National Geographic Live Speaker Series

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Coming to the Schermerhorn with Three Programs in 2018/19

Critically acclaimed series takes audiences on a worldwide adventure with  National Geographic explorers and spectacular visuals

 

Nashville, TN — The Nashville Symphony has announced the addition of the National Geographic Live speaker series at Schermerhorn Symphony Center, with three events planned over the next year.

Each of these unique, family-friendly programs will bring a National Geographic adventurer to the Schermerhorn to share their experiences exploring the world’s highest peaks, deepest oceans and most distant corners, all accompanied by dramatic imagery and footage.

Award-winning photographer Steve Winter, mountaineer Hilaree O’Neill and marine wildlife and deep-sea photojournalist Brian Skerry headline the series, which kicks off this October and continues with presentations in February and April of 2019. Bios for each speaker are available upon request.

Dates and details for all three National Geographic Live events at the Schermerhorn are listed below. Tickets are on sale now as part of any 2018/19 season ticket package, for groups 12+ and donors $500+. All three National Geographic Live events can be purchased now as a season ticket package starting at $67. Tickets will go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 20.

 All National Geographic Live events are presented without the orchestra.

 

2018/19 National Geographic Live Speaker Series

On the Trail of Big Cats

featuring Steve Winter

7 p.m. Monday, October 1, 2018

Go around the world in search of big cats with award-winning photographer Steve Winter. A determined explorer, Winter will lead you from Asian jungles where resilient tiger populations persist, to the Himalayas, home of the rare snow leopard. Follow him into the rainforests of Latin America to view the elusive jaguar – and to Hollywood in pursuit of the American cougar. He’ll share both dangerous and lighter moments: from getting stuck in quicksand to mishaps with remote-controlled cameras. Co-author of the new National Geographic book Tigers Forever, Winter seeks to share the beauty of big cats while working to save them. Learn more here.

 

2018/19 National Geographic Live Speaker Series

Point of No Return

featuring Hilaree O’Neill

7 p.m. Monday, February 11, 2019

Mountaineer Hilaree O’Neill shares the gripping story of leading a National Geographic team on a harrowing journey to the summit of Myanmar’s Hkakabo Razi, possibly Southeast Asia’s highest point. They didn’t realize that the greatest obstacle wouldn’t be their dwindling rations, or the grueling jungle hikes, or the life-threatening hypothermia. It was the force of conflicting personalities that threatened to unravel the entire endeavor. O’Neill recounts the tough decisions she had to make to keep the team together, accompanied by photographer Cory Richard’s dramatic stills and clips from Renan Ozturk’s searing documentary Down to Nothing. Learn more here.

 

2018/19 National Geographic Live Speaker Series

Ocean Soul

featuring Brian Skerry

7 p.m. Monday, April 29, 2019

Voyage across the oceans with one of National Geographic’s most seasoned photographers and discover a vast, hidden world beneath the waves. Using his camera to communicate, Brian Skerry has spent more than 10,000 hours underwater telling the oceans’ stories. His images celebrate the mystery of the depths and offer portraits of creatures so intimate they sometimes appear to have been shot in a studio. Skerry dives eight months of the year, often in extreme conditions beneath Arctic ice or in predator-infested waters, and has even lived at the bottom of the sea to get close to his subjects.

In this presentation, Skerry takes us from the glacial waters of the North Atlantic, where harp seals face off with commercial hunters, to the balmy central Pacific, where he photographed damaged coral ecosystems rebuilding themselves. Skerry is a passionate spokesman for the oceans he loves to photograph. His riveting presentations inspire reverence for the marine realm and offer hope for protecting the vitality of the world’s oceans. Learn more here.

 National Geographic Live is the live events division of National Geographic. With a broad roster of talent including renowned photographers, scientists, authors, filmmakers and adventurers, National Geographic Live’s critically acclaimed programs have connected with audiences worldwide for over a century. Currently, National Geographic Live events are held in a variety of cities around the world, including, Seattle, Tampa, Los Angeles, and Calgary. In each of these cities, speakers share behind-the-scenes stories from the front lines of exploration onstage alongside stunning imagery and gripping footage. For more information, visit natgeolive.com

 

The GRAMMY® Award-winning Nashville Symphony has earned an international reputation for its innovative programming and its commitment to performing, recording and commissioning works by America’s leading composers. The Nashville Symphony has released 29 recordings on Naxos, which have received 24 GRAMMY® nominations and 13 GRAMMY® Awards, making it one of the most active recording orchestras in the country. The orchestra has also released recordings on Decca, Deutsche Grammophon and New West Records, among other labels. With more than 140 performances annually, the orchestra offers a broad range of classical, pops and jazz, and children’s concerts, while its extensive education and community engagement programs reach 60,000 children and adults each year.

 

Earth Day Offers Free Activities for Family

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April 22 at Timberland Park

Earth Day 2018 is Sunday, April 22. Williamson County Parks and Recreation invites you to join the 1 billion people worldwide who will observe this day with earth friendly activities and education. Bring the family, and visit Timberland Park on the historic Natchez Trace Pkwy. for four FREE programs: 11:00 a.m.-Wildflower hike; 1:00 p.m.-Attracting birds to your yard; 2:00 p.m.-Wildlife hike; 3:15 p.m.-Attracting butterflies to your garden. Park admission and Earth Day events are free.

Timberland Park is located at mile marker 437.2 on the historic Natchez Trace Parkway, south of the Highway 96 entrance. The rustic wooded preserve has a staffed, 2000-square-foot interpretive center and trails for hiking, bird watching and wildlife observation.  Open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. For more information about the Earth Day events call (615) 232-4154.

Williamson County Parks and Recreation is a public organization, here to benefit the community.  Anyone may register for and participate in the department’s programs, teams, classes and events. For program registration, pass purchasing or additional information, visit www.wcparksandrec.com.  You may also receive department information by “liking” Williamson County Parks and Recreation on Facebook; following us on Twitter at @wc_parksandrec or Instagram at @willcoparksandrec or on Pinterest or YouTube

The Franklin Farmers Market

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Picture of the franklin farmers market with people walking around, shopping in the warm sunThe Franklin Farmers Market is a true Tennessee farmers market!

From produce, fruit and dairy to baked goods and meats, you’ll find delicious fresh food at the Franklin Farmers Market. And because it’s all from local farms, the variety of goods increases and changes each week through the seasons. You can taste the difference, because it all comes straight from the farm to the market, ripe and ready to enjoy. It’s Tennessee farm fresh food from real farmers, every Saturday morning at the Franklin Farmers Market. Plus, there are a select number of local crafts persons at the market too, with unique and beautiful goods for you to enjoy.

Market Hours: All Year Long, Every Saturday!

Spring/Summer Market:  April thru Oct,  8am – 1pm
Fall/Winter Market:  Nov thru March,  9am – 12pm

Picture of multiple baskets with a variety of vegetables at the Franklin farmers marketPicture of people shopping outside under white tents at the Franklin farmers market

FUN FOR ALL AGES IN UPCOMING CLASSES

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williamson county parks & rec

Franklin Recreation Complex

The Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Rd., Franklin, TN, offers activities for all ages including classes for adults and kids.  Try the new Hogwarts Academy for ages 8-12!

 

Color Wheels- You & Me Paint Night

Join us for a fun night of adult + child partner art inspired by the heart art of Jim Dine. Open to grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, etc. Paint a pair of canvases that fit together to create a colorful piece you are both sure to love!   Meets Friday, February 2 at the   Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Rd. from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. For children ages 5 to 12. The fee is $20 (for two) and registration is required at www.wcparksandrec.com (#10497).

 

Color Wheels-Homeschool Art Class

Each week, students in this ongoing art class will explore art history, techniques, styles and artists from the past and present. A variety of media will be used to create rich experiences for each child.  Instructor: Shelly Egly. Color Wheels for homeschoolers meets Fridays, February 2-23 (skip 2/16)  from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Rd. For ages 5-11.  The fee is $42 for the three–class session. Register on line at www.wcparksandrec.com  (activity # 10503).

 

Sticky Fingers Preschool Art Club

Enhance and celebrate you preschooler’s creativity by enrolling them in the Sticky Fingers Preschool Art Club at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Rd. Ms. Shelly offers educational art experiences geared to young children (ages 3 to 6, potty-trained), with 2 to 3 works of art completed in each class. Choose Fridays, February 2-23 (skip 2/16) ($36 for 3 classes, #10495) or Mondays, February 5-26 (skip 2/19) ($36 for 3 classes, #10492). Both classes are from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Register on line at www.wcparksandrec.com.

 

Piano

Private piano lessons are offered on Fridays in 30-minute time slots. Learn note reading skills, music theory and artistic technique.  For ages 4 through adults. Contact instructor James Weinberg to set up lesson times: 615-268-2296. Meet at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Rd.

 

Mommy & Me Movement

Bring the kids, ages 0-4 months for a fun and energetic 30-minute movement class. Moms and kids will dance, sing, bond and make memories. Dads, grandparents and caregivers are welcome.  Mommy & Me Movement meets on Mondays from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Rd.  General admission fees apply. (Class is free to all premium family pass holders.)

 

Color Wheels-After School Art

Join the fun as students explore art history, techniques, styles, and famous artists from past to present.  This class is for kids 5 to 11 years, and meets Wednesdays, February 7-28 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The fee is $58. Registration is online at www.wcparksandrec.com (#10500). This class meets at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Rd.

 

Preschool Musical Theatre

Theatre professional Julia Nolan leads this fun Preschool Musical Theatre class for ages 3-5 years. Learn songs and dances along with theatre games to perform for parents, family and friends. Class meets Wednesdays, February 7-28 at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Rd. from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The course fee is $48 and registration is open at www.wcparksandrec.com (activity # 10807).

 

Babysitting 101

A fun interactive class that trains 12-16 year olds to be the best babysitter in the neighborhood.  This one-day course teaches sitters how to handle common problems, how to be safe, first aid techniques, and playtime ideas.   Includes a Smart Kids workbook. Class meets Saturday, February 24 from 9:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Rd. To register, go to www.wcparksandrec.com  (#10747). $60 per child.

 

Williamson County Parks and Recreation is a public organization, here to benefit the community.  Anyone may register for and participate in the department’s programs, teams, classes and events. For program registration, pass purchasing or additional information, visit www.wcparksandrec.com.  You may also receive department information by “liking” Williamson County Parks and Recreation on Facebook; following us on Twitter at @wc_parksandrec or Instagram at @willcoparksandrec or on Pinterest or YouTube.

The Franklin Farmers Market

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Picture of the franklin farmers market with people walking around, shopping in the warm sunThe Franklin Farmers Market is a true Tennessee farmers market!

From produce, fruit and dairy to baked goods and meats, you’ll find delicious fresh food at the Franklin Farmers Market. And because it’s all from local farms, the variety of goods increases and changes each week through the seasons. You can taste the difference, because it all comes straight from the farm to the market, ripe and ready to enjoy. It’s Tennessee farm fresh food from real farmers, every Saturday morning at the Franklin Farmers Market. Plus, there are a select number of local crafts persons at the market too, with unique and beautiful goods for you to enjoy.

Market Hours: All Year Long, Every Saturday!

Spring/Summer Market:  April thru Oct,  8am – 1pm
Fall/Winter Market:  Nov thru March,  9am – 12pm

Picture of multiple baskets with a variety of vegetables at the Franklin farmers marketPicture of people shopping outside under white tents at the Franklin farmers market

Franklin Farmers Market

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The Franklin Farmers Market, shopping in Franklin, TN, events, restaurants, family activities, kids events and more - FranklinIs.The Franklin Farmers Market is a true TN farmers market.

The Franklin Farmers Market is a true Tennessee farmers market. From produce, fruit and dairy to baked goods and meats, you’ll find delicious fresh food at the Franklin Farmers Market. And because it’s all from local farms, the variety of goods increases and changes each week through the seasons. You can taste the difference, because it all comes straight from the farm to the market, ripe and ready to enjoy. It’s Tennessee farm fresh food from real farmers, every Saturday morning at the Franklin Farmers Market. Plus, there are a select number of local crafts persons at the market too, with unique and beautiful goods for you to enjoy.

The Franklin Farmers Market is a year-round market in TN.

Vegetables at the Franklin Farmers Market, shopping in Franklin, TN, events, family activities, kids events, family events and more - FranklinIs.

Market Hours: All Year Long, Every Saturday!

Jan thru March        9am – 12pm
April                          9am – 1pm
May thru Oct            8am – 1pm
Nov thru Dec            9am – 1pm

Pumpkinfest

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PumpkinFest Franklin, TN FranklinIsThe Heritage Foundation of Franklin & Williamson County – Pumpkinfest

Pumpkinfest is Middle Tennessee’s largest family fall festival that will return in it’s 34th year on October 28, 2017!

With over 65,000 people in attendance, the festival stretches along Main Street in downtown Franklin, and its avenues, and offers tons of festive fun for families!

Producing Pumpkinfest is just one of the many activities of The Heritage Foundation of Franklin & Williamson County. Since 1967 the non-profit group has been dedicated to protecting and preserving Williamson County’s historic, architectural and geographic resources; in short, saving the places that matter.

Vintage Baseball Tournament

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Vintage Baseball Tournament – Carnton Plantation 

September 9-10, 2017

Saturday’s games: 9:00, 11:00, 1:00, 3:00

Sunday’s games: 12:30, 2:30

12 teams vie for the the Sulpher Dell Cup. Come enjoy America’s favorite pass time, 1860s style! The rules, uniforms, even the music is accurate to the Civil War. This free event takes place in the west field at Carnton Plantation. Free parking is available next to the field. Visit Tennessee Association of Vintage Baseball for more details. 

Family Fun

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Please see the FranklinIs Calendar for upcoming kids events, kids activities and family events Franklin, TN and Brentwood, TN

 

Things to Do in Franklin, TN, Brentwood, TN & Nashville, TN

 

Tennessee State Parks

Headquarters: 401 Church Street

Nashville, TN 37243

615-532-0001

Grab the family and head off to one of Tennessee’s 54 scenic parks. Whether you camp out in the woods, rent a cabin, or just go for a fun day hike, nature’s never been more exciting.

Check out our “Hike Around Town” article for more great ways to enjoy nature!

 

Nashville Shores

4001 Bell Rd.

Hermitage, TN 37067

615-889-7050

Nashville, TN”s #1 water park, Nashville Shores is the place to go for water slides, beaches, pools, volleyball, mini-golf and lots more kids activities and family fun! Visitors play in the lagoon, slide down water flumes, ride on zip lines or rent boats on the lake. Nashville Shores Waterpark features more than 1 million gallons of summer fun including thrilling slides, a wave pool, lazy river, pools, a beautiful beach, lake cruises and more family-friendly attractions.

 

SOAR Adventure Tower

3794 Carothers Pkwy.

Franklin, TN 37067

615-721-5104

SOAR Adventure Tower is the ideal destination for your next adventure. 4 levels and over 110 climbing elements that will challenge kids and adults both mentally and physically.  The Adventure park also offers an outdoor miniature golf course with a Nashville, TN, Music City theme!

 

Jumpstreet

1735 Galleria Blvd. #2

Franklin, TN 37067

615-778-1304

A great place to take kids in Franklin, TN! Indoor trampoline park. Great for birthday parties,  group events and activities and kids events. Looking for a unique and fun activity for your next group or corporate event? Look no further than jumpstreet®, your day time, night time, any time, fun place. Boasting over 20,000 square feet of wall to wall trampolines, trampoline dodge ball and other unique and fun activities, jumpstreet®, in Franklin, TN is the perfect place to “Come Bounce Off Our Walls”!

http://www.gotjump.com/tennessee/franklin/

 

Glow Galaxy

121 Seaboard Ln.

Franklin, TN 37067

615-370-4386

Glow Galaxy specializes in providing memorable birthday parties that are unlike any other. Glow in the dark party extravaganza. Glow in the dark play area, inflatables and more! Glow Galaxy offers a variety of activities in their glow in the dark play arena to ensure that guests don’t tire of the activities. They have an 11 hole mini golf course that is suitable for beginners, yet challenging enough to keep the old pros interested.

 

Monkey Joe’s – Cool Springs

1648 Westgate Circle

Brentwood, TN 37027

615-377-5900

Indoor play spaces for children including inflatables, arcade games, slides, activities and concessions. A great place for things to do in Brentwood, TN. Monkey Joe’s is the obvious choice for active kids and savvy parents looking for healthy fun rain or shine. They are a premier birthday party location for Franklin, Brentwood, Cool Springs and all of Williamson County, TN.  Open for walk-in play every day.

 

Climb Nashville

121 Seaboard Ln. #10

Franklin, TN 37067

615-661-9444

This indoor rock climbing gym is fun and exciting for all ages and abilities.

 

Hard Knocks

Laser Tag Center

1113 Murfreesboro Rd. #256

Franklin, TN 337064

615-846-2777

http://www.indoorwar.com/location/nashville-tennessee/

Beyond laser tag – your indoor war. Activities for kids and adults! Urban-themed indoor laser tag facility featuring combat simulation games with realistic weaponry.  Walk-ins welcome – no reservations needed! Because Hard Knock’s brand of combat is non-projectile and pain-free, it’s perfect for everyone, females, males, and youths of all age groups.

 

Franklin Family Entertainment Center

1200 Lakeview Drive

Franklin, TN 37064

615-790-26695

Bowling alleys, arcades, pool tables, and food are just the beginning at this family fun entertainment center. Something for everyone! Franklin Family Entertainment Center Is Your Home For Family Fun In Franklin, TN. At Franklin Family Entertainment Center they have great Kids Birthday Party Packages available or they’ll customize a birthday party package for your child. 

 

Movies in the Park

Come enjoy kid-friendly movies and a relaxing environment. Go ahead and bring the whole family to this favorite outdoor summer event!

http://www.franklintn.gov/government/parks/city-parks-events/movie-in-the-park

For more information and many more events, please visit the FranklinIS Calendar.

 

Above All Extreme Air Sports

1647 Mallory Ln.

Brentwood, TN 37027

615-823-5585

Defy gravity at Above All. Over 10,000 square feet of connected, world-class trampolines in a 23,000 sq. ft. facility. wall trampolines, launching decks and a few surprises up in the ceiling to test your vertical. If your kids (6 and under) are ready to Dominate the Park without bigger kids around….YOU MUST check-out KidJump. Every Mon-Sat  (9am-10am) is exclusively for parents and children! 

 

Brentwood Skate Center

402 Wilson Pike Cir.

Brentwood, TN 37027

615-373-1827

Roller rink featuring a snack bar, a video arcade, DJs, LED light effects & various events. Brentwood Skate Center is the place to go for fun and exercise. Weekday and weekend skating sessions and awesome skating parties. Holiday events too! Not only do your favorite skating families & friends enjoy fun times at Brentwood Skate Center, so do many celebrities – Alison Krauss and Miley Cyrus are but two examples.  

 

Pump It Up of Brentwood, TN

7104 Crossroads Blvd.., Suite 128

Brentwood, TN 37027

615-373-7867

Surrounded by jump tents and other inflatables, kids of all ages can have a blast. Ideal for groups and parties. Also has “open” jump times.  Kids birthday parties, group events and more! Pump It Up of Cool Springs opened in June 2004 and has been the leading provider of children’s party events for almost 10 years.  They are an 8 time winner of the Best Away From Home Party as voted by Nashville and Williamson Parent and a two year winner of a Franklin Sizzle Award.  

 

Chuck E. Cheese

3073 Mallory Ln.

Franklin, TN 37067

615-771-0708

The classic kids funhouse! Games, pizza and playgrounds abound this high energy destination. Ideal for birthday parties and special treats! Chuck E. Cheese’s is a chain of American family entertainment centers and restaurants.  

 

Goofballs Family Fun Center

1113 Murfreesboro Rd. #360

Franklin, TN 37064

615-861-3668

Huge indoor play center with bumper cars, bowling, laser tag, Wii games and climbing equipment. Full of fun activities for kids! Their Franklin, TN facility offers exciting activities for the entire family! Goofballs Family Fun Center – middle Tennessee’s coolest family entertainment center packed with 12,000 square feet of indoor fun!

 

The Monkey’s Treehouse – Cool Springs 

91 Seaboard Ln. #103

Brentwood, TN 37027

615-942-7911

The ultimate indoor playground in Brentwood, TN, for children ages zero to 8. Perfect for casual playdates, planned birthday parties and other special celebrations. Explore, climb and slide! The Monkey’s Treehouse is the perfect place to plan your child’s next birthday! 

 

Sky Zone

1113 Murfreesboro Road

Suite 254

Franklin, TN 37064

615-721-3626

Indoor trampoline park in Franklin, featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball, fitness programs and more. Sky Zone is a chain of indoor trampoline parks. Whether it’s a birthday party, an afternoon pickup game of Ultimate Dodgeball, a charity event, or just a day out with the family, Sky Zone is a place to gather with friends, family, and your community.

 

Adventure Science Center

800 Fort Negley Blvd.

Nashville, TN 37203

615-826-5160

Adventure Science Center is a non-profit science museum for children located in Nashville, Tennessee. A science museum for children of all ages. State-of-the-art Sudekum Planetarium, hands-on, interactive, science exhibits, activities and more!  Their mission is to open every mind to the wonders of science and technology, fostering a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

 

Dave and Busters

540 Opry Mills Drive

Nashville, TN 37214

615-790-3800

Family-friendly chain offering sports-bar style setting for American food and arcade games in Nashville, TN. Dave & Buster’s mission is to create their Guest’s first choice for frequent fun through the best combination of the latest and greatest games, ultimate sports-viewing, extraordinary food and remarkable drinks.

 

For more on kids activities, fun family events and things to do in Franklin, TN and Brentwood, TN, please see the FranklinIs Calendar.

 

 

 

 

 

Summer Night Hikes

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Family Activities in Brentwood, TN

 

OHNSOwl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary – Summer Night Hikes – Thurs., June 8, July 6 & August 10, 7:30pm – 9 pm.

Can you tell a Katydid call from a Cicada’s?  The croak of a Bullfrog from that of a Green Frog? Have you ever called owls or listened to birds going to bed?  Bring a picnic and enjoy an evening of “naked-eye” astronomy and listening to the Southern Summer Night chorus show with Naturalist Bob English of LEAPS.  

Ages 9 and Older

Gate opens an hour early for picnics

Register here: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/erf/event/782231/