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You Voted, Now Celebrate Your Columbia Family Favorites!

February 13, 2025

This year, Macaroni KID Columbia, called upon our community and you shared with us the places in Columbia, MO that bring families together. Thank YOU for helping us shine a spotlight on the businesses and organizations that make Columbia such a special place to live and play.

The Family Favorites Awards are designed to highlight the variety of businesses and services that Columbia has to offer. 

Winners by category:

Family Fun & Entertainment

  • Favorite Playground: Cosmopolitan Park Playground
  • Favorite Park: Stephens Lake Park
  • Favorite Pool: Wilson Beach Club
  • Favorite Place for a playdate: Tiny Play Cafe
  • Favorite Indoor Play Space: Tiny Play Cafe
  • Favorite Animal / Nature Encounter: Rock Bridge State Park
  • Favorite Seasonal Event (e.g., festivals, holiday attractions): Hartsburg Pumpkin Festival
  • Favorite Fall Farm: Lloyd's Family Farm

Food & Dining

  • Favorite Family-Friendly Restaurant: Shakespeare's
  • Favorite Kids Menu: D. Rowe's
  • Favorite Pizza Spot: Shakespeare's
  • Favorite Breakfast Spot: Ozark Mountain Biscuit and Bar
  • Favorite Coffee Shop: Toasty Goat
  • Favorite Sweet Treat Shop: Andy's Frozen Custard
  • Favorite Takeout for Busy Families: D. Rowe's
  • Favorite Food Truck: Ozark Mountain Biscuit Truck
  • Favorite Kid Friendly Spot to Grab a Drink: Logboat 
  • Favorite Dog-Friendly Patio: Logboat

Shopping

  • Favorite Toy or Game Store: Speckled Frog
  • Favorite Boutique or Gift Shop: Plume
  • Favorite Grocery Store: Schnucks
  • Favorite Farmers Market Vendor: Battlefield Lavender
  • Favorite Specialty Food purveyor (Butcher, farm stand, etc): TIE - Tsokolate Confections and Fiddle and Stone
  • Favorite Local Crafter: TIE - Sawdust Studio and Mackenzie's Blakery

Services for Families

  • Favorite Pediatrician or Family Doctor: Tiger Pediatrics
  • Favorite Dentist for Kids: Columbia Dentistry for Children
  • Favorite OB/GYN: Dr. Sarah Bernard
  • Favorite Doula / Birthing Coach / Center: Julie Ferdman, CPM with Spiral of Life Midwifery Services
  • Favorite Breastfeeding / Lactation Support: Stephanie Lilley with Lilley Lactation
  • Favorite Chiropractor: Dr. Kenzie Schouten
  • Favorite Family Vision Care: Family Focus Eye Care
  • Favorite Family Mental Health Professional: True North of Columbia
  • Favorite Therapy Providers (Occupational, Physical, Speech): Children's Therapy Center
  • Favorite Kid-Friendly Salons: TIE - The Groom Room and Clean Cut Barber Shop
  • Favorite Salon: The Clip Joint

Local Experiences

  • Best Date Night Spot for Parents: TIE - Barred Owl and Cherry Street Cellar
  • Favorite Place for a Family Hike or Walk: Rock Bridge State Park
  • Best Place to Host a Birthday Party: Tiny Play Cafe
  • Favorite Place for Family Fitness (e.g., yoga studios, martial arts schools): TIE - Wilson's and The ARC
  • Best Music, Art, or Dance Class: Compass, Inc (Music), Serendipity Salon & Gallery (Art) and Columbia Performing Arts Center (Dance)
  • Favorite Sports Program: Columbia Rush
  • Best youth programing: Adventure Club
  • Best Activity for teens/tweens: Tryps Theatre

Specialty Businesses

  • Favorite Swim Lessons: Tiger Swim 
  • Favorite Preschool: Sprout Academy
  • Favorite School: The Language Tree
  • Best Summer Camp: Tryps Kids
  • Favorite Local Photographer for Family Portraits: Holly Greenup
  • Favorite Local Photographer for Maternity: Lollipop Photography
  • Favorite Local Photographer for Newborns: Lollipop Photography
  • Best Community or Non-Profit Organization for Families: First Chance for Children