“Wetlands in Focus” Nudges Your Family Outdoors

Can you imagine enjoying Charlotte’s Web if you’d never seen a pig, or delighting in Wind in the Willows if you’d never studied a stream from its bank? Many young people today have little experience with nature beyond their own backyard.
The wetlands at Discovery Center offer a tremendous chance to visit the great outdoors, all within one mile of downtown Murfreesboro!  Inspired by the amazing work of local photographers who frequent the wetlands at Discovery Center, the exhibit opens up a whole new world to their visitors.
Children will learn all about the lively creatures that make the wetlands their home.  Visitors can manipulate puzzles, play matching games, do rubbings of animal tracks or create a diorama. Little ones can dress up like a raccoon or buzz through the gallery like a bee.
After browsing the exhibit, head outdoors to walk the boardwalk. Kids of all ages can train their eyes to watch for movement in the water and the tall grasses--- is that sinewy movement a snake?  is that flash of color a red-winged blackbird? Help your child become a good observer. Practice tip-toeing with little ones so they can listen for bird calls, rub a tree leaf between your fingers and see if it has a particular scent, see who can be the first one to spot a baby duckling.
All children delight in new sights and sounds. Grab a dip net and head out to the stepping stone pond. Teach
gentleness and care in picking up a crayfish or a worm, and returning them to their habitats. There is much
to learn when families focus on the great outdoors— start your visit inside, at “Wetlands in Focus.”

Discovery Center, 502 SE Broad St., Murfreesboro, TN 37130

615-890-2300

Hours:    Monday-Saturday   10am-5pm     Sunday    1pm-5pm
Admission:  $5 Children & Adults     Children under 2 Free