Free Family-Friendly Activities And Offers In Columbus Georgia

Columbus, Georgia, offers a wide range of family-friendly activities and dining deals that provide value for parents and children alike. While the city does not directly offer free samples or mail-in product trials in the traditional sense, it provides access to cultural, educational, and recreational experiences at no cost or at a low cost. These activities allow families to enjoy quality time together without the burden of high expenses. The city’s combination of art, nature, and community events makes it an attractive destination for families seeking affordable entertainment and learning opportunities.

From free museum admissions to seasonal back-to-school events, Columbus is well-positioned to support families looking for enriching and engaging activities. The city also offers special dining promotions at local restaurants, including free or discounted meals for children when an adult meal is purchased. These opportunities, while not traditional product samples or brand freebies, serve a similar purpose by allowing families to access experiences and meals without additional cost.

This article outlines key free or low-cost offerings in Columbus, Georgia, for families with children. It includes details on cultural institutions, seasonal events, and dining promotions, all of which reflect the city’s efforts to support families economically and socially.

Cultural and Educational Opportunities

Columbus is home to several cultural and educational institutions that offer free or low-cost access to families. These venues provide both educational enrichment and recreational value, making them ideal for families with children of all ages.

Columbus Museum

The Columbus Museum is a key cultural destination in the city. Admission to the museum is always free, making it a popular spot for families. The museum features a diverse collection of art, including works by renowned artists such as Andy Warhol, Dave Chihuly, and Amy Sherald. In addition to art exhibitions, the museum offers a newly reimagined Children’s Gallery, designed to encourage early exploration of the arts through a multi-sensory approach. This interactive space is ideal for children of all abilities and includes a two-story playground that resembles a treehouse.

The museum also includes an outdoor children’s garden where kids can engage in creative activities such as painting, reading, and building structures. Shaded seating areas are available for parents to relax while their children explore the exhibits.

A new museum space is set to open in May 2024. While the exact details of its exhibitions and offerings have not been fully disclosed in the source material, it is noted that the museum will be the second largest art museum in the state of Georgia.

Coca-Cola Space Science Center

Located at Columbus State University, the Coca-Cola Space Science Center is a hands-on science museum that is particularly appealing to children interested in space exploration. The center includes interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and a collection of museum artifacts related to space science. One of the highlights for children is the opportunity to control a mini Mars Rover or simulate a flight through outer space. These activities provide both entertainment and educational value, making the Coca-Cola Space Science Center a valuable resource for families seeking science-related experiences.

Market Days on Broadway

Market Days on Broadway is a free weekly event held in Uptown Columbus on Saturday mornings from April to November. This market features over 200 local vendors selling a variety of items, including farm stands, crafts, and fine art. The event is also family-friendly, offering activities specifically for children. Market Days is an excellent opportunity for families to explore local talent and enjoy a community-oriented atmosphere.

The event is pet-friendly, and visitors can bring their dogs along for a day of shopping and exploring. The dates for the 2024 season are April 6 to November 30.

Seasonal Events for Families

Columbus hosts several seasonal events that provide families with opportunities to engage in community activities and access free or discounted services. These events are particularly valuable for parents seeking affordable ways to prepare children for the school year.

Back-to-School Events

In July and August, multiple organizations in Columbus host back-to-school events featuring free school supplies, haircuts, and other resources for families. For example, the 3rd Annual Motion Day on July 19 offers free car shows, guest speakers, and activities for children. The event includes a free food giveaway and a haircut and retwist giveaway for children.

Another event, the Stuff the Backpack initiative, is hosted by the Bill and Olivia Amos Children’s Hospital on July 25. This event provides free backpacks to the first 300 children who attend. The 3rd Annual Rivertown Hairstyling and Backpack Giveaway on August 2 offers basic haircuts for boys and shampoo and styling services for girls. The event also requires registration.

The Back-to-School Bash & Car Show on August 2 features free food and activities for children and is held in Uptown Columbus. These events are designed to support families during the transition back to school and provide necessary resources at no cost.

Dining Deals for Families

Columbus offers a variety of dining options for families, with several restaurants providing special deals on children’s meals. These promotions are typically structured as discounts or free meals with the purchase of an adult meal. While these are not traditional product samples or brand freebies, they serve a similar function by reducing the cost of dining out for families.

Weekly Dining Promotions

Several restaurants in Columbus offer weekly dining promotions that are particularly beneficial for families. For example:

• Monday: Sapo’s offers a free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult entree (dine-in only).
• Tuesday: Chicken Salad Chick provides a free Little Chick Meal with the purchase of an adult meal. Denny’s offers up to two free children’s entrées with the purchase of an adult entrée for kids 10 and under. Ruby Tuesday offers free meals for children 12 and under with the purchase of an adult entree between 5 and 10 PM.
• Wednesday: Your Pie offers kid’s meals at half price with the purchase of an adult entree. Red Robin also offers kid’s meals at half price with the purchase of an adult meal for children 11 and under.
• Thursday: Tuesday’s Street Tacos & Burritos offers a free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult entree (dine-in only).
• Friday: Denny’s again offers up to two free children’s entrées with the purchase of an adult entree for kids 10 and under between 4 and 10 PM.
• Saturday: The Food Mill offers a free kid’s meal with any regular-priced brunch item between 9 AM and 2 PM.

In addition to these weekly promotions, several restaurants offer daily or multiple-day deals:

• Bruster’s Ice Cream: Children under 40 inches in height receive a free baby cone.
• McAlister’s: Kid’s meals are priced at $2.79 with dine-in orders.
• Smokey Bones: Free kid’s meals from the kid’s menu with the purchase of an adult entree.

These dining promotions provide families with opportunities to enjoy meals at a reduced cost, making dining out a more accessible option for budget-conscious families.

Indoor Play and Entertainment

For families seeking indoor entertainment, Kids Empire Columbus offers a variety of play options for children. The facility features an indoor playground and offers several pricing options for families. Pricing includes all-day access with re-entry for children, while adults are charged a fee for additional entries. Infants under 11 months receive free entry if accompanied by a sibling or according to location rates if not.

Kids Empire also offers punchcards for frequent visitors. A 10-admission punchcard is available for $159 with no expiration date and is non-nominative. Non-grip socks are required for all visitors, and socks can be purchased at the front desk for $3.

For birthday parties, Kids Empire offers a "Create Your Own Adventure" package that includes invitations, a $150 deposit, and other party-related amenities. The party must include a waiver for all attendees and non-grip socks for everyone. Additional items such as souvenirs and party goods are available for purchase at the park.

Conclusion

Columbus, Georgia, offers a diverse range of family-friendly activities and dining options that provide value for parents and children. While the city does not offer traditional product samples or mail-in sample programs, it supports families through free or low-cost access to cultural, educational, and recreational experiences. These include free museum admissions, seasonal back-to-school events, and weekly dining promotions at local restaurants.

The city’s commitment to supporting families economically and socially is evident in its efforts to provide affordable entertainment and educational opportunities. Families can take advantage of these offerings to enjoy quality time together without the financial burden of high costs.

Sources

1. Visit Columbus GA - Top Free Things to Do with Kids
2. Savvy Mama Lifestyle - Free Things to Do in Columbus, GA
3. WTVM - Back-to-School Events in Columbus
4. Family and Kids GA - Dining Deals in Columbus, GA
5. Kids Empire Columbus - Indoor Playground