06/14/2016
How to: Cool off in Columbia
It’s only mid-June and we’re already seeing temperatures in the 90s – it looks like it’s going to be a opens in a new windowhot summer! From opens in a new windowpools to indoor fun, here’s how you can stay cool in Columbia:
Pools
Albert Oakland Family Aquatic Center | 1900 Blue Ridge Rd.
June – August hours: M-F 12-7 PM | Sa 11-5 PM | Su 12-5 PM (July 4th, 12-5 PM)
Last weekday: August 12th | open weekends 12-5 PM (Aug 13-14 | 20-21 | 27-28 | Sept 5-7)
Pricing:
Adults (16+): $3.75
Ages 2-15: $2.50
1 year or younger: free
Outdoor 50-meter pool with double-loop enclosed flume water slide. Includes a children’s play area with sprinklers and a slide. Concessions, shade umbrellas, and lounge chairs are available.
Douglass Family Aquatic Center | 400 N. Providence Rd.
June – August hours: M,W,F 1-7 PM | Tu,Th,Su 12-5 PM | Sa 11-5 PM (July 4th, 12-5 PM)
Last day: August 7th
Pricing:
Ages 2+: $1
1 year or younger: free
Outdoor facility with water slide and climbing wall. Includes concessions, a shaded shelter, and spraygrounds.
Flat Branch Park Spraygrounds | 400 Locust St.
Open until September 30th | free
Spraygrounds activated by push button.
Lake of the Woods Pool | 6700 St. Charles Rd.
June – August hours: M,W,F 1-7 PM | Tu,Th,Su 12-5 PM | Sa 11-5 PM (July 4th, 12-5 PM)
Last day: August 7th
Pricing:
Adults (16+): $2.75
Ages 2-15: $1.50
1 year or younger: free
Outdoor facility with a country club setting. Includes a water slide, shade umbrellas, and a concession stand in the clubhouse.
Little Mates Cove | 2500 Chapel Hill Rd.
June – August hours: M,W,F,Sa 11-5 PM | Tu,Th 12-7 PM | Su 12-5 PM (July 4th, 12-5 PM)
Last day: August 7th
Pricing:
Adults (16+): $2.75
Ages 2-15: $1.50
1 year or younger: free
Outdoor children’s water park with slides, sprinklers, water cannons, and falls. Concessions are available.
Stephens Lake Park | 100 Old 63 N.
Open until September 30th from dawn-dusk | free
Unguarded sand beach with spraygrounds and restrooms.
Indoor Fun
Empire Roller Rink | 1305 Business Loop 70 E.
You can still get some exercise without being out in the heat! Head to opens in a new windowEmpire to roller skate during their public sessions:
Wednesdays: 12-3 PM and 6:30-8:30 PM
Thursdays: 12-3 PM
Fridays: 7-10 PM (Family Fun Fridays)
Saturdays: 9-11 AM (9 years and younger), 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM
Sundays: 1:30-3:30 PM
Columbia Public Library | 100 W. Broadway
While you do need a opens in a new windowlibrary card in order to check out the materials, anyone can stop by and look through the books. Have your kids pick out something to read quietly to themselves for a bit, and then grab a snack at The Perk Desk.
Lazer Lanes | 3412 Grindstone Parkway
Bowling, lazer tag, bumper cars, snacks, an arcade… you can keep your family busy for hours at opens in a new windowLazer Lanes.
Going Bonkers | 3812 Buttonwood Dr.
opens in a new windowGoing Bonkers is a great option if you have young children – there is a multi-level ‘playground,’ arcade, food, and even a quiet room for you with WiFi where you can keep an eye on the kids.
Catch a movie:
opens in a new windowForum 8 Theater | 1209 Forum Katy Parkway
opens in a new windowRagtag Cinema | 10 Hitt Street
opens in a new windowRegal Stadium 14 | 2800 Goodwin Pointe Dr.
Yogoluv | 201 S. 9th Street
If you’ve never been to opens in a new windowYogoluv, here’s how it works: grab a bowl, fill it with your favorite flavors of frozen yogurt, and then head over to the toppings and go crazy. Maybe not too crazy, though – the cost depends on how much your bowl weighs.
How do you stay cool in Columbia? Tweet us opens in a new window@ColumbiaMOCVB.
