Rain, rain, go away!

While I'm sure the rain is much needed, all of the wet, cold, rainy days we've had lately are not my idea of the beginning of a happy new year.

Luckily, older kids are back in school now but if you are at home with a preschooler, you might be looking for some dry things to do to pass the time.

We like to explore new places to find the little gems hidden within. It seems that if you keep your eyes open, even the strangest places can be a diamond in the rough for entertaining a child on a rainy day.

Brentwood was once filled with horse farms and river bottom. 

Now there are big, beautiful houses as far as the eye can see. 

When the subdivisions start closing in on you, head to Brentwood's unexpected wild places. 

Where do you see the animals near Brentwood, Tennessee?

Did you know that Brentwood, TN, has a new pet supply store?

But it's not just ANY pet supply store.

Happy ReTales gives 100% of its profits to the Happy Tales Humane Association in Franklin, TN.

Find out where Happy ReTales is located in Brentwood and what kind of grooming and natural pet foods it offers...

The city of Brentwood does not have a leash-free dog park. However...

...we have information on the Nashville and Franklin dog parks closest to Brentwood!

Let's face it: Bass Pro Shop Outdoor World is a monument to testosterone.

But that doesn't mean you should send the men to Opry Mills alone!

Find out why Bass Pro Shop Outdoor World is a fun place to take the kids in Nashville!

Tucked behind the Nashville Zoo is Grassmere, a historic Tennessee estate. The two remaining members of the Croft family bequeathed it as a nature study center. Now, you can tour the historic Croft House and farm as part of your Nashville Zoo visit.

Or, take a virtual walking tour of the historic Croft House and farm below.

My family LOVES the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere. It's a beautifully designed oasis, carved from a family farm donated to the city. The Nashville Zoo is easy to find on Nolensville Road, just south of Nashville off I-65 OR I-24.

HERE ARE OUR 10 INSIDER TIPS FOR MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR NASHVILLE ZOO VISIT:

As any kid can tell you, the Nashville Zoo's Jungle Gym might be the coolest playground in the world.

Just imagine how tall this log play structure appears to a child!

The Jungle Gym is so sprawling, I couldn't fit its many angles in one shot.

I wish I had taken enough photos to show you all its serpentine twists and turns.

We have a new fall tradition in our family. It's an annual trip to Gentry's Farm in Franklin, TN. We visited for the first time this year, and it was a ton of fun.