Columbus, Georgia, offers a variety of free and low-cost activities for families seeking entertainment without a significant financial commitment. The city combines urban attractions with outdoor adventures, many of which are accessible at no charge. From museums and science centers to community events and dining specials, parents can find numerous options to engage children.
Free Museums and Cultural Attractions
Several cultural institutions in Columbus provide free admission, making them accessible for family visits.
The Columbus Museum
The Columbus Museum offers free admission to all visitors. Following a multi-million dollar renovation, the museum features exhibitions showcasing works by artists such as Andy Warhol, Dave Chihuly, Amy Sherald, Alma Thomas, Bo Bartlett, Zelda Fitzgerald, and Butch Anthony. A primary attraction for families is the Children’s Gallery, designed to encourage early exploration of the arts through a multi-sensory approach. Each area focuses on one of the five senses and incorporates selections from the museum's collection. The gallery includes interactive displays and a two-story playground resembling a treehouse, designed to be accessible for children of all abilities. An outdoor children’s garden is also available for painting, reading, performing, and building structures.
Coca-Cola Space Science Center
Located at Columbus State University, the Coca-Cola Space Science Center offers hands-on attractions, a planetarium, and museum artifacts. While the provided source data does not explicitly state that admission is free, it describes the center as a "treasure" for kids interested in space exploration. Interactive experiences include controlling a mini Mars Rover and simulating a flight through outer space.
The Columbus Museum (History and Art)
The Columbus Museum houses over 14,000 artifacts showcasing the history of the Chattahoochee River Valley. It offers educational outreach programs, lectures, and films. The museum is noted as the second-largest art museum in Georgia, and admission is always free.
Outdoor Activities and Parks
Families can explore the outdoors through various trails and gardens.
The Dragonfly Trail
The Dragonfly Trail system is described as a well-maintained trail network suitable for biking. It offers a way to explore the area and create lasting memories. The trail features clearly noted stops with historical markers.
Columbus Botanical Garden
The Columbus Botanical Garden offers a tranquil environment on 36 acres. While not entirely free, it is listed as "almost free." Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 4 to 18, and free for children under three. Visitors can walk the grounds or sign up for community learning opportunities such as horticulture seminars. The garden is also noted as a location for photography.
Market Days on Broadway
Market Days on Broadway is a recurring event held every Saturday from April through November in Uptown Columbus. The event spans four blocks along Broadway and hosts over 200 local vendors. Admission is free. Visitors can find farm stands, fine art, and activities for children. The event is pet-friendly, allowing dogs.
Community Events and Back-to-School Resources
Specific community events provide free resources and entertainment for children, particularly during the back-to-school season.
3rd Annual Motion Day
Scheduled for July 19 at 6001 Buena Vista Road, Columbus, GA, this event runs from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. It features free school supplies, a free car show, guest speakers, activities for kids, a haircut and retwist giveaway, career guidance, and free food.
Stuff the Backpack
Taking place on July 25 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Bill and Olivia Amos Children’s Hospital (616 19th St, Columbus, GA), this event offers free backpacks to the first 300 children.
3rd Annual Rivertown Hairstyling and Backpack Giveaway
On August 2 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. EST at 625 Manchester Expressway, Columbus, GA, this event provides basic haircuts for boys and shampoo and basic styling for girls. Registration is required.
Back-to-School Bash & Car Show
Scheduled for August 2 at 9 a.m. on Broadway in Uptown Columbus, this event offers additional community engagement.
Indoor Play and Entertainment
For families seeking indoor activities, there are options that offer play areas for children, though some may require a fee.
Kids Empire Columbus
Kids Empire is an indoor playground offering all-day access with re-entry. Pricing is structured as follows: * Adults (18+): 2 free entries per child; $5 per additional adult. * Child (1-17 years old): $19.90. * Infant (0-11 months): Free (if accompanied by a sibling; otherwise, location rate applies). * Punchcard (10 admissions): $159 (no expiration, non-nominative).
Non-grip socks are mandatory for everyone. Kids Empire socks are available for purchase at $3 at the front desk. The facility also offers birthday party packages with a $150 deposit, which includes invitations and souvenirs.
Dining Deals and Kids' Meal Specials
Several restaurants in Columbus offer free or discounted kids' meals on specific days of the week. Specials are subject to change and should be verified directly with the restaurant.
Daily and Weekly Specials
- Monday:
- Sapo’s: Free kid’s meal with adult entrée (dine-in only) from 5 p.m. until close.
- Tuesday:
- Chicken Salad Chick: Free Little Chick Meal with purchase of adult meal.
- Denny’s: Up to two free kids entrées with adult entrée for kids 10 and under (4 p.m. to 10 p.m.).
- Ruby Tuesday: Kids 12 and under eat free with adult entrée (5 p.m. to 10 p.m.).
- Wednesday:
- Your Pie: Kid’s meals half off with adult entrée.
- Red Robin: Kid’s meal half off with adult meal for kids 11 and under.
- Thursday:
- Tuesday’s Street Tacos & Burritos: Free kids meal with adult purchase (dine-in only).
- Friday:
- Denny’s: Up to two free kids entrées with adult entrée for kids 10 and under (4 p.m. to 10 p.m.).
- Saturday:
- The Food Mill: Free kid’s meal with any regular priced brunch item (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
Multiple Days / Every Day
- Bruster’s Ice Cream: Kids under 40 inches get a free baby cone.
- McAlister’s: Kid’s meals are $2.79 with dine-in order.
- Smokey Bones: Free kid’s meal off the kid’s menu with adult entrée.
Conclusion
Columbus, Georgia, provides a diverse range of free and low-cost activities for families. Cultural institutions like The Columbus Museum offer free admission and educational exhibits, while outdoor spaces such as the Dragonfly Trail and Columbus Botanical Garden provide opportunities for physical activity and relaxation. Community events, including back-to-school giveaways, offer valuable resources for local families. Additionally, numerous dining establishments provide cost-saving opportunities through free or discounted kids' meals. Families planning a visit to Columbus can utilize these resources to manage expenses while engaging in varied entertainment experiences.