This city is often looped in with Baltimore and Washington D.C., but it has a flavor all its own. Though its centrality to both Baltimore and D.C. makes it a great place to stay, there are a variety of family-friendly activities of all interests near Columbia’s city center. Outdoor adventurers of all ages won’t want to miss Lake Kittamaqundi, which hosts many of Columbia’s seasonal events. Those interested in the city’s culture will love its many shops, restaurants, and unique entertainment venues. Keep reading to discover a side of Columbia only the local families know.
Top things to do with kids in Columbia include roller skating, bowling, and discounted day trip tickets to D.C.’s sites. Try the following best things to do with kids in Columbia:
Score discount shoe rental and bowling at Brunswick Bowling
Reach higher and soar with affordable jump passes to Launch Trampoline Park
Groove and boogie across the rink Snowden Ridge’s
At River and Trail Outfitters, choose to float leisurely at Harpers Ferry or white water on the Shenandoah
Road trip to Washington D.C. for discounted tickets to the International Spy Museum
Columbia offers all the attractions necessary to an unforgettable family vacation. Treat the kids to a nature show or play an intramural sport together. Explore these affordable activities near Columbia:
At Robinson Nature Center, discover a variety of plant and animal habitat workshops that all ages will enjoy
Catch a local festival on the banks of Lake Kittamaqundi
Enjoy 4 multi-purpose sport fields at Western Regional Park
At Triadelphia Reservoir Lake, see more than 20,000 azaleas in bloom when you visit during the Spring
Walk the halls of the Maryland Museum in Baltimore to experience and internationally renowned collection of 19-century art
Get the kids ready for the time of their lives with these kid-friendly Columbia activities. Playgrounds, museums, and animal life are only a short distance away. Try the following fun things to do in Columbia for kids:
Learn about farm life at the petting zoo when you venture to Clark’s Elioak Farm
Climb, jump, and dive through the giant playground at Rolly Pollies Kids Gym
Cast for bass, trout, and sunfish with outdoorsy kids at Centennial Park
At Port Discovery Children’s Museum in Baltimore, investigate the world of dinosaurs
Daydream about living on an island at Jackson Pond
Try zip lining through the treetops, overcoming outdoor obstacles, and exploring together on your next group trip to Columbia. These activities are group-ready and exciting:
Soar through the air on the ropes course at Terrapin Adventures
Explore nearby Sandy Spring’s Adventure park for obstacle courses and ziplines
Visit the African Art Museum of Maryland to see one of its marvelous rotating exhibits
Road trip to Baltimore to see the Historic Ships Museum together
Practice archery or play hockey at Alpha Ridge Park
Allow kids to explore their potential at any of Columbia’s educational attractions. Find out how agriculture has evolved or visit the a hands-on museum just for kids. Here are the best educational activities in the area:
Visit the Howard County Living Farm Heritage Museum to learn how agriculture has evolved
Find Choo Choo Blue and ride the carousel at the Baltimore & Ohio Railway Museum
Uncover the secrets of the sea at the National Aquarium in Baltimore
At Port Discovery Children’s Museum, visit Tiny’s Diner to learn how food is ‘cooked’ and ‘served’
See a Gauley #14 Steam Locomotive at Gaithersburg Community Museum
Find out whether your child is the next big star. Bring them to an acting class or see them dance to the beat of their own drum. Check out these creative classes for kids:
Book a sampler class for your child at the Imagination Stage to see which performing art they enjoy the most
At Columbia Art Center, take part in a KidSpace program to explore rock climbing and cooperative games
Sign up for an immersive instrument class at Olenka School of Music
Make your own jewelry at a Palette Up event put on by KidzArt
At Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts, take part in a community theater event