Top 10 Must-See Attractions and Activities in Columbia, MD

Looking for things to do in Columbia, Maryland? Located half-way between Baltimore and Washington, DC, Columbia is a family-oriented community with a variety of attractions, parks, recreational facilities, shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Lake Kittamaqundi is a man-made 27-acre lake which is home to many of Columbia’s seasonal events. Visitors can walk the trail around the lake year-round and enjoy some paddleboating fun during the summer months.

See a Concert at Merriweather Post Pavilion

Nestled in 40 acres of forest located in the center of Columbia, the amphitheater offers a full calendar of concerts featuring the best in rock, country, rhythm and blues, pop, jazz, hip-hop, alternative, electronica and classical. The natural outdoor setting is ideal for summer concerts and a favorite destination for music lovers.

See a Show at Toby’s Dinner Theatre

Located in the heart of Columbia, Toby’s offers award-winning Broadway and original musicals with a buffet-style dinner. Performances are in-the-round providing an intimate experience, with no seats more than 30 feet from the stage. There are evening and matinee performances, making this a wonderful choice for family and friends of all ages.

Attend Events

Special events are held in Columbia throughout the year. Some of the most popular annual events include:

• Wine in the Woods
• Columbia Triathlon
• Columbia Festival of the Arts
• Columbia Summer Movies
• Fourth of July Fireworks in Columbia
• Columbia Symphony of Lights

Visit Historic Ellicott City

The historic district of Ellicott City offers unique shopping, dining, and attractions. Visitors can explore the Ellicott City B&O Railroad Station Museum to learn about railroad history and stop by the Thomas Isaac Log Cabin to understand more about this mill town dating back to the 18th century. Antique shopping and dining at renowned restaurants in the area are also highly recommended.

Visit Centennial Park

The 325-acre Centennial Park features a 2.4-mile loop around the lake, offering facilities such as tennis and basketball courts, baseball fields, and playgrounds. Visitors can relax for a picnic, rent a boat, fish, enjoy areas filled with natural wildflowers, and observe a variety of birds and wildlife. Operating hours are daily from dawn to dusk.

Shop at the Mall in Columbia

The Mall in Columbia is one of the premier shopping destinations in the region, featuring five department stores and over 200 retail stores. Including an AMC Theater and various outdoor dining restaurants, it provides an enjoyable shopping experience for all visitors.

Explore the African Art Museum of Maryland

Located just 5 minutes south of Columbia in Fulton, Maryland, the museum promotes an understanding of African art and culture through various exhibits, events, and activities. Offering tours, videos, lectures, workshops, and programs for schools and communities, this museum provides a rich cultural experience.

Visit the Columbia Art Center

The Columbia Art Center, part of Columbia Association’s Community Services Division, provides year-round art classes, exhibitions, summer art camps for children, birthday parties, and lectures. Admission is open to everyone.

Skate at the Columbia Ice Rink

The Columbia Ice Rink is operated by the Columbia Association and offers year-round daily public skating sessions. Additionally, lessons, hockey, birthday parties, and private rentals are available for visitors seeking an engaging experience.

Play at the Columbia Sports Park

The Columbia Association SportsPark features an 18-hole mini-golf course, 10 batting cages, a skate park, a clubhouse, two 600-foot pavilions, and a playground. These facilities allow for indoor and outdoor activities, making it an excellent location for family-friendly recreation. Skate camps and birthday parties can also be scheduled.