Moving to Columbia, Maryland soon? You’re in luck! This town is full of fun things to do and offers something for everyone. Located just 20 miles from Baltimore and 25 miles from Washington, D.C., Columbia offers proximity to the big city with a calmer, suburban atmosphere. 

What Is There To Do In Columbia, MD?

There are plenty of fun things to do in Columbia, MD, regardless of your age or interests. You’ll find everything from beautiful parks to amazing indoor art and entertainment. Here are 15 of the best things to do in Columbia, MD.

1. Merriweather Post Pavilion

Merriweather Post Pavilion is a spacious outdoor performing arts venue located in the heart of Columbia. This amphitheater hosts world-renowned artists throughout the year, and it is also the location for many popular festivals. These include everything from summer music festivals to the holiday Symphony of Lights in the winter.

2. Lake Kittamaqundi

Lake Kittamaqundi is located in the center of Columbia and is a popular community gathering place, especially during the summer months. Visitors can go boating or swimming in the summer, or stroll around the Lake Kitt Loop trail. There’s also a lakefront park, a stage for performances and several delicious restaurants to check out. 

3. Robinson Nature Center

If you love the outdoors, the Robinson Nature Center is a must-visit. This nature center has a mile of both paved and unpaved trails. They also have family-friendly nature exhibits, a planetarium and gift shop. 

4. The Mall in Columbia

You can shop until you drop at The Mall in Columbia, which is one of the largest malls in Maryland. This mall has hundreds of stores, including popular department stores and national boutiques. It is also home to a movie theater and a mix of restaurants that offer a variety of cuisines. Visiting The Mall is one of the most popular indoor things to do in Columbia, MD. 

5. Columbia SportsPark

This massive sports complex offers family-friendly activities all year long. This includes a playground, batting cages, a mini-golf course, a skate park, a dog park and more. The nearby Columbia Athletic Club offers indoor gym and fitness facilities. 

6. Lake Elkhorn Park

Lake Elkhorn Park is another popular place to spend time outside in Columbia. This park is a great place to go for a stroll or just relax by the water. There’s even a playground on site for families to enjoy. 

7. Supreme Sports Club

Supreme Sports Club is another one of Columbia’s excellent athletic facilities and one of the most fun things to do in Columbia, MD. Here, residents have access to pools, indoor basketball, racquetball, and volleyball courts, a roller skating rink and a state-of-the-art gym with fitness classes. 

8. Explore Columbia’s Breweries

The Columbia area has an excellent selection of breweries, distilleries, wineries and more. Some popular options include Hysteria Brewing, Black Flag Brewing, and Sapwood Cellars, just to name a few. 

9. Sky Zone Trampoline Park

Looking for something indoor to do in Columbia, MD on a rainy day? Sky Zone Trampoline Park has a location in Columbia, and it’s a great place for both kids and adults to burn off some extra energy and fly high. They also offer fun fitness classes and challenges to get your heart rate pumping. 

10. Centennial Park

There’s no shortage of beautiful places to spend time outdoors in Columbia, and Centennial Park is an excellent option. This huge park contains a lake with boat rental, sporting facilities, over three miles of walking trails and pavilions for picnics. 

11. Movement Columbia

If you’re feeling daring, try rock climbing at Movement Columbia. This massive climbing gym offers many different types of rock walls, as well as yoga classes and community events. 

12. Toby’s Dinner Theatre

Dinner and a show combines several things to do in Columbia, MD into one evening! Toby’s Dinner Theatre is a Columbia institution and is the perfect place to enjoy great food and live entertainment. They perform high-energy musicals year-round, some of which are Broadway reboots. Toby’s also runs a popular local youth theater program. 

13. Columbia Art Center

The Columbia Art Center is a serene and peaceful place to take in some local art. They offer rotating gallery exhibitions, a gift shop and art classes for both children and adults. The art center also has a beautiful Japanese garden on site. 

14. Explore Ellicott City

Historic Ellicott City is located just a short drive from Columbia, and it makes for a great place to spend your weekend. This area has an excellent selection of boutiques and restaurants, as well as charming historic buildings and museums. 

15. Autobahn Indoor Speedway

This is another fun thing to do near Columbia. MD if you’re feeling a bit daring. The Autobahn Indoor Speedway offers both high-speed racing and slower-paced racing for kids. They also have an axe throwing range on site. 

Make Columbia, MD Your New Home with Southern Management

Columbia, Maryland has so much to offer and is a great place to live no matter what stage of life you are in. Southern Management has several communities in the Columbia area, including Club Merion, Oella Mill, and Laurel Park. We also have properties throughout the greater Baltimore and Washington, D.C. area. Contact us today to learn more about our apartment communities. We can’t wait to welcome you home!