Whether it’s raining, too hot, too cold, or you just need a change of scenery, this guide highlights local indoor spots that make it easier to plan a fun day close to home. You’ll find creative play spaces, arcades, recreation centers, and local hangouts that work for both younger and older kids, along with a few unexpected places that make for simple, low-stress outings.
Some locations are open daily, while others have limited hours, seasonal programs, or scheduled open play times, so it’s best to check ahead for current details and costs.
Explore each section to find what fits your family:
- Educational Fun & Discovery – Libraries and historical sites that encourage curiosity and learning.
- Creative & Sensory Play – Art studios, sensory spaces, and play-based programs for creative minds.
- Indoor Playgrounds & Play Gyms – Safe, active spaces for climbing, movement, and open play.
- Gymnastics, Movement & Recreation – Gymnastics gyms and community rec centers for kids who love to move.
- Games, Arcades & Entertainment Centers – Fun for all ages, from bowling to classic arcades.
- Local Shops & Family Hangouts – Laid-back indoor stops like bookstores, boutiques, and pet shops that make for easy outings.
For now, this guide focuses on Columbia and Spring Hill, where there’s already plenty to explore before venturing farther out.
Educational Fun & Discovery
If your family enjoys learning together, this section’s for you. Local libraries and historical sites offer hands-on ways to explore stories, history, and the world around us while sparking curiosity in every age.
Libraries
Maury County Public Library
Location: 211 W 8th St, Columbia
As of mid-October 2025, the Maury County Public Library is closed for renovations. Books can still be checked out through curbside pickup, and several programs have temporarily moved off-site, including story times (twice a week), LEGO Club, Baby Play Date, and Baby Music and Movement. Programming is currently offered at a reduced frequency, but once the library reopens, families can look forward to the children’s area downstairs with a reading nook, train table, building blocks, play fire truck, and other hands-on toys.
Mount Pleasant Library
Location: 200 Hay Long Ave, Mt Pleasant
The Mount Pleasant Library is a welcoming spot to browse and check out books, especially while the Maury County Library is closed for renovations. They occasionally host children’s programs and storytimes, which are shared on their Facebook page as events are planned. Program offerings vary throughout the year, so it’s best to follow their page for the latest updates.
Spring Hill Public Library
Location: 144 Kedron Pkwy, Spring Hill
The Spring Hill Public Library has a wonderful children’s area with plenty of space for reading and play. Storytimes typically take place on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings unless the library is closed. Families can also enjoy programs like After-School Art Break and a monthly ballet class. It’s best to check the library’s online calendar for the most current schedule and special events.
Museums & Historic Sites
President James K. Polk Home & Museum
Location: 301 W 7th St, Columbia
While not designed specifically for young children, the President James K. Polk Home & Museum can be a good option for families interested in history or government. The site offers guided tours of the home and exhibits that explore the life and legacy of the 11th U.S. president. They occasionally host homeschool days and summer camps that give kids a more interactive learning experience.
The Athenaeum
Location: 808 Athenaeum Street, Columbia
Once home to a girls’ school in the mid-1800s, The Athenaeum highlights Columbia’s educational and architectural history. Guided tours offer a look inside the Greek Revival mansion and share stories of the Polk family’s influence. It’s an interesting, low-cost stop for families who enjoy history and want to include a short educational outing in their day.
Mt. Pleasant Museum of Local History
Location: 108 Public Square, Mt. Pleasant
The Mt. Pleasant Museum of Local History shares how the town evolved from a farming community to the “Phosphate Capital of the World.” Three floors of exhibits display mining tools, photos, and artifacts from different eras of local life. It’s a quiet, free indoor stop for families who enjoy exploring together and can easily be paired with lunch or shopping downtown.
Rippavilla
Location: 5700 Main St, Spring Hill
Rippavilla isn’t a children’s attraction in the traditional sense, but it can be a meaningful stop for families interested in local history or early American life. Built in 1855, the home and grounds played a role in the Battle of Spring Hill during the Civil War. Guided tours offer a look at the property’s history, architecture, and daily life from that era, making it a good option for school-age kids ready for a bit of a history lesson. Tickets must be purchased online.
Creative & Sensory Play
For kids who love to explore, create, or engage their senses, these local spaces offer hands-on ways to play and imagine. From sensory playrooms and developmental spaces to interactive art and discovery studios, each one encourages creativity and connection through play.
aMuse’um Children’s Museum
Location: 123 W 7th St, Columbia
This playful, hands-on children’s museum is full of interactive exhibits designed for young kids. Exhibits include a mini grocery store, doctor’s office, veterinary clinic, baby nursery, bank area, restaurant, ice cream shop, dental office, and paint wall. Each space encourages fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, social interaction, and creative problem-solving.
The museum also offers special themed projects during its 10:00 AM –12:30 PM play session several days a week, which are included with regular admission and rotate weekly. Advanced registration isn’t required but is recommended to guarantee your spot. aMuse’um runs three play sessions each day, and membership options are available for families who plan to visit often.
Villages Clubhouse
Location: 1127 S High St, Columbia
Villages Clubhouse offers a warm, welcoming space designed for young children and their parents to play, learn, and connect. They also provide therapy services and feeding support for families. The center features open play sessions for ages 1–5 held Monday through Friday and typically one Saturday a month, with baby open play twice a week for infants to pre-walkers. Families can also join age-based playgroups, access the toy library, and participate in seasonal workshops. Membership options are available as well as gift cards.
Villages is also home to Blue Gene Bookshop, which has hosted story times, and Firefly Garden Club, which offers creative, nature-inspired workshops for kids ages 4 and up. It’s best to check their calendar to see current offerings and availability.
Arise Therapies
Location: 2563 Nashville Hwy Ste. 6, Columbia
Arise Therapies provides speech-language, feeding, and occupational therapy for kids and adults across Middle Tennessee. While this isn’t a regular drop-in play space, they occasionally host Sensory Play Events that are open to the community. These sessions feature a variety of hands-on sensory activities designed for kids ages 1–6. Parent attendance is required, and it’s a fun, low-pressure way for families to explore sensory play in a supportive environment.
Muletown Pottery
Location: 101 N James Campbell Blvd, Columbia
Muletown Pottery is a walk-in paint-your-own pottery studio where kids and adults can choose a piece to paint, then return a week later to pick up their finished, kiln-fired creation. It’s a relaxing, hands-on activity that works well for a quiet afternoon or small group outing. Any age is welcome to paint, though it’s best suited for ages 3 and up. Groups of six or more are asked to call ahead to ensure space.
TN Art Yard
Location: 5337 Main Street, Spring Hill
TN Art Yard offers Art Play, a child-led, parent-assisted art and sensory play time for kids ages 2–10. During this open-ended session, children can explore sensory stations, a makerspace, a painting room, and even an outdoor messy area, with opportunities to create and take home their own art. Art Play is the studio’s only drop-in option and typically runs Tuesday through Thursday from 9:30 to 11:30 AM. The studio also offers a variety of art classes for younger and older kids throughout the year.
Indoor Playgrounds & Play Gyms
These spaces are designed for active play, giving kids a chance to climb, jump, and explore while parents join in or watch nearby. Both offer open play sessions that encourage movement and fun in a safe indoor setting.
Kids Fun City
Location: 1301 S James Campbell Blvd #3, Columbia
Kids Fun City offers a clean, safe space for little ones to climb, play, and explore. With a variety of play structures, sensory activities, and interactive games, it’s designed to keep toddlers and preschoolers moving and engaged. The setup makes it easy for parents to relax nearby while kids enjoy active, indoor fun.
Maddy’s Playhouse
Location: 2001 Campbell Station Pkwy C-12, Spring Hill
Spring Hill’s newest play café, Maddy’s Playhouse offers a clean, cozy environment where young children can play while parents relax nearby. The space features imaginative play areas designed for social interaction, creative movement, and safe exploration. In addition to everyday play sessions, the owner plans to host community-centered events, including free educational workshops and family support opportunities. These may include collaborations with local therapists for developmental screenings or wellness seminars for new moms.
KidsVille Playground
Location: 2404 Kidsville Way, Cornersville
KidsVille’s indoor playground is designed for children under 12 and offers a bright, engaging space to climb, slide, explore, and play. The setup includes exciting slides, climbing structures, interactive games, a sharing library, a dedicated toddler area, and a small basketball court. There is also an outdoor mini golf course available seasonally. Children 12 months and under receive discounted admission.
Note: While KidsVille isn’t located in Columbia or Spring Hill, it is just a little over 30 minutes from downtown Columbia. It may be a helpful option for families looking for something new.
Gymnastics, Movement, & Recreation
These local gyms and recreation centers give kids a place to move, climb, and play year-round. Check schedules for open play times and seasonal programs before visiting.
Gymnastics & Movement Play
Discovery Gymnastics
Location: 1943 Union Pl, Columbia
Discovery Gymnastics offers seasonal open play sessions that give kids a fun, safe place to move and explore. Open play typically runs on Wednesdays from 11 AM–12 PM and Thursdays from 9–10 AM (check their calendar for current schedule). These sessions are open to all ages and feature a mini obstacle course with equipment designed for climbing, balancing, and jumping. Parents stay on the mats with their children, and the only areas off limits are the four corners where larger equipment is set up. They also offer structured gymnastics classes starting at 18 months, along with Parent’s Night Out events and day camps throughout the year.
Shining Light Gymnastics
Location: 4008 Parkfield Loop N, Spring Hill, TN 37174
Shining Light Gymnastics offers open gym and ninja gym sessions on Wednesdays and Fridays (Fridays include multiple one-hour time slots) that welcome active kids of various ages. Their gymnastics open gym is geared for ages 6 and under while the ninja gym welcomes ages 1-10; the 12:30 PM Friday time slot is open to all ages. They also provide classes starting at age 1 and run day camps and Parent’s Night Out programs. Check their calendar for the current schedule.
Recreation Centers
Columbia Aquatic & Recreation Center
Location: 1446 Oak Springs Dr, Columbia
The Columbia Aquatic & Recreation Center (formerly Muletown Rec) offers occasional indoor activities including storytime, crafts, playdough, and LEGO fun. Families can also enjoy the indoor pools year-round, which are accessible with a membership or day pass. Children ages 2 and under are free. The center also hosts children’s programs both on-site and at local parks, featuring story times, nature adventures, STEM activities, and holiday-themed events. While on-site activities at the center require an entry fee for non-members, most off-site programs are free.
Longview Recreation Center
Location: 2909 Commonwealth Dr, Spring Hill
The Longview Recreation Center in Spring Hill offers a variety of kid-friendly indoor activities including an indoor pool, open gym times, racquetball and wallyball courts, an indoor walking track, and a game room (with parental supervision for younger children). The center also hosts youth recreation programs such as martial arts, dance, chess club, and STEM activities, with some classes designed for parent and child participation. Most activities require a membership or day pass, and schedules or seasonal offerings can be found on the Williamson County Parks and Recreation website or by contacting the center directly.
Games, Arcades & Entertainment Centers
For families ready for a little friendly competition, Columbia and nearby areas offer a growing list of arcades and entertainment centers. From classic arcade games and bowling to newer gaming lounges, these are great picks for rainy days or weekend outings.
Family Entertainment Centers
Victory Box Game & Party Room
Location: 101 N James Campbell Blvd, Columbia
Victory Box is Columbia’s go-to spot for family fun, parties, and team celebrations. Kids and parents can race head-to-head on digital slot car tracks, play basketball, foosball, shuffleboard, and air hockey, or enjoy more than 50 retro arcade games. For younger kids, there’s a cozy nook with a miniature racetrack, playhouse, and coloring area, making it a great indoor destination for all ages.
Tenn Pin Alley
Location: 730 Mooresville Pike, Columbia
Tenn Pin Alley offers a wide range of indoor fun for families, including bowling on 32 modern lanes, a large arcade with more than 60 games, bumper cars, and laser tag. The on-site Max’s Café serves meals and snacks, making it easy to spend a full day enjoying the activities. The center also features outdoor attractions such as go-karts and mini golf, with all experiences available year-round.
Par4 Virtual Golf
Location: 421 W 7th St, Columbia
Par4 Virtual Golf offers a flexible, weatherproof play space suited for kids ages 2 and up, with two self-service bays featuring ProTee VX launch monitors and GS Pro software for access to more than 400 courses, themed games like Candy Land and dinosaur adventures, putt putt, and kid-friendly practice modes. Each bay hosts up to six players for one flat rate, with discounted off-peak pricing from 8am to 4pm and membership options that provide 24/7 access and booking discounts.
Hobby & Game Shops
Game Knight
Location: 119 Nashville Hwy #117, Columbia
Game Knight is a local game store and community space for hobby gaming and trading card games, featuring titles like Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon, and Warhammer, along with a variety of board games and accessories. The shop hosts regular events and tournaments that are especially popular with teens and adults, but the atmosphere is family-friendly, and younger kids are welcome for casual play or to learn alongside parents or older siblings. Staff are happy to help new players get started, and occasional family game days or introductory sessions are listed on their event calendar. Activities are best suited for school-age children and up, with daily store hours and extended evening times for community events.
Muletown Hobbies and Games
Location: 105 E James Campbell Blvd #4, Columbia
Muletown Hobbies and Games is a welcoming spot for older kids and families interested in tabletop games and creative hobbies. The shop offers daily learn-to-play sessions, including a popular Pokémon program where staff teach the basics of gameplay and help newcomers get started. Families can also drop in for open paint nights, where kids can choose a miniature to paint with all supplies provided. Most in-store events are free or have a small fee, and the friendly staff make it easy for beginners to learn, play, and explore new hobbies together.
Arcades & Indoor Play Zones
Quarter Bandits
Location: 4910 Main St. #118, Spring Hill
Quarter Bandits is a family-friendly arcade featuring more than 30 games, including classic arcade titles, driving and flying simulators, and pinball machines. Children ages 4–7 receive half-price admission, and kids 3 and under play free with a paying adult. It’s a fun, budget-friendly spot for families looking to enjoy some indoor entertainment together.
Joyfull Arcade
Location: 2001 Campbell Station Pkwy Suite A-4, Spring Hill
Joyfull Arcade is a family-friendly indoor entertainment center featuring unlimited classic and next-generation arcade gaming for ages 5 and up. Kids can explore over 10,000 games, from retro favorites like Pac-Man to the latest releases, with options for VR gaming, racing and flight simulators, and multi-player virtual arenas. The space is fully climate controlled and ideal for family visits or birthday parties, which include private celebration rooms and dedicated gaming hosts. Most attractions are suitable for younger children, though some motion simulators and VR experiences are best for ages 5 and up for safety and comfort.
Local Shops & Family Hangouts
For those days when you just need to get out of the house, these local spots make for easy, low-key outings. From browsing pet stores and local boutiques to relaxing in cozy bookshops or grabbing lunch where kids can play, these stops mix practicality with fun.
Bookstores & Local Shops
Duck River Books
Location: 12 Public Square, Columbia
Duck River Books is a small independent bookstore on the Columbia square where families can browse new and used titles. While an umbrella stroller worked fine for us, there are posted signs asking customers not to block walkways, which suggests stroller space can be an issue at busier times. There’s no dedicated area for sitting or reading.
Since it’s a traditional bookstore filled with shelves to explore, it’s usually best suited for older kids or younger ones who are content in a stroller or being worn. More active toddlers might find it a little challenging to stay close, so this spot works well as a short visit to pick out a new book.
Ghostlight Books
Location: 1106 S Garden St, Columbia
Ghostlight Books is a welcoming, volunteer-run bookstore that doubles as a creative community space. Families can browse shelves together or settle into one of the cozy reading nooks, and older kids may enjoy the Teen Room stocked with board games, puzzles, and art supplies. The shop also includes flexible rooms for workshops and events, along with a courtyard that occasionally hosts small performances or gatherings. It’s a calm, inviting spot to slow down and explore something new indoors.
Needle & Grain
Location: 802 S Main St, Columbia
Needle & Grain is a thoughtfully curated home-goods and craft store that welcomes families, especially with younger children. On select Wednesdays throughout the year the shop hosts seasonal bi-weekly story times for kids, complete with a craft activity that follows the reading. Parents and little ones can browse shelves filled with toys, art supplies, and kid-friendly items. The store is stroller-friendly and offers a calm indoor outing that mixes browsing with creative fun.
The Factory Columbia
Location: 101 N James Campbell Blvd, Columbia
The Factory Columbia isn’t necessarily a kid destination, but it’s a great spot if you need a comfortable place to let little ones stretch their legs while you grab a coffee or tea. The open layout offers wide indoor walkways that make it easy for stroller walks or babywearing strolls, and there’s plenty of room to wander without worrying about the weather. It’s an easy, low-effort stop when you just need to get out of the house for a bit.
Love Rae Grace Boutique
Location: 5075 Main Street, Suite D2, Spring Hill
Love Rae Grace Boutique hosts The Mom & Me Club, a cozy weekly hangout for moms and their little ones (generally preschool age and under). Held every Tuesday from 12:30 to 2 PM, it’s a relaxed space for connection, coffee, and creative play. Activities include parachute games, sensory balls, dancing scarves, and coloring sheets, with plenty of room for little ones to explore. It’s free to attend, and coffee and snacks are provided, making it an easy mid-day reset for moms and a fun indoor outing for kids.
Animal & Nature Stops
Franklin Aquarium Pet Shop
Location: 2409 Highland Ave, Columbia
Franklin Aquarium Pet Shop is a fun, low-key spot for kids to see fish, birds, reptiles, and small animals up close. It’s a quick, free indoor stop that feels a little like a mini zoo, especially for animal-loving toddlers. Think of it as a simple, stroller-friendly outing where little ones can explore and point out their favorite creatures.
United Farm & Home Co-op
Location: 975 Riverview Ln, Columbia
United Farm & Home Co-op is a farm and pet supply store that carries everything from pet food and garden tools to lawn care products and gear for animal lovers and hobby farmers. While it’s not a hands-on animal experience, it’s a calm, easy stop to stroll through and chat about farming, animals, and outdoor life. It makes for a simple, low-key detour if you’re already out running errands nearby.
Lowe’s Columbia
Location: 2000 Hillary Dr, Columbia
Lowe’s Columbia is a stroller-friendly indoor outing that works perfectly when you just need somewhere dry, free, and easy to explore. Kids can wander the aisles to look at lights, plants, tools, or seasonal displays, turning an ordinary errand into a quick, low-pressure adventure.
Play-Friendly Eateries
Chick-fil-A Play Place
Location: 605 S James Campbell Blvd, Columbia
Chick-fil-A’s indoor Play Place is a convenient spot for families to combine lunch and playtime. The play area is clean, enclosed, and designed for younger children, making it a comfortable stop when you need an easy indoor outing. Parents can relax with a meal or coffee while kids burn off some energy in a safe, family-friendly space.
McDonald’s Play Place
Location: 1225 Trotwood Ave, Columbia
McDonald’s Play Place offers an easy, low-cost indoor play option where kids can climb, slide, and explore while parents enjoy a quick meal or coffee break. It’s a simple way to let kids play indoors on a rainy day or make errands more fun with a short stop to get the wiggles out.
Columbia and Spring Hill are full of small, local spots that make family time easy, even when the weather isn’t. From creative play spaces and cozy libraries to indoor gyms, arcades, and neighborhood favorites, there are plenty of ways to learn, explore, and have fun inside.
Whether you’re cooling off on a hot afternoon or staying dry on a rainy day, I hope this guide gives you a few new ideas to keep in your back pocket. If you’ve found another great indoor activity your kids love in Columbia or Spring Hill, I’d love to hear about it. Share it in the comments or send it my way so I can include it in future updates.
Columbia TN Kids Guide 
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