Are you looking for fun parks or playgrounds near Columbia, SC? If you’re looking for the best places to play outdoors in or near Columbia, you’ve come to the right place. Our Parks: Columbia, SC list includes parks with playgrounds, walking trails, and hiking trails, nature parks, art parks, splash pads, parks with picnic areas and picnic shelters, and a whole lot more about our favorite places to play!
There are so many options when it comes to parks and playgrounds. These parks have great playgrounds, wide open spaces, basketball courts, picnic tables, walking trails, or just amazing outdoor spaces. We have reviewed some of our absolute favorite places to play, but we also have lots more coming soon!
Great Parks and Playgrounds Around Columbia, SC
Looking for playgrounds in or near Columbia where the kids can play? There are so many cool options in the Midlands! Pick one of these fun playgrounds and get playing outdoors!
Carraway Park: Great for kids of all ages in West Columbia, SC
Owen’s Field Park: Skate park, fun playgrounds with a zipline, pump track
With a beautiful little lake, playground, easy hiking, free splash pad, and cheap boat rentals, Sesquicentennial State Park is the ultimate family day kind of park! Pack a picnic and get going! Enjoy the shaded picnic tables and benches beside the lake.
Experience local art for free at West Columbia Interactive Art Park
What’s at the West Columbia Interactive Art Park? Kids and grown-ups will enjoy walking along the paths of this interactive art park in West Columbia. Play the drums, and enjoy the murals, sculptures, and time together. There are even some very family-friendly places to eat out in the park and nearby.
Lake Murray
In the summer Lake Murray Public Park is the place to be for outdoor play in the water and sand. There’s also a great picnic area to enjoy the fresh air and lake view.
Congaree National Park
Congaree National Park is a unique park with old-growth forests for hiking, cool boardwalk trails to explore, and out-of-this-world kayak trails.
Want to walk or hike on Columbia’s hiking trails?
These walking trails and hiking trails near Columbia are perfect for a little hiking or getting out those bikes and strollers.
There are so many fantastic parks for even the tiny tots all around Columbia! Let your littles learn to climb, swing in bucket swings, or enjoy small slides made just for them.
Have a preschooler who is a bit too big for the small stuff, but not quite big enough for the full-sized equipment? Here are a few playgrounds we think they’d love:
Emily Douglas: Splash pad, large climbing structures, huge green space
Woodland Park: Walking trail, pickleball, large green spaces, huge playground
Looking for more of the best parks in Columbia?
Our coverage of parks and playgrounds is growing and we’ll have more on Columbia’s best playgrounds soon. But you’ll also find great information on the area’s outdoor places to play at websites for local town and city recreation departments.
Looking for free activities in Columbia, SC? You can fill up a day in Columbia without spending a dime! We’ve compiled a list, and it is packed full of free and cheap ideas for you. Grab your family and make some fun-filled memories together for free. Here’s our list of free things to do in Columbia, SC with kids!
Go on a walk: Head to Columbia’s Riverwalk for a walk with your family. With more than 20 miles of riverwalk and trails, it’s the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors. You can find shade under the trees and bridges, and parking is free!
Have a picnic at the Horseshoe at the University of South Carolina:The Horseshoe at USC is a perfect place to have a family picnic and spend the afternoon. Bring some outdoor toys and bikes and enjoy the weather together. While there’s plenty of shade, you will need to bring a little money to park.
Cool off at a pool or splash pad: One of the most fun things to do in the summer is taking your kids to a pool or splash pad. While the Maxcy Gregg and Greenview Pools have a small fee ($3 – $4 depending on age), the splash pads and spray pools are free and open to the public.
If you are looking for a great park with shade to avoid those famously hot Columbia days, Hollywood Park is an excellent choice. For the days you’re wanting to be more immersed in nature, check out Doko Meadows Park.
If you are needing an all-inclusive playground, then Leo’s Landing is definitely the park to go to.
In West Columbia, Carraway Park has an amazing playground space!
Sesquicentennial State Park has lots of amenities, including $5 kayak rentals. Park admission is required unless you have SC State Park Annual Pass. If you do, admission is free.
Ride bikes: Grab your bikes and go on a bike ride. Download the Sprocket app, an app created by The Cola Town Bike Collective, to help you find the perfect, safe bike route for you and your family.
Go Swimming at Lake Murray: Pay $5 to park at the closest parking lot or use the free parking and walk. Either way, enjoy the beach and swimming area on a sunny day with your family.
Lake Murray Park
Go see a movie: The Icehouse Amphitheater in Lexington shows movies every now and then. You can also enjoy a summer movie for free at Doko Meadows park.
Head out for a hike: There are plenty of hiking trails in Columbia. From paved multi-use trails to longer, more rugged trails, you’ll find something for you and your family to enjoy. Check out our list of some of the best hiking trails with free admittance in the Columbia, SC area.
Cayce Riverwalk | Main Entrance: 201 Naples Avenue, Cayce, SC
Columbia Canal and Broad River Trail | 312 Laurel Street., Columbia, SC
Saluda Riverwalk | Candi Lane, Columbia, SC
Guignard Clay Quarry Loop | 634 Old State Road, Cayce, SC
Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve | 883 Peachtree Rock Road, Lexington, SC
Congaree National Park Hiking Trails | 100 National Park Road, Hopkins, SC
Stroll down Main Street for Soda City Market: Every Saturday from 9 am – 1 pm, vendors gather on Main Street for a European-inspired street market for the Soda City Market. Everything sold is unique, hand-crafted, and produced in the Southeast. While strolling and perusing what the vendors have to offer, you’ll hear music and be able to do a lot of people-watching.
Throw a frisbee around at one of the disc golf courses: Grab your disc golf frisbee and play disc golf for free. Udisc has a list of courses in the area.
Go on a public art tour: You can treat this as a scavenger hunt if you’d like, but there are plenty of public art installations around Columbia that you can visit for free. One Columbia has an interactive map for you to find art spots.
The art in Columbia includes the “world’s largest fire hydrant” sculpture located on Taylor Street in Columbia, SC, between Marion and Bull Street.
Grab the family and head to one of the many Columbia area farmer’s markets! One of the most popular, The Soda City Farmers Market in Downtown Columbia, has tons of vendors and is a lot of fun for the entire family. You can also check out The Market at Icehouse, located at the Icehouse Amphitheatre in Lexington.
First Thursdays on Main: First Thursdays on Main include free live music and even free admission to cultural venues, like the Columbia Museum of Art on select First Thursdays. Food and other items are available for purchase.
Attend a FREE event at Congaree National Park, like the Ranger Guided Owl Prowl hike. You might get a chance to see or hear one of these amazing creatures in the wild! But even if you don’t, you’ll learn a lot and have some fun!
Play pickleball: Pickleball has become quite a popular hobby in the last few years! There are several public pickleball courts all throughout Columbia that operate on a first-come, first serve basis:
Go Geocaching: Have you ever been geocaching? We can assure you that this is an activity that your whole family will get hooked on! Geocaching is an outdoor game, very similar to a treasure hunt, where you use GPS to locate different “treasures” hidden by others.
Richland County has set up an interactive geocaching game where you can learn how to keep our waterways clean, experience local art, and hunt for geocaches! Start by downloading a “Drains Aren’t Dumps Passport” and you will quickly be on your way to discovering awesome treasure.
Decorate, Hide, and Find Painted Rocks: Most of us are familiar with discovering painted rocks hidden throughout the city, but what you might not know is that there is a Facebook group called Columbia-SC Rocks! People will post pictures of their decorated rocks and give hints as to where they can be found. Along with hunting for them, it’s super fun to paint a few with your kiddos, go around to some of their favorite places, and hide them for others to enjoy.
Visit the Sandhill Children’s Garden: The Sandhill Children’s Garden is located near the Farmer’s Market on Clemson Road, across from the Sandhill Shopping Center. Here you will find beautiful gardens, birdhouses, neat flowers, and much more. There are sometimes even small events that take place here. Looking to introduce your children to volunteer work? The Sandhill Children’s Garden is almost always looking for new volunteers to keep the gardens looking spectacular!
Eat Free
Kids Eat FREE in Columbia: While you’re out and about on your free things to do adventure, grab a cheap meal by taking advantage of these kids eat free deals.
Free Things to Do Inside in Columbia, SC
See model trains! Visit the Associated Model Railroad of Columbia on most Thursday evenings for free! Learn about model trains, watch the trains chug through the beautiful displays, and kids may even get a chance to drive a train!
Note: They are not open on the first Thursday of the month. 1800 Lincoln Street, Columbia
Go Bowling: There are several bowling alleys in the Columbia area where kids up to age 15 can bowl for free in summer. You’ll still need to rent shoes or bring your own.
Grab a free DIY Kit from Home Depot: Home Depot has free Kids Workshop kits that you can pick up on the first Saturday of each month from 9 am – 12 pm while supplies last.
Participate in a DIY-U Lowe’s Event: Lowe’s has both in-store and online DIY workshops that are completely free! Workshops for kids usually take place once each month and are led by Red Vest experts. This is a GREAT hands-on activity that your kids will love! Be sure to register in advance for these events!
Tour the South Carolina State House: Want to get a little education with your activity? Head to the State House for a free guided or self-guided tour. Tours are given every half hour from 9:30 am – 3:30 pm Monday through Friday when the chambers are not in session. The State House is also open for tours each Saturday. You do not have to make a reservation, but you can call ahead if you’d like to.
Visit Fort Jackson’s military museum at the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum for an educational trip in disguise. Guests can directly interact with soldiers, ask questions, and learn about the history and evolution of combat training.
Visit the Melton Observatory on the USC Columbia campus. You’ll get a chance to use their huge telescope to check out the sun, moon, galaxies, planets and more!
Bonus! Are you a homeschooling family? The SC State Museum offers FREE admission to homeschooling families. The South Carolina State Museum is a great place to go explore and learn something new!
Free Events in Columbia, SC
What’s free and happening soon in Columbia, SC? This is a list of upcoming events that are free! That means there is no admission cost to attend these events, and may mean there are free crafts, entertainment, food, and more! However, there may be charges and fees for activities or food at some of these events so do check event websites for details.
Just click on each event for more information.
Bonus: Cheap Things to Do in Columbia, SC
Looking for a few more fun things to do for cheap? If you’re looking for some great family activities that won’t break the bank, we have a couple more ideas for you!
Petting Zoo Meet & Greets
Ready for animal fun? Bring the family to Two Girls and a Farm for just $20 for a family of 4. That even includes a bag of animal feed.
Are you searching for custom cookies, cakes, or other sweet treats in Columbia, SC? We know how important it can be to have baked goods that aren’t only delicious, but are also unique, detailed, and well-made to match any upcoming event or special occasion. So whether you have a birthday party, wedding, business meeting, family reunion, or any other event, give one of these locally-owned, small businesses a try! This list has unique sweets plus custom cookies and custom cakes, Columbia, SC!
The Best Custom Sweets in The Midlands
No matter the event, custom sweet treats are sure to add the extra bit of “pizzazz” that your special occasion is missing! Give one of these great places a try for your next party or special gathering!
1. Sammies Sugary Sweets
Sammies Sugar Sweets offers beautiful and detailed cakes, cupcakes, cake pops, and more! Location: Based in Lexington, SC
2. LJ Cookie Co.
LJ Cookie Co. specializes in custom-decorated cookies that are perfect for any occasion! Location: Copper Bluff Road, Lexington
3. Baked Joyfully
Baked Joyfully is a woman-owned business that offers custom cookie cakes and sugar cookies. In addition to their custom orders, they can also be found selling baked goods at farmers’ markets and festivals all throughout Columbia. Location: Serving Lexington, Richland County, and Blythewood, SC
4. Tiffany’s Eats, Sweets & Meeting Place
Tiffany’s Eats, Sweets & Meeting Place offers delicious sweet treats of all kinds! In addition to their baked goods, they also serve dine-in breakfast and lunch. You can’t go wrong by giving this place a try! Location: 9704 Two Notch Road, Columbia, SC
5. TLC Sweets, LLC
TLC Sweets, LLC specializes in gourmet chocolate-dipped strawberries. Gourmet strawberries can be great for any occasion and can even be tailored to fit your specific color scheme, theme, or style. Location: Based in Lexington, SC
6. Soda City Sweets
Looking for decorated sugar cookies? Soda City Sweets has you covered! Not only are these cookies wonderful to look at, but they also have great flavor. Location: Pick-up only in Columbia, SC
7. The Cake Obsession
The Cake Obsession offers an assortment of fantastic baked goods. They are most known for the beautiful, detailed cakes that will be a great addition to any occasion! Location: Based in Blythewood, SC
8. Dazzling Sweets
Dazzling Sweets is a one-stop shop for all your baked good needs – From cupcakes to sugar cookies and everything in between. Location: Based in Blythewood, SC
9. Christine’s Petite Sweets, LLC
You’ll love all the sweets that Christine’s Petite Sweets, LLC offers! Pineapple upside down cake, flavored cheesecake, and chocolates, just to name a few! Location: Available at multiple locations around Columbia, SC.
10. Christi’s Cookies
Christi’s Cookies is where you can find uniquely decorated cookies for weddings, birthday parties, bridal showers, corporate events, family reunions, and more! Location: Irmo, SC
11. Heaven Sent Cakes and Cupcakes
Heaven Sent Cakes and Cupcakes is your place to go for beautiful and delicious cakes and cupcakes for all themes and events. Location: Columbia, SC
Where do you get your custom cookies, Columbia, SC? If you knw of a custom cake or cookie decorator that we missed, be sure to let us know!
Are you thinking about a visit to Frankie’s Fun Park in Columbia, SC? We got a chance to visit and had so much fun with family. Come along on our visit and find out all the things Frankie’s Columbia, SC offers, plus some local parent tips to help you make the most of your family’s visit.
Watch: Come Along On Our Visit
Things to Do at Frankie’s Fun Park: Columbia, SC
Inside at Frankie’s in Columbia
Laser Tag
Arcade
XD Dark Ride
VR system
Snack bar
Large dining area, with space for birthday parties
Outside at Frankie’s in Columbia
The outside space at Frankie’s feels very open, pleasant, and not crowded. When you’re on one of the mini-golf courses, you really wouldn’t know you are so close to 2 other courses. They’ve done a beautiful job with the space and it feels very private and tropical.
There are 3 mini-golf courses outdoors at Frankie’s all with an island, tropical theme. We played course number 2 because we were told it was the most lush of the three courses. It was beautiful and tropical with bright blue fountains throughout, and all the courses are sprinkled with South Carolina charm from the “Sullivan’s Island Watchtower” to the Shem Creek Seafood Co. and Isle of Palms Boat Shop. How many South Carolina gems you can find on your trip?
Go Karts
There are 3 Go-Kart tracks outside at Frankie’s: Road Course, Drifter & Rookie Track. Each track has different specifications that are based on age and size, providing karts of different sizes and speeds.
Tips for Parents: Bringing Kids to Frankies
The Arcade: Inside can get crowded and there are lots of flashing lights and noises. Some parents might find trying to keep track of the kids and supervise them a little stressful. 1 on 1 supervision for little ones might be best.
Plan ahead for your activities to maximize your time and make sure you get to do the things most important to your family, in case you find lines at the activities.
Budget before you go. There is no admission fee to enter Frankie’s but rather you pay per activity. Having a plan will help you stick to a budget and avoid overspending.
Need to have your child’s car seat checked in Columbia, SC? It’s true what they say, “You can never be too safe,” especially when it comes to your children! And car seat safety is absolutely no exception!
Car Seats in South Carolina: Things to Know
Need help finding the right car seat? Or just need some guidance on getting started? The US Department of Transportation has a great resource to help you choose the right car seat and learn how to install it. (We still recommend having your car seat installation checked.)
And, of course, when your child has outgrown their car seat, or when the car seat has expired, you can trade it in at Target. Target will recycle old, expired, or damaged car seats and give you 20% off another car seat, a stroller, or select baby gear. Read more about Target’s Car Seat Trade-In Program.
Statistics shockingly estimate around 80% of car seats are NOT correctly installed. Now is the perfect time to make sure yours isn’t one of them.
Where to Get a Car Seat Installation Check in Columbia, SC
Items needed when getting your car seat installation checked:
the owner’s manual for your car (if available)
the owner’s manual for the car seat (if available)
your vehicle
your child
We’ve listed the inspection stations near Columbia by county below.
Where to Get Your Car Seat Installation Checked in Richland County
City of Columbia Police Department 1 Justice Square, Columbia 803.545.3975 By appointment only
Irmo Police Department 1230 Columbia Avenue, Irmo 803.781.8088 By appointment only
Lexington Medical Center (Department of Public Safety) 115 West Hospital Drive, West Columbia 803.791.2373 By appointment only
South Carolina State Fire Office 141 Monticello Trail, Columbia 803.896.9800 By appointment only
SC DHEC 2100 Bull Street, Columbia 803.898.2767 By appointment only
The Therapy Place 3620 Covenant Road, Columbia 803.787.3033 By appointment only
Forest Acres Police Department 5205 North Trenholm Road, Forest Acres 803.782.9444 By appointment only
Richland County Sheriff’s Department 5623 Two Notch Road, Columbia 803.576.3000 *Multilingual
Irmo Fire District 6017 St. Andrews Road, Columbia 803.798.4979 By appointment only
Prisma Health Children’s Hospital-Midlands 7 Medical Park Drive, Columbia 803.434.2633 By appointment only
Where to Get Your Car Seat Installation Checked in Lexington County
Lexington Police Department 111 Maiden Lain, Lexington 803.359.6260 By appointment only
Lexington County Health Services District (Department of Public Safety) 115 West Hospital Drive, West Columbia 803.791.2732 By appointment only
Irmo Fire District Northlake 117 Lincreek Road, Columbia 803.781.7178 By appointment only
Cayce Public Safety 2 Lavern Jumper Road, Cayce 803.794.0456 By appointment only
West Columbia Police Department 200 North 12th Street, West Columbia 803.794.0721 ext. 825 By appointment only
Lexington County Sheriff Department 521 Gibson Road, Lexington 803.785.5646 By appointment only
Swansea Police Department 320 West 3rd Street, Swansea 803.568.3366 By appointment only
Batesburg/Leesville Police Department 660 West Columbia Avenue, Batesburg/Leesville 803.532.4408
Are your kids excited to search out some colorful Easter Eggs at the Easter Egg Hunts in Columbia, SC this year? Maybe you’re looking for more Easter things to do, like catching up with the Easter Bunny for a special bunny photo. Or, maybe an Easter craft activity is more to your liking. Either way, we have a totally huge list of Columbia’s Easter Egg hunts and Easter events to help you out.
We hope it’ll help you make the most of the Easter season in Columbia, SC with your family!
We’ll be adding to this list throughout the Easter season, so check back soon for all the best Easter events in Columbia, SC!
March 29th and 30th, 2024– Children’s Easter Egg hunt that includes a cow train, wagon rides, bubbles, playground, obstacle course, and photos with the Easter Bunny. Details and pricing for 2024 coming soon.
2024 Information on the Great Lexington Egg Hunt is still TBA. We will update when information is announced! And now for a different kind of egg hunt! Visit Lexington parks and match each egg to the correct location.
Print your form or pick one up at the Lexington Town Hall.
More Egg Hunts in Columbia, SC
Easter Bunny Photos: Columbia, SC
Photos with the Easter Bunny are a time-honored tradition. Where can you can get a photo with the Easter Bunny in Columbia, SC?
Visit these events to snap a picture with the Easter Bunny.
Easter Bunny Photos at Columbiana Centre
100 Columbiana Circle, Columbia, SC 29212 Bunny Photo Experiences starts March 1st, 2024. Photo package costs range from $40 – $50. You need to either pay $20 at booking and select photo package at your appointment or select the desired package at booking. (Your $20 booking fee will be applied toward the package purchase.)
Free Easter Bunny Photos at Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops
Head up to Greenville, SC or Charlotte, NC for an opportunity to get a free professional, printed 4×6 photo with the Easter Bunny at Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops. 2024 Dates and Times TBA
Who doesn’t want to have breakfast or brunch with the Easter Bunny himself? Or maybe you can catch the bunny and share a special cupcake, cookie, or Easter treat.
Make plans to head to one of these places and you can spend some time with the Easter Bunny and enjoy some yummy food, too!
Choose a hunt that fits the age of your children and their temperaments. A fast, competitive child might enjoy a free-for-all egg hunt, but some children might find the same hunt frightening and sadly leave without a single egg.
No one wants tears at an Easter Egg hunt, right?
So, find out . . . What are the rules for this egg hunt?
What are the ages of kids hunting together?
Is there a limit of eggs per kid?
How large is the event? (The larger the number of kids hunting at the same time, the greater chance there will be some aggressive behavior from the kids hunting.)
How much waiting is involved?
Dress Appropriately
Easter is mid-April this year which means the day could rapidly go from a cool early morning to a hot late morning or afternoon depending on the weather.
Think layers. Keep them on if it’s cooler, or take off a layer if it gets warm or if your kids get hot from running around.
Remember the sunscreen. The UV index can catch you by surprise this time of year.
Footwear should be something kids can run in. Tennis shoes are best. Keep those toes covered so they don’t get stepped on or bit by ants.
Many of the public hunts offer bounce houses for the kids to play in so be sure your kids wear socks.
Plan ahead
Plan time to park. Give yourself at least 30 minutes before the hunt is scheduled to begin for parking and registration. If your egg hunt has an age requirement for a specific time, your child will likely only be allowed to hunt at that time.
Bring water and snacks if you think the kids will get hungry waiting for the hunt to start.
Stash some backup eggs in the car. If your kiddo isn’t able to collect any for whatever reason, you’ll be glad you did!
Are you searching for where to get the best pizza in Columbia, SC? We have found some fantastic locally-owned pizza joints that offer woodfire ovens, a variety of pizza styles, and some that even have vegan and gluten-free options! Whether you’re looking to meet up with friends, take your family out for a relaxed meal, or even just try someplace new, we’ve got you covered on this list of amazing pizza options in the Columbia area.
What’s so great about winter hikes? Columbia, SC offers lots of places to get out and enjoy the outdoors on a hike, and the surrounding area particularly towards the mountains brings beautiful winter hiking opportunities just a day trip away. This winter hiking guide will help you choose your winter hiking destination and pack your bag so you’re prepared for a fun adventure.
Expect to see things as you haven’t before. Fewer leaves on the trees means that you can see through them for a view usually hidden. Expect to walk along trails that feel much more open, and expect more lookout stops and panoramic mountain views, even from the valley trails.
What you won’t see many of? Bugs. And snakes (usually). And while it’s colder and you’ll want to layer up (more on that later), you also won’t be dripping sweat and hiking through summer humidity. That right there makes winter hiking a lovely alternative.
Take a peek at winter hiking
Spoiler alert: It’s gorgeous
Winter Hiking Tips
Bring water and snacks. It can be tempting to bring less water when it’s cooler but don’t. It’s better to have too much than not enough, and the dryer winter air will make you thirsty!
Consider bringing hot chocolate in a thermos. The tasty treat will taste even better accompanied by gorgeous views, well earned. And, it can work as a bit of an encouragement for little legs that might want to stop hiking before the end of the trail!
Pack a first-aid kit and emergency supplies. Chapstick, hand warmers, and an emergency blanket are what we’d pack on a mountain winter hike.
Dress in layers. Start with a tank or t-shirt, layered with something long-sleeved and then a jacket on top of that.
Wear or bring hats, gloves, and wool socks.
Winter Hikes: Close to Columbia
If you want to find panoramic mountain views you’ll want to head up towards the Upstate of South Carolina for your winter hike. But if you can’t dedicate a whole day to your adventure, there are still several spots for winter hiking right in and near Columbia.
Pick a place on our Columbia Hiking Guide. Any of those trails can be enjoyed in the cooler winter temperatures.
If that’s too many choices, we recommend one of these three spots!
There are over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails in Harbison State Forest, including and ADA-accessible trail so everyone can enjoy a winter trail hike together.
Sesquicentennial State Park
Enjoy a light hike around the lake at Sesquicentennial State Park. In the winter you’ll avoid insects and humidity, and likely enjoy a much less crowded park. The trail is only half a mile, so the whole family can enjoy it together.
Winter Hikes Near the Upstate
For a longer winter hike in the mountains, you’ll want to plan a day trip to the Upstate.
In winter, the strenuous trail offers an incredible view. While the hike to the top of Table Rock is tough, it’s definitely more doable in the cooler temperatures. The panoramic view is a huge pay-off.
If temperatures are below freezing, we do not recommend going to the top since the steps to Governors Rock will be frozen over. Instead, hike the Carrick Creek loop.
This hike is great in winter because you can see a whole lot further and you can’t play in the falls anyway. The waterfall is a long distance away from the overlook, you may want to bring binoculars.
Crowders Mountain is near Kings Mountain on the SC/NC border, about 2 hours from Columbia. You can do a five-mile moderate loop trail that gives you incredible views in winter. We could even see Charlotte from the top!
Who has the best-decorated house for Christmas this year? You decide!
It’s the first Kidding Around Columbia Best Christmas Lights Contest.
Go for a drive with one of our FREE holiday light driving tours, then let us know who you think is the best. The winner gets bragging rights for an entire year, so choose carefully.
Take a Sneak Peek
Check out some of this year’s holiday houses in Columbia.
Voting begins December 7th, 2023 and runs through December 21st, 2023. Editor’s Note: If the voting box does not appear below, please refresh your page and wait a minute or two for the voting box to load. The voting program takes a little bit of time! Thank you!
Go for a Christmas light drive around Columbia, SC! What’s more festive than a night of Christmas lights? Columbia has some seriously decked-out homes that you can enjoy for free and we arranged them all into a driving tour. Want more? We also included a couple of popular drive-thru professional displays in our tours. Fill up a thermos with some hot cocoa, pack some Christmas cookies, cue up the holiday music, and load up the kids. The holiday pajamas are optional, but, are highly recommended.
Use our maps or set up your preferred map direction app with the addresses and you’re ready to go!
Disclaimer:Kidding Around is not responsible for property damage, neighborhood safety, or any possible injuries of any kind that may happen while driving, stopping, and viewing holiday lights and decorations. Drivers and property owners maintain all responsibility for general safety, operating a vehicle safely, light-viewing enjoyment, and holiday cheer. Drive slowly, be respectful, share holiday magic, and don’t be a Scrooge.
Hooray! Our Holiday Lights Driving Tour is finally here!! We are beginning the season with two routes but be sure to check back regularly as displays are being added daily!
Help us grow these routes! Did you take this year’s Christmas decorating extra seriously? Want to share it with all of Columbia? Use this holiday home form to let us know.
Map is being updated often as displays are added! Be sure to check back often!
Columbia Holiday Lights Driving Tour
Chapin/Irmo (Red) Approximately 35 Minutes
2311 Harvestwood Lane, Chapin is fully framed in bright colorful lights and has trees in every window! Be sure to drive through the rest of this neighborhood as there are lots of festively decorated homes to be admired!
6 Kagle Court, Chapin
Be sure to check out the backyard of this home, which is a sight to be seen and is visible from Westcott Ridge Road, which you’ll likely pass if using the red route.
311 Hollow Cove Road, Chapin
Within the same neighborhood as Kagle court, this home has a pretty display and is at the end of the street.
617 Hamlin Way, Irmo
627 Newton Road, Irmo
402 West Ashford Way, Irmo
10 Walnut Grove Way, Irmo
7 Abbey Court, Irmo
394 Poets Walk, Irmo displays a Christmas Light Show
Warden Way, Irmo Worth the trip to see the neighboring 3 homes synced to the same impressive light show, roll down windows and enjoy the music and dynamic light displays! Tune to 92.7 FM if you prefer to keep your windows closed! This show features 40 minutes of music and lights with the playlist and show alternating every other day!
Warden Way
Lexington Route (Yellow) Approximately 1 hour
759 Woodberry Road, Lexington, SC This impressive display expresses the family’s love of the Christmas season. Enjoy through 1/6/24.
Photo Credit: Jayna
309 Silver Branch Road Yard features several inflatables and lights strung across the front yard.
Photo Credit: Daniel Geddings
303 Lace Bark Lane has a light show that dances to music
284 Black Pine Court has a light show synced to music, tune in to 92.5 FM and enjoy the show!
142 Carriage Hill Drive, Lexington Features a very dynamic display that dances to music! The show runs Sunday – Thursday 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm and Friday and Saturday until 10:30 pm. Please use the loop at the end of the road to turn around and park across from the house to enjoy! This area will provide the best view!
(Photo Credit: Kris Walling) The Carriage Hill Drive display will be static only (not dancing to music) on December 16th and visitors are encouraged to come enjoy on a different day. This is for safety reasons as they are hoping to reduce traffic on that night only.
213 Meetze Ave Lexington, SC Park your car, tune your radio to 90.3 and enjoy the 100,000+ lights dance to the music.
301 Southberry Way, Lexington Has lots of inflatables and a brightly lit home.
497 Sandy Point Road, Lexington Features beautiful lighting, a nativity scene. Photo Credits: Missy Porth
Sandy Point Road, Photo Credit: Missy PorthSandy Point Road, Photo Credit Missy Porth
Bonus: Saluda Shoals Park, Holiday Lights on the River, Cost $25 per car. (Just skip this stop to keep your route free!)
Holiday Lights on the River
Worth the Ride: More Lights
These homes are worth the drive, especially if you’re traveling through the area but were not included in the map as they are further out than the others!
2482 Wire Road, Aiken, SC 29805 (Off of exit 29 on I-20) While this free drive-through display is a bit further out, it boasts lots and lots of lights and blow-ups and would be a great pit stop if traveling towards Augusta! PLUS they offer $2 homemade hot cocoa and $1 cookies nightly! Enjoy through 12/30/23.
1820 Birch Drive, North Augusta Drive up and tune in to 90.5 and enjoy the show. Their annual Star Wars Night is happening on December 16th from 6-11 pm and will feature a live lightsaber fight between Jedi, a special appearance by Darth Vader and all will be visiting with families following the battle. Be sure to stick around for the dancing Grinch and Olaf singing!
They have a partnership with the Ronald McDonald House of Augusta. Help meet their goal by contributing here: Ronald McDonald House.
217 McKade Lane, Leesville, SC 29070 Tune your radio to 98.1 FM and enjoy the show!
305 Hudson Street, West Columbia Colorful and fun
Photo Credit: Bo Slice
433 Glen Arven Court, Chapin features a 27 foot tall light tree, snowman, Santa and sleigh.
936 Trident Maple Lane Chapin has fun, colorful lights all over, “Santa on water” and a tall tree formed by strands of Christmas lights.
118 Judiths Path, West Columbia features handmade Disney Characters highlighted with red and green spotlights and the house is lined with colorful lights.
740 Martin Smith Road, Gilbert is a 3-acre traditional display and photo only shows a small portion of all they have illuminated!
725 Formby Drive, Columbia in the Spring Valley Subdivision. Synchronized display, tune to 88.7. Lisznyai House Lights are on from 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm. These folks are raising money for Make a Wish SC. If you’d like to participate you can look for the drop box at the display OR donate online. Enjoy through 1/1/24.
Spring Valley Subdivision: Since you’re already there viewing the Lisznyai House, drive through the rest of the Spring Valley Subdivision, well-known as a neighborhood with lots of festive lights to enjoy.
Lake Carolina: Another neighborhood, not too far from Spring Valley, that’s known for rolling out the holiday cheer with lights this time of year.
Bonus: Visit Carolina Lights at the State Fairgrounds. Carolina Lights $20 per car. To keep your route free, just skip this stop.
Help us grow these routes! Add your home to these routes! Use this holiday home form to let us know you’d like to be considered!