Columbia has a little something for everyone. The heart of the city, the District, is full of food and shopping fun. The surrounding nature preserves offer adventure for city dwellers looking for a fresh air escape.

The best things to do near Columbia include:

• Spelunking in Connor’s Cave
• Exploring the Mizzou Botanic Garden on campus
• Off-roading or mountain biking at Finger Lakes State Park
• Learning about cultures at the Museum of Art and Archaeology
• Touring Rock Bridge Memorial State Park

The Francis Quadrangle, commonly called “The Quad,” is the historic center of the Mizzou campus. The Quad is bisected by six iconic pillars and lined by a number of halls and buildings that together create a National Historic District.

Popular attractions near Columbia include:

• The charming Maplewood Farm at Nifong Nature Park
• Picturesque Greek columns in front of Jesse Hall
• Vibrant green Francis Quadrangle on the University of Missouri’s campus
• The sensory plot for the visually impaired at Shelter Gardens
• A one mile trek on the Mike Deak Walking

Columbia is no stranger to art, ensuring there’s always something new to see. June brings around the annual Art in the Park festival at Stephan Lake Park. Be sure to stop by the kiosks run by local artists and drop the kids off at the Kids Art Spot.

Check out these other exciting activities in Columbia:

• Watch a movie at the Goodrich Forum 8 movie theater
• Sign up for a fitness class at Activity & Recreation Center
• BBQ at the Twin Lakes Recreation Area
• Picnic at the Grindstone Nature Area with your pooch
• Demolish high scores on the arcade games at Bonkers

The District is Columbia’s downtown area centrally located to the entire city and surrounded by three colleges, ensuring that there’s plenty to do when the sun goes down. True to the “shop local at CoMo” vibe, the district is full of locally owned restaurants, shops, and galleries.

Looking for nighttime activities in Columbia? Check out:

• Empire Roller Rink’s nightly public sessions
• The Blue Note concert venue to see touring artists
• Mizzou After Dark, MU’s number one activity hub for students
• G & D Steakhouse for a quick bite for dinner
• The Missouri Symphony concert series, Hot Summer Nights
  
  

Mizzou is just the start of the spectator sports in Columbia. Show-Me State Games is an Olympics style competition for kids of all ages to compete in a variety of sports. Bring your sporty youngster to watch games like soccer, pickleball, mountain biking, and track and field.

Family-friendly things to do in Columbia include:

• A trampoline lover’s dream at Sky Zone Columbia
• An expansive splash park at Albert Oakland Park
• More swimming at the Albert-Oakland Family Aquatic Center
• Bumper cars, bowling, and laser tag at Lazer Lanes
• Chocolate covered Strawberries and The Candy Factory

Done with the sun? Move the city exploration to indoor areas. The University of Missouri’s Museum of Art and Archeology is free to the public. Located in Mizzou North, the museum holds both permanent galleries and changing exhibits, with an emphasis on Greek and Roman Art.

The best things to do indoors in Columbia:

• Browsing the retail store at The Mall in Columbia
• Having a picnic at Flat Branch Park
• Learning calligraphy at a Poppy workshop
• Painting pottery at Mud Room Studio
• Restoring your body at Riversong Spa and Salon

Thanks to its many state parks, Columbia is a natural fit for people looking for outdoor activities. Spend some time at Audubon Columbia Nature Sanctuary, Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, and the Grindstone Nature Area.

Here’s some of the top outdoor activities in Columbia:

• Cliff and bluff climbing at Capen Park
• Hunting deer and rabbit at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area
• Escape the corn maze at Skyrock Callaway Farms
• Play a round at Perch Creek Golf Club
• Picnic at the Grindstone Nature Area with your pooch