Columbia, Missouri Attractions : Free Things to Do!

When you are trying to save money and have a good time you start to look for free things to do. Columbia, Missouri attractions can help you have fun without spending any of your hard earned cash.

Columbia, Missouri Attractions : ShelterGardens

1817 West Broadway
Columbia, MO 65218

This is one of the most beautiful places in Columbia and is a must-see. Take an hour or two, and your family, and walk through these gardens. There are several places to sit and watch the surroundings or view the goldfish in their pond.

Columbia, Missouri Attractions : Museums

Museum of Art and Archaeology |

1 Pickard Hall | Columbia, MO 65211-1420

Museum Hours
Tuesday through Friday:
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday:
Noon - 4:00 pm
Closed Holidays

Admission is free and open to the public.
The Museum is ADA Accessible

This is a fun museum with permanent exhibitions and exhibitions that change enough that you are almost always likely to see something different when you visit. There are benches set up so you can sit and enjoy your favorite pieces.

There are several other museum attractions in town that are free, like the State Historical Society or the Museum of Anthropology, both on the MU campus, or the Youzeum which does charge admission but kids will love it.

Columbia, Missouri Attractions : Parks and Hiking

Rockbridge State Park

5901 S Highway 163
Columbia, MO 65203-8915

Rockbridge State Park is a great way to spend an afternoon with your family. The best part is the trail to the Devil's Icebox. This is an almost all wooden walkway that makes it easy for even beginners to make the trek around.

Other parks in town are great for hiking and for going on picnics. You may want to check out The Pinnacles, Cosmopolitan Park, the Katy Trail, and Finger Lakes. At Cosmo Park don't forget to check out the skate park! Even if you don't skate yourself it is always fun to watch them do their tricks.

Columbia, Missouri Attractions : Festivals and Art

There is almost always a festival or event or something to do with art going on in Columbia, Missouri. You can find something to suit your tastes and family from the Roots n Blues Festival to Art in the Park to the Twilight Festival.