21+ Things To Do In Columbus GA You Will Love (With Lots Of Freebies!)

We spent a weekend exploring a myriad of things to do in Columbus GA and I had no clue how much there was to do in this expanding city. With the advent of the Chattahoochee RiverWalk and WhiteWater Express, the city has seen a change. I can’t wait to go back!

With lots of outdoor adventure, awesome museums, great restaurants, and plenty of free things, too — Columbus is one Georgia city that’s worth the visit.

WHERE TO STAY IN COLUMBUS GA

THINGS TO DO IN COLUMBUS GA YOU’RE SURE TO ENJOY

Whitewater Express

Whitewater adventuring with Whitewater Express in Columbus, Georgia, has already taken Georgia and Alabama by storm. RushSouth Whitewater Park on the Chattahoochee River is the longest urban whitewater rafting in the world, and one of top 12 man-made adventures in the world.

The original idea was born in the 70s, launched in the 90s, and completed in 2013. Visitors have been enjoying guided tours down the Chattahoochee ever since!

Read More: Wet And Wild Adventure: White Water Rafting Columbus GA

Coca-Cola Space Science Center

When we visited the Coca-Cola Space Science Center, it was during the Columbus Comic-Book Convention, so we didn’t experience it as others might, but we still had a great time.

The kids loved seeing the space suit and driving the simulated space shuttle landing. There is a real shuttle nozzle on display that is pretty amazing too.

Be sure to catch a movie or a planetarium show in the Omnisphere Theatre.

John S. Pemberton’s Grave

Dr. John S. Pemberton is well-known as being the inventor of Coca Cola, and he happens to be buried in Columbus. His grave is located in Linwood Cemetery.

Read More: 5+ Ways To Pause And Refresh At Atlanta’s Amazing World Of Coke Museum

Blue Heron Zipline

Ready to zipline to another state?! Try the only dual zipline in the United States that connects two states (Georgia and Alabama) at Blue Heron Adventure Park!

The Flight of the Osprey package includes 3 ziplines — a 1200′ from Georgia to Alabama, a 500′ through the trees in Alabama, and an 1100′ zip back to Georgia. If you want more, The Blue Heron Adventure includes 7 ziplines and two jumps from a 45′ tower.

Going over the river was one of the highlights of the zip course for us, and we loved racing our kids!

Blue Heron Aerial Course

Ten challenges, two levels of difficulty, and an infinite amount of fun is what you’ll find at the Blue Heron Aerial Course.

Adventure seekers ages 5 and up will enjoy challenges like crawling through tunnels in the trees, balancing on floating beams, walking across a wobbly bridge, swinging from high ropes, and so much more.

This experience definitely gave our family something to talk about. We were all impressed with my husband’s Tarzan-swinging ability on the high course. Tickets can be found here.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Even if you’ve never tried stand up paddleboarding before, it’s pretty easy to stand up on a SUP and actually quite relaxing.

The Whitewater Express folks brought our boards down to the flat part of the river (below the rapids), and got us all set up, then climbed down to pick everything up, so all we had to do was paddle. My favorite part was being able to see what was on the bottom of the river. We were able to see fish and turtles!

Renting a SUP is seasonal, and is available in the summer.

Bike Rentals

The Columbus RiverWalk has a 22-mile liner-paved trail that follows the Chattahoochee River. The path takes you from Downtown Columbus to the drill fields of Fort Benning — with lots of interesting stops in between that include parks and attractions.

A great way to explore part of it — or all of it, if you’re up to it! — is by renting a bike.

There may be some places along the trail where a smaller child or one on training wheels might have a bit of trouble, but for the most part it’s a easy ride with some rolling hills.

Kayak and Tube Rentals

Just want to relax on the water? Then a kayak or tube rental is a great choice.

Rent a kayak or tube from Whitewater Express in the summer months, and relax on the flat water below the rapids. Year-round, whitewater kayaks can be rented too — as long as you know what you’re doing!

National Civil War Naval Museum at Port Columbus

The National Civil War Naval Museum at Port Columbus honors the sailors, soldiers, and civilians affected by the Navies of the American Civil War. It’s one of the most emotional, touching history museums we’ve been to, with a number of interesting artifacts.

You’ll find the largest surviving Confederate warship, the CSS Jackson, as well as several full-scale replicas of other Civil War vessels.

Southern Pirate Festival

Looking for an excuse to visit the National Civil War Naval Museum? Try the annual Southern Pirate Festival in late October.

There’s live entertainment, family activities, cannon firings and pirates. Expect storytellers, mermaids and games, black powder weapons demonstrations and face painting. Vendors offer food, drink and pirate merchandise, and guests can also tour the museum as part of their festival admission.

RiverCenter For The Performing Arts

Catch a concert or event at the RiverCenter For The Performing Arts while you’re in town, and you’ll be glad you did.

RiverCenter has hosted famous musicians, dancers, actors, and entertainers from around the globe. The Bill Heard Theatre at RiverCenter regularly holds performances by the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, the Youth Orchestra of Greater Columbus, and the Columbus Ballet.

If you’re in town in December, make sure to check out their annual Gingerbread Village entries!

The Springer Opera House

The Springer Opera House is a historic theater in downtown Columbus that was originally opened in 1871.

Today, it hosts performances all year on two stages. Their main stage, Emily Woodruff Hall, hosts a Mainstage Series that features plays, musicals, and Broadway-style productions. The McClure Theatre, hosts a Children’s Theatre Series and Studio Series.

Free Things To Do In Columbus GA

Sculpture Walk

Uptown Columbus opened its distinctive Sculpture Walk in 2012, and you can look for original sculptures and artwork on the corners of Broadway between the blocks of 9th-13th Streets and also in the median.  

You can learn more about the public art featured throughout Uptown Columbus by downloading the FREE OtoCast app. The app allows you to take a narrated self-guided tour. 

Oxbox Meadows Environmental Learning Center

The Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center provides exhibits, displays, nature trails, and educational programs.

When we visited, we loved seeing the turtles, snakes, alligators and more. Don’t forget to check out the Discovery Trail Guide at the front desk; it’s a great way to extend the learning opportunities of your visit.

Oxbow is free, but donations are welcome.

Spring and Fall Concert Series In Uptown Columbus

Hang out and enjoy the live music at the Spring and Fall Concert Series in Uptown Columbus. All outdoor concerts are FREE and open to all ages. Bring your lawn chair, blanket, and your family for a night of great music and fun.

The Island

Our favorite place along the RiverWalk was “The Island.” It’s one of the best places to view folks rafting!  You’ll find it directly below the Eagle and Phenix apartment complex.

The Island is open daily from 9am – 8pm, depending on the weather. You can also splash in the water here, just bring a life vest.

Columbus Museum

The Columbus Museum is one of the largest museums in the Southeast and is unique for its dual concentration on American art and regional history, displayed in both its permanent collection as well as temporary exhibitions. The best part? Admission to Columbus Museum is FREE.

Additional FREE programs of note here:

• Artful Babies: For ages 6-24 months, each session explores a different theme, includes playtime in the galleries as well as an art activity for children and their caregivers to complete together.

• Parent and Child Workshops: These art-making workshops give families an opportunity to work with an art instructor while exploring different mediums. 

• Annual Fall Festival. The Annual Fall Festival takes a look back in time to explore past decades! Get hands-on at several different activity stations featuring marble making, photo tinting, invisible ink, and more.
  
  The Museum provides family-friendly games, special scavenger hunts, and story time throughout the program. Children can also participate in a costume contest for a change to win prizes.

Heritage Corner

Established in 1988 as a stunning addition to the Columbus Historic District, the Heritage Corner features five preserved homes representing different eras of Georgia history. Among them is the Pemberton House, once the home of local pharmacist Dr. John Pemberton.

You can see the homes from the sidewalk for free, but guided tours are also available for a small fee.

Historic Linwood Cemetery

Visit the beautiful Historic Linwood Cemetery to see the graves of such notables as Dr. John S. Pemberton, H. Augusta Howard, and Noble Leslie DeVotie.

Kadie The Cow

Kadie the Cow used to sit in front of Columbus’s Kinnett’s Dairies, but once they were torn down, she sat in storage for a while. But not to worry!

You can now see the larger-than-life cow just west of the Peachtree Mall. She has been visible to residents of Columbus for decades, and was deeded to the City of Columbus as a historical landmark.

Columbus Botanical Garden

Located on 36 acres of green space, the Columbus Botanical Garden currently offers four developed acres with plans for new gardens in the works. The gardens offer free daily admission to visitors, and hosts fun events and plant sales throughout the year.

Splashpad

Directly across from Whitewater Express, there is an awesome, seasonal splash pad for the kids at Woodruff Park.

They can watch the rafters, soak up some rays and cool off in the water. Trees, rocks and music make this a great place for a family picnic, too.

National Infantry Museum

The National Infantry Museum is a large, beautiful facility and a world-class tribute to those who served in this capacity in the Army. Honestly, I was a little worried about it holding my guys’ attention, but they really enjoyed it. The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center is a museum located just outside the Maneuver Center of Excellence at Fort Benning.

The museum itself is FREE — however, greeters at the door do suggest a $5 per person donation.

The museum includes a Family Gallery, which examines how spouses and children manage when a soldier is deployed. There is a kid-sized room in which they can try on soldier uniforms and learn about humanitarian missions soldiers carry out.

Historic Westville

Historic Westville is a living history museum focused on the Chattahoochee Valley during the 19th century.  This village contains 17 historic buildings allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the unique cultural experiences of the Chattahoochee Valley, and providing a timeline of the area’s history. 

Columbus GA FAQ

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO GEORGIA

• YOUR GEORGIA VACATION
• COLUMBUS RESTAURANTS: 27 Delicious Restaurants In Columbus GA Foodies & Families Will Love
• WHITE WATER RAFTING: 6 Exhilarating Places You Should Try White Water Rafting In Georgia
• WHITEWATER EXPRESS: WhiteWater Express: Wet and Wild Adventure in Columbus, Ga
• ATLANTA DAY TRIPS: 31 Day Trips From Atlanta That Should Be Top Of Your Bucket List

Where To Stay In Columbus GA