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

Weekend Preview 3.26.09

by Shauna Reynolds

March 26, 2009

There's another fantastic freebie this weekend. Sunday, March 29th, is a Free Family Day at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts. This particular free day has a medieval twist. The exhibit Medieval Treasures from the Cleveland Museum of Art opened last month, so the day will be peppered with various medieval themed activities. There will be music, dance, and even medieval stage combat lessons from Nashville Children's Theatre. Opportunities for creating visual art will also abound during this special day. Best of all, it's all free. 

The Frist Center for the Visual Arts is open from 1:00 PM until 5:30 PM this Sunday. Have fun, and maybe I'll see you there!

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Weekend Preview 3.19.09

by Shauna Reynolds

March 19, 2009

It's been a long, cold winter here in Nashville, but everywhere I look I see signs that it's over. The bradford pears are in bloom, as are the daffodils. We've had a few of what my daughter lovingly refers to as "short sleeve days" this week. And tomorrow is officially the first day of spring. To celebrate the season's arrival, Cheekwood is offering free admission this weekend, March 21st and 22nd. The weather should be nice, and you can't beat the price.

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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.

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Free Books in the Mail -- Thanks, Dolly!

by Shauna Reynolds

February 09, 2009

Little excites my daughter as much as finding something in the mailbox with her name on it. Her very own magazine and cards from Granny always put a smile on her face, but every month she receives something that makes both of us smile -- her Books from Birth selection. Every month the Governor's Books from Birth Foundation, in collaboration with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, provides her with a new book for us to enjoy together. 

If you're new in town or just never got around to signing up, you should take the time to register with Books from Birth. Every child in the state, regardless of income, qualifies for a monthly age-appropriate book mailing from birth until age 5. These aren't flimsy paperbacks; they're hardcover editions (or board books during the baby years.) They're also fantastic selections. We've discovered a few new favorite authors through the program. Despite our already extensive picture book selection, there has only been one time that we've received a book we already owned. 

Where do these free books come from? Dolly Parton started Imagination Library to provide books for children in her rural hometown. The program has spread throughout the country, including every county in Tennessee. 

Books are provided by corporate and personal sponsors in the community. Every child qualifies, but it is the parents' responsibility to enroll them in the program. Registrationcan be completed through the Imagination Library website.

Reading together is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your preschooler. Please accept this gift from the community to enhance your reading time. Bring a little excitement to your mailbox.

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The World On A String: Puppets In Nashville

by Meredith Pelham

August 29, 2008

I just discovered this fantastic new book published by the Nashville Public Library foundation . I think it's the perfect parent resource guide for the puppet shows produced at the downtown library. The World On A String begins with 15-year-old Tichenor and his first library show. It includes uniquely local photographs: major productions, library performers, and archival images from the  Read more...

Nashville's Shakespeare In The Park

by Meredith Pelham

August 15, 2008

It's that time of year! The Nashville Shakespeare Festival kicked off the 2008 production of Coriolanus last night at Centennial Park. Can you really take a preschooler to Shakespeare? I think so. Here's why: The magic of outdoor theatre is so exciting to kids. It's at night--and who doesn't like to see the stars, if not on stage? It's free, so you haven't lost any  Read more...

East Nashville Farmer's Market Fun For Kids

by Meredith Pelham

June 20, 2008

The East Nashville Farmer's Market rocks! Or perhaps I should say "picks and grins," 'cause it definitely has that bluegrass, grassroots vibe. This small start-up consists of a patch of tents behind the Turnip Truck on Woodland . You'll see as many craft booths as vegetable and meat producers. Our pick: Spiral Market Dyeworks's rainbow of organic children's wear, including both  Read more...

Indoor Summer Programs For Kids In Nashville

by Meredith Pelham

June 12, 2008

Summer in Nashville has its challenges, bugs and sweat chief among them. Here are a few FREE indoor programs just for summer in Nashville: 1. Nashville Public Libraries host a summer reading program complete with crafts and prizes. Preschoolers count read-aloud books for their points. Click here for branch-by-branch events and programs . 2. Regal Cinemas Family Fun Festival shows free  Read more...

Splash Parks and Spray Play For Preschoolers In Nashville

by Meredith Pelham

June 05, 2008

I love my kids. I love their sheer joy in all forms of water play. I do NOT, however, love getting into my swimsuit, and all the prep a pool day entails. Splash parks and fountains to the rescue! Even kids who are afraid of the water enjoy running through a playground full of misters, shooters, and sprayers. Nashville has several fun  Read more...

Moby, Mozart, or Miles: Best Concerts For Kids In Nashville

by Meredith Pelham

May 30, 2008

In a city where every neighbor plays an instrument (or two), even preschoolers can enjoy a little cult-cha. Dig out those opera glasses! Nashville 's best concerts for kids are found at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center . Its Pied Piper series of Saturday performances , quite frankly, blew me away. Get there early, because the fun starts with the lobby's  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...

Top 5 Things To Do On A Rainy Day In Nashville

by Meredith Pelham

May 27, 2008

Rainy days challenge even the most creative preschool parent. Sometimes you've just gotta get out of the house! Here are five great places to take your preschooler when it rains in Nashville: 1. Adventure Science Center Heavy on the playground, light on the learning--but kids love it anyway. Let them climb an activity-packed tower, investigate the human body via a digestive slide,  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...

Littlest Picasso: Nashville's Best Art Lessons

by Meredith Pelham

May 20, 2008

The Frist Center For The Arts is a dream come true for Nashville art lovers--of any age. Even better? Admission for kids is always FREE. Here's how you can encourage your little Picasso at the Frist: Martin Artquest will engage your child for hours. Hours! Until you drag them out kicking and screaming! Volunteers run 30 different activities that explore basic art elements and  Read more...