Wonderade Punch List

The weather read

Punch List rule this weekend: Cool day: bring a jacket and plan the outdoor stuff for midday, when it's warmest.

9 to 11 am

Mystic Mermaids Under the Sea Breakfast Watching mermaids swim to music over breakfast is a memorable morning for little ocean fans. Reservations are required, so book now. Aquarium Restaurant · $3 to $35 · Indoors · Book now, limited spots

11:30 am to 1 pm

Southern Festival of Books Kids get their own tent, character meet-and-greets and a whole world of books. It's indoors and out, so a jacket helps on a cool day. Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park · Price not listed · Indoors and out

2 to 3:30 pm

“A Year with Frog and Toad” Now at NCT Frog and Toad's friendship through the seasons comes alive with a hummable score. It's the final weekend, so book now. Nashville Children’s Theatre · $28.50 to $38.50 · Indoors · Book now, limited spots

4:30 pm

Pink Floyd Laser Show: The Dark Side of the Moon Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon as a laser show in the Adventure Science Center planetarium, recommended for ages 10 and older. Book now. Adventure Science Center · $11 · Indoors · Book now, limited spots

Evening

“Mother Goose” at Nashville Children’s Theatre A silly, laugh-out-loud Mother Goose show is made for your youngest learners, who get to join in the rhymes. Spots are limited, so book ahead. Nashville Children’s Theatre · $15.50 · Indoors · Book now, limited spots

Also Saturday: Lowe's Kids Workshops hand your mini DIYer a kit to build a toy they can really play with, so reserve your spot online. (Price not listed · Indoors · Book now, limited spots)

Also Saturday: Love that Dog by Little Blue Theatre Company follows Jack as he finds his voice through poetry, especially about his dog, so book now while spots last. ($13 to $19 · Indoors · Book now, limited spots)

Great weather. Stay outside as long as the kids will let you.

9 to 10:30 am

Cheekwood Harvest Pumpkin houses, a scarecrow trail and a river of marigolds make a gorgeous fall morning. Go early before the sun gets strong. Cheekwood · $2 to $29 · Outdoors, open sun

11:30 am to 1 pm

Southern Festival of Books Sunday at the Southern Festival of Books means more authors, character meet-and-greets and the Kid's Tent. Plan on about ninety minutes to wander. Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park · Price not listed · Indoors and out

2 to 3:30 pm

“A Year with Frog and Toad” Now at NCT Last chance to see grumpy Toad and cheerful Frog celebrate their differences. Spots are limited, so book now. Nashville Children’s Theatre · $28.50 to $38.50 · Indoors · Book now, limited spots

4 to 5:30 pm

“Mother Goose” at Nashville Children’s Theatre Mother Goose invites little ones to join in each classic rhyme in this playful show. Book ahead, since spots are limited. Nashville Children’s Theatre · $15.50 · Indoors · Book now, limited spots

Also Sunday: Love that Dog follows a boy who finds his voice through poetry, a lovely pick for school-age readers before it closes this weekend. ($13 to $19 · Indoors · Book now, limited spots)

Also Sunday: RoboTEC Robotics Club at the Technology Engagement Center is a hands-on build, code and create session for older kids who love a challenge. (Price not listed · Indoors)

Heads up: Nashville Predators Hockey takes over Bridgestone Arena Saturday. Expect crowds and traffic nearby, so route around it.

Heads up: Live on the Green Lawnwarming Party takes over Ascend Amphitheater Sunday. Expect crowds and traffic nearby, so route around it.

Dinner, sorted · Publix Burger Night Protein value: about 22 g protein per $

At about 22 g protein per $, Publix ground pork is one of the best protein values among this week's dinner deals. Smash burgers are fast, cheap and let the kids build their own.

Publix Ground Pork 80/20, Ground Fresh Daily	$3.49 lb
Publix Kiwi Pineapple Fruit Salad Mix Small, Medium, or Large Size cont.	$4.99 lb

Pork Night

Want a second night? A pork shoulder roast gives a lot of protein for the money and feeds you twice. Whole Pork Shoulder (Bone-In or Boneless Pork Half Loin) ($1.79/lb), Kroger Honeycrisp or Envy Apples 3 lb Bag ($4.99), Private Selection Gourmet Potatoes 24 oz (Buy 1, Get 1 Free), Fresh In-Store Made Salad Bowls 9-12 oz ($6).

The weekend bonus Large pumpkins at $3.95 are the cheapest afternoon of entertainment in town: carve, paint or just let the little ones scoop the goop. Toast the seeds after and you have a snack too.

Kroger Milk Gallon Kroger · about 49 g protein per $	$2.49
Simple Truth Cage Free Eggs Large, Grade A, 24 ct Kroger · about 28 g protein per $	$5.49
Boneless Chuck Roast Kroger · about 11 g protein per $	$6.99/lb
Heritage Farm Fresh Boneless Chicken Breast or Chicken Wings, Bone-In Kroger	$1.99/lb

Ads run Oct 14 to Oct 20. Prices can vary by store, so check your local ad. Protein figures use USDA values and the weight stated in the ad.