Hosting your grands is always a treat. And although there are plenty of activities you can do together at your own place, Columbia is home to a whole host of other grandkid-friendly options! Hosting your grands is always a treat. And although there are plenty of activities you can do together at your own place, Columbia is home to a whole host of other grandkid-friendly options! If you're looking for ideas, here's a sampling:
Back Yard Partnerships
It's great when some of the most fun things to do are literally in your own back yard! Linkside residents automatically receive social membership in The Club at Old Hawthorne which gives them, and visiting grands, access to the golf course and the swimming pool. Easy fun for everyone!
Wet And Wild
Columbia has a good number of ways for grands to get wet. And not talking diapers or training pants! Columbia has several public and community pools and spraygrounds, including Douglass Park, Flatbranch Park, Stephens Lake Park and more. Plus, you can rent canoes at Finger Lakes or kayaks at Twin Lakes for a pleasant paddle. Some retirement communities also include swimming privileges if you're a member.
Time To Bounce
You probably know that "time to bounce" is a common phrase these days meaning "time to go." But why not take it literally? Your grands will jump at the chance to get airborne on a trampoline at places such as Sky Zone and Tiger Bounce. Bonus: It will tucker them out.
Air on the Side of Fun
Kids love balloons...who doesn't? Remember the movie "Up" that made inter-generational ballooning famous? Columbia has its own version with hot air balloon rides. Check out Skyview Balloons or BalloonStormers to schedule a remarkable ride that your grands will remember forever.
A History Mystery
Show the Show-Me State's history to your grands with a visit to the State Historical Society's (SHSMO) Center for Research Studies here in town. It's open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month, all by appointment. Additionally, its Art Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month. No appointment's needed to visit the gallery.
Dig Into The Past
Your grands may consider you "old," or something of a relic. Just laugh it off and show them some real relics, at the MU Museum of Art and Archaeology, at the corner of North Garth and Business Loop 70 W. The museum gallery hours are Tuesday - Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday & Sunday noon to 4 p.m.
Swing Into Fun
Are you a golfer? Columbia has several public courses, and depending on where you live, your retirement community may include a golf membership. Even if you're not in the "club," Midway Golf and Games offers an 18-hole golf course, along with a driving range. A par-3 course, foot golf and other fun outdoor activity options including miniature golf, go karts, batting cages, laser and archery tag and more!
Park It
Take your grands for a picnic and an afternoon at one of Columbia's many parks. See what's near you by visiting the Columbia Parks & Rec website. Many parks here feature large, enclosed fort-style playgrounds.
Make Hay
Not literally! But this comes close. If you have a little extra money and want to treat your grands to something special, consider a two-hour Palomino Party at the Columbia Equestrian Center. The package includes two horses and a craft. Or, for slightly more, choose a Pinto Party. This package includes a two-hour party, two horses, a craft, and a party favor for all attending, along with party decorations: table clothes, plates, napkins, utensils and balloons.
Do The District
A trip to Columbia's bustling downtown is always fun! With all the great restaurants and cute shops -- including kid-friendly faves such as The Speckled Frog -- it's a great destination for dining, shopping and more.
