The week ahead (September 8–14) is steady with familiar favorites and routines for families across Columbia and Spring Hill. While most of the calendar is filled with returning story times, play sessions, and library programs, there are a couple of updates worth noting.
It’s not too late to sign up for First Notes Music’s Fall Session, starting Monday at Columbia Dance Academy. Classes run for 10 weeks with three Monday options (9:30, 10:30, and an 11:45 babies-only class). Spots are limited, so grab one while you can. Sign up here.
Villages Clubhouse has also introduced a new Weekender Package for $10 a month. It’s a great option for working families who want weekend access to the toy library and discounted open play & playgroup sessions.
I’ve added Shining Light Gymnastics open play and ninja open play back into the calendar since so many families have asked about it recently, but please remember their pricing and packages are subject to change.
The same goes for all local businesses and events. Schedules, costs, and memberships can shift, and since I’m not the host I may not always catch those updates right away. It’s always a good idea to double-check details directly before heading out.
Here are a few events worth highlighting this week:
- Villages Clubhouse Open Play (Monday–Saturday mornings)
This week features a Construction theme with rotating sensory and imaginative play stations for ages 1 – 5. - Stroller Workouts & Walks (Tuesday morning)
Columbia Parks & Rec’s parent-and-child fitness meetup returns after taking a week off and moves back to a 9 AM start time. - Discovery Gymnastics Open Play (Wednesday & Thursday mornings)
An active indoor play hour for kids of all ages. It’s a great option to get out of the house for a bit on rainy days. - Tummy Time at Villages Clubhouse (Friday morning)
A parent-and-me playgroup designed to support babies (3 weeks and up) through early development. - Taste Buddies at Villages Clubhouse (Friday late morning)
The three-week September series kicks off for preschoolers ages 3–5 to build positive food experiences in a supportive setting. - My First Robot Parent & Child Workshop (Saturday afternoon, ages 4–7)
A hands-on robotics class where kids and parents build and play with bots together.
The full weekly lineup is below, with times, costs, and sign-up links included to make planning simple.
Want to jump to a specific day? Click the day below.
Monday, September 8
Monday starts the week with a mix of play and story time options. Whether your kids need space to climb and explore, a cozy lap for songs and books, or a chance to get messy with paint and textures, there are plenty of ways to spend the morning together.
🧸 Open Play Session
Location: Villages Clubhouse (1127 S High St, Columbia)
Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Cost: $12 per child or Membership Package (Sign up here)
Description: Enjoy open-ended indoor and outdoor sensory play designed for kids around ages 1–5. Sessions include a variety of rotating sensory stations and plenty of space for free exploration. You’re welcome to stay and play as long as you like during your time slot. Advance sign-up is recommended to guarantee your spot, as some timeframes may fill up. If arriving after 10:30 AM, on-site ticket purchase is required due to the online cutoff.
🥾 Family-Friendly Hike w/ Müdd Hiking Group (Spring Hill)
Location: Viking Pizza Company (3525 Kedron Rd, Spring Hill, TN 37174)
Time: 9:00 AM
Cost: Free
Description: Join other families for an easy morning hike on a flat grass path with one larger hill. The trail is not stroller friendly but is manageable for young kids with some assistance. After the hike, families are invited to head over to Awaken House for coffee and outdoor playtime.
👶 Baby Time (Spring Hill)
Location: Spring Hill Public Library – Multi-Purpose Room (144 Kedron Pkwy, Spring Hill)
Time: 9:30 to 10:30 AM
Cost: Free
Description: Rhymes, songs, books, and plenty of bouncing that’s just right for your little one. This interactive weekly session is designed for children from birth to age 2 and their caregivers. A short playtime follows each story time.
📚 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.
🎨 Messy Zone
Location: aMuse’um Children’s Museum (123 W 7th St #3213, Columbia)
Time: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Cost: Included with play session ($12 per child; one adult free per paid child, additional adults $6). Free for members. (Reserve a spot)
Description: Hands-on messy fun that encourages artistic expression, fine motor skill development, and imaginative thinking. Kids will explore new textures and materials while building creativity in a playful, open-ended setting. This program is included with the regular 10:00–12:30 play session, so the $12 admission (non-members) covers the full playtime.
✂️ Crafternoon (Ages 5+)
Location: Maury County Public Library (211 W 8th St, Columbia)
Time: 4:30 to 5:30 PM
Cost: Free
Description: Explore a new artist each week and create artwork inspired by their style. This week’s theme: Teddy Bears.
Tuesday, September 9
Tuesday has something for every age and interest, from fitness and sensory play to science, art, and story times. Whether you want to start the morning with a stroller walk, let little hands explore, or wind down the afternoon with LEGO building, there are plenty of options to keep the day moving.
👟 Stroller Workouts & Walks
Location: Riverwalk Park (102 Riverside Dr, Columbia)
Time: 9:00 to 10:00 AM
Cost: Free
Description: Hosted by Columbia Parks & Rec, this parent-and-child fitness meetup mixes light cardio, strength exercises, and a stroller walk. All fitness levels are welcome.
🧸 Open Play Session
Location: Villages Clubhouse (1127 S High St, Columbia)
Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Cost: $12 per child or Membership Package (Sign up here)
Description: Enjoy open-ended indoor and outdoor sensory play designed for kids around ages 1–5. Sessions include a variety of rotating sensory stations and plenty of space for free exploration. You’re welcome to stay and play as long as you like during your time slot. Advance sign-up is recommended to guarantee your spot, as some timeframes may fill up. If arriving after 10:30 AM, on-site ticket purchase is required due to the online cutoff.
👣 The Mom Co. Mom’s Walk with She Blooms Mental Health
Location: Harvey Park (4001 Miles Johnson Pkwy, Spring Hill)
Time: 9:30 to 11:30 AM
Cost: Free (registration requested)
Description: A community walk sponsored by She Blooms Mental Health with complimentary beverages and snacks. Open to all moms including expecting, new, toddler, and big kid moms. Enjoy fresh air, conversation, and a chance for kids to play.
🎨 Art Play Drop-in (Spring Hill)
Location: TN Art Yard (5337 Main St, Spring Hill)
Time: 9:30 to 11:30 AM
Cost: $12.50 or part of art play pack (Sign up here)
Description: Open-ended art and sensory play for ages 2–10 with parent participation required. Kids can explore stations, make take-home projects, paint, and enjoy messy outdoor fun. TN Art Yard also offers preschool, homeschool, and afterschool programs, including a sensory play group for ages 18+ months.
🤸 Weekday Open Gym (Chapel Hill)
Location: Tennessee Extreme Allstars (132 Depot St, Chapel Hill)
Time: 10:00 to 11:30 AM
Cost: $5 per child (cash or Venmo only)
Description: Parents stay to supervise as kids enjoy free play in the gym. No pre-registration required.
📚 Story Time (Spring Hill)
Location: Spring Hill Public Library (144 Kedron Pkwy, Spring Hill)
Time: 10:00 to 11:00 AM
Cost: Free
Description: Children’s books, songs, finger-play, and a craft project. Runs weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
🧸 Toddler Storytime
Location: Maury County Public Library (211 W 8th St, Columbia)
Time: 10:00 to 10:30 AM
Cost: Free
Description: A lively storytime with songs, fingerplays, and movement for toddlers and their grown-ups, promoting early literacy and motor skills.
🔎 Wonder Station
Location: aMuse’um Children’s Museum (123 W 7th St #3213, Columbia)
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Cost: Free for members; included with admission ($12 per child; one adult free per paid child, additional adults $6) (Reserve a spot)
Description: Wonder Station encourages kids to explore, question, and experiment. Each session introduces fun, hands-on science and problem-solving activities that spark curiosity and help children build observation and critical-thinking skills in a playful, low-pressure environment. This program is included with the regular 10:00–12:30 play session, so the $12 admission (non-members) covers the full playtime.
🎨 After-School Art Break (Spring Hill)
Location: Spring Hill Public Library (144 Kedron Pkwy, Spring Hill)
Time: 3:30 to 5:00 PM
Cost: Free
Description: A self-paced art activity using different materials each week. Designed for school-aged kids but open to all.
🧱 Lego Lab
Location: Maury County Public Library (211 W 8th St, Columbia)
Time: 4:30 to 5:30 PM
Cost: Free
Description: Weekly LEGO challenges that encourage creativity, engineering, and problem-solving. For ages 4 and up.
Wednesday, September 10
Wednesday brings a mix of creative outlets, library story times, and active play, giving families several ways to spend the morning together.
🧸 Open Play Session
Location: Villages Clubhouse (1127 S High St, Columbia)
Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Cost: $12 per child or Membership Package (Sign up here)
Description: Enjoy open-ended indoor and outdoor sensory play designed for kids around ages 1–5. Sessions include a variety of rotating sensory stations and plenty of space for free exploration. You’re welcome to stay and play as long as you like during your time slot. Advance sign-up is recommended to guarantee your spot, as some timeframes may fill up. If arriving after 10:30 AM, on-site ticket purchase is required due to the online cutoff.
🤸 Shining Light Gymnastics Open Play (Spring Hill)
Location: Shining Light Gymnastics (4008 Parkfield Loop N, Spring Hill)
Time: 9:00 to 10:00 AM (Sign up here)
Cost: $10 per single visit; multi-visit passes available for savings. Prices subject to change.
Description: Open play is designed for children ages 6 years and under. Parents are asked to stay with their children on the floor during the one-hour play session. A great way for little ones to move, explore, and burn energy in a safe environment.
🏃 Ninja Open Play (Spring Hill)
Location: Shining Light Gymnastics – Ninja Building (4008 Parkfield Loop N, Spring Hill)
Time: 9:00 to 10:00 AM (Sign up here)
Cost: $10 per single visit; multi-visit passes available for savings. Prices subject to change.
Description: Ninja Open Play takes place in the dedicated Ninja building and is open to ages 1–10. Pre-registration is required online, as spots are limited to just 20 participants. Kids can climb, jump, and challenge themselves while building confidence in a fun and active space.
🎨 Art Play Drop-in (Spring Hill)
Location: TN Art Yard (5337 Main St, Spring Hill)
Time: 9:30 to 11:30 AM
Cost: $12.50 or part of art play pack (Sign up here)
Description: Open-ended art and sensory play for ages 2–10 with parent participation required. Kids can explore stations, make take-home projects, paint, and enjoy messy outdoor fun. TN Art Yard also offers preschool, homeschool, and afterschool programs, including a sensory play group for ages 18+ months.
📚 Story Time (Spring Hill)
Location: Spring Hill Public Library (144 Kedron Pkwy, Spring Hill)
Time: 10:00 to 11:00 AM
Cost: Free
Description: Children’s books, songs, finger-play, and a craft project. Runs weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
🧸 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 story time with books, songs, and activities to help prepare children (around ages 3–5) for kindergarten.
🤸 Open Gym
Location: Discovery Gymnastics (1943 Union Pl, Columbia)
Time: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Cost: $7 (Sign up here)
Description: Open play gymnastics for all ages. Must create an account to see details and register.
Thursday, September 11
Thursday brings a mix of storytimes, play sessions, and hands-on activities. From art and open play in the morning to tinkering and reading with a furry friend later in the day, it’s a nice blend of active and quiet options for kids and families.
🧸 Open Play Session
Location: Villages Clubhouse (1127 S High St, Columbia)
Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Cost: $12 per child or Membership Package (Sign up here)
Description: Enjoy open-ended indoor and outdoor sensory play designed for kids around ages 1–5. Sessions include a variety of rotating sensory stations and plenty of space for free exploration. You’re welcome to stay and play as long as you like during your time slot. Advance sign-up is recommended to guarantee your spot, as some timeframes may fill up. If arriving after 10:30 AM, on-site ticket purchase is required due to the online cutoff.
🤸 Open Gym
Location: Discovery Gymnastics (1943 Union Pl, Columbia)
Time: 9:00 to 10:00 AM
Cost: $7 (Sign up here)
Description: Open play gymnastics for all ages. Must create an account to see details and register.
🎨 Art Play Drop-in (Spring Hill)
Location: TN Art Yard (5337 Main St, Spring Hill)
Time: 9:30 to 11:30 AM
Cost: $12.50 or part of art play pack (Sign up here)
Description: Open-ended art and sensory play for ages 2–10 with parent participation required. Kids can explore stations, make take-home projects, paint, and enjoy messy outdoor fun. TN Art Yard also offers preschool, homeschool, and afterschool programs, including a sensory play group for ages 18+ months.
🌱 Nature Exploration – Workshops by Firefly Garden Club
Location: Woodland Park, 821 W. 9th Street, Columbia, TN 38401
Time: Thursday, September 11 at 10:00 AM
Cost: $22 (Sign up here)
Description: Designed for children ages 4 and up, this session invites families to celebrate the final days of summer with hands-on nature fun. Kids will create colorful hiking sticks, enjoy a scavenger hunt and nature walk, and craft their own DIY trail mix. It’s a day of playful learning, creativity, and outdoor bonding. All materials are provided.
📚 Story Time (Spring Hill)
Location: Spring Hill Public Library (144 Kedron Pkwy, Spring Hill)
Time: 10:00 to 11:00 AM
Cost: Free
Description: Enjoy children’s books, songs, finger-play, and a craft project. Typically every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday unless there is a holiday or library closure.
👶 Baby Storytime
Location: Maury County Public Library (211 W 8th St, Columbia)
Time: 10:00 to 10:30 AM
Cost: Free
Description: Gentle story time for babies (0–18 months) and caregivers featuring rhymes, simple stories, and music to encourage early language development.
♫ Baby Music & Movement
Location: Maury County Public Library (211 W 8th St, Columbia)
Time: 11:00 to 11:30 AM
Cost: Free
Description: A lively session with songs, rhymes, wiggles, and giggles to engage babies (0-18 months) and support early development through music and movement.
🔧 Tinker Time
Location: aMuse’um Children’s Museum (123 W 7th St #3213, Columbia)
Time: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Cost: Free for members; included with admission ($12 per child; one adult free per paid child, additional adults $6) (Reserve a spot)
Description: Tinker Time gives kids the chance to design, build, and test their ideas through creative tinkering activities. These sessions build confidence, teamwork, and perseverance while encouraging children to think like engineers in a fun, hands-on way. This program is included with the regular 10:00–12:30 play session, so the $12 admission (non-members) covers the full playtime.
🐶 Paws to Read (Registration Required)
Location: Maury County Public Library (211 W 8th St, Columbia)
Time: 3:30 to 4:30 PM
Cost: Free
Description: Kids can sign up to read books to a shelter dog in a quiet, supportive setting. Registration is required (contact the library to sign up).
Friday, September 12
Friday offers a wide mix of activities, from active play and baby classes in the morning to a preschool feeding series at Villages and a community car cruise-in at night. Whether you’re looking for movement, connection, or a fun evening out, there are plenty of ways to spend it with your kids.
🧸 Open Play Session
Location: Villages Clubhouse (1127 S High St, Columbia)
Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Cost: $12 per child or Membership Package (Sign up here)
Description: Enjoy open-ended indoor and outdoor sensory play designed for kids around ages 1–5. Sessions include a variety of rotating sensory stations and plenty of space for free exploration. You’re welcome to stay and play as long as you like during your time slot. Advance sign-up is recommended to guarantee your spot, as some timeframes may fill up. If arriving after 10:30 AM, on-site ticket purchase is required due to the online cutoff.
🤸 Shining Light Gymnastics Open Play (Spring Hill)
Location: Shining Light Gymnastics (4008 Parkfield Loop N, Spring Hill)
Time: 9:00 to 10:00 AM & 10:30 to 11:30 AM (Sign up here)
Cost: $10 per single visit; multi-visit passes available for savings. Prices subject to change.
Description: Choose from two different time slots. Open play is designed for children ages 6 years and under. Parents are asked to stay with their children on the floor during the one-hour play session. A great way for little ones to move, explore, and burn energy in a safe environment.
🏃 Ninja Open Play (Spring Hill)
Location: Shining Light Gymnastics – Ninja Building (4008 Parkfield Loop N, Spring Hill)
Time: 9:00 – 10:00 AM & 10:30 – 11:30 AM (Sign up here)
Cost: $10 per single visit; multi-visit passes available for savings. Prices subject to change.
Description: Choose from two different time slots. Ninja Open Play takes place in the dedicated Ninja building and is open to ages 1–10. Pre-registration is required online, as spots are limited to just 20 participants. Kids can climb, jump, and challenge themselves while building confidence in a fun and active space.
👶 Tummy Time – Parent & Me Playgroup for Ages 3 Weeks+
Location: Villages Clubhouse (1127 S High St, Columbia)
Time: 10:00 to 11:00 AM
Cost: $20 per session (Sign up here)
Description: This parent-and-me playgroup is designed to support babies (3 weeks and up) and their caregivers through early development. Led by occupational therapist Cassie Kleinfelder, each session incorporates TummyTime!™ techniques and elements of infant massage to help reduce stress, improve sleep, relieve gas and constipation, and promote healthy development. Parents will also receive practical tips for understanding their baby’s needs, especially if tummy time has been a struggle. Drop in and gain confidence while bonding with your baby in a supportive setting.
🍎 Taste Buddies with Villages Clubhouse (Session 1 of 3)
Location: Villages Clubhouse (1127 S High St, Columbia)
Time: 11:15 AM to 12:15 PM
Cost: $100 (Sign up here)
Description: A 3-week series designed for preschoolers (ages 3–5) who may experience discomfort or difficulty with food. Led by an OT/SLP duo, this program helps children build positive experiences with food through sensory prep, fun food play, and supportive routines. Parents also learn strategies to use at home, share stories, and support one another. Price includes food for each session.
🚗 Solar Cars – Fairview Friday STEM Series
Location: Dr. Christa S. Martin Community Center at Fairview Park
Time: 5:00 PM
Cost: Free
Description: Kids will design, assemble, and test mini solar-powered cars while learning how sunlight can be transformed into energy that makes things move. This hands-on STEM project encourages curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving in a fun, supportive environment.
🚗 Cruisin’ the Co-op
Location: United Farm And Home Co-Op (975 Riverview Ln, Columbia)
Time: 5:00 to 8:00 PM
Cost: Free
Description: Classic car cruise-in featuring vintage vehicles, food trucks, music, and fun for all ages. Families can admire cool cars, grab dinner from local food vendors, and enjoy live music on the Co-op grounds during this laid-back community event.
Saturday, September 13
Saturday offers plenty of ways to get out and enjoy the weekend. Start the morning at a local farmers market or open play, then browse vendors and live music at The Factory’s monthly event. Later in the day, families can explore a hands-on robotics workshop in Spring Hill.
🥕 Columbia Farmers’ Fresh Market
Location: Riverwalk Park, 102 Riverside Dr, Columbia, TN 38401, USA
Time: 8:00am – 12:00pm
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. Can’t make it on the weekend? A smaller group of vendors also sets up on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, perfect for a quieter midweek visit.
🚜 Cars + Chili / Tractor Show
Location: Spring Hill High School, 1 Raider Lane, Columbia, TN 38401
Time: Doors open at 9:00 AM (car and tractor registration begins at 8:00 AM)
Cost: Fundraiser event — proceeds benefit FFA and SkillsUSA (some activities may have a cost)
Description: The 2nd annual Cars + Chili / Tractor Show will feature a car and tractor show, vendor fair, chili cook-off, and silent auction, with proceeds supporting FFA and SkillsUSA programs. Families can also enjoy kid-friendly activities including pedal tractors, a corn table, and a skillet toss. It’s a lively way to support local students while spending the day in the community.
🧸 Open Play Session
Location: Villages Clubhouse (1127 S High St, Columbia)
Time: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Cost: $12 per child or Membership Package (Sign up here)
Description: Enjoy open-ended indoor and outdoor sensory play designed for kids around ages 1–5. Sessions include a variety of rotating sensory stations and plenty of space for free exploration. You’re welcome to stay and play as long as you like during your time slot. Advance sign-up is recommended to guarantee your spot, as some timeframes may fill up. If arriving after 10:30 AM, on-site ticket purchase is required due to the online cutoff.
🛍️ Second Saturdays at The Factory
Location: 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 dozens of vendor booths for unique finds, enjoy food from local eateries, and listen to live music in a family-friendly indoor/outdoor setting. Kids are welcome, and there are often activities to keep them entertained while parents shop.
🏡 Fall Open House at Baxter’s Mercantile
Location: 808 South Garden St, Columbia, TN 38401
Time 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cost: Free
Description: Discover seasonal favorites, explore new treasures, and soak up cozy fall vibes at Baxter’s Fall Open House. The first 20 customers will receive a coupon from Rocky’s for a free ice cream cone. A perfect chance to shop local and celebrate the season.
🌽 Hidden Gem Farmers Market (Spring Hill)
Location: 863 Old Military Rd, Spring Hill, TN 37174, USA
Time: 11:00am – 2:00pm
Cost: Free
Description: Spring Hill’s weekly farmers market with local produce, food trucks, and family activities. Known as one of Spring Hill’s finest markets, it runs every Saturday through October, featuring a variety of vendors and a family-friendly atmosphere.
🤖 My First Robot | Parent & Child Robotics Workshop
Location: 2909 Commonwealth Dr, Spring Hill
Time: 2:00 to 5:00 PM
Cost: $35 (Sign up here)
Description: A hands-on robotics workshop designed for budding engineers ages 4–7. Parents and kids work together to explore robotics concepts by building and playing with bots in a fun, guided session.
That wraps up the Columbia TN Kids Guide for the week of September 8–14. Whether you’re heading to a playgroup, trying something new like Taste Buddies or robotics, or just looking for a fun spot to let the kids burn off energy, there’s plenty to choose from.
As always, check with each location for the latest details, since schedules and prices can sometimes change. And if you know of an event I haven’t included, send it my way so I can share it with other families too.
Columbia TN Kids Guide 