The best things to do in Columbia

13 things to do we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Entertainment · 13 places · showing the latest additions first

GQT Forum 8

Entertainment

Ready for an easy win this week? GQT Forum 8 delivers all-digital projection with Dolby Surround 7.1 across eight screens, newly installed…

1209 Forum Katy Pkwy

Ready for an easy win this week? 1 across eight screens, newly installed comfortable seats, and a focus on value, cleanliness and customer care, plus Flashback Cinema and Summer Flicks when you want nostalgia with your popcorn.

From the Columbia newsletter, September 20, 2026

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Flipz USA

Entertainment

Flipz USA keeps Columbia kids moving with year-round gymnastics classes in a fun, safety-first environment, plus birthday parties and fresh…

900 Hillsdale Rd

Flipz USA keeps Columbia kids moving with year-round gymnastics classes in a fun, safety-first environment, plus birthday parties and fresh event dates to snag this week. Their seriously certified coaches build confidence and skills so your small tornado leaves tired, happy, and plotting the next cartwheel.

From the Columbia newsletter, September 22, 2026

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Rematch Arena Action Park is Columbia’s new way to play, mixing interactive arenas like Valo, Pixel and Strike with an AirTrack, Ninja…

1201 American Pkwy

Rematch Arena Action Park is Columbia’s new way to play, mixing interactive arenas like Valo, Pixel and Strike with an AirTrack, Ninja Course, basketball and interactive soccer for kids and grownups alike, we won’t tell.

From the Columbia newsletter, August 24, 2026

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Columbia Country Club blends a century of tradition with a nationally recognized championship course that climbs and dips along Hinkson…

2210 Country Club Dr

Columbia Country Club blends a century of tradition with a nationally recognized championship course that climbs and dips along Hinkson Creek, so every swing actually matters. If your game needs a nudge, make this the week you chase pins on the Original Club’s rolling greens.

From the Columbia newsletter, August 10, 2026

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Bowling, laser tag, a ropes course, plus 80s-themed mini golf and roller skating mean Level Up Entertainment covers every vibe. It’s the…

2300 Bernadette Dr Ste 228

Bowling, laser tag, a ropes course, plus 80s-themed mini golf and roller skating mean Level Up Entertainment covers every vibe. It’s the reliable pick for birthdays, friend groups, or spontaneous “we need to get out of the house” nights in Columbia.

From the Columbia newsletter, September 15, 2026

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Wish Tree Courtyard Mural is one of those North Village Arts District gems that turns a quick cut-through into a micro art break, all…

1006 Artist Alley

Wish Tree Courtyard Mural is one of those North Village Arts District gems that turns a quick cut-through into a micro art break, all hopeful vibes and color. Swing by on a stroll or First Friday, grab a pic, make a wish, keep Columbia weirdly wonderful.

From the Columbia newsletter, September 18, 2026

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With tree-lined fairways, a couple of sneaky lakes, three sets of tees, and a driving range, L. A. Nickell Golf Course is the low-stress…

1800 Parkside Dr

With tree-lined fairways, a couple of sneaky lakes, three sets of tees, and a driving range, L. A. Nickell Golf Course is the low-stress spot to groove your swing close to home.

From the Columbia newsletter, September 1, 2026

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Country Club of Missouri is the members-only backyard you actually want to hang out in, with a challenging golf course, state-of-the-art…

1300 Woodrail Ave

Country Club of Missouri is the members-only backyard you actually want to hang out in, with a challenging golf course, state-of-the-art tennis and pickleball courts, a big pool with spray ground, and solid dining. The event spaces are clutch for meetings or celebrations when you want things to just work.

From the Columbia newsletter, September 19, 2026

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Tiny Play Café

Entertainment

Tiny Play Café is the indoor play spot built for Columbia families, with timed sessions you can reserve, birthday party options, and a cozy…

Underneath El Maguey east side, 901 E Nifong Blvd B

Tiny Play Café is the indoor play spot built for Columbia families, with timed sessions you can reserve, birthday party options, and a cozy café for parents. Think kid-sized vet clinics, markets, and build zones, plus classes and events when you need a change of pace.

From the Columbia newsletter, September 8, 2026

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Kick off your planning this week for a holiday bash, team offsite, or milestone celebration at The Club at Old Hawthorne, where…

6221 E Broadway

Kick off your planning this week for a holiday bash, team offsite, or milestone celebration at The Club at Old Hawthorne, where personalized service meets refined dining and a golf-course backdrop. Their crew handles private events, corporate outings, and special occasions so you can actually enjoy your own party.

From the Columbia newsletter, August 28, 2026

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Tee it up at A. L. Gustin Golf Course, Mizzou’s home track with 18 holes, a driving range, and lessons that actually help. Whether you’re…

18 Stadium Blvd

Tee it up at A. L. Gustin Golf Course, Mizzou’s home track with 18 holes, a driving range, and lessons that actually help.

From the Columbia newsletter, August 30, 2026

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Looking for an after-work sanity check? Lake of the Woods Golf Course is a laid-back public track with lakes, bunkers, and a driving range…

6700 E St Charles Rd

Looking for an after-work sanity check? Lake of the Woods Golf Course is a laid-back public track with lakes, bunkers, and a driving range for quick fixes, plus lessons and plenty of scrambles and tournaments to keep the competitive spark alive. Grab a buddy, tee it up this week.

From the Columbia newsletter, August 23, 2026

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Midway Golf & Games

Entertainment

Midway Golf & Games packs an 18-hole mini golf course, a state-of-the-art electric go-kart track, batting cages, axe throwing, archery tag,…

5500 W Van Horn Tavern Rd

Midway Golf & Games packs an 18-hole mini golf course, a state-of-the-art electric go-kart track, batting cages, axe throwing, archery tag, and yard games, plus 18 climate-controlled Toptracer suites and a 16-hole par-3 course. Make it your low-effort hang this week, then refuel at 44 Tavern and claim bragging rights.

From the Columbia newsletter, August 18, 2026

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