Things to do for Kids after school in Columbia, TN

After a long day of school, nothing feels more relaxing than quality family time. Luckily, Columbia has options for everyone. The city is located in Maury County, Tennessee, and nestled along the banks of the Duck River. Incorporated in 1817, Columbia is a classic Southern town, complete with a historic downtown district and iconic courthouse square. Also, there are tons of family-friendly activities in the area, including fun things to do with your kids after school.

The city caters to a child’s recreational needs whether they enjoy reading, making art, competing in team sports, playing outside, or trying new games. And to help you bond better with the little ones, we’ve put together our list of favorite spots for after-school activities in Columbia. It’s also important to have a safe family car to get you around town. So, if you need a new set of wheels, head to Stan McNabb Chevrolet for your new or used car before partaking in these after-school activities.

aMuse’um Columbia Children’s Museum

aMuse’um Children’s Museum, centrally located in Columbia’s downtown square, is the place for wholesome family fun. Kids and adults alike are inspired to think, learn and create as they play and discover. Exhibits featured at aMuse’um include a baby hospital, veterinary clinic, farm, bank, and ice cream shop. Ideal for ages up to 8-10 years old. Daily admission is $10, which includes one adult and one child. Memberships are available for locals. After re-evaluating their play process, they now operate on timed ticketed sessions, you can check their website to book in advance.

Riverwalk Park

Contrary to consensus, good things sometimes come free. For a fun, free evening of leisure after school, visit downtown Columbia and walk just off the square to Riverwalk Park. There’s a great paved walkway, approximately a 2-mile walk, that connects historic downtown to the park and the local dam. A splash pad and basketball court are on-site to entertain the kids. The park even hosts regular events — from farmers’ markets to movies in the park — for something special with the family.

Chickasaw Trace County Park

For children with a love of the great outdoors, Chickasaw Trace Park is an awesome option right on the banks of the Duck River. It has 9 miles of mountain bike trails if your kids enjoy a good bike ride. The mountain bike trail is advertised as “perfect” for all experience levels, from 5-year-old beginners to experienced riders. The standard loop has add-ons for advanced riders to enjoy as well.

Building Block School for the Arts

Some kids barely of speaking age display incredible creativity. If your child has such a creative side, we have a place for them to express themselves unrestrained. The Building Block School for the Arts is an incredible academy that allows your kids to showcase their acting, performing, or musical skills. They’ll learn the fundamentals of stage performance and get a chance to act or play in front of real audiences. They’ll also gain confidence, expand their creativity, and have a whole lot of fun. After School Arts is specifically designed to fit into your busy schedule, so check out the options they have available this school year.

Muletown Pottery

Muletown Pottery is a paint-it-yourself pottery studio that encourages your child (and you) to let out their most creative side. Pick a piece from the long shelves of options — anything from plates to ornaments to animal figures — and take a seat at one of their tables. Let your imagination run wild as you paint your piece, and they will fire it for you. Muletown Pottery also has special events, such as mother-son and father-daughter nights, so be sure to give them a call before you go.

Muletown School of Music

Right here in Columbia is the incredible Muletown School of Music for your musically inclined child. They offer music lessons covering piano, guitar, violin, and even ukelele. Age classes are grouped by 4- and 5-year-olds, 6- to 9-year-olds, and 10- to 18-year-olds. This setup allows your kid to learn in the company of their age group and children with similar experience levels.

Muletown School even offers family classes as the holidays approach so you can learn a musical number together.

Tenn Pin Alley

Bowling is an excellent family-friendly event. Rounds can go late into the evening, leaving plenty of time to bowl a few games after school. Tenn Pin Alley — our recommended bowling alley — besides bowling, features laser tag, bumper cars, an arcade, and a spin zone for further entertainment. What’s more, Tenn Pin Alley has great packages for parties and groups, so we suggest you consider it for a special occasion or as a reward for their good grades.

Duck River Books

Books have the ability to take us on magical journeys. If you have passionate little readers in your family, consider taking them to Duck River Books after school to find a new story to enjoy. This bookstore is focused on fostering community and creating a friendly, warm environment for readers. They have a lovely children’s section, where you’ll find age-appropriate books. As a plus, adults can shop for a new book here as well.

Make After-School Time Family Fun Time

Columbia is a great town to raise your family, with tons of fun after-school activities to entertain your kids. There are parks, playgrounds, and sports centers for the active types. But that’s barely scratching the surface of recreational offerings here. Expect performance arts academies, music schools, and pottery studios to manifest the latent talent of the artistic ones. For the scholar minds, the city provides book shops, museums, and historic sites.

Be sure to treat yourself as well. Why not drive your kids to their next activity in a new Chevrolet from Stan McNabb in Columbia. We have tons of new and used models ready for you. Just imagine, you could be exploring town with your kids in a brand new car very soon.

Also, did we miss your favorite after-school activity? Be sure to let us know.