articles

Spring Break Fun for Families in Columbia MO

Spring break camps, staycation ideas, and more in Columbia!

March 12, 2024

Can you feel it? That warm breeze, the blooming flowers, and yes, the buzz of excitement in the air – spring is finally here! And with it comes that special time we've all been counting down to... spring break! It's the perfect pause in our busy lives for some unforgettable family fun. 

Lucky for us, Columbia is just bursting at the seams with activities, camps, and attractions tailor-made for families on break.

Whether you're on the hunt for engaging spring break camps to spark your little ones' imaginations, on the lookout for fun (and free!) things to do, or eager to explore the best family-friendly spots around Columbia, you've hit the jackpot. Welcome to your ultimate guide to making this spring break in Columbia the best one yet for your family!


Oleksandr P | Canva

Spring Break Fun in Columbia

Parks and Playgrounds

Columbia boasts an array of beautiful parks and playgrounds where families can enjoy picnics, leisurely walks, and playtime. Here are a few of our favorites:

Woodridge Park
Fenced in to keep your runners contained and your mind at ease!

Cosmo Park
What's not to love, huge and something for everyone

Lions Stephens Park
Newish equipment with separate areas for toddlers and bigger kids

Nifong Park
Farm-themed equipment including a giant cow, plus a lake, historic buildings and a free museum will wear them out

Community Events in Columbia

Looking for family fun events happening during spring break? Here are a few standout events to make the week special:

Kids Club: Plastic Egg Bunnies at Michaels - March 23
Mizzou Softball Game - March 24
Barnyard Snuggles at Four Oaks Farm - March 26 & 27
Paper Marbling Workshop at the Columbia Public Library - March 27
Marty the Magician at the Columbia Public Library - March 28
Rec Swim at the ARC - March 29

Want more? Make sure to check out our full Macaroni KID Columbia calendar!

Indoor Activities in Columbia for Rainy Days

Spring weather can be unpredictable, but that doesn't mean the fun has to stop. Columbia has several indoor attractions that are ideal for keeping the little ones entertained on rainy days:

Sky Zone - they'll be worn out from tons of bouncing fun
Tiger Bounce - perfect for younger kids - bouncing, food, and other fun activities
Bonkers - climbing, arcade games, food? This place has it all.
Tiny Town Play Cafe - imaginative play space for kids 0-9 with full coffee shop for weary parents
Level Up - laser tag, bowling, arcade and all the fun

Kid-Friendly Day Trips from Columbia

Looking for a quick getaway? Here are a few spots that make for a good day trip this time of year:

Getaway to Jeff City - 30 minutes from Columbia
Get back to nature at the Runge, roam around the Capitol and don't miss Central Dairy for ice cream

Explore Arrow Rock - 45 minutes from Columbia
Historic village, trails, shopping and special Easter events on March 31

Enjoy Lake of the Ozarks - 90 minutes from Columbia
Shopping, dining, mini-golf, go-karts, hiking and much more

Historic Hannibal - 1 hour and 40 minutes from Columbia
Mark Twain boyhood home, Mark Twain cave complex, other museums and river fun


Spring Break Camps in Columbia

Columbia is home to a variety of spring break camps that not only keep your children engaged but also foster learning and creativity. Check out our complete list of spring break camps here >>

Making the Most of Spring Break in Columbia

Whether it's outdoor adventures, cool camps, or local fun you're after, Columbia is ready to make this spring break unforgettable for you and your kids. Here's to making memories! Happy Spring Break!