Have a question about Columbia TN Kids Guide? You’re in the right place. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about how this resource works, how events are selected, and how you can share information with the community.
About This Guide
- Why do you only include events within 30 minutes of Columbia?
Because there’s already so much to do right here.
Columbia has grown a lot in the last few years, and while not everyone sees that as a good thing, one upside is having more ways to spend time with your kids without having to drive an hour to do it. From story times to seasonal programs and open play sessions across town, there’s plenty happening within 30 minutes of the square. For most families, that’s perfect for a fun and easy outing.
Plus, staying local means supporting the small businesses, libraries, churches, and parks that make this community feel like home. And that’s really what this project is all about for me.
I know some families don’t mind driving farther, and sometimes it really is worth the drive. But the truth is, I’m a mom too, and I just don’t have time to search for events more than 30 minutes away. I focus on what’s nearby because that’s what I have capacity for right now.
And when I do find something a little farther out that feels worth the drive, I’ll still share it in stories or add it to the Google calendar if it’s just over 30 minutes away. But the weekly and daily posts are meant to stay close to home and easy to act on. - Why do you share the “best” spots? Doesn’t that make them crowded?
I get it. There’s something special about a splash pad or a quiet park that still feels like a hidden gem. I’ve felt that too.
But I also remember those early months when I barely left the house. I didn’t know where to go or if it was even worth the effort with a baby. That’s what finally nudged me to start sharing.
If this guide helps another mom feel a little more confident, a little less stuck, and a little more ready to say yes to getting out, then it’s worth it. I’m thoughtful about what I share. Most places I highlight are made for the community. And if something feels too small or sensitive, like a park with two swings, I might skip it or just mention it quietly in stories.
Community Questions
- How do you find these events and activities?
A lot of digging. I check local websites, scroll through community Facebook pages, watch library and city calendars, and sometimes even message businesses directly. It takes time, but I enjoy it. I do it because I know most parents don’t have the time or energy to check five different places just to plan one outing.
If this guide has saved you time or helped you feel more connected, you’re always welcome to contribute to help cover the cost of keeping the site running. I’m committed to keeping it ad free and easy to use. More details on that are coming soon. - Can I submit an event for you to include?
Yes. If it’s a local event or fundraiser geared toward kids ages 0 to 12 and within 30 minutes of Columbia, send it my way. The more details you can include (name, time, location, cost, and a link), the easier it is to get it on the calendar.
There’s no cost to share. Event posts are never sponsored. They’re simply included if they’re a good fit for local families. - Are you from Columbia? Why are you doing this here?
No, we’re pretty new. We moved here fall of 2024. My husband grew up in Columbia, but he was away for over a decade before we came back. And I grew up in a town even smaller than this one, so while I may not be from here, I do understand how special a slower pace and close community can be.
I also know how it can feel when things start to change, especially when a town grows quickly and it seems like the culture might shift with it. I’m not here to shake things up or act like I have all the answers. I’ve never done anything like this before, and I’m not trying to compete with anyone.
There are already great websites that promote all kinds of events across the area. What I’m doing is a little different. I’m just focusing on families with young kids, especially those in the 0 to 5 age range. In 2026 I am expanding to include ages 0 to 12. - Is this your job?
Raising my daughter is my full-time job, and it’s one I’m incredibly blessed to have. She’s our north star, the lens we use for making most of our decisions, and this project grew out of that mindset. I started it during naptimes and after bedtime because I know how hard it can be to leave the house when you don’t know where to start.
When we made the decision for me to step away from my full-time job and move to Columbia, one of the things my husband and I agreed on was that I would get out, meet people, and help our daughter make friends within the community. That sounded simple in theory, but as an introvert, it’s been a stretch. I can talk your ear off, but I often leave conversations second-guessing everything I said.
This project has helped more than I expected. It’s given me a reason to get out, to engage, and to grow right alongside her. I don’t get paid for it, and I’m not sponsored. My background is actually in banking and compliance. Through my husband’s work in marketing, I’ve had exposure to that world, but this isn’t a business. It’s something I built as a mom who needed a better way to plan days with my daughter, and I figured other parents might feel the same.. - Do you go to all of these events?
I wish I could, but no. I go to some, especially if they work for my toddler’s age and schedule, but many are just me sharing what I’ve found. If I’ve been there myself, I’ll usually mention it. If I haven’t, I still try to include only what I’d genuinely consider going to as a mom. - Why don’t you include more indoor places or activities for babies?
I try to keep things accurate and realistic for kids ages 0 to 12, but sometimes indoor options for younger kids can be limited. If you know of something great that I haven’t shared, let me know. I’m always looking for hidden gems that could help another mom out. - Can I share your posts or calendar with friends?
Yes, please. Sharing posts, tagging a friend, or sending the link to someone who’s looking for ideas for getting out with their kids is one of the best ways to support this project. I love knowing it’s helping more families feel a little more connected and a little less overwhelmed. - How can I support this guide?
This project is completely independent. Just one local mom trying to make it easier for families to find out what’s going on around town.
If it’s been helpful to you, one of the best ways to support it is by helping cover the basic costs that keep it running and free of ads. That includes the domain, hosting, and website tools that keep everything updated and easy to access.
You can pitch in any amount via Venmo here:
👉 venmo.com/u/columbiatnkidsguide
Thank you for being part of this little community. Your support really does make a difference.
Columbia TN Kids Guide 