Summer is officially here, and the local calendar is full of ways to kick things off. This week starts with Memorial Day and flows into splash pad celebrations, hands-on museum fun, outdoor concerts, and two lively farmers markets to ease into the weekend. Whether your kids are into stories, science, or snacks, you’ll find something simple and fun to do together close to home.
These activities are all within Columbia or Spring Hill unless otherwise noted, and most are free or low-cost. Here’s your weekly roundup of family-friendly events happening May 26–31:
Monday, May 26
No recurring events due to Memorial Day
Kids Bowl Free
Location: Tenn Pin Alley, Columbia
Time: 10 AM–7 PM (Mon–Fri), 10 AM–2 PM (Sat), 11 AM–7 PM (Sun)
Cost: Free (shoe rental not included)
Kids ages 2–15 can bowl two free games each day through August 1. Registration is required:
https://www.kidsbowlfree.com/center.php?alley_id=6774
Family Passes are available so adults can join in too!
Tuesday, May 27
Stroller Workouts & Walks
Location: Riverwalk Park, Columbia
Time: 9–10 AM | Cost: Free
Outdoor fitness and social time for parents and caregivers. All fitness levels welcome—bring your stroller and enjoy the walk.
Toddler Storytime
Location: Maury County Public Library, Columbia
Time: 10–10:30 AM | Cost: Free
Interactive storytime with songs, fingerplays, and movement designed to support early literacy for toddlers and their grown-ups.
Wednesday, May 28
Preschool Storytime
Location: Maury County Public Library, Columbia
Time: 10–10:30 AM | Cost: Free
Books, songs, and fun for preschoolers (ages 3–5) to help get ready for kindergarten.
Story Time with Special Guest Readers
Location: Needle & Grain, Columbia
Time: 10:30–11 AM | Cost: Free
Every other Wednesday, Needle & Grain hosts guest readers from the community. Great stories in a welcoming space for little ones and caregivers.
Summer Splash Celebration
Location: Fairview Park, Columbia
Time: 2–4 PM | Cost: Free
Celebrate the start of summer with snow cones, balloon animals, bubbles, and a 3 PM ribbon cutting for the splash pad’s official opening.
Science Station
Location: aMuse’um Children’s Museum, Columbia
Time: 3:30–4:30 PM
Cost: Included with admission ($10 per child; one adult free per child; extra adults $5)
Hands-on science experiments led by parents to help kids explore and learn through play.
Thursday, May 29
Baby Storytime
Location: Maury County Public Library, Columbia
Time: 10–10:30 AM | Cost: Free
Gentle songs, stories, and rhymes for babies (0–18 months) and their caregivers to support early language development.
Tinkering Station
Location: aMuse’um Children’s Museum, Columbia
Time: 3:30–4:30 PM
Cost: Included with admission ($10 per child; one adult free per child; extra adults $5)
Build, create, and explore with hands-on materials. Parent-guided, limited-capacity activity focused on creative problem-solving.
Friday, May 30
Movies in the Park – Franklin
Location: Fieldstone Park, Franklin
Time: Food trucks at 5 PM, movie starts at dusk (~8 PM) | Cost: Free
An outdoor family movie night under the stars with food trucks starting at 5 PM. Check Franklin Parks social media for movie title and weather updates.
Opera on Wheels
Location: 563 Maury Hill St, Spring Hill (grassy lot next to Senior Center)
Time: 6–7 PM | Cost: Free
A 45-minute performance of opera, musical theater, and jazz featuring Nashville’s top classically trained singers. Frios Gourmet Pops will be onsite. Bring your own chairs!
Saturday, May 31
Columbia Farmers’ Fresh Market
Location: Riverwalk Park, Columbia
Time: 8 AM–12 PM | Cost: Free entry
Local produce, artisan goods, and a relaxed community vibe every Saturday.
3rd Annual Strawberry Festival
Location: 4923 Ollie Chunn Rd, Spring Hill
Time: 9 AM–5 PM
Cost: Activity-based tickets; kids 4 and under free
Vendors, food trucks, games, live music, and pre-picked strawberries while supplies last. (No u-pick this year.)
Story Time with Blue Gene Bookshop
Location: 1127 South High Street, Columbia
Time: 9:15 AM-9:45 AM | Cost: Free (Pre-registration requested)
Celebrate the start of summer at the bookshop’s first story time in their new location! Enjoy two seasonal stories followed by a simple craft. Free and perfect for young readers.
Hidden Gem Farmers Market
Location: 863 Old Military Rd, Spring Hill
Time: 11 AM–2 PM | Cost: Free entry
Weekly market with fresh produce, food trucks, and family-friendly activities.
Pickling in the Park
Location: Fairview Park, Columbia
Time: 12–1 PM | Cost: Free
Learn how to pickle cucumbers, add your own seasonings, create a label, and take home your crunchy creation. Fun for all ages!
Whether you’re easing back into a routine after the long weekend or jumping into every activity you can, this week offers a fun mix of creative, active, and community-centered ways to spend time with your kids. From splash pad ribbon cuttings to quiet library moments, it’s a great time to explore what our local towns have to offer.
Thinking about trying one of these? I’d love to hear what you’ve got on your calendar. And if I missed something happening in Columbia or Spring Hill this week – whether it’s a special event, a pop-up market, or a great local hangout – drop a comment or send me an email. I always want to include as much as possible to help fellow parents plan with ease.
Columbia TN Kids Guide 