Looking for indoor activities for kids in and around Columbia, TN? This guide brings together local indoor playgrounds, creative play spaces, museums, recreation centers, and family-friendly hangouts that make it easier to plan low-stress outings close to home. You’ll find options that work well for toddlers, preschoolers, and older kids, making this list especially helpful for families with kids of multiple ages.
Some locations are open daily, while others have limited hours, seasonal programs, or scheduled open play times, so it’s always best to check ahead for current details, availability, and costs.
Explore each section to find what fits your family:
- Indoor Playgrounds & Play Gyms – Safe, active spaces for climbing, movement, and open play.
- Creative & Sensory Play – Art studios, sensory spaces, and play-based programs for creative minds.
- Educational Fun & Discovery – Libraries and historical sites that encourage curiosity and learning.
- Gymnastics, Movement & Recreation – Gymnastics gyms and community rec centers for kids who love to move.
- Games, Arcades & Entertainment Centers – Fun for all ages, from bowling to classic arcades.
- Local Shops & Family Hangouts – Laid-back indoor stops like bookstores, boutiques, and pet shops that make for easy outings.
- More Local Fun in Nearby Small Towns – Unique indoor spots in smaller towns just beyond Maury County that are great for a day trip or a change of scenery.
- Worth the Drive – Indoor destinations a bit farther from home that offer something different than what’s available locally and are a good fit for families who do not mind a longer drive for a unique experience.
This guide is updated regularly as new places open and programs change. None of the locations listed have paid to be included. Everything here is shared with the goal of helping local families find indoor activities that genuinely fit their needs. If you spot something missing or outdated, feel free to send it my way.
Indoor Playgrounds & Play Gyms
These spaces are designed for active play, giving kids a chance to climb, jump, and explore while parents join in or watch nearby. Both offer open play sessions that encourage movement and fun in a safe indoor setting.
Kids Fun City
Location: 1301 S James Campbell Blvd #3, Columbia
Kids Fun City offers a clean, safe space for little ones to climb, play, and explore. With a variety of play structures, sensory activities, and interactive games, it’s designed to keep toddlers and preschoolers moving and engaged. The setup makes it easy for parents to relax nearby while kids enjoy active, indoor fun.
Maddy’s Playhouse
Location: 2001 Campbell Station Pkwy C-12, Spring Hill
Spring Hill’s newest play café, Maddy’s Playhouse offers a clean, cozy environment where young children can play while parents relax nearby. The space features imaginative play areas designed for social interaction, creative movement, and safe exploration. In addition to everyday play sessions, the owner plans to host community-centered events, including free educational workshops and family support opportunities. These may include collaborations with local therapists for developmental screenings or wellness seminars for new moms.
Creative & Sensory Play
For kids who love to explore, create, or engage their senses, these local spaces offer hands-on ways to play and imagine. From sensory playrooms and developmental spaces to interactive art and discovery studios, each one encourages creativity and connection through play.
aMuse’um Children’s Museum
Location: 123 W 7th St, Columbia
This playful, hands-on children’s museum is full of interactive exhibits designed for young kids. Exhibits include a mini grocery store, doctor’s office, veterinary clinic, baby nursery, bank area, restaurant, ice cream shop, dental office, and paint wall. Each space encourages fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, social interaction, and creative problem-solving.
The museum also offers special themed projects during its 10:00 AM –12:30 PM play session several days a week, which are included with regular admission and rotate weekly. Advanced registration isn’t required but is recommended to guarantee your spot. aMuse’um runs three play sessions each day, and membership options are available for families who plan to visit often.
Villages Clubhouse
Location: 1127 S High St, Columbia
Villages Clubhouse offers a warm, welcoming space designed for young children and their parents to play, learn, and connect. They also provide therapy services and feeding support for families. The center features open play sessions for ages 1–5 held Monday through Friday and typically one Saturday a month, with baby open play twice a week for infants to pre-walkers. Families can also join age-based playgroups, access the toy library, and participate in seasonal workshops. Membership options are available as well as gift cards.
Villages is also home to Blue Gene Bookshop, which has hosted story times, and Firefly Garden Club, which offers creative, nature-inspired workshops for kids ages 4 and up. It’s best to check their calendar to see current offerings and availability.
Arise Therapies
Location: 2563 Nashville Hwy Ste. 6, Columbia
Arise Therapies provides speech-language, feeding, and occupational therapy for kids and adults across Middle Tennessee. While this isn’t a regular drop-in play space, they occasionally host Sensory Play Events that are open to the community. These sessions feature a variety of hands-on sensory activities designed for kids ages 1–6. Parent attendance is required, and it’s a fun, low-pressure way for families to explore sensory play in a supportive environment.
Muletown Pottery
Location: 101 N James Campbell Blvd, Columbia
Muletown Pottery is a walk-in paint-your-own pottery studio where kids and adults can choose a piece to paint, then return a week later to pick up their finished, kiln-fired creation. It’s a relaxing, hands-on activity that works well for a quiet afternoon or small group outing. Any age is welcome to paint, though it’s best suited for ages 3 and up. Groups of six or more are asked to call ahead to ensure space.
The Painted Plant
Location: 2001 Campbell Station Parkway, Spring Hill
The Painted Plant is a walk-in creative studio best suited for kids ages 3 and up, where children and adults can paint a variety of items, including plain or pre-drawn canvases, totes, hats, pottery, and more. All paints used are non-toxic acrylics, and projects go home the same day with simple instructions for curing at home using a regular oven or iron, depending on the material. This makes it an easy indoor option when the weather is bad and you still want a hands-on activity without a long commitment. The Painted Plant also plans to rotate craft options over time and host family-friendly events.
TN Art Yard
Location: 5337 Main Street, Spring Hill
TN Art Yard offers Art Play, a child-led, parent-assisted art and sensory play time for kids ages 2–10. During this open-ended session, children can explore sensory stations, a makerspace, a painting room, and even an outdoor messy area, with opportunities to create and take home their own art. Art Play is the studio’s only drop-in option and typically runs on Tuesday from 9:30 to 11:30 AM. The studio also offers a variety of art classes for younger and older kids throughout the year.
Educational Fun & Discovery
If your family enjoys learning together, this section’s for you. Local libraries and historical sites offer hands-on ways to explore stories, history, and the world around us while sparking curiosity in every age.
Libraries
Maury County Public Library
Location: 211 W 8th St, Columbia
As of mid-October 2025, the Maury County Public Library is closed for renovations. Books can still be checked out through curbside pickup, and several programs have temporarily moved off-site, including story times (twice a week), LEGO Club, Baby Play Date, and Baby Music and Movement. Programming is currently offered at a reduced frequency, but once the library reopens, families can look forward to the children’s area downstairs with a reading nook, train table, building blocks, play fire truck, and other hands-on toys.
Mount Pleasant Library
Location: 200 Hay Long Ave, Mt Pleasant
The Mount Pleasant Library is a welcoming spot to browse and check out books, especially while the Maury County Library is closed for renovations. They occasionally host children’s programs and storytimes, which are shared on their Facebook page as events are planned. Program offerings vary throughout the year, so it’s best to follow their page for the latest updates.
Spring Hill Public Library
Location: 144 Kedron Pkwy, Spring Hill
The Spring Hill Public Library has a wonderful children’s area with plenty of space for reading and play. Storytimes typically take place on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings unless the library is closed. Families can also enjoy programs like After-School Art Break and a monthly ballet class. It’s best to check the library’s online calendar for the most current schedule and special events.
Museums & Historic Sites
President James K. Polk Home & Museum
Location: 301 W 7th St, Columbia
While not designed specifically for young children, the President James K. Polk Home & Museum can be a good option for families interested in history or government. The site offers guided tours of the home and exhibits that explore the life and legacy of the 11th U.S. president. They occasionally host homeschool days and summer camps that give kids a more interactive learning experience.
The Athenaeum
Location: 808 Athenaeum Street, Columbia
Once home to a girls’ school in the mid-1800s, The Athenaeum highlights Columbia’s educational and architectural history. Guided tours offer a look inside the Greek Revival mansion and share stories of the Polk family’s influence. It’s an interesting, low-cost stop for families who enjoy history and want to include a short educational outing in their day.
National Confederate Museum & Historic Elm Springs
Location: 2357 Park Plus Dr, Columbia
The National Confederate Museum is a fully indoor museum located at the Southern Heritage Center in Columbia, alongside Historic Elm Springs, a Greek Revival antebellum home built in 1837. Best suited for elementary-aged kids and up who can handle a quieter, museum-style visit with an adult, the museum features historical exhibits spanning Southern history from the 1600s through the Civil War era and beyond. Guided tours of Historic Elm Springs are also offered. Admission is required, with children ages 5 and under admitted free, and separate pricing for the museum and Elm Springs with combo tickets available.
Mt. Pleasant Museum of Local History
Location: 108 Public Square, Mt. Pleasant
The Mt. Pleasant Museum of Local History shares how the town evolved from a farming community to the “Phosphate Capital of the World.” Three floors of exhibits display mining tools, photos, and artifacts from different eras of local life. It’s a quiet, free indoor stop for families who enjoy exploring together and can easily be paired with lunch or shopping downtown.
Rattle and Snap Plantation
Location: 1522 N Main St, Mount Pleasant
Rattle and Snap Plantation is a privately owned Greek Revival home built between 1845 and 1860 and is open to the public by appointment only. Best suited for elementary-aged kids and up who can handle a guided, quieter experience with an adult, tours focus on the interior of the historic home and its architectural details. Reservations to tour the mansion and garden must be made at least three days in advance by phone.
Rippavilla
Location: 5700 Main St, Spring Hill
Rippavilla isn’t a children’s attraction in the traditional sense, but it can be a meaningful stop for families interested in local history or early American life. Built in 1855, the home and grounds played a role in the Battle of Spring Hill during the Civil War. Guided tours offer a look at the property’s history, architecture, and daily life from that era, making it a good option for school-age kids ready for a bit of a history lesson. Tickets must be purchased online.
Gymnastics, Movement, & Recreation
These local gyms and recreation centers give kids a place to move, climb, and play year-round. Check schedules for open play times and seasonal programs before visiting.
Gymnastics & Movement Play
Discovery Gymnastics
Location: 1943 Union Pl, Columbia
Discovery Gymnastics offers seasonal open play sessions that give kids a fun, safe place to move and explore. Open play typically runs on Wednesdays from 11 AM–12 PM and Thursdays from 9–10 AM (check their calendar for current schedule). These sessions are open to all ages and feature a mini obstacle course with equipment designed for climbing, balancing, and jumping. Parents stay on the mats with their children, and the only areas off limits are the four corners where larger equipment is set up. They also offer structured gymnastics classes starting at 18 months, along with Parent’s Night Out events and day camps throughout the year.
Shining Light Gymnastics
Location: 4008 Parkfield Loop N, Spring Hill, TN 37174
Shining Light Gymnastics offers open gym and ninja gym sessions on Wednesdays and Fridays (Fridays include multiple one-hour time slots) that welcome active kids of various ages. Their gymnastics open gym is geared for ages 6 and under while the ninja gym welcomes ages 1-10; the 12:30 PM Friday time slot is open to all ages. They also provide classes starting at age 1 and run day camps and Parent’s Night Out programs. Check their calendar for the current schedule.
Recreation Centers
Columbia Aquatic & Recreation Center
Location: 1446 Oak Springs Dr, Columbia
The Columbia Aquatic & Recreation Center (formerly Muletown Rec) offers occasional indoor activities including storytime, crafts, playdough, and LEGO fun. Families can also enjoy the indoor pools year-round, which are accessible with a membership or day pass. Children ages 2 and under are free. The center also hosts children’s programs both on-site and at local parks, featuring story times, nature adventures, STEM activities, and holiday-themed events. While on-site activities at the center require an entry fee for non-members, most off-site programs are free.
Longview Recreation Center
Location: 2909 Commonwealth Dr, Spring Hill
The Longview Recreation Center in Spring Hill offers a variety of kid-friendly indoor activities including an indoor pool, open gym times, racquetball and wallyball courts, an indoor walking track, and a game room (with parental supervision for younger children). The center also hosts youth recreation programs such as martial arts, dance, chess club, and STEM activities, with some classes designed for parent and child participation. Most activities require a membership or day pass, and schedules or seasonal offerings can be found on the Williamson County Parks and Recreation website or by contacting the center directly.
Games, Arcades & Entertainment Centers
For families ready for a little friendly competition, Columbia and nearby areas offer a growing list of arcades and entertainment centers. From classic arcade games and bowling to newer gaming lounges, these are great picks for rainy days or weekend outings.
Family Entertainment Centers
Victory Box Game & Party Room
Location: 101 N James Campbell Blvd, Columbia
Victory Box is Columbia’s go-to spot for family fun, parties, and team celebrations. Kids and parents can race head-to-head on digital slot car tracks, play basketball, foosball, shuffleboard, and air hockey, or enjoy more than 50 retro arcade games. For younger kids, there’s a cozy nook with a miniature racetrack, playhouse, and coloring area, making it a great indoor destination for all ages.
Tenn Pin Alley
Location: 730 Mooresville Pike, Columbia
Tenn Pin Alley offers a wide range of indoor fun for families, including bowling on 32 modern lanes, a large arcade with more than 60 games, bumper cars, and laser tag. The on-site Max’s Café serves meals and snacks, making it easy to spend a full day enjoying the activities. The center also features outdoor attractions such as go-karts and mini golf, with all experiences available year-round.
Par4 Virtual Golf
Location: 421 W 7th St, Columbia
Par4 Virtual Golf offers a flexible, weatherproof play space suited for kids ages 2 and up, with two self-service bays featuring ProTee VX launch monitors and GS Pro software for access to more than 400 courses, themed games like Candy Land and dinosaur adventures, putt putt, and kid-friendly practice modes. Each bay hosts up to six players for one flat rate, with discounted off-peak pricing from 8am to 4pm and membership options that provide 24/7 access and booking discounts.
Hobby & Game Shops
Game Knight
Location: 119 Nashville Hwy #117, Columbia
Game Knight is a local game store and community space offering trading card games, board games, and open play. Families are welcome, and staff are happy to help parents and kids learn to play during regular store hours.
The primary all-ages event is Pokémon Open Play on Wednesdays from 1:00–9:00 PM, which is designed as a casual learning space for kids and families new to the game. Staff and local players are available to help teach gameplay. Pokémon and Lorcana are good options for school-age kids, though Pokémon Open Play on Wednesdays is currently the only recurring kid-friendly event.
Pokémon Saturdays are competitive, judge-led events intended for experienced players. Lorcana events are generally adult-focused, with occasional weekend events that include parent and child participation.
Additional offerings include free board game open play seven days a week, a large play space for tabletop games or miniature painting, a free Nintendo Switch setup, and 30-minute tutorials for games including Magic: The Gathering. Younger players may need parent assistance due to game complexity.
Muletown Hobbies and Games
Location: 105 E James Campbell Blvd #4, Columbia
Muletown Hobbies and Games is a welcoming spot for older kids and families interested in tabletop games and creative hobbies. The shop offers daily learn-to-play sessions, including a popular Pokémon program where staff teach the basics of gameplay and help newcomers get started. Families can also drop in for open paint nights, where kids can choose a miniature to paint with all supplies provided. Most in-store events are free or have a small fee, and the friendly staff make it easy for beginners to learn, play, and explore new hobbies together.
Just Roll With It! Cards and Games
Location: 2001 Campbell Station Pkwy, Suite C11, Spring Hill
Just Roll With It! Cards and Games is a local game shop that offers a relaxed indoor option for families when the weather keeps you inside. Best suited for elementary-aged kids, teens, and adults who enjoy board games and card games, the shop hosts regular events like Pokémon social and learning leagues, tournaments, and weekly board game nights. Event schedules can change, so checking their calendar before visiting is recommended.
Arcades & Indoor Play Zones
Joyfull Arcade
Location: 2001 Campbell Station Pkwy Suite A-4, Spring Hill
Joyfull Arcade is a family-friendly indoor entertainment center featuring unlimited classic and next-generation arcade gaming for ages 5 and up. Kids can explore over 10,000 games, from retro favorites like Pac-Man to the latest releases, with options for VR gaming, racing and flight simulators, and multi-player virtual arenas. The space is fully climate controlled and ideal for family visits or birthday parties, which include private celebration rooms and dedicated gaming hosts. Most attractions are suitable for younger children, though some motion simulators and VR experiences are best for ages 5 and up for safety and comfort.
Quarter Bandits
Location: 4910 Main St. #118, Spring Hill
Quarter Bandits is a family-friendly arcade featuring more than 30 games, including classic arcade titles, driving and flying simulators, and pinball machines. Children ages 4–7 receive half-price admission, and kids 3 and under play free with a paying adult. It’s a fun, budget-friendly spot for families looking to enjoy some indoor entertainment together.
Local Shops & Family Hangouts
For those days when you just need to get out of the house, these local spots make for easy, low-key outings. From browsing pet stores and local boutiques to relaxing in cozy bookshops or grabbing lunch where kids can play, these stops mix practicality with fun.
Bookstores & Local Shops
Duck River Books
Location: 12 Public Square, Columbia
Duck River Books is a small independent bookstore on the Columbia square where families can browse new and used titles. While an umbrella stroller worked fine for us, there are posted signs asking customers not to block walkways, which suggests stroller space can be an issue at busier times. There’s no dedicated area for sitting or reading.
Since it’s a traditional bookstore filled with shelves to explore, it’s usually best suited for older kids or younger ones who are content in a stroller or being worn. More active toddlers might find it a little challenging to stay close, so this spot works well as a short visit to pick out a new book.
Ghostlight Books
Location: 1106 S Garden St, Columbia
Ghostlight Books is a welcoming, volunteer-run bookstore that doubles as a creative community space. Families can browse shelves together or settle into one of the cozy reading nooks, and older kids may enjoy the Teen Room stocked with board games, puzzles, and art supplies. The shop also includes flexible rooms for workshops and events, along with a courtyard that occasionally hosts small performances or gatherings. It’s a calm, inviting spot to slow down and explore something new indoors.
Needle & Grain
Location: 802 S Main St, Columbia
Needle & Grain is a thoughtfully curated home-goods and craft store that welcomes families, especially with younger children. On select Wednesdays throughout the year the shop hosts seasonal bi-weekly story times for kids, complete with a craft activity that follows the reading. Parents and little ones can browse shelves filled with toys, art supplies, and kid-friendly items. The store is stroller-friendly and offers a calm indoor outing that mixes browsing with creative fun.
The Factory Columbia
Location: 101 N James Campbell Blvd, Columbia
The Factory Columbia isn’t necessarily a kid destination, but it’s a great spot if you need a comfortable place to let little ones stretch their legs while you grab a coffee or tea. The open layout offers wide indoor walkways that make it easy for stroller walks or babywearing strolls, and there’s plenty of room to wander without worrying about the weather. It’s an easy, low-effort stop when you just need to get out of the house for a bit.
Love Rae Grace Boutique
Location: 5075 Main Street, Suite D2, Spring Hill
Love Rae Grace Boutique offers kid-friendly indoor activities including hair tinsel, a charm bar for creating jewelry and keepsakes, and a denim patch bar where kids can customize clothing. These creative, hands-on options make for an easy indoor stop that doesn’t require a full event or class. The boutique also regularly hosts kids events and parent night out options, so families should check the Love Rae Grace Boutique Facebook page for current offerings and details.
Animal & Nature Stops
FairyTails Petting Farm
Location: 1856 Bear Creek Pike, Columbia
FairyTails Petting Farm is a USDA and TWRA licensed facility offering prescheduled tours that include both indoor and outdoor animal experiences. Best suited for preschool and elementary-aged kids, tours feature an indoor critter cabin along with outdoor animal areas, making this a unique local option when you want something different than a play space. While some experiences are indoors, guests do need to walk between buildings through outdoor areas, so tours are weather dependent and may be canceled during periods of heavy rain or muddy conditions. Tickets must be purchased in advance and do not expire, allowing families to reschedule if a tour is canceled.
Franklin Aquarium Pet Shop
Location: 2409 Highland Ave, Columbia
Franklin Aquarium Pet Shop is a fun, low-key spot for kids to see fish, birds, reptiles, and small animals up close. It’s a quick, free indoor stop that feels a little like a mini zoo, especially for animal-loving toddlers. Think of it as a simple, stroller-friendly outing where little ones can explore and point out their favorite creatures.
United Farm & Home Co-op
Location: 975 Riverview Ln, Columbia
United Farm & Home Co-op is a farm and pet supply store that carries everything from pet food and garden tools to lawn care products and gear for animal lovers and hobby farmers. While it’s not a hands-on animal experience, it’s a calm, easy stop to stroll through and chat about farming, animals, and outdoor life. It makes for a simple, low-key detour if you’re already out running errands nearby.
Lowe’s Columbia
Location: 2000 Hillary Dr, Columbia
Lowe’s Columbia is a stroller-friendly indoor outing that works perfectly when you just need somewhere dry, free, and easy to explore. Kids can wander the aisles to look at lights, plants, tools, or seasonal displays, turning an ordinary errand into a quick, low-pressure adventure.
Play-Friendly Eateries
Chick-fil-A Play Place
Location: 605 S James Campbell Blvd, Columbia
Chick-fil-A’s indoor Play Place is a convenient spot for families to combine lunch and playtime. The play area is clean, enclosed, and designed for younger children, making it a comfortable stop when you need an easy indoor outing. Parents can relax with a meal or coffee while kids burn off some energy in a safe, family-friendly space.
McDonald’s Play Place
Location: 1225 Trotwood Ave, Columbia
McDonald’s Play Place offers an easy, low-cost indoor play option where kids can climb, slide, and explore while parents enjoy a quick meal or coffee break. It’s a simple way to let kids play indoors on a rainy day or make errands more fun with a short stop to get the wiggles out.
More Local Fun in Nearby Small Towns
Just beyond Columbia and Spring Hill, a handful of smaller towns offer charming indoor spaces that are perfect for a day trip or weekend detour. While not every small town has something family-focused, these are the ones worth knowing about, especially if you’re looking for something new without heading all the way into the city.
Cornersville
KidsVille Playground
Location: 2404 Kidsville Wy, Cornersville
An indoor playground offering 12,000 square feet of play space across three levels, designed for children under age 12. The indoor area includes climbing structures, slides, and a dedicated toddler zone with soft play features and age-appropriate equipment for younger children. The space is designed for active, open-ended play and movement in an indoor setting.
Note: KidsVille also offers outdoor mini golf, which is not included in this indoor guide.
Franklin
Carousel of Dreams by Ken Means
Location: 230 Franklin Rd, Franklin
An indoor, hand-carved carousel located inside The Factory at Franklin. Created by artist Ken Means, the carousel features intricately carved animals and is operated in support of the Circle of Giving nonprofit. This experience is included in the guide for its uniqueness rather than length. While it is not typically a standalone destination for families traveling from farther away, it can be a meaningful addition when paired with shopping, dining, or other activities at The Factory or elsewhere in Franklin.
Chuck E. Cheese
Location: 3073 Mallory Ln, Franklin
A classic arcade and indoor play center with games, pizza, rides, and party packages. A familiar choice for low-key, kid-friendly outings.
Claw Time Arcades
Location: 1800 Galleria Blvd, Cool Springs Galleria, Franklin
Claw Time Arcades is a family- and veteran-owned arcade offering Japanese-style claw machines filled with plush toys, collectibles, and prizes. The space is clean, modern, and easy to pop into while visiting the mall. While it may not be a destination on its own, it can be a fun and novel stop for kids who enjoy games and prize-based play.
Families planning a longer visit to Cool Springs Galleria may also want to pair this stop with the LEGO Store located inside the mall.
Franklin Family Entertainment Center
Location: 1200 Lakeview Dr, Franklin
A local bowling alley offering 24 lanes, mini bowling, a full arcade, and a casual restaurant. A good spot for multi-age families who want to play indoors together.
Urban Air Adventure Park
Location: 1735 Galleria Blvd, Suite 2, Franklin
A large indoor trampoline and adventure park with ninja courses, climbing walls, ropes courses, and more. Great for high-energy kids who love to move.
We Rock the Spectrum
Location: 1113 Murfreesboro Rd #203, Franklin
An inclusive indoor gym and sensory play space designed for kids of all abilities. Features include swings, trampolines, climbing structures, and imaginative play equipment.
Brentwood
Brentwood Skate Center
Location: 402 Wilson Pike Cir, Brentwood
A family-oriented indoor roller skating rink with arcade games, a DJ booth, snack bar, and party rooms. Public skate sessions are offered throughout the week.
The Monkey’s Treehouse
Location: 91 Seaboard Ln, Unit 103, Brentwood
An imaginative indoor play space designed for children ages 0–8. Kids can explore, climb, and slide through a multi-roomed treehouse, play in a town village, act in the puppet theater, or build at the train and car tables. A separate toddler section for ages 2 and under features soft play, sensory bins, and age-appropriate activities.
Bon Aqua / Lyles
Storytellers Museum & Hideaway Farm
Locations:
Storytellers Museum – 9676 Old Highway 46, Bon Aqua
The Hideaway Farm – 9347 Old Highway 46, Lyles
This unique destination celebrates the life and music of Johnny Cash, who once called the Hideaway Farm his sanctuary. Families can visit the Storytellers Museum to explore memorabilia, stories, and music history. The Hideaway Farm is currently closed to general admission but available for private tours by appointment.
Hohenwald
The Elephant Discovery Center
Location: 27 E Main St, Hohenwald
An indoor educational center created by The Elephant Sanctuary. Visitors can explore hands-on exhibits, videos, and live-streaming “EleCams” that show the elephants in their private, off-site natural habitat. There is no public access to the elephants themselves. This is a quiet, learning-based experience focused on conservation and animal care.
Pulaski
Jenn’s Brick House
Location: 517 S 1st St, Pulaski
Jenn’s Brick House is a LEGO-focused toy store offering new and used LEGO sets, minifigures, and bulk bricks. This is not a traditional stay-and-play space, but it can be a fun indoor stop for families who enjoy browsing builds, choosing a project to work on at home, or stopping in for something different. The store occasionally hosts events and classes, so checking ahead is recommended.
Lawrenceburg
Downtown Children’s Museum
Location: 29 Public Square, Lawrenceburg
An indoor children’s museum located on the square in downtown Lawrenceburg. The museum focuses on hands-on exhibits and creative play designed to encourage curiosity, imagination, and learning. Spaces are designed to support imaginative experiences that help children explore, problem-solve, and develop real-life skills in a welcoming, inclusive environment.
Old Jail Museum
Location: 233 Waterloo St, Lawrenceburg
The Old Jail Museum is housed in a former county jail built in 1893 and used until 1974. Open seasonally from April through September, this nonprofit museum offers a look into Lawrence County history through indoor exhibits displayed inside preserved jail cells. Collections include local history materials, military artifacts spanning the Civil War through World War II, political memorabilia, early land grants, and items connected to regional cultural history.
Worth the Drive
These are indoor spots that are a little farther from home but offer something different than what’s available locally. They’re a good fit for families who don’t mind a longer drive and want to mix things up without defaulting to the same places every time.
Nashville also has plenty of indoor play cafes and soft play spaces that are similar to what’s already available locally, so those aren’t included here. If you’re specifically looking for Nashville-area indoor play spaces, these guides do a great job rounding them up:
Murfreesboro
Discovery Center at Murfree Spring
Location: 502 SE Broad St, Murfreesboro
A hands-on children’s museum offering interactive exhibits that encourage learning through play. Indoor spaces explore science, art, nature, and community life through sensory experiences, pretend play areas, creative studios, train and vehicle-themed exhibits, water play, and LEGO building areas.
SeaTopia
Location: 1660 Middle Tennessee Blvd, Unit E, Murfreesboro
An ocean-themed indoor play space designed for kids ages 1–10. SeaTopia is included for its unique themed environment, offering a different experience than similar indoor play places available locally. The space features large-scale active play attractions including a volcano slide, cannon blasters, obstacle course, interactive indoor soccer and basketball court, donut slide, tricycle racing track, mammal ball pool, ball merry-go-round, and more.
Nashville
Adventure Science Center
Location: 800 Fort Negley Blvd, Nashville
A large indoor science museum with more than 175 hands-on exhibits focused on science, engineering, health, and space. Highlights include interactive exhibit halls, immersive science experiences, a makerspace, and a full-dome planetarium. The scale and depth of exhibits make this a destination that goes beyond what is available locally.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Location: 222 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville
A large indoor museum dedicated to the history and influence of country music. Exhibits include instruments, stage costumes, photographs, and interactive displays that explore music, songwriting, and performance. The museum works well for families with mixed ages, particularly when paired with other downtown Nashville activities. Admission is free for children ages 5 and under.
Huntsville, Alabama
EarlyWorks Children’s Museum
Location: 404 Madison St SE, Huntsville
A hands-on children’s museum designed for kids ages 0–12, with indoor exhibits focused on learning through play. Indoor spaces emphasize early American history, science, music, and imaginative role play, with interactive exhibits that encourage exploration, creativity, and hands-on engagement for a wide range of ages.
U.S. Space & Rocket Center
Location: One Tranquility Base, Huntsville
A large museum dedicated to space exploration and aerospace history, featuring extensive indoor exhibits focused on rockets, space missions, and science education. Indoor galleries include historic spacecraft, hands-on exhibits, simulators, and interactive displays designed to engage kids and adults alike. The scale and subject matter tend to appeal especially to older elementary-aged kids. Admission is free for children ages 4 and under.
Columbia and Spring Hill offer a wide range of indoor activities for kids, from indoor playgrounds and creative play spaces to libraries, museums, indoor gyms, and family-friendly local hangouts. Whether you’re planning an outing for toddlers, preschoolers, or older kids, there are plenty of indoor options that make it easier to spend time together close to home.
I hope this guide helps you discover new indoor activities in Columbia and Spring Hill to rotate into your routine and keep handy when you’re looking for something simple and reliable. This list is updated regularly as new indoor spaces open and programs change. If there’s an indoor playground, play space, or activity your kids love that isn’t listed here, feel free to share it or send it my way so it can be considered for future updates.
Columbia TN Kids Guide 