Enjoy These Family-Friendly Fun Things to Do in Columbus, GA

Jeff Adkins

There’s plenty of family-friendly fun things to do in Columbus, GA – if you know where to look. From museums to markets, pizza nights to picnics, there’s an endless supply of great entertainment throughout town. Here are seven activities to add to your family’s to-do list:

Ride or Stroll Along the Chattahoochee RiverWalk 

The Chattahoochee RiverWalk carves a path along the river, creating a picturesque trail for all to enjoy. Just walking or biking the trail is enjoyable in and of itself, but there are some fun extra stops to take along the way if you’re feeling adventurous. For example, Columbus State University’s Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center offers an inside look at rehabilitated wildlife. There’s also RushSouth Whitewater Park, where white water rafting and zip lining beckon adrenaline-seeking people of all ages.

Spend the Day at the Museum

Always educational and often immersive, museums can be a perfect activity for the whole family. Columbus has a great selection of museums that serve a variety of interests from military and science to history and art. History-buff parents can share their passion with the younger generation by visiting the National Infantry Museum and the National Civil War Naval Museum. Those wishing to instill an appreciation for art and objects that tell the story of the Chattahoochee River Valley’s development will find ample teaching opportunities at the Columbus Museum. Finally, the Coca-Cola Space Science Center is exactly as cool as it sounds, and is sure to delight kids – and adults – of all ages. 

Columbus Civic Center

Score Some Fun at the Columbus Civic Center

This 10,000-seat arena offers endless entertainment all year long. Of course, it’s the go-to spot to catch a sporting event, seeing as it’s where the Southern Indoor Football League’s Columbus Lions, soccer team Columbus Rapids FC and resident hockey team, the Columbus River Dragons, play. But beyond sports, the Columbus Civic Center has a jam-packed lineup of entertainment and traveling acts, from Disney on Ice to monster truck rallies to stand-up comedians, musicians and more. 

Head to the Library for Reading and Activities

Rain or shine, the library provides a free, fun place to visit and let imaginations run wild. With multiple branches scattered throughout the region, it’s easy to find one that’s nearby. Plus, the Chattahoochee Valley Libraries system is known for its robust calendar of programs and events for all ages and interests.

Georgia Department of Natural Resources/Explore Georgia

Explore the Region’s Outstanding Outdoors

Fill up your backpacks, strap on your hiking shoes, and take to the great outdoors! Columbus has an abundance of gorgeous natural beauty features just waiting to be explored. With two state parks nearby – Standing Boy Creek State Park and Providence Canyon State Park – you’ll be spoiled for options. We recommend checking out the Little Grand Canyon at Providence Canyon. It’s exactly what it sounds like, a smaller version of the Grand Canyon and similarly breathtaking. Pack a picnic and take advantage of the picnic shelters, or pack a tent and stay the night at one of the park’s many campsites. 

After a Day of Play, It’s Time for Pizza Night!

There’s something exciting about pizza night with the family. Cerrone’s Brick Oven Pizzeria makes incredible New York-style pies, cooked to perfection every time. Another great option is The Mix Market, and though it’s not primarily a pizza place, the eatery offers a wide selection, which is vital if you have picky eaters.

Nathan Lambrecht

Enjoy Plenty of Concerts and Markets

Each fall, Uptown Columbus puts on a free Friday Night Concert Series featuring music from multiple genres. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to lounge on while the little ones dance their hearts out on the kids dance stage. Another great event to check out is Market Days, also organized by Uptown Columbus. It’s basically a farmers market on steroids, with over 200 local vendors selling their wares each Saturday morning.