# Shelby Bottoms Nature Center & Greenway Autumn Wetlands Family Stroll

> Place to go for families in the Nashville–Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin area (TN). Times are Central Time.

- When: Open on its own schedule
- Dates: Starts Mon, Nov 23
- Where: Shelby Bottoms Nature Center, 1900 Davidson St, Nashville, TN 37206
- Ages: All ages (Paved greenway trails, interactive nature center, and outdoor playscape)
- Price: Free admission to nature center and park greenways
- Organizer: Metro Nashville Parks and Recreation & Friends of Shelby Park and Bottoms
- Official page: https://www.shelbynaturecenter.org/
- Last checked: Thu, Nov 5

Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 11, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about
Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-10), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/nashville/activities/shelby-bottoms-nature-center-and-greenway-autumn-wetlands-family-strol--listing-bef9a1a5791cf6b700676823

## About

Encompassing 960 acres of protected wetlands, bottomland forests, and open fields along the Cumberland River in East Nashville, Shelby Bottoms is an urban wildlife oasis. During late autumn, families can explore over 10 miles of paved multi-use trails and unpaved nature paths carpeted with amber leaves. Inside the eco-friendly Shelby Bottoms Nature Center, children can interact with hands-on nature discovery rooms, observe live native reptiles, examine bird nests, and browse children's nature books in the cozy reading corner. Outside, an innovative nature playscape encourages kids to build forts from branches and balance on logs. The paved greenway crosses peaceful footbridges overlooking beaver ponds and riverbanks where herons, deer, and migratory songbirds feed, making it a fantastic educational family outing during Thanksgiving week.

Family Experience & Accessibility:
• Stroller Accessibility: Paved main greenway loop offers completely smooth, wide terrain perfect for all strollers, bicycles, and wagons; unpaved trails are level and well-maintained.
• Nursing & Rest Spots: Nature Center features heated, accessible public restrooms with changing tables and quiet indoor seating overlooking the wetlands.
• Age Suitability: Welcoming to all ages; the nature playscape and indoor discovery exhibits cater wonderfully to toddlers through elementary schoolers.
• Sensory Tips: Gentle natural acoustics with rustling river cane, chirping birds, and tranquil pond overlooks; hands-on tactile touch tables inside the center.

## Similar picks in Nashville

- [Cumberland Park Riverfront Stroll & Family Nature Playground](https://grassyknees.com/nashville/activities/cumberland-park-riverfront-stroll-and-family-nature-playground--listing-3b84ceca9931fa8df69dc49a) — Open on its own schedule · Cumberland Park · All ages · Free · checked Nov 5. Situated on the east bank of the Cumberland River nestled between the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge and the Korean Veterans Memorial Bridge, Cumberland Park is an innovative…
- [Shelby Bottoms Nature Center Winter Birding & Paved River Greenway](https://grassyknees.com/nashville/activities/shelby-bottoms-nature-center-winter-birding-and-paved-river-greenway--listing-413f3ab0ad4cab99f2d4c5e7) — Open on its own schedule · Shelby Bottoms Nature Center & Greenway · All ages · Free · checked Nov 5. Situated along a wide bend of the Cumberland River in East Nashville, Shelby Bottoms Greenway and Nature Center encompasses 960 acres of protected wetlands, bottomland hardwood…
- [Two Rivers Park & Historic Mansion Autumn Family Stroll](https://grassyknees.com/nashville/activities/two-rivers-park-and-historic-mansion-autumn-family-stroll--listing-dbb423a81d9feba858b8fc3a) — Open on its own schedule · Two Rivers Park & Mansion · All ages · Free · checked Nov 5. Situated on a scenic peninsula between the Cumberland and Stones Rivers in Donelson, Two Rivers Park and Mansion offers a splendid combination of antebellum history and…
- [Percy Warner Park Winter Nature Strolls & Deep Well Scenic Loops](https://grassyknees.com/nashville/activities/percy-warner-park-winter-nature-strolls-and-deep-well-scenic-loops--listing-1efa8d5d5c30cd578e31af92) — Open on its own schedule · Percy Warner Park (Warner Parks Nature Center) · All ages · Free · checked Nov 5. Percy Warner Park, combining with Edwin Warner Park to encompass over 3,100 acres of protected forest, forms the beloved green crown of Nashville's park system. Winter transforms…
- [Beaman Park Nature Center Winter Highland Rim Hikes & Boardwalks](https://grassyknees.com/nashville/activities/beaman-park-nature-center-winter-highland-rim-hikes-and-boardwalks--listing-2ff2a1610300cb3c6fa457f7) — Open on its own schedule · Beaman Park Nature Center · All ages · Free · checked Nov 5. Tucked into the rugged hills of northwestern Davidson County on the Highland Rim, Beaman Park encompasses over 2,100 acres of pristine deciduous forest and crystal-clear…
- [Long Hunter State Park Autumn Couchville Lake Trail & Family Nature Walk](https://grassyknees.com/nashville/activities/long-hunter-state-park-autumn-couchville-lake-trail-and-family-nature--listing-45e24799f78b04a6a3a9a1ec) — Open on its own schedule · Long Hunter State Park Couchville Lake, Hermitage · All ages · Free · checked Nov 7. Located along the serene eastern shores of J. Percy Priest Lake, Long Hunter State Park encompasses 2,600 acres of cedar glades, hardwood ridges, and pristine water views. A…

## More for families

- [Things to do with kids at Shelby Bottoms Nature Center](https://grassyknees.com/nashville/venues/shelby-bottoms-nature-center) (Markdown: https://grassyknees.com/nashville/venues/shelby-bottoms-nature-center.md)
- [Things to do with kids in Davidson County, TN](https://grassyknees.com/nashville/counties/davidson-county-tn) (Markdown: https://grassyknees.com/nashville/counties/davidson-county-tn.md)
- [Things to do with kids in Nashville — November 2026](https://grassyknees.com/nashville/events/2026-11) (Markdown: https://grassyknees.com/nashville/events/2026-11.md)
- [This weekend in Nashville](https://grassyknees.com/nashville/this-weekend) (Markdown: https://grassyknees.com/nashville/this-weekend.md)
- [Things to do with kids in Nashville](https://grassyknees.com/nashville) (Markdown: https://grassyknees.com/nashville.md)