TOTS!
June – August | Tuesdays | 10 AM – 12 PM
TOTS! Continues in Summer 2026 with more fun for families with little ones. Beginning June 9, Tots and their guardians can enjoy drop-in style hands-on activities and Storytimes every Tuesday directly across from Botanical Hall! Families can also join a member of the Education Team for a crowd favorite, Turtle Talks, as they feed the turtles and answer questions about the Children’s Garden’s shelled residents. Each week’s theme is inspired by current exhibitions or seasonal festivals, encouraging exploration of art and the natural world.
Hands-On Activities | 10 AM – 12 PM
Storytime | 10 AM, 10:45 AM, and 11:30 AM
Turtle Talks | 11:15 AM
The TOTS! program is weather dependant. Uncertain about the weather? Just give us a call at 615-353-9827 or keep an eye on our Instagram stories for updates day of. Don’t forget to bring your imagination and dress for mess!
TOTS! 2026 Summer Schedule
June: Trains!
6/9: The Little Engine that Could
6/16: Train Engines
6/23: The Curious Garden by Peter Brown
6/30: Train Tracks and Wheels
July: Pond Life
7/7: Turtles
7/14: Cattails
7/21: Dragonflies
7/28: Geese
August: Birds
8/4: Egg by Kevin Henkes
8/11: Owls
8/18: Northern Mockingbirds
8/23: Bird Nests
Turtle Talks
Drop-in Turtle Talks | 11:15 AM Tuesdays – Fridays
runs for about 10-15 minutes
Weather and Staffing dependent.
Join a member of the Education Team at the turtle pond in the Children’s Garden each day as they feed the turtles and host a Q&A about the Children’s Garden’s shelled residents.
Monthly Bi-lingual Song and Storytime with Rachel Rodriguez
March 24, April 14, May 5, June 9, July 14, August 4, September 8, October 6
Each month join us for a special Storytime where tots learn about the month’s theme through songs and movement led by Rachel Rodriguez. Please note that this program is weather permitting and will be rescheduled if cancelled. Keep an eye on our Instagram stories for updates.
About Rachel Rodriguez:
Rachel is a singer, songwriter, teaching artist, performance coach, wife, and mother. Nothing makes her happier than watching people of all ages experience the joy of music and dance. She is the creator and founder of “Songs for My Little Amigos,” a bi-lingual music and movement program that focuses on promoting language learning, building community, and celebrating culture through the arts. For more information follow her at rachelrodriguez.com.
Missed TOTS?
Here are Some Other Things to Explore!
The Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden
Learn and grow by visiting the Living Library, unleash your inner artist using the water painting tablets, or say hi to the turtles. There is so much to see and explore and lots of space to play in the Children’s Garden!
TRAINS!
Stop by the Enchanted Express and see the TRAINS! An excellent imaginative stop for young visitors and the young-at heart.
TOTS! is powered by PNC, our Early Childhood Education Partner
