During the first two Saturdays in November, visit Nashville Zoo to hear children’s stories throughout the park. Follow the “Celebrate Reading” map, as it takes visitors through the Zoo to hear different storybooks read at various reading stops. During the event enjoy activities for young reading enthusiasts and animal encounters throughout the Zoo (weather dependent). Celebrate Reading runs November 4 and 11 from 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. both days. Check out the event map.

During the week in between the two Celebrate Reading events, the Zoo will offer complimentary attraction tickets (limit of four tickets per person) for anyone donating new or “like new” children’s books. The book drive will run Saturday, November 4 through Saturday, November 11. Attraction tickets can be used to ride on the carousel, zip line, train or enjoy a viewing at the 4D theater. All books will be donated to Book’em, a local nonprofit helping economically disadvantaged children discover the joy and value of reading through book ownership. Through their Nashville Kids book distribution program, Since 1989, Book ’em has provided more than one million books to children in middle Tennessee.

This event is included with general admission or membership. Advance timed-entry reservations are required for all guests, including members. Learn more about why reservations are required here. Get tickets or make a reservation here.