Looking for a reason to get out of town? Need an overnight getaway to a destination that is an easy drive filled with small town charm, outdoor beauty and kid friendly entertainment? Columbia, Missouri is a vibrant college town with good food and fresh air attractions that’s perfect when your family needs a change of scenery for a day or two this summer.
Travel Guide to Columbia, Missouri: Easy Adventures Just Down the Road
Best Places to Eat (That Kids Will Love, Too)
Although Shakespeare’s Pizza might be the most famous stop in Columbia, it doesn’t mean you have to limit your culinary options to just pizza. Kids and adults will be more than happy with the great options.
Café Berlin
Great for breakfast or brunch, Café Berlin offers fresh, locally sourced food with fun twists on classics. Try the pancake burrito!
Flat Branch Pub & Brewing
It’s where the locals eat. A family friendly brewpub with a great menu and an expansive patio. Grownups can enjoy a house brewed craft beer while kids dig into mac and cheese or grilled cheese.
Ozark Mountain Biscuit Bar
Come for the famous biscuits, but stay for the incredible entrees. Open for both brunch and dinner, patrons are welcome to eat here at any time. If you are looking for a more on-the-go option, their food truck is also always an option on select days.
Shakespeare’s Pizza
It goes without saying, this has to be one of your stops! No Columbia trip is complete without this iconic local favorite. The casual vibe and huge, cheesy slices make it a win for both picky eaters and pizza-loving parents. With three locations, it shouldn’t be hard to find a table to accommodate your family, but the Downtown locale is always our favorite.
Sparky’s Homemade Ice Cream
This funky little ice cream shop offers unique flavors (like lavender honey, banana nutella and mango habanero) alongside kid-approved classics like chocolate chip cookie dough.
Best Parks for Playtime and Picnics
Columbia has an abundance of outdoor recreation areas for families to stretch out and enjoy the nice weather and pretty scenery. Take advantage of these parks and their impressive resources.
Albert-Oakland Park
With a dedicated swimming area for smaller children, a disc golf course, playground and shaded picnic areas, this park can entertain a wide range of ages.
Columbia Cosmopolitan Recreation Area (Cosmo Park)
It’s home to over 530 acres. Cosmo Park has playgrounds, soccer fields, a skate park and even a small lake for fishing. There’s also the L.A. Nickell Golf Course if your crew enjoys a round or two.
Grindstone Nature Area
The peaceful trails and a hidden waterfall are great for photo ops and taking advantages of nice weather days.
Stephens Lake Park
This is the park for summer fun. Think swimming beach, splash pad, playgrounds, walking trails and paddleboat rentals. Bring a picnic and stay all day. The Darwin and Axie Hindman Discovery Garden is perfect for toddling little ones to discover and play.
Where to Entertain the Whole Family
Bonkers
It has all the things kids love, an arcade, indoor play structures, mini golf and a Build-A-Bear workshop.
Columbia Farmers Market
Open year-round on Saturdays, this market is packed with fresh produce, live music, food trucks and hands-on activities. A great way to start your morning! A smaller market is open on Wednesdays during summer months.
Daniel Boone Public Library
Perfect for a quiet break or rainy day, the Daniel Boone Regional Library offers a cozy children’s section, storytimes and interactive activities.
The District (Downtown Columbia)
Bustling with local shops, boutiques, bookstores and restaurants, The District is walkable and full of surprises. Grab a coffee, browse handmade kids’ toys at Poppy, or snag a souvenir from Plume. Take part in a scavenger hunt for a chance to win a prize!
Midway Golf Games
Older children will love the opportunity to race go-karts, play mini golf, hit up the batting cages or play a round of archery tag. This outdoor center is a place they could spend the entire day and leave happy.
MU’s Francis Quadrangle (The Columns)
Stroll through the University of Missouri’s beautiful campus. The Columns make a fun backdrop for family photos, and the nearby Museum of Art and Archaeology is free.
Tiny Play Cafe
A clean and welcoming environment when the weather outside is less than ideal. Perfect for babies and toddlers to roam and explore.
Bike Trails and Outdoor Adventures
Columbia is a biking hub for the state of Missouri. Bring your own, or rent some from a local shop and take advantage of the shaded and well-maintained trails.
MKT Nature and Fitness Trail
This scenic, crushed-limestone trail connects downtown Columbia to the Katy Trail. It’s shady, peaceful, and flat which makes it great for young riders and strollers.
Rock Bridge Memorial State Park
One of Missouri’s coolest natural playgrounds! Hike Gans Creek, explore Devil’s Icebox Cave (bring a flashlight!), and walk along wooden boardwalks through lush, forested areas.
Twin Lakes Recreation Area
Great for biking, hiking and letting dogs and kids run wild. There’s even a fenced dog park with water access for the pups.
Columbia hits the sweet spot between outdoor adventure and creature comforts. It’s far enough to feel like a true getaway but close enough for an easy drive with minimal “Are we there yet?” questions. With bike trails, nature parks, delicious eats and loads of kid friendly stops, it makes for the perfect day trip or weekend mini-vacation.
