“The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show” at Nashville Children’s Theatre

This production brings four beloved Eric Carle stories to life through a visually stunning puppet show designed for young children. Kids ages 3–8 will watch as a cast of performers manipulates 75 large, colorful puppets across the stage—many recognizable from the classic picture books. The puppets are designed to match Carle's signature illustrative style, and you'll be able to see the actors operating them, making it a special behind-the-scenes peek at the theatrical magic. Since there's minimal dialogue and the stories are narrated, it's an accessible choice for younger audiences or those sensitive to language-heavy productions. Nashville Children's Theatre has built accessibility into every aspect of the experience. All performances are sensory-friendly, with a dedicated chill corner and noise-reducing headphones available if your child needs a break. Booster seats help ensure everyone can see the stage, and the theater offers preshow lobby activities for families an hour before curtain. If you're planning a class trip, the team makes field visits straightforward, with various performance options including neuro-inclusive and ASL-interpreted shows. Free parking and a downtown location near restaurants make it convenient for an outing.