25 Best & Fun Things to Do in Columbia (MD)

Columbia is located in Howard County, Maryland, United States.

The city is recognized as the Fourth-largest city in Maryland, with a population of more than one hundred thousand.

Columbia is well known around the world in the IT industry and boasts of being a popular tourist location, featuring beautiful parks and amazing museums.

Some popular places to visit here include Robinson Nature Center, the Mall in Columbia, Sapwood Cellars Brewery, Supreme Sports Club, Merriweather Post Pavilion, and many more.

Are you planning a trip to Columbia?, Here are the top things to do in Columbia, MD.

Things to Do in Columbia, MD

1. Lake Kittamaqundi

A visit to Lake Kittamaqundi is one of the best things to do in Columbia, MD.

Lake Kittamaqundi is a very popular recreational area for tourists and locals in Columbia, as it offers them lots of outdoor opportunities.

This lake spreads to twenty-seven acres with a 2.5-mile paved multipurpose trail around its perimeter, ideal for cycling, walking, or running.

Lake Kittamaqundi features several reserved picnic areas with a pavilion, water fountains, and clean public restrooms.

Address: Lake Kittamaqundi, Columbia, MD 21044 United States

2. Robinson Nature Center

An incredible place to while away time with your entire family and get commune with nature is the Robinson Nature Center.

The Robinson Nature Center offers numerous interactive and innovative activities for both children and adults as a nature-education facility.

This center occupies eighteen acres of parkland located close to the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area.

The Robinson Nature Center is a paradise for nature lovers comprising a butterfly garden, a nature trail, and animal exhibits.

At the Discovery Zone, the children get to play and dress up while they also enjoy the aquarium and touch tank. In addition, the center features a planetarium that hosts nice shows for all ages.

The Robinson Nature Center provides an outstandingly friendly environment and encourages families to come in and explore for a reasonable fee.

Address: 6692 Cedar Lane, Columbia, MD 21044, United States

3. Lost Ark Distilling Company

Lost Ark Distilling Company offers uniquely crafted and delicious all-American Spirits that will surely blow your mind.

The distillery also offers guided tours of the production facility on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to visitors and locals regardless of their ages.

Lost Ark Distilling Company was established by Brad as a platform to make his passion and creativity come to life.

This distillery offers educational tours where visitors get to see firsthand the starting and end of the distilling process, including tasting some of the popular company’s products.

Lost Ark Distilling Company produces a vast range of special spirits made based on historical events in Maryland’s history.

Address: 9570 Berger Rd, Suite L, Columbia, MD 21046, United States

4. Sapwood Cellars Brewery

Sapwood Cellars Brewery is a place where you can chill and enjoy a bottle of chilled beer with your friends.

Sapwood Cellars Brewery is owned and operated by passionate individuals who understand the science of brewing.

They are committed to producing some of the best beers that will definitely tickle your taste buds and which you can’t get anywhere else.

Sapwood Cellars Brewery is owned by Scott and Micheal, who are well experienced in the beer industry, both brewing and writing about it in different publications.

They use the best and locally grown ingredients in the production of various beers, which are composed of a minimal amount of alcohol with unique taste for affordable costs.

Sapwood Cellars Brewery features a tasting room which is usually open from Wednesday to Sunday, where they get to try out different products.

Address: 8980 MD-108, Suite MNO, Columbia, MD 21045, United States

5. The Mall in Columbia

On your bucket list of things to do in Colombia, MD, add shopping at the Mall in Columbia.

The Mall in Columbia was established to cater to the needs of the people of Columbia, with different vendors offering a diverse form of goods and services.

This mall consists of more than two hundred specialty shops and high-end department stores, including small boutiques, movies, restaurants, and more.

Some of the popular stores in the mall include JC Penny, Nordstorm, Macy’s, and many others, also offering a wide variety of food options.

The Mall in Columbia offers sessions that always draw children’s attention, such as build-a-bear workshops and cookery classes.

This mall underwent a series of renovations and expansions with an exciting movie theater that brings people together.

Address: 10300 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044, United States

6. Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa

Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa offer the best spa services, and for affordable prices, they are open seven days a week.

The moment you enter the spa, the soothing sounds and aromas will envelop you and instantly makes you feel relaxed.

Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa offer different massages such as Swedish, sports, deep tissue, and many more.

They also offer a private sanctuaries package specifically for a couples massage, don’t forget to inquire about their signature Hot Stone massage.

 Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa is open from Monday to Friday from 9am-10pm, Saturday from 8am-8pm, and Sunday from 10am-8pm. Visiting Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa is one of the best things to do in Columbia, MD.

Address: 6455 Dobbin Rd Unit 50, Columbia, MD 21045, United States

7. Supreme Sports Club

Supreme Sports Club should be the first destination for those who want to catch a palates class and do some training.

This Sports center has something for hard-core gym zealots or those who just want to keep fit and shade some extra calories.

The Supreme Sports Club features a pool and whirlpool with plenty of equipment perfect for those who want to learn how to swim.

There are other fun facilities like racquetball courts, volleyball courts, and basketball courts with an indoor running track and a walking pool for the kids. Supreme Sports Club also features several lockers and many exercise classes for every fitness level.

Address: 7080 Deepage Dr, Columbia, MD 21045, United States

8. Washington Kali Temple

If you’re interested in learning more about the Hindu religion, visit Washington Kali Temple.

Washington Kali Temple is open to everyone and ready to educate the visitors about Hinduism throughout the year.

You also get to learn and participate in the culture of spiritual enlightenment during the devotional services open to the public.

 Washington Kali Temple hosts several community services such as languages for children; Temple hours are on weekends from 9am-8pm and Monday to Friday from 9am-1pm.

Address: 16126 New Columbia Pike Burtonsvilley, Columbia, MD 20866-1037

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9. The Iron Bridge Wine Company

The Iron Bridge Wine Company is one of the most popular and highly recommended restaurants in the Columbia region.

This restaurant offers a calm and soothing atmosphere for customers to come and enjoy delicious wines and fantastic culinary skills.

The Iron Bridge Wine Company is an award-winning restaurant known for offering a vast collection of specially selected wines from different parts of the world.

Some of the drinks served include Ponzi pinot gris, raeburn pinot noir, Saint hilaire cremant, fred & ginger, twisted cosmo, the big apple, autumn in Maryland, and lots more.

The Iron Bridge Wine Company offers a large food menu with delicious food to go with the drinks, such as Iron Bridge’s Signature Creme Brulee, brussel sprouts, Crispy Brussels Sprouts, grilled Spanish octopus, Chocolate Ganache, Seafood Flatbread Pizza, Duck Confit, Poached and more, just to mention a few.

Address: 10435 State Route 108, Columbia, MD 21044, United States

10. Sushi Sono

For your next outdoor dining with your loved ones, add dining at Sushi Sono to your bucket list of things to do in Columbia, MD.

Sushi Sono is the number one place in the city when it comes to serving the best and well-prepared Japanese cuisine.

They provide a casual but special atmosphere in the restaurant and offer sushi lovers an amazing taste-treat.

Sushi Sono features a beautiful and more traditional interior with a comfortable setting and scenic views of Lake Kittamaqundi.

They serve meals like dobin mushi, Osuimono, Ebi Assorted Tempura, Shabu-shabu, Chicken Teriyaki, Salmon Shioyaki, Kushi Yaki Combo, Sushi Moriawase, Pork Shoga Yaki, Salmon Shioyaki, Beef Negi Maki, Oshinko, and many more.

Address: 10215 Wincopin Circle, Columbia, MD 21044, United States

11. Sushi King

Sushi King is a family-owned and operated Japanese restaurant which has consistently served Columbia for more than thirty years.

They offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options using special and best locally grown ingredients, ensuring healthy and tasty meals.

Sushi King offers an impressive food menu with a wide variety of specialty rolls prepared by the best chefs on the spot using the freshest fish.

The restaurant offers meals like Sushi Special Platters, Spicy Grilled Roll, Sashimi Deluxe Boat, Salmon Lunch Special, Salmon Skin Hand Rolls, Eastern Shore Roll, Tonkatsu, Sushi Assortment, Salmon Teriyaki With Chicken Kushi Age, Mango Shrimp Salad, Sashimi Moriawase, and so on.

Sushi King is housed in the Columbia business center, and the staff is friendly and helpful; they are dedicated to giving visitors an amazing experience.

Address: 6490 Dobbin Road, Columbia, MD 21045, United States

12. Aida Bistro and Wine Bar

Whenever you are craving delectable Italian cuisine, visit Aida Bistro and Wine Bar.

Aida Bistro and Wine Bar is a fantastic Italian restaurant and offers you a chance to have the best culinary experience.

The restaurant features three heated and shaded outdoor patios for higher comfortability for customers who would like to sit out and enjoy.

Aida Bistro and Wine Bar prepare each meal using special recipes and the freshest locally-sourced ingredients.

They delectable delights like Goat Cheese Salad, spaghetti, Seafood Linguine, Sweet Potato Fries, Crispy Brussel Sprouts, Linguine with Lobster Shrimp & Crab, Braised Beef Short Rib, Aida Cannoli 3, Cranberry & Orange Bread Pudding, Crispy Pork Belly, and others.

Aida Bistro and Wine Bar feature a full-service bar that serves wines on tap by the glass, cocktails, and craft beers.

They also feature private spaces which can serve as a venue for small group lunches & dinners, holiday events, private parties, and business events.

Address: 6741 Columbia Gateway Dr, Columbia, MD 21046, United States

13. Frisco Tap House and Brewery

The Frisco Tap House and Brewery was founded in 1996 as a small Burrito Bar in Columbia, but it officially opened as the Frisco Tap House in 2010.

The small business grew and flourished after adding a bar serving beers on tap, and it became a popular place for beer fans.

The Frisco Tap House and Brewery offers an outstanding selection of more than one hundred rotating craft beers and a brewery on-site.

Their restaurant serves the best Fire Grilled Wings, Pepperoni Pizza, Hummus Plate, Homemade Soft Pretzels, Com Dusted Calamari, Chorizo Queso Dip, burrito, Lamb Naan Sandwich Bites, Cheesesteaks, crab cakes, fajitas, and many more.

The Frisco Tap House and Brewery offers a comprehensive list of drinks containing the best and delightful drinks, such as maine beer woods & waters IPA, Peabody heights 5 acres IPA, Schlafly pumpkin ale, wicked weed pernicious IPA, and many others.

Guests get to enjoy live music entertainment every weekend while they enjoy their chilled drinks and delicious meals.

Address: 6695 Bobbin Rd, Columbia, MD 21045, United States

14. The Columbia Inn at Peralynna

A fantastic place that offers you nothing but a home away from home feeling is the Columbia Inn at Peralynna, and lodging here should be on your list of things to do in Columbia, MD.

The Columbia Inn at Peralynna is located on a private estate in Howard County and offers amazing style and charm.

This is a luxurious boutique hotel featuring beautifully decorated suites starting with Continental sitting rooms & long-term suites to Renaissance rooms and Grand spa suites.

The suites comprise private en-suite bathrooms with whirlpool baths, walk-in showers, make-up mirrors, bathrobes, plush towels, and more.

The Columbia Inn at Peralynna offers their guests delicious Continental Breakfast every morning, such as cereals & yogurt, sweet & savory treats, fresh fruit & juices, freshly baked pastries, and more.

Some rooms have separate dressing rooms and massage areas, while others have spacious living and dining areas with comfortable furnishings, high ceilings and large windows, plush sofas and crackling fireplaces, and private balconies overlooking the gardens.

The hotel offers many other activities, such as a game room with a pool table, outdoor picnic area, and a beautiful venue perfect for receptions, weddings, and other events.

Address: 10605 MD-108, Columbia, MD 21044, United States

15. Blandair Regional Park West Playground

The Blandair Regional Park West Playground is a park that spreads to approximately three hundred acres after undergoing some renovation.

The park consists of three lighted multipurpose synthetic turf fields, press boxes, a shade structure, and bleachers.

The Blandair Regional Park West Playground features a beautiful playground with long slides, bucket swings, synthetic turf, a bridge, monkey bars, and climbing structures.

There are separate play areas for different age grades, and the synthetic turf makes the playground safer for small kids to explore.

The Blandair Regional Park West Playground also consists of the dinosaur area where kids dig for fossils and play on dinosaur-themed play structures, including a farm-themed place for younger kids.

Address: 5750 Oakland Mills Rd, Columbia, MD 21045, United States

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16. Merriweather Post Pavilion

A perfect addition to your bucket list of fun things to do in Columbia, MD, is visiting the Merriweather Post Pavilion with your travel companions.

Merriweather Post Pavilion is an exceptional outdoor concert setting occupying a whooping forty acres of preserved land right in the heart of Columbia.

Merriweather Post Pavilion was recognized as the second-best amphitheater in the United States by Billboard magazine in 2010.

The pavilion can accommodate up to nineteen thousand persons at once, and it also meets the highest environmental standards coupled with its solar-powered house lighting and building standard.

Merriweather Post Pavilion is a venue for several events such as festivals, popular fairs, and concerts. The center features a great sound system and large Tv screens that ensure the audiences have an amazing experience.

Address: 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, MD 21044-3503 United States

17. Lake Elkhorn

Lake Elkhorn is a thirty-acre reservoir with a watershed of about two thousand five hundred, making it the biggest lake in Columbia.

The lake features a small dam and a two-mile walking trail around the lake, perfect for a short walk while you also enjoy the beauty of the environment.

Lake Elkhorn also features a park with a picnic pavilion for those that would love to go on an intimate picnic with loved ones.

Dragonflies and damselflies like slaty skimmer, eastern amberwing, the black saddleback, and twelve-spotted skimmer are often seen in the region.

If your definition of a day well spent is being surrounded by nature, then add a visit to Lake Elkhorn to your list of things to do in Columbia, MD.

Address: 7200 Dockside Ln, Columbia, MD 21045-5019 United States

18. The Columbia Art Center

The Columbia Art Center is a place you should visit in Columbia, whether you are an art enthusiast or not.

The art gallery was established in 1983 and has been offering different programs eversince, like “learn to Draw Comics.”

The Columbia Art Center offers well-crafted artworks made by hand for affordable prices, from ornamental glass pieces to practical ceramics.

This art gallery shop offers tours of the entire property during regular business hours, including workshops and classes for different skill levels.

The Columbia Art Center also offers art birthday parties, rotating gallery exhibitions, studio rentals, art & life enhancement lectures, summer art camp for kids, etc.

Address: 6100 Foreland Garth, Columbia, MD 21045, United States

19. The Hobbit’s Glen Golf Club

Booking a tee time at the Hobbit’s Glen Golf Club is one of the best things to do in Columbia, MD.

The Hobbit’s Glen Golf Club features a par-72 course created through and around the Maryland woods, and it was voted as the best golf course for 2020 in Howard County by Reader of Howard Magazine.

This golf center has held several championship tour events with over 7, 100 yards from the back tees and 5, 400 yards from the front tees.

Hobbit’s Glen Golf Club is magnificent with the lush green fairways and natural elements of the region, which include streams, ponds, wooded areas, and terrain.

There is an on-site restaurant and bar known as the turn house kitchen and drink with an outdoor eating & entertainment space offering scenic views of the golf course.

Address: 11130 Willow Bottom Dr, Columbia, MD 21044, United States

20. The Columbia Maryland Archives

If you’re a history enthusiast or you simply just want to learn about the history of Columbia, add a stop at the Columbia Maryland Archives to your checklist of things to do in Columbia, MD.

The Columbia Maryland Archives is a place that contains over one thousand linear feet of material documentation of Columbia’s history.

Locals and tourists are encouraged to visit the Columbia Maryland Archives to learn about the past, present, and future of Columbia.

The Columbia Maryland Archives’ main aim is to help collect, preserve and share Columbia’s history with the public.

This center makes it possible for anyone to browse through the planned community from anywhere they are at the moment.

The Columbia Maryland Archives offers tours, programs, exhibits, talks, and other important activities throughout the year.

Address: 6310 Hillside Ct. Columbia, MD 21046 United States

21. Historic Oakland

Historic Oakland is a two-story building located in the center of downtown Columbia in a tranquil wooded area that boasts of natural wonders.

The building was built in 1811, and it was and still is one of the most glamorous and historically significant structures in Howard County, Maryland.

It was formerly the speaker’s home in the Maryland House of Delegates, known as Charles Sterrett Ridgely.

Historic Oakland consists of elegant and divinely beautiful gardens and a large outdoor patio that can accommodate a large number of visitors.

It is a venue for different occasions like wedding receptions, family celebrations, bridal showers, ceremonies, business meetings, bridal showers, and more.

Historic Oakland offers tours into the building with a unique interior and exquisite entertaining options for your special day.

You also get to know more about the history of the home and explore every corner of the building, including the ballroom, the original period furnishing, and the stone-walled Bishop’s garden.

Address: 5430 Vantage Point Rd, Columbia, MD 21044, United States

22. Toby’s Dinner Theatre

If you’re planning a day out with your friends and family, plan to visit Toby’s Dinner Theatre.

Toby’s Dinner Theatre is a unique place that offers a whole different vibes where you get to watch a good show and enjoy delicious meals.

The theatre has been in existence for more than forty years and has a seating capacity of about three hundred people.

Toby’s Dinner Theatre features Broadway-style musicals and dramas, which offer a dynamic interactive entertainment experience.

There is a 25-item salad bar, a craving station, and an extensive buffet thoroughly chosen by their chef for every show and dessert.

Toby’s Dinner Theatre also serves beers, wines, cocktails, and Toby’s Dinner Theatre special show drink delivered in a take-home souvenir glass at the full-service bar.

Address: 5900 Symphony Woods Rd, Columbia, MD 21044, United States

23. The Sky Zone Trampoline Park

One of the fun things to do in Columbia with kids is a visit to Sky Zone Trampoline Park.

The Sky Zone Trampoline Park is a family-friendly entertainment venue featuring several play amenities and a favorite place for kids.

This center consists of a variety of trampolines and other exciting activities like dodgeball and basketball.

The Sky Zone Trampoline Park features a ninja course, a sky slam court, and a foam pit for the guests to take the fun to another level.

There are freestyle bouncing, fitness programs, and exercises you can participate in. The Sky Zone Trampoline Park also offers many birthday party packages, and is perfect for team-building exercises and corporate events.

This answers what to do in Colombia with the kids, do add to your list of places to visit in Columbia, MD.

Address: 7175 Oakland Mills Rd, Columbia, MD 21046, United States

24. Hysteria Brewing Company

Hysteria Brewing Company is a well-crafted brewery established in 2017. Their taproom offers a friendly and welcoming, and engaging experience. 

Hysteria Brewing Company aims to create unique beers for community members and provide exceptional customer service. 

The brewery offers ciders, sours, American IPA, pale wheat ale, and the most delicious of all, pumpkin ale. 

The brewery is family-friendly and also dog friendly with a comfortable environment. There is also outdoor seating in the parking lot if you prefer to sit outside. 

Address: 9570 Berger Rd Suite J, Columbia, MD 21046, United States

25. Columbia Swim Center

A dive at Columbia Swim Center is among the best things to do in Columbia, MD. 

Columbia Swim Center, previously known as Splashdown, has been a permanent fixture in the city for years. The swim center is indoors, perfect for swimming during the cold season. 

There are many picnic tables around the pool where you can place your things so they won’t get wet. 

Columbia Swim Center also has a snack bar in the large pool area, offering delicious edibles like pizza, chips, ice cream bars, and soda at reasonable prices. 

The staff is also polite and committed to providing the best customer service. 

Visit Columbia Swim Center with your kids and allow them to swim in the kid’s pool. 

Address: 10401 Cross Fox Ln, Columbia, MD 21044, United States

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Plan your Trip to Columbia

Columbia is a must-visit if you want to have an exciting, relaxed, and educational experience. With all the city has installed, you will sure have a fun time here.

Start planning your trip to Columbia, MD, and get to tick these items off your bucket list during your exploration.

Have a fun trip!