Columbia SC’s creative, unexpected energy cannot be stifled. Even as we practice social distancing, our attractions have honed in on their innovative, imaginative spirit to create virtual experiences you can enjoy from home. 

Here are a few ways to bring surprise and delight to isolated days. 

Music

While many live events have had to postpone or cancel in-person performances, in Columbia SC music certainly isn't canceled. Tune in to Jazz in the South on Saturday and Sunday nights during the month of August and September. This six-week-long series, hosted by the Pearson Foundation, will introduce you to some of the region's finest musicians. Put on your dancing shoes for a living room jam session with these excellent blues and jazz concerts.

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

Every wonder what really goes on at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden after the gates are closed and the crowds are gone? Join Milo Anderson on Facebook Live each weekday at 10 a.m. for Z-Learning – The Wild Side of E-Learning to get inside peeks and behind the scenes adventures with the animals and their keepers. Ask questions in real time and even get an activity to do at home for the little ones (okay, so we’re all little ones in this case). If you miss the live video, go to the zoo’s website for a replay!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Riverbanks Zoo & Garden (@riverbankszoo) on

South Carolina State Museum

Take a look at the sun, listen to museum curators talk about unique items in the collections and peak behind the walls of the South Carolina State Museum during this period of social distancing. Each weekday at noon, the museum will livestream from the Boeing Observatory and virtual visitors will get a live look at our Sun (weather permitting). Observatory staff will be monitoring the stream and encourage you to ask questions and give feedback in the livestream chat. Also, look out for #MuseumFromHome content via the museum’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram channels and at www.scmuseum.org featuring an inside look at museum collections and fun educational activities.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by scstatemuseum (@scstatemuseum) on

Columbia Museum of Art

The Columbia Museum of Art has always approached their space as more than rooms of artwork. As the city's epicenter for art and culture, the museum offers classes, interaction with artists and curators and a deep look inside of both local and international art. You'll still find this wealth of learning available on their website with the Museum from Home. Watch interviews with artists, learn how curators and museum staff do their jobs and explore the work that fills this Columbia SC institution all from home. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Columbia Museum of Art (@colamuseum) on

Richland Library

Explore new and creative ways to learn, create and share at the Richland Library. Enjoy the digital benefit of your library card with eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, music, movies and TV shows. Reading recommendations are available on Twitter daily at 10 a.m. through #365DaysOfBooks while #AskALibrarian generates personalized picks from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursdays. Join the library’s Facebook Group for resources for parents, educators, caregivers and homeschoolers. Visit the Richland Library website for online content on a number of subject areas aimed at helping you get through your stay-at-home experience. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Kelly Dawson (@kellydawsonrealestate) on

EdVenture

Need fun and educational at-home activities? Check out Today’s Play at EdVenture. Watch an educational video and participate with your children as they learn, get physical, and explore their imagination.

 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by EdVenture Children's Museum (@edventurechildrensmuseum) on

Historic Columbia

You can visit and learn about Columbia’s neighborhoods and districts while social distancing. Historic Columbia’s online tours allow you to explore these areas from your computer, or turn them into a walking tour using your cellphone. See African American heritage sites, stroll through Cottontown, discover Lower Richland, learn about the State House monuments and much more.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Historic Columbia (@historiccolumbia) on

Nickelodeon Theater

South Carolina's only independent movie theater sits in the middle of the Main Street District. Even with its doors temporarily closed, The Nickelodeon Theater (affectionately know as The Nick to locals) screens won't go dark. Tune in to their Virtual Screening Room to experience The Nick in your living room. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Sean Rayford (@theangrywhale) on

One Columbia

Have you been curious about where all of the public art is located? One Columbia offers an interactive map where you can find and browse Columbia’s regional public art. View the artwork, locations, or search for art by city, theme and type. 

Parks

Head over to the SC State Parks Facebook page for live adventures with park rangers. Though the Visitors Center and park programs are on hold at Congaree National Park, you are encouraged to submit questions on their Facebook page for their Ask a Ranger segment, and your questions could be featured in a upcoming video.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Sam Li (@sam.nature.photography) on