From fun and free to special-occasion fee-based experiences, we chatted with our Experience Columbia SC Ambassadors who have littles in their lives to compile the ultimate list of unexpected things to do with kids in Columbia, SC. How many can your family check off the list this year?
1. Take a kid oriented, historic, free self-guided tour around downtown Columbia with Sally Salamander. It starts at our Visitors Center!
2. Take a Guided Nature Walk lead by a park ranger at Saluda Shoals Park
3. Get some fresh air on the trails with a picnic at South Carolina's only national park: Congaree National Park
4. Enjoy the playground, splash pad and walking paths at Elmwood/Roy Lynch Park
5. Practice movement and self-awareness with a Kids’ Mindful Yoga class at FIT Columbia
6. Play a round of disc golf at our multiple disc golf courses around town
7. Immerse yourself in the world of books at Richland Library Story time
8. Get your game on at Transmission Arcade. Try early Sunday mornings for a family-friendly vibe.
9. Pick a lane on Main and try some bowling at The Grand
10. Owens Field Skatepark, Pump Track and Disc Golf offers three ways to get outside and be active in one location
11. Stroll through the Columbia Museum of Art on Main Street
12. Story time in the Garden at Historic Columbia’s Hampton Preston Mansion offers songs, games and stories in an outdoor setting
13. Columbia Children’s Theatre offers professional performances for youth as well as programs featuring local youth talent
14. Pokemon Go (yes, it’s still a thing) walks around the State House or along the Saluda River Greenway
15. Picnic on the UofSC Horseshoe (pick up a sandwich at nearby Beezers and a milkshake from Tio’s)
16. Go fishing at Sesquicentennial State Park and enjoy the big playground and walking trail
17. Leo’s Landing inclusive playground at Saluda Shoals fosters inclusion among people of all abilities with a Treehouse Village, swing area and sound garden
18. Many of Columbia SC’s breweries have kid-friendly menu options and areas to romp like Hunter Gatherer Brewery at Curtiss-Wright Hangar, Savage Craft Ale Works and more
19. For your future stargazer, explore the Telescope Gallery at South Carolina State Museum
20. Walk the Cayce Riverwalk 12,000 Year History Trail - a unique historical site in Cayce, South Carolina, where the 1865 Civil War battle occurred and is also the location of the historical earthworks
Special thanks Experience Columbia SC Ambassadors Rita Patel, Mark Rapp, Anthony Goldman and Lee Snelgrove for their input on this list.