Free Area Attractions & Events

Shelter Gardens

1817 West Broadway

Columbia, MO

This is one of the most beautiful places in Columbia and is a must-see. Take an hour or two, and your family, and walk through these gardens. There are several places to sit and watch the surroundings or view the goldfish in their pond.

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Museum of Art and Archaeology

1 Pickard Hall

Columbia, MO

Museum Hours
Tuesday through Friday:
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday:
Noon - 4:00 pm
Closed Holidays

Admission is free and open to the public.

The Museum is ADA Accessible

This is a fun museum with permanent exhibitions and exhibitions that change enough that you are almost always likely to see something different when you visit. There are benches set up so you can sit and enjoy your favorite pieces.

There are several other museum attractions in town that are free, like the State Historical Society or the Museum of Anthropology, both on the MU campus, or the Youzeum which does charge admission but kids will love it.

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Rockbridge State Park
5901 S Highway 163
Columbia, MO

Rockbridge State Park is a great way to spend an afternoon with your family. The best part is the trail to the Devil's Icebox. This is an almost all wooden walkway that makes it easy for even beginners to make the trek around.

Other parks in town are great for hiking and for going on picnics. You may want to check out The Pinnacles, Cosmopolitan Park, the Katy Trail, and Finger Lakes. At Cosmo Park don't forget to check out the skate park! Even if you don't skate yourself it is always fun to watch them do their tricks.

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Columbia Skate Park 

1615 Business Loop 70 West
Columbia, MO

Hours:

6:00am to dusk, 7 days/week (weather permitting)

Columbia, Missouri, is home to an outdoor facility for skateboarders and inline skaters recognized nationwide by the skating community and its press. Completed in 1999, the park has an elaborate street course designed to entertain and challenge skaters, whether they are beginners or experienced.

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4th of July Fire In The Sky: The 59th Annual Celebration of an American Tradition

University of Missouri Memorial Stadium (corner of Stadium and Providence Rd)

Mon, July 4, 2011- Free

Gates open at 6:30 pm - Entertainment starts at 7 pm - Fireworks begin at 9 pm

Music, entertainment and fireworks! Enjoy all the fun at Mizzou's Memorial Stadium at teh corner of Stadium and Providence Road. Concessions will be available. Please do not bring any fireworks to the stadium. For more information, call 874-7460.

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Family Fun Fest: Summer Fun

Flat Branch Park, Free

Wednesday, June 15, 2011, 6-8 pm

Wednesday, July 20, 2011, 6-8 pm

Wednesday, August 17, 2011, 6-8 pm

Wednesday, September 21, 2011, 6-8 pm

101 S. 4th Street (park area at 4th St. and Locust St.) - Phase I

400 Locust St. (park area between Locust St. and Elm St.) - Phase II

3rd Wednesday April through September

Entertainment for the whole family, including activities, music, bounce house, face painting and more. Each month features a different theme

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JUNE: Explore Outdoors promises an evening of fun with nature! Learn about Missouri's fish, birds, parks, camping and more about what the outdoors has to offer.

JULY: Summer Fun will feature a variety of summer-inspired entertainment and hand-on activities for all ages.

AUGUST: Around the World will feature dancing, games, music and more from all over the globe!

SEPTEMBER: Participatory art activities and kid-friendly performances of music, theater and dance. Sponsored by the City's Office of Cultural Affairs and the Missouri Arts Council.

The Family Fun Fest series is sponsored by Convention and Visitors Bureau, KPLA 101.5 radio, KOMU TV8, Columbia Home and Lifestyle magazine and EntPro Entertainment.

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Annual Heritage Festival & Craft Show

Nifong Park

Hwy 63 S at AC exit, FREE

September 17 & 18, 2011 - 10 am-5 pm

Visitors will be taken back to the traditions of the past. Listen, learn, and see history as it comes alive. See artisans and tradesmen dressed in 19th century attire demonstrating their trades and selling their wares. A large contemporary handmade craft area will also be featured. Enjoy entertainment on three stages including music, dancing and storytelling. Saturday Ghost Stories (8-9:30 pm) are sponsored by the Mid-Missouri Organization Storytellers. Tour the Historic Maplewood Home and the Walter’s Boone County Historical Museum. Great food and a beautiful park setting will make the Heritage Festival a family tradition!