The first full week of August is here, and for many families, school starts back this week. If your kids are heading off to school, especially if you have one starting kindergarten, it can be a big transition. I’m thinking about you and hoping that first day goes as smoothly as possible.
This week’s calendar has a little bit of everything to help ease into a new routine or shake up an old one. Here are a few events worth adding to your plans:
- Artist of the Week / Crafternoon at Maury County Library, geared toward ages 5–12 but open to all (Monday afternoon). This program isn’t new, but it might be just the thing your kid needs after their first day of school.
- National Night Out at Fischer Park in Spring Hill (Tuesday evening)
- Story Time at Needle & Grain with a guest reader from Hattie Jane’s Creamery 🍦 (Wednesday morning)
- A special Friday storytime at Maury County Library with the Chick-fil-A Cow (Friday morning)
- Storytime LIVE! at Kiddie Academy in Spring Hill (Friday evening)
- Blue Gene Bookshop Story Time at Villages Clubhouse (Saturday morning)
Also, if it’s been a while since you’ve been to a storytime at Maury County Library (like it had been for us), it’s worth checking out again. They’re reading more books, adding more songs, and the new children’s librarian is fantastic. She’s a great addition to an already wonderful team, and the turnout really proves it. We dropped in last Tuesday and were genuinely impressed.
Scroll down for the full schedule with daily events, costs, and quick notes to help you plan the week.
Monday, August 4
Mondays follow a familiar rhythm with storytime at the library, hands-on fun at aMuse’um, and a creative afternoon art program for kids ages 5 – 12. If you’ve got little ones to entertain or a school-aged kid who loves to create, this is a good start to settle back into your weekly routine.
📖 Family Storytime
Location: Maury County Public Library (211 W 8th St, Columbia)
Time: 10:00 to 10:30 AM
Cost: Free
Description: Stories, songs, and rhymes for children and their caregivers in a fun, interactive environment that fosters a love of reading.
🔧 Tinkering Station
Location: aMuse’um Children’s Museum (123 W 7th St, Columbia)
Time: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Cost: Included with admission ($12 per child; free for members; one adult free per paid child, additional adults $6)
Description: Hands-on, parent-led activities designed to help kids explore, create, and problem-solve through playful experimentation. Activities vary weekly. Parent or guardian assistance is required.
🎨 Artist of the Week / Crafternoon
Location: Maury County Public Library (211 W 8th St, Columbia)
Time: 4:30 to 5:30 PM
Cost: Free
Description: Learn about a different artist and create themed artwork inspired by their style. Geared toward ages 5–12, but all ages are welcome. This week’s theme: Dogs.
Tuesday, August 5
Today’s lineup mixes storytime favorites, LEGOs, and a few extras worth checking out. Game Knight celebrates its 2nd anniversary in the afternoon, and Spring Hill wraps up the evening with a big community night at the park.
🚫 Stroller Workouts & Walks
Cancelled Tuesday Morning. Sorry!
📖 Toddler Storytime
Location: Maury County Public Library (211 W 8th St, Columbia)
Time: 10:00 to 10:30 AM
Cost: Free
Description: Lively storytime with songs, fingerplays, and movement for toddlers and their grown-ups. A fun way to build early literacy and motor skills.
💧 Bubble Fun
Location: aMuse’um Children’s Museum (123 W 7th St, Columbia)
Time: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Cost: Included with admission ($12 per child; free for members; one adult free per paid child, additional adults $6)
Description: Giant bubbles, DIY wands, and interactive sensory stations make this a playful crowd favorite. Adult help is required. Check their social media for weekly activity updates.
⚡ Game Knight 2nd Anniversary & Ribbon Cutting
Location: Game Knight (1202 S James Campbell Blvd, Columbia)
Time: 2:00 to 2:30 PM
Cost: Free
Description: Celebrate Game Knight’s 2nd anniversary with a ribbon cutting, food truck snacks, and a chance to explore this local game store. If your kids love Pokémon or tabletop games, this could be a fun weekday stop.
🧱 LEGO Lab
Location: Maury County Public Library (211 W 8th St, Columbia)
Time: 4:30 to 5:30 PM
Cost: Free
Description: Weekly building fun with creative prompts and open-ended play. Great for ages 4 and up who like to design, build, and think outside the box.
🚓 National Night Out
Location: Fischer Park at Port Royal (4285 Port Royal Rd, Spring Hill)
Time: 5:30 to 8:00 PM
Cost: Free
Description: Meet the Spring Hill Police Department and other local agencies for an evening of food, games, and family fun. Includes K-9 demos, police vehicle tours, and safety activities designed to build community connections.
Wednesday, August 6
Midweek brings a mix of sweet story times and hands-on creativity. Families have two cozy reading options in the morning, including a special guest reader from Hattie Jane’s Creamery at Needle & Grain. For kids who love to tinker, aMuse’um offers its usual drop-in maker space.
📖 Preschool Storytime
Location: Maury County Public Library (211 W 8th St, Columbia)
Time: 10:00 to 10:30 AM
Cost: Free
Description: A preschool-focused storytime with books, songs, and activities that help kids ages 3–5 build early literacy and social skills in a fun, interactive setting.
📚 Story Time with Hattie Jane’s Creamery at Needle & Grain
Location: Needle & Grain (802 S Main St, Columbia)
Time: 10:30 to 11:00 AM
Cost: Free
Description: Needle & Grain continues its special guest reader series with Hattie Jane’s Creamery. Families are invited to enjoy a warm, welcoming story time with a local business sharing a favorite children’s book.
🔧 Tinkering Station
Location: aMuse’um Children’s Museum (123 W 7th St, Columbia)
Time: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Cost: Included with admission ($12 per child; free for members; one adult free per paid child, additional adults $6)
Description: Parent-led, hands-on activities that encourage kids to build, create, and explore with real tools and materials. Activities change weekly. Check their social media for updates on the current theme. Adult assistance required.
Thursday, August 7
Today’s lineup is perfect for babies and toddlers, with two back-to-back activities at the library followed by some bubbly fun at aMuse’um. If you’ve been meaning to connect with other parents of little ones, this is your day.
👶 Baby Storytime
Location: Maury County Public Library (211 W 8th St, Columbia)
Time: 10:00 to 10:30 AM
Cost: Free
Description: A gentle, engaging session for babies ages 0–18 months and their caregivers. Enjoy rhymes, simple stories, and music designed to support early language development and bonding.
🧸 Baby Play Date
Location: Maury County Public Library (211 W 8th St, Columbia)
Time: 11:00 to 11:30 AM
Cost: Free
Description: This sensory-rich play session invites parents and babies to explore toys, socialize, and enjoy relaxed time together. Held on the first & third Thursdays of each month. For ages 0 – 18 months.
💧 Bubble Fun
Location: aMuse’um Children’s Museum (123 W 7th St, Columbia)
Time: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Cost: Included with admission ($12 per child; free for members; one adult free per paid child, additional adults $6)
Description: A crowd favorite for all ages! Kids can make giant bubbles, create their own wands, and explore interactive bubble stations. Adult assistance required. Activity details are posted weekly on aMuse’um’s social media.
Friday, August 8
It’s an unusual treat to have a Friday storytime at the Maury County Library, and this one features a special guest. Families looking for evening fun have a few great options too, from a book-themed event in Spring Hill to a classic car cruise-in with food trucks and live music in Columbia.
🐄 Storytime with Chick-fil-A Cow
Location: Maury County Public Library (211 W 8th St, Columbia)
Time: 10:00 to 10:30 AM
Cost: Free
Description: A special Friday storytime featuring the Chick-fil-A cow. Join the library for stories and fun with a familiar mascot in a kid-friendly setting.
🚀 Rocket Building at Fairview Recreation Center
Location: Fairview Recreation Center (871 Iron Bridge Rd, Columbia)
Time: 10:00 to 11:00 AM
Cost: Free
Description: Kids will learn the science behind how rockets work, then build and launch their own during this hands-on STEM activity. It’s a great way to encourage curiosity, creativity, and a love for science. While the program is open to all ages, it’s likely best suited for school-age kids who are ready to follow instructions and explore basic engineering concepts. No registration required. Just show up and get ready to launch!
📚 Storytime LIVE! at Kiddie Academy (Spring Hill)
Location: Kiddie Academy of Spring Hill (139 Kedron Pkwy, Spring Hill)
Time: 5:00 to 7:00 PM
Cost: Free (registration encouraged)
Description: Kiddie Academy invites families to a special Storytime LIVE! event with a surprise character, themed activities, and a celebration of books. Open to the public. Bring friends and register online to reserve a spot.
🚗 Cruisin’ the Co-op
Location: United Farm & Home Co-op (975 Riverview Ln, Columbia)
Time: 5:00 to 8:00 PM
Cost: Free
Description: A family-friendly classic car cruise-in with vintage vehicles, food trucks, music, and open green space. Enjoy a laid-back evening checking out cool cars, grabbing dinner, and spending time on the Co-op lawn.
Saturday, August 9
It’s a solid Saturday lineup with two farmers markets, vendor fun at The Factory, a storytime-and-craft session hosted by Blue Gene Bookshop, and a family movie night under the stars. A great mix of fresh produce, local makers, creative play, and evening relaxation.
🛍️ Columbia Farmers’ Fresh Market
Location: Riverwalk Park (102 Riverside Dr, Columbia)
Time: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Cost: Free entry
Description: Shop for fresh local produce and artisan goods while enjoying a relaxed, community-focused atmosphere along the river. It’s a great Saturday morning outing with plenty of space to stroll, snack, and support local farmers. A smaller version of the market also runs Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
📖 Story Time with Blue Gene Bookshop
Location: 1127 S High St, Columbia
Time: 9:30 to 10:00 AM
Cost: Story time is free. Open play is $12 or included with a Villages Clubhouse plan.
Description: Enjoy a laidback weekend story time followed by a craft. Perfect for little ones who love getting creative. Pre-registration is requested to help prep for the craft activity.
🎨 Second Saturdays at The Factory
Location: The Factory at Columbia (101 N James Campbell Blvd, Columbia)
Time: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Cost: Free
Description: A monthly market festival showcasing local artisans, crafters, bakers, and more at the revitalized Factory. Browse vendor booths, enjoy food from local eateries, and listen to live music in a family-friendly setting. Kids are welcome and there are often fun activities to keep them entertained.
🌽 Hidden Gem Farmers Market
Location: 863 Old Military Rd, Spring Hill
Time: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Cost: Free
Description: Spring Hill’s weekly farmers market with local produce, food trucks, and family activities. Known as one of Spring Hill’s best markets, it runs every Saturday through December.
🎬 Movie in the Park – Minecraft
Location: Fairview Park (871 Iron Bridge Rd, Columbia)
Time: 8:30 to 10:30 PM
Cost: Free
Description: Join Columbia’s summer movie series for a block-tastic showing of A Minecraft Movie. Bring a blanket, lawn chairs, and snacks. Free popcorn is provided, and the vibe is perfect for families, gamers, or anyone who loves a pixel-powered adventure. Come early to grab a spot and enjoy some extra park time before the movie begins.
Whether you’re figuring out a new routine or just trying to make it through the first week back, I hope you find a few moments of fun or calm in the middle of it all. And if your family is still adjusting to the shift, be gentle with yourselves. It’s a big week, and it’s okay if it takes some time. Sending lots of well wishes and good thoughts to y’all.
Columbia TN Kids Guide 