Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Nashville, TN

My daughter's favorite movie is The Wizard of Oz. She loves pretending to be Dorothy, singing along with the scarecrow, and hiding behind the couch when those super-creepy flying monkeys are on the screen. (In the interest of full disclosure, I've been known to hide with her.) The film, based on L. Frank Baum's classic books, has been a favorite of dreamers of all ages for seventy years.

Next week Dorothy and her enchanted friends will be on stage at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. Tickets are on sale now for the show, which premieres on Tuesday, the 13th. Taking your preschooler to see a story she's already familiar with is is a great way to introduce your child to musical theatre. Matinee tickets would be a fun treat for any family. Here are some fun ways to extend the fun before and after seeing the show:

• Go to the library and check out some of Baum's books. Read them to your child a chapter at a time and talk about the differences between the books and the movie. For example, the book's Dorothy wears silver shoes instead of the ruby slippers your child may be familiar with.

• Sing along with the soundtrack in the car. (You might also enjoy the soundtracks to Oz retellings The Wiz and Wicked.)

• Put on your ruby slippers (any red shoes will do) and wear them to the show. Before getting in the car to leave, chant "there's no place like home."

The wonderful fantasies of Oz are most enjoyable when shared with children. Take your family to TPAC and enjoy the show.