Things to do with kids in Columbus, GA
Checked · All times are local Eastern Time (Columbus time)
Coming up in Columbus: Viking Turkey Trot 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run (Nov 7), Broadway Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting (Nov 20), Columbus Christmas Parade (Dec 5) and 2 more events. 6 always-open places, led by Coca-Cola Space Science Center and National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center. Prices and hours come from each official site.
Thanksgiving events in Columbus
Viking Turkey Trot 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run
- When
- Sat, Nov 7 · 1-mile fun run 8:30am; 5K 9am
- Cost
- Fun run ages 4–18 $20; fun run 19+ $30; 5K $35
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
Pre-Thanksgiving 5K and family-friendly 1-mile fun run on the St. Anne-Pacelli campus. Turkey costumes encouraged; post-race treats.
✓ Checked Oct 27, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Christmas & holiday events: Santa, lights and tree lightings
Broadway Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting
- When
- Fri, Nov 20 · 6–8pm (parade 6:30pm, tree lighting 7pm)
- Cost
- No tickets listed
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
Uptown Columbus kicks off the holiday season: the parade starts at 6:30pm on Broadway, the mayor lights the city Christmas tree at 7pm, and the night ends with carolers, Santa Claus and hot chocolate.
✓ Checked Oct 26, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Columbus Christmas Parade
- When
- Sat, Dec 5 · 10am
- Cost
- No tickets listed
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
The city’s annual Christmas parade on Broadway in Uptown Columbus, with floats, marching bands, dancers and Santa Claus.
✓ Checked Oct 26, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Storytimes
Simple Steps Storytime: Families at Columbus Public Library
- When
- Thu, Oct 29 – Thu, Dec 17 (Thursdays (not Thanksgiving)) · 10–11am
- Cost
- No fee listed
- Ages
- Ages 0-5 · Indoor
Thursday-morning family storytime for early learners (ages 0–5) and their families.
✓ Checked Oct 26, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Simple Steps Storytime at North Columbus Public Library
- When
- Tue, Nov 3 – Tue, Dec 15 (Tuesdays) · 10am–noon
- Cost
- No fee listed
- Ages
- Ages 0-5 · Indoor
Tuesday-morning storytime for early learners (ages 0–5) and their families.
✓ Checked Oct 26, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Always-open family places
Most popular first: zoos, aquariums and museums, then nature spots, parks and libraries. Prices come from each official site; "Not stated" means the site doesn't list one.
Coca-Cola Space Science Center
- Price
- Adults (13+) $10, children (4–12) $6
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
Columbus State University’s space center with a planetarium and hands-on exhibits on the riverfront; Mon–Fri 10am–4pm, Sat 10:30am–5pm, closed Sundays
✓ Price verified Oct 26, 2026 · source
National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center
- Price
- No admission fee ($5 donation suggested); Giant Screen Theater and simulators cost extra; free parking
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
250 years of Army infantry history in a huge museum near Fort Benning; Tue–Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 11am–5pm; closed Mondays (open Memorial Day and Veterans Day)
✓ Price verified Oct 26, 2026 · source
National Civil War Naval Museum (Port Columbus)
- Price
- Adults $12, students $8, children 6 and under free (plus sales tax)
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
Civil War ships and naval history; Mon–Sat 10am–4:30pm; closed New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas
✓ Price verified Oct 26, 2026 · source
The Columbus Museum
- Price
- Free admission (“Admission is always free”)
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
American art and regional history museum in the Wynnton neighborhood, with free family activities
✓ Price verified Oct 26, 2026 · source
Columbus Public Library
- Price
- $ (estimated price level)
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
Main library of Chattahoochee Valley Libraries with Simple Steps storytimes several mornings a week
North Columbus Public Library
- Price
- $ (estimated price level)
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
Branch library with a Tuesday-morning storytime; Mon–Wed and Fri–Sat 10am–6pm, Thu 10am–8pm, closed Sundays
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do with kids in Columbus this weekend?
Coca-Cola Space Science Center, National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center and National Civil War Naval Museum (Port Columbus) are open most days, but we don't have a Columbus event listed for this weekend (Oct 30–Nov 1). Next up: Viking Turkey Trot 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run (Nov 7) and Broadway Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting (Nov 20).
What time is trick-or-treating in Columbus?
Sunset on Halloween in Columbus is at 6:50 p.m. Columbus doesn't list official trick-or-treat hours, so plan around dusk.
What are free things to do with kids in Columbus?
These are free according to their official sites: 2 places in Columbus, including National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center and The Columbus Museum.
Where can kids play indoors in Columbus when it's too hot or rainy?
We list 6 indoor places in Columbus: Coca-Cola Space Science Center (kids 4–12 $6), National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center (No admission fee, $5 donation suggested) and National Civil War Naval Museum (Port Columbus, kids 6 and under free). See all 6 above.
What Thanksgiving events can I take my kids to in Columbus?
We list 1 Thanksgiving event in Columbus: Viking Turkey Trot 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run (Sat, Nov 7).
When and where can kids see Santa in Columbus?
We list 2 events with Santa in Columbus: Broadway Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting (Nov 20) and Columbus Christmas Parade (Dec 5).
Where can I take my kids to see Christmas lights in Columbus?
We list 1 holiday light event in Columbus: Broadway Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting (Nov 20).
Are there storytimes or regular kids' programs in Columbus?
We list 2 everyday programs in Columbus: Simple Steps Storytime: Families at Columbus Public Library (Thursdays, not Thanksgiving) and Simple Steps Storytime at North Columbus Public Library (Tuesdays).
What is there to do with toddlers in Columbus?
We list 2 places and 2 events in Columbus that welcome kids under 2, including Simple Steps Storytime: Families at Columbus Public Library (Oct 29 – Dec 17) and Simple Steps Storytime at North Columbus Public Library (Nov 3 – Dec 15). See all 4 above. Age ranges for places are our own guidance.
What are the big family attractions in Columbus?
The best-known family attractions we list in Columbus are Coca-Cola Space Science Center (kids 4–12 $6) and National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center (No admission fee, $5 donation suggested). They're listed first under always-open places.
How much do Columbus family attractions cost?
Prices from the official sites for 2 places in Columbus: Coca-Cola Space Science Center (adult $10, kids 4–12 $6) and National Civil War Naval Museum (Port Columbus, adult $12, kids 6 and under free). Confirm before you go; prices change.
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How we build this page: each event comes from the organizer's official website and shows the date we checked it. Prices marked verified were copied from the venue's official site; others show an estimated price level or "Not stated". A place is called free only when its official site says so. Read how we verify listings · Arizona weekend search.
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