Whether you are looking to fill the entire week with a packed schedule of kid-friendly activities or you can only slip away for a 3-day weekend, it’s easy to put together a spring break in Columbia SC with a variety of fun. Mix and match from the following list to create a family fun spring break itinerary that’s just the right fit for you:
Palmetto Outdoors: Book a guided canoe tour of Congaree National Park for a little adventure and a little relaxation all in one. Tours are about 3 hours. Kids must be 6 or older (and 50+ lbs unless you’re bringing your own lifejacket). Land lovers: Palmetto Outdoors offers the option to Bike the Saluda Riverwalk for some waterside fun.
Mad Platter: Select from over 500 pieces of pottery to paint, try glass fusing or make your own jewelry in a welcoming studio environment.
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden: With over 2,000 animals, botanical gardens as well as rides and activities, Riverbanks offers something for everyone in the family. Be one of the first to visit the brand new Darnell & Susan Boyd Aquarium and Reptile Conservation Center, which opened in March of 2023. While you're there, be sure to check out the zoo's newest friend: Susan the cephalopod, a Giant Pacific octopus.
South Carolina State Museum: In addition to four floors of permanent exhibits featuring history, science, art and technology, there’s a planetarium, 4D theatre and observatory and rotating exhibits, too.
EdVenture Children’s Museum: Kids can climb through Eddie, a 40-foot-tall boy, explore a plane’s cockpit and create something unique with Maker Works.
Pimento Cheese Passport: Pimento cheese is a local favorite, and Columbia SC has a knack for serving it in the most creative ways. Select from one of the restaurants on the Pimento Cheese Passport for a truly local dining experience.
Reconstruction Era Trail: Learn about post-Civil War challenges and triumphs of African Americans on eight trail stops throughout the Columbia region.
Transmission Arcade: Show your kids the ropes on classic games like Ms. Pacman and Indiana Jones in a fun setting with great food. Folks under 21 are admitted before 7pm, but it’s 21+ after that.
Bang Back Pinball Lounge: Enjoy food, drink and 16 professionally maintained pinball machines.
Soda City Market: Come see where the locals go on Saturday mornings. Columbia's Main Street is filled with 150+ vendors selling food, art, apparel and more. 9am-1pm Saturdays.
Boat Rentals – Lake Murray: From pontoons to tri-toons to double- decker boats with a slide off the back, your family will love spending spring break in the sun on lovely Lake Murray.
Columbia Fireflies Baseball: The 2024 season kicks off with their first home game on Tuesday, April 9th, so check the calendar to see if the Fireflies (a low-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals) will be at home during your visit!
Saluda Shoals Park: Spend the day outdoors enjoying trails, a 2-acre dog park, Leo’s Landing Inclusive Playground and more. Spring hours: 7am-8pm.
Dreher Island State Park Camping & Cabins: Book a cabin or villa for an overnight excursion or just come for the day for fishing, birdwatching and a healthy dose of outdoor fun.
Players Club: Reserve a bay online, then get competitive on state-of-the-art golf simulators with real live courses and a virtual putting green (there’s a great menu, too!) In the 1600 block of the Main Street District.
Congaree National Park: The only National Park in South Carolina offers hiking, bird watching, picnicking, canoeing, nature walks (guided with a ranger or on your own). A 2.5 mile boardwalk offers views of the park and easily accommodates strollers.
Columbia Museum of Art: A place where connections are ignited through inspiring, welcoming, community-centered, playful, and vibrant experiences in the world of art—just for you.
Round out your planning by selecting a hotel and choosing your restaurants and you’ll be ready to hit the road!