TOTS! at Cheekwood

TOTS! is a drop-in program at Cheekwood designed for toddlers and their grown-up companions. Each Tuesday morning from 10 AM to noon, families can enjoy hands-on activities, multiple storytimes, and the popular Turtle Talks experience where an educator feeds the turtles and answers questions about these garden residents. The program is themed weekly around current exhibitions and seasonal topics—in August, the focus is on birds, with activities inspired by stories like "Owls" and "Northern Mockingbirds." What makes TOTS! special is its flexible, arrive-when-you-can format. You'll find storytimes at 10 AM, 10:45 AM, and 11:30 AM, so you can pop in when it works for your schedule. Turtle Talks happen at 11:15 AM and last about 10–15 minutes. The whole experience is included with your Cheekwood membership or general admission—no extra ticket needed. Since the program is weather-dependent, the team recommends checking their Instagram stories or calling 615-353-9827 before heading over if you're unsure about conditions. Dress your little one for getting messy and bring along their sense of adventure!