Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Columbia, MO

Columbia, Missouri is full of family-friendly activities that will keep the kids entertained for hours on end. From outdoor activities to educational experiences, Columbia has something for everyone. Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or planning a longer stay, we’ve rounded up some of the best kid-friendly attractions in Columbia, MO for the entire family to enjoy.

Exploring the Great Outdoors

Columbia, MO is home to a number of natural attractions perfect for outdoor exploration. Rock Bridge Memorial State Park is a popular spot for hiking and camping. The park is home to rugged trails, picturesque bluffs, and a natural bridge that you can explore. The park also offers educational programs and guided hikes, perfect for teaching kids about the local flora and fauna.

If you’re looking for something a bit more leisurely, take a stroll through the University of Missouri’s Bradford Research and Demonstration Farm. The farm offers a number of educational activities, including guided tours and farm-related activities. Kids can learn about the life cycle of plants and animals, and explore the farm’s many gardens and fields.

If you’re looking for a way to cool off during your visit, head to Cosmo Park. The park offers a number of recreational activities, including a beach, splash pad, and water slides. Kids can also explore the playground, and play a game of mini-golf or go-karts.

Discovering the Arts

Columbia, MO is home to a vibrant arts scene, with a number of venues perfect for kids. The Columbia Art League offers a variety of educational programs, including art classes, interactive exhibits, and family-friendly events. Kids can explore the gallery, and create their own works of art in the art studio.

The Missouri Theatre Center for the Arts is an historic venue offering a range of performances, from Broadway musicals to classical concerts. Kids can also take part in the theatre’s educational programming and workshops. Or, for a more interactive experience, visit the Columbia Marionette Theatre, where kids can watch puppet shows and learn about the history of puppetry.

For something a bit different, check out the Columbia Entertainment Company. The company offers a range of live shows, from musicals to comedies. Kids can also explore the company’s backstage area, where they can learn about set design and theatre production.

Celebrating Science

Columbia, MO is home to a number of science-related attractions perfect for kids. The Museum of Art and Archaeology at the University of Missouri offers a range of exhibits, from dinosaur skeletons to ancient artifacts. Kids can explore the museum’s interactive displays, and take part in educational workshops and events.

The Columbia Children’s Science Center is another great spot for kids. The center offers a range of exhibits and activities, from robotics to chemistry. Kids can explore the center’s interactive exhibits, and take part in educational programs and workshops.

For a more hands-on experience, visit the Columbia Public Library. The library offers a range of educational programs, from storytime to science experiments. Kids can also explore the library’s interactive exhibits, and take part in educational activities.

Exploring the Arts and Crafts Scene

Columbia, MO is home to a number of arts and crafts venues perfect for kids. The Columbia Art Center offers a range of classes, from painting to pottery. Kids can explore the center’s interactive exhibits, and take part in educational programs and workshops.

The Columbia Area Quilters Guild is another great spot for kids. The guild offers a range of classes, from quilting to sewing. Kids can also explore the guild’s interactive exhibits, and take part in educational activities.

For something a bit different, check out the Columbia Clay Studio. The studio offers a range of classes, from sculpting to glazing. Kids can explore the studio’s interactive exhibits, and take part in educational programs and workshops.

Learning About History and Culture

Columbia, MO is home to a number of historic and cultural attractions perfect for kids. The Columbia Museum of Art is a popular spot, offering a range of interactive exhibits, from ancient artifacts to modern art. Kids can explore the museum’s galleries, and take part in educational programs and workshops.

The Museum of Anthropology at the University of Missouri offers a range of exhibits, from ancient pottery to Native American artifacts. Kids can explore the museum’s interactive displays, and take part in educational activities.

For something a bit different, check out the Boone County Historical Society. The Society offers a range of educational programs, from tours to lectures. Kids can explore the interactive exhibits, and take part in educational activities.

Exploring the Local Zoo

The Dickerson Park Zoo is a popular spot for kids. The zoo offers a range of exhibits, from primates to reptiles. Kids can explore the zoo’s interactive displays, and take part in educational programs and workshops.

The zoo also offers a range of recreational activities, from train rides to animal encounters. Kids can explore the zoo’s many trails, and take part in educational activities.

For something a bit different, check out the nearby Rock Bridge Memorial State Park. The park is home to a number of animals, from white-tailed deer to wild turkeys. Kids can explore the park’s interactive exhibits, and take part in educational programs and workshops.

Visiting the Local Farms

Columbia, MO is home to a number of farms perfect for kids. The Columbia Farmers Market is a popular spot, offering a range of fresh produce and local products. Kids can explore the market’s interactive displays, and take part in educational activities.

The Columbia Community Supported Agriculture Program is another great spot for kids. The program offers a range of educational programs, from farm tours to cooking classes. Kids can explore the program’s interactive exhibits, and take part in educational activities.

For something a bit different, check out the nearby Rock Bridge Memorial State Park. The park is home to a number of farms, from alpacas to goats. Kids can explore the park’s interactive exhibits, and take part in educational programs and workshops.

Visiting the Local Farms

Columbia, MO is home to a number of family-friendly attractions. The Columbia Mall is a popular spot, offering a range of shopping and dining options. Kids can explore the mall’s interactive displays, and take part in family-friendly events.

The Columbia Family Fun Center is another great spot for kids. The center offers a range of activities, from laser tag to mini-golf. Kids can explore the center’s interactive exhibits, and take part in family-friendly events.

For something a bit different, check out the nearby Stephens Lake Park. The park is home to a number of recreational activities, from paddle boats to disc golf. Kids can explore the park’s interactive exhibits, and take part in family-friendly events.

Trying Out the Local Food Scene

Columbia, MO is home to a number of restaurants perfect for kids. The Broadway Diner is a popular spot, offering a range of classic American fare. Kids can explore the diner’s interactive displays, and take part in family-friendly events.

The Blue Moose Bar and Grill is another great spot for kids. The restaurant offers a range of classic American dishes, from burgers to shakes. Kids can explore the restaurant’s interactive exhibits, and take part in family-friendly events.

For something a bit different, check out The Black Sheep. The restaurant offers a range of international dishes, from tacos to sushi. Kids can explore the restaurant’s interactive exhibits, and take part in family-friendly events.

Visiting the Local Attractions

Columbia, MO is home to a number of attractions perfect for kids. The Missouri State Capitol is a popular spot, offering a range of interactive exhibits, from historical artifacts to political memorabilia. Kids can explore the capitol’s interactive displays, and take part in family-friendly events.

The Columbia Star Dinner Train is another great spot for kids. The train offers a range of recreational activities, from fine dining to sightseeing. Kids can explore the train’s interactive exhibits, and take part in family-friendly events.

For something a bit different, check out the Missouri Theatre Center for the Arts. The theatre offers a range of shows, from musicals to comedies. Kids can explore the theatre’s interactive exhibits, and take part in family-friendly events.

Exploring the Local Breweries

Columbia, MO is home to a number of breweries perfect for kids. The Logboat Brewing Company is a popular spot, offering a range of craft beers and ciders. Kids can explore the brewery’s interactive displays, and take part in family-friendly events.

The Bur Oak Brewing Company is another great spot for kids. The brewery offers a range of craft beers, from IPAs to stouts. Kids can explore the brewery’s interactive exhibits, and take part in family-friendly events.

For something a bit different, check out the Columbia Craft Brewing Company. The brewery offers a range of craft beers, from sours to lagers. Kids can explore the brewery’s interactive exhibits, and take part in family-friendly events.

Attending Local Events

Columbia, MO is home to a number of events perfect for kids. The Columbia Art League’s Arts and Crafts Fair is a popular spot, offering a range of art and craft vendors. Kids can explore the fair’s interactive exhibits, and take part in family-friendly activities.

The True/False Film Fest is another great event for kids. The festival offers a range of films, from documentaries to feature-length movies. Kids can explore the festival’s interactive exhibits, and take part in family-friendly activities.

For something a bit different, check out the Roots ‘n Blues ‘n BBQ Festival. The festival offers a range of musical performances, from blues to country. Kids can explore the festival’s interactive exhibits, and take part in family-friendly activities.

Conclusion

Columbia, MO is an ideal destination for family fun. From outdoor activities to educational experiences, there’s something for everyone in Columbia. Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or planning a longer stay, there are plenty of kid-friendly attractions in Columbia, MO for the whole family to enjoy.