Boredom doesn’t exist at Columbia Association (CA). We know every family likes happy kids — and CA gives you lots of choices to keep your children active and engaged. Here are some highlights and ideas for you and your family:
Columbia Athlete Performance Program (CAAP) – Maximize your youth athlete’s potential! CAPP, CA’s newest training program, is designed to meet the demands of the athlete’s sport, both physically and mentally, in a safe environment. Open to the public. Visit the Personal Training website for more info.
Columbia Ice Rink – Children can learn to skate and hone their skills in hockey or figure skating from CA’s top-notch instructors. Plus, public skating sessions are a perfect family activity. Get more information about Columbia Ice Rink here.
Columbia Skate Arena – Located at Supreme Sports Club, the Skate Arena has more than 12,000 square feet of pure maple wood and a state-of-the-art sound system to play the perfect tracks to keep you grooving while you skate. Available for rentals and open skate sessions. Get more information about Columbia Skate Arena here.
Columbia SportsPark – Columbia SportsPark features an 18-hole mini-golf course, 10 batting cages, a clubhouse, two 600-foot pavilions, playground and a skate park with 15,000 square feet of quarter pipes, vert ramps and obstacles for skateboarding and inline skating. Get more information about Columbia SportsPark here.
KidzEscape – CA invites parents to drop their children off in a safe and fun space for a two-hour escape. Children (ages 5-12) will enjoy arts and crafts, games and active play, while following CDC safety guidelines and social distancing from their new friends. Get more information about KidzEscape here.
Martial Arts – Are your kids on their screens all day or spending hours doing virtual learning? Looking for ways to get them off their screens and engaged in physical activity? Try CA’s Martial Arts classes for all ages! Classes are open to both CA members and non-members. Classes are offered in two-month sessions. Visit the Martial Arts website for more info.
Open Space/Pathways – CA maintains more than 3,600 acres of Columbia’s open space, including more than 114 miles of pathways and sidewalks for walking, biking and jogging; 171 tot lots; 284 footbridges; three man-made lakes; 41 ponds; 34 miles of stream valleys; the 40-acre Symphony Woods; Wilde Lake Park; and the Lake Elkhorn Park and Pavilion.
Swim Lessons – We offer swim lessons for all ages and skill levels at Columbia Swim Center and Columbia Gym. Lessons are open to the public. Visit the Aquatics website for level descriptions, pricing, schedules and online registration.
The First Tee of Howard County – First Tee is a World Golf Foundation initiative dedicated to the creation of new facilities and access to golf, which places a special emphasis on kids who otherwise may not have an opportunity to experience the game. First Tee is held at Fairway Hills Golf Club. For more info, visit The First Tee website.
Tennis – Tennis is one of the most popular year-round sports in Columbia, Maryland. With a variety of programs and 37 available courts, CA’s tennis program has options to suit every age and experience level, including our Junior Tennis Academy (ages 5-7). Get more information about our tennis programs here.
Yoga and Mindfulness for Teens (Online) – Classes include postures, breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation and an understanding of how yoga helps the body, brain and heart. Teens (ages 10-18) also learn how yoga and meditation help them in their daily lives.
CA at home (creative activities): Provided by Columbia Art Center, CA’s School Age Services, and Columbia Archives. Here are some creative and fun ways to keep sane at home for all ages: Click here to view activities.
CA’s Guide to Distance Learning Success – We’ve got expert advice to help your family navigate the new world of distance learning with greater ease, and stay sane, healthy and connected through it all. Get our free ebook here.
Columbia Art Center – Is there a mini-Michelangelo or a preteen Picasso living in your house? The best way to find out is by registering your son or daughter in Youth and Teen classes and workshops held at Columbia Art Center. Studies have shown that children of all ages can benefit by participating in art programs. So have your child skip a little screen time and create something beautiful! Get more information about Columbia Art Center classes here.
Teen and Middle School Advisory Committee – Make a difference, get involved and be an integral part of the solution — all while having fun and making friends. These two committees get young people involved in their community by planning, organizing and implementing positive programs and activities for their peers. In the process, they gain self-confidence and leadership experience. Click here to get more information about Youth and Teen Center’s advisory committee.