This week brings a slower rhythm as we close out 2025 and prepare to welcome the new year. With fewer scheduled kids events on the calendar, it feels like a natural pause after a full season of gatherings, celebrations, and busy weeks. This kind of reset can be a gift in itself. A chance to spend time together without rushing, lean into simple routines, and ease into the new year.
A few notes to keep in mind as you plan your week:
- Villages Clubhouse is closed for the week, along with many other open play and drop-in style businesses.
- Several play spaces are offering day camps instead. If you have older kids, you may still be able to find available spots.
- Many weekly programs and favorites are paused until the new year, so it’s a good idea to double-check schedules before heading out.
- If you’re looking for Noon Year’s Eve or kid-friendly New Year’s Eve events, I haven’t found any happening in Columbia or Spring Hill this year. If you’re willing to travel or prefer to celebrate at home, I put together a separate Noon Year’s Eve guide with events in Franklin, Nashville, and Murfreesboro, plus simple at-home ideas for families.
As the year wraps up, I’ve found myself reflecting on how grateful I am for this community that’s grown over the past year. Sharing kid-friendly events began as a practical way to help families plan their weeks, but it’s also become a meaningful way to connect with other parents who are looking for the same things I am. Low-pressure outings, welcoming spaces, and opportunities for our kids to experience their community alongside us. Being able to help build those connections while finding my own sense of belonging has been one of the most unexpected and rewarding parts of this year.
Looking ahead to 2026, there will be a few thoughtful updates to this guide. One of the biggest changes you’ll begin to see is the inclusion of events for kids up to age 12, alongside the baby, toddler, and preschool activities that have always been the foundation here. That shift starts even in this week’s guide, as I work to reflect the full range of kid-friendly events happening around our community. While the scope is expanding, the heart of this guide remains the same. Helping families find easy, meaningful ways to spend time together and feel more connected right here in Columbia and Spring Hill.
Scroll down or click on a day below for the full calendar with dates, times, costs, and links to help you plan.
Monday, December 29th
📚 Story Time with Maury County Public Library (Off-Site)
Location: Maury County Archives (201 E 6th St, Columbia)
Time: 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM
Cost: Free
Description: Join Maury County Public Library at the Archives Building for story time while the main library undergoes renovations. This week’s theme is Frosty Fun, featuring stories, rhymes, and simple activities for young children.
🎨 Messy Zone Mondays: Shaving Cream Marbling
Location: aMuse’um Children’s Museum (123 W 7th St #3213, Columbia)
Time: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Cost: Free for members; included with admission ($12 per child; one adult free per paid child, additional adults $6) (Reserve a spot)
Description: Today’s project is Shaving Cream Marbling. Hands on messy fun that encourages artistic expression, fine motor skill development, and imaginative thinking. Kids explore new textures and materials while building creativity in a playful, open ended setting. This program is included with the regular 10:00–12:30 play session, so the $12 admission (non-members) covers the full playtime.
🦖 Maddy’s Playhouse Open Play
Time: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: Maddy’s Playhouse (2001 Campbell Station Pkwy C-12, Spring Hill)
Cost: Regular admission or membership applies (Purchase here)
Description: Maddy’s Playhouse is confirmed open regular hours today. A play café offering a clean, cozy space where young children can explore imaginative play areas while parents relax nearby. The environment is designed to encourage social interaction, creative movement, and safe, open-ended play.
🍫 Chocolate Bar Making & Orange Pomander Craft
Location: Camellia Chocolates (101 N James Campbell Blvd, Suite 4, Columbia)
Time: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Cost: $10 per small chocolate bar. $6 per pomander.
Description: Drop-in chocolate activities available throughout the day. The Make Your Own Chocolate Bar experience is best for kids ages 2 and up with supervision and can be adapted based on fine motor skills. The Orange and Clove Pomander craft is best suited for kids ages 5 and up, with supervised participation available for younger children ages 2 and up. No advance booking is required, though reservations are available to ensure a specific time. Complimentary spiced cranberry apple cider will be available.
🎨 Family Painting Event: Snowman Love
Location: Painting with a Twist (1202 S James Campbell Blvd, Suite 14, Columbia)
Time: 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Cost: $25 per person. Optional DIY scented soy candle add-on for $20. (Sign up here)
Description: All-ages family painting event featuring a 16×20 canvas with step-by-step instruction. Guests may bring their own snacks and beverages. Participants adding a candle are asked to arrive 20 minutes early. Class may be canceled if minimum enrollment is not met, and advance registration is recommended.
Tuesday, December 30th
👟 Stroller Workouts and Walks
Location: Macedonia Recreation Center (501 Armstrong St, Columbia)
Time: 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM
Cost: Free
Description: Join Columbia Parks and Recreation for Stroller Workouts and Toddler Hangouts, a winter fitness meetup for parents and caregivers with stroller-aged children. Stay active and connected during the colder months with a mix of light cardio, simple strength exercises, and relaxed group walking in a comfortable indoor setting at the Macedonia Rec Center. Families can use the gym space for movement and workouts, and kids are welcome to ride along in strollers or play nearby with available bouncy balls and Duplo blocks. No childcare is needed. Just bring a stroller, water, and comfortable clothes. This class is welcoming, low-pressure, and designed for all fitness levels, offering a warm and supportive way to stay active through the winter.
🔎Wonder Station – Jelly Bean Color Wheels
Location: aMuse’um Children’s Museum (123 W 7th St #3213, Columbia)
Time: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Cost: Free for members; included with admission ($12 per child; one adult free per paid child, additional adults $6) (Reserve a spot)
Description: Today’s project is Jelly Bean Color Wheels. Wonder Station encourages kids to explore, question, and experiment. Each session introduces fun, hands-on science and problem-solving activities that spark curiosity and help children build observation and critical-thinking skills in a playful, low-pressure environment. This program is included with the regular 10:00–12:30 play session, so the $12 admission (non-members) covers the full playtime.
🦖 Maddy’s Playhouse Open Play
Time: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Location: Maddy’s Playhouse (2001 Campbell Station Pkwy C-12, Spring Hill)
Cost: Regular admission or membership applies (Purchase here)
Description: Maddy’s Playhouse is confirmed open regular hours today. A play café offering a clean, cozy space where young children can explore imaginative play areas while parents relax nearby. The environment is designed to encourage social interaction, creative movement, and safe, open-ended play.
Wednesday, December 31st
🦖 Maddy’s Playhouse Open Play
Time: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: Maddy’s Playhouse (2001 Campbell Station Pkwy C-12, Spring Hill)
Cost: Regular admission or membership applies (Purchase here)
Description: Maddy’s Playhouse is confirmed open regular hours today. A play café offering a clean, cozy space where young children can explore imaginative play areas while parents relax nearby. The environment is designed to encourage social interaction, creative movement, and safe, open-ended play.
🍫 Chocolate Bar Making & Orange Pomander Craft
Location: Camellia Chocolates (101 N James Campbell Blvd, Suite 4, Columbia)
Time: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Cost: $10 per small chocolate bar. $6 per pomander.
Description: Drop-in chocolate activities available throughout the day. The Make Your Own Chocolate Bar experience is best for kids ages 2 and up with supervision and can be adapted based on fine motor skills. The Orange and Clove Pomander craft is best suited for kids ages 5 and up, with supervised participation available for younger children ages 2 and up. No advance booking is required, though reservations are available to ensure a specific time. Complimentary spiced cranberry apple cider will be available.
🎉 Noon Year’s Eve Party at Maddy’s Playhouse
Time: 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Location: Maddy’s Playhouse (2001 Campbell Station Pkwy, Suite C-12, Spring Hill)
Cost: Regular open play admission applies
Description: Maddy’s Playhouse is hosting a Noon Year’s Eve celebration during regular open play hours. Activities include a dance party, balloons and bubbles, snacks, glow sticks, noisemakers, sunglasses, popcorn, and a kid-friendly noon toast. Families can also enjoy a photo opportunity, open play, and a special guest appearance, with a countdown to noon designed especially for young children.
🧸 aMuse’um Children’s Museum
Time: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Location: aMuse’um (123 W 7th St #3213, Columbia)
Cost: Regular admission or membership applies (Sign-up here)
Description: aMuse’um is a hands-on children’s museum designed for young kids, featuring interactive exhibits that encourage imaginative play. Spaces include a grocery store, doctor’s office, restaurant, and art areas that support fine motor development, social interaction, and creative problem-solving through open-ended play.
🏃 Kids Bootcamp (Ages 6 & Up)
Location: Columbia Aquatics & Recreation Center (1446 Oak Springs Dr, Columbia)
Time: 10:15 AM to 11:00 AM
Cost: Membership or day pass required
Description: Weekly kids bootcamp held every Wednesday at the Columbia Aquatics & Recreation Center. This structured, physical education style class is designed for kids ages 6 and up and focuses on staying active while building fitness in a fun, guided environment.
🎨 All Ages Family Paint Event: Swirly Reindeer
Location: Painting with a Twist (1202 S James Campbell Blvd, Suite 14, Columbia)
Time: 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Cost: $27 per person. Upgrades available. (Sign up here)
Description: All-ages Family Day and Kids Camp painting class on a 16×20 canvas with step-by-step instruction. Children may attend as long as they can sit through a 1.5 to 2 hour class. Parents may sit without purchasing a seat. Guests are welcome to bring snacks and non-hard-alcohol beverages. Arrival 15 to 20 minutes early is recommended. Classes may be canceled if minimum enrollment is not met, and advance registration is recommended.
🍫 New Year’s Eve Party w/ Camellia Chocolates
Location: Camellia Chocolates (101 N James Campbell Blvd, Suite 4, Columbia)
Time: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Cost: $15 per ticket. 15% discount available for groups of four or more.
Description: All-ages evening New Year’s Eve gathering featuring curated sweet and savory dishes, a New Year’s intentions activity, and a hot chocolate toast at 9:00 PM as the community reflects and welcomes the new year together.
🎆 New Year’s Eve Mule Drop (Columbia)
Location: Historic Downtown Columbia Public Square (Public Square, Columbia)
Date/Time: 9:00 PM to Thursday, January 1, 12:00 AM
Cost: Free
Description: Ring in the new year in downtown Columbia with food trucks, live music, and hourly countdowns at 10:00 PM and 11:00 PM, leading up to midnight fireworks and confetti cannons. While this event is open to families, the late hours and large crowd may make it a better fit for older kids and teens rather than very young children.
Looking for an earlier, kid-friendly way to celebrate the New Year?
There aren’t any Noon Year’s Eve events happening locally this year, but if staying up until midnight isn’t realistic, I shared a separate Noon Year’s Eve guide with nearby events in Franklin, Nashville, and Murfreesboro, along with simple ideas for celebrating at home.
Thursday, January 1st
Happy New Year!
Many local businesses and organizations are closed or taking a break to start the new year.
🥾 First Day Hike Morning Hike (Chapel Hill)
Location: Henry Horton State Park (4209 Nashville Hwy, Chapel Hill)
Time: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Cost: Free with optional donation
Description: Start the new year outdoors with a guided First Day Hike led by a Tennessee State Parks interpreter. This hike follows the Spring Creek and Wilhoite Mill Trail, a scenic route with historical features and natural areas. The trail is approximately 2 miles long and includes stairs and rough terrain, making it better suited for those without mobility limitations. Families, groups, and leashed dogs are welcome.
🥾 First Day Hike Afternoon Hike (Chapel Hill)
Location: Henry Horton State Park (4209 Nashville Hwy, Chapel Hill)
Time: 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Cost: Free with optional donation
Description: Join a Tennessee State Parks interpreter for a family-friendly First Day Hike along the campground trail at Henry Horton State Park. This easy, mostly flat trail is approximately 1.2 miles long and is well suited for families with kids and those with mobility limitations. Trail wheelchairs are available to rent in advance through the camp store. Families, groups, and leashed dogs are welcome.
🍫 New Year’s Day Brunch w/ Camellia Chocolates
Location: Camellia Chocolates (101 N James Campbell Blvd, Suite 4, Columbia)
Time: 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Cost: Not specified
Description: Special New Year’s Day brunch service featuring house-made dishes and sweets. All ages are welcome. Guests may stop in for a full meal, sweet treats, or to participate in a New Year’s intentions activity.
Friday, January 2nd
🦖 Maddy’s Playhouse Open Play
Time: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Location: Maddy’s Playhouse (2001 Campbell Station Pkwy C-12, Spring Hill)
Cost: Regular admission or membership applies (Purchase here)
Description: Maddy’s Playhouse is confirmed open regular hours today. A play café offering a clean, cozy space where young children can explore imaginative play areas while parents relax nearby. The environment is designed to encourage social interaction, creative movement, and safe, open-ended play.
🧸 aMuse’um Children’s Museum
Time: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Location: aMuse’um (123 W 7th St #3213, Columbia)
Cost: Regular admission or membership applies (Sign-up here)
Description: aMuse’um is a hands-on children’s museum designed for young kids, featuring interactive exhibits that encourage imaginative play. Spaces include a grocery store, doctor’s office, restaurant, and art areas that support fine motor development, social interaction, and creative problem-solving through open-ended play.
🍫 Introductory Chocolate Classes (Ages 8+)
Location: Camellia Chocolates (101 N James Campbell Blvd, Suite 4, Columbia)
Time: 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
Cost: $45 per participant. Introductory pricing. Price increases on January 31.
Description: Hands-on bean-to-bar chocolate making experience best suited for ages 8 and up. Participants will make and take home two small chocolate bars. Light refreshments will be provided.
Saturday, January 3rd
🛠️ Home Depot Kids Workshop: Tow Truck (Spring Hill)
Location: The Home Depot (5411 Columbia Pike, Spring Hill)
Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Cost: Free (Register here)
Description: A free in-store kids workshop where children can build a tow truck craft using provided materials. Workshops are designed to encourage hands-on building and creativity. Advance registration is recommended, as kits are available while supplies last.
📚 Baby Time (Spring Hill)
Location: Spring Hill Public Library, Multi-Purpose Room (144 Kedron Pkwy, Spring Hill)
Time: 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM
Cost: Free
Description: An interactive weekly session featuring rhymes, songs, books, and gentle movement designed for babies from birth to 2 years old and their caregivers. A brief playtime follows to encourage early social interaction and learning.
🥾 Healthy Habits Hike (Chapel Hill)
Location: Henry Horton State Park Visitors Center (4209 Nashville Hwy, Chapel Hill, TN 37034)
Date/Time: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Cost: Free (optional donation amounts available)
Description: This guided hike is a family-friendly way to get outside together and build healthy habits. Kids can enjoy walking the greenway trail while learning about the park and spending time outdoors with a ranger-led group. The trail is paved with very little incline, making it manageable for families who want an easy morning walk.
🎮 Pokémon Club (Spring Hill)
Location: Spring Hill Public Library, Multi-Purpose Room (144 Kedron Pkwy, Spring Hill)
Time: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Cost: Free
Description: Kids are invited to bring their Pokémon cards to battle and trade with others. Participants may enter their name for a chance to win a pack of Pokémon cards. This program is designed for school-aged children and hosted by Spring Hill Public Library.
♟️ Saturday Chess Club In-Person (Spring Hill)
Location: Spring Hill Public Library (144 Kedron Pkwy, Spring Hill)
Time: 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Cost: Free
Description: An in-person chess club open to all ages and abilities. Participants can practice their skills against new opponents using provided chess boards and pieces. An instructor is not always present, but an instructional set is available for learning and practice.
🦖 Maddy’s Playhouse Open Play
Time: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Location: Maddy’s Playhouse (2001 Campbell Station Pkwy C-12, Spring Hill)
Cost: Regular admission or membership applies (Purchase here)
Description: Maddy’s Playhouse is confirmed open regular hours today. A play café offering a clean, cozy space where young children can explore imaginative play areas while parents relax nearby. The environment is designed to encourage social interaction, creative movement, and safe, open-ended play.
🧸aMuse’um Children’s Museum
Time: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Location: aMuse’um (123 W 7th St #3213, Columbia)
Cost: Regular admission or membership applies (Sign-up here)
Description: aMuse’um is a hands-on children’s museum designed for young kids, featuring interactive exhibits that encourage imaginative play. Spaces include a grocery store, doctor’s office, restaurant, and art areas that support fine motor development, social interaction, and creative problem-solving through open-ended play.
🍫 Introductory Chocolate Classes (Ages 8+)
Location: Camellia Chocolates (101 N James Campbell Blvd, Suite 4, Columbia)
Time: 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
Cost: $45 per participant. Introductory pricing. Price increases on January 31.
Description: Hands-on bean-to-bar chocolate making experience best suited for ages 8 and up. Participants will make and take home two small chocolate bars. Light refreshments will be provided.
Sunday, January 4th
There are no scheduled kids events today. Maddy’s Playhouse is open for open play today.
🦖 Maddy’s Playhouse Open Play
Time: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: Maddy’s Playhouse (2001 Campbell Station Pkwy C-12, Spring Hill)
Cost: Regular admission or membership applies (Purchase here)
Description: Maddy’s Playhouse is a play café offering a clean, cozy space where young children can explore imaginative play areas while parents relax nearby. The environment is designed to encourage social interaction, creative movement, and safe, open-ended play.
As always, I hope this guide helps make your week a little easier to plan and a little more connected. Whether you’re easing into the new year at home or heading out for a local activity, I’m grateful to share this space with you and your family. Wishing you a peaceful start to 2026 and plenty of small, meaningful moments in the days ahead.
Columbia TN Kids Guide 
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