Activities for young children (theater, YMCA, school)

[Xtreme]

How plentiful are children's activities in Nashville, and what types of things are there? (anywhere in the 1-3yo range)

Specifically, things like... zoos, museums, theaters, festivals, parks, community activities, classes, concerts, etc.

Thanks!

[alleycat]

There's the Nashville Zoo, the Nashville Children's Theatre, programs at the Nashville Symphony (I think), the Adventure Science Center, a kid's hands-on art room at the Frist (free admission for children under 18), art programs for youngsters at Centennial Park and at Cheekwood, The W. O, Smith Community Music School (primarily for lower income families, I believe), various sports programs (soccer is big, of course, but there's also baseball, football, and other sports), nature program at the parks, fishing events for kids, a wave park, large city parks, state parks, the two large lakes (Priest and Old Hickory), etc., etc., as well as various adult activities where children are also welcome such as theatre, festivals, and concerts in the park. Overall, it's a pretty kid friendly / family friendly area.

I don't have kids, but I don't hear any of my friends who do complaining that there's nothing for their children to do. (I do hear them complaining that they have to go to yet another soccer game. ;-)

[septimus]

I think Alleycat hit most of the big ones.
There lots of programs around designed for the under 3 crowd like Music Together (we love this class Music City Music Together - Welcome) There are also gyms that do large motor skill classes for that age, arts classes, etc.

You might want to pick up a copy of Nashville Parent. It can be found at almost any doctor's office, Publix etc. It is free and full of ads for upcoming events and classes.

[BP300]

The YMCA's are also very good for kids. Believe it or not. Unlike in other cities, the YMCA's in Nashville (and surrounding suburbs) are really nice and well-kept. They offer many activities for children (i.e. swimming lessons).

[Xtreme]

Thank you all for the replies. My wife has begun researching based on your suggestions, and there appears to be no shortage of things to do. This is a major selling point for us. We've lived in several different cities, and we've seen both extremes of lots to do and nothing to do. Thanks again!

[imogene]

The bookstores and libraries have free story times. In particular, the main Nashville Public Library has GREAT children's activities.

[alleycat]

Originally Posted by imogene

The bookstores and libraries have free story times. In particular, the main Nashville Public Library has GREAT children's activities.

That's a good point. Some of the branch library have children's events from time to time as well.

We do have a pretty good library system for a city our size.

[Coney]

The Tennessee State Museum has some fun activities for children from time to time. This past summer they had looming and spinnng activities for kids to try.