Tuesday, May 14, 2024
Free Things to Do with Kids in Columbus, GA
Planning a family getaway on a budget? Columbus, Georgia, offers plenty of free things to do with kids, from interactive museums and playgrounds to trails, public art, and weekend events. These free family activities in Columbus, Georgia, make it easy to create memorable days without overspending. From outdoor adventures and splash-pad fun to hands-on art experiences, these Columbus, Georgia, family activities offer something for children of every age.
Visit The Columbus Museum: A Free Family Activity in Columbus, Georgia
Free Children’s Gallery and Outdoor Garden
The newly reimagined Columbus Museum multi-million dollar renovation is drawing visitors from across the Southeast. Exhibitions include works by Andy Warhol, Dave Chihuly, Amy Sherald, Alma Thomas, Bo Bartlett, Zelda Fitzgerald, Butch Anthony, and more. What’s more? Admission is always free.
One of the best free things to do with kids in Columbus, Georgia, is exploring the Museum’s Children’s Gallery, where a multi-sensory approach encourages young visitors to discover art through play. Each area is aimed at one of the five senses, and highlights selections from the Museum’s collection throughout each exhibit. In addition to interactive displays, the Children’s Gallery features a two-story playground designed to resemble a treehouse. This Gallery was designed for children of all abilities.
While you’re there, don’t miss the outdoor children’s garden where kids can paint, read, perform, or work together to build structures. Shaded benches and tables are available for parents to hang out while the kids explore.
Ride the Dragonfly Trail with Kids in Columbus, GA
Family-Friendly Biking and Public Art Stops
For an active Columbus, Georgia, family activity, bring your bikes and spend a morning exploring the Dragonfly Trail together. This beautifully, well-maintained trail system offers the perfect way to make memories that will last a lifetime. Pack a picnic lunch, enjoy time outdoors, and turn your ride into a family scavenger hunt by spotting the public-art murals along the trail. How many can you spot?!
Take a Free Self-Guided Public Art Tour in Columbus, GA
Columbus is home to a vast array of public art located throughout the city. Pack up the kids and go on a one-of-a-kind scavenger hunt together. Use the free interactive public-art map to plan an artsy afternoon together and find colorful murals throughout Columbus.
Cool Off at the Free Uptown Columbus Splash Pad
Free Playgrounds and Outdoor Activities
The free splash pad in Uptown Columbus is a refreshing warm-weather option for families looking for free things to do with kids in Columbus, Georgia. Located in Woodruff Park at the corner of 10th and Bay Avenue, this large splash pad is accompanied by a neighboring playground suited for all ages. Admission is always free!
Visit the Columbus Public Library and Dinosaur Playground
The Columbus Public Library is a great choice for free family activities in Columbus, Georgia, with children’s programming and events offered throughout the year.
Our favorite branch for children is located at 3000 Macon Road. Take a free music class, explore their extensive children’s library, let the kids run around their outdoor Children’s Garden, or take photos with their popular public art mural based on the book Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. Check the Columbus Event Calendar for information on all of their upcoming events.
Extra family-friendly stop: Behind the Columbus Public Library on Macon Road, kids can visit a free dinosaur-themed playground with large fossil replicas to explore. Accessible for all ages and ability levels, this area includes large dinosaur fossil replicas for children to explore. Admission is free.
Enjoy Free Family Activities at Lakebottom Park
No trip to Columbus is complete without an afternoon in MidTown. Visitors love Lakebottom Park for its walking trail and the beautiful neighborhood that surrounds it. Expect to see lots of activity year-round, and even some free concerts sprinkled throughout the year. For families, Lakebottom Park is an easy free outing in Columbus, Georgia: bring a picnic, a ball, or scooters and let the kids burn off energy near the playground and walking trail. Head to the west end of the park to find one of the best playgrounds in town!
Know your travel dates? Check here for information about upcoming concerts and events in MidTown’s Lakebottom Park.
Explore the Free Columbus Soft Drink Heritage Trail
Columbus has major connections to Coca-Cola, RC Cola, and Nehi. How? Discover the fascinating history of each drink and find out how their founders are tied to Columbus through this self-guided walking tour.
This free family activity in Columbus, Georgia, takes visitors through walkable areas known for historic buildings, making it a relaxed way to explore the city with kids. Each stop is clearly noted by a historical marker, so you’ll easily find your way.
Enjoy Free Family Fun at Market Days on Broadway
Free Saturday Activities for Families
It’s no secret that Columbus is home to a large community of artists and small businesses in the creative industries. For one of the most popular free Saturday Columbus, Georgia, family activities, visit Market Days on Broadway in Uptown Columbus.
Market Days on Broadway is seasonal; check the current event calendar for this year’s dates and family programming before visiting. Every Saturday from April to August, three blocks along Broadway host over 100 local vendors. Families can browse farm stands and fine art, enjoy children’s activities, and experience Uptown Columbus at no admission cost. Traveling with a four-legged friend? This is a perfect place to pack up your pooch and explore a new area together. Dogs are welcome and you’ll find various pet-friendly stops along the way.
For more ideas on how to make the most of your time when you visit Columbus, Georgia, with kids, click here!
Traveling with a multi-generational crowd? Take a look at our larger list of free things to do in Columbus!
Need a place to stay? Here’s a list of all available accommodations in the area.
Categories: Arts, Family-friendly, Itineraries, Outdoors, Trip Ideas