Montgomery County Parks and Recreation invites residents and visitors to enjoy a full week of free family programming during Spring Break, March 16–20, 2026. Activities will take place at Downtown Commons, 215 Legion Street, for the Stay-cation Event Series, and at the Wade Bourne Nature Center at Rotary Park, 2308 Rotary Park Drive, for Spring Break Animal Week. Both events will offer interactive entertainment, educational programs, live animal encounters, and hands-on activities suitable for all ages.  

Monday, March 16 - Lunch on the Lawn at Downtown Commons  

Spring Break begins with a lunchtime gathering from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. People of all ages are encouraged to enjoy outdoor seating, yard games, and a relaxed downtown atmosphere while purchasing lunch from local food trucks, including Pop & Dogs and Bronx Mystique Deli, or supporting nearby restaurants.  

Tuesday, March 17 - Animal Myths & Truths at the Wade Bourne Nature Center  

• 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) Wildlife on Wheels mobile museum is full of beautifully preserved animals.  
• *10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.- Coming to you from the Land Between the Lakes Woodlands Nature Station, ‘Animal Myths and Truths,’ explains the stories behind folklore and features live animals.  
• 2:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.- Drop-in activity suitable for all ages; stop by at your convenience.  
• 4:00 p.m.- Join us for ‘Turtle Time’ to meet Penny the turtle, who is waking up for the season and will be outside getting exercise.  

Wednesday, March 18 - Snakes of Tennessee at the Wade Bourne Nature Center  

• *10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.- Snakes of Tennessee: Learn all about the snakes that call Tennessee home and how to identify which are venomous and which are not, what to do if you encounter one in the wild, fun facts, and meet "Buggie" the Native Corn Snake that lives at the Nature Center.  
• 2:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.- Drop-in activity suitable for all ages; stop by at your convenience.  
• 6:00 p.m.- Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Gardening Series- Learn about soil and composting.  

Hooked on Science at Downtown Commons  

2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. - Downtown Commons will host a special science presentation in partnership with the Clarksville-Montgomery County Public Library featuring educator Jason Lindsey. Enjoy a fun, high-energy show where kids and families will discover the wild and wacky science behind weather through eye-popping experiments and exciting demonstrations.  

Thursday, March 19 - Neon Glow: Biofluorescence in Nature at the Wade Bourne Nature Center  

• *10:00 a.m.- Bring your walking shoes for a Spring Wildflower Walk with a naturalist to discover native wildflowers down by the creek, and afterwards enjoy some flowering tea at Rotary Park.  
• *10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.- Coming to you from the Land Between the Lakes Woodlands Nature Station, ‘Neon Glow: Biofluorescence in Nature’ displays the live animals that literally glow in the dark.  
• 2:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.- Drop-in activity suitable for all ages; stop by at your convenience. 
• 4:00 p.m.- Join us for ‘Turtle Time’ to meet Penny the turtle, who is waking up for the season and will be outside getting exercise.  

Friday, March 20 - Why ZOO We Do It at the Wade Bourne Nature Center  

• *8:30 a.m.- Borrow binoculars and head onto the trails for guided bird watching with a naturalist.  
• 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library will be giving away books (first-come, first-served) 
• *10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. ‘Why ZOO We Do It?’ Step into the fascinating story of zoos, past, present, and future. Alongside a former zookeeper, you will explore how zoos began, how they’ve evolved, and why modern zoos look so different today. Together, we’ll uncover the important role accredited zoos play in animal welfare, conservation, research, and education.  
• 2:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.- Drop-in activity suitable for all ages; stop by at your convenience.  

Spring Break Bash at Downtown Commons  

Spring Break festivities conclude from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Downtown Commons with the Spring Break Bash, featuring inflatables, food trucks, yard games, and community activities celebrating the close of the week.  

Locations  

Downtown Commons  
215 Legion Street    
Clarksville, TN 37040

Wade Bourne Nature Center at Rotary Park  
2308 Rotary Park Drive  
Clarksville, TN 37043

All events and programs are free to attend; however, select sessions at the Wade Bourne Nature Center require registration, as indicated by an asterisk (*). For the full schedule and registration details, visit https://montgomerytn.gov/parks/events-and-programs.  

Families are encouraged to mark their calendars, invite friends, and celebrate Spring Break right here in Montgomery County. With engaging activities, educational programming, and fun for all ages, this is one week you won’t want to miss.