Five Free and Cheap Family Things To Do in Middle Tennessee

The kids may have gone back to school this week, but we’re betting they’re still full of energy. Some events this week are for kids a little older — one asks for kids to be over 8 and another is for your older teens. They might eyeroll a little more at the suggestion of a hike, but they’ll benefit from it just the same. There’s a storytime at Parnassus on Saturday morning you can bring the smaller ones to and then a chance for children of all ages to read to dogs at two branches of the Nashville Public Library. The family can also head to the Shelby Bottoms Nature Center for a closing reception of the “Stations” exhibit currently on display.

As part of our series on free cheap things to do with the family, here is our weekly roundup of places to spend time together over the next week:

Early Morning Bird Hike

On the morning of Jan. 11, the Shelby Bottoms Nature Center is hosting a guided hike for folks above 15 years old. The hike will focus on finding area birds — binoculars will be available to borrow, and all levels of experience are welcome. The hike begins at 8 a.m., and registration is required.

“Stations” Exhibit Closing Ritual and Celebration

On Jan. 11 from 5-7 p.m., Shelby Bottoms Nature Center will host a closing ritual for the “Stations” exhibit. The event will close out under the full moon with a chance to discuss the work with artist Matthew Leavitt Brown, create your own art project, and listen as folks share stories from exhibit visitors about nature and its impact. The event is free, and there’s no registration.

Reading Paws

On Jan. 11, Reading Paws will happen at two branches of the Nashville Public Library. In Goodlettsville on every second Saturday, they have a special pup named Poppy on deck to sit and hear stories read by kids. Call the Goodlettsville Branch to reserve a 15-minute time slot ahead of time. Over at the Inglewood Branch, they also have a pup on site, so bring a book or choose one from the library to read to. As with Goodlettsville, folks must register ahead of time for their 15-minute reading slot here as well.

Parnassus Books Storytime

On Saturday mornings, Parnassus Books off of Hillsboro Pike, hosts a storytime for the entire family. The stories are more geared toward children under 7 years old, and the book store invites folks to wear their pajamas and come as they are. Typically, the events are hosted by staff, but occasionally a special guest appears. On Jan. 11, come see a staff member tell a story, and on Jan. 18., storytime will be hosted by Susan Eaddy, illustrator of Papa Fish's Lullaby and Sir Drake the Brave.

Full Wolf Moon

Over Beaman Park on Jan. 13, they’ll host a hike on the Henry Hollow trail to take in the Wolf Moon. This hike is for people above the age of 8 years old and begins at 5 p.m. The two-hour hike is free and doesn’t require registration.