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

New at the Zoo

by Shauna Reynolds

March 10, 2009

Has it been a while since you visited the Nashville Zoo? If you're not a regular zoo visitor, here are five reasons to go back to this favorite spot with your preschooler.

1. Damara Zebras

Have you heard about the new herd? A herd of Damara zebras has just joined the Nashville Zoo family. The big news is that the entire herd is believed to be pregnant. And is there anything as cute as a baby zebra?

2. White Tiger Cubs

Okay, so there is something as cute as baby zebras -- baby white tigers! A pair of them will be making their Nashville Zoo debut March 13th. They're taking a little vacation from their home zoo in Florida, so be sure to visit the playful cubs while they're in town.

3. Giant Anteaters

Did you know that the Nashville Zoo houses a giant anteater breeding facility? The long-nosed critters usually stay behind the scenes, but two will be on display for all zoo visitors to marvel at this spring and summer. They'll be making their premiere on March 20th.

4. Renovated Jungle Gym

If you haven't been to the zoo since last summer, you and your preschooler haven't seen the Jungle Gym playground's renovations. The Jungle Gym has always been the best playground in town, and now it's even better.

5. Flamingos

No date has been announced, but rumor has it that the zoo team is hard at work building a flamingo habitat. The pink birds have been an obvious omission from the zoo's animal family, and I can't wait to see them brighten the place up.

The best reason to go to the zoo is that preschoolers love it. It's a place to learn, burn off energy, and have fun with your whole family. Be sure to stop by and see what's new this spring and summer.

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.

Greatest Show on Earth

by Shauna Reynolds

January 23, 2009

Ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages, can you guess who is in town this weekend? Nashville is the latest stop for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus . If you've always wanted to introduce your child to the circus that you grew up with, now is your chance. Elephants, lions, clowns and more will be entertaining families under the big top of the Sommet Center tonight through  Read more...

2008 -- A Savvy Year in Review

by Shauna Reynolds

December 30, 2008

Hello, Nashville! If you heard about us on Fox 17's Tennessee Mornings, I'm so glad you're here! Please say hello in the comments. Now that this year is coming to a close, it's time to look back at some highlights of Being Savvy Nashville's inaugural year. Whether you're reading these again or are a new reader checking them out for the first time, these posts can help you make the most of life  Read more...

A Preschool Guide To The Nashville Zoo

by Meredith Pelham

August 08, 2008

Nashville preschoolers go wild about the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere . It's the best place to see those proverbial lions and tigers--and also local critters like chipmunks and cardinals. The Nashville Zoo has incorporated the exotic into the native landscape, with stunning results. It feels almost natural to see an African savanna nestled next to the historic farm's horses and hen house  Read more...

Nashville Zoo: Year Of The Frog

by Meredith Pelham

July 16, 2008

We noticed the Nashville Zoo's 6 new frog exhibits in the indoor Unseen New World building. My kids were already excited about spotting the blue poison arrow frogs...so they were WOWED by the colorful new species! I only wish we had read a couple of frog books before leaving home, because they didn't want to slow down and read the displays (of course!). Here are 2 good frog books we  Read more...

Fish, Lizards, & Mice: Zoo Alternatives In Nashville

by Meredith Pelham

June 09, 2008

On these 90-degree days, sometimes the Nashville Zoo seems like an impossible dream. Never fear! Here's a list of easy animal encounters around Nashville. We adore the Aquatic Critter on Nolensville Rd . It's not an average fish store--gorgeous reef tanks, glo-fish, and even a stingray pool. Sylvan Park's Love At First Sight is a friendly place to visit cats and dogs. Perhaps  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...

Lions, Tigers, and Bears: Discovering Wilderness In Nashville's Urban Jungle

by Meredith Pelham

May 16, 2008

If there's one membership your family should buy, let it be the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere . It's the best place to see those proverbial lions and tigers--and also local critters like chipmunks and cardinals. The Nashville Zoo has incorporated the exotic into our native landscape, with stunning results. It feels almost natural to see an African savanna nestled next to the historic farm's  Read more...