Looking for something more than just a drop-in event this summer for your baby or toddler?
You’re not alone. Most programs this time of year are geared toward school-aged kids, but that doesn’t mean the littlest ones have to miss out. Whether you’ve got a wobbly new walker, a busy preschooler, or something in between, there are local options made just for ages 0 to 5.
This list includes music classes, art classes, dance classes, and preschool gymnastics. Most of these programs run year-round, and just take a little planning ahead to start attending.
If you’re ready to sign up for something with a little more structure, this is a great place to start. It’s important to note that these are not typically drop-off programs, unless specifically noted. If you’re looking for flexible, pop-in-when-you-can activities, you’ll find those on the weekly event page and if you need drop-off summer programs, you’ll find those on the summer camps calendar.
Music
Music Together® Summer Session with First Notes Music
A joyful parent/child music and movement class for ages 0–5 with Mrs. Katie. Each 45-minute session includes singing, dancing, instrument play, and musical exploration. Families receive an illustrated songbook, a CD, and digital access to all class music through the free Music Together app. Additional materials are included to support your child’s development and encourage music-making at home.
Classes run year-round in both Columbia and Spring Hill with multiple times to choose from, so you will likely find one that works perfectly with your child’s nap schedule.
Registration required: firstnotesmusic.com/register
Mini Musicians – Muletown School of Music
A fun and engaging group music class for ages 3–4 and a caregiver. Kids explore rhythm, melody, and movement through songs, games, and hands-on musical activities. They’ll learn basic rhythms, the music alphabet, instrument families, and more, all without any at-home practice required.
Classes are once a week at The Factory Columbia.
Registration required (Space is limited): https://www.muletownmusic.com/sign-up-form
Music with Mary
A 35-minute outdoor music class designed for children ages 9 months through 5 years usually held at a park in Spring Hill and further north. Children will dance, explore different themes, and try out a variety of instruments, all while learning key musical concepts like steady beat, high vs. low, and loud vs. soft. Each class encourages singing, movement, and hands-on play with real instruments to help little ones discover melody, rhythm, and joyful expression.
Registration required: https://musicwithmarytn.com/classes
🎨 Art
Art Play – The Art Yard
A themed, open-ended art and sensory play experience designed for ages 0–4. This is a child-led, parent-facilitated time with no structured instruction. Kids are free to explore at their own pace. Each 2-hour session typically runs Tuesday – Thursday and includes hands-on sensory stations, a maker space filled with upcycled materials, one optional craft or activity, and access to the always-popular paint room. Outdoor art stations are also available when the weather allows. Older children are welcome too, especially in the maker space and art rooms.
Note: TN Art Yard is closing in August of 2026.
Registration Preferred: www.tnartyard.com
Dance
First Steps Dance Program – Columbia Dance Academy
There are several dance programs to choose from based on your child’s age and interest.
- Creative Movement (Age 2): A joyful class using props, music, and storytelling to nurture a love of dance and support cognitive growth.
- Pre-Ballet & Tap (Ages 3–4): Introduces foundational ballet and tap in a playful, age-appropriate way that encourages coordination, musical awareness, and social development.
- Intro to Ballet & Tap (Ages 5–6): Builds on the basics with more structured ballet and tap instruction, focusing on flexibility, rhythm, and physical confidence.
- Little Bit Hip (Ages 5–6): A beginner-friendly hip hop class that introduces jazz-funk and hip hop technique through upbeat choreography and energetic movement.
Registration required: https://columbiadanceacademy.com
Preschool Dance Program – Elevate Dance Studio
There are several programs to choose from based on the type of instruction or dance and age.
- Dance with Me (Ages 18 months–2): A 30-minute parent-and-child class exploring movement, rhythm, and song through guided play.
- Creative Movement (Ages 3–5): A 45-minute class that introduces basic ballet and tumbling through imaginative play and structured instruction.
- Mini Combo Ballet/Tap (Ages 4–6): Combines beginner ballet and tap skills with a focus on coordination and rhythm.
- Mini Combo Ballet/Jazz (Ages 4–6): Introduces ballet, jazz, and tumbling in a fun and engaging 45-minute class.
All classes include age-specific dress code recommendations and are led by experienced instructors trained in early childhood movement.
Registration required:https://app.gostudiopro.com/online/classes.php
🤸 Gymnastics
PA Jungle Gym – Premier Athletics Columbia
This preschool gymnastics program includes multiple class options for ages 2.5–5, all designed to build strength, coordination, and confidence. Kids develop motor skills through structured play and technique stations on the floor, bars, and beam — all in a fun, encouraging environment. The program also helps support focus, listening, and following directions in a way that’s playful and positive.
Registration required: www.premierathleticscolumbia.com/preschool-gymnastics-tumbling
Preschool Gymnastics – Discovery Gymnastics
Details: Discovery Gymnastics offers a variety of movement-based classes for young children, starting with their Parent & Child class for ages 18 months and up. This 45-minute class is designed for babies learning to sit and crawl, with playful activities that support balance, core strength, and sensory exploration — all in a colorful, engaging space.
Families can also check with the gym for additional offerings like themed camps and open play options.
Registration required: https://www.discoverygym.com/portal/booking
Preschool Programs – Shining Light Gymnastics
Shining Light offers a variety of movement-based classes for ages 1–5. Programs include:
- Parent & Child (12–36 months): A shared learning experience where toddlers and caregivers build coordination, balance, and strength through guided play and basic gymnastics in a colorful, welcoming space.
- Pre Recreational Gymnastics (ages 3–5): A preschool gymnastics class that introduces tumbling, bars, vault, beam, and foam pit fun — all scaled for smaller bodies and big energy.
- Tiny Ninja (ages 4–5): A high-energy, obstacle-course–style class that encourages agility, strength, and confidence through ninja-inspired movement.
Families can also check with the gym for additional offerings like themed camps and open play options.
Registration required: www.shininglightgymnastics.com
Creative Arts Enrichment
Enrichment Programs – Stage Right School of Performing Arts
A creative and engaging enrichment program designed for children ages 3–5. Each class blends movement, music, and hands-on learning through a rotating schedule of activities including:
- Stretch & Grow: Yoga-inspired stretching and cooperative kinesthetic games
- Dance: Age-appropriate ballet and creative movement using the Once Upon a Ballet curriculum
- Wiggle Warm-up: Morning music and movement to get little bodies ready to learn
- Arts & Crafts: Themed, hands-on projects that support fine motor skills and creativity
- Music Makers: Singing, dancing, and instrument play focused on musical basics like rhythm and melody
Children also build confidence and social-emotional skills while making new friends in a warm, supportive setting led by experienced early childhood educators.
Registration required: https://app.thestudiodirector.com/stageright/
Just the Right Fit for Little Ones (and Tired Parents Too)
Whether you’re hoping to add a little rhythm to your week, fill a few mornings with something fun, or just try something new with your toddler, I hope this guide makes summer feel a little more doable.
Most of these programs still have space, but not for long. If one caught your eye, go ahead and check it out soon.
And remember, you don’t have to plan it all at once. Whether you register for a session, try a drop-in class, or save this for later, you’re doing a great job keeping your little one engaged this summer. I’ll keep sharing flexible, pop-in activities in the weekly and daily posts so when you’re ready for something spontaneous, those will still be waiting for you too.
Leave a comment