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

Barking at the Park -- Nashville Area Dog Parks

by Shauna Reynolds

February 16, 2009

Your whole family is getting anxious for spring to arrive. Not just the kids and the grown-ups -- the canines, too. Thankfully, there are several dog parks in the Nashville area to give your pups a chance to play. And since dogs are a kids' best friends, dog parks in the Nashville area are fun for everyone.

There are three public dog parks in Nashville, but the official rules state that children under ten are not allowed -- what a shame. Thankfully, a short drive to the suburbs reveals more dog parks where children are welcome. In Rutherford County, the Bark Park in Murfreesboro is the place to go with kids and dogs. In Williamson County there are two options -- a fairly new one in Nolensville and Maggie's Bark Park in Franklin.

What are dog parks like? All dog parks provide a safe fenced-in area for dogs to run, play, and socialize. They have water sources so dogs don't get dehydrated while they play, and many have toys to throw or obstacle courses for dogs to complete. Older preschoolers can learn basics of dog training, pet ownership responsibility, and social skills at the dog park.

When it's time to play at the park, don't forget your four-legged friends. Take your family to a park where everyone can have a good time.

Math at the Park

by Shauna Reynolds

February 10, 2009

This month at Being Savvy headquarters they're getting math happy and talking about fun ways to introduce preschoolers to math concepts. Here are five ways to teach math concepts to preschoolers -- all revolving around a trip to the park.

Indoor Play on a Midwinter's Day

by Shauna Reynolds

January 20, 2009

They don't want to play with those new toys, they don't want to sit still, and they certainly don't want to talk in an "indoor voice." Your kids need to get out and play, but it's too darn cold! Here are some indoor fun spots where preschoolers can get boisterous without freezing their little noses off. Pump It Up -- If your child can't get enough of the bounce castles and other inflatable fun  Read more...

Shopping Survival Tips -- Nashville Mall Play Spaces

by Shauna Reynolds

December 26, 2008

Just when you think you're never going to go shopping again, you get that too-small sweater. Those wrong-colored shoes. And not two, but THREE identical sweaters for your little one. It's the day after Christmas, and it's time to go returning and exchanging. But even when they're filled with people trying to catch the best post-Christmas bargains, Nashville malls are surprisingly kid friendly.  Read more...

Walk Over The Cumberland At Two Rivers Park In Donelson

by Meredith Pelham

August 21, 2008

Two Rivers Park is home to the largest green space in Donelson (southeast Nashville, behind McGavock High School near Briley Parkway). Like Bellevue's Red Caboose and the Nashville Zoo's Jungle Gym, the playground is a maze of bleached timbers and wood chips. Kids don't seem to mind, especially since the area under the slides is pure sand. Moms meet at Two Rivers for playgroups  Read more...

Sand Boxes, Beaches, & Buckets In Nashville

by Meredith Pelham

July 31, 2008

Scoop up TAX FREE school supplies this weekend (25-cent Crayolas, oh yeah!). Just don't forget to check the summer clearance aisles while you're at it. This week Kroger slashed sand buckets, bubble blowers, and water guns to 50-cents or less. Our Nashville kids still have 2 full months of hot weather for water and sand play. We don't use a sand box at home, but I keep a bucket and cups in  Read more...

Preschoolers Love Popsicles: Las Paletas @ 12South

by Meredith Pelham

June 26, 2008

Savvy moms know the best popsicles in Nashville aren't found at the grocery store. Next time you're meeting friends at Sevier Park , stop by Las Paletas with a cooler. These all-natural popsicles are made in the Mexican tradition, with unusual flavors that change with the seasons. No preservatives or chemicals allowed! We sampled Raspberry Lime, Hibiscus, and Honeydew Banana. Mmmm!  Read more...

Room To Run: Where Preschoolers Burn Off Energy In Nashville

by Meredith Pelham

May 28, 2008

Sometimes preschool outings feel more like marathons! Give your preschooler room to run, and burn up some of that boundless energy. When my preschoolers are bouncing off the walls, I arrange a playdate at one of Nashville's largest green spaces: Shelby Park Greenway in East Nashville: A lifelong West-sider, I was suitably impressed by East Nashville's flagship green space . Wide paved  Read more...

5 Best Ways To Enjoy Centennial Park in Nashville

by Meredith Pelham

May 23, 2008

Centennial Park is Nashville's showpiece urban park, originally designed for the 1897 Centennial Exposition. You'll find it on West End Avenue near Vanderbilt. Here are 5 things we enjoy doing with our preschoolers at Centennial Park: Feed the ducks around Wautauga Lake. Buy day-old bread at the bakery thrift store on Charlotte. Enjoy free Big Band dances or Shakespeare At The Park  Read more...

Top 5 Things To Do When The Sun Shines: Nashville Playgrounds

by Meredith Pelham

May 22, 2008

Nashville is a city with wide-open spaces and great weather! I think we've visited every playground in the Metro Nashville area. These are our favorite places to play on sunny days: 1. CENTRAL NASHVILLE: Fannie May Dees, also known as Dragon Park , packs a visual punch. Kids love its fantasy tiled serpent and its wheelchair accessible playground. Walk to Provence in Hillsboro Village  Read more...