Celebrate Reading at Nashville Zoo

Bring your young reader to an interactive celebration throughout the Zoo where stories come alive at different reading stops along the way. Kids will follow a special passport as they explore the park, discovering storybook readings at various locations paired with animal encounters and activities designed for budding book lovers. The event runs both days from 9:30 am to 2 pm, so you can choose whichever works best for your family (note that some activities depend on weather). Want to give back while you visit? Bring new or gently used children's books to donate, and you'll receive complimentary attraction tickets—up to four per person. These can be redeemed for rides on the Wild Animal Carousel, the Soaring Eagle Zip Line, or a showing at the Adventure 4D Theater. All donated books go to Book'em, a local nonprofit providing books to children in need throughout middle Tennessee. On Sunday only, Nashville Titans defensive end Jake Martin will be reading at select stops (Kangaroo at 10 a.m., Giraffe at 12:30 p.m., and Komodo Dragon at 1:15 p.m.). General admission or membership covers event entry—no additional fee required.