Spring is finally here in Columbia, Missouri! 🌷 That means blooming flowers, warmer weather, and plenty of ways to get outside and enjoy the season. From hiking trails and farmers markets to local patios and cultural events, there’s something for everyone in CoMo!
And if you're looking for a meaningful way to celebrate Easter this spring, don't forget that The Crossing offers family-friendly services where you can gather and reflect on this special season together. Use this guide to plan your spring adventures and make the most of everything Columbia has to offer.
Outdoor Adventures in Columbia
1. Explore Columbia's Trails
Columbia is full of scenic trails for every skill level, perfect for a short stroll with kids or a more challenging hike with family and friends. Some of our local favorites include:
- Rock Bridge State Park – 5901 South Highway 163, Columbia, MO
- Capen Park – 1600 Capen Park Drive, Columbia, MO
- Pinnacles Youth Park – 850 E Pinnacles Road, Sturgeon, MO
- MKT Nature & Fitness Trail – Find trailheads here
Trails are typically open daily from sunrise to sunset, and most parks are family- and dog-friendly. Download a trails app like this one to explore maps, difficulty levels, and discover new routes.
💡 Tip: Make your solo hike even more enjoyable by listening to a podcast along the way! Check out Ten Minute Bible Talks for quick devotionals or Not Just Sunday for conversations around daily Christian living.
Source: City of Columbia
2. Visit Warm Springs Ranch
Home to the famous Budweiser Clydesdales, Warm Springs Ranch (located at 25270 Highway 98, Boonville, MO) is a must-see this spring. Spring 2026 tours are now available to book, giving families and friends the chance to meet the horses, learn about their daily routine, and enjoy the scenic fields.
💡 Tip: Be sure to book in advance, wear comfy shoes, and consider the "meet a foal" add-on to see one of the ranch’s newest additions.
Source: Warm Springs Ranch
3. Bike to Meriwether Café in Rocheport
Spring is the perfect time to hop on the Katy Trail in Columbia and enjoy a scenic bike ride to Rocheport. Stop at Meriwether Café (located at 700 First Street, Rocheport, MO) for locally sourced, made-from-scratch breakfast or lunch. Or if you prefer, you can drive to the café and rent a bike there for a leisurely ride along the trail.
The café is open Thursday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., making it ideal for a morning or early afternoon outing with family and friends.
💡 Tip: May we suggest the buttermilk pancakes?!
Source: Meriwether Café Instagram
4. Enjoy Outdoor Sports
Spring in Columbia, Missouri is prime time for outdoor sports. From pickleball to disc golf and traditional golf, you can find plenty of outdoor options to enjoy the weather and have some fun (and get some exercise while doing it!).
Pickleball continues to grow in popularity in Columbia, with options for both casual play and competitive leagues. You can find courts at:
- The ARC — 1701 W. Ash St., Columbia, MO
- Albert-Oakland Park — 1900 Blue Ridge Rd., Columbia, MO
- Columbia Sports Fieldhouse — 4251 Phillips Farm Rd., Columbia, MO
- The Kitchen — 3711 Discovery Parkway Columbia, MO 65201
Disc golf offers an easy, low-pressure way to get outside. No tee time required and perfect for all skill levels. Public courses include:
- Harmony Bends Disc Golf Course — 1800 E. Gans Rd., Columbia, MO
- Indian Hills Disc Golf Course — 5009 Aztec Blvd., Columbia, MO
- Albert-Oakland Disc Golf Courses — 1900 Blue Ridge Rd., Columbia, MO
- Fairview Park Disc Golf Course — 1001 Fairview Rd., Columbia, MO
Or maybe a classic round of traditional golf is more your thing. Columbia offers several public courses:
- Lake of the Woods Golf Course — 6700 E. St. Charles Rd., Columbia, MO
- A.L. Gustin Golf Course — 18 Golf Course Dr., Columbia, MO
- L.A. Nickell Golf Course — 1801 Parkside Dr., Columbia, MO
For a more casual, family-friendly golf outing, Midway Golf & Games (5500 W. Van Horn Tavern Rd., Columbia, MO) features a par-3 course, driving range, mini golf, foot golf, batting cages, go-karts, and yard games, making it an easy, all-ages spring destination.
💡 Tip: New to disc golf, but want to give it a shot? Show Me Disc Sports (805 E. Walnut St., Columbia, MO) is a great local shop for beginner discs and advice.
Source: Midway Golf & Games
Family-Friendly Fun
5. Host a Spring Block Party in Your Neighborhood
Looking for a simple way to enjoy the warmer weather and connect with others? Look no further than your own street! Invite neighbors to bring lawn chairs out to a driveway or cul-de-sac, catch up after a long winter indoors, and let kids ride bikes and scooters while everyone enjoys the fresh air.
💡 Tip: To help you prepare, download our Block Party Checklist for simple ideas, supplies, and conversation starters. And for more inspiration on getting to know your neighbors and living in intentional community, check out Placed for a Purpose, a book by Columbia natives Chris and Elizabeth McKinney.
6. Shop Farm-Fresh Goods at the Columbia Farmers Market
Columbia’s Farmers Market is a spring staple and a vibrant community gathering spot where you can shop for fresh, locally grown produce, artisan foods, plants, flowers, and more at Columbia’s Agriculture Park (1769 West Ash Street, Columbia, MO).
Open year-round on Saturday mornings, this producer-only market features goods grown, raised, or made by the farmers and artisans themselves.
💡 Tip: Grab a reusable bag and plan to arrive early on Saturday mornings for the best selection of produce and popular items before they sell out.
Source: The Maneater
7. Hang at The Kitchen
The Kitchen Grill & Games (located at 3711 Discovery Parkway in Columbia, MO) is a year-round indoor and outdoor entertainment venue that blends pickleball, yard games, food, and community events in one lively space. With 10 reservable pickleball courts (both indoor and outdoor), patio seating, and a full food and drink menu, it’s an easy spring destination whether the weather cooperates or not.
💡 Tip: Looking for a fun themed night or live entertainment? The Kitchen regularly hosts both, so be sure to check their schedule online before you go.
Source: The Kitchen Facebook
8. Spruce up your home with local plants
Visiting a local plant nursery or garden center is one of the easiest ways to kick off a Columbia, Missouri spring! Whether you’re planting flowers, starting herbs, adding landscaping trees, or picking up a new houseplant, you can find just what you need at some of Columbia’s favorite nurseries:
- Helmi’s Gardens — 7201 S R A Nursery Rd., Columbia, MO
- Strawberry Hill Farms — 3770 E. Hwy 163, Columbia, MO
- Superior Garden Center — 2450 Trails W Ave., Columbia, MO
- Giving Gardens — 4040 S. Bearfield Rd., Columbia, MO
💡 Tip: Not sure where to start? Check a Mid-Missouri planting calendar to see what thrives this time of year or ask nursery staff to recommend plants that perform well in Columbia’s spring climate.
Source: Rost Landscaping
9. Take Me Out to a Mizzou Baseball Game
Root, root, root for the home team! Catching a Missouri Tigers baseball game at Taylor Stadium (located at 1303 Research Park Dr., Columbia, MO) is a fun way to enjoy America’s pastime. The Tigers’ 2026 baseball schedule includes home games against non-conference and SEC opponents, giving you plenty of chances to cheer on the team.
💡 Tip: Check the season schedule and plan your outing around theme nights, giveaways, and special promotions that often make the experience even more fun.
Source: University of Missouri
Food & Drink Experiences
10. Enjoy Some of Columbia's Finest Patios
When the weather warms up, patio season in Columbia, Missouri is hard to beat. These Columbia restaurants offer outdoor seating perfect for gathering with friends and family:
- Uprise Bakery – 10 Hitt Street, Columbia, MO
- Günter Hans – 7 Hitt Street, Columbia, MO
- Shakespeare’s Pizza (South)– 3911 Peachtree Drive, Columbia, MO
- Flat Branch Pub & Brewing – 115 S 5th Street, Columbia, MO
- Logboat Brewing Co. – 504 Fay Street, Columbia, MO
- Ozark Mountain Biscuit & Bar – 1204 Hinkson Ave., Columbia, MO
💡 Tip: Can't decide on one spot? Make it a patio crawl! Start with apps at one spot, dinner at another, and dessert somewhere downtown.
Source: Günter Hans
Local Events
11. Experience Columbia's Vibrant Culture at the First Fridays Art Walk
Experience one of Columbia’s liveliest spring and summer traditions: the First Fridays Art Walk in the North Village Arts District (1019 E. Walnut St., Columbia, MO). From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the first Friday of each month, this free community art crawl celebrates local creativity with open galleries, live music, art demonstrations, children’s activities, refreshments, and unique installations throughout the district.
💡 Tip: Make it a full night out by pairing the Art Walk with a bite to eat on one of the patios listed above.
Source: North Village Arts District
12. Celebrate Easter and Good Friday with The Crossing
Easter is a special time to pause, reflect, and celebrate hope with your family and community. This year, you're invited to join us at The Crossing (located at 3615 Southland Drive, Columbia, MO) for our Good Friday and Easter services. With engaging worship, a meaningful message, and age-appropriate programs for children, it’s a chance to connect, celebrate, and make memories together.
Good Friday: April 3, 2026 — Services at 4:00 and 5:30 p.m. (Crossing Kids available for infants through preschool)
Easter Sunday: April 5, 2026 — Services at 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00 a.m. in the auditorium and gym (Crossing Kids available for infants through 5th grade)
Can’t make it in person, but still want to tune in? All auditorium services will be livestreamed here, so you can celebrate wherever you are.
💡 Tip: Bring your family, invite friends, and plan to arrive a little early to grab a donut and take advantage of one of our spring photo ops. 📸
