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Whether you are new to Columbia MD or are an old resident, Columbia Association has activities and facilities that will be fun for the entire family.

Having a membership will allow you to enjoy our many amenities, including four Columbia Association fitness clubs, which have state-of-the-art equipment and classes. You can also join in on the fun at Columbia SportsPark and Columbia Ice Rink.

Welcome to Columbia MD

Columbia is one of the most family-friendly cities in Maryland and has plenty to do for kids of all ages. From parks and trails to sports and concerts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

You won’t want to miss the Columbia Mall, which boasts upscale shops, restaurants and movies. There are also plenty of other shopping experiences in Columbia, including a great thrift store and a Goodwill on Dobbin Road.

What is Columbia Association

Columbia Association (CA) is the not-for-profit management agency that operates most of Columbia’s public spaces and facilities. It manages nearly 3,600 acres of open space, 95 miles of pathways, lakes, ponds, tot lots and athletic courts, not to mention free entertainment, wellness programming and multicultural events throughout the year.

A community of families and friends who want to make Columbia their home, Columbia Association was conceived and built by Rouse as a place where residents could grow, learn and thrive together. That philosophy has guided its development, resulting in the city of Columbia we know today.

Founded in 1967, Rouse’s vision was to create a unique community that was planned to be sustainable and to foster personal and community growth. Those goals, which were outlined in a speech given at the University of California at Berkeley a month before the land acquisition was announced, formed the foundation of Columbia’s planning process.

Activities for Kids at Columbia Association

Whether they’re into sports, creative projects, or fun outings with friends, CA has something for every child to enjoy. Choose from a variety of programs, facilities and classes at Columbia Ice Rink, Columbia SportsPark, pools, CA’s art center, the Youth and Teen Center and more!

During the school year and summer, CA offers Youth & Teen Programs for children aged 9 to 18. These classes give young people the chance to make new friends, participate in recreational activities and connect with new mentors.

KidSpace – Kids will love a visit to KidSpace, an interactive play area located at all three of CA’s fitness clubs: Columbia Athletic Club, Columbia Gym and Supreme Sports Club. Children will get to know new friends and have fun while learning social skills through small groups, experienced staff and a clean environment!

Adventure Day – When schools are out, kids can join us for an action-packed day filled with games, arts and crafts, swimming (Supreme only), roller-skating and contact-free play! All ages are welcome and an afternoon snack will be provided.

Movie Night – After a fun and active day, let your little ones relax with dinner, a movie and popcorn! A pizza lunch is included.

For more ideas on fun, family-friendly events and things to do at CA, be sure to check out the CA Parents’ Corner blog! If you have any questions or suggestions, please email us at parentscorner@ca.com.

Activities for the Entire Family at Columbia Association

Whether you’re looking for an opportunity to exercise or simply want to have fun, Columbia Association has plenty of activities to suit all ages and interests. There’s something for everyone, including state-of-the-art fitness clubs with weight and cardio equipment, batting cages, Art Center, skating sessions, and more!

Columbia SportsPark

If you’re looking for fun, Columbia SportsPark is a premier recreational facility located in Columbia, Maryland. This sprawling park offers a range of exciting activities that cater to visitors of all ages and interests. 

From miniature golf and batting cages to go-karting and laser tag, there is never a dull moment at Columbia SportsPark. The park is also home to a state-of-the-art skate park, where skateboarders and BMX riders can showcase their skills on ramps, rails, and other obstacles.

With its beautiful setting, friendly staff, and top-notch amenities, Columbia SportsPark is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for an action-packed day of fun and adventure.

You’ll also find a variety of other fun activities for adults in CA, from public skate sessions and golf tournaments to ice hockey lessons and outdoor yoga. Check out our calendar to see what events are coming up and register for them today!

Summer – Lakefront Live

This central community space is the place to go for a walk, ride your bike or enjoy lunch. It’s also home to summer evening live music, Lakefront Live!

Lakefront Live is a popular outdoor concert series held annually in the heart of downtown Columbia, Maryland. The event takes place in the picturesque Lake Kittamaqundi amphitheater, offering a stunning backdrop of the tranquil lake and its surrounding scenery.

The concert series features a diverse lineup of local and national acts, spanning multiple genres of music, including rock, pop, jazz, blues, and country. Some notable past performers include The Roots, Amos Lee, Blues Traveler, and The Avett Brothers.

 Beyond the music, Lakefront Live offers a fun-filled experience for visitors of all ages. Attendees can enjoy a variety of food vendors, craft beer, and wine selections, as well as family-friendly activities such as face painting and balloon art. 

The event is a celebration of the community’s vibrant arts and cultural scene, and it has become a beloved summertime tradition for residents and visitors alike. With its scenic setting, great music, and festive atmosphere, Lakefront Live is not to be missed for anyone looking for a memorable outdoor concert experience in Columbia, MD.

What are the benefits of having a CA membership?

For residents in the planned community of Columbia, having a CA membership means access to many of the city’s amenities and facilities. The CA maintains and manages indoor and outdoor recreation facilities, golf courses, skating rinks, and fitness clubs.

There are different levels of CA memberships, with each level allowing you to gain access to specific facilities and amenities that you can only receive as a member. Feel free to explore any of the different membership options which include: Play, 1Fit, Fit&Play, Golf Fit&Play

The basic Play membership gives you access to the tennis clubs and pools as well as the Ice Rink and Sports Park. It also gives you access to outdoor tennis courts. There is also a 5DayGolf&Play membership that gives you access to Hobbits Glen and Fairway Hills Golf Clubs as well as other discounts at the golf clubs.

Fit&Play memberships also include access to the Columbia Athletic Club, Columbia Gym, and Supreme Sports Club, as well as all 23 outdoor pools, the Columbia Swim Center with SplashDown, the Columbia Sports Park, SkatePark and Ice Rink, and all KidsSpace programs (ages 6 weeks to 13 years).

The CA also manages the city’s neighborhood lakes, 95 miles of trails, parks, and athletic courts. Its services include free outdoor movies and concerts by the lake, before-and-after school care, summer camps and more.

We Can’t Wait to See You at CA

Every family likes to feel happy, and CA is proud to offer a wide variety of fun family-friendly activities. Whether your kids are interested in sports and games, creative learning or dancing and travel, there is something for everyone here at CA.

We can’t wait to see you and your family enjoy all of the amazing things that Columbia has to offer! Let us know if you have any questions or need some suggestions on what to do in Columbia. We are here to help!

Best of all, we are a fun place to live. Located just 20 miles from Baltimore and 25 miles from Washington, DC, Columbia is an excellent choice for anyone looking to live near the city but still enjoy the beauty of the suburbs.