5 days ago
Columbia summer parents guide: Family-friendly events, outdoor fun and more
Summer in Columbia is, to butcher a Dickens line, the calmest of times and the most hectic of times.
Rhythms of the city slow in one way, as a number of college students head back to their hometowns. But full-time residents — especially those with kids — fill the season with new, dynamic activities.
If you're a parent or caregiver looking for something to do as a family — or if you fear summer means losing time to brush up on your parenting skills — look no further. Here are around 30 of the dates you should know about between June and August.
Check back with your favorite organizations and city websites as they update and add to their summer calendars.
4: Coding Unplugged: Get your kids, ages 5-9, interested in the world of programming — but there's a fun catch. "We will playfully learn coding basics while maneuvering through mazes, using tech toys and more," an event description notes. 10-11 a.m. and 2-3 p.m. at Columbia Public Library.
5: Stephens Lake Park Amphitheater Concert Series: Come hear original music in a spacious natural setting. 6:30 p.m. at the park.
7-8: Art in the Park: Take the whole family to Stephens Lake Park to enjoy one of Columbia's best summer traditions: a two-day art bazaar featuring fine and functional creations from hometown and far-flung makers. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.
10: Doggy Drill Team: Ann Gafke's Dogschooling Pet Drill Team will put on a seriously fun show. 6-7 p.m. at Columbia Public Library.
11 and 28: Is Your Child On Track? Families with kids ages two months to 5 years can avail themselves of this free screening from the Boone County Early Childhood Coalition. 10 a.m.-noon at Columbia Public Library.
12: KidSight vision screening: This fast, free vision screening is for kids over the age of six months. 9:30-11:30 a.m. at Columbia Public Library.
13: Knights of the Kids Table: Are your kids, ages 8-12, showing interest in Dungeons and Dragons and similar role-playing games? Come learn more and roll the dice. 2-4 p.m. at Columbia Public Library.
13: Movies in the Park: As part of this regular free series, watch "The Addams Family" as the sun sets. 8:45 p.m. at Cosmo Park.
14: "The Sandlot": Introduce a new generation to Smalls, Benny the Jet and all the highs and lows of 1960s sandlot baseball in this family classic. 11 a.m. at Ragtag Cinema.
14: Shredfest: Enjoy this celebration of Go Skateboarding Day as a participant or observer. 1 p.m. at Cosmo Park.
14: Bags 'n Wags Festival: This pet-centered event features adoption opportunities, contests, booths and more; it also benefits a number of animal-friendly organizations in Columbia. 4 p.m. at Cherry Hill Square.
16: Parents as Teachers resource table: Learn more about this program offered through Columbia Public Schools. 10 a.m.-noon at Columbia Public Library.
18: Juneteenth Jamboree: As part of the city's monthly series of Family Fun Fests, learn more about Juneteenth through art and interaction. 6 p.m. at Douglass Park.
20 and 21: Animals Among Us: Kids' musician Mr. Symon will guide "an interactive concert all about animals filled with movement, sing-along songs and animal trivia that will fascinate even older audiences," the library notes. 4 p.m. June 20, 10 and 11 a.m. June 21 at Columbia Public Library.
21: Make Music Day: Celebrated across the country and the world, Columbia participates each year with exciting musical events to look and listen for around the city. All day. Find listings at
21: Butterfly Festival: Enjoy exhibits, pollinator habitats and gardens as well food trucks and craft activities at this eighth annual event. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Jefferson Farm Extension and Education Center.
23: DIY Bookmarks: In the specifically sensory-friendly event, learn to make your own bookmarks together as a family. 5:30 p.m. at Columbia Public Library.
24: A Trick of the Eye: Kids ages 7 and older can learn to make their own optical illusions. 2 p.m. at Columbia Public Library.
10: Stephens Lake Park Amphitheater Concert Series: Hear the big, dynamic sounds of Columbia Community Band. 7 p.m.
11: Movies in the Park: "The Bee Movie" will screen at this edition of the series. 8:45 p.m. at Cosmo Park.
12: Splat Junior Obstacle Course Mud Run: Get messy — and maybe a little healthier — at this run that's set for three age groups of kids from 4-15. 8:30 a.m. at Gans Creek Recreation Area.
16: What's Cooking? Enjoy learning about ways to stay healthy at this month's Family Fun Fest. 6 p.m. at Twin Lakes Recreation Area.
18-20: "Grease": TRYPS Children's Theatre presents their latest show, an iteration of the beloved musical. The company has assigned the play a PG-13 rating. 7 p.m. July 18, 2 and 7 p.m. July 19 and 2 p.m. July 20 at Launer Auditorium, Columbia College.
20: Lawn Chair Concert in the Park: Enjoy live music together at this afternoon event. 3 p.m. at Douglass Park.
20: Compass Music Camp Showcase: Come cheer on friends and peers who have spent part of their summer making original music at camp. 5:30 p.m. at The Blue Note.
3: Coolin' Down With the Blues: This concert features "local and regional talent in a mini-festival atmosphere" as well as activities for kids. 4 p.m. at Douglass Park.
8: Movies in the Park: "The Lego Movie" screens as part of the free series. 8:30 p.m. at Cosmo Park.
16: Train Show and Open House: Come see all sorts of motion-filled model trains at this event hosted by the Central Missouri Chapter of the Train Collectors Association and Columbia's Parks and Recreation department. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Rock Quarry Park House, 2002 Grindstone Parkway.
20: Who Do I Want to Be?: August's Family Fun Fest revolves around what and who kids can do in their futures. 6 p.m. at Cosmo Park.
Aarik Danielsen is the features and culture editor for the Tribune. Contact him at adanielsen@ He's on Twitter/X @aarikdanielsen.
This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Things to do with your kids this summer in Columbia: A parent's guide
