TOTS! returns in 2023 with a new schedule, new features, and more fun for the little ones. Beginning March 11, tots and their guardians can enjoy hands-on activities, storytimes, weekly visits to the Cheekwood GROWS garden, and monthly bi-lingual fun with Rachel Rodriguez. New this year, join a member of the garden staff each day at 11:15 AM as they feed the turtles and answer questions about the Children’s Garden’s shelled residents. Drop-in wellness classes will take place each Wednesday morning at 9:30 AM. See below for a full list of weekly themes and schedules.
Drop-in art activity | 10 AM – 12 PM
Storytime | 10 AM, 10:45 AM, 11:30 AM Storytime runs for about 15-20 minutes
NEW! Turtle Talks | Daily at 11:15 AM Runs for about 10-15 minutes, see dates below
NEW! Family Movement Class | Wednesdays 9:30 AM Runs for about 25 minutes, no registration required, see dates below
Drop-in GROWS gardening activity | Thursdays from 10 AM – 12 PM See dates below
The TOTS! program is weather permitting. 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! Schedule
March: Spring Flowers
3/11: Tulips
3/14-18: Hyacinth
3/21-24: Holi
No TOTS! on 3/25
3/28-4/1: Daffodils
April: Trees
4/4-6: Magnolia
No TOTS! on 4/7 and 4/8
4/11-14: Cherry Blossoms
4/15: DEAR
4/18-22: Dogs & Dogwoods
4/25-29: Arbor Day
May: Pond Life
5/2-6: Frogs
5/9-13: Ducks
5/16-20: Fish
5/23-27: Turtles
5/30-6/2: Swans
No TOTS! on 6/3
NEW! Turtle Talks
New this year, join a member of the garden staff at the turtle pond in the Children’s Garden each day as they feed the turtles and answer questions about the Children’s Garden’s shelled residents.
Drop-in Turtle Talks | Daily at 11:15 AM
NEW! Wellness Wednesdays: Family Movement
Join us each Wednesday morning for a drop-in Family Movement wellness class in the Children’s Garden at 9:30 AM. Specially curated by Marathon Pilates for our families at Cheekwood, this 25-minute class offers a community where you can build relationships, strengthen your body and mind, and have fun! This class is for adults and children with the desire to grow in strength and understanding of their abilities. Class size is unlimited so feel free to hop in. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes for the outdoors to optimize the overall experience. Registration is not required for participation.
Drop-in Family Movement Class | Wednesdays, 9:30 AM Runs for about 25 minutes, March-May and September-October
March 22
March 29
April 12
April 19
April 26
May 3
May 10
May 17
May 24
May 31
September 13
September 20
September 27
October 4
October 11
October 18
October 25
Drop-in Gardening Activities in the GROWS Garden
Join us for weekly drop-in gardening activities in the new Cheekwood GROWS garden. Children can get their hands dirty with seasonal gardening activities as they learn about plants, their parts, and what they need to grow.
Drop-in gardening activity | Thursdays, 10 AM – 12 PM March – May and September-October
March 23
March 30
April 6
April 13
April 20
April 27
May 11
May 18
May 25
June 1
September 7
September 14
September 21
September 28
October 12
October 19
October 26
Monthly Bilingual Song and Storytime with Rachel Rodriguez
Each month join us for a special storytime where tots will learn about the month’s theme through songs and movement with 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 bilingual 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.
March 21
April 4
May 2
June 6
July 11
August 1
September 5
October 24
TOTS! is powered by PNC, our Early Childhood Education Partner
