Jun 27, 201210:44 AMColumbia Family
Ideas And Resources For Mid-Missouri Parents
10 Fun Summer Adventures In Columbia And Beyond
Summer is upon us, and the kids are likely busting at the seams with summer-break excitement. If you find yourself needing to get rambunctious, energized children out and about, the list below can help. No matter what you do, enjoy the summer and don’t forget the sunscreen.
Tour The Parks
This adventure is the best if the tour is spread out all summer long. Make a plan with your kids and mark-up a map of the parks with your own schedule. Each stop offers a variety of different activities so plan accordingly! Enjoy each park Columbia has to offer, while making the trips fun and adventurous. (Hint: Pack something fun for your kids without their knowledge; it makes a great surprise at each stop. A simple Frisbee, water toy or snack can make a trip to the park exciting.) http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/ParksandRec/Parks/index.php
Visit Shelter Gardens
Play Plant Bingo. Prepare bingo cards ahead of time by using online templates and pictures of plants located within Shelter Gardens. This simple, yet fun, activity encourages learning while exploring the gardens for different varieties of plant life.
Enjoy The Arts
Visit the numerous art displays across town. Columbia has a wide variety of art from MU to Stephens and Columbia College’s programs. The district holds the Columbia Art League, Orr Street Studios and various other art outlets and creation centers, such as The Mud Room. For a map of where you can find art in the city visit http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Arts/Public_Art/map.htm.
Bike The Katy Trail
One of the most popular routes for bikers starts at the Flat Branch Park entrance of the Katy Trail and ends in charming Rocheport, Mo. Whether you decide to take an extended ride or a short stroll, the Katy Trail offers many access points that make it easy for your family to plan an excursion that’s right for them. Maps are available on the city website. www.gocolumbiamo.com.
Explore Caves
Visit Devils Ice Box At Rockbridge Memorial State Park.
Scoop Up Some Fun
Tour the ice cream and frozen yogurt shops around town, including Sparky’s, Cold Stone Creamery, Yogoluv, Andy’s, Red Mango, Tasti-D-Lite, Baskin Robbins, Orange Leaf and Buck’s Ice Cream Place. Vote on your family favorite at the end of the tour.
Read All About It
Visit the library and take part in their summer reading programs. There are programs for all ages with prizes for participating. In addition to keeping your child’s mind sharp and ready for school next year, these programs help you add quiet yet educational entertainment to the summer.
Enjoy The Water Parks
(Full list here: http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/ParksandRec/Aquatics/facilities.php)
Visit The Aquarium & Lego Land In Kansas City
Learn more here: http://www.insidecolumbia.net/Columbia-Family/April-2012/A-Fish-Story/
Take A Day Trip
Travel to St. Louis and enjoy the zoo, botanical gardens, City Museum, Magic House or Grant’s Farm. There are many fun day trips available that are sure to be a hit with the kids. Visit http://explorestlouis.com/visit-explore/discover/st-louis-kids/ for more information.
Do you have some great summertime activity ideas you'd like to share? Leave a comment here. I’d love to hear from you. What will your family do this summer?
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