
Barnes & Noble Lego Event | May 24, 2013
Read, Build, Play! Join Us for Hands-On Learning Storytime with LEGO featuring Grow Caterpillar Grow!- When: Friday, May 24th
- Time: 6:30pm
- Where: Columbia Mall Barnes & Noble
- Website: Barnes & Noble
- Cost: FREE
Library Messy Time | May 23rd-24th

- When: Thursday, May 23rd OR Friday, May 24th
- Time: 6pm-7:30pm (Thursday) 9:30am-11am (Friday)
- Where: Columbia Public Library | Gene Martin Secret Garden
- Ages: Birth-5 years old
- Cost: FREE
Dive in with your child for squishy fun using play dough, goop and all sorts of edibles. Then pick up our "Recipes for Fun" booklet full of more gloppy recipes. Dress for a mess, bring a towel and plan on dropping in for 45 minutes. Canceled if raining!
Lowe's Build and Grow Clinics


Bring your child to Lowe's on Saturdays to build something they get to bring home and call their own. They ask that you pre-register for each workshop so they have have the amount of materials needed for each child. After registering on their site, only the first 50 kids that have registered and present at the store at 10am will receive a kit, aprons and goggles.
I suggest to register early, as spots fill up fast!
To see upcoming Build & Grow dates & to register, click HERE!
June 8th & 9th

June 22nd-23rd

Bass Pro Summer Events | May 18-19 & 25-26
![]() |
| Click Image to Enlarge |
When: May 18-19 & 25-26
Where: Bass Pro | Columbia, MO
Cost: FREE
Website: Bass Pro Columbia, MO
Columbia Spray Grounds
It's finally here: Spray Parks are OPEN!
The Spray Parks opened May 1, 2013
Stephens Park Spray Ground | 2001 East Broadway
Flat Branch Park Spray Ground | 400 Loucst
(UNDER CONSTRUCTION for 2013)
(UNDER CONSTRUCTION for 2013)
Douglas Park Spray Ground | 400 N. Providence Road

- Cost: Free Admission | Open to the public
- Time: 9am-8:30pm
- Play at your own risk | No lifeguards
- Chlorinated recycled water | Activated by push button
- End of Season: September 30, 2012
- Website: Columbia Aquatics
Movies in the Park

Join us for a community event that is fun for all ages. The movies, shown on a giant inflatable screen, resemble a drive in without cars, yet offers better sound, soft grass, and the gorgeous stars above. Grab a blanket or low lawn chair and head out for an unforgettable evening of cinema. Pre-show activities and entertainment begin one hour prior to movie
start time. Concessions available.
- Where: Flat Branch Park | 4th & Cherry Street
- Cost: $2 | Kids 8 & under FREE
Determined to make her own path in life, Princess Merida defies a custom that brings chaos to her
kingdom. Granted one wish, Merida must rely on her bravery and her archery skills to undo a beastly curse.
Friday, June 14, 9 pm - Hotel Transylvania (PG)
Dracula, who operates a resort away from the human world, goes into overprotection mode when
a boy discovers the resort and falls for the Count’s teenage daughter.
Friday, July 12, 9 pm - Rise of the Guardians (PG)
When the evil spirit Pitch launches an assault on Earth, the Immortal Guardians team up to protect the
innocence of children all around the world.
Friday, August 9, 8:30 pm - Escape From Planet Earth
(PG) Astronaut Scorch Supernova finds himself caught in a trap when he responds to an SOS from a
notoriously dangerous alient planet.
Stephens Lake Park Amphitheater
Join us at the beautiful Stephens Lake Park Amphitheater for an evening of music under the stars. Bring a blanket or low lawn chair.- Where: Stephens Lake Park Amphitheater
- Time: 7pm-9pm
- Cost: FREE
- Website: goColumbiaMO
May 2nd | Norm Ruebling Band
Sponsored by MO-X and Will West Music
June 6th | Missouri Symphony Society
Sponsored by Office of Cultural Affairs and Missouri Arts Council
July 11th | The Community Band
August 1st | TBD
Free Bowling for Kids | Summer 2013

Kids 15 and under can bowl for free all summer. To qualify, simply register your children in the link below and you'll receive weekly vouchers via email for two free games per child per day through August. Shoe rental is not included.
- Where: Lazer Lanes | Columbia, MO
- When: Summer 2013
- Cost: Free + the cost of shoe rental
- Facebook Page
- Event Website: Register HERE
Family Fun Fest | 2013
This family event transforms Flat Branch Park into fun central with a new theme each month! Entertainment for the entire family will feature music, special performances, art activities, hands-on activities, face painting and guaranteed fun for all ages.- Where: Flat Branch Park | 4th and Cherry and Locust
- Time: 6pm-8pm
Local teen talent will perform. All ages welcome.In recognition of child abuse prevention month and
alcohol awareness month.
May 15 | Fitness is Fun
Sponsored by the ARC (Activity & Recreation Center). Find out the many ways to enjoy getting fit from a variety of organizations and departments.
June 19 | Explore the Outdoors
See and learn about Missouri fish, birds, parks, camping and more from local and state organizations about all that the outdoors has to offer.
July 17 | Summer Fun
This evening will feature a variety of summer-inspired entertainment and hands-on activities for all ages.
August 21 | Around the World
Travel the globe with dancing, games, music and more
September 18 | Creative Kids
Sponsored by the Columbia Office of Cultural Affairs & the Missouri Arts Council. Participatory art activities and kid-friendly performances of music, theater and dance.
Home Depot | Kids Workshop

*NO registration required*

The Home Depot's Kids Workshops offer useful projects including the creation of toolboxes, fire trucks and mail organizers, as well as more educational projects, such as a window birdhouse, bughouse or Declaration of Independence frame kit. The workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at the same time helping to instill a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, this fun time allows for quality one-on-one time between adults and children.
- When: First Saturday of every month
- Time: 9am-12pm
- Where: Home Depot off Clark Lane
- Ages: 5-12 years
- Price: FREE
- Website: Home Depot Kid's Workshop
Armory Movie Nights

Date
| Movie |
|---|---|
| February 2 | Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days |
| February 16 | Wreck-It Ralph |
| March 2 | Thunderstruck |
| March 16 | Hotel Transylvania |
| April 6 | Here Comes the Boom |
| April 20 | Delhi Safari |
| May 4 | Won't Back Down |
| May 18 | Toys in the Attic |
- When: Every 1st & 3rd Saturday
- Time: 6pm-8:30pm
- Cost: FREE
- Where: Armory Sports Center
- More Information: 874-6378
- Popcorn and juice provided!
Lend & Learn Toy Library


Lend & Learn Toy Libraries provide a safe location in which young children and their parents can play with toys that develop their motor and cognitive skills. Our toys can be enjoyed at the library or borrowed for free. The toy libraries also provide opportunities for parents to link with other parents.
Parents with children infant age to 3 are invited to explore educational toys, visit with the on-site early childhood specialist and browse resource materials on topics ranging from learning activities to toilet training.
Families can enjoy a large, safe, inviting space to play with their children and visit with others. There’s even an infant/toddler area that provides protected play space for the youngest children and their parents.
You also can check out developmentally appropriate toys for your children for free.
Lend & Learn is for children birth-3 years old!
- Where: 1010 Fay St. and 207 Park Ave.
- When: 10am-1pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
- Cost: FREE
- Website: First Chance for Children
- Visit Lend & Learn on Facebook.
NOTE: Lend & Learn is CLOSED when Columbia Public Schools are closed!
(Pictures were taken from the Fay Street Location)
Closet full of toys to check-out and bring home:
![]() |
FREE Spring Movie Lineup
FREE SPRING MOVIES start March 2nd!
- When: Saturday and Sundays at 9am and 10am
- Cost: FREE | Tickets are first come, first served
- Where: Forum 8 Theater | Columbia, MO
- Website: Goodrich Quality Theaters
Barnes & Noble | Story Time
Head on over to Barnes & Noble for free story time on Saturdays & Mondays. Not only is storytime super fun for the kids but you'll get in a nice break - where you can take advantage of their complimentary Wi-Fi (great for browsing through books on your Nook or Kindle if you have one!) After storytime, check out their amazing children's section while letting your kids explore all the toys and books that Barnes & Noble has to offer. My kids think the best part of storytime is the play time that follows! The Columbia Barnes & Noble has a Thomas the Train table and a NEW Duplo Lego Table area that is great for toddlers! - When: Saturday & Monday | 10:30am
- Where: Barnes & Noble | Columbia Mall
- Cost: Free
Girls on the Run

We are currently at 6 elementary schools in Columbia but are accepting girls from any area schools in order to fill our sites. We are trying to get the word out and get our spots filled before registration closes next Friday, February 15th. Families can find more information about the program and register on our website at heartofmissourigirlsontherun.org.
TRYPS | Columbia Mall Kidz Court
TRYPS, a children's theater at the Columbia Mall, is hosting FREE workshops for parents & their children:
LIVE AT ELEVEN & Tiny TRYPSters
Upcoming Workshop Dates: March 2nd | April 13th
LIVE at ELEVEN
- When: Second Saturday of each month
- Time: 11am-11:30am
- Where: Columbia Mall | Kidz Court
- Cost: FREE and open to the public! No reservations are necessary.
- What: The workshops are interactive movement and games.
TRYPS • Columbia Mall • 2300 Bernadette #918 • Columbia, MO
Call (573) 449-4536 with questions
Email: trypskids@gmail.com
Museum of Anthropology Kid Events
Experience Cultures of the World children’s classes offered through the Museum of Anthropology including presentations on artifacts and cultures from a range of areas. Activities include music, games, craft projects, and traditional folktales from the regions. These programs take place on the MU campus from 4pm-6pm. They are designed for children in the 1st-5th grades.
- February 5 or 12, 2013 | Arctic
- March 5 or 12, 2013 | South Africa
- April 2 or 9, 2013 | Japan
The same class is offered twice each month so you can choose whichever date works best for your schedule. Class sizes are limited to the first 15 registrants! Please email Jessica Boldt at boldtj@missouri.edu or call 882-3573 to enroll.
- Where: Missouri Museum of Anthropology, Swallow Hall
- When: February-April | 4-6 p.m.
- Cost: Suggested $3 donation to cover the cost of supplies
- Event Website: Missouri Museum of Anthropology
Museum of Art & Archaeology Kid Events
All events are FREE and open to the public, and appropriate for children ages five and older who are accompanied by an adult. All events start in the Cast Gallery unless otherwise stated. Pre-Registration is requested for all events, and required for some, as noted below. Please call 573-882-3591 to register.
- JANUARY 31 | Thursday Art After School (Grades K-8) 4-6 pm The World of Watercolor
- FEBRUARY 28 | Thursday Art After School (Grades K-8) 4-6 pm
Get your inspiration for a paper masterpiece by looking at the Rolando Estévez and the Genius of Vigía exhibition. Then make a greeting card out of paper and decorate it in any way you choose.- MARCH 16 | Saturday Children’s Workshop SESSIONS BETWEEN 1:00–3:30pm
- APRIL 18 | Thursday Art After School (Grades K-8) 4-6 pm Landscapes The special exhibition featuring watercolors by Keith Crown has wonderful examples of landscapes. After viewing those and others in the Museum, we will try our hand at our own landscapes, using a variety of media.
- MAY 9 | Thursday Art After School (Grades K-8) 4-6 pm Sketching
Chuck E. Cheese
I never thought I would step foot in this place, knowing that it is a mad house, but come to find out, they have an area in the back for toddlers that was somewhat calm. Games and a play area with a slide just for their size! All games were 25 cents...you can't beat that! The pizza was surprising good too! Check out their website for coupons & join their email club and save more!
It can be a cheap and fun experience for the whole family with the coupons they send out!
It can be a cheap and fun experience for the whole family with the coupons they send out!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)


























