Nashville Parent magazine March 2023

Trusted by Margot’s parents.

Emily Grace and her husband Michael were thrilled when they learned they were going to be the parents of a daughter. The day Margot was born was one of the happiest of their lives. But shortly after birth, Margot was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a condition that thickens the muscle of the heart.

The Neonatal Transport Team from Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt immediately transported Margot to Monroe Carell’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit where she met her pediatric cardiology team.

Emily Grace and Michael were understandably anxious about being separated from Margot, but knowing

she was in the expert and compassionate hands of the Monroe Carell pediatric cardiology and NICU teams made it a little easier.

Under the care of our pediatric cardiology team, Margot’s heart responded well to medication. Emily Grace and Michael are now enjoying every moment, watching Margot grow and thrive.

Our story is best told through theirs. Learn more about Margot and other inspiring patients.

EASTER BUNNY ARRIVAL EVENT

SATURDAY, MARCH 25 1-3PM FREE!

Face Painter, Balloon Artist, Bounce House, Magician, Character Visits, Plus A Chance To Win A FREE EASTER BASKET!

Five baskets will be awarded. Must be present to win. Scan for more information }

EASTER BUNNY PHOTOS

SUNDAYS: 12pm-6pm

MON-THURS: 2pm-7pm

FRIDAYS: 11am-7pm

SATURDAYS: 11am-7pm

EASTER EVE: 10am-8pm

Sponsored by

School’s Out. Fun’s In .

Spring Break: The Story of YOU in Country Music

MARCH 4 –31

Keep your young scholars inspired, entertained, and engaged with the Museum's Spring Break offerings. This year we’re exploring “The Story of YOU in Country Music.” Use our Spring Break Activity Kits—free activity packs available at the Box Office— to discover connections between your story and the stories told in the Museum. Plus, express yourself through art, music, and craft when you join the many activities on offer throughout the month.

Nashville Zoo's prehistoric adventure takes you along a secret, wooded trail to discover more than 20 life-size dinosaurs that look and act so real...you'll swear they're alive.

March 10 - July 30

nashvillezoo.org/dinotrek

A young camper prepares to take out a kayak at YMCA Camp Widjiwagan located in Nashville.

M RCH

11 Editor’s Note

It’s OK to normalize the clutter and let your house look lived-in.

12 Feedback

Parents share thoughts on sending kids to summer camps or not.

15 Parent News

Spring is the perfect time to take on a Fun Run or a 5K with the kids; consignment sales and parent news briefs.

ADVERTISING

40 Party Pages

53 Camps Galore

Win four tickets to see the movie and hear the score of Ratatouille with the Nashville Symphony March 17 - 19 at the Schermerhorn.

WIN on Wednesdays!

Every Wednesday, on our Facebook page, we give away prizes for #WINSday. Here’s what to know:

HOW IT WORKS:

Subscribe to our Thursday e-newsletter (available at nashvilleparent.com) to get in on our #WINSday prize drawings. On Wednesdays, on Facebook, we announce the #WINSday prize asking, “What day is it?” You post the EXACT answer from the previous week’s e-newsletter and get into our drawing.

WED., MARCH 1: Four tickets to Ratatouille with Nashville Symphony.

WED., MARCH 8: Four tickets to Nashville Zoo.

WED., MARCH 15: A Moment’s Peace Gift Card.

WED., MARCH 22: A Gaylord Soundwaves package.

WED., MARCH 29: A Family Four-Pack for admission to Cheekwood in Bloom.

A Musing ...

Something for every kid from arts to science to nature and more.

60 Marketplace

“Let’s have one day for girls and boyses when you can make the grandest noises. Screech, scream, holler and yell — Buzz a buzzer, clang a bell, Sneeze — hiccup — whistle — shout, Laugh until your lungs wear out.”

— Shel Silverstein,

American poet, writer & cartoonist

nashvilleparent.com

REACH OUT TO: 615.475.5220

PUBLISHER

Stewart Day stewart@daycommedia.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Susan Swindell Day susan@daycommedia.com

MANAGING & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Michael W. Aldrich michael@daycommedia.com

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Tim Henard timhenard@daycommedia.com

ADVERTISING:

ACCOUNT MANAGERS

Alexandra Day, Noah Day

Christina Moody

MARKETPLACE

Noah Day noah@daycommedia.com

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Kevin Mutz distribution@daycommedia.com

BOOKKEEPER

Jill Riffle accounting@daycommedia.com

MISSION STATEMENT

Nashville, Rutherford and Williamson

Parent Magazines provide the community connection parents long for. We help moms, dads and families navigate the uncharted waters of family life, and we weave bright threads of joy and opportunity into the daily lives of families.

Our magazines are published monthly by Day Communications, Inc. The mailing address is 1229 Lakeview Drive, Ste. A., Franklin, TN 37067. Phone number: 615-475-5220. E-mail to: npinfo@daycommedia.com. Every precaution has been taken to ensure the accuracy of published material, however, NASHVILLE/RUTHERFORD/ WILLIAMSON PARENT cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. NASHVILLE/RUTHERFORD/ WILLIAMSON PARENT is copyright © 2023 by Day Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without written permission is prohibited.

© 2023 DAY COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

DADBEAT

by Michael W. Aldrich

Normalize Your Normal House

Social media would have you believe that everyone is living a perfect, aesthetically pleasing life. The walls are a flawless beige and the houses get bigger and better the more you scroll. And the perfect parent aesthetic seems to be neutral-toned playrooms and houses that look pristine at all times.

Lies. Lies, lies, lies.

Want to know a secret? These standards are ridiculous and unattainable for 99.9% of parents.

If you’re tired of Instagram-perfect lifestyles, I promise it’s OK to normalize the clutter and let your house look lived-in.

You’re a parent. Of course your couch is covered in laundry. Of course you trip over shoes on the regular. Of course you can feed a small army with all the crumbs that exist in your rug. Of course your sink is full of dishes, your dishwasher is full of dishes, your table and counter are full of dishes and you can’t find a clean spoon. Of course toys are scattered all over the house and no matter how hard you try, or what bribes you o er, or what god you pray to, you never get every piece picked up. Accept it.

Even organization expert Marie Kondo is changing her priorities at home since the birth of her third child. “My home is messy, but the way I am spending my time is the right way for me at this time, at this stage of my life,” she said recently in an interview with the Washington Post. We might not see it on her Instagram feed, but I bet her house would look pretty “normal” if we visited for a playdate.

So, can we all please stop putting so much importance on the aesthetics? Your mess isn’t going anywhere. You have young kids. You’re at home all the time. You’re living in your home. Your world will not disintegrate if there’s nail polish on the walls or stickers on the door. On the contrary, these things make it seem like a family actuallylives there.

Your kids are little. Enjoy them. Love them. As parents, we have so much more to worry about than playing the comparison game or trying to measure up to social media standards.

Remember, the “imperfections” are the di erence between a house and a home. In your messy home, life happens and it’s wonderful to see — online or in real life.

FEEDBACK

Do you sign your kids up for summer camps?

Camps = Summer Solutions

“Yes! We both work from home, so we don’t have to sign her up, but she loves camp and wants to go. I sign her up so she can have fun and stay busy!”

Shannon

Wemple

“Yes. Just signed my two up for Camp Ocoee. They love it because they make new friends outside of their school zone. They enjoy all of the activities that they get to do as well.”

Tracy Lacey

“I absolutely sign both of my boys up for day camps. It’s a great way to keep them active and learning. The hours are 912 and 1 - 4, so it’s kind of like a school schedule. I try to do full days and now that my youngest is going into first grade in the fall, there are camps he and my older one (rising fourth grader)

can do together which they are excited about. There are two weeks where no camps are offered, so that’s when we’ll work on summer school work. My kids have to stay busy or else we all go crazy. Yes, it’s expensive, but that is how we choose to spend our money.”

Lauren Claytor

“Yes. Gives them independence and time with friends.”

Monica Dukes Lovell

“We look for less expensive options. Cub Scout camp, 4H day camp, and a fine arts camp in Lebanon were all $100 or less for the week. We splurge on one more week, but that’s it.”

Katie Long

“No, unfortunately, both of our boys would have a meltdown if they had to go and stay overnight. Day camps are OK, but hard to get them to and from due to our work schedules.”

Kimberly Keltner Pullen

“We do some of them. But never full summer. It gets expensive. He will do a basketball camp, a half-day camp (like Lego), and then a week at church camp.”

Alexis

Carver

“My nephew wants to go to summer camp this year. He really loves doing outdoorsy things, so maybe he can develop some new skills.”

Ivy

Baker

“I never went to camp as a child, but both of my boys are going to camp this summer. They will spend three weeks at an overnight camp and then three weeks at their grandparents’ house, 3,000 miles away. I send them because 1) they want to go; 2) I get some free time; 3) The time they spend with their grandparents doesn’t cost me anything.”

Ellen

Wood

“When my girl was little, I always signed her up for day camp with a friend. When they were older, we found an overnight camp for them both to attend. This summer, since they’re in high school now, they will be CITs together at the overnight camp they went to. Just great experience.”

Tom Staglio

A girl enjoys ziplining through the air at Deer Run Camps & Retreats, located in Thompson’s Station.

Fun Runs, Kid Dashes & Ks with the Kids in Mind

SAT., MARCH 4

FIRST ANNUAL JOEY 5K Park at Harlinsdale Farm

239 Franklin Road Franklin racemob.com

Run or walk. Proceeds go to Discovery Place, a nonprofit that provides drug and alcohol addiction recovery programs. Event begins at 8 a.m.

GET YOUR REAR IN GEAR

5K RUN/WALK + KIDS FUN RUN Richland Creek Greenway

100 White Bridge Road Nashville donate.coloncancercoalition.org

Join the fight to end colon cancer. Includes kid’s area with inflatable, games, crafts and more at 8:30 a.m.

SAT., MARCH 11

GALLATIN SHAMROCK RUN

5K/10K

Gallatin City Hall

132 W. Main St. Gallatin racemob.com

Dress up for St. Paddy’s and run a primarily flat course for all ages and abilities; 7 a.m.

NASHVILLE ST. PADDY’S 5K & 1/2 MARATHON + KIDS DASH

2320 Two Rivers Pkwy. Nashville tennesseeruns.com

Dress up for St. Paddy’s Day. The Kids Dash starts at 8:15 a.m. The Half Marathon and 5K start at 8:30 a.m.

SPECIAL KIDS

15K/10K/5K & 1 MILE FUN RUN

Murfreesboro Med. Clinic

1272 Garrison Dr., Murfreesboro racemob.com

For dedicated and casual runners plus families who want to walk, run or roll. Mostly flat course. Entertainment, a family fun zone, refreshments and more. “K” races start at 7 a.m.; Fun Run starts at 8:45 a.m.

SAT., MARCH 18

ST. PATRICK’S MUSIC CITY HALF MARATHON

10K/5K

Shelby Park

1900 Shelby Bottoms Nashville team-magic.com

For racers of all level; supports Friends of Shelby Park and Bottoms; 8 a.m.

TIME TO PADDY

5K/10K & Lucky 13.1 + KIDS DASH

Murfreesboro Med. Clinic 1272 Garrison Dr. Murfreesboro racemob.com

Swag, live results and awards, free photos, post-race food and more. Kids Dash starts at 8:55 a.m.

SUN., MARCH 26

RUN FOR MISSIONS 2023 FUMC

Mack Hatcher Campus 120 Aldersgate Way Franklin racemob.com

Proceeds benefit Project Transformation Tennessee, a nonprofit based in Nashville that strives to improve children’s literacy. Day-of registration 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

A mom and her son run the 2022 Special Kids Race. Photo courtesy of Special Kids.

Register online now for these fitness events supporting great causes.

Spring Consignment

Don’t spend a lot on kid clothes — especially while they’re still growing!

Spring consignment sales are a great way to find excellent, lightly used children’s clothing, toys, baby clothes, maternity outfits and more.

And think about it: with growing kids shooting up quickly, what’s the point of paying top dollar for outfits? At consignment sales you can find gently worn items with top labels, so moms love saving bucks while outfitting kids fashionably.

Most consignment sales even o er special days for workers and consignors as well as half-price days, so be sure to check websites for special days.

Here’s a few of our favorite spring consignments coming up in March:

Precious Angels Childrens Consignment Sale

630 Lehman St., Woodbury preciousangelsconsignment.com

March

|

• THE NATIONAL LEAGUE OF JUNIOR COTILLIONS, Nashville and Williamson County Chapters announce that the “Best Mannered Teacher” for Rutherford County schools for the 2022 - 23 school year is Laura Swan. An 8th grade math teacher at Oakland Middle School, Swan was nominated by Junior Cotillion students who cited Swan’s courtesy and respect for students and why she is a good role model. The National League of Junior Cotillions is an etiquette and social dance training program involving thousands of students nationwide.For more information, call 615-604-1185 or visit NLJCNW.com.

Rhea Lana’s of Franklin

1735 Galleria Blvd., Franklin franklin.rhealana.com

Lollitots Consignment

Lebanon Fair Grounds 945 E Baddour Pkwy., Lebanon lollitotsconsignment.com

March 18 | 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.

March 19 | 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

March 20 | 9:00 a.m. -7 p.m. (50% o , Dollar Dash from 5 - 7 p.m.)

Consign & Co of Murfreesboro 1660

The Consignment Connection

Kids Clothing Exchange

95 McCrary Road, Lebanon theconsignmentconnection.com

March 21 | 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

March 22 | 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

March 23 | 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. (Discount Day)

March 24 | 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. (Discount Day)

March 25 | 1 - 4p.m. (Dollar Dash)

MJ Kid’s Consignment Sale 495 North Mount Juliet Road, Mt. Juliet mjkidsconsignment.org

QuickBits

• THE 2023 CITIZENS FIRE ACADEMY is a free six-week program that provides adults 18 and older with the opportunity to learn about what it takes to be in fire service. Under the close supervision of Columbia Fire & Rescue firefighters, participants will don firefighter turnout gear, deploy hoses, place ladders and perform search-andrescue operations. In addition, participants will learn how to use a fire extinguisher, perform CPR and more. The Academy makes for a great way to learn more about dayto-day operations of your local fire department. Classes take place at 1000 South Garden St., Columbia in Williamson County. To apply, head to columbiatn.com/701/ Citizens-Fire-Academy.

Just Between Friends

The Fairgrounds Nashville (Expo 2) 401 Wingrove St., Nashville nashvillemusiccity.jbfsale.com

March 30 - 31 | 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.

April 1 | 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. (50% o )

• ONCE UPON A SPRING

Springtime blooms at Gaylord Opryland Resort with its annual event, March 3 through May 14. An itinerary full of weekend and weekday activities are in store for guests including a brand-new crafting clubhouse and interactive show for kids, spring-themed boat rides, an Easter Bunny meet and greet and more. In addition to the seasonal celebration, you can also enjoy the resort’s garden atriums, dining options and SoundWaves — the upscale aquatic experience including water slides, a rapid river, a lazy river, and multi-level play structures. For more information, visit marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ bnago-gaylord-opryland-resortand-convention-center.

• 2023 ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

The Discovery Center at Murfree Spring in Murfreesboro recently named Choctaw artist Sally Wells as the museum’s 2023 Artist in Residence, which runs select Sundays from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. through April. Wells — known in Tennessee and the Chocktaw community for her traditional beadwork and dressmaking — has dedicated her life and art to promoting and preserving Choctaw culture. Using seed and bugle beads, Wells creates intricate Chocktaw collar necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and hanging necklaces. She is also a founding member of the Native American Indian Association. For more information, visit explorethedc.org.

Easter Bunny Photos

March 24 - April 8

Hop on over to The Mall at Green Hills for Photos with the Easter Bunny.

Upper Level, near Macy’s

Skip the line and reserve online.

by Susan Day

READING TO YOUR NEWBORN & BABY

It may begin awkwardly, but keep pushing through. That’s the advice I got from my older sister when we talked about reading to babies. Her two girls are both grown, avid readers and top-of-their-class students. My sister attributes it all to early literacy. An awkward beginning is inevitable: what can this 7-lb. tiny human possibly understand? She just sits there. But I’m giving her my full and undivided attention — I know she loves that. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that reading aloud to your baby “stimulates optimal patterns of brain development and strengthens parent-child relationships at a critical time in child development, which, in turn, build language, literacy and social - emotional skills that last a lifetime.” OK, well, time to snuggle up!

Research has shown over and over again that it’s important to read to your child every day and that what you read to your child is equally important. But there’s more: babies and young children who are not read to at home will face a “million-

SELECT BOOKS CHOICES FOR BABIES

Baby, Sleepy Baby by Atinuke

Farm Lullaby by Karen Jameson

Goodnight Everyone by Chris Haughton

The Night is Deep and Wide by Gillian Sze

We All Play by Julie Flett

Moo, Baa, La La La! by Sandra Boynton

Where is Baby’s Belly Button? by Karen Katz

I Am a Baby by Bob Shea

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr., and Eric Carle

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Guess How Much I Love You? by Sam McBratney

I Love You to the Moon and Back by Amelia Hepworth and Tim Warnes

word gap” by the time they go to school. Yikes. Time to pull out a little Brown Bear, Brown Bear Here’s a brief guide for reading to your baby from infancy to 12 months.

BIRTH to 6 MONTHS

Reading to babies from the start leads to stronger vocabularies and better early literacy skills four short years later — just as your child is getting ready to go to school. In a landmark 1995 study — updated in 2017 — researchers found that in the first three years of life, children read to heard 30 million more words than others, an advantage that translated by third grade into larger vocabularies, better reading skills and higher test scores. In reading to your baby during their first six months, read from your glider or while they’re resting pretty much anywhere. It’s all about being comfortable together. Be sure Baby is content, then take an activity that you do every day and make reading a part of it. Focus on pictures, add

More parents than ever before are following the American Academy of Pediatrics’ suggestion to start reading to kids from birth. It may seem silly to read to an infant, but it’s actually one of the smartest things you can do.

BOOK CHOICES FROM BIRTH

• Choose books with black-and-white pictures — these are interesting and easy for babies to focus on

• Choose books with di erent textures and guide your baby to hear, see and feel the books

• Choose books with pictures of babies and faces

• Choose soft, waterproof plastic and cloth books that can go in your baby’s mouth and into the bath, too

• Don’t forget story times at your local library branch. Libraries o er robust programming for babies and toddlers to enjoy story time together. Check nashvilleparent. com and click on “Things to Do,” then select Story Times from the dropdown menu.

a little texture and guide their fingers to touch. Don’t be afraid to ham it up, using exaggerated voices and gestures. The more fun you have reading to your newborn, the more stimulated he’lll be.

touch. Don’t

7 - 12 MONTHS

Now that Baby is a little older, begin to expand your reading sessions together. Books with just one object or person per age may be best; hearing you name something they can recognize reinforces your baby’s vocabulary and slowly helps him realize that illustrations stand for real things. Point to the pictures your baby shows interest in and act out what you read with your face, hands and voice.

“There’s a great deal of research that indicates that 85% of brain growth occurs in a child’s first three years of life,” says University of Tennessee researcher and assistant professor Margaret Quinn, co-director of the Implementation Sciences in Early Learning Lab in Child and Family Studies.

The most meaningful words

to your baby will be the names and things from their everyday life -- words like “doggy,” “mommy,” “daddy,” “milk” or “bottle.”

If your baby begins to babble back, that’s great. This “conversation” with you will help him learn to take turns and teach him about focusing on the same thing as someone else.

Babies this age can bang their playthings, so keep sticking mostly to board books, which can take rough handling (and even chewing!). Cloth or vinyl books are good, too, though turning the pages can be challenging for a baby. Touchand- feel type books are still fun, but be sure to avoid any with ribbons, buttons or other small choking hazards.

Reading to your baby during the first year and then keeping it going during toddlerhood will set your child up for school success — enjoy THIS precious time together while it lasts.

Susan Day is editor of this magazine and a mom of four.

NEWBORN READ- ALOUD TIPS

• Newborns need a quiet reading environment

• Newborns are comforted by the sound of your voice

• Hold and cuddle your baby when you read

• When choosing a book, allow your baby to be your guide

• Start reading at any page

• You don’t have to read all of the words in the book

• Repeated readings are good for Baby’s language development

• Use “parentese” when reading and talking to your baby

Source: Every Word Counts (Create Space; 2016) by Caroline Blakemore and Barbra Weston.

“Children who are read to hear 30 million more words that others,” according to a landmark study.

Messy + Outdoors = Fun for Toddlers + You

Even if you don’t like the idea of getting messy with your Little, it’s a lot more satisfying if you say, “Yes” to it once in awhile. Make it an event for yourself ... from water play to shaving cream to painting.

As a mother of four, I am well-acquainted with mess. That’s not to say I like it. So often I say, “No” when my kids want to do something out-of-the-box messy, but my mom heart feels guilty because I know how much fun it would be. Moms like me avoid shaving cream fights or stomping through mud puddles because let’s face it — kids are messy enough without giving Mom something else to clean up.

But Karie Fager, also a mother of four, believes that giving your kids messy experiences every now and then makes it easier for the times when you say, “Not today.”

Allowing kids to experiment with gooey and sticky gives them opportunities to explore different textures, create fun memories and experience the thrill of doing something that’s typically off-limits. To help your toddlers to create messy memories, consider one of these outdoor activities that only require old clothes and a little bit of clean up.

(please turn the page)

Bubble play, driving toy cars through shaving cream and a bucket full of nature surprises can keep little ones busy! Messy fun leads kids to use their creativity.

WATER PLAY

Getting wet is one of the easiest ways for kids (and moms) to ease their way into messy play. Fill a bucket with water, give your child some paint brushes, and let him “paint” the driveway, house and deck. Or, turn on a sprinkler and lay out a Slip n’ Slide for hours of water fun.

MENTOS EXPERIMENT

You might have seen the choreographed Mentos and Diet Coke YouTube video, but your toddler will get a kick out of creating his own Mentos geyser. Open a two-liter of Diet Coke, drop in three or four mint-flavored Mentos candies and jump back as the soda spews up like fireworks.

OUTDOOR PAINTING

Create a giant painting experience by setting up a large canvas on top of a plastic painter’s drop cloth. Dip different kinds of balls into paint and then roll or throw the balls on the canvas to make a one-of-a-kind painting. Use different items with textures. You can also pick up washable, nontoxic tempura paint, hang up a dollar store shower curtain or a huge canvas and let your toddler unleash her inner Monet onto an erected canvas. Use your imagination — hang a canvas between trees or on your garage door.

Shaving Cream Activities

JELLO MAGIC

Use four boxes of your favorite jello and whip it up the night before you plan to play with it. You can use 9 x 13 pans. When you’re ready to show your toddler, spread out a cloth outside to sit on then place your pans of jello out. Use different scoops to move it around. You can also place small plastic toys in the jello. This is a good sensory activity. Or, take a water balloon activity to the next level by filling balloons with jello, instead. Do it together — that’s the point. Contain the jello balloons in a large box or baby pool then go to town smashing the balloons with your feet. Hold hands!

MORE IDEAS

• Make shaving cream pies in old tin pie pans

• Use muffin tins to make different colors of shaving cream paint (use food coloring)

• Spread shaving cream on a tray and make letters and designs

“BUCKETFUL OF NATURE”

Spring is a great time to enjoy nature’s bounty outdoors. Take your little one out into the yard — or to a nearby park — and bring a bucket with you. Look for things like pinecones, unusual rocks, bird nest or egg shells, leaves, flowers, worms ... anything! Then set yourselves down to explore your findings. Nature is a marvelous teacher that can really get your child’s imagination going.

Sandi Haustein is a mom of three boys and one girl who are helping her broaden her messy limits.

2022-2023

OVERNIGHT CAMPS STRIVE TO BRING MEMORABLE FUN

Sleep-away camps provide kids with the opportunity to grow more independent and gain new skills

From whitewater rafting to performing arts and cooking, today’s sleep-away camps appeal to a wide range of interests while still providing the long-term benefits summer camp is known for.

Benefits of Overnight Camp

In addition to learning new skills, children learn how to collaborate and live in community while at camp, gaining self-confidence and independence through problemsolving and teamwork.

“All those things are life skills and life assets that every parent wants for their child,” says Jill Tipograph, a camp consultant and author of Your Everything Summer Guide & Planner

(please turn the page)

YMCA Camp Ocoee, located in Ocoee, TN, offers electives to campers including white water rafting on the Ocoee River.

summer camps

Popular Camp Activities

According to the American Camp Association, 75% of camp directors reported adding new activities and programs to accommodate trends in popular culture. The top three activities camps are integrating into their more traditional fare, like campfires, swimming and horseback riding, include performing arts, adventure and more recently, culinary.

“Culinary is the hottest and newest in terms of camps investing in building kitchens and bringing in specialists to teach the kids. The other part that goes along with culinary is the whole, farmed table-taking things from the gardens and cooking them,” Tipograph says.

Traditional vs. Specialty

Specialty camps are designed for kids interested in pursuing a specific interest. Traditional camps, on the other hand, offer a combination of programming. Children can try different activities, including those they may not have tried otherwise, whether stained glass design, rock climbing or singing in a recording studio.

“I feel that if children start their camping career on a purely specialty track, (parents) are really missing what camp can do for their child. The advantage traditional camps offer is they are all about the child holistically,” Tipograph says.

A Menu of Choices

One example of a traditional camp that offers a variety of specialty tracks for campers is Hidden Valley Camp, located in mid-coastal Maine. The camp attracts campers between the ages of 8 and 14 from all over the world.

Camp director Peter Kassen finds that culinary classes are especially attractive to campers, thanks in large part to a great interest in eating well and popular TV shows like Top Chef, Iron Chef and Cupcake Wars.

“This idea of being a foodie has really permeated the culture. Being involved in producing your own food and eating good food has become more central not just with adults but with children as well,” Kassen says.

Through the culinary classes, campers acquire a valuable life skill, learning to prepare quality, healthy meals from specialists in the food industry and tasting foods from all over the globe.

“Last year, we had a group of ten Korean campers accompanied by a woman who brought them over. She cooked a Korean meal for the entire camp. It was spectacular,” Kassen says.

But cooking is only one aspect of the camp. Whether they try windsurfing, horseback riding, tennis or anything else, Kassen hopes campers leave camp with a sense of confidence.

“At any good camp, campers get excited about an idea, and they pursue it from beginning to end without an adult telling them they had to do it in the first place,” he says. “That’s why people value time at camp. Children can learn and grow and become themselves away from home and school and all the usual surroundings.”

Considerations for a successful sleep-away experience:

Maturity. Most kids are ready by ages 9 or 10, but consider your child’s physical and emotional maturity first.

Plan ahead. If possible, start researching camps a year ahead of time. Check out websites, talk to friends and family for recommendations and visit prospective camps. Many overnight camps offer family weekends in the fall.

Length of camp. How long do you want your child away at camp? Camps offer both short and long-term sessions.

Size of camp. Decide whether your child would do better in a large setting or a smaller gathering.

Gender. Choose from a single-sex or a co-ed camp. Not sure which? Consider whether a younger sibling may eventually join your older child at camp. Location. Determine the types of activities you want your child to experience. Because of their geographical location, some camps offer better outdoor or adventure activities than others and may be more likely to have access to experienced adventure specialists.

Meet the director. A meeting with the director is imperative in order to get a sense of his or her personality, trustworthiness and compatibility. “You need to see how they’re interacting with your child,” Tipograph says.

“They set the tone and the philosophy for the camp and it trickles down. How they relate to you and your child is the same way they train their staff to do the same.”

Christa Melnyk Hines is a mom and freelance journalist.

Campers at Riverview Camp for Girls in Mentone, Alabama, gather nightly around a camp fire.

KIDS BAKING

Camps & Classes

In the summers, BGA is home to a robust camp program for children ages four and up. With half- and full-day options available, our on-campus programming includes more than 40 camps, ranging from art and cheerleading to coding, soccer, and Cannon Ball, our all-around camp experience.

Camps begin May 30 and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

THINGS TO DO March

BEST OF THE MONTH

30 DAILY EVENTS

FRANKLIN KITE FESTIVAL

Sunday, March 5

Franklin Recreation Complex

Page 34

Are you and the kiddos ready for a windy adventure? Grab some kites and reach the highest heights at this inaugural festival.

HIGHLIGHTED HAPPENINGS

31

March events in dayby-day order. Find St. Patrick’s events with the shamrock:

34

NASHVILLE LAWN & GARDEN SHOW

Dozens of live, indoor gardens March 2 - 5 at The Fairgrounds.

TEDDY BEAR

TEA PARTY

Littles can sip with their favorite stuffed animal on March 4 at Sam Davis Home.

ADVENTURE PARK AT NASHVILLE OPENS

Beginning Friday, March 3

The Adventure Park at Nashville

Page 31

Zip on down and experience self-guided tree-to-tree climbing! In addition, the park hosts special “Glow in the Park” evenings on Fridays and Saturdays.

RATATOUILLE IN CONCERT

Friday, March 17 - Sunday, March 19

Schermerhorn Symphony Center

Page 43

Relive the Disney/Pixar film on the big screen while Nashville Symphony plays the score live.

37 SEC MEN’S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

Bridgestone Arena hosts the annual showdown March 8 - 12.

NEW!

38 MOM REPORTER: DISNEY IMMERSIVE

Here’s the scoop you need if you choose to go.

42 MUSIC OF THE BEATLES FOR KIDS

Brooklyn Bowl’s special concert series for kids explores the “Fab Four” March 12.

NASHVILLE OPERA ON TOUR

Saturdays in March

Various Middle TN locations

Pages 33, 39, 44, 49

See a free, family-friendly performance of Little Red’s Most Unusual Day with full sets and costumes.

MERMAIDS UNDER-THE-SEA BREAKFAST

Saturday, March 4

Aquarium Restaurant at Opry Mills, Nashville

Page 33

Bring the family to eat breakfast and watch “mermaids” swim among sea-life friends in a 200,000-gallon tank.

DINOTREK

Friday, March 10 - Sunday, July 30

Nashville Zoo

Page 38

Take a journey to the past and walk through a wooded forest alongside life-sized animatronic dinosaurs!

KIDS ART FESTIVAL OF TENNESSEE

Saturday, March 25

Pinkerton Park, Franklin

Page 49

Get artsy at the 8th annual event celebrating art by Tennessee kids! The event features art on display, as well as stage performances, demonstrations and more.

44

TPAC 2022-23 SEASON REVEAL

See which national Broadway tours are coming to Music City next season!

45 AIN’T TOO PROUD

The Broadway national tour of The Temptations comes to TPAC, March 21 - 26.

BLIPPI: THE WONDERFUL WORLD TOUR

Friday, March 31

Tennessee Performing Arts Center, Nashville

Page 51

This interactive live show brings the vivacious, energetic and educational antics of Blippi and his best friend, Meekah, to the stage!

49 START YOUR ENGINES!

Nashville’s Lane Motor Museum revs the engines of their favorite vehicles on Saturday, March 25.

50

NASHVILLE SOUNDS OPENING DAY

Play ball! The Nashville Sounds open their 2023 season Friday, March 31.

51 ON YOUR RADAR

Mark your calendars for next month’s select outings.

ONLINE

Find additional events, story times, news and more at nashvilleparent. com.

DAILY EVENTS

WED 1

WILD THINGS AT THE WILDERNESS STATION

615-217-3017

dthomas@murfreesborotn.gov

Little ones can sing songs, read a story, complete a craft and conclude with a short walk on Wednesdays at 9:45 or 10:45 a.m. at The Wilderness Station (401 Volunteer Road, Murfreesboro). Different nature theme each week. Pre-registration is required. Cost is $3 per child.

FREE WEDNESDAY NPL STORY TIMES

615-862-5800

library.nashville.org

Age-appropriate songs, stories and early literacy fun on Wednesday mornings at multiple Nashville Public Library branches. Participating branches include Hermitage (10 and 11 a.m.), Bellevue (10:15 a.m.), Edmondson Pike, Goodlettsville, Green Hills, Main Library, Inglewood and Richland Park (10:30 a.m.) branches. Call ahead to make sure there are open spots.

FREE FIRST WEDNESDAYS AT NMAAM

615-301-8724

nmaam.org

Enjoy a day at the National Museum of African American Music (510 Broadway, Nashville) every first Wednesday of each month with free admission from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

FREE PRE-SCHOOL STORY TIME AT BRENTWOOD LIBRARY

615-371-0090

brentwood-tn.libcal.com

Come out to Brentwood Library (8109 Concord Road, Brentwood) for a special pre-school story time to get little ones thinking and moving. Happens on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 and 11 a.m.

FREE STORY TIME AT LINEBAUGH

615-893-4131 x114

rclstn.org

An all-ages story time every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Linebaugh Library (105 W. Vine St., Murfreesboro), complete with stories, songs and a puppet show.

ORCHIDS IN THE MANSION AT CHEEKWOOD

615-356-8000

cheekwood.org

For its fifth year at Cheekwood (1200 Forrest Park Dr., Nashville), Orchids in the Mansion brings the beauty of nature into the historic mansion & museum. Check out all of the orchids growing on trees, in planters, draped among foliage and more. Also on each Saturday, piano performances will take place in the Drawing Room from 12 to 2 p.m. Continues through March 5 on Tuesdays - Sundays from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Cost is $25 for adults, $18 for ages 3 - 17.

JUMPAROO TODDLER TIME (NE NASHVILLE)

urbanairtrampolinepark.com

The park is open just for toddlers to jump, bounce and crawl around safely from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Urban Air Adventure Park. Happens MondaysThursdays (while MNPS is in session) at the Old Hickory location (4331 Old Hickory Blvd., Old Hickory). Admission is $11.99 per child; parents play free.

FREE NATURE STORY & SONG AT SBNC

615-862-8539

nashville.gov

Read a nature-themed book, check on the educational snake, “Maize” and enjoy puppet characters to accompany a story at Shelby Bottoms Nature Center (1900 Shelby Bottoms Greenway, Nashville). Kids will learn a song to get the wiggles out. Happens the first and third Wednesday at 10 a.m.

FREE HAIRCUTS AT NPL

615-862-5871 library.nashville.org

Bring your shaggy-headed little ones to the Southeast Branch Library (5260 Hickory Hollow Pkwy. #201, Antioch), where Genesis Career College gives free haircuts to the community from 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. This program is open to everyone, and no appointment is necessary.

TURTLE TALK AT DISCOVERY CENTER

615-890-2300

explorethedc.org

Drop by the Discovery Center (502 SE Broad St., Murfreesboro) every Wednesday and Friday at 3 p.m. for turtle feedings. Included with admission, free for members.

FREE WILD WEDNESDAY AT SOAC

townofsmyrna.org

Join the staff at Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center (100 Sam Ridley Pkwy. E, Smyrna) to discover something wild about the natural world on Wednesdays from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. You may meet a SOAC animal or enjoy a naturebased activity. Weekly topics are posted online; look for more information on the SOAC Facebook page.

FREE BRENTWOOD LEGO CLUB

JR. AND LEGO CLUB

615-371-0090

brentwood-tn.libcal.com

Everyone loves Lego! Pre-K kids are invited to Brentwood Library (8109 Concord Road, Brentwood) at 4:30 p.m. for Lego Jr. club, and kids K - 5 can join at 5:15 p.m.

FREE NEW BEGINNINGS HEALTH AND FITNESS CLASS

Women can learn tips for healthy eating, techniques for managing stress and more. Includes 30 minutes of exercise and healthy lifestyle tips every Wednesday at Southeast Branch Library (5260 Hickory Hollow Pkwy., Antioch) from 6 - 7 p.m. Register online.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD AT BRIDGESTONE ARENA

bridgestonearena.com

See Underwood perform live at Bridgestone Arena (501 Broadway, Nashville) with special guest Jimmie Allen. Starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $60.

THU 2

FREE ITTY BITTY STORY TIME AT LINEBAUGH

615-893-4131 x114

rclstn.org

A special story time for ages 0 - 23 months every Thursday at Linebaugh Public Library (105 W Vine St., Murfreesboro) from 10 - 10:30 a.m. Includes stories, fingerplays, lap bounces, tickles, scarves and songs.

CAMPFIRE STORY TIME AT DISCOVERY CENTER

615-890-2300

explorethedc.org

Drop by the Discovery Center (502 SE Broad St., Murfreesboro) every Thursday at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. for story time in the great outdoors! Included with admission.

Disney Animation Immersive Experience: Wander through your favorite Disney animations projected on the giant walls of Lighthouse ArtSpace in Nashville through May 14. Read our “Mom Report” on page 38!

ORCHIDS IN THE MANSION AT CHEEKWOOD

See Wednesday, March 1.

FREE DOWNTOWN YOGA

615-862-5800

library.nashville.org

Practice yoga with a Yoga Alliance certified instructor at 1 p.m. on Wednesdays at Nashville Public Library (615 Church St., Nashville). All you need are comfy clothes and a yoga mat or towel. Beginners to intermediates welcome.

EARLY LEARNERS AT SOAC

615-459-2553

townofsmyrna.org

Little ones ages 2 - 6 can join the staff at Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center (100 Sam Ridley Pkwy. E, Smyrna) in this program from 1 - 2 p.m. There are different themes each week. Cost is $2, register online.

FREE CRAFTERNOON AT BRENTWOOD LIBRARY

615-371-009

brentwood-tn.libcal.com

Come out to Brentwood Library (8109 Concord Road, Brentwood) for a freewheeling crafternoon where you can make what you imagine with plenty of supplies. Happens from 4 - 4:45 p.m. For grades 3 - 5.

FREE HIKE WITH A NATURALIST AT THE WILDERNESS STATION

615-217-3017

Join the Wilderness Station (401 Volunteer Road, Murfreesboro) on a weekly hike at Barfield Crescent Park from 2 - 3 p.m. Along the hike, stop and talk about things you see along the way.

FREE RAPTORS AT THE WILDERNESS STATION

615-217-3017

Here’s your chance to meet an educational screech owl or American kestrel up close and learn about the master predators of the sky from 3 - 4 p.m. at The Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Road, Murfreesboro).

FREE GIRLS WHO CODE CLUB AT LINEBAUGH

615-893-4131 x114 rclstn.org

Girls Who Code Club is an after-school computer science program for all 3rd - 5th graders (and not just for girls)! Program happens Thursdays from 44:45 p.m. at Linebaugh Library (105 W Vine St., Murfreesboro).

NASHVILLE LAWN & GARDEN SHOW

nashvillelawnandgardenshow.com

Spring returns to Nashville with the Nashville Lawn and Garden Show at The Fairgrounds Nashville Expo Center (500 Wedgewood Ave., Nashville), March 2 - 5. Lectures and workshops, (free with admission), with topics from attracting bees, butterflies and birds to how to grow specific flowers and plants. Shoppers enjoy 200 vendor booths filled with garden décor, plants, flowers, lawn equipment, farmhouse crafts, bird and bee houses and more. Tickets are $12 for adults and $2 for kids under 12. Show hours are 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 9 a.m. through 5 p.m. on Sunday.

DISNEY ANIMATION IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

lighthouseimmersive.com/disney

Walt Disney Animation Studios joins forces with Lighthouse ArtSpace (4416 Ridgefield Way, Nashville) to present the music and artistry within Disney Animation’s canon of films — from hits of today like Encanto; Zootopia; and Frozen, to all of the classics including The Lion King; Peter Pan; and Pinocchio. Audiences will feel like they’ve entered the world of Disney characters. Through May 14. Entry times vary; tickets start at $39.99.

YOUNG PEOPLE’S CHOIR OF MURFREESBORO

931-239-0523

murfreesborotn.gov

Do you have a budding vocalist in your house? Or someone who just loves to sing? This community youth choir is a great way to learn in an ensemble environment. For ages 8 - 18, practices happen on Thursday nights from 6 - 7:15 p.m. at Patterson Park Community Center (521 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd., Murfreesboro). Cost is $25; register online.

FRI 3

JUMPAROO TODDLER TIME (COOL SPRINGS)

urbanairtrampolinepark.com

The park is open just for toddlers to bounce and crawl around safely from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Urban Air Adventure Park. Happens on Fridays at the Cool Springs location (1735 Galleria Blvd., Franklin). Admission is $11.99 plus tax per child; parents play free.

FREE AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE

615-862-5873

redcrossblood.org

Drop in the Coleman Park Community Center (384 Thompson Lane, Nashville) between 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. and let a medical professional from the Red Cross take your life-saving donation.

DISNEY ANIMATION IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

See Thursday, March 2.

NASHVILLE LAWN & GARDEN SHOW

See Thursday, March 2.

ORCHIDS IN THE MANSION AT CHEEKWOOD

See Wednesday, March 1.

TURTLE TALK AT DISCOVERY CENTER

See Wednesday, March 1.

FREE FRANKLIN ART CRAWL

artscouncilwc.org/art-crawl

Mosey through Franklin’s most historic buildings on the first Friday of each month from 6 - 9 p.m. Many of the galleries and working studios serve complimentary refreshments during the evening, and some offer live music. In addition, enjoy free trolley rides.

GLOW IN THE PARK

615-610-9500

myadventurepark.com

Zipline through lit-up trees, colored lights, music and more at The Adventure Park at Nashville (801 Percy Warner Blvd., Nashville) on Fridays and Saturdays from 5 - 9 p.m. Cost is $45.

LASER SHOW: DARK SIDE OF THE MOON 50TH ANNIVERSARY

615-862-5160

adventuresci.org

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Dark Side of the Moon with a night full of music and lights in the Sudekum Planetarium at Adventure Science Center (800 Fort Negley Blvd., Nashville).

First, experience Pink Floyd: The Dark Side of the Moon, a new laser show created in-house at 6:15 or 8:15 p.m. In between, enjoy The Other Side of Pink Floyd at 7:15 p.m. ... so plan to make it a double feature with some of their other classic hits.

WINE & WHISKEY AT THE WETLANDS

615-890-2300

explorethedc.org

The Discovery Center (502 SE Broad St., Murfreesboro) is going uncorked with the return of this popular tasting event from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Guests 21 and older can enjoy a variety of unlimited wine, whiskey and spirit samples. Food will also be available for purchase from local food vendors. Cost is $40 for adults (21+), $15 for adults designated driver and $10 for adult volunteers.

(Continued on page 33)

Nashville Lawn & Garden Show: Attention, green thumbs! Come out to The Fairgrounds in Nashville March 2 - 5 to stroll through live, indoor garden spaces. Highlights include a live butterfly house and a train garden kids are sure to love.

Unleash

Come

AUGUST WILSON’S FENCES BY NASHVILLE REP

615-782-4040

nashvillerep.org

Come out to TPAC’s Polk Theater (505 Deaderick Street, Nashville) to see Nashville Repertory Theatre’s take on August Wilson’s Tony-winning play dealing with the difficult theme of race. Performances are March 3 - 5; tickets start at $50.

SAT 4

GET YOUR REAR IN GEAR

5K RUN/WALK

jackie@coloncancercoalition.org

donate.coloncancercoalition.org

Join the fight to end colon cancer with this 5K run/walk at Richland Creek Greenway (100 White Bridge Road, Nashville). The event will have a kids’ area with face painting, inflatables, games, crafts, as well as a Kids’ Fun Run where all kids receive a medal. Opening ceremony is at 8:30 a.m., kid’s fun run at 8:45 a.m. and the 5K starts at 9 a.m. Event day registration is $20 for youth/kids; $40 for adults.

DROP-IN KIDS ART CLASSES

615-933-9644

LittleArtHouseNashville.com

Kiddos are invited to create original works of art on Saturday mornings at Little Art House Nashville (2106b Acklen Ave., Nashville). Read a book, create a work of art and then have time for sensory play. The 10 - 10:30 a.m. class is for ages 1 - 4 and the 11 - 11:45 a.m. class is intended to be drop-off class for ages 4 - 10. Cost is $20 - $25.

FREE HOME DEPOT KIDS WORKSHOPS

Kids can head in to their local Home Depot to build something fun with staff in this workshop happening from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Make a “pinball machine.” Reserve online.

MYSTIC MERMAIDS UNDER THE SEA BREAKFAST

615-514-3474

aquariumrestaurants.com

Come out to the Aquarium Restaurant (516 Opry Mills Dr., Nashville) for an exclusive “Under The Sea Breakfast” event from 9 - 11 a.m. Watch mermaids swim to music and teach you how to protect the ocean. Cost is $22.41. Must register.

FREE PARNASSUS BOOKS

STORY TIME

parnassusbooks.net

The whole family is invited to put on their finest pajamas and come out to Parnassus Books (3900 Hillsboro Pike Suite 14, Nashville) for a special story time from 10:30 - 11 a.m. For ages 0 - 7.

FREE RUTHERFORD COUNTY

YOUTH MAGIC GROUP

rclstn.org

Presto! Aspiring magicians can join in the fun at 9:30 a.m. for this youth magic group geared toward ages 6 - 12. Meetings take place at Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Road, Smyrna) on the first Saturday of each month and Linebaugh (105 W Vine St., Murfreesboro) on the second Saturday of each month.

TEDDY BEAR CLINIC AT

NASHVILLE ZOO

nashvillezoo.org

Children can bring their favorite teddy bear or stuffed animal friend to Nashville Zoo’s annual Teddy Bear Clinic at the Zoo’s HCA Healthcare Veterinary Center on March 4 and 5. The Zoo’s Veterinary team will be giving veterinary examinations, providing each plush patient with excellent care and a certificate of Beary Good Health at the end of the exam. This event is $5 per child and runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

FREE NASHVILLE OPERA ON TOUR: LITTLE

RED’S MOST UNUSUAL DAY

615-832-5242

nashvilleopera.org

See this performance for children and families with full sets and costumes. Happens at 10 a.m. at Williamson County Public Library (1314 Columbia Ave., Franklin) and then 2 p.m. at Adventure Science Center (800 Fort Negley Blvd., Nashville) for a sensoryfriendly performance. Little Red’s Most Unusual Day by John Davies is a family-friendly 40-minute production sung in English and set to music from operas by Rossini and Offenbach.

FREE SHABBY LANE SHOPPING EVENT

615-305-5954

shabbylaneshoppingevents.com

Shopping, free popcorn and princess meet and greets at Lane Agri-Park (315 John Rice Blvd., Murfreesboro) from 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Support more than 70 small businesses and artisans.

FREE KIDSVILLE AT THE PARTHENON

kidsvilleonline.org

Come out to the Parthenon (2500 West End Ave., Nashville) for an exploration of Dolly Parton’s book, I Am A Rainbow with Imagination Library, then make art inspired by the book. A Kidsville team member will take registrations at the entrance of the Parthenon beginning at 10:30 a.m. Program lasts from 1111:45 a.m. and is located upstairs in Parthenon’s Naos room (that houses Athena), unless otherwise noted.

LANE MOTOR MUSEUM VAULT TOURS

615-742-7445

lanemotormuseum.org

The Lane Motor Museum (702 Murfreesboro Pike, Nashville) has more than 580 cars and motorcycles in its collection, but only space for about 150 cars at any given time. Vault tours take place on Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Cost is $10 (in addition to museum admission, which is $3 for kids and $12 for adults); tour lasts approximately 45 minutes.

FREE EXPLORE WITH A NATURALIST

615-862-8555

wpnc.nashville.gov

Do you want your kids to spend more time in the great outdoors? Take them to explore with a naturalist this weekend at Warner Park Nature Center (7311 Highway 100, Nashville). This outdoor exploration focuses on discovery, observation and connecting with nature from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

FREE ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS AT WILDERNESS STATION

615-217-3017

murfreesborotn.gov

Join The Wilderness Station (697 Veterans Parkway, Murfreesboro) on Saturdays at 1:30 p.m. for a program introducing kids to its education animals. They will talk about the animals’ adaptations and history.

DISNEY ANIMATION IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

See Thursday, March 2.

NASHVILLE LAWN & GARDEN SHOW

See Thursday, March 2.

ORCHIDS IN THE MANSION AT CHEEKWOOD

See Wednesday, March 1.

FAMILY PROGRAM: SONGWRITING 101 countrymusichalloffame.org

Join a museum educator at Country Music Hall of Fame (222 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville) to write a song as a group in this introductory workshop at 2 p.m. Recommended for ages eight and up. Included with museum admission; Free to museum members.

(Please turn the page)

Kidsville at The Parthenon: On Saturday, March 4, bring your kiddos out to The Parthenon at Nashville’s Centennial Park. Representatives from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library will be there to explore her book, I Am A Rainbow

TEDDY BEAR TEA PARTY

samdavishome.org

Grab your favorite stuffed bear friend (or two) and join the Sam Davis Home (1399 Sam Davis Road, Smyrna) for themed crafts and a tea party from 24 p.m. Cost is $21.

GLOW IN THE PARK

See Friday, March 3.

AUGUST WILSON’S FENCES BY NASHVILLE REP

See Friday, March 3.

JUNIE B. JONES THE MUSICAL JR. IN WOODBURY

615-563-2787

artscenterofcc.com

A heartfelt comedy based on the best-selling book series by Barbara Park performed at The Arts Center of Cannon County (1424 John Bragg Hwy Woodbury). Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for kids. Show times are March 4 and 11 at 2 and 5 p.m.

NERF WARS AT MPACT SPORTS

mpactsports.com/nerfwars

Come out for community Nerf Wars at Mpact Sports (121 Seaboard Lane, Suite 1, Franklin) twice a month from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. This special event is open to members and non-members. Price is $10 per warrior. Pizza package options available to purchase. Make sure to bring your Nerf Gun (extras available for purchase) and protective eyewear/ goggles.

KIDS NIGHT OUT AT BOOST GYMNASTICS

615-352-8533

boostgymnastics.com

Drop the kids off at Boost Gymnasticss (11 Vaughns Gap Road, Nashville) and have a date night on the first Saturday of every month. The kids are taken care of from 6:30 - 10 p.m. while you enjoy some ‘me’ time. The coaching staff will lead kids in flashlight tag, obstacle courses, games, gymnastics and more. Cost is $25 (with registration), $20 per additional sibling.

PARENTS NIGHT OUT AT SUMMIT SPORTS CENTER

summitsportscenter.com

Drop the kids off for a well-deserved parent’s night out on select Saturdays from 6 - 10 p.m. at Summit Sports Center (2015 Johnson Industrial Blvd., Nolensville). Kids can enjoy pizza and refreshments along with playing in the obstacle course, bounce house, foam pit, in-ground trampolines and more. Cost is $40 per child.

SUN 5

NASHVILLE LAWN & GARDEN SHOW

See Thursday, March 2.

LANE MOTOR MUSEUM VAULT TOURS

See Saturday, March 4.

LITTLE LEAPERS

615-987-0102

skyzone.com

Ages 7 & younger can jump around safely and enjoy the trampoline park from 9 - 11 a.m. Fridays and Sundays at Sky Zone (1220 NW Broad St., Murfreesboro). Cost is $14.99.

COW CUDDLING AT THE GENTLE BARN

gentlebarn.org/tennessee

Come hug the cows, give the pigs tummy rubs, spend time with the turkeys and enjoy a beautiful day at the Gentle Barn (9295 Christiana Fosterville Road, Christiana) from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Donations are $20 for adults and $10 for kids 12 & younger.

JUMPAROO TODDLER TIME (MURFREESBORO)

urbanairtrampolinepark.com

The park is opened up just for toddlers to jump, bounce and crawl around from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Urban Air Adventure Park. Happens on Sundays at the Murfreesboro location (1952 Old Fort Pkwy., Murfreesboro). Cost is $11.99 per child; parents play free.

FREE LEGO BUILDING FUN

Play around with provided LEGOs, Duplos and Mega Bloks at Green Hills Library (3701 Benham Ave., Nashville) from 2 - 4:30 p.m. For ages 2 - 12.

FREE PLAZA MARIACHI FLEA MARKET

615-373-9292 plazamariachi.com

Find great deals on fresh produce, clothing, furniture and more at Plaza Mariachi (3955 Nolensville Pike, Nashville) from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. In addition, enjoy live music, circus performances and more.

LITTLE ART HOUSE SUNDAY SPECIALS

Littlearthousenashville.com

Come with your crew or drop your kid off for a fun time creating a “Fairy House.” Happens at The Getalong (700 A Fatherland Ave., Nashville) from 1010:45 or 11 - 11:45 a.m. Cost is $30.

ROCK ‘N’ ROLL PLAYHOUSE brooklynbowl.com

Head out to Brooklyn Bowl Nashville (925 3rd Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37201) for a family-friendly concert that allows kids to move, play and sing. At this show, kids will be introduced to the rock classics of the band “Phish.” The fun starts at 12 p.m. and costs $15.

FREE KITE FESTIVAL wcparksandrec.com

Williamson County Parks and Rec partners with Chicago Kite to host WCPR’s inaugural Kite Festival from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Franklin Recreation Complex (1120 Hillsboro Road, Franklin). The family event will feature numerous kinds of kites and stunt kites; some even reaching 100 feet in the air!

TEDDY BEAR CLINIC AT NASHVILLE ZOO

See Saturday, March 4.

ORCHIDS IN THE MANSION AT CHEEKWOOD

See Wednesday, March 1.

DISNEY ANIMATION IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

See Thursday, March 2.

FREE VOICES OF SPRING 615-687-6400

nashvillesymphony.org

This choral concert at Schermerhorn Symphony Center (1 Symphony Place, Nashville) will take listeners on a journey through The Creation by Josef Haydn, detailing the creation of the earth in seven days utilizing English text from the book of Genesis and John Milton’s Paradise Lost. Starting at 4 p.m., experience the 150-strong Nashville Symphony Chorus, led by Chorus Director Tucker Biddlecombe. Tickets to this concert are Pay-WhatYou-Can.

AUGUST WILSON’S FENCES BY NASHVILLE REP

See Friday, March 3.

MON 6

JUMPAROO TODDLER TIME (NE NASHVILLE)

See Wednesday, March 1.

(Continued on page 37)

Teddy Bear Tea Party: Enjoy delectable treats and teas while creating a fun craft for your teddy bear friend on Saturday, March 4 at Sam Davis Home in Smyrna. Then, cozy up for story time in the museum theatre!

FREE MONDAY NPL STORY TIMES

library.nashville.org

Age-appropriate songs, activities and lots of early literacy fun on Monday mornings at 10:30 a.m. at multiple Nashville Public Library branches. Participating branches include Donelson, Madison, East, Edmondson Pike, Green Hills, Old Hickory and Richland Park. Call ahead to make sure there are open spots.

FREE SNAKE FEEDING AT WILDERNESS STATION

615-217-3017

dthomas@murfreesborotn.gov

Come out to The Wilderness Station (401 Volunteer Road, Murfreesboro) from 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. and learn about snake adaptations and how they swallow their food whole. See a live demonstration of snakes getting fed.

FREE STORY TIME AT THE TEC

615-225-8312

rclstn.org

Stop by the Technology Engagement Center (306 Minerva Dr., Murfreesboro) on Mondays at 3:30 p.m. to enjoy storybooks that inspire and teach about nature, art, technology, science, space and everything in between. Each story time will feature a craft or event that highlights science and technology and is STEAM-driven.

SCHOLASTIC CHESS CLUB BRENTWOOD

615-371-0090

brentwood-tn.libcal.com

Kids will be taught beginning, intermediate and advanced strategies, no

matter their skill or experience level at Brentwood Library (8109 Concord Road, Brentwood). Happens from 5 - 6 p.m. and 6:15 - 7:15 p.m. For ages 6 - 12; cost is $10 and registration is required.

FREE READING PAWS AT LINEBAUGH

615-893-4131 x 114 rclstn.org/calendar

Come read to friendly reading education assistance dogs Stevie or General at Linebaugh Library (105 West Vine Street, Murfreesboro) from 3:30 - 5 p.m. Registration is required.

TUE 7

JUMPAROO TODDLER TIME (NE NASHVILLE)

See Wednesday, March 1.

FREE HAIRCUTS AT NPL

See Wednesday, March 1.

FREE STORY TIME AT LINEBAUGH

See Wednesday, March 1.

FREE PRE-SCHOOL STORY TIME AT BRENTWOOD LIBRARY

See Wednesday, March 1.

FREE TUESDAY NPL STORY TIMES library.nashville.org

Age-appropriate songs, activities and lots of early reading fun on Tuesday mornings at multiple Nashville Public Library branches. Participating branches include the Bordeaux, Edgehill,

Edmondson Pike, Green Hills, Hadley Park and Southeast branches at 10:30 a.m.; Richland Park branch at 11 a.m. For ages 0 - 5; call ahead to make sure there are open spots.

FREE WISHING CHAIR PUPPET SHOWS

615-862-5800

library.nashville.org/wishingchair

Live puppet shows at 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. in the Children’s Theater at Nashville Public Library (615 Church St., Nashville). The show runs 30 - 45 minutes and is for ages 0 - 6.

FREE READ WITH BISCUIT

615-371-0090

brentwood-tn.libcal.com

Children ages 5 - 12 can improve their literacy skills by reading with Biscuit the therapy dog for 15 minutes between 12 - 2 p.m. at Brentwood Library (8109 Concord Road, Brentwood). Sign up for your time online.

FREE MIME AND THEATRE BASICS AT NPL

615-862-5871

Kids ages 6 - 11 can explore their creative sides through theatre games, mime and improvisation at Nashville Public Library Southeast Branch (5260 Hickory Hollow Pkwy #201, Antioch) every Tuesday from 4 - 5 p.m.

FREE STEM TUESDAYS WITH ADVENTURE SCIENCE CENTER

615-862-5861

library.nashville.org

Adventure Science Center learning specialists facilitate fun-filled hands-on STEM activities at Nashville Public

Library Edgehill Branch (1409 12th Ave. S, Nashville) on the first Tuesday each month at 4 p.m. Explore science concepts through experiments and labs, where you’ll use the scientific method to learn about the world around you.

OWL’S HILL SPRING HOMESCHOOL DAY

615-370-4672

owlshill.org

Bring your homeschoolers out to Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary (545 Beech Creek Road, Brentwood). There are two sessions available: 10 - 11:30 a.m. and 1 - 2:30 p.m. Cost is $7.50 per person (student or adult) per session; children 2 and younger are free. For K - 8th grade. Advance registration is required.

WED 8

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

615-890-2300

explorethedc.org

Come out to the Discovery Center (502 SE Broad St., Murfreesboro) for Bessie Coleman airplane making; be a female race car driver with Ewy Rosqvist enjoy a studio packed with activities that highlight women and their amazing accomplishments. Happens from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Included with general admission; free for members.

FREE WEDNESDAY NPL STORY TIMES

See Wednesday, March 1.

FREE STORY TIME AT LINEBAUGH

See Wednesday, March 1.

FREE PRE-SCHOOL STORY TIME AT BRENTWOOD LIBRARY

See Wednesday, March 1.

WILD THINGS AT THE WILDERNESS STATION

See Wednesday, March 1.

FREE WILD WEDNESDAY AT SOAC

See Wednesday, March 1.

TURTLE TALK AT DISCOVERY CENTER

See Wednesday, March 1.

SEC MEN’S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

bridgestonearena.com

Nashville hosts the 2023 Southeastern Conference (SEC) Men’s Basketball Tournament March 8 - 12 at Bridgestone Arena (501 Broadway, Nashville). In addition, don’t miss the Fanfare taking place at the corner of 5th and Demonbreun in front of Country Music Hall of Fame.

FREE READING PAWS OLD HICKORY

615-862-5869

library.nashville.org

Join a trained

(Please turn the page)

SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament: Have you caught the March Madness? Bridgestone Arena will be home to the annual tournamant, starting on Wednesday, March 8 and concluding with the championship game on Sunday, March 12.

reading dog with Reading Paws between 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. for a reading session at Old Hickory Library (1010 Jones St., Old Hickory). Pick a book from the library or bring your own. Call to reserve your spot.

THU 9

FREE ITTY BITTY STORY TIME AT LINEBAUGH

See Thursday, March 2.

HOMESCHOOL DAY AT CANNONSBURGH

615-801-2606

mbnevills@murfreesborotn,gov

Get a little dirty exploring the garden at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St., Murfreesboro). Kids will visit the flower, herb and vegetable gardens as they are prepped for spring planting and make a planter to take home from 10 - 11 a.m. For ages 5+. Cost is $3.

FREE HIKE WITH A NATURALIST AT THE WILDERNESS STATION

See Thursday, March 2.

CAMPFIRE STORY TIME AT DISCOVERY CENTER

See Thursday, March 2.

FREE DOWNTOWN YOGA

See Thursday, March 2.

FREE CRAFTERNOON AT BRENTWOOD LIBRARY

See Thursday, March 2.

EARLY LEARNERS AT SOAC

See Thursday, March 2.

FREE GIRLS WHO CODE CLUB AT LINEBAUGH

See Thursday, March 2.

SEC MEN’S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

See Wednesday. March 8.

FREE ALL ACCESS NIGHT AT DISCOVERY CENTER mpurcell@explorethedc.org explorethedc.org

All Access Nights are a time for special-needs families to enjoy the exhibits at the Discovery Center (502 Southeast Broad St., Murfreesboro) in a sensory-friendly environment from 5 - 8 p.m. Reservations are suggested.

YOUNG PEOPLE’S CHOIR OF MURFREESBORO

See Thursday, March 2.

FRI 10

FREE AESOP’S FABLES NPL PUPPET SHOW

615-862-5800 library.nashville.org

Come out to Nashville Public Library (615 Church St., Nashville) for a bright new take on some classic tales

presented by the Nashville Public Library Puppet Truck. Presented from March 10 - 25 in the Children’s Theater on Fridays and Saturdays at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. Running time is 30 minutes.

Recommended for ages 3 - 10, but all are welcome.

FREE NASHVILLE BALLET

STORY TIME: THE SINGING TORTOISE

615-862-5860 library.nashville. org

Come out to Nashville Public Library East-Branch (206 Gallatin Ave., Nashville) at 10:30 a.m. and join a Nashville Ballet teaching artist to learn the importance of keeping your word with the reading of the classic African folktale, The Singing Tortoise

NASHVILLE SPORTS CARDS SHOW 615-804-0799

Browse top card vendors at the The Nashville Fairgrounds (625 Smith Ave., Nashville) March 10 - 12. Over 100+ tables to browse! Happens from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

FREE BABY PLAY TIME IN LEIPER’S FORK wcpltn.org

A MOM REPORTER OUTING

Disney Animation Immersive Experience

Littles will want to jump up to enjoy bubbles and sparkles.

By Rebecca Bright

If a dream is a wish your heart makes, then the Disney Animation Immersive Experience is a dream imagined with a trillion pixels and a larger-than-life montage of the best parts and songs of Disney.

There is much to see including a gigantic blow-up Mickey Mouse (that my toddler referenced hours after seeing it), a gift shop and a museum-like area showing how Disney films are made. In addition, there are tables where older kids can give illustrating Disney-style a try — especially those interested in graphic design. It gives a small peek into what it takes to make iconic Disney characters come to life.

The best part, through the eyes of my 2 year old, are the light-up wristbands (an add-on) that are functional as a flashlight and fun as a personal strobe light that illuminates to match projected scenes. In addition, a few times during the experience the ceiling opens to bring forth a cascade of bubbles. This got the smallest of patrons laughing with glee and jumping up to pop and catch the shiny treasures.

The show may be best suited for elementary-aged children and older ones as some of the younger kids will have trouble sitting still. However, if you decide to take the whole family and have Littles, encourage them to move and dance during the show. I was delighted when my daughter got up for the bubbles or to grab at sparkly lights.

Help socialize your baby in a fun, friendly and safe environment at Leiper’s Fork Public Library (5333 Old Highway 96, Franklin) from 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

FREE EXPLORE WITH A NATURALIST

See Saturday, March 4.

SEC MEN’S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

See Wednesday. March 8.

DINOTREK OPENS AT NASHVILLE ZOO nashvillezoo.org

Journey back in time and come faceto-face with 20 new Jurassic beasts along a hidden path at Nashville Zoo (3777 Nolensville Pike, Nashville) from March 10 - July 30. Cost is $4.

FAMILY PROGRAM: ALPHA-BLOX countrymusichalloffame.org

Little ones should become part of the music around them, reacting to fluttery butterflies, sizable snakes and favorite characters they recognize. Others watching quietly from one spot seemed unbothered by younger viewers who couldn’t sit still.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• There is plenty of free parking in the garage behind the venue.

• You can keep your light-up wristband or leave it to be recycled.

• Beware overpriced concessions

• For tickets and more information, go to lighthouseimmersive.com/nashville

Rebecca Bright is a teacher, mom and one of Nashville Parent’s Mom Reporters.

GLOW IN THE PARK

See Friday, March 3.

In this workshop, participants will learn about positive and negative space, mirror image and color layering by arranging a typeface called Alpha-Blox at Country Music Hall of Fame (222 Rep. John Lewis Way South, Nashville) from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Educator-artists from Hatch Show Print will be on hand to lend guidance. Included with museum admission; free to members.

DISNEY ANIMATION IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

See Thursday, March 2.

nashvilleparent.com

PETER AND THE STARCATCHER BY CIRCLE PLAYERS

615-332-7529

circleplayers.net

The Tony-winning play upends the century-old story of how a miserable orphan boy becomes the legendary Peter Pan. The show is performed live by Circle Players at The Z. Alexander Looby Theater (92301 Rosa L Parks Blvd., Nashville). Performances happen March 10 - 26, on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Rated PG. Cost is $20 - $25.

Bright’s toddler enjoys the sparkles at Disney Animation Immersive Experience.

CLUE: ON STAGE AT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

615-904-2787

boroarts.org/2023-season

Based on the iconic 1985 movie inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue is a farce-meets-murder mystery coming to the Center for the Arts (110 W College St., Murfreesboro). Performances are March 10 - 26 on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. at Adults are $18; children are $14. Rated PG.

CANDLELIGHT: SCI-FI AND FANTASY SCORES

What could be better than a string quartet playing Sci-Fi hits such as Star Wars; Lord of the Rings; and Harry Potter inside The Parthenon (2500 West End Ave., Nashville)? There are two performances under the gentle glow of candlelight at 7 and 9 p.m. Tickets start at $45. For ages 10 and older.

SAT 11

NASHVILLE ST. PADDY’S

HALF MARATHON AND 5K

224-757-5425

Get your green on and start training to chase rainbows and leprechauns at Two Rivers Park (3150 McGavock Pike, Nashville). There will be finisher medals, shamrock cookies and more starting at 8:30 a.m. Registration fee is $24.99 - $59.99.

FREE AESOP’S FABLES

NPL PUPPET SHOW

See Friday, March 10.

GALLATIN SHAMROCK RUN

615-452-4000

Join for the 18th running of the Gallatin Shamrock Run 5K and 10K through Historic Downtown Gallatin (146 N Water Ave., Gallatin). This primarily flat course is great for runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. Wear your best St. Patrick’s Day gear! The 10K starts at 7:15 a.m. and the 5K starts at 7:30 a.m. Cost is $35 - 45.

SPECIAL KIDS RACE

615-893-4892

The 12th Annual Special Kids Race will feature a 1-mile fun run, 5K, 10K and 15K going through Murfreesboro Medical Clinic, Gateway Island and Stones River National Battlefield (1272 Garrison Drive, Murfreesboro). Proceeds from the race will support Special Kids Therapy and Nursing Center. Starts at 7 a.m. Registration is $30.

DISNEY ANIMATION IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

See Thursday, March 2.

CHEEKWOOD IN BLOOM

615-356-8000

cheekwood.org

Cheekwood’s 11th annual spring celebration runs March 11 - April 9 with 250,000 tulips, daffodils and spring blooming bulbs. Celebrate the changing season with five weekends of family activities, adult workshops and programs, special performances and plenty of natural inspiration. Cost is $20 - $29 for adults; $13 - $22 for ages 3-17; members get in free.

SEC MEN’S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

See Wednesday. March 8.

FREE ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS AT WILDERNESS STATION

See Saturday, March 4.

FREE PARNASSUS BOOKS

STORY TIME

See Saturday, March 4.

FREE RAPTOR DAY AT THE WILDERNESS STATION

615-217-3017

dthomas@murfreesborotn.gov

MURDER MYSTERY EXCURSION

TRAIN

Enjoy a train ride on a restored classic streamlined stainless steel passenger train at Tennessee Central Railway Museum (220 Willow Street, Nashville). During this 90-mile round trip, enjoy a short progressive murder mystery play performed right in your car during the trip to and from Watertown. Ride boards at 11:30 a.m. and departs at 12:30 p.m. The train arrives back in Nashville at 8:30 p.m. Cost is $30 for children under 12, adult coach and dining seats are $60.

DROP-IN KIDS ART CLASSES

See Saturday, March 4.

FREE EXPLORE WITH A NATURALIST

See Saturday, March 4.

COUNTY SUMNER IRISH FESTIVAL

Celebrate Irish heritage with the family with entertainment, food, shopping and more at Bledsoe’s Fort Historical Park (2895 Hartsville Pike, Castalian Springs). In addition, there will be guided hikes, storytelling, craft beer, historic house tours, food trucks, shopping vendors, kids activities, a costume contest and more from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Cost is $10 per vehicle.

FREE NASHVILLE OPERA ON TOUR: LITTLE RED’S MOST UNUSUAL DAY

615-832-5242

nashvilleopera.org

See this free performance for children and families with full sets and costumes. Happens at 2 p.m at Brentwood Library (8109 Concord Rd., Brentwood). Little Red’s Most Unusual Day by John Davies is a family-friendly 40-minute production sung in English and set to music from operas by Rossini and Offenbach.

FREE NATIVE BEE FARMING

615-862-5862

warnerparks.org

Learn how to become a native bee farmer with gentle and easy-to-raise hive-less bees, how bees can boost pollination in the garden and how gardeners can create an environment that helps sustain native bee populations in the area. Program happens at the Warner Park Nature Center (7311 Highway 100, Nashville) from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

NASHVILLE SPORTS CARDS & COLLECTIBLES SHOW

See Friday, March 10.

Explore the fascinating world of raptors with live demonstrations of various birds of prey. Fun activities planned for all from 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at The Wilderness Station (401 Volunteer Rd., Murfreesboro). No registration required.

FREE KIDSVILLE AT THE PARTHENON kidsvilleonline.org

Come out to the Parthenon (2500 West End Avenue, Nashville) to explore common myths and legends of lucky coins from around the world, then design your own coin. Programs last from 11 - 11:45 a.m. and are located upstairs in Parthenon’s Naos room that houses Athena, unless otherwise noted.

LANE MOTOR VAULT TOURS

See Saturday, March 4.

PARENTS NIGHT OUT AT SUMMIT SPORTS CENTER

See Saturday, March 4.

FREE READ WITH SHILOH 615-371-0090

brentwood-tn.libcal.com

Children ages 5 - 12 can improve literacy skills by reading with Shiloh the therapy dog for 20 minutes between 12 and 2 p.m. at Brentwood Library (8109 Concord Road, Brentwood). Sign up for your time slot today!

CELTIC RHYTHMS ON FIRE wcpactn.com

An energetic fusion of live Irish dance, music and song at Williamson County Performing Arts Center (112 Everbright Ave., Franklin). The show features the more traditional elements such as the jig, reel and hornpipe. In addition, it explores more progressive styles of Irish dance and music. Tickets are $18.50 for seniors (65 and over), children 312, $20 for adults and teens.

CLUE: ON STAGE AT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

See Friday, March 10.

JUNIE B. JONES THE MUSICAL JR. IN WOODBURY

See Saturday, March 4.

PETER AND THE STARCATCHER BY CIRCLE PLAYERS

See Friday, March 10.

NASHVILLE SC HOME GAMES NashvilleSC.com

GEODIS Park is the home for 17 regular season soccer matches as Nashville SC enters its fourth year in Major League Soccer. Children 3 years or older require a ticket to attend matches. Game starts at 7:30 p.m.

(Continued on page 42)

County Sumner Irish Festival: Live Irish music is sure to have you dancing and toe-tapping at Bledsoe’s Fort Historical Park in Castalian Springs on Saturday, March 11. The event includes guided hikes, storytelling, kids’ activities and more.

GLOW IN THE PARK

See Friday, March 3.

SUN 12

JUMPAROO TODDLER TIME (MURFREESBORO)

See Sunday, March 5.

CHEEKWOOD IN BLOOM

See Saturday, March 11.

COW CUDDLING AT THE GENTLE BARN

See Sunday, March 5.

DISNEY ANIMATION IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

See Thursday, March 2.

FAMILY PROGRAM: HIP HATS countrymusichalloffame.org

Using hats on view throughout the museum as inspiration, aspiring young designers can make and decorate their own paper hats from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Country Music Hall of Fame (222 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville). Included with museum admission; Free to museum members.

LANE MOTOR VAULT TOURS

See Saturday, March 4.

LITTLE LEAPERS

See Sunday, March 5.

NASHVILLE SPORTS CARDS & COLLECTIBLES SHOW

See Friday, March 10.

FREE PLAZA MARIACHI FLEA MARKET

See Sunday, March 5.

ROCK ‘N’ ROLL PLAYHOUSE brooklynbowl.com

Head out to Brooklyn Bowl Nashville (925 3rd Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37201) for a family-friendly concert that allows kids to move, play and sing! At this show, kids will be introduced to the rock classics of “The Beatles.” The events offer games, movement, stories and an opportunity to rock out for children ages 10 and younger. The fun starts at 12 p.m. and costs $15.

SEC MEN’S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

See Wednesday. March 8.

FREE LEGO BUILDING FUN

See Sunday, March 5.

PETER AND THE STARCATCHER BY CIRCLE PLAYERS

See Friday, March 10.

CELTIC RHYTHMS ON FIRE

See Saturday, March 11.

CLUE: ON STAGE AT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

See Friday, March 10.

MON 13

JUMPAROO TODDLER TIME (NE NASHVILLE)

See Wednesday, March 1.

FREE MONDAY NPL STORY TIMES

See Monday, March 6.

SPARK! AT DISCOVERY CENTER explorethedc.org/spark

Come out to Discovery Center (502 SE Broad St., Murfreesboro) for this program for children ages 1 - 6 and their caregivers to enjoy hands-on exploratory STEAM learning and play from 9 - 11 a.m. Enjoy music and motion, stories, guided activities and more! Cost is $4 plus admission ($8).

FREE STORY TIME AT THE TEC

See Monday, March 6.

FREE SNAKE FEEDING AT WILDERNESS STATION

See Monday, March 6.

TUE 14

JUMPAROO TODDLER TIME (NE NASHVILLE)

See Wednesday, March 1.

FREE TUESDAY NPL STORY TIMES

See Tuesday, March 7.

FREE WISHING CHAIR PUPPET SHOWS

See Tuesday, March 7.

SPARK! AT DISCOVERY CENTER

See Monday, March 13.

FREE STORY TIME AT LINEBAUGH

See Wednesday, March 1.

FREE PRE-SCHOOL STORY TIME AT BRENTWOOD LIBRARY

See Wednesday, March 1.

CHEEKWOOD IN BLOOM

See Saturday, March 11.

NASHVILLE PREDATORS HOCKEY nhl.com/predators

See the Preds play at their home ice at Bridgestone Arena (501 Broadway, Nashville). Game starts at 7 p.m.

FREE READ WITH BISCUIT BASICS AT NPL

See Tuesday, March 7.

CELTIC JOURNEY WITH NASHVILLE SYMPHONY 615-687-6400 nashvillesymphony.org

Take a trip to the Emerald Isle at this musical extravaganza celebrating all things Irish with your Nashville Symphony. Your guide for the evening is Irish raconteur Tomáseen Foley, who will bring Ireland’s rich history vividly to life through story and song. Happens at Schermerhorn Symphony Center (1 Symphony Pl., Nashville) at 7:30 p.m. and tickets start at $30.

WED 15

JUMPAROO TODDLER TIME (NE NASHVILLE)

See Wednesday, March 1.

FREE WEDNESDAY NPL STORY TIMES

See Wednesday, March 1.

ANDREW JACKSON’S 256TH BIRTHDAY

615-889-2941

thehermitage.com

Make plans to celebrate President Andrew Jackson’s 256th birthday with half-price Grounds Passes for the day at The Hermitage (4580 Rachel’s Lane, Hermitage). The party from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. includes children’s activities, gallery talks, the annual presidential wreath-laying ceremony with the Tennessee National Guard at the President’s Tomb and a keynote address from John Cooper. Cost is $9.50 for adults, $6 for youth 5 - 12 and children 4 and under are free.

CHEEKWOOD IN BLOOM

See Saturday, March 11.

FREE STORY TIME AT LINEBAUGH

See Wednesday, March 1.

FREE PRE-SCHOOL STORY TIME AT BRENTWOOD LIBRARY

See Wednesday, March 1.

WILD THINGS AT THE WILDERNESS STATION

See Wednesday, March 1.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Playhouse: Enjoy a special concert just for kids and families! On Sunday, March 12, families with kids 10 and younger can rock out to the music of The Beatles with games, movement, stories and more.

FREE WILD WEDNESDAY AT SOAC

See Wednesday, March 1.

TURTLE TALK AT DISCOVERY CENTER

See Wednesday, March 1.

FREE NEW BEGINNINGS HEALTH AND FITNESS CLASS FOR WOMEN

See Wednesday, March 1.

THU 16

FREE ITTY BITTY STORY TIME AT LINEBAUGH

See Thursday, March 2.

FREE HIKE WITH A NATURALIST AT THE WILDERNESS STATION

See Thursday, March 2.

TODDLER ADVENTURES AT CANNONSBURGH

615-801-2606

mbnevills@murfreesborotn.gov

Get some outside time with us during a visit to Cannonsburgh Village (312 S Front St., Murfreesboro) from 10 - 11 a.m. Kids will enjoy a “Green” scavenger hunt, fun playtime and a story. Cost is $3 per person. For ages 5 and under. Must register.

CAMPFIRE STORY TIME AT DISCOVERY CENTER

See Thursday, March 2.

FREE DOWNTOWN YOGA

See Thursday, March 2.

DISNEY ANIMATION IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

See Thursday, March 2.

FREE CRAFTERNOON AT BRENTWOOD LIBRARY

See Thursday, March 2.

EARLY LEARNERS AT SOAC

See Thursday, March 2.

FREE GIRLS WHO CODE CLUB AT LINEBAUGH

See Thursday, March 2.

SEC MEN’S BASKETBALL

TOURNAMENT

See Wednesday. March 8.

HOODS UP! AT LANE MOTOR MUSEUM

615-742-7445 lanemotormuseum.org

Visit the Lane Motor Museum (702 Murfreesboro Pike, Nashville) to take a look under the hoods of museum cars. Happens March 16 - 27, Thursdays thru Mondays from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Cost is $12 adults; $3 for youths aged 6 - 17; children under 5 free.

NASHVILLE PREDATORS HOCKEY nhl.com/predators

See the Preds play at their home ice at Bridgestone Arena (501 Broadway, Nashville). Game starts at 7 p.m.

FREE TINKER TEC 615-225-8312 rclstn.org

This STEAM-inspired kids group features a hands-on activity to engage and educate the whole family. Happens select Thursdays from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. at the Technology Engagement Center (306 Minerva Dr., Murfreesboro). Recommended ages 6 & up.

FREE ALL ACCESS NIGHT AT DISCOVERY CENTER mpurcell@explorethedc.org explorethedc.org

All Access Nights are a time for special-needs families to enjoy the exhibits at the Discovery Center (502 Southeast Broad St., Murfreesboro) in a sensory-friendly environment from 5 - 8 p.m. Reservations are suggested.

YOUNG PEOPLE’S CHOIR OF MURFREESBORO

See Thursday, March 2.

FRI 17

FREE AESOP’S FABLES NPL PUPPET SHOW

See Friday, March 10.

JUMPAROO TODDLER TIME (COOL SPRINGS)

See Friday, March 3.

DISNEY ANIMATION IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

See Thursday, March 2.

HOODS UP! AT LANE MOTOR MUSEUM

See Thursday, March 16.

FREE SEARCHING FOR WEE FOLK ON ST. PATRICK’S DAY wpnc.nashville.gov

Will you be you’ll be lucky in green this St. Patrick’s Day? Head to Warner Park Nature Center (7311 Highway 100, Nashville) to help search for Wee Folk in the forest from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Wee Folk are the tiniest of matter: mosses, lichens, mushrooms and wildflowers.

FAMILY PROGRAM: HIP HATS

See Sunday, March 12.

TURTLE TALK AT DISCOVERY CENTER

See Wednesday, March 1.

FREE MUSIC CITY IRISH FEST musiccityirishfest.com

The Music City Irish Fest returns to the Grand Ole Opry Plaza (2804 Opryland Dr., Nashville) March 17 - 18. This event includes food, drinks, dancing, shopping and more. There will be performances featuring special Irish guests at the Grand Ole Opry on both evenings. Tickets are free but tickets to the Grand Ole Opry performances vary from $45 - $425.

GLOW IN THE PARK

See Friday, March 3.

PETER AND THE STARCATCHER BY CIRCLE PLAYERS

See Friday, March 10.

CLUE: ON STAGE AT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

See Friday, March 10.

RATATOUILLE IN CONCERT

615-687-6400 nashvillesymphony.org

Experience the Disney and Pixar Academy Award-winning film in highdefinition on the big screen while the Nashville Symphony performs composer Michael Giacchino’s score at Schermerhorn Symphony Center (1 Symphony Pl., Nashville). Shows are March 17 - 18 at 7 p.m. and March 19 at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $30.

SAT 18

FREE AESOP’S FABLES NPL PUPPET SHOW

See Friday, March 10.

WILDFLOWER HIKES AT OWL’S HILL

615-370-4672

owlshill.org

The wildflowers are blooming: Spring is here! Enjoy all the colors this season offers and hike the trails at Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary (545 Beech Creek Rd S., Brentwood) from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Registration required and cost is $15. For teens and adults only.

(Please turn the page)

Music City Irish Fest: Enjoy Irish music, jigs from Southern Irish Dance, try an Irish sport and enjoy more free entertainment on the Ryman Auditorium plaza, March 17 - 18.

CHEEKWOOD IN BLOOM

See Saturday, March 11.

FREE LEGO CLUB AT LINEBAUGH

615-893-4131 x114

rclstn.org

Join other enthusiasts for an openended LEGO maker-space and see what you can create from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. at Linebaugh Public Library (105 W Vine St., Murfreesboro).

HOODS UP! AT LANE MOTOR MUSEUM

See Thursday, March 16.

STORYBOOK DECOUPAGE WITH WCPR

See Saturday, March 4.

FREE ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS AT WILDERNESS STATION

See Saturday, March 4.

DISNEY ANIMATION IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

See Thursday, March 2.

DROP-IN KIDS ART CLASSES

See Saturday, March 4.

FREE EXPLORE WITH A NATURALIST

See Saturday, March 4.

FREE ROCKING RHYTHMS AT WILLIAMSON CO. LIBRARY

615-595-1244

wcpltn.org

Come join at Williamson County Public Library (1314 Columbia Ave., Franklin) for a half-hour of stories, songs, and activities from 10 - 10:30 a.m. Keep rhythm with percussion instruments. Rocking Rhythms is for children ages 3 - 5 and their caregivers.

FREE NASHVILLE OPERA ON TOUR: LITTLE RED’S MOST UNUSUAL DAY

615-832-5242

nashvilleopera.org

See this free performance for children and families with full sets and costumes. Happens at 11 a.m. at Nashville Public Library North Branch (1001 Monroe St., Nashville) and then 3 p.m. at The Discovery Center (502 SE Broad St., Murfreesboro).

FREE PARNASSUS BOOKS

STORY TIME

See Saturday, March 4.

FREE KIDSVILLE AT THE PARTHENON

kidsvilleonline.org

Come out to the Parthenon (2500 West End Avenue, Nashville) to hear the Greek myth of Hestia and the surprise found inside the Parthenon statue representing the goddess of the hearth, then make art inspired by this surprise. Program lasts from 11 - 11:45 a.m. and are located upstairs in Parthenon’s Naos room that houses Athena, unless otherwise noted.

FREE MUSIC CITY IRISH FEST

See Friday, March 10.

NASHVILLE PREDATORS HOCKEY nhl.com/predators

See the Preds play at their home ice at Bridgestone Arena (501 Broadway, Nashville). Game starts at 1 p.m.

FREE READING PAWS BELLEVUE

615-862-5854 library.nashville.org

Kids ages 5 - 12 are welcome to come and read to a furry friend at Nashville Public Library Bellevue Branch (720 Baugh Rd., Nashville) at 1:30 p.m. Bring your own book or choose one at the library. Call to register.

GLOW IN THE PARK

See Friday, March 3.

PETER AND THE STARCATCHER BY CIRCLE PLAYERS

See Friday, March 10.

CLUE: ON STAGE AT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

See Friday, March 10.

SHAMROCK AND ROLL AT SOAC townofsmyrna.org

Join for an evening of karaoke and holiday-themed snacks at a familyfriendly St. Patrick’s Day celebration from 6 - 8 p.m. at Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center (100 Sam Ridley Pkwy. E, Smyrna). Cost is $2.

RATATOUILLE IN CONCERT

See Friday, March 17.

BEGINNER ARCHERY AT THE WILDERNESS STATION

615-217-3017

dthomas@murfreesborotn.gov

Join the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Road, Murfreesboro) for a beginner’s archery lesson from 1 - 3:30 p.m. They will go over the parts of the bow, technique and then get to opportunity to shoot.

Registration is required and cost is $10 For ages 10+.

SUN 19

FAMILY PROGRAM: BOOT SCOOTIN’ COWBOY BOOTS countrymusichalloffame.org

Inspired by fashionable footwear featured in the museum galleries, young designers will create boot patterns to reflect their own personalities from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Country Music Hall of Fame (222 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville). Included with museum admission; free to members.

JUMPAROO TODDLER TIME (MURFREESBORO)

See Sunday, March 5.

COW CUDDLING AT THE GENTLE BARN

See Sunday, March 5.

CHEEKWOOD IN BLOOM

See Saturday, March 11.

TPAC’S 2023-24 SEASON REVEAL

HCA/TRISTAR HEALTH BROADWAY AT TPAC:

WICKED - OCT. 11 - 29, 2023

MRS. DOUBTFIRE - NOV. 7 - 12, 2023

FUNNY GIRL - JAN. 2 - 7, 2024

GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY - JAN. 30FEB. 4, 2024

THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL - FEB. 13 - 18, 2024

BEETLEJUICE - MARCH 12 - 17, 2024

DISNEY’S FROZEN - MAY 7 - 18, 2024

HAIRSPRAY - JUNE 11 - 16, 2024

SPECIAL ADD-ON PRESENTATIONS:

THE CHER SHOW - JAN.19 - 20, 2024

ANNIE - MARCH 27 - 30, 2024

DISNEY ANIMATION IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

See Thursday, March 2.

LITTLE LEAPERS

See Sunday, March 5.

FREE PLAZA MARIACHI FLEA MARKET

See Sunday, March 5.

ROCK ‘N’ ROLL PLAYHOUSE brooklynbowl.com

Head out to Brooklyn Bowl Nashville (925 3rd Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37201) for a family-friendly concert that allows kids to move, play and sing! At this show, kids will be introduced to the rock classics of “Bruce Springsteen.” The fun starts at 12 p.m. Cost is $15.

HOODS UP! AT LANE MOTOR MUSEUM

See Thursday, March 16.

NICK CANNON’S NEXT SUPERSTAR TOUR 2023 nashvilleauditorium.com

Nick Cannon’s hitting the road for the rising stars of music’s next generation at Nashville Municipal Auditorium (417 4th Ave. N, Nashville). Starts at 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $46.

PETER AND THE STARCATCHER BY CIRCLE PLAYERS

See Friday, March 10.

RATATOUILLE IN CONCERT

See Friday, March 17.

CLUE: ON STAGE AT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

See Friday, March 10.

MON 20

FREE MONDAY NPL STORY TIMES

See Monday, March 6.

FREE STORY TIME AT THE TEC

See Monday, March 6.

FREE SNAKE FEEDING AT WILDERNESS STATION

See Monday, March 6.

HOODS UP! AT LANE MOTOR MUSEUM

See Thursday, March 16.

FREE INTRODUCTION TO MARTIAL ARTS CLASS

615-224-3851

theharvestconcept.com

Have a kid interested in trying out martial arts? See your child find their inner strength at The Harvest Concept (313 Independence Square, Franklin) from 5:30 - 6:15 p.m. This event is for ages 3 - 13.

FREE READING PAWS AT LINEBAUGH

See Monday, March 6.

SCHOLASTIC CHESS CLUB BRENTWOOD

See Monday, March 6.

TUE 21

JUMPAROO TODDLER TIME (NE NASHVILLE)

See Wednesday, March 1.

FREE TUESDAY NPL STORY TIMES

See Tuesday, March 7.

FREE WISHING CHAIR PUPPET SHOWS

See Tuesday, March 7.

FREE STORY TIME AT LINEBAUGH

See Wednesday, March 1.

FREE TINY TEC

See Tuesday, March 7.

FREE PRE-SCHOOL STORY TIME AT BRENTWOOD LIBRARY

See Wednesday, March 1.

CHEEKWOOD IN BLOOM

See Saturday, March 11.

BEGINNER ARCHERY AT THE WILDERNESS STATION

See Saturday, March 18.

FREE HAIRCUTS AT NPL

See Wednesday, March 1.

FREE MIME AND THEATRE BASICS AT NPL

See Tuesday, March 7.

FREE READ WITH BISCUIT BASICS AT NPL

See Tuesday, March 7.

AIN’T TOO PROUD: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS

615-782-4040 tpac.org

Come see the Broadway musical that follows The Temptations’ journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Performances are March 21 - 26 at TPAC’s Jackson Hall (505 Deaderick St., Nashville). Tickets starting at $35.

WED 22

JUMPAROO TODDLER TIME (NE NASHVILLE)

See Wednesday, March 1.

FREE WEDNESDAY NPL STORY TIMES

See Wednesday, March 1.

KNEE-HIGH NATURALISTS

615-370-4672

owlshill.org

Young children ages 3 - 5 years old (with an adult) will explore the natural world at Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary (545 Beech Creek Road, Brentwood) on Wednesdays from 10 - 11:30 a.m. $110 includes admission for one adult + child to all six sessions.

FREE STORY TIME AT LINEBAUGH

See Wednesday, March 1.

FREE PRE-SCHOOL STORY TIME AT BRENTWOOD LIBRARY

See Wednesday, March 1.

FREE BRENTWOOD LEGO CLUB

JR. AND LEGO CLUB

See Wednesday, March 1.

CHEEKWOOD IN BLOOM

See Saturday, March 11.

WILD THINGS AT THE WILDERNESS STATION

See Wednesday, March 1.

FREE WILD WEDNESDAY AT SOAC

See Wednesday, March 1.

TURTLE TALK AT DISCOVERY CENTER

See Wednesday, March 1.

FREE NEW BEGINNINGS HEALTH AND FITNESS CLASS FOR WOMEN

See Wednesday, March 1.

AIN’T TOO PROUD: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS AT TPAC

See Tuesday, March 21.

THU 23

FREE ITTY BITTY STORY TIME AT LINEBAUGH

See Thursday, March 2.

FREE HIKE WITH A NATURALIST AT THE WILDERNESS STATION

See Thursday, March 2.

CAMPFIRE STORY TIME AT DISCOVERY CENTER

See Thursday, March 2.

CHEEKWOOD IN BLOOM

See Saturday, March 11.

FREE DOWNTOWN YOGA

See Thursday, March 2.

DISNEY ANIMATION IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

See Thursday, March 2.

FREE CRAFTERNOON AT BRENTWOOD LIBRARY

See Thursday, March 2.

EARLY LEARNERS AT SOAC

See Thursday, March 2.

FREE GIRLS WHO CODE CLUB AT LINEBAUGH

See Thursday, March 2.

HOODS UP! AT LANE MOTOR MUSEUM

See Thursday, March 16.

AIN’T TOO PROUD: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS AT TPAC

See Tuesday, March 21.

YOUNG PEOPLE’S CHOIR OF MURFREESBORO

See Thursday, March 2.

(Continued on page 49)

‘Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations’ at TPAC: The story of the legendary quintet comes to TPAC’s Jackson Hall Tuesday, March 21 through Sunday, March 26.

Ingredients Matter Fresh Tastes Best

The Difference

Aneto tastes like real broth because it’s made the way broth is supposed to be.

We use the best fresh, local ingredients and simmer for hours to extract rich flavor and nutrients.

Scan for great recipe ideas:

All-natural cooking broths. Animal Welfare Certified.

Start Your Engines at Lane Motor Museum: VROOM! Bring your little motor heads out to Nashville’s Lane Motor Museum for this special event on Saturday, March 25. Engines from different eras will be revving all day long.

THE STORYVILLE MOSQUITO AT OZ ARTS

ozartsnashville.org

The Storyville Mosquito features an innovative mix of miniature sets, live puppetry, cinematography and live music by a string trio. Happens March 23 - 25 at OZ Arts Nashville (6172 Cockrill Bend Cir., Nashville). Tickets are $28.

SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN BY STUDIO TENN

615-541-8200

studiotenn.org

Enjoy this live production filled with traditional gospel and bluegrass at the Franklin First United Methodist Church Historic Sanctuary (148 5th Ave. S, Franklin) from March 23 to April 2. The story follows a Saturday Night Gospel Sing at a country church in North Carolina’s Smoky Mountains in 1938. Performances are Thursdays - Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays - Sundays at 2 p.m.Cost is $45 - $80.

TROUPE VERTIGO W/ NASHVILLE SYMPHONY

615-687-6400

nashvillesymphony.org

Feast your eyes on world-class aerial artists, contortionists and ballet dancers, classical dance and contemporary theater — accompanied by the Nashville Symphony — at Schermerhorn Symphony Center (1 Symphony Pl., Nashville). Tickets start at $43.

NASHVILLE PREDATORS

HOCKEY

nhl.com/predators

See the Preds play on their home ice at Bridgestone Arena (501 Broadway, Nashville). Game starts at 7 p.m.

FRI 24

FREE AESOP’S FABLES

NPL PUPPET SHOW

See Friday, March 10.

JUMPAROO TODDLER TIME (COOL SPRINGS)

See Friday, March 3.

CHEEKWOOD IN BLOOM

See Saturday, March 11.

DISNEY ANIMATION IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

See Thursday, March 2.

HOODS UP! AT LANE MOTOR MUSEUM

See Thursday, March 16.

FREE BABY PLAY TIME IN LEIPER’S FORK

See Friday, March 10.

GLOW IN THE PARK

See Friday, March 3.

AIN’T TOO PROUD: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS AT TPAC

See Tuesday, March 21.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST AT BELMONT 615-460-5555 thefishercenter.com

Join Belmont University’s Musical Theatre program for a performance of Beauty and the Beast at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts (2020 Belmont Blvd., Nashville). Happens March 24 - 26 on Friday - Saturday at 7:30 p.m., as well as Saturday - Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15.

PETER AND THE STARCATCHER BY CIRCLE PLAYERS

See Friday, March 10.

CLUE: ON STAGE AT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

See Friday, March 10.

SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN BY STUDIO TENN

See Thursday, March 23.

FAMILY PROGRAM: ALPHA-BLOX

See Friday, March 10.

TROUPE VERTIGO W/ NASHVILLE SYMPHONY

See Thursday, March 23.

THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME nashvillerep.org

This show by Nashville Repertory Theatre is based on the bestselling novel and also the Tony award-winning play. Performances are March 24 - April 2, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m., at TPAC’s Johnson Theater (505 Deaderick St., Nashville). Tickets are $55.

CHAMPIONS OF MAGIC: THE WORLDWIDE WONDERS TOUR

615-782-4040

tpac.org

The Champions Of Magic present interactive magic, a daring escape from Houdini’s water cell, levitation high above the stage and a special finale March 24 - 25 at TPAC’s Polk Theater (505 Deaderick Street, Nashville). The shows happens all around the theatre and happens Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 and 7 p.m. Cost is $37.50.

FREE EASTER BUNNY ARRIVAL AT RIVERGATE MALL

615-859-3458

rivergate-mall.com

The Easter Bunny arrival event at RiverGate Mall (1000 Rivergate Parkway, Goodlettsville) takes place from 1 - 3 p.m. and features a face painter, balloon artist, bounce house, magician and character visits.

EASTER BUNNY PHOTOS AT THE MALL AT GREEN HILLS shopgreenhills.com

Hop on in to The Mall at Green Hills (2126 Abbott Martin Road, Nashville) March 24 - April 8 from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. for photos with the Easter Bunny. Every child who visits will receive a special gift. Bunnyville is located on the Upper Level of the Macy’s wing.

HOMESCHOOL DAYS AT SAM DAVIS HOME

615-459-2341

samdavishome.org

Come out to Same Davis Home (1399 Sam Davis Road, Smyrna) for this educational homeschool field trip about Tennessee’s trailblazing women pioneers from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Cost is $9 per participating child regardless of age, one parent/chaperone is free. Additional chaperones are $11 each.

KIDS PAINT NIGHT AT SOAC

townofsmyrna.org

Kids ages 5 - 15 and one of their parents can paint a green monkey to bring home at the Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center (100 Sam Ridley Pkwy. E, Smyrna) from 6 - 8 p.m. Cost is $10. For ages 5 - 15. Register online.

JOHN MAYER AT BRIDGESTONE ARENA

bridgestonearena.com

Don’t miss award-winning John Mayer perform live at Bridgestone Arena (501 Broadway, Nashville). Tickets start at $169 and concert starts at 8 p.m.

THE STORYVILLE MOSQUITO AT OZ ARTS

See Thursday, March 23.

SAT 25

FREE AESOP’S FABLES NPL PUPPET SHOW

See Friday, March 10.

WILDFLOWER HIKES AT OWL’S HILL

See Saturday, March 18.

HOODS UP! AT LANE MOTOR MUSEUM

See Thursday, March 16.

FREE ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS AT WILDERNESS STATION

See Saturday, March 4.

DISNEY ANIMATION IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

See Thursday, March 2.

DROP-IN KIDS ART CLASSES

See Saturday, March 4.

FREE EXPLORE WITH A NATURALIST

See Saturday, March 4.

FREE ROCKING RHYTHMS AT WILLIAMSON CO. LIBRARY wcpltn.org

Come join at Williamson County Public Library (1314 Columbia Ave., Franklin) for a half-hour of stories, songs, and activities from 10 - 10:30 a.m. Keep rhythm with percussion instruments.

FREE NASHVILLE OPERA ON TOUR: LITTLE RED’S MOST UNUSUAL DAY 615-832-5242

nashvilleopera.org

See this free performance for children and families with full sets and costumes. Happens at 10:30 a.m. at Hendersonville Public Library and then 2 p.m. at Tennessee State Museum.

FREE KIDSVILLE AT THE PARTHENON

kidsvilleonline.org

Come out to the Parthenon (2500 West End Avenue, Nashville) to explore color in art, nature and healthy food inspired by art displayed in the museum, then make a color collage. Program lasts from 11 - 11:45 a.m.

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT PETTING ZOO

countrymusichalloffame.org

Budding musicians get a chance to try new and familiar instruments at the Country Music Hall of Fame (222 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville). Participants will bow a fiddle, pluck a banjo and strum a ukulele from 2 - 3:30 p.m.

EASTER BUNNY PHOTOS AT THE MALL AT GREEN HILLS

See Friday, March 24.

(Please turn the page)

TEA TIME WITH ALICE & THE RED QUEEN

For a limited time, children of all ages can join Alice and the Red Queen for cakes, macarons and tea atop the Fairlane Hotel (401 Union St., Nashville)! Enjoy a game of croquet as you par-tea the day away. Everyone young, and young at heart are invited to celebrate a very merry un-birthday from 11 a.m.1 p.m. Tickets are $59.

EASTER BUNNY PHOTOS AT RIVERGATE MALL

615-859-3458

rivergate-mall.com

Grab your family and HOP over to RiverGate Mall (1000 Rivergate Parkway, Goodlettsville) from March 25 - April 8 for a picture with the Easter Bunny Monday - Saturdays from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Sundays from 12 - 6 p.m.

GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE DINOSAURS

615-687-6400

nashvillesymphony.org

Children’s author Mo Willems and pop singer Ben Folds collaborated on this orchestral take on Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Music -lovers of all ages will enjoy Willems’ storytelling paired with Folds’ catchy music at Schermerhorn Symphony Center (1 Symphony Pl., Nashville). Starting at 10 a.m., enjoy family-friendly pre-concert activities, including crafts and an interactive “Instrument Petting Zoo.” Show starts at 11 a.m. and tickets start at $25.

HOLI CELEBRATION

615-356-8000 cheekwood.org

This educational event will introduce visitors to the vibrant sights, sounds and colors of Indian culture from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Cheekwood (1200 Forrest Park Dr., Nashville).

PETER AND THE STARCATCHER

BY CIRCLE PLAYERS

See Friday, March 10.

FREE KIDS ARTS FESTIVAL OF TENNESSEE

franklintn.gov

Come out to Pinkerton Park (405 Murfreesboro Road, Franklin) for the 8th annual festival celebrating art by Tennessee kids. The event will feature art on display, as well as stage performances, demonstrations and more from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

NASHVILLE PREDATORS

HOCKEY

nhl.com/predators

See the Preds play at their home ice at Bridgestone Arena (501 Broadway, Nashville). Game starts at 1 p.m.

START YOUR ENGINES! AT LANE MOTOR

615-742-7445

MUSEUM

lanemotormuseum.org

Experience the sights, sounds and smells of the engine from 10:30 a.m.3:30 p.m. at The Lane Motor Museum (702 Murfreesboro Pike, Nashville). Volunteers will start a different engine approximately every half hour. Don’t miss the excitement! Museum admission is $3 for kids and $12 for adults.

SMYRNA FAMILY CAMPFIRE & NIGHT HIKE

townofsmyrna.org

Join the SOAC staff around the campfire for fun games, friends and yummy s’mores at the Sharp Springs Natural Area (1000 Espey Dr., Smyrna) from 6 - 8:30 p.m. Also, there will be a guided hike with activities designed to increase your knowledge and comfort when it comes to darkness. Cost is $2.

GLOW IN THE PARK

See Friday, March 3.

CLUE: ON STAGE AT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

See Friday, March 10.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST AT BELMONT

See Friday, March 24.

NASHVILLE SC HOME GAMES NashvilleSC.com

GEODIS Park is the home for 17 regular season soccer matches as Nashville SC enters its fourth year in Major League Soccer. Game starts at 7:30 p.m.

AIN’T TOO PROUD: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS AT TPAC

See Tuesday, March 21.

SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN BY STUDIO TENN

See Thursday, March 23.

THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME BY NASHVILLE REP

See Friday, March 24.

TROUPE VERTIGO W/ NASHVILLE SYMPHONY

See Thursday, March 23.

CHAMPIONS OF MAGIC: THE WORLDWIDE WONDERS TOUR

See Friday, March 24.

THE STORYVILLE MOSQUITO AT OZ ARTS

See Thursday, March 23.

SUN 26

JUMPAROO TODDLER TIME (MURFREESBORO)

See Sunday, March 5.

COW CUDDLING AT THE GENTLE BARN

See Sunday, March 5.

DISNEY ANIMATION IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

See Thursday, March 2.

LANE MOTOR VAULT TOURS

See Saturday, March 4.

ROCK ‘N’ ROLL PLAYHOUSE brooklynbowl.com

Head out to Brooklyn Bowl Nashville (925 3rd Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37201). At this show, Rock and Roll Playhouse introduces kids to rock classics of “Dave Matthews Band.” The fun starts at 12 p.m. and costs $15.

EASTER BUNNY PHOTOS AT THE MALL AT GREEN HILLS

See Friday, March 24.

EASTER BUNNY PHOTOS AT RIVERGATE MALL

See Saturday, March 25.

HOODS UP! AT LANE MOTOR MUSEUM

See Thursday, March 16.

THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME BY NASHVILLE REP

See Friday, March 24.

NASHVILLE BEATLES BRUNCH 615-324-1033

citywinery.com/nashville

Nashville Beatles brunches at City Winery Nashville (609 Lafayette St, Nashville) feature John Salaway with a band of touring pros. Show starts at 12 p.m. and tickets start at $15.

PETER AND THE STARCATCHER BY CIRCLE PLAYERS

See Friday, March 10.

CLUE: ON STAGE AT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

See Friday, March 10.

THE STORYVILLE MOSQUITO AT OZ ARTS

See Thursday, March 23.

AIN’T TOO PROUD: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS AT TPAC

See Tuesday, March 21.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST AT BELMONT

See Friday, March 24.

SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN BY STUDIO TENN

See Thursday, March 23.

NASHVILLE PREDATORS HOCKEY

See the Preds play at their home ice at Bridgestone Arena (501 Broadway, Nashville). Game starts at 5 p.m.

MON 27

FREE MONDAY NPL STORY TIMES

See Monday, March 6.

FREE SNAKE FEEDING AT WILDERNESS STATION

See Monday, March 6.

HOODS UP! AT LANE MOTOR MUSEUM

See Thursday, March 16.

SCHOLASTIC CHESS CLUB BRENTWOOD

See Monday, March 6.

EASTER BUNNY PHOTOS AT THE MALL AT GREEN HILLS

See Friday, March 24.

EASTER BUNNY PHOTOS AT RIVERGATE MALL

See Saturday, March 25.

TUE 28

FREE TINY TEC

See Tuesday, March 7.

FREE TUESDAY NPL STORY TIMES

See Tuesday, March 7.

Nashville Sounds Baseball: Who’s ready for peanuts and crackerjacks? Swing on over to First Horizon Park March 31 for Nashville Sounds’ Opening Day. Remember, kids can run the bases after the game for Sunday family days!

FREE WISHING CHAIR PUPPET SHOWS

See Tuesday, March 7.

FREE STORY TIME AT LINEBAUGH

See Wednesday, March 1.

FREE PRE-SCHOOL STORY TIME AT BRENTWOOD LIBRARY

See Wednesday, March 1.

TODDLER TUESDAY AT SAM DAVIS HOME

615-459-2341

samdavishome.org

Bring your littles out to Sam Davis Home (1399 Sam Davis Rd., Smyrna) on the last Tuesday of every month from 10 - 11 a.m. Cost is $5 for toddlers and siblings, free for parents.

FREE MIME AND THEATRE BASICS AT NPL

See Tuesday, March 7.

EASTER BUNNY PHOTOS AT THE MALL AT GREEN HILLS

See Friday, March 24.

EASTER BUNNY PHOTOS AT RIVERGATE MALL

See Saturday, March 25.

FREE SPECIAL NEEDS EGG HUNT hvilletn.org

Come out to Mary’s Magical Place at Veterans Park (140 Scotch St., Hendersonville) for an “Egg”stra special egg hunt for special needs participants only. There are 3 sessions from 3:30 - 6:15 p.m. Session One is reserved for those with sensory and/or mobility issues issues. Must register.

WED 29

FREE WEDNESDAY NPL STORY TIMES

See Wednesday, March 1.

FREE BRENTWOOD LEGO CLUB JR. AND LEGO CLUB

See Wednesday, March 1.

KNEE-HIGH NATURALISTS

See Wednesday, March 22.

WILD THINGS AT THE WILDERNESS STATION

See Wednesday, March 1.

FREE WILD WEDNESDAY AT SOAC

See Wednesday, March 1.

EASTER BUNNY PHOTOS AT THE MALL AT GREEN HILLS

See Friday, March 24.

EASTER BUNNY PHOTOS AT RIVERGATE MALL

See Saturday, March 25.

THU 30

FREE ITTY BITTY STORY TIME AT LINEBAUGH

See Thursday, March 2.

FREE HIKE WITH A NATURALIST AT THE WILDERNESS STATION

See Thursday, March 2.

CAMPFIRE STORY TIME AT DISCOVERY CENTER

See Thursday, March 2.

FREE DOWNTOWN YOGA

See Thursday, March 2.

DISNEY ANIMATION IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

See Thursday, March 2.

EARLY LEARNERS AT SOAC

See Thursday, March 2.

FREE GIRLS WHO CODE CLUB AT LINEBAUGH

See Thursday, March 2.

FREE TINKER TEC

See Thursday, March 16.

FREE NASHVILLE ELVIS FESTIVAL nashvilleelvisfestival.com

Elvis fans gather at The Factory at Franklin (230 Franklin Road, Franklin) from March 30 thru April 2 to celebrate the music and legacy of the King of Rock & Roll. The festival features special guests and 28 of the top Elvis tribute artists from all over the world. Tickets start at $49.

SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN BY STUDIO TENN

See Thursday, March 23.

FRI 31

JUMPAROO TODDLER TIME (COOL SPRINGS)

See Friday, March 3.

CHEEKWOOD IN BLOOM

See Saturday, March 11.

DISNEY ANIMATION

IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

See Thursday, March 2.

HOODS UP! AT LANE MOTOR MUSEUM

See Thursday, March 16.

FAMILY PROGRAM: HIP HATS

See Sunday, March 12.

GLOW IN THE PARK

See Friday, March 3.

EASTER BUNNY PHOTOS AT THE MALL AT GREEN HILLS

See Friday, March 24.

EASTER BUNNY PHOTOS AT RIVERGATE MALL

See Saturday, March 25.

NASHVILLE SOUNDS OPENING DAY

milb.com/nashville

Swing on over to First Horizon Park (19 Jr Gilliam Wy, Nashville) to see minorleague baseball team, the Nashville Sounds. On Fridays, watch the Nashville sky light up with a postgame FOX17 Friday Night Fireworks show. Game starts at 6:35 p.m.

FREE FAMILY NIGHTS AT THE MUSEUM: OWL PROWL

615-459-2341

samdavishome.org

Bring your littles out to Sam Davis Home (1399 Sam Davis Rd., Smyrna) for Family Nights At The Museum from 6 - 7 p.m. Cost is $10.

BLIPPI: THE WONDERFUL WORLD TOUR AT TPAC

615-782-4040

tpac.org

Dance, sing and learn with Blippi and special guest Meekah as they discover what makes different cities unique and special at TPAC’s Jackson Hall (505 Deaderick St., Nashville). Tickets start at $30.50 and show starts at 6 p.m.

FREE NASHVILLE ELVIS FESTIVAL

See Thursday, March 30.

SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN BY STUDIO TENN

See Thursday, March 23.

THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME BY NASHVILLE REP

See Friday, March 24.

WILLY WONKA BY BRAVO CREATIVE ARTS bravocreativeartscenter.com

Be transported to the land of pure imagination. Performances are March 31 at 7 p.m., April 1 at 2 and 6 p.m. and April 2 at 2 p.m. at The Father Ryan Center for Arts (700 Norwood Drive, Nashville). Tickets are $14.

ON YOUR RADAR ...

GREAT SPRING ART HOP

April 7 - 8 Cheekwood cheekwood.org

EASTER BUNNY EXCURSION TRAIN

April 8

Tennessee Central Railway Museum tcry.org

HIP HOP CINDERELLA

April 13 - May 21

Nashville Children’s Theatre  nashvillechildrenstheatre.org

NASHVILLE CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL

April 15

Nashville Public Square nashvillecherryblossomfestival.org

39TH ANNUAL MAIN STREET FESTIVAL

April 22 - 23

Downtown Franklin williamsonheritage.org

MADAGASCAR

THE MUSICAL

April 29

TPAC

tpac.org

‘Willy Wonka’ by Bravo Creative Arts: Get transported to a land of pure imagination by the youth at Bravo Creative Arts on Friday, March 31 through Sunday, April 2.

CAMPS & SUMMER PROGRAMS

Planning for the BEST SUMMER EVER starts here!

ADVENTURE SCIENCE CENTER

800 Ft. Negley Blvd., Nashville 615-862-5160 | adventuresci.org

Opening minds to the wonders of science and technology for 75 years. Plan an adventure for the family including a show in the Sudekum Planetarium, an immersive experience of sound and music in soundBox, live science shows and more! Adventure Science Center strives to open every mind to the wonders of science and technology, fostering a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

BACH TO ROCK, MT. JULIET

1475 N Mt. Juliet Road, Mt. Juliet 615-903-9658 | mtjuliet.b2rmusic.com

Designed for campers ages 7 yrs. and older, of all levels. Our summer camps are taught by real musicians using the unique B2R method, which will have students playing full songs in no time. We also o er studio and beat making studio camps and other popular themes.

BACH TO ROCK, NASHVILLE WEST

6702 Charlotte Pike #105, Nashville 615-637-7242 | nashvillewest.b2rmusic.com

Our camps are a perfect choice for students who love music! Camp themese include Rock City World Tour Camp, Rock Band Camp, Glee Club, DJ Camp, Beat Making, Beat Refining, and more. We o er full- and half-day camps for kids of all ages. Sign up today or come visit us at our Nashville West location.

BATTLE GROUND ACADEMY

336 Ernest Rice Lane, Franklin 615-567-8327 | battlegroundacademy.org/camps

In the summers, Battle Ground Academy is home to a robust camp program for children ages four and up. With half- and full-day options available, our on-campus programming includes more than 40 camps, ranging from art and cheerleading to coding and soccer.

THE CAVERNS – CAMP CAVERNS

555 Charlie Roberts Road, Pelham

615-406-8142 | thecaverns.com/camp-caverns

Camp Caverns is a residential kids camp (ages 8 - 14) like no other on Earth—or below it—in Southeast Tennessee. Camp life is centered around The Caverns property at the base of the Cumberland Plateau where boys and girls sleep in yurts each night. Camp days are filled exploring underground passages, ziplining through the trees, hiking through a lush forest to a swimming hole, and more. Register for Jul. 9 - 15 or Jul. 16 - 22 on our website.

CAMPS AND SUMMER PROGRAMS

CHEEKWOOD ESTATE AND GARDENS

1200 Forrest Park Drive, Nashville 615-356-8000 | cheekwood.org

Engage students in art, history, and botanical gardens with a trip to Cheekwood. Students in grades pre-k-12 can enjoy a self-guided experience, or a curriculum-centered guided field trip here at Cheekwood. We o er school field trips and homeschool field trips. Destination Cheekwood brings families to Cheekwood on a Saturday for a visit filled with art, garden, and historical experiences and activities. Cheekwood GROWS targets third grade students to provide an immersive, multi-faceted experience that teaches them about gardening.

CODE NINJAS

1113 Murfreesboro Road, #410, Franklin 615-640-2633 | codeninjas.com/tn-franklin

Unleash your child’s inner Ninja! Transform your child’s love for technology into an exciting learning adventure. Guided by our team of Code Senseis, Code Ninjas Camps empower kids to gain valuable tech skills and make new friends. It’s an unforgettably fun learning experience!

HARPETH HALL SCHOOL

3801 Hobbs Road, Nashville

615-297-9543 | harpethhall.org/summer-camp

Whether it is serving a tennis ball or serving others, catching bugs or catching basketballs, stringing a violin or stringing gemstones, Harpeth Hall summer camps welcome girls in kindergarten through 8th grades for unforgettable experiences in academics, athletics, and the arts. Registration opens in mid-January 2023. Also not to be missed is Harpeth Hall’s premier research-based program, the STEM Summer Institute. Imagine creating hand-washing stations for communities in need or designing a better birthing bed for safer infant deliveries in Kenya. The STEM Summer Institute brings together middle school and high school girls from schools throughout Nashville to address local and global issues in a true integration of STEM learning. To see all that is happening on Harpeth Hall’s campus this summer, visit our website.

LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CAMPS

615-856-4772 | nashvilledaycamps.com

Leadership Academy Camps connect children to nature, make friends, and develop outdoor skills for children ages 5 - 17. We believe that play and outdoor exploration increases creativity, confidence, social intelligence, and grit. Our goal is to get children outside, exploring, learning, playing, and having fun so that they develop a strong sense of self and a deeper connection to nature. Our camps are Camp Twigs, Nashville Sail Camp, Mountain Bike Camp, and Teen Leaders.

DEER RUN CAMPS & RETREATS

3845 Perkins Road, Thompson’s Station 615-794-2918 | deerrun.camp/camps

DAY CAMPS – Winter, Spring Break, and Summer Camps, age 5 to grade 6. Campers participate in outdoor adventures and unplug from electronics while experiencing archery, pedal karts, climbing tower, and more!

OVERNIGHT CAMPS – One and two-week camps, grades 3 to 10. Your camper will discover strengths, forge friendships, complete challenges, and create lifelong memories enjoying thrilling adventures and recreation.

FAMILY CAMPS – Get away from routine and create memories, share adventures, and explore nature. Enjoy delicious meals, upscale accommodations, and incredible hospitality. This life-changing staycation/vacation is great for all ages.

MY GYM OF BRENTWOOD

330 Franklin Road, Brentwood

615-371-5437 | mygym.com/brentwood

Creating Moments That Matter! From first steps to handstands My Gym grows with your child. My Gym was born out of our passion to teach children in a fun, physically engaging environment. We delight in seeing children’s eyes light up for all those incredible milestones, from the tentative first steps to tumbling down soft mats. Sharing the parents’ excitement with their children’s accomplishments is the high point of our day.

CAMPS AND SUMMER PROGRAMS

NASHVILLE CHILDREN’S THEATRE DRAMA SCHOOL

25 Middleton St., Nashville

615-297-2966 ext. 910 | nashvillechildrenstheatre.org

At NCT we believe that theatre skills are life skills. We celebrate each student’s individuality. We believe in the power of ‘play’ and the greater learning that is derived from it. It is important to us for every young person to feel heard, celebrated, and uplifted. We currently o er fall, spring, Saturday classes and camps.

RIVERVIEW CAMP FOR GIRLS

757 CR 614, Mentone, AL 800-882-0722 | riverviewcamp.com

Voted best sleep-away camp more than six times in the Best of Parenting reader’s poll. Riverview is embraced by tall graceful pines and billowing hardwoods, nestled into a bend of Little River atop Lookout Mountain. One- and two-week sessions. Ages 6 - 16. Member of Christian Camping International and accredited by AEE and ACA. Traditional camp activities. Facilities include a heated pool, tennis courts, climbing tower, horseback riding, bathrooms and showers in all cabins. Campers select six activities daily. 5:1 camper-to-counselor ratio.

A NEW LEAF AT PIP & PICKLES FARM

4341 Pecan Valley Road, Nashville 615-560-1533 | anewleafnashville.org

Play in nature, create art, learn about farming, and embark on adventures across our 10-acre farm. In our three-week sessions, campers ages 5 - 16 develop meaningful connections and a sense of belonging with fellow campers, explore new forms of self-expression, and dig deep in a variety of multifaceted projects inspired by our sprawling landscape. Plant and harvest vegetables for our camper-run farmers market, hike through the forest and cool o in the creek, care for goats and chickens, discover the nuances of ecology, bend your imagination in our exploratorium, and so much more.

ACTING ALL AROUND

410 Verandah Lane, Franklin 615-375-3565 | actingallaround.com

Registration for 2023 Summer Camps is now open! You can register online to sign up. We can’t wait to see your student this summer. Summer of 2023 will feature two theater camps : Lets make a Play, starting June 7; and Audition Techniques for older students ages 13 - 18 . Sign up today while we still have spots available.

BABY CAKES BAKERY

819 Main St., Nashville 615-656-3301 | babycakesnash.com

Join us for one of our summer camps and take your child on a journey around the world, learning to bake iconic recipes from each location. Make new friends, create some messes in the kitchen, and have fun with your child while they learn techniques they can take home and share with family.

BELMONT UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF SCIENCES AND MATHMATICS

1900 Belmont Blvd., Nashville belmont.edu/sciencecamps

The Belmont College of Sciences and Mathematics will host five hands-on high school camps in 2023. Jun. 5 - Jul. 7: Research Immersive Summer Experience in Data Science. Jul. 10 - 14: Game Design and Programming (GDP). Jul. 17 - 21: Unlock Advanced Mathematical Problem Solving. Jul. 24 - 28: Applied Physics and Engineering at Work. Jul. 31 - Aug. 4: From Brain to Behavior at Belmont (BBB).

BELONG GAMING ARENAS

1800 Galleria Blvd., #105, Franklin belong.gg

BILL TAYLOR BUSHIDO SCHOOL OF KARATE

1911 Business Campus Drive, Murfreesboro

615-890-6755 | bskonline.com

1820 N.W. Broad St., Murfreesboro

615-893-6003 | bskonline.com

Let martial arts take your kids to new heights! Bill Taylor’s Bushido School of Karate o ers programs in traditional karate for ages 3 - adult. Call now to get one month free plus a uniform.

BOOST GYMNASTICS

11 Vaughns Gap Road, Nashville 615-352-8533 | boostgymnastics.com

BOOST campers will meet new friends, have new experiences, and most importantly, have a super fun time! Our goal is to provide programs that are convenient for parents and provide them with peace of mind knowing that their child is safe and well cared for. Our summer camps are for Little Campers (ages 3 - 4) and Big Campers (ages 5 - 10). These camps are full of exciting events, special guests, and a whole lot of BOOST fun!

BRENTWOOD ACADEMY

219 Granny White Pike, Brentwood 615-373-0611 | summeratba.com

Brentwood Academy’s camps are an extension of our mission to nurture and challenge each whole person – body, mind, and spirit – to the Glory of God. We o er 9 weeks of programs for your young athlete, arts lover, chef, or engineer! Join BA sta while exploring and making new friends.

CAMP ARROWHEAD FOR BOYS

1415 Cabin Creek Road, Zirconia, NC 828-435-0591 | camparrowhead.com

Since 1937, Camp Arrowhead for Boys has served families from all over the world. Arrowhead has 217 acres of beautiful woodlands, waterfalls, streams, and meadows in which boys can grow, lead, explore, and create. Sessions are 1 - 4 weeks long, for campers rising grades 1 - 11. Activities include archery, blacksmithing, bushcraft, riflery, and woodworking.

CAMP WOODMONT

381 Moonlight Drive, Cloudland, GA

423-472-6070 | campwoodmont.com

Every gamer can feel like they’re part of something bigger with Belong! Watch, play, and compete across the country. We o er fun drop-in daily gaming and summer camps at our Cool Springs location. Look

Camp Woodmont on Lookout Mountain in northwest Georgia is a traditional, overnight camp for boys and girls ages 6 - 15. Just 30 minutes from Chattanooga. Features horseback riding, high-ropes/climbing, sports, dance, crafts, canoeing, archery and more! Founded on Christian principles in 1981, it’s the perfect place to build lifelong friendships and memories.

CAMPS AND SUMMER PROGRAMS

CAROL’S HOMESTEAD

7731 Ridgewood Road, Goodlettsville

615-458-4548 | carolshomestead.org

A grassroots education for children allows them to plant, harvest, and cook outdoors. Lunch, snacks, binoculars, and aprons will be provided. Camps are one week out of a month May 29 - Jun. 1; 4.5 hours a day starting at 9 a.m. $375 per child (each sibling $75 o ). Early birds pay by Apr. 1 for $75 o . Parents welcome for an additional $100.

COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME

222 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville

615-416-2001 | countrymusichallo ame.org/learn/songwriting-camp

Songwriting Camp at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is an unforgettable experience where budding songwriters ages 11 - 18 can hone their craft, learn from professionals, and make friends. Campers also enjoy access to the Museum galleries and will tour Historic RCA Studio B, located on Nashville’s Music Row.

CREEKSIDE RIDING ACADEMY AND STABLES

2359 Lewisburg Pike, Franklin

615-595-7547 | creeksideridingstables.com

We focus on safety, proper riding techniques, grooming, care and tacking horses. All activities are geared to the riders’ level, ability and age. Campers ride each day in lessons, games on horseback and trail rides. Barn activities include scavenger hunts, horse-related arts and crafts, making homemade horse treats and more. Connecting with and caring for these animals gives riders confidence in many areas of life!

CURREY INGRAM ACADEMY

6544 Murray Lane, Brentwood 615-507-3242 | curreyingram.org/community/summer-programs

CIA’s summer camps are designed to engage all our campers through small camp sizes and personalized instruction. No matter a child’s experience level, we aim to excite, challenge, and bring out the best in every camper.

DANCE ACADEMY OF BELLEVUE

8074 TN-100, Nashville

629-888-9954 | danceacademyofbellevue.com

Dance academy of Bellevue is a safe, and inclusive place for dancers to be themselves. At DAB our dancers learn to instill pride and confidence in self expression and individuality. They learn to appreciate the art of dance through quality instruction. At DAB our core values are creativity, encouragement, teamwork and community. Sign up today for winter/spring classes.

DAVIDSON ACADEMY

1414 Old Hickory Blvd., Nashville 615-860-5300 | davidsonacademy.com

Enrich your child’s summer with Bear Camp 2022 skills-based camps!

E.T.C. GYMNASTICS

1137 Haley Road, Murfreesboro | 615-867-6900

1932 Almaville Road, Smyrna | 615-617-7644

etcgymnastics.com

E.T.C. Gymnastics is dedicated to bringing a new standard of excellence in gymnastics through Him. We o er classes in gymnastics for boys and girls ages 2 - 18 years and all ability levels. We also o er cheerleading and tumbling, as well as competitive teams. Call and ask about our free trial class. We also do parties, field trips and parents’ nights out.

HARVEST MARTIAL ARTS

313 Independence Square, Franklin 615-224-3851 | harvestmartialarts.com

The Harvest Concept opened in 2016, and is long known for its specialty in teaching Han Mu Do, the traditional Korean art of self defense, and is the only Han Mu Do school in the state of Tennessee. We o er classes for ages 3 through adult. We focus on optimism, balance and harmony, building mental and physical strength through movement and practices, such as martial arts, yoga, and traditional archery.

HIYC SAIL CAMP

615-260-7405 | hiyc.org/summer-sail-camp

Ages 7 - 17, Mon. - Fri., 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. (no before- or after-care provided). All levels of experience are welcome. We sail several types of boats, including Optimist Prams, Lasers, RS Zest, and RS Feva sailboats. Sailors will be assigned to boats according to age and skill level. No sailing experience necessary!

HORTON HAVEN CHRISTIAN CAMP

3711 Reed Harris Road, Lewisburg

931-364-7656 | hortonhaven.org

Campers can experience archery, air rifles, climbing, horseback riding, canoeing, crafts, mt. biking, swimming and many other exciting activities. Teens can experience our 45-ft. high zip line which spans 600 feet. One-week sessions for ages 8 - 11, 12 - 14 and 15 - 18. Day campers experience exciting games, crafts, bible lessons, swimming and much more. Get away from the TV, video games and iPods. It’s a great way to see what camp life is all about. Four weeks to choose from for ages 6 - 11. Space is limited so register early!

KOOL KIDS VOICE ACTING

2465 Old Charlotte Pike, Franklin 646-397-3553 | koolkidsvoiceacting.com

Fun and unique voice acting education for kids of all ages that enables them to experience success in the industry and success in life. Sign up now for Summer camps or classes.

LITTLE ART HOUSE

2106B Acklen Ave., Nashville 615-933-9644 | littlearthousenashville.com

We have a number of locations we’ll be o ering classes and camps! We feature art classes for kids of all ages starting with our popular Mini Makers, ages 1 - 4 yrs. up to Advanced Art Class for grades 3 -6. Visit our website for a camp near you.

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VALUES

CAMPS AND SUMMER PROGRAMS

MR. BOND’S SCIENCE GUYS

615-573-2702 | mrbondscienceguy.com

Our winter, spring and summer camps inspire a lifelong enthusiasm for science and learning, teaching creative problem-solving skills, teamwork and perseverance in an entertaining, kid-friendly setting. The camps are full- or half-day and are excellent for ages 5 - 12. Sibling discounts are available.

MUSIC CITY ALL STARS

215 Gothic Court, #102, Franklin 615-915-1047 | musiccityallstars.com

Jump into our exciting world or summer camps in 2023. This summer we will feature four weekly themed dance camps for kids of all ages. Themes include Princess and Mermaid, pony, Gabbie’s Dollhouse, Barbiue, and more. All special, unique and most importantly fun! Sign up now, we will sell out.

NASHVILLE SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL ELF & FAIRY CAMP

615-255-2273 | nashvilleshakes.org

Elf & Fairy Camp is a week-long, after-school experience that will have campers learning, playing, rehearsing, and performing! We’ll study a sonnet, create our own magical characters using Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream as inspiration, and learn a song and dance to be performed before Twelfth Night. Taught by NSF Apprentice Company members and Teaching Artists, the camp will take place after-school from 4 - 6:30 p.m. Mon., Tue., and Wed. Then, Thu. - Sun. evenings during the Summer Shakespeare Festival, campers will be on stage as part of the Apprentice Company’s Green Show!

NASHVILLE SKATING ACADEMY

Nashville and Nolensville Locations

615-928-7977 | nashvilleiceskate.com

NSA has been introducing families to the world of skating for 17 years. NSA’s mission is to foster a love of skating for Nashville’s youth and adults through programs such as Learn to Skate USA, figure skating group classes, summer camps, private instruction, and various specialty programs. Whether your future skater’s dream is to play in the NHL, be a competitive figure skater or to just learn to skate, NSA has a program designed to help them reach their goals.

PROVIDENCE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

410 DeJarmette Lane, Murfreesboro

615-904-0902 | providencechristian.com

Providence Christian Academy o ers summer camp activities for both students and non-students. Every week we go on di erent field trips, explore nearby parks, watch fun movies and splash at the nearby pool. We make arts and crafts, try new sports and games and have lots of fun making new friends. Pay by the days or weeks you attend.

ST. HENRY SCHOOL CAMP TIGER TOWN

6401 Harding Pike, Nashville sthenryschool.org/summer-camp

Saint Henry School is excited to o er day camps for students in rising Pre-K3 through 8th grade in Summer 2023!

SOUTHERN STARS PRESCHOOL

910 Wedgewood Ave., Nashville

615-509-9423 | southernstarsmontessori.net

Our curriculum allows you and your child to grow at an individual pace. While many preschools focus on a singular facet of learning, we focus on every facet of learning, including: gross motor skills, fine motor skills, social skills, verbal skills, concentration and focus skills, literacy skills, match and history skills, art, music, and dance skills, and play-based learning.

SPARTAN

SOCCER ACADEMY

615-633-5967 | spartansoccer.org

Spartan Development Academy is a skills based training league for children ages 5 - 13. The program is designed for players looking for more than recreational soccer but not ready to commit to travel soccer. Check out our sibling discount and referral program with Mini Spartans and Spartan Development Academy. Join us anytime!

SUGAR DROP COOKING CLASSES

574 Franklin Road, Franklin 629-202-6949 | sugardrop.com

Ever have sweet dreams of being a Sugar Artist? No one likes to play with their food better than we do! Our trained instructors have taught thousands of students ages 3 and up over the past five years. From special camps and cookie classes to fondant and Buttercream Bootcamp, we keep a full calendar of sweet fun to help inspire you on your sugar journey!

TRACY EQUESTRIAN

10555 Patterson Road, Rockvale tracyequistrain.com

At Tracy Equestrian we o er summer camps for riders of every age and skill level. Our accredited trainers will provide clear instruction in a safe and fun environment. We’ve hand-selected and trained our horses to be good mannered and well-tempered. We have 30 plus acres of premier riding land with clean and modern stables to accommodate all of our campers.

UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF NASHVILLE

2000 Edgehill Ave., Nashville 615-277-7377 | usn.org/summer

Led by faculty bringing their expertise and passion, camps o er diverse programming in sports, academics, arts and technology. Flexible morning and afternoon sessions allow either whole- or half-day experiences of fun and learning. After care until 5 p.m.

VALLEY VIEW RANCH EQUESTRIAN CAMP FOR GIRLS

606 Valley View Ranch Road, Cloudland, GA

706-862-2231 | valleyviewranch.net

Located a’top beautiful Lookout Mountain. We o er several riding programs and encourage each camper to participate in all of them: English and Hunt Seat; Western Stock Seat and Barrels (Gymkhana); and Vaulting. Each girl can spend as much time as she likes with her favorite horse during her stay.   Enrollment is limited to 50 girls and is open to ages 8 - 17.

THE WEBB SCHOOL

319 Webb Road E, Bell Buckle

931-389-6003 | thewebbschool.com/summer-programs

DAY CAMPS – Webb provides a variety of o erings for your camper. Webb Camp campers will enjoy outdoor adventures, games, art projects, and STEM activities. Webb Sports Camp campers learn the value of being a good teammate while taking a deep dive into basketball, soccer, baseball and football. Webb o ers many athletic camps including, basketball, baseball, cheerleading, football, and soccer.

OVERNIGHT CAMPS – Overnight camp at Webb o ers campers an experience of a lifetime. In addition to the day camp activities, campers will enjoy both on and o -campus evening activities. Activities may include: roller skating, bowling, board game night, campfire and s’mores, ice cream trip and more. Webb Camp and Webb Sports Camp o er overnight opportunities for campers in rising grades 5 - 8.

WILLOW SPRINGS DAY CAMP

508 Franklin Road, Franklin 931-797-3660 | willowspringsdaycamp.com

Willow Springs Day Camp believes camp can build independent, resilient, and flexible children through the magic of playing outdoors. By having free choice and autonomy in their daily schedules, campers in grades 1 - 6 spend their day exploring the creek and outdoor spaces as well as crafts, games and more! Join us at the newest day camp in Franklin!

YMCA CAMP OCOEE

111 YMCA Drive, Ocoee

423-338-5588 | ymcacampocoee.org

Located in the mountains of Southeast Tennessee, YMCA Camp Ocoee has been providing children with wilderness adventures since 1923. One-week sessions for boys and girls ages 7 - 15. 4:1 camper to sta ratio. Strong Christian environment. Activities include horseback riding, white-water rafting, kayaking, climbing, mountain biking, camp-outs and more.

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