It’s time to plan a vacation where you can really #GoAllOut as a family! Columbus, Georgia is an ideal destination with little ones, with a TON of free things to do, it’s a place you can enjoy on a budget. From outdoor adventures to fun art experiences, here are our favorite FREE things to do with kids in Columbus, GA!

Visit The Columbus Museum

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.

The highlight for kids of all ages will undoubtedly be the new Children’s Gallery designed to encourage early exploration of the arts through a multi-sensory approach. 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

If you’ve got bikes, take a morning and explore The Dragonfly Trail. This beautifully, well-maintained trail system offers the perfect way to make memories that will last a lifetime. Pack a lunch and be sure to keep an eye out for the public art murals located along the Trail. How many can you spot?!

 

Take a Self-Guided Tour of Public Art

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. Our friends at The Columbusite created a free interactive Google map of public art murals. Access it here and get ready to #GoAllOut for an artsy afternoon together!

 

Splash Pad in Uptown Columbus

Columbus is home to an excellent splash pad for children. 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

Columbus is home to an award-winning library system that hosts outstanding children’s programming and events year-round.

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 tip! Behind the Columbus Public Library on Macon Road is a dinosaur-themed public playground. Accessible for all ages and ability levels, this area includes large dinosaur fossil replicas for children to explore. Admission is free.

 

Spend an Afternoon in 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, this is a great place to bring a picnic or a ball and let the kids burn off some energy. 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 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 fun and family-friendly adventure will take you through several popular areas of town that are known for their beautiful historic buildings and walkability. Each stop is clearly noted by a historical marker, so you’ll easily find your way.

 

Take Time Saturday Mornings for Market Days on Broadway

It’s no secret that Columbus is home to a large community of artists and small businesses in the creative industries. The best free place to find them? Market Days on Broadway Saturday mornings in Uptown Columbus.

Every Saturday from April-November, four blocks along Broadway host over 200 local vendors. There, you’ll find everything from farm stands to fine art and activities for children. Admission is free. Traveling with a four-legged friend? This is a perfect place to pack up your pooch and #GoAllOut together. Dogs are welcome and you’ll find various pet-friendly stops along the way.

In 2024, Market Days on Broadway runs April 6 - November 30.

 

 

For more ideas on how to #GoAllOut when you #VisitColumbusGA, 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.

Categorized in

Arts / Family-friendly / Itineraries / Outdoors / Trip Ideas