If you’re looking for kid-friendly fun in Columbia, Illinois, you’ll find plenty of options to keep your little ones entertained. For instance, the Kids’ Farm at the Columbia Chamber of Commerce is a great place for your kids to learn about farm life and get up close and personal with some of the animals. The Children’s Garden at the Lakeview Park & Aqua Center is another fantastic spot for kids to explore, with its many interactive features and beautiful gardens. Plus, there’s always the option of heading to one of Columbia’s many family-friendly parks for a picnic or a game of fetch with the dog. No matter what your kids are into, you’re sure to find something to keep them happy in Columbia, Illinois.
10 Fun & Kid-Friendly Things To Do In Columbia, Illinois
1. Visit the Cahokia Mounds.
The Cahokia Mounds are a series of ancient earthen mounds located in present-day southern Illinois. The largest and best-preserved of these mounds is Monk’s Mound, which is the largest Pre-Columbian earthwork in the Americas. The Cahokia Mounds are a National Historic Landmark and a World Heritage Site. Visitors to the site can tour the on-site museum, hike the nature trails, and see the mounds up close.
2. Take a scenic drive down the Great River Road.
The Great River Road is a network of highways that follow the course of the Mississippi River from Minnesota to Louisiana. The portion of the Great River Road that runs through Illinois is known for its scenic beauty. Along the way, visitors can stop at overlooks, take a river cruise, visit historic sites, and more.
3. Go fishing at Horseshoe Lake State Park.
Horseshoe Lake State Park is a 3,000-acre state park located in Madison County, Illinois. The park is home to a 100-acre lake that is popular for fishing, boating, and swimming. The park also has picnicking and camping areas, trails for hiking and biking, and a playground.
4. Visit the Lincoln Home National Historic Site.
The Lincoln Home National Historic Site is the home of Abraham Lincoln from 1844 until 1861, when he left for Washington, D.C. to become President. The home is now a museum and is open to the public for tours. Visitors to the site can also tour the connected Lincoln-Herndon Law Office and see the Presidential Library and Museum.
5. Take a tour of the Anheuser-Busch Brewery.
The Anheuser-Busch Brewery in St. Louis, Missouri offers free tours of their facilities. Visitors can see how beer is brewed and bottled, learn about the history of the company, and sample some of their products at the end of the tour.
6. Play 18 holes at the Shunpike Golf Course.
The Shunpike Golf Course is a public 9-hole golf course located in Columbia, Illinois. The course is open to the public and offers a variety of challenging holes. After a round of golf, players can relax in the clubhouse or on the patio.
7. Visit the Children’s Museum of Illinois.
The Children’s Museum of Illinois is a museum in Decatur, Illinois that is dedicated to providing educational and entertaining experiences for children. The museum has interactive exhibits on a variety of topics, including science, history, and art. Visitors can also participate in hands-on activities, watch a movie in the IMAX theater, and take a ride on the carousel.
8. See a show at the Fox Theatre.
The Fox Theatre is a performing arts venue in St. Louis, Missouri that hosts a variety of shows and events. The theatre has a wide range of seats and is wheelchair accessible. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of shows at the Fox, including Broadway musicals, comedy shows, concerts, and more.
9. Splash around at Knights Action Park.
Knights Action Park is a water park in Springfield, Illinois that features a variety of slides, pools, and other water attractions. The park also has a miniature golf course, go-karts, laser tag, and an arcade. Visitors can purchase a day pass or a season pass to enjoy all the park has to offer.
10. Take a walk or bike ride on the Katy Trail.
The Katy Trail is a 225-mile long rail-trail that runs through Missouri from St. Charles to Clinton. The trail is open to the public for walking, biking, and other non-motorized uses. Along the way, visitors can enjoy scenic views of the Missouri River, stop at historic sites, and more.
