the library. Child Services: (931) 528-3636.
Putnam County Library, Cookeville branch. Putnam County Library calendar, reviewed September 23, 2026.
Cookeville · Free admission. Lunch is for sale on site.
Brown Bag Lunch Concerts
The city lists free Friday concerts at the Depot. October 9 and 16 fall during the break. The Depot page also lists October 30, after students return.
The Depot is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., so a concert Friday can include the train cars outside. The city did not publish a lunch price on the events page. Budget for a purchased plate or bring food. Depot phone: (931) 528-8570.
Cookeville Depot Museum, 116 W Broad St. City of Cookeville events page and Depot Museum page, reviewed September 23, 2026.
Cookeville · Free
History Hike: Boogers, Haunts, and Haints
The second Saturday in October is the last History Hike of the season. The city's October theme is Boogers, Haunts, and Haints. You can start at either museum between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
You can start at either museum and leave when you are done. A kindergartener can see one museum and the rail cars. The same day also has the Shakespeare festival at Dogwood Park, the Smithville Pumpkin Festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Liberty Square in Sparta, and a Tennessee Apple Festival date. Smithville and Sparta are separate drives from Cookeville.
Start at either the Depot Museum, 116 W Broad St, or the History Museum, 40 E Broad St. City of Cookeville events page, reviewed September 23, 2026.
Cookeville · Not published on the organizer date list
Tennessee Apple Festival
Southern Market Events lists a 2026 Tennessee Apple Festival on October 10 and 11. That page names the festival and the dates. It does not list hours, admission, or the fairgrounds.
Other listings place it at the Putnam County Fairgrounds and do not agree on hours. The organizer page does not list hours or admission. Check southernmarketevents.com during the week of October 5. The History Hike is the same Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and the city lists it as free.
Listed by other pages at the Putnam County Fairgrounds. Confirm the site before you go.. Southern Market Events upcoming events, reviewed September 23, 2026.
Sparta · Free
Liberty Square: A Lester Flatt Celebration
The City of Sparta lists this free bluegrass day for October 10, 2026, the second Saturday in October. National and regional players use the main stage in front of the Oldham Theater.
Sparta is in White County, about a 30-minute drive from Cookeville. The History Hike in Cookeville and the Smithville Pumpkin Festival are the same day.
Liberty Square, in front of the Oldham Theater, Sparta. spartatn.gov/lesterflatt, reviewed September 23, 2026.
Smithville · Free mini pumpkin patch
Smithville Pumpkin Festival
Visit DeKalb lists the 7th annual Pumpkin Festival downtown from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a free mini pumpkin patch, arts and crafts, and food trucks.
Smithville is in DeKalb County. The mini pumpkin patch is free. Food trucks charge separately. The festival ends at 3 p.m. Cedarwood, in McMinnville, charges admission and is also open that Saturday.
Downtown Smithville. Visit DeKalb calendar of events, reviewed September 23, 2026.
Cookeville · Free, supplies included
Crafternoon: Cardboard Mask Making
Design a cardboard mask at the Cookeville library. Supplies are provided. The listing invites kids to start from a favorite book.
The listing does not give an age range. The Depot and History Museum are closed that Monday. Art Quest is the same morning, 10:15 to 11:30 a.m., for ages 12 and up.
Putnam County Library, Cookeville branch. Putnam County Library calendar, reviewed September 23, 2026.
Cookeville · Free
Story and a Craft: Halloween
A Halloween story and a craft at the Cookeville branch. One hour, late morning, no fee.
Chess Club starts at 3:30 p.m. the same day for ages 13 and up.
Putnam County Library, Cookeville branch. Putnam County Library calendar, reviewed September 23, 2026.
Cookeville · Free
Mr. Rich's Super Science Halloween Spectacular
A one-hour library show with Gas Ghouls, Flying Ghosts, a Mummy Maker, a Shocking Lab, and bubbling potions. The calendar calls it a science show.
The listing does not give an age range. It is a seated show with spooky science demonstrations. Board Game Club, ages 13 and up, is the same afternoon from 3:30 to 7:30.
Putnam County Library, Cookeville branch. Putnam County Library calendar, reviewed September 23, 2026.
Cookeville · Free
Board Game Club
Ages 13 and up can use the library's collection of more than 100 games, from Scrabble, Mancala, and Monopoly to longer modern games.
The library has more than 100 games out from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. The listing does not mention registration. Ask at the desk if a large group wants a table. The science show is the same day at 10 a.m.
Putnam County Library, Cookeville branch. Putnam County Library calendar, reviewed September 23, 2026.
Cookeville · Free
Spanish Class
Nicolle Vargas teaches basic phrases and pronunciation. The library lists the class for ages 15 and up.
The class covers basic phrases and pronunciation. It is one session and does not award school credit. The posted age is 15 and up. Algood storytime is the same hour for children 0-4.
Putnam County Library, Cookeville branch. Putnam County Library calendar, reviewed September 23, 2026.
Cookeville · Free
Friday Matinee: The Mummy (1999)
The library is showing the 1999 film at noon. The film is rated PG-13.
Brown Bag at the Depot is 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. the same day, so the concert and the movie overlap. Movie Munchies at 2 p.m. is Coraline, rated PG.
Putnam County Library, Cookeville branch. Putnam County Library calendar, reviewed September 23, 2026.
Cookeville · Free
Movie Munchies: Coraline
A matinee of Coraline with small food samples tied to the movie. The library's examples include "Dad's Veggie Slop" and other story foods.
Coraline is eerie. It fits upper elementary and middle school more than kindergarten. Ask about the samples if your child has food allergies, because the tasting is part of the program. Mario Kart for ages 13 and up starts at 3:30 the same afternoon.
Putnam County Library, Cookeville branch. Putnam County Library calendar, reviewed September 23, 2026.
Cookeville · Free
Teen Video Game Tournament: Mario Kart 8
Ages 13 and up play Mario Kart 8 on the library's Nintendo Switch. The winner gets an Ozark Trail camping chair. Every player gets a book.
The listing is ages 13 and up. The winner gets a camping chair. Every player gets a book. A sixth grader who is 11 is under the posted age.
Putnam County Library, Cookeville branch. Putnam County Library calendar, reviewed September 23, 2026.
Crossville · $9 in advance, $11 at the door. Ages 12 and under free.
Crossville Oktoberfest
Crossville Oktoberfest lists two days of German food and music. Food service runs until 8 p.m. Children 12 and under are free. Adult tickets are $9 ahead of the gate and $11 at the door.
Crossville is in Cumberland County. The festival serves food until 8 p.m. and also sells domestic and imported beverages. Ages 12 and under are free. The site said online ticket sales open about a month before the event. Check the current price before you go.
Knights of Columbus, 2892 Hwy 70 East, Crossville. crossvilleoktoberfest.com, reviewed September 23, 2026.
Cookeville · Free to play. Plants are the prizes.
Plant Bingo
The library is using donated plants as bingo prizes for people who like botany or want a houseplant. Ninety minutes, downtown, no ticket.
The prizes are donated plants, and winners take a pot home. Crossville Oktoberfest is the same weekend.
Putnam County Library, Cookeville branch. Putnam County Library calendar, reviewed September 23, 2026.
Open on more than one day
The Depot and the History Museum are closed Sunday and Monday. Cedarwood lists Thursday through Sunday hours. Call Hidden Hollow, The Sk8, and Imagine Foundry for hours before you go.
Cookeville · Free
Cane Creek Park
About 300 acres and a 56-acre lake inside the city, with playgrounds, paved paths, fishing piers, and disc golf.
The splash pad at the recreation center is a warm-season feature. In October, use the playground, the paths, and the disc golf course. The park has restrooms and parking. Disc golf fits upper elementary through high school. The playground fits K-2.
201 CC Camp Road. City of Cookeville facility page.
Cookeville · Free
Dogwood Park
The park is downtown, between the museums. On days without a show, it is a place to picnic before walking Broad Street.
Shakespeare uses the pavilion at 7 p.m. on October 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, and 10. A daytime picnic on those dates should end before the performance. Treat Trail, the city costume event, is October 31 from 4 to 6 p.m., after fall break. The city says participants must be in line by 5:30 p.m.
Dogwood Park, downtown Cookeville. City of Cookeville events page, reviewed September 23, 2026.
Cookeville · Free
Cookeville Depot Museum
The 1909 station, the exhibits on the Tennessee Central Railway, and the rail cars outside. Admission is free. Picnic tables are on the grounds if you bring lunch.
Closed Sundays and Mondays: October 4, 5, 11, 12, and 18. Brown Bag concerts fall on days the museum is open. Younger kids usually spend more time with the rail cars outside. The October 10 History Hike can start at this door. Phone: (931) 528-8570.
116 W Broad St. City of Cookeville Depot Museum page, reviewed September 23, 2026.
Cookeville · Free
Cookeville History Museum
Free local history on Broad Street. The city events page lists a Rosenwald Schools exhibit from September 28 through November 20, 2026. Confirm what is on display when you arrive. The museum page can lag the events list.
Labels and longer stories start around third grade. The Depot rail cars are a shorter stop for younger kids. The October 10 History Hike uses this building as one end of the walk. Phone: (931) 520-5455.
40 E Broad St. City of Cookeville History Museum and events pages, reviewed September 23, 2026.
Cookeville · Free. A gorge permit is required only if you go to the base.
Cummins Falls overlook
A gorge permit is required to reach the base. The overlook trail is separate from that permit. The water at the base is cold in October, and the descent is over roots and rock.
Book a gorge permit through Tennessee State Parks for the descent to the base. Check whether rain upstream has closed the gorge. The overlook can stay open when the gorge is closed.
Cummins Falls State Park, about nine miles from downtown Cookeville. Tennessee State Parks, plus the Scoop's family notes on the gorge permit.
Sparta · Free
Burgess Falls
The trail follows the river gorge to the falls. It is wet in places. It is a long walk for a kindergartener.
Go earlier in the day, and wear shoes with tread. If the trail is closed, Cane Creek Park is in Cookeville. Liberty Square in Sparta is October 10 only.
Burgess Falls State Park, between Cookeville and Sparta. Tennessee State Parks.
McMinnville · $15 from age 3 through adult, pumpkin included. Age 2 and under free. Bonfire add-on $7.
Cedarwood Pumpkin Patch
Cedarwood's own site lists its 26th season from September 26 through October 31, 2026. Admission includes the activities and a pumpkin. Published hours are Thursday through Sunday, so Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of the break are closed days.
The farm lists mazes, a petting zoo, jump pads, a slide, and optional bonfire plates. Thursday hours end at 2 p.m. Cash and checks are preferred, and card payments add a service fee. No dogs, except service animals. Call (931) 939-3960 to ask whether a bonfire night is scheduled.
2900 Old Nashville Hwy, McMinnville. cedarwoodfarmstn.com, reviewed September 23, 2026.
Granville · Confirm what is free to walk and what is ticketed
Granville scarecrows
Granville lists scarecrow displays and an artisan festival for all of October. The October 3 Fall Celebration is a separate listing on the same page.
Granville is in Jackson County. The October 3 listing includes a quilt show and parade, jazz, a cornbread cookoff, and artisan booths. A ticketed dinner theater is listed for October 2 and 3. Read the schedule on the site before you go.
Historic Granville. granvilletn.com/fall-events, reviewed September 23, 2026.
Cookeville · Admission applies. Ask when you call.
Hidden Hollow
Hidden Hollow is a private park with a petting zoo, fishing, and fall hayrides. Hours change by the month. Call before you go.
Call (931) 526-4038 the day before. Ask for hours, admission, and which activities are open, including hayrides. Paddle boats have been a summer activity in past years. Ask if they are open in October.
1901 Mount Pleasant Rd. Park phone published locally. Hours must be confirmed for this October..
Cookeville · Session and skate rental. Ask when you call.
The Sk8
Cookeville's roller rink. Session times change by the week. Call for the October schedule.
Call (931) 372-2758 and ask which sessions run October 5-16, the ages for each session, and the skate rental price. Ask whether a session is a family skate or a teen session.
1810 Foreman Dr. Rink phone. Session times must be confirmed for this break..
Cookeville · Depends on the class. Ask when you call.
Imagine Foundry studio
Imagine Foundry is a maker space for kids from about age 2 through high school. Kids build something and take it home. Call to ask which hours are classes and which hours are open to walk-ins.
Call (931) 341-9106. Imagine Foundry on the Go is at the Algood library on October 8 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. That hour is free and already on the library calendar.
1225 S Willow Ave, Suite 103. Studio phone. October drop-in hours were not published on a page we could cite..
At home, by grade
These use a kitchen, a yard, or a sidewalk. An adult should use the oven and any knife.
K-2 · 30 to 40 minutes
Count pumpkin seeds by tens
The Cookeville library has a pumpkin-seed story and tasting on October 6 at 10 a.m. This is the same activity at home, with counting by tens.
- Rinse the seeds and pat them dry. The adult spreads them on a baking sheet, salts them, and bakes them until they snap.
- While they cool, the child sorts ten seeds into each pile and writes the number 10 on a scrap of paper beside it.
- Count the piles by tens out loud. A kindergartener who counts by ones can make piles of 5.
- Eat one pile. Save the paper.
K-2 · 30 minutes, including the walk
Ten-leaf color walk
Leaves are changing on most streets in Cookeville. Collect 10 of them and sort by color.
- Walk one block, or the edge of the yard. Collect 10 leaves that are still whole. Leave mushrooms and berries where they are.
- At the table, sort the leaves into color piles: green, yellow, red, brown.
- Tape one leaf from each pile onto the paper and let the child dictate the color word while you write it.
- Ask which pile has the most leaves.
K-2 · 20 minutes
A costume from three things you already own
The library costume swap is October 7 for families who already donated a costume, and October 8 for the public. Cookeville Treat Trail is October 31, after fall break, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Dogwood Park.
- Pull out three wearable things: a hat, a shirt that is the wrong size, and something that can be a cape.
- The child names the character before they put it on. Write the name on paper if they want a sign.
- Practice the walk from the couch to the front door. Knock, say the line, say thank you.
- Take a photo if they want one. If the Thursday swap has their size, they can trade.
K-2 · 25 minutes to pack, then lunch
Practice the Depot picnic at the table
The Depot has picnic tables, and admission is free. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- The child chooses one fruit and one main item and puts them in the bag. You handle anything that needs a knife.
- Spread the blanket on the floor and eat there. The Depot rail cars are outside the museum on West Broad.
- The museum is closed Sunday and Monday.
- Cane Creek Park has a playground and picnic areas.
3-5 · 40 minutes
Draw which way the yard slopes
Pour a cup of water on the driveway and draw which way it runs.
- Walk the yard or the sidewalk in front of the building. Mark the high spot and the low spot on the paper with two words.
- Pour a small cup of water on pavement and watch which way it runs. Draw an arrow.
- Add three things they can see from the high spot: a tree, a roof, the water tower, a neighbor's porch.
- Write the street name and the date at the top.
3-5 · About an hour, plus baking
Apple crisp with jobs written down
Southern Market Events lists a Tennessee Apple Festival for October 10 and 11. That page does not include hours. This recipe uses apples from a grocery store.
- Write three jobs on paper before you start: wash, measure, stir. The adult peels and cuts.
- The child measures the oats and cinnamon and stirs them with the butter. Keep the recipe to one bowl.
- The adult puts the dish in the oven. Set a timer the child can see.
- When it cools, they serve it and say who did which job.
3-5 · 45 to 60 minutes
A marble run down one flight of stairs
You need cardboard, tape, and a marble or a small ball. Use it on a rainy day.
- Tape one tube or one folded card to the wall or the board so it slopes down.
- Add a second piece. Roll the marble. If it falls off, move the tape before you add a third piece.
- Stop after three turns, once the marble reaches the bottom twice in a row.
- Take it down the same day so the stairs are clear by bedtime.
3-5 · 30 minutes
Write a one-page funny ghost story
The city's October 10 History Hike theme is Boogers, Haunts, and Haints.
- Pick a real Cookeville place they know: the Depot, the school playground, the grocery aisle.
- The ghost wants something small and ridiculous, like the last tater tot or a missing left shoe.
- Write eight to twelve sentences. The last sentence fixes the problem.
- Read it aloud at dinner. If a sentence makes fun of a real person, rewrite that sentence.
6-8 · 35 minutes
Write down the October 10 choices
On October 10, the History Hike in Cookeville runs 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Smithville's Pumpkin Festival is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Liberty Square in Sparta is the same day. Those are three different towns.
- List the events that overlap. Cross off any two that are in different towns at the same time.
- Next to each, write the cost you know and the start time.
- Circle one. Write the time you need to leave, and a rain plan. The Depot and History Museum are both open that Saturday.
- Give the page to the person who is driving.
6-8 · 40 minutes
A 20-frame leaf movie
Take 20 photos of one leaf, then play them back in order.
- Prop the phone so it cannot shift. A stack of books is enough.
- Move the leaf a finger-width, then tap one photo. Repeat until you have 20 photos.
- Play them back fast. If the leaf jumps because the phone moved, reshoot those frames only.
- Stop at 20. Add a title card with their name and the date. Do not film other kids in the background.
6-8 · 20 minutes to set up, then games across the week
A best-of-three bracket for the house
Chess Club is October 6, 8, and 13, ages 13 and up. Board Game Club is October 14, ages 13 and up. Younger kids can use the same games at home.
- Choose one game. Write a bracket for the people in the house, including an adult.
- Play best of three. The person who loses writes down the score.
- Play one match a day.
- The winner picks the next week's game. If you are 13 or older, take the same game to the library club once.
6-8 · 30 minutes, before anyone gets in the car
Write down the hike plan before you leave
A gorge permit is required to go to the base of Cummins Falls and to swim there. The overlook trail is separate. The water is cold in October.
- Read the Cummins Falls page far enough to find the difference between the overlook and the gorge permit.
- Write two sentences: who in this family can handle roots and wet rock, and who cannot.
- Write which option you are using: the Cummins Falls overlook, Burgess Falls, or Cane Creek Park if the weather is bad. Include shoes, water, and a time to turn around.
- Give the page to the driver. A gorge permit has to be booked through Tennessee State Parks before you leave.
9-12 · 45 to 60 minutes on site, 20 minutes to caption
Twelve frames on one downtown block
Take 12 photos on one block between the Depot and the History Museum, then write a caption for each.
- Choose one block between the Depot and the History Museum. Stay on the sidewalk.
- Shoot 12 frames: a doorway, a sign, a tree, a shadow, a texture, and one wide shot. No photos of strangers' kids.
- Write one sentence under each frame. The sentence has to name what is in the picture.
- Show it to one person. If they cannot tell which block it is, reshoot the wide frame.
9-12 · 90 minutes
Cook dinner and write the recipe card
Cook one dinner from food already in the kitchen and write down the amounts and times.
- Choose a dinner from food you have. If something is missing, change the dinner.
- You cook. An adult handles anything you have not done safely before, especially hot oil.
- While it cooks, write the amounts and times you used.
- Serve it. Ask what to change next time and add that line at the bottom of the card.
9-12 · 45 minutes to draft, plus whatever the rules require
Draft the library ghost story before the drop-off window
The library lists a Teen Ghost Story Contest drop-off for ages 13-17 on Tuesday, October 6, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Cookeville branch. Read the listing for length and how to turn it in before you start.
- Open the library event and write down the length, the deadline, and how to turn it in. If a rule is missing, call (931) 526-2416 before you write 2,000 words.
- Set the story in a public Cookeville place. Keep classmates, teachers, and real families out of it.
- Finish a short story in one sitting.
- Print it or save it the way the listing asks, and get to the desk inside the Tuesday window if that is the hand-in method.
9-12 · Two hours, phones in another room
Two hours on one skill
Chess Club meets during the break for ages 13 and up. Mario Kart 8 is October 16, 3:30 to 5 p.m., ages 13 and up. Governor's School applications for next summer often open in October. Ask the school counselor for this year's date.
- Choose one: chess, Mario Kart if you are entering the October 16 tournament, or a list of questions for a school counselor about Governor's Schools.
- Set a timer for 50 minutes, take a 10-minute break away from the screen, then work another 50 minutes.
- Write down what improved: a chess opening you remember, a lap you finished, or three questions for the counselor.
- Put one of those on a calendar: the library club, the October 16 tournament, or a message to the school counselor. The summer camp guide on this site covers Governor's Schools. The counselor has this year's deadline.
Checked September 23, 2026
Where these details came from
The times and prices on this page were on the linked pages on September 23, 2026. Check the listing again before you go. Hidden Hollow, The Sk8, and Imagine Foundry did not have October hours on a page we could cite, so those cards have phone numbers.
- Putnam County Library calendar for Cookeville, Algood, Monterey, and Baxter programs.
- City of Cookeville events for Shakespeare, Brown Bag concerts, the History Hike, and museum hours.
- Putnam County Schools LEAPs for the enrolled-only camp on October 5-9.
- Organizer pages linked on each card for Cedarwood, Granville, Sparta, Smithville, Crossville, and the apple festival date list.
See a wrong time? Send a correction.
Related
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Putnam County Schools fall break in 2026?
Putnam County Schools are out October 3 through October 18, 2026, for kindergarten through high school. Students return Monday, October 19. LEAPs lists Fall Break Camp for October 5-9.
Is there a fall break camp for Putnam County students?
LEAPs and 21st CCLC list a Fall Break Camp for October 5-9 for students already enrolled in those programs. Call the Extended Learning office at (931) 528-1847.
What is free for kids in Cookeville during fall break?
Free options on the city calendar include Shakespeare in the Park at 7 p.m. on October 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, and 10, Brown Bag Lunch Concerts on October 9 and 16, and the October 10 History Hike. The Depot and History Museum are free Tuesday through Saturday. Cane Creek Park is free. Most Putnam County Library programs that week are free, with a few caps such as Lego Club's limit of 25.
What can kids do at home during fall break?
K-2 activities include counting pumpkin seeds and sorting leaves. Grades 3-5 have a yard map, apple crisp, and a cardboard marble run. Grades 6-8 have an October 10 schedule page and a 20-photo leaf movie. Grades 9-12 have a photo walk, a dinner recipe, and the library ghost-story draft. Each one lists materials and steps.
What should we do if it rains?
The library calendar has indoor programs through the break. The Depot and History Museum are open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call The Sk8 at (931) 372-2758 for a rink session, and call Imagine Foundry at (931) 341-9106 before you drive over. The at-home activities work indoors.
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