Things to Do With Kids in Columbus, GA: Plan a Family Vacation

Columbus, Georgia, is packed with things to do with kids, from hands-on museums and outdoor adventures to family-friendly attractions, trails, and live entertainment. Plan a Columbus, Georgia, family vacation where every age can #GoAllOut together.

Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, these are 10 of the best family things to do in Columbus, Georgia.

 

1) Family-Friendly Places to Stay in Columbus, GA

The 1870 Rothschild-Pound House Inn.

Start your Columbus, Georgia, family vacation with a comfortable place to stay, whether your family prefers a historic inn, a downtown hotel, or accommodations near the city’s top attractions. Browse local places to stay and make yourself at home.

 

2) Kid-Friendly Restaurants and Local Food in Columbus, GA

Columbus, Georgia, has a bustling, vibrant food scene with family-friendly dining options for every appetite. From fried chicken and casual Southern favorites to special-occasion fine dining, there are plenty of places to eat during your family vacation. We've linked a few of our favorite local hotspots for you to enjoy!

Minnie's Uptown Restaurant

11th and Bay Southern Table

Dinglewood Pharmacy

Mabella's Italian Steakhouse

The Black Cow

BANKS Food Hall

Got folks craving something beyond the chicken fingers phase? Head to EPIC for the ultimate fine dining experience! 

 

3) Explore Family-Friendly Museums in Columbus, GA

Coca-Cola Space Science Center, the Columbus Museum, National Civil War Naval Museum, National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center

Columbus is home to award-winning museums. Visit the Coca-Cola Space Science Center for a trip to the moon, or spend the morning at the Columbus Museum to explore American art, regional history, and family-friendly galleries. These educational attractions are great things to do with kids in Columbus, Georgia. If you're looking for something a little different, the National Civil War Naval Museum at Port Columbus hosts historic reenactments and they sometimes include firing a Civil War era cannon! The National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center offers exhibits on the impact of American infantry during conflicts. Check out the event calendar to see what's happening while you're here. 

 

4) Try Whitewater Rafting on Your Columbus, GA Family Vacation

Columbus is the home of the longest urban whitewater course in the world. Book a trip with local outfitter Whitewater Express. High- and low-water rafting trips are available, allowing families to choose an adventure level that fits their ages and experience. It is one of the most exciting family things to do in Columbus, Georgia, for active travelers. When you get off the river, take some time to explore RushSouth Whitewater Park which includes a playground, spashpad, cycling paths, a hammock park, and more. 

 

5) See Animals and Enjoy Outdoor Family Fun Near Columbus, GA

Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center, Wild Animal Safari

Interested in adding some outdoor edu-tainment into your trip? Visit Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center for live animal encounters, interactive exhibits, and educational programs such as beekeeping classes. It is a relaxed outdoor activity for families visiting Columbus, GA.

For families willing to make a short drive, nearby Wild Animal Safari offers a memorable drive-thru safari experience and an opportunity to see animals up close. We recommend riding the zebra bus or renting a vehicle for your party. Oh, and say hello to the giraffe for us! 

 

6) Bike the Dragonfly Trail With Kids in Columbus, GA

The Dragonfly Trail network is a scenic option for families who want to bike, walk, or explore Columbus together. If you need rentals, local bike outfitters, like Ride on Bikes, can provide everything your group needs for a day on two wheels.

 

7) Enjoy Family-Friendly Arts and Entertainment in Columbus, GA

Georgia’s State Theatre offers performances that can add arts and culture to your Columbus, Georgia, family vacation. Check the current schedule to find a show that fits your travel dates.

 

8) Visit Pasaquan on a Columbus, GA Family Vacation

If you're looking for something totally different, consider a visit to Pasaquan. The psychedelic wonderland of brightly colored totems, curved and angled walls and walkways and wildly ornamented structures was built by Buena Vista artist Eddie Owens Martin who believed it to be a utopia for a future generation. Pasaquan underwent a major renovation through a partnership between Columbus State University and the Kohler Foundation to preserve and restore St. EOM's work. Check it out! 

 

9) Zip Line Across State Lines Near Columbus, GA

With Whitewater Express’s Blue Heron Adventure, families can zip line across the Chattahoochee River from Georgia to Alabama. Book a trip for the whole family, and you'll be flying together in no time! It's the perfect place to get an aerial view of everything RushSouth Whitewater Park has to offer.

 

10) Take a Family Day Trip to Providence Canyon

If your family enjoys hiking, plan a day trip to nearby Providence Canyon State Park. Known as ‘Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon,’ it offers colorful canyon views and memorable trails for families looking for outdoor things to do near Columbus, Georgia. You'll be surprised at the views!

 

Need assistance planning your trip? Contact us. Use these ideas to build a Columbus, Georgia, family vacation filled with kid-friendly museums, outdoor adventures, great food, and memorable day trips. Click here for more ideas on inexpensive activities for families in every season.

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Arts / Dining / Family-friendly / History / Itineraries / Outdoors / River Fun / Stay / Trip Ideas