A census-designated place, Columbia is one of the main settlements in the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area and is located in Howard County, Maryland, in the United States. It is a planned community made up of ten independent communities.

It ranks as the fourth-largest city in the state. There are many entertaining things to do in Columbia, which also has a thriving IT sector. It features beautiful summers, accessibility to Baltimore and Washington, D.C., as well as being close to numerous institutions and universities.

There are many things to see and do in Columbia, from taking in the beautiful parks and nature trails to discovering the city’s past. It’s clear why Columbia, Maryland, is one of the best states in which to live, the historic Ellicott city has a lot to offer both enthusiastic shoppers and outdoor nature lovers. 

List of things to do in Columbia Md

Given below is the list of places you can visit and things to do in Columbia Md.

One of the most enjoyable things to do in Columbia, Maryland is to visit Lake Kittamaqundi. Because of the variety of outdoor options, Columbia’s Lake Kittamaqundi is a very well-liked recreational destination for visitors and residents.

A 2.5-mile paved multipurpose track surrounds the lake’s 27 acres, making it perfect for cycling, strolling, or running.

Several designated outdoor picnic areas with a gazebo, drinking fountains, and spotless public restrooms are available near Lake Kittamaqundi.

The Robinson Nature Center is a fantastic place to spend time with your entire family and come in touch with nature. As a venue for nature education, the Robinson Nature Center provides a wide range of engaging and cutting-edge programs for both kids and adults.

The Middle Patuxent Environmental Area is nearby and this center is situated on eighteen acres of parks. With a butterfly garden, a nature walk, and animal exhibits, the Robinson Nature Center is a naturalist’s heaven.

Children can play and dress up while enjoying the aquarium and touch tank at the Discovery Zone. The facility also has a planetarium with entertaining programs for people of all ages.

Every year at Merriweather, for a full weekend in June, the Capital Jazz Fest takes place. The performers at the event include Gladys Knight, Erykah Badu, and many more of the biggest names in jazz.

The gathering is always crowded. After the music is over for the evening, grab a bite to eat at one of Columbia Mall’s eateries, which include PF Chang’s, The Cheesecake Factory, Bonchon, and more.

In 1967, the Columbia Md Association transformed a low-lying rough grass meadow with a little brook into Wilde Lake, a 22-acre artificial lake. The depth of Wilde Lake varies from 13 feet at the back of the dam to almost 8 feet in the middle.

Wilde Lake’s dam is 200 feet wide and 15 feet high, and it has four poured concrete stairs that are adorned with logs to highlight the beauty of the flowing water.

You can also take a 1.3-mile circular walk around Wilde Lake and enjoy 29 minutes of quiet reflection as you complete it. Even though this is a well-liked trail for trail running, paddling, and birding, it may still be tranquil at some times of the day.

Your mind will be blown by the tasty and exquisitely produced all-American spirits offered by Lost Ark Distilling Company. In addition, guests of all ages can take guided tours of the distillery’s production plant on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Brad founded the Lost Ark Distillation Company as a means of realizing his passion and creativity. This distillery offers informative tours where guests get to experience first-hand the beginning and finish of the distilling process, as well as sample some of the well-known brand’s goods.

A wide variety of unique spirits are produced by Lost Ark Distilling Company and are inspired by significant moments in Maryland’s past.

A 300-acre haven of forested terrain and well-kept lawns, Blandair Regional Park. The park has a variety of kid-friendly play areas, such as the Blandair Park Challenge Course, which is separated into three lanes with three or four obstacles to negotiate.

Most of the components are appropriate for kids five and older. Laura’s Place, a sizable double-gated, fenced-in playground, is located in the Blandair Regional Park.

The playground is divided into areas for children of various ages, and the central play area contains a sizable play structure with many slides.

Other areas include a farm-themed area for younger children, a dinosaur area where kids may dig for fossils and play on dinosaur-themed play structures, and several intriguing shade structures, including one, made to look like a butterfly.

A bottle of chilled beer can be enjoyed with friends at Sapwood Cellars Brewery as you relax. Owners and operators of Sapwood Cellars Brewery are enthusiastic people who are knowledgeable about brewing.

They are dedicated to making some of the best beers that won’t be found anywhere else and will undoubtedly tickle your taste buds.

Scott and Michael, who operate Sapwood Cellars Brewery, have a wealth of knowledge in the beer industry from both brewing and writing about it in various publications.

One of the biggest malls in Maryland is The Mall in Columbia, where you may shop until you drop. There are hundreds of shops in this mall, including well-known department stores and international luxurious boutiques and hotels. A movie theatre and a range of eateries serving different cuisines are also located there. One of the most popular indoor activities in Columbia, Maryland is going to The Mall.

The Columbia Mall provides activities like cooking courses and build-a-bear workshops that are sure to catch the interest of kids.

This shopping center received numerous improvements and additions, including the addition of an engaging movie theatre that fosters community.

A 2.4-mile circle around the lake, tennis and basketball courts, baseball diamonds, and playgrounds are all part of the 325-acre park. Visitors can enjoy natural wildflower regions, rent a boat, go fishing, have a picnic, and witness a variety of birds, waterfowl, and other wildlife. Every day from sunrise till sunset, the park is open.

The Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa is open seven days a week and provides the greatest spa treatments for reasonable costs.

The relaxing noises and scents will surround you as soon as you enter the spa, making you feel at ease right away. Swedish, sports, deep tissue, and many more types of massages are available at Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa.

For a couple’s massage, they also provide a private sanctuaries package; don’t forget to ask about their famous Hot Stone massage.

Some of the biggest names in music have performed at the renowned Merriweather Post Pavilion. The Symphony Woods venue has a 19,000-person capacity and is surrounded by 40 acres of gorgeous forest.

A full calendar of events, including well-liked fairs, performances, and festivals, are also held in the pavilion. The Merriweather Post Pavilion was initially built by renowned unorthodox architect Frank Gehry.

Additionally, it is environmentally friendly, with composting, solar-powered house lighting, and building standards that adhere to the strictest environmental regulations.

If you want to attend a Pilates lesson and engage in many exercise classes, you should go to Supreme Sports Club first.

For those who are die-hard gym zealots or who simply want to stay in shape and burn some extra calories, this sports center provides something for them. For individuals who want to learn how to swim, the Supreme Sports Club has a pool and whirlpool with plenty of equipment.

Other enjoyable amenities include racquetball courts, volleyball courts, and basketball courts, along with an indoor running track and a children’s walking pool. Additionally, Supreme Sports Club offers several lockers and a variety of training classes for all fitness levels.

The Historic Oakland Manor is a stunning two-story residence from the 19th century that has lovely grounds and a sizable outside patio big enough for a 40′ x 60′ tent.

The Manor is a great location for holding occasions like weddings, rehearsal dinners, business gatherings, and holiday parties because it is close to downtown Columbia.

By arrangement, guided tours of the Manor are offered. stone-walled Bishop’s Garden, the Magnolia Room, the Ballroom, and the authentic period furnishings are all open for visitors to explore and learn about the history of the house.

The Historic Oakland Manor is a lovely location for any event. Its contemporary features, crystal chandeliers, and cozy hardwood flooring invite visitors to take advantage of today’s conveniences and comforts while also catching a glimpse of the elegance of a bygone era.

Toby’s Dinner Theater is located just outside of Merriweather and is mostly exclusively frequented by locals on occasion. This is a fantastic way to end a day in Columbia.

Every show is different and entertaining, and they do a variety of them each year, so it never gets old. It can accommodate 300 people at a time.

The dinner theatre presents Broadway-style plays and musicals and provides an extensive buffet with a variety of entrees, salads, and desserts.

This one-of-a-kind theatre provides each visitor with a dynamic participatory entertainment experience thanks to its outstanding performances and seating that places every patron near the stage. A 25-item salad bar, carving station, substantial buffet, especially chosen by the chef for each play, and desserts are available at Toby’s Dinner Theatre.

Visit Washington Kali Temple if you want to learn more about the Hindu religion.

The Washington Kali Temple welcomes everyone and is prepared to inform guests about Hinduism all year long.

The public devotional services allow you to learn about and engage in the culture of spiritual development. The Washington Kali Temple offers a variety of community services, including programmers for kids.

One of the most well-liked and highly suggested eateries in the Columbia Md area is The Iron Bridge Wine Company. Customers can come here and experience delectable wines and superb culinary talents in a serene and calming environment.

The Iron Bridge Wine Company is a well-regarded restaurant with a large selection of carefully chosen wines from around the globe. Ponzi pinot gris, Raeburn pinot noir, Saint Hilaire cremant, Fred & Ginger, Twisted Cosmo, The Big Apple, Autumn in Maryland, and many more beverages are available.

 The Iron Bridge Wine Company has a significant food menu with delectable dishes to go with the drinks, including, to name a few, Iron Bridge’s Signature Creme Brulee, Brussel sprouts, Crispy Brussels Sprouts, grilled Spanish octopus, Chocolate Ganache, Seafood Flatbread Pizza, Duck Confit, Poached, and more.

In the Owen Brown section of Columbia, Maryland, there lies a 37-acre reservoir called Lake Elkhorn. Lake Elkhorn is the third and biggest lake in Columbia, and its main attractions include a park with a picnic pavilion and a two-mile walking trail around the lake, as well as a modest dam.

The man-made lake Elkhorn has a 2,500-acre watershed and is present in the center of Columbia. The Lake, which averages eight feet deep and reaches a maximum depth of 15 feet, is teeming with trout every spring.

Among the dragonflies and damselflies observed nearby are the common green darner, slaty skimmer, twelve-spotted skimmer, eastern Amberwing, and black saddleback.

Sushi Sono should be on your list of things to do in Columbia, MD, for your next outside meal with family and friends.

When it comes to providing the greatest and most well-prepared Japanese cuisine, Sushi Sono is the award-winning restaurant in the city. They offer sushi fans an incredible taste treat and create a relaxed but unique ambiance at the restaurant.

The interior of Sushi Sono is stunning and more traditional, with a cozy ambiance and lovely views of Lake Kittamaqundi. They provide a variety of dishes, including Dobin Mushi, Osuimono, Ebi Assorted Tempura, Shabu-shabu, Chicken Teriyaki, Salmon Shioyaki, and many more.

In the historic Long Reach Village Center, the Columbia Art Center, which has been in operation since 1983 and offers courses like “Learn to Draw Comics,” is an excellent place to find local artwork.

The Gallery Shop also offers traditional art, including pottery for everyday use and beautiful glass pieces, as well as handcrafted, reasonably priced artwork, some of it created by students. Tours of the galleries are available during regular business hours if art is more your thing.

Explore these works of art in the Columbia Art Center’s recurring shows. Everyone is welcome at the Columbia Art Center since it offers seminars and workshops for all ability levels.

Visit Earth Treks off Columbia Gateway Drive if the weather isn’t ideal. They relocated to a larger warehouse a few years ago, and now they have more than 42,000 square feet of indoor rock climbing space, including top rope and bouldering. A yoga studio and a fitness center are also present.

If you’re not extremely committed, membership is a little expensive, but a day pass is only $22. Rock climbing may seem intimidating and dangerous, but with caution and a good full-body workout, it is fairly safe.

A family-run Japanese eatery called Sushi King has been providing Columbia with food for more than three decades.

To ensure healthy and delicious continental breakfast & delicious food, they provide vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options utilizing special and top locally grown foods.

Sushi King has an excellent cuisine selection, including a large range of specialty rolls made with the freshest fish on-site by the top chefs. Sushi Special Platters, Spicy Grilled Rolls, Sashimi Deluxe Boats, Salmon Lunch Specials, Salmon Skin Hand Rolls, Eastern Shore Rolls, Tonkatsu, Sushi Assortments, Salmon Teriyaki With Chicken Kushi Age, Mango Shrimp Salad, Sashimi Moriawase, and other dishes are among the dishes available at the restaurant.

A fantastic site to find regional artwork is the Columbia Art Center, located inside the famed Long Reach Village Center. Since its founding in 1983, the Columbia Art Center has provided courses including “Learn to Draw Comics.”

The Gallery Shop also offers traditional art, including pottery for everyday use and beautiful glass pieces, as well as handcrafted, reasonably priced artwork, some of it created by students.

Tours of the galleries are available during regular business hours if art is more your thing. Explore these works of art in the Columbia Art Center’s recurring shows. Everyone is welcome at the Columbia Art Center since it offers seminars and workshops for all ability levels.

You can have the ultimate dining opportunity at Aida Bistro and Wine Bar, a fantastic Italian eatery.

Three heated and shaded outside patios are provided by the restaurant for the enjoyment of patrons who want to relax outside. Each meal is prepared by Aida Bistro and Wine Bar utilizing unique recipes and the finest locally sourced products.

Delicious treats include Goat Cheese Salad, pasta, Seafood Linguine, Sweet Potato Fries, Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Crispy Pork Belly, and more. Additionally, they have private spaces that can be used as a location for business meetings, holiday gatherings, private parties, and small group lunches and dinners.

The Columbia Inn at Peralynna is a wonderful location that gives nothing more than a home-away-from-home atmosphere, so staying here ought to be on your list of things to do in Columbia, Maryland.

Howard County’s Columbia Inn at Peralynna, which boasts incredible style and charm, is situated on a private estate.

This opulent boutique hotel offers exquisitely furnished suites, ranging from Renaissance rooms and Grand spa suites to Continental sitting rooms and long-term suites.

The suites feature private bathrooms with en-suite dressing areas, walk-in showers, makeup mirrors, bathrobes, and plush towels, among other amenities.  Others offer roomy living and dining areas with comfortable furnishings, high ceilings, and huge windows, plush sofas and crackling fires, and private balconies overlooking the gardens, while some have separate dressing rooms and massage facilities.

The Hobbit’s Glen Golf Club, which is a par-72 course designed within and around the Maryland forests, was chosen by Reader of Howard Magazine as the best golf course in Howard County for 2020.

With more than 7,100 yards from the back tees and 5,400 yards from the front tees, this golf center has hosted several championship tour events.

With its beautiful lush green fairways and the surrounding area’s natural features, such as the streams, ponds, forested regions, and terrain, Hobbit’s Glen Golf Club is magnificent.

The turn house cooking and drink, an on-site restaurant and bar, has an outdoor dining and entertainment area with lovely views of the golf course.

A fantastic resource for learning about the history of this city is the Columbia Maryland Archives.

The Main Street district’s archives house more than 1,000 linear feet of records detailing Columbia’s history and those of its founding families.

Visitors and residents interested in learning as much as they can about Columbia’s past, present, and future are welcome at the Columbia Maryland Archives.

The early history and contemporary development of Columbia are to be gathered, preserved, and shared with the public by the Columbia Maryland Archives.

A calm forested location in the heart of Columbia’s city features natural beauties, and the two-story building known as Historic Oakland stands there.

The edifice, which was constructed in 1811, is still one of Howard County, Maryland’s most opulent and historically significant buildings. It was once known as Charles Street Ridgely and served as the speaker’s residence for the Maryland House of Delegates.

Elegant and breathtakingly gorgeous gardens may be found in historic Oakland, together with a sizable outdoor terrace that can hold a lot of visitors.

It serves as a location for a variety of events, including wedding receptions, family gatherings, bridal showers, ceremonies, business meetings, and more.

Because it is a natural setting that is “forever conserved,” the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area is a lovely place to spend a day outdoors.

With its 1,021 acres of wide-open spaces and natural resource regions, it is the largest parkland in Howard County. The Middle Patuxent Environmental Area, which is tucked between the cities of Columbia and Clarksville, provides opportunities for picnicking, hiking, fishing, and canoeing.

A large number of amphibians, reptiles, fish, butterflies, plants, and other animals, including about 40 different species of mammals, over 150 bird species, and numerous plants, reside there. The environmental region has miles of paths that wind through the various habitats, making it the ideal place to go for a walk or a hike.

29. The Sky Zone Trampoline Park

A fun destination for families with children that offers a variety of recreational options is the Sky Zone, Trampoline Park.

This facility features a variety of trampolines as well as fun games like dodgeball and basketball. For customers to up the ante on enjoyment, the Sky Zone Trampoline Park offers a foam pit, a sky slam court, and a ninja course.

You can engage in exercises, fitness programs, and freestyle bouncing. The Sky Zone Trampoline Park also provides a variety of birthday party packages and is ideal for corporate events and team-building activities.

FAQ’S

Is Columbia MD a small town?

Answer: A city in Maryland by the name of Columbia has 105,412 residents. One of the nicest places to reside in Maryland is Columbia, which is located in Howard County. Residents in Columbia enjoy a dense suburban vibe, and the majority own their homes.

How nice is Columbia MD?

Particularly from the outside, Columbia looks lovely. There are numerous small businesses to patronize, and it is very attractive and well-maintained. However, there is a significant issue with acceptance and diversity, particularly in schools.

Conclusion 

You won’t be let down if you’re seeking activities in Columbia, Maryland. There are many events and activities taking place all year long, so there is always something fun and exciting going on in the neighborhood.

Whether you love history and wildlife, or just want to have fun, summer art camp Columbia has something for you. So check out what’s going on in Columbia, whatever your interests may be.