Have you been to Leo’s Landing at Saluda Shoals in Irmo, SC? Are you looking for a modern park that is more than just your typical swing and slide set-up? Whether you’re looking for a new go-to park or somewhere special to visit every once in a while, Leo’s Landing inclusive playground at Saluda Shoals Park is sure to be the perfect place to exceed all of your expectations! This playground features all-inclusive play equipment, covered picnic shelters, and several safety features that will make your outing a great one!
Are you planning a trip to Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, SC? Some call it the Riverbanks Zoo, some call it the Columbia Zoo. No matter what you call it, we know you’ll enjoy a trip to this popular Columbia, SC zoo.
With over 2,000 animals spread across 170 acres, plus a fairly new aquarium and reptile complex, there is so much to explore, learn, and do! We will share all of our tips, what to expect, and how to prepare for your day of wild, memorable fun at this awesome zoo in Columbia, beside the Saluda River.
The Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is made up of two large sections. You have the zoo side and then you have the botanical gardens’ side. This is where Waterfall Junction, the popular splash pad and play space, is located.
Are you thinking about a visit to Saluda Shoals Park? If you’re looking for ways to enjoy the great outdoors, have some fun on the Saluda River or explore awesome play areas with your kids, Saluda Shoals is the place for you! Saluda makes for the perfect day trip activity or even a wonderful place to spend a few extra hours out of the house. We’ve got all you need to know about things to do, our favorite places to go within the park, and events you won’t want to miss out on!
Have you visited EdVenture? Columbia, SC has a wonderful children’s museum that is the perfect combination of hands-on play and educational fun for your family! Keep reading as we will share all the tips and info you’ll need to make your trip to Edventure: Columbia, SC perfect!
From babies to pre-teens, EdVenture Children’s Museum is sure to have something for all! Several exhibits make up the two floors of wonder and include activities ranging from science and engineering to pretend play and everything in between. Before we discuss the exhibits, let’s start with some helpful tips to get you prepared for your “edventure.” This children’s museum is closed on Tuesday’s, but is open every other day of the week.
Admissions and Fees to Columbia’s EdVenture
Tickets can be purchased at the museum or online before you go for $13.00/person (children under 2 are free). Yearly memberships can also be purchased with various price ranges and package deals. EdVenture has a strong belief that EVERY child should have the opportunity to engage in educational fun within the museum. Because of this, they have discounted admissions options for families who receive SNAP, WIC, or Medicaid for $3 entry per person.
Once tickets are purchased, you can leave and re-enter the museum throughout the same day for no extra fees.
Camps, Classes, and Regular Events at EdVenture
EdVenture offers several extra programs throughout the week and during different seasons including:
Spring Break & Summer Camp
ages 4-10
$198 weekly per child, $30 discount for members for Spring Break Camp
$249 weekly per child, $40 discount for members for Summer Break Camp
I was very impressed by all of the thoughtful features throughout the museum for even the littlest of littles! For starters, the museum is well-planned out making it easy to maneuver strollers to and from the exhibits. There is also an elevator located in the middle of the museum that is large enough for the whole family – strollers and all!
On the second floor, in “My Backyard” (the area for those under 3 years old), there is a cozy nursing room complete with a rocking chair, bookshelf, and dark, retractable curtains.
EdVenture Children’s Museum Exhibits
More than nine different areas with endless amounts of learning and exploration can be found at EdVenture. We will walk you through each level of the museum and let you know what to expect as you wander around with your kids!
On the main level of EdVenture you’ll find the majority of the museum’s exhibits.
World of Work
What do you want to be when you grow up? A firefighter? How about a farmer? Or maybe even a chef? You can try it all throughout this exhibit! “World of Work” takes up the majority of the main level of EdVenture.
Your children can climb into a 24 foot life-size fire truck, flash the lights and even create their own fire escape plan. Across from the firetruck, you will find a dairy and produce farm. Here, your children can “milk” a cow, harvest vegetables, climb onto a tractor, and collect fruits from the fruit trees to send to the grocery store.
Next, make a “grocery list” and send your littles out on an errand – the Neighborhood Market is always a popular place to be! With small shopping carts, 2 check-out lanes, and realistic foods and goods, your family is sure to have a fun time playing pretend.
Be sure to also check out the Little Spot Diner (situated right outside of the grocery store) and let your kids make you a delicious meal. My favorite thing about “World of Work” is watching my kid’s creativity and imagination come to life in these real-world settings sized just right for them!
Eddie!
You can’t miss him, he’s the world’s largest child measuring in at over 40 feet tall with a heart weighing over 500 pounds! Eddie is his name, and he will help teach your children all about body organs and their functions!
You can climb up a set of stairs that will take you into his stomach, intestines, heart, and brain. Eddie is the perfect combination of fun and education as his insides are set up like a jungle gym, but with realistic organs – You can hear his beating heart, the electricity inside of his brain as well as his stomach growling when you listen carefully.
As you make your way up, take a tunnel slide back down to his large shoes (which are each about the size of a car, might I add), and start your exploration again! I love that Eddie opens up a door for parents and caregivers to talk to and teach their children about the wonderful things our bodies can do at such an age-appropriate level.
The News Room
Has your child ever wanted to be on TV? If so, head on over to the “News Room.” Here, your child can pretend to be a news anchor or even a producer. With realistic equipment and large TV screens to look up at, this exhibit is sure to be a treat. Be mindful that to get here, you will have to go up a small flight of stairs!
Wags & Whiskers
Get ready to put your children’s pet care abilities to the test! In this area, they will be able to care for a variety of different animals with x-rays, grooming and veterinary tools, and basic pet care needs. Wags & Whiskers teaches your child how to care for the health of their pets through interactive play.
Biolab at EdVenture
Let your child explore their inner scientist in the Biolab, designed to teach kids about biomedical science in a fun way! With teaching laboratories, this exhibit and programming is geared toward kids ages 5 – 14 to spark a lifelong interest in the biomedical field.
Cooking Lab at EdVenture
Enjoy cooking and preparing real food in the Cooking Lab, all while learning about the body, how nutrition is important, and tie all the information together with what is taught in the Biolab.
Outdoor Fun at EdVenture
The outdoor area at EdVenture is made up primarily of water play which is great in the warmer months, but be mindful that your kids may get pretty wet so an extra shirt or full change of clothes isn’t a bad idea! There are also several tricycles and a small, model airplane in this area that kids can climb into and “fly.”
Seasonal Exhibit
The seasonal exhibit changes frequently to match whatever is going on during . . . well, each season! EdVenture often has holiday characters such as Santa and the Easter Bunny set up here. You will also find holiday-specific activities, education on different cultural and traditional beliefs, and goodies throughout the year!
Fly an Airplane on the Second Floor of EdVenture
The second level of the museum is home to all things science, engineering, and technology, but with a closed-off room dedicated to the tiniest explorers.
Flight
This part of the museum is full of flight simulators and educational, hands-on displays that teach children about gravity, the solar system, and how/why some things can take flight while others can’t.
My son’s favorite part of this exhibit is the Boeing 757 cockpit where you can sit in the pilot’s seat, explore the gears, and look out of the windshield at a view of the city.
In this area, you can also create and launch your own paper airplane, climb and play in a rocket ship, read interesting facts about aeronautics, and learn to fly in the Boeing 777 flight simulators.
Maker Works
In this area, your children will be able to create and build. In the “Open Make” center, there are several recycled materials where your kids can cut, glue, fold and color their own creations. There are also several different styles of blocks that can be found – magnetic, large Legos, KAPLA blocks, waffle blocks, etc. that will put your child’s problem-solving and engineering skills to the test!
This part of the museum is best suited for children 5-10 years old, however, with extra assistance, younger children might also be able to engage in some of the play (especially with the building blocks).
My Backyard
Strictly reserved for children 3 years old and younger, here you will find tons of toddler and baby-safe play! There is a treehouse-styled jungle gym, a boat where kiddos can dress up in rain boots and large yellow jackets, puzzles, soft play mats, a ball pit, and several ways to meet the sensory needs of your tots!
As mentioned before, there is also a nursing area and large, family-style restroom within.
Party Room at EdVenture
Looking for the perfect place to host a birthday party? You might want to check out the EdVenture party room! Parties are $300 for non-members and $260 for members. The birthday packages come with several incentives including all-day admission for 35 guests, discounts in the gift shop, downloadable party invitations, 90-minute private party, and more! You can visit the EdVenture Birthday page to check for dates and find out more.
Do you need a shady outdoor space to beat the spring and summer heat in Columbia? Citadel Park is sure to be a treat! This quaint, family-friendly playground has so many unique and cozy features including a “Little Free Library,” beautiful landscape and large green space, a designated toddler area, and plenty of sitting space.
Do you have any baseball fans in your family? Have you ever been to a Columbia Fireflies baseball game at Segra Park? In this mom review of a Fireflies game with kids, we’ll tell you all about this Certified Sensory Inclusive ballpark where your family can enjoy a lively baseball game, engage in fun, family-friendly promotions, and have the chance to get free Fireflies gear.
Columbia Fireflies games are an excellent way to spend quality time with your family and friends and we’ve got all you need to know to plan the perfect night out at the ballfield!
Purchase individual game tickets now for the 2024 home games at Segra Park! The 2024 season will kick off with a home game on April 9th. The last regular season home game is scheduled for September 8, 2024 – giving you plenty of time to enjoy a day out at the ballfield.
Trying to plan the perfect activities for your kids during Spring Break in Columbia, SC? Feel like you’ve already done everything there is to do? Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities, indoor events, ideas for staying at home, or unique adventures, Columbia has it all! So, if you’re wondering how to keep your kids entertained AND give them a memorable Spring Break, we’ve got a long list of fantastic ideas for you!
Spring Break for public schools in Richland and Lexington Counties is March 29th to April 5th, 2024.
Spring Break is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors! Here in Columbia, it’ll start heating up fast so enjoy the fresh air, nice temperatures, and cool breeze while you can.
Play at a new playground
There are SO MANY great playgrounds around our beautiful city for you and your family to enjoy. Maybe head out and explore one you’ve never been to and burn off some of that never-ending energy. We’ve got a whole list of our favorite parks and playgrounds just for you!
Spring break is the perfect time to explore a new playground.
Riverbanks Zoo has so much to offer! With over 3,000 animals, there’s always another adventure awaiting just around the corner. You can feed the giraffes, ride the carousel, give the ropes course a try, or stroll through the gardens – the possibilities are endless!
Here’s everything you should know about visitingRiverbanks Zoo with the kids!
Plan a hike
Looking to get a little adventurous? We’ve put together a list of great hiking trails! Whether you’re looking for paved trails, natural terrains, or even playgrounds that have trails included nearby!
Interact with animals at a petting zoo
Columbia is home to several petting zoo farms! We have had the opportunity to go to several of them and this is an activity that both of my kids always LOVE! Here are a few of our favorites:
There is just something so sweet about packing up a delicious lunch, cozy blanket, a few balls or games to keep the kids entertained, and heading out for a picnic! Just about every playground will have picnic tables or green spaces to spread out on, but if you’re looking for something a little different, we recommend heading to the Columbia Riverwalks.
The majority of the riverwalks are paved, well-manicured, and give great views of the river. My son loves to bring his bike along and cruise along until we find the perfect picnic spot.
One of my family’s absolute favorite “family date” ideas is to go play at Carraway Park, then walk right across the street to the West Columbia Riverwalk, have a picnic along the river, and get some extra steps in. It makes for a super fun day . . . and the kids are usually exhausted afterward – parental WIN!
While we hope to have beautiful, spring weather during break, Mother Nature might have other ideas. The good news is, there are TONS of indoor places to have fun around the Midlands!
Jump at a trampoline park
There’s nothing quite like a good ole’ trampoline park to completely wear your kids out, am I right? Even if you’ve got younger tots at home, several of these trampoline parks offer toddler jump times just for them!
It might seem a little old-fashioned, but heading out to a good movie paired with buttery popcorn and your favorite candy is the perfect way to spend your spring break! We’ve put together a list of our favorite theaters just for our readers. You’ll even find an added bonus on how to make going to the theaters a bit more budget-friendly!
Head to EdVenture
EdVenture is a two-story children’s museum full of exhibits that offer hands-on learning, STEM, pretend play stations, and much more.
Learn something new at the SC State Museum
The SC State Museum is a must-see! Your children will have the opportunity to learn about a variety of things pertaining to South Carolina history. From wars to dinosaur fossils and everything in between, there is a lot to see and discover here!
Go to an event at the library
This is an activity that my family and I do frequently! The Richland County library system does a fantastic job at scheduling their calendar FULL of fun events for children of all ages! They’ve got teen game nights, school-aged crafting, and story time – just to name a few.
Not interested in an event? That’s okay, too! Another great thing about the libraries around town is that they are full of puzzles, games, scavenger hunts, unique building blocks, you name it, that are always available to the public.
Enjoy a sweet, tasty treat
Take your kids out for a special sweet treat to celebrate Spring Break! There’s not much better than a yummy ice cream or snow cone on a warm day with no school!
Score a strike at bowling
There are PLENTY of bowling alleys in our great city, but my personal favorite is The Grand on Main. Here, you can eat a delicious restaurant meal, enjoy a boutique bowling experience and then maybe stroll around downtown Main Street or venture over to the State House!
Test your luck at an escape room
If you’ve never done an escape room, now is the perfect time to give one a try! You’ll get 60-minutes to work as a team and break the mystery to “escape” from the room. There are several escape rooms throughout Columbia, here are a few we’d recommend:
Feeling nostalgic? Load up the fam and head to a skate rink!
Create art at The Mad Platter
With over 500 ceramic pieces to choose from, at The Mad Platter, your kids can have a blast creating their own masterpiece. They’ll get to choose their piece then decorate it all on their own. All you’ll have to do is return in a few days to pick up their artwork. Walk-ins are accepted here!
Spring Break Camps in Columbia
Spring Break Camp at the Cathy Novinger Girl Scout Leadership Center
Camp runs from 9 am to 3 pm, with early drop-off and extended day options.
Unique Spring Break Ideas That Will Have Your Child Talking About it Forever
Shopping basket fill-up
You might have seen this trend floating around on social media, but if not, we’ll give you a quick run-down. Basically, you’ll take your kiddo to their favorite store and let them carry around a shopping basket. Whatever they can fit inside of the basket AND carry throughout the store on their own, you will commit to buying.
Now, I know what you’re thinking, A LOT can go wrong here. What if your child puts an expensive electronic into the basket? Well, that’s where you will have to set a few boundaries based on your child’s age and interests. Maybe tell them everything HAS to come from the toy or clothing isles, no 1 item can be over a certain price, set a silly time limit of just 3 or 4 minutes, etc.
“Yes” Day
Exactly as it sounds . . . a day that you say “yes” to all of your children(s) requests. This idea became popular after the movie “Yes Day” was released in 2021. Don’t be scared; it’s really not as bad as it seems!
There are some boundaries and rules that can (and should) still be placed. However, the main idea is that you let your kid lead the day. Maybe set a budget for the day, a distance you’re willing to travel, and be clear that nothing can be unsafe or result in lengthy consequences (like buying a pet, for example).
If a full day of saying “yes” still seems daunting, cap it at just a few hours or as a morning/afternoon activity. Do whatever works best for your family!
Go Geocaching, the modern-day treasure hunt
“X” marks the spot, only in this game, you’ll have some help from a trusty GPS. Geocaching is a modern day treasure hunt mainly done using apps on your phone. Richland County has set up a geocaching adventure.
You’ll download a “Drains Aren’t Dumps” passport, learn how to keep our waterways clean, view some art throughout downtown, and hunt for treasure! Wholesome fun for the whole family, give it a try!
What to do At-Home for Spring Break
We get it, it’s not always feasible to load everyone up and go somewhere to do something fun, especially not every day.
Here are a few unique ways you can keep your kiddos entertained around the house:
Build a fort
Play in the sprinklers outside
Bake something together
Plant flowers/vegetables
Do a puzzle
Go on a bike ride
Draw, paint, color pictures, and mail them to relatives
Have you ever been to Woodland Park in Columbia, SC? With the warmer weather rolling in, Woodland Park is a great place to get some fresh air, enjoy the sunshine, and let your kiddos burn off some energy. Woodland Park features a huge playground, large open green spaces, a walking trail, pickleball and tennis courts, and is even dog-friendly. My family and I recently took a trip here, and I think we found a new staple to add into our playground rotation – it’s THAT good!
Enjoy Nature at Woodland Park
Just off of Garners Ferry Road, tucked away in the Old Woodlands subdivision, you will find a FANTASTIC park for you and your family to enjoy! Even though we’d consider it a quiet area, you can almost always find a decent amount of kiddos for your children to play with here. Woodland Park is surrounded by trees, making it feel a little less like the hustle and bustle of city-life and a bit more relaxing as you enjoy nature all around.
Reasons to Love Woodland Park
There are so many things to love about Woodland Park, but my family’s absolute favorite thing about going here is the variety of playground equipment. For my 1-year-old, there were small slides, bucket swings, a rocking car, and even some climbing features that she could enjoy.
There were tons of things for my older son to enjoy as well – big slides, a variety of monkey bars, traditional swings, balancing equipment, and a large climbing structure. There is truly something for ALL ages at Woodland Park!
Open Ended Green Spaces
Along with the playground itself, my kids enjoyed playing hide-and-seek in the open green spaces. One part of the green space is filled with trees while the other is more open. Both of these areas would be perfect for sprawling out on a blanket and having a nice picnic! You could also toss a football, blow bubbles, catch a frisbee, or even fly a kite on a breezy day.
Walking Loop
Under the shade of the trees you will also find a walking trail that makes a large loop. My family and I took a quick stroll along the path and couldn’t help but notice all of the neat signs of nature. Several of the tree trunks were hollowed out which my son loved to carefully peak inside. We even saw and heard an owl flying around and “hoot-ing” up in the trees!
Pickleball and Tennis Courts
Have you given pickleball a try yet? With its new popularity, you might be searching for a nice place to play! At Woodland Park you will find 2 pickleball courts and 5 tennis courts. The courts are all open to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis.
A Few More Reasons to Go to Woodland Park
I know we’ve already given you so many great reasons to give Woodland Park a try, but if you’re still not sold, here are a few more:
Several benches
Picnic tables
Dog-friendly
Shade
Free little library
Large paved parking lot
More Things to do Near Woodland Park
Woodland Park is centrally located to several popular Columbia spots! In just under 15-minutes you can be in Five Points where you can find restaurants, coffee shops, and shopping. Maybe even make your way to the University of South Carolina and stroll through the beautiful, well-known “horseshoe.”
Thinking about taking your family to the movies soon? There are several movie theaters in Columbia, SCthat offer a range of experiences for moviegoers. Whether you’re looking for a large, modern theater, a drive-in movie experience, or even a smaller, independent cinema, there’s something for everyone! We’ve even got helpful tips for making your family movie outing a more budget-friendly one! So, let’s get started. Here are the 7 best movie theaters in Columbia, SC
Best Movie Theaters: Columbia, SC
Nickelodeon Theatre
This Nickelodeon Theatre is located in the heart of downtown Columbia and offers a unique movie experience for all. In business for more than 40 years, locals love to go here for the cozy, nostalgic vibes. The theater showcases a wide variety of movies including new releases, documentaries, shorts, and classics in an intimate space that seats just over 100 people. They offer both matinee and evening showtimes.
Be aware that “The Nick” offers membership deals starting at just $25. Depending on the membership package you decide on, this could include benefits such as complimentary and discounted tickets.
Address: 1607 Main Street, Columbia
Regal Cinemas Columbiana Grande 14
Located in the Columbiana Mall, Regal Cinemas theater offers comfortable seating and all the modern-day amenities. It also features an IMAX screen for a larger-than-life movie experience!
Address: 1250 Bower Parkway, Columbia
AMC Classic Harbison 14
The AMC Classic Harbison 14 theater offers amenities such as a MacGuffins Bar, which serves beer, wine, and cocktails. There is also a concession stand with a wide variety of snacks and drinks.
The theater is located near the Harbison shopping district, making it a convenient destination for shopping and entertainment.
Address: 122 Afton Court, Columbia
BTM Cinemas Dutch Square 14
Located in the Dutch Square Mall, the BTM Cinemas Dutch Square theater features all of the modern-day amenities: large concession stand, comfy seating, big screens, and more!
Address: 421 Bush River Road, Columbia
Regal Sandhill Stadium 16
Located in the Sandhill shopping district, this theater features IMAX, IMAX 3D, and Regal Premium Experience (RPX) screens. RPX offers a larger screen, custom sound, and luxury seating. The Regal Sandhill Stadium 16 theater also offers a range of concessions, including popcorn, candy, and soft drinks.
Address: 450 Town Center Place, Columbia
Regal Northlake Village
Regal Northlake Village has both regular and 3D movie options! They also feature very comfortable reclining seats, a full concession stand, and a clean environment. A great place to go see a new movie!
Address: 929 North Lake Drive, Lexington
Discounted Movies: Columbia, SC
Spotlight Cinemas
Let’s face it, taking your whole family out to the movies isn’t super budget-friendly. However, Spotlight Cinemas makes going to the movies with littles a bit more cost-efficient. This is a “second run” theater offering movies with a HUGE discounted price! As in they have tickets for just $3!
Even better news, there are two locations in Columbia – one in West Columbia and the other in Northeast Columbia!
Address: 527 St. Andrews Road, Columbia Address: 201 Columbia Mall Boulevard, Suite 211, Columbia
Summer Movie Discounts
Don’t forget that additional theaters in Columbia offer discounts on summer movies for families. Find all that info in our post on summer movie theater deals in Columbia. SC.
Outdoor Movie Theater Near Columbia, SC
The Big Mo
The Big Mo began in 1951 as a single-screen drive-in theater. It is now home to three movie screens and is a popular place to enjoy a fun evening with your family and friends!
They’ve got a full concession stand offering things such as hot dogs, pizza, sweet treats, drinks, and much more. Within about an hour’s drive from Columbia, this should definitely be added to your family’s bucket list!
The Big Mo will open on March 1st for its 2024 season!
As a child, I can remember going to the movie theater was such an exciting treat! It was so much fun deciding which movie to go to, picking out our favorite candy, and loading up on buttery popcorn. While going out to the theaters is much less popular these days, there is still something so thrilling about it that keeps us going back time and time again. Let’s be honest, however, sometimes taking your whole family out to the movies can feel like an overly expensive task. Here are some ways you can save money at the theaters:
AMC Theaters – save money on discounted tickets every TUESDAY
Ask about student, military, and/or senior citizen discounts
Eat a meal before going, share popcorn, limit kiddos to just 1 snack
Skip on IMAX or 3D options
Purchase tickets at the box office – sometimes buying online will add a few dollars for “site charges”
Always double-check promos before heading out
Promos can often be found on the theater’s website and usually include special meal deals or ultra-discounted kids movies
With summer just around the corner, be sure to keep an eye out for summer movie programs
Where is your favorite place to go see a movie?
What? There’s More Fun?
Don’t forget, we have more indoor fun! It’s not quite a movie, but if you’ve never been we highly suggest giving the Columbia Marionette Theater a try!
And, if that’s not enough. Head over to our huge list of things to do in Columbia, SC. It has over 50 ideas about things to do and places to visit in the Columbia area. Fun in Columbia starts right there.
Are you wondering about the bowling, dining, and desserts at The Grand on Main in Columbia, SC? If you have any bowling enthusiasts in your family and you’re looking for a new place to score some strikes or you’re looking for that unique boutique dining spot for a date night or to meet friends, you’ve come to the right place. The Grand on Main houses a large, full-service restaurant, quaint bowling alley, and a top-secret dessert lounge, The Robinson Room – don’t worry we’ll share ALL the details!
Bring your kids or bring your date, either way, The Grand on Main in Columbia, SC is the boutique-style bowling alley, restaurant, and dessert bar that you’ve got to try!