STEM Cubs Summer Camp - Mizzou
Content added June 26, 2024
STEM Cubs is an organization through Mizzou that holds free STEM camps for kids K-8. In these events, kids learn and receive hands on experience with lessons and activities pertaining to STEM. They offer morning and afternoon camp sessions for all ages.
This Summer’s event is to be held Saturday, July 13th. Visit their website at https://diversity.missouri.edu/program/stem-cubs/ for more information.
Summer Art Camp - Columbia Art League
Content updated May 10, 2024
Warm Summer days are approaching, and the coolest place to be is Columbia Art League (CAL) Summer Art Camp! With lots of themed camps to choose from, there is sure to be something for everyone. This year, CAL is offering 10 different camps for kids ages 6 - 16!
🌟Each camp runs Monday - Friday and has a fun, engaging theme!🌟Students will be provided with quality art instruction that strengthens art technique and skill while encouraging creative expression!
🌟Scholarships are also available! Email mary@columbiaartleague.org with any inquiries.
Hexagon Alley
Content updated May 6, 2024
There’s a new option in Columbia this summer for parents looking for fun-filled educational programs for their children ages 6-14 on summer vacation. Hexagon Alley, the board game café that opened downtown last year, will host its version of “summer camp” from June through August. The curriculum strategically uses board games that build upon the neurodevelopmental functions of the brain and encourage the use of critical thinking, inference skills, teamwork and good sportsmanship.
“Summer camp” at Hexagon Alley begins June 10 and sign-ups are underway now. You can find more information here.
CMCA - Resource Guide
Updated on: July 17, 2024
This resource guide covers CMCA's 8 county service area: Audrain, Boone, Callaway, Cole, Cooper, Howard, Moniteau and Osage. It also covers the three additional counties we provide Head Start for: Benton, Hickory, and Morgan. It's a comprehensive guide that includes any and all resources available to help lower income individuals and families in need. The resources and information listed in the guide have been compiled by other groups and agencies in our 8 county service area over the years, and most notably in Boone County by the Voluntary Action Center.
Little Mates Cove at Twin Lakes
Content updated Nov. 8, 2023
Outdoor children’s water park with concessions, slides, sprinklers, water cannons, and falls.
2500 Chapel Hill Rd.
Columbia MO 65203
573-445-8839
Visit website for information on birthday party reservations and private rental information.
Armory Sports Center
This indoor facility is used for basketball, volleyball, meetings, aerobics, events, and after school programs. The Community Recreation and C.A.R.E. (Career Awareness Related Experience) programs along with the CoMo Bike Co-op are located in the Armory. When not in program use, the gymnasium and other rooms are available for public rental.
701 E Ash
Columbia, MO 65201
Front Desk: 573-817-5077
Community Recreation Department: Camren Cross 573-874-6378
CARE Office: Ron Schmidt 573-874-6300
Visit website
Missouri River Relief - Child Carriers at the Lend/Learn Library
Content updated Sept. 10, 2024
Missouri River Relief’s mission is to engage individuals and communities along the Missouri River in the exploration, enjoyment, restoration and care of the river through hands-on river cleanups, education programs and recreation. Visit website for details.
When families have meaningful experiences outdoors their quality of life, health & social wellbeing improve. Whether you are new to hiking or an experienced hiker make it a family affair by checking out one of our child carriers. The child carriers will be available for check out through the “Lend & Learn Library” at First Chance for Children in Columbia, Missouri for enrolled families. Visit website.
Fun City Youth Academy
Content updated Jan. 23, 2024
Fun City Youth Academy is a 501-c-3 nonprofit organization that provides year-round programming in a safe and stimulating environment to help youth reach their full potential. For over 50 years, Fun City has offered programs that combine academic work with activities that promote cultural awareness and build positive self-worth.
310 Tiger Ln, Suite 101
Columbia, MO 65203
573-256-1436
Email
United Community Schoolhouse
Children 2 potty trained to 12 yrs old
Content updated Dec. 10, 2024
We are a childcare facility that adds a education enrichment along with learning through play. Our all-day program is $200 weekly, and our after-school program is $100 weekly.
7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
617 N. Providence Road
Columbia, MO 65203
(573) 447-7351
Email: ucschoolhouse@ucbuilders.org
Visit website
Columbia Farmers Market
Updated on: Aug. 21, 2024
The Columbia Farmers Market provide a place for direct exchange of high quality and safe food between the local farmer and consumers. They offer a matching program for recipients of SNAP or WIC, kids activities and gardening workshops.
MU Healthcare Pavilion at Columbia’s Agriculture Park
1769 West Ash
Columbia, MO 65203
573-823-6889
Email: info@columbiafarmersmarket.org
Daniel Boone Regional Library
Content updated May 24, 2024
Columbia Public Library, Part of the Daniel Boone Regional Library system
Hours:
Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday, 1-5 p.m.
The library is free and open to everyone. Those interested in checking out materials and using the free online resources may apply for a free library card. Apply online or at the library.
In addition to being able to check out books, you can borrow music CDs, DVDs, magazines, early learning kits for children, fiber arts kits, Memory Care kits, Parent Packs for new and expectant parents, STEAM kits, telescopes and mobile Wi-Fi hotspots. You can reserve most items by placing a hold online or at any library, and then pick them up inside the library or via curbside pickup.
There are many opportunities taking place at the library that don’t require a library card including programs for all ages, a quiet reading room and a special interactive play area for children. You may take advantage of the free Wi-Fi in the building or use one of the public computers. To use the computers, you either need a library card or a guest pass. You may also scan, make copies and print documents for a small fee.
100 W Broadway
Columbia, MO 65203
573-443-3161
Helping Hands
Content updated July 18, 2024
VAC no longer prints the Helping Hands catalog. CMCA took over the resource guide in an online form: https://sites.google.com/a/showmeaction.org/central-missouri-community-action-area-resource-guide
COMO Calendar of Events
Content updated Aug. 21, 2024
A link to local events maintained by the Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Stephens Lake Beach and Spray grounds
Content updated Aug. 21, 2024
Stephens Lake Beach and Spray grounds are FREE to the public and open from May 1 through Sept. 30. There is a sand beach and a designated roped area for swimming. The lake is unguarded and visitors swim at their own risk. Stephens Lake Park features the largest spray grounds (5,782 sq. ft.) in Columbia’s park system, with a variety of water spray features, such as spray rings, water columns, stream jets, geysers, and bubblers. Stephens Lake Park is centrally located in Columbia and is a family friendly place to cool off and have fun.
2001 E Broadway
Columbia, MO 65201
573-874-7460
Lake of the Woods Pool
Content updated Oct. 28, 2023
This outdoor municipal pool on the east side of Columbia is surrounded by the beautiful Lake of the Woods Golf Course in Lake of the Woods Recreation Area. The pool features slides, lounge chairs, umbrella shade, and concessions at the clubhouse.
6700 St. Charles Rd. Columbia, MO 65202 573-474-7878 (in season) 573-874-7460 (off season)
Flat Branch Spray Grounds
Content updated Aug. 21, 2024
Facility amenities
Outdoor spray grounds
Chlorinated recycled water, activated by push button
Surrounding park amenities: playground, benches, MKT Trail access, art sculpture
Tiered stone seating
Park Hours: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Open from May 1 through Sept. 30
400 Locust St.
Columbia, MO 65201
573-874-7460
Visit Website
Douglas Family Aquatic Center and Spray Park
Content updated Aug. 21, 2024
Located in Douglass Park. This central-city outdoor pool features a double loop slide, climbing wall, and spray grounds. It has a picnic shelter for shade inside the fencing, lounge chairs, bathhouse, and concessions. Douglass Family Aquatic Center has the lowest admission fee of all the municipal pools, providing a great family value.
400 N Providence Rd
Columbia, MO 65201
573-442-5019 (in season) 573-874-7460 (off season)
Albert-Oakland Family Aquatic Center
Content updated Aug. 21, 2024
Located in Albert-Oakland Park, Albert-Oakland Family Aquatic Center is Columbia’s largest outdoor municipal pool. It has a spacious 50-meter pool with two diving boards and a triple-loop enclosed flume slide. There is a separate water play area for kids; a bathhouse with mens, womens, and family changing rooms; concession area, and a large deck with lounge chairs and shade umbrellas.
1900 Blue Ridge Rd
Columbia, MO 65202
573-474-5331 (in season)
573-874-7460 (off season)
Albert-Oakland Park
Content updated Aug. 21, 2024
Playgrounds, disc golf course, soccer fields, baseball/softball fields, basketball court, creek and nature area, tennis courts, pickle-ball court, trail, fitness circuit, sand volleyball courts, football field, picnic shelters, trail.
Hours: 6 AM – 11 PM
1900 Blue Ridge Rd
Columbia, MO 65202
573-874-7460
Email
Activity and Recreation Center (ARC)
Updated on: August 20, 2024
Indoor leisure pool, gymnasium (including basketball, volleyball, and pickleball), strength training equipment and weights, cardio equipment, indoor track, group exercise classes, and much more!
1701 W Ash
Columbia, MO 65203
573-874-7700