Enjoy your spring break staycation by visiting one or several of these sites for good, old-fashioned outdoor fun.
Bowie Park Nature Center
7211 Bowie Lake Road, Fairview
615-799-5544 • bowiepark.org
The nature center offers free monthly programs for kids, plus a monthly Nature Strollers for tots ages 18 months – 5 years on select Mondays (includes a nature story followed by an outdoor hike).
Cheekwood
1200 Forrest Park Drive, Nashville
615-356-8000 • cheekwood.org
The annual Cheekwood in Bloom spring celebration is March 19 – April 23 featuring more than 100,000 tulips adorning the gardens. Enjoy special themed weekends and lots more.
Discovery Center at Murfree Spring
502 S.E. Broad St., Murfreesboro
615-890-2300 • explorethedc.org
Get into the Nature Play exhibit at the Discover Center. Seven areas are within Nature Play: A Sound Garden, a Play Garden, a water table, a sand table, a butterfly garden, a human sundial and the Discovery Gardens.
Dyer Observatory
1000 Oman Drive, Brentwood
615-370-4672 • dyer.vanderbilt.edu
Your kids can enjoy the free Open House Day taking place from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. on the first Tuesday each month. Tour the observatory, check out the giant telescope and meet local astronomers. Advance registration required.
NEW TOURS START APRIL 10 At HONEYSUCKLE HILL …
Honeysuckle Hill Farm
1765 Martins Chapel Church Road
Springfield • 615-382-7593
honeysucklehillfarm.com
New spring tours for 2017 begin April 10 including Plant Life (learn the different parts of plants and what they need to grow) and the Rockin’ Tour (rocks and minerals).
Lucky Ladd Farms
4374 Rocky Glade Road, Eagleville
615-274-3786
luckyladdfarms.com
Lots of families visit Lucky Ladd repeatedly throughout the year to get outside and enjoy farm life, animals and more. Check it out! Watch spring come to life beginning April 14 when “Baby Animal Days” begins. A special baby animal nursery exhibit will showcase the newest arrivals to the farm!
Nashville Zoo
3777 Nolensville Road, Nashville
615-833-1534 • nashvillezoo.org
Aside from all of the fun the zoo offers your family, heads up: New gardening classes begin April 1 and continue for several consecutive Saturdays. Mom or Dad can come learn from master gardeners! And get ready to Party for the Planet when a big Earth Day celebration happens on April 21.
Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary
545 Beech Creek Road, Brentwood
615-370-4672 • owlshill.org
Owl’s Hill makes a perfect spot for communing with nature. Check out the upcoming events at the website to discover open trail walk times, wildflower hikes and more.
Radnor Lake State Park
1160 Otter Creek Road, Nashville
615-373-3467 • radnorlake.org
The Barbara J. Mapp Aviary Education Center provides educational programs and up-close viewing of non-releasable birds of prey. But just head to Radnor for some of the best nature walking trails around. Beautiful & family friendly, pets must be on a leash.
NATURE CENTERS HAVE ALL KINDS OF FUN PROGRAMMING FOR KIDS
Shelby Bottoms Nature Center
1900 Davidson Drive, Nashville
615-862-8539 • nashville.gov/parks
Rent bikes to pedal around the greenways! In addition, check out all the fun going on this spring!
Warner Parks Nature Center
7311 Hwy. 100, Nashville
615-352-6299
nashville.gov/parks
There’s always lots to do at Warner Parks Nature Center. Check out all of the spring fun!
The Wilderness Station
697 Veterans Pkwy. Murfreesboro • 615-217-3017
murfreesborotn.gov/parks
Animal encounters, campfire circles, family camp outs, a bird club, music in the wold and special events bring families to the great outdoors throughout the year.
Tennessee State Parks
Now that it’s spring break time, you definitely have time to check out one of our area parks to spend a lazy day outdoors in nature.
