Looking for a fun way to explore our state’s different sources of plant- and animal-based products? The SC Agritourism Passport Program is an incentive program where people can earn free goodies for visiting places that are probably already on your to-do list! The good news is there are nearly two dozen farms not far from Greenville and Spartanburg. Visiting farms is more than a fun, family activity; it’s also a field trip-worthy educational opportunity!
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Celebrate Halloween: Travel Ideas for a Spooky Good Time!
Are you looking for a day trip that is a little more spooky?
These Halloween travel ideas are worth the drive! You will find special Halloween-themed events in South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee that will make for a memorable time with your family. These events go all out with spectacular light shows, costumed characters, and out-of-this-world Halloween displays.
Let us know how you’re celebrating Halloween in 2025 in the comments.
Check out our Kidding Around® Guide to Halloween with special events, trick-or-treating, Halloween activities, and more!
Celebrating Halloween In 2025! Halloween Travel Ideas
It’s that epic time of year to go all out for Halloween! We found some great day trip activities to celebrate this year. They are not only entertaining, but they will get you exploring a new town. These festivities make a great day trip or a weekend getaway! We’ve compiled extra info if you decide to make a trip of it!
Halloween Trips to Georgia
If you’re thinking of making a weekend out of Halloween this year, check out our Guide to Travel in Georgia for ideas to fill out your itinerary.
Stone Mountain Pumpkin Festival
1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain GA
The Glow By Night Experience is a journey through a storybook tale that comes to life with thousands of glowing lights, massive carved pumpkins, jack-o-lanterns, bubbles, fog, and plenty of kid-friendly, glow-in-the-dark adventures after dark.
- September 13th- November 2nd, 2025
- Adult (ages 12+) $39.99 / Child (ages 3-11) $36.99 / Children two years and younger are free.
- Pumpkin Festival Tickets
Six Flags Over Georgia Frightfest
275 Riverside Parkway SW, Austell GA
In addition to all of the fun Six Flags Over Georgia normally offers, guests will experience Halloween-themed extras. Live character interactions and shows top off the list of themed things you can expect. Kids Boo Fest is spooky fun for all ages, including trick-or-treating, family-friendly rides, and other fall activities.
- September 13th – November 2nd, 2025 (select dates)
- general admission prices varies
- $30 per car parking fee
- Purchase Tickets
Check out a local dad’s review of Six Flags Over Georgia.
Walk With The Spirits in Augusta, GA
Downtown Augusta, Georgia
Augusta is hosting its annual historic cemetery tour. Notable “spirits” come to life! This ghost tours aims to increase awareness of Augusta’s past by connecting current residents and visitors with the people and places that still influence us today through their contributions to Augusta’s cultural legacy.
- October 25th-26th, 2025
Tickets may be purchased on the Explore Historic Augusta website.
Scarecrows in the Garden: Atlanta Botanical Garden
Atlanta, GA
If you are looking for something spectacular that is a little more tame, the Atlanta Botanical Garden will host their annual Scarecrows in the Garden from October 1st – November 2nd, 2025. You will get to explore the fabulous botanical garden while seeing the creative and unique scarecrows as you walk about.
While you’re in Atlanta, check out our Kidding Around® Atlanta Guide for things to do with your kids during your day trip to the ATL.
Halloween Trips to Tennessee
If you’re thinking of spending Halloween weekend in Tennessee, check out our Ultimate Guide to Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge, Tennessee for some excellent lodging options, things to do, and places to eat.
Dollywood Great Pumpkin Luminights
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Dollywood guests will be invited nightly to glow with Great Pumpkin LumiNights. This event was named the “#1 Theme Park Halloween Event in 2019″ by USA Today. The park is one of the top Halloween destinations in the Southeast because of how well the decorations are executed.
- Thousands of Jack-O-lanterns, special fall treats, and more are waiting for you this Halloween at Dollywood, September 12th – October 27th, 2025
- Purchase tickets online
Halloween Trips In North Carolina
Carowinds Halloween Events
14523 Carowinds Boulevard Charlotte, NC
- Select Dates September 13th – November 2nd, 2025
- SCarowinds tickets begin at $46.99, Tricks and Treats fest tickets are general admission tickets at $49.99.
SCarowinds
SCarowinds is one of the Carolina’s biggest Halloween events and a top Halloween-themed destination, happening September 12th, 2025 – November 2nd, 2025. The theme park has evening events that contain haunted mazes, scare zones, live entertainment, and more. It is a scary event, not for small children!
Tricks and Treats at Carowinds
Carowinds’ fall and Halloween festival for families, Tricks and Treats, has all the regular Carowinds fun, plus great fall and festive Halloween activities with just a tiny bit of spooky. It’s happening Saturdays and Sundays, September 13th, 2025 – November 2nd, 2025. Enjoy seasonal treats, fun costume parades, and more family-friendly fun.
Read our Kidding Around® review for more information on Carowinds.
Pumpkin Fest at Silvermont
Head to Brevard, North Carolina this October for this annual, family-friendly event! Pumpkin Fest on October 3rd-4th, 10th-11th, 17th-18th, and 24th-25th, 2025. The event typically features displays of lighted carved pumpkins, local musicians, fun and games for the entire family, food trucks, storytellers, face painting, a tour of the mansion, and of course, a white squirrel scavenger hunt! The event is sponsored by Friends of Silvermont, and admission starts around $7).
Ghost Train at Tweetsie Railroad
Tweetsie Railroad in Boone, NC goes all out for spooky season in the fall with their Ghost Train ride through the park, and we got to check it out, along with all the fun of carnival rides and trick or treating at the park.
We’ve got everything you need to know to plan your family’s trip here!
Check out Tweetsie Railroad’s Ghost Train
Halloween Travel Trips in South Carolina
South Carolina Railroad Museum: Pumpkin Patch
110 Industrial Park Road, Winnsboro, SC
Hop aboard for a train ride to the pumpkin patch! When guests arrive at the patch, kids will choose a pumpkin and decorate it with provided supplies. There will also be a maze and games at the patch to enjoy for about 40 minutes before heading back aboard the train to return to the museum.
- October 18th and 25th, 2025
- Purchase tickets in advance. They range from $17 to $120 depending on the seating class purchased.
SC State Museum- Dark History Tours
Visit the SC State Museum for a special kind of history tour full of spooky legendary tales from South Carolina’s history. Tours are self-guided and are available every day, or you can attend an educator-led haunted history guided tour any Saturday in October. Dates for 2025 are TBD.
If spending the night in haunted hotels or cabins sounds like an excellent way to spend Halloween, don’t miss our list of Haunted Cabins, Hotels, and Tours.
Celebrate Halloween! Travel ideas for a spooky good time!
Enjoy Fall Color Change at These Incredible Fall Vacation Homes in WNC
Looking for incredible fall vacation homes to witness the colors of fall pour over the mountainside? It may seem early, but the time is NOW to book vacation rentals in the mountains to view the fall foliage. The mountains of North Carolina are famous for their dramatic shows during fall when the leaves change. There’s no better way to enjoy it, than with a hot cup of coffee in your jammies at sunrise. Here’s a list of vacation rentals where you can enjoy the fall colors.
Lazy Creek Taphouse: Your Family’s New Favorite Chill Spot in Chapin, SC
We’ve found the perfect place for families to kick back, relax, and actually enjoy going out together. Say hello to Lazy Creek Taphouse in Chapin, a chill, community-focused hangout where kids can play, grown-ups can sip something cold, and even the dog gets to join the fun!
Here’s why this laid-back taproom should be your next outing, yes, even tonight.
Find more kid-friendly restaurants and breweries near Columbia, SC in our Guide to Kid-Friendly Dining!
Cold Drinks, Cool Features, and So Many Options
Lazy Creek is anything but basic when it comes to beverages. They’ve got a full lineup of craft beers, ciders, seltzers, and wines, plus kid-friendly drinks like sodas and juices. You’ll find familiar favorites and off-the-wall flavors, including the much-talked-about Dill Pickle Cider and Blue Quencher Gatorade Seltzer (yep, really!). These two drinks are seasonal, but give you a good idea of the creative drinks that get rotated at Lazy Creek.
One of the coolest things? Their self-serve cooler packed with singles lets you mix and match to create your own custom six-pack. It’s a fun way to try something new or stock up on your go-to brews. And when you grab a draft, you’ll notice something a little different, cups that fill from the bottom! It’s a small detail, but it totally adds to the fun factor.
Bring the Kids, the Dog, and Your Appetite
Lazy Creek isn’t just beer and barstools. It’s a family-friendly, pet-friendly spot with a welcoming vibe from the moment you arrive. Kids absolutely loved the outdoor turf area, perfect for running around while the grown-ups relax nearby. There’s also cornhole and a shelf full of board games, so there’s always something to keep everyone entertained.
Hungry? There’s a rotating lineup of food trucks parked outside regularly, serving everything from pizza and burgers to creative eats that change with the day. If you’d rather pack a picnic or grab takeout from home, that’s totally welcome too. Lazy Creek keeps it easy and stress-free.
Laid-Back Vibes with Room to Roam
While the indoor space isn’t huge, it feels cozy and inviting. And thanks to plenty of outdoor seating, it never feels crowded. Whether you snag a picnic table on the lawn or find a shady spot near the games, you’ll have room to breathe and time to connect.
The staff is incredibly friendly, like “remember-your-name” kind of friendly, which makes it feel more like hanging at a neighbor’s backyard than a business. It’s casual, low-key, and genuinely relaxing. No rushing, no stress, no side-eye if your kid drops a juice box.
Special Events at Lazy Creek Taphouse
From trivia nights to seasonal events, Lazy Creek keeps things fresh with a calendar full of fun. It’s a great option for a last-minute Friday night plan or a casual Sunday afternoon. No sitter? No problem. With space for the kids to play and food to keep everyone full, it’s an outing that works for the whole crew.
Plan Your Visit
Lazy Creek Taphouse
306 St. Peters Church Rd, Chapin, SC 29036
Open Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays)
Food trucks rotate weekly—check their website or socials for the schedule.
Looking for a spot that’s easy, fun, and totally family-approved? Lazy Creek Taphouse checks all the boxes. Stop by this weekend and see why it’s quickly becoming a local favorite!
What would your crew try first—Dill Pickle Cider or Blue Quencher Seltzer? Let us know in the comments!
Your kids can play while you grab a drink or some food truck food at Lazy Creek Taphouse in Chapin, SC!
2025 – Get Free School Supplies in Columbia, SC (And Have Fun Doing It)
Are you in need of free school supplies or clothing for your students this upcoming school year in and around Columbia, SC?
With the school year quickly approaching, families could be feeling extra financial pressure, and we understand that all the supplies, clothing, bookbags, etc. add up quickly! Fortunately, local churches, community groups, schools, and organizations are planning some free back-to-school supply events. Whether you’re in need of supplies, lunch boxes, backpacks, or even clothing we’ve got a great list of places for you!
How Do I Get Free School Supplies for My Kids?
It is estimated that families will spend, on average, about $750 to get their kids ready to head back to school. While that number is shocking and stressful for so many, our Columbia community has done a fantastic job at putting together back-to-school supply drives and free events for families in need.
These events are fun and often include live music and free cook-out-style lunches in addition to a school supply giveaway. Celebrate back to school! The easiest way to get free school supplies for kids is to look for these community events. Below are several options for your kiddos to get what is on their school list in Columbia, SC.
Free School Supplies Events for Kids Near Columbia, SC
Back To School Bashes – Richland County Recreation Commission
Multiple Events!
When and Where:
July 19th, 2025 at 12 pm at Meadowlake Park, 600 Beckman Road, Columbia
July 26th, 2025 at 11 am at Killian Park, 1424 Marthan Road, Blythewood
August 1st, 2025 at 6 pm at Friarsgate Park, 1712 Chadford Road, Irmo
August 2nd, 2025 at 11 am at Blythewood Park, 126 Boney Road, Blythewood
August 4th, 2025 at 6 pm at North Springs Park, 1320 Clemson Road, Columbia
August 8th, 2025 at 6 pm at Hopkins Park, 150 Hopkins Park Road, Hopkins
August 9th, 2025 at 11 am at Trenhom Park, 3900 Covenant Road, Columbia
Richland County Recreation Commission
Back to School Bash – CMMS FOUNDATION
When: July 19th, 2025 from 9 am to 2 pm
Where: Greenview Community Center, 6700 David Street, Columbia
Details: This event will have school supplies, barbers, hair stylist, nail techs, food vendors, and so much more!
Back to School Bash – CMMS FOUNDATION
Back to School Bash – Build Up SC
When: July 26th, 2025 from 12 pm to 4 pm
Where: 450 Meeting Street, West Columbia
Details: This event is open to all kids. They are offering free physicals, backpacks, school supplies, fun activities, and refreshments.
Back to School Bash – Build Up SC
Back to School Bash + FREE Sports Physicals
When: July 25th, 2025 from 6 pm to 8:30 pm
Where: Right Directional Church International, 3506 Broad River Road, Columbia
Details: Right Direction Church International Presenting the event, giveaways, school supplies, school clothes, books, haircuts, free food, sports physicals and more.
Back to School Bash + FREE Sports Physicals
TCC Verizon – School Rocks Backpack Giveaway
When: July 27th, 2025 – 1 pm
Where: TCC Verizon stores
- TCC Irmo – 1100 Dutch Fork Rd., Ste G, Irmo, SC 29063
- TCC Chapin – 1221 Chapin Rd., Ste G, Chapin, SC 29036
- TCC Lexington – 851 Highway 378, Ste 104, Lexington, SC 29072
Details: It’s the 13th anniversary of the School Rocks Giveaway, and students can receive one backpack stocked with school supplies. This event giveaway is a first come, first serve basis so plan to be there early! Be sure to call ahead of time to confirm that the location you plan to head to is participating in this event.
School Rocks Backpack Giveaway
Back to School Bash: Wise Tax & Company
When: July 26th, 2025 from 2 pm to 6 pm
Where: River Center Plaza – 1722 Broad River Road, Suite G, Columbia
Details: Free food, school supplies, and backpacks! Shoe giveaway, and so much more!
Back to School Bash: Wise Tax & Company
Back to School Bash: S & S Braiding and Weaving Studio
When: August 9th, 2025 from 1 pm to 5 pm
Where: 7206 Parklane Road, Columbia, Suite E
Details: School supplies, Food, Bounce Houses, Games, and more!
Back to School Bash S & S Braiding and Weaving Studio
Back to School Bash – Lexington 2 School District
When: July 31st, 2025 from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Where: Saluda River Academy for the Arts – 1520 Duke Street, West Columbia
Details: This event will be held in the cafeteria
Back to School Bash
Back to School Bash
When: July 26th, 2025 from 9:00 am to 11:30 am
Where: Seven Oaks Park – 200 Leisure Lane, Columbia
Details: This special event is for adults and children with hearing loss and their families. Various vendors will be providing information about different sources of support as well as free school supplies.
Back to School Bash
Gamecock School Supplies
When: Throughout the school year
Where: Student Success Center
Details: This service is ONLY for undergraduates of the University of South Carolina. While this service is a little different than other events listed, we wanted to get the word out to any families that have college students! The Gamecock supply closet is the newest service of the Student Success Center and offers free school supplies such as notebooks, scantrons, dry erase boards, calculators, and much, much more. Students can utilize this service once every two weeks and all undergraduates are eligible with their valid Carolina Card.
Gamecock School Supplies
Have a free adventure!
Discover all the free things to do in Columbia, SC
In the Upstate area? Don’t miss free school supplies near Greenville, SC.
Groucho’s Deli: A Variety of Options
Columbia has several great, local places to eat that have been around a long time, including Groucho’s Deli, where you’ll find a huge menu with lots of variety and kid-friendly options.
Groucho’s Deli is a great place to spend some family time for a meal. Maybe that love for family and focused time is because its owner, who founded the deli in Columbia in 1941, was an orphan. Continuing in generosity, Groucho’s offers community giveback programs and loyal customer rewards.
So, why Groucho’s?
Groucho’s flavor is quality deli. They do not use frozen or precut meats. No restructured meat products, soy byproducts, or fillers. This is fresh food, and you can tell.
What are they most well-known for?
- STP Dipper
- Giant Salads like “My Wife’s Salad Bowl”
- House sauces, dressings, and dips such as Formula 45, my favorite (available by pints as well)
- Their soups, especially potato
- Signature pasta salad
They also have veggie options, heart-healthy options, and smaller portion options. Just check out their massive menu with great photos. You can order online for pick up or delivery. Also, they offer catering.
If you’re looking for places to grab a free kids meal, check out our huge list of Kids Eat Free and Cheap Deals in Columbia, SC!
Groucho’s Deli Columbia, SC Locations
They have locations in:
- Five Points (the original)
- Sparkleberry (northeast Cola near Spring Valley)
- West Columbia
- Irmo
- Lexington
- Forest Acres
There are other locations in Chapin, Blythewood, Camden and even more now reaching throughout the state and into North Carolina and Georgia as people discover this tasty family business.
Sparkleberry has the roomiest seating, in our experience. So, it’s a great place to have a family dinner on the weekend!
Don’t miss any of Columbia’s delicious restaurants. Here’s our Columbia, SC Restaurant Guide.
Swan Lake Iris Gardens in Sumter, SC: A Beautiful Day Trip
Are you thinking about a visit to Sumter’s unique Swan Lake Park?
If you’re looking for a beautiful day trip from Columbia, look no further than Swan Lake Iris Gardens. We have all the details so you can plan your relaxing day at Swan Lake in Sumter, SC.
Swan Lake in Sumer, SC: Location
At 822 West Liberty Street (US 763) in Sumter, South Carolina, 29150, you’ll find ample parking and a visitor’s center and park office open Monday- Friday 8:30- 5 pm, though park officers remain around on weekends, after hours, and of course during events.
Swan Lake Park Hours
The gardens are open from 7:30 am until dusk, except in extreme weather.
Is there a cost for Swan Lake Iris Gardens?
The park is completely Free.
Things to Do at Swan Lake Gardens
The park is gorgeous throughout the year and provides a very calming atmosphere for kids to adventure. It is ideal for sensory-friendly families. The sensory trail enables the sight impaired to enjoy the scents and sensations of the garden, as it is filled with smells, textures, and sounds. The 1,000-foot boardwalk is wheelchair accessible and most of the sandy, shady path around the lake is level and easily doable in walkers and strollers, except after rough weather.
The walk around the lake is a less than a mile loop, so it is very easy for newbies and toddlers to manage. You’ll spot several statues around the park.
In addition to other wildlife, this park features all eight swan species. You will see some species of swan, guaranteed, and learn about lots of swan facts as they are posted along the paths. Fun fact: this park is the only public park in the United States with all 8 species of swan.
You’ll also see hundreds of massive trees, other animals and plant species, and the “most intensive planting of Japanese Iris in the United States,” which are great to view in warmer seasons.
Lunch at Swan Lake
Food is available for sale in the Market for lunch at the end of the week, or there are picnic areas you may use yourself. There are also snack and drink machines available near the Visitor’s Center. Be sure to double-check ahead of time online to see if the cafe is open if you plan to get lunch there.
More Things to Do
Also, there is an excellent playground with swings, slides, climbing features, benches, and an old-timey firetruck, the favorite feature. This park is gated, shaded by pines, and directly next to restrooms.
Please note, photography is permitted. However, fishing and boating are not. Likewise, no pets are allowed.
Swan Lake Events
Perhaps, the Iris Gardens are most famous for the Iris Festival, a free festival that has won many awards and been featured in Southern Living and other magazines.
Here’s our Kidding Around review of the Sumter Iris Festival at Swan Lake.
In addition, other events throughout the year at Swan Lake include an Easter Egg Hunt, Earth Day event, and a holiday Festival of Lights. Find more Swan Lake Events here.
The park also allows weddings! Family reunions and birthday parties can be held at the Swan Lake Iris Gardens as well
Swan Lake Iris Gardens
822 West Liberty Street (US 763)
Sumter, South Carolina
Find more great day trip destinations!
Our Day Trip Guide has over 50 amazing day trips from Columbia, SC.
Crosswind Farm: A Farm Full of Fun Events Near Columbia, SC
Looking for fun, educational, toddler-friendly farm events near Columbia? Crosswind Farm has lots of events, including special holiday events to homeschool days. They also offer traveling birthday party services and traveling petting zoos as well as birthday parties on location, animal photo shoots, and more.
We have experienced a few of their events, and the kids really enjoyed them. We also got photos from them, and they are some of our favorites. Here’s what you need to know if you’re interested in their many different services.
Getting to Crosswind Farm
The drive to Crosswind Farm is about 1 hour from Columbia, and not a lot is on the way. The area is beautiful farmland and woods, though. Just before you get there, you’ll turn past an old church before your turn between two farms.
Careful, don’t miss the sign on the left in a wooded drive for Crosswind Farm at 799 Target Road, Holly Hill, SC 29059.
Family-Owned Farm
You’re going to be driving right up to this family-owned business’ family home. There’s plenty of parking. You’ll likely be greeted by a large, friendly dog or a barn cat. There are several of each that roam freely. A stray chicken or two is another common, fun sight.
Keep in mind, Crosswind Farm is a family business, and it is at their home so you will walk right past their home from parking to the animal pens and fields.
However, there is a food truck as well as a building containing restrooms, a huge shaded barn you can sit in, and plenty of hand sanitizer stations.
Inside the Farm
Once inside, you’ll pay at the barn for the event and whatever extras you want to add on. For us, toddler Tuesdays were just $5 and adults are free. Add-ons, like food for the animals or pony rides, were only a couple of dollars as well.
Plus, there are numerous animal pens to greet and pet and plenty to play with for free. To start, there is a swing set tree house and sandbox hidden under it. Plenty of little cars to drive, a couple of bouncy houses, and more.
Overall, it’s a laid-back place kids can alternate between toys and animals in a farm experience.
When to Go to the Farm: Special Events
The farm is NOT open daily. The Crosswind Farm Facebook page is the place to go for an updated list of the farm’s upcoming events. Crosswind Farm hosts holiday events, homeschool learning days with themes such as bees, and Toddler Tuesdays monthly.
Book Crosswind Services:
Or, check out the Crosswind Farm website to book them for private tours, parties, and visits. They are very affordable, and here are some of the services they offer.
- private birthday parties
- private tours
- field trips
- animals visits/birthday/petting zoo at your location
- horse rides at your location
- photography
For more petting zoos around our region, check out our full list of Great Petting Zoos and Farms near Columbia, SC.
SC State Parks Near Columbia, SC: Lake Murray, Tips, Discounts, & BIG News
Summary: A guide to the best state parks near Columbia, SC. From lake adventures and hiking trails to splash pads and wildlife spotting, plus tips to save money on your visit! Included is also information about SC’s newest state park!
You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for South Carolina state parks near Columbia, SC. We have all the info on these great parks, plus tips on how to make the most of your visit and save some money, too!
Are you trying to spend more time outside or hit the #1000hoursoutside challenge? While just being outside in nature has so many benefits, according to the American Psychological Association, that is a lot of hours! But don’t worry; Columbia has you covered with hiking and biking trails, nature trails, lakes for paddling, and lots more!
Of course, Columbia has dozens of city parks, an award-winning zoo and botanical gardens, but there’s also lots more nature. In terms of state parks, Columbia, SC has Lake Murray, with several more nearby. Plus, we have big news and some ideas on how you can save money on park admission.
Sesquicentennial State Park
To find out about the hiking, splash pad, paddling, and camping available at Sesquicentennial in northeast Columbia, check out our Kidding Around® Review of Sesqui.
Quick facts on Sesqui:
- Hiking around the lake, a short portion of the trail is paved, but most is not.
- Playground, pavilion, picnic spaces
- Splashpad is gorgeous and free with park admission.
- Boat rentals for the small lake at the park: Pedal boats, SUPs, and kayaks, very affordable at $5-10 per hour.
Sesquicentennial State Park
9564 Two Notch Road, Columbia, SC 29223
Pine Island State Park: NEW!
An island formerly owned by the company SCANA, which supplied power to the region, Pine Island is set to become South Carolina’s newest, and smallest, state park yet. This island provides public water access and already has over 20 acres that include boat ramps and picnic areas. It’s scheduled to have a soft opening to the public on October 1, 2025.
Dreher Island State Park
But you don’t have to wait to cool off at the lake. Luckily, there’s already another state park out there on Lake Murray!
Northwest from downtown Columbia to the Irmo/Lake Murray area you’ll find Dreher Island. Many enjoy this 50-acre island on Lake Murray.
Good hack to know: even though it is an island, you can drive on State Park Road to get there- no boat needed! However, boating is permitted, and there are boat ramps available. On the island, you can explore woods, beaches, playgrounds, and wildlife, including rare birds on the lake.
The park has three different short walking trails and three playgrounds. You can find a visitors’ center with WIFI where you can also buy a few things or use picnic tables. Camping, swimming (at your own risk), geocaching, fishing, and scuba diving are permitted. Note, dogs should be on a leash and may not be allowed in camping villas.
Without your Park Passport, Dreher Island costs $3 for adults, $1.50 for seniors, $1 for kids 6-15 and free for kids 5 and under. It’s open from dawn to dusk, with hours changing seasonally.
Dreher Island State Park
3677 State Park Road, Prosperity, SC
Aiken State Park
Just about an hour’s drive from Columbia, Aiken State Park is waiting. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this park has a long history and many opportunities for you to enjoy nature. Hike through hardwood forests, paddle down the Edisto River, camp, picnic, and enjoy the outdoors in Aiken.
Don’t miss our Kidding Around® review of Aiken State Park.
Quick Facts of Aiken State Park:
- Fishing tackle loaner program- Free
- Canoe rentals available
- Hiking, picnic area, small playground
Aiken State Park
1145 State Park Road, Windsor
Bonus Hacks! SC State Parks Tips to Save You Money & Maximize Fun
Admission Discount
SC State Parks offer admission discounts up to 50% for seniors, military, and the disabled. Each park’s discount will be slightly different. For Dreher Island, you can get your park admission for HALF the standard admission rate if you can show an ID (or handicapped placard) to prove you are:
-Disabled
-SC National Guard
-Over 65
Ultimate Outsider Challenge
Here’s another secret to maximizing the fun with these parks. They offer an Ultimate Outsider program. Simply pick up or order your Ultimate Outsider Guide, do activities and collect stamps from each park to become an Ultimate Outsider! It’s a fun challenge to get you motivated to do more outside.
The Kidding Around Guide to all of South Carolina’s State Parks will help you out as you plan your Ultimate Outsider adventures!
Park Passport *(discount!)*
As you might know, a SC Park Passport is an affordable way to get access to hundreds of acres of wilderness, free activities, learning, events and more.
Here’s How it Works:
First, you can get your All Park Passport online or at any South Carolina State Park Office. Your pass hangs in your car rearview mirror, like a handicapped placard and comes with a card for inside exhibits. It’s just $99 for your entire family for the whole year of access.
For this, you get unlimited access to all the state parks in the state. That means everything from Hunting Island Beach, to several lakes, to hiking in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains at Caesar’s Head and Table Rock. Actually, that is 48 state parks.
So, if you went to one every month, it would take you nearly four years to see them all. On the other hand, if you went to one every week, you could finish in a year!
Now, you can explore the Columbia state parks and beyond for a discount!
Columbia’s National Park
For information on our FREE National Park, home to a unique synchronized firefly phenomenon (for which our local baseball team is named), check out our Kidding Around® review of Congaree National Park.
Please tell us your favorite Columbia, South Carolina State Parks!
Best Places to Go Blueberry Picking: Columbia, SC
It’s summer berry season, and if you love blueberry picking, Columbia, SC has a few patches and local farms that are perfect for u-pick blueberries. Need details? We’ve got you covered! Berry season is short, so get ready to fill up your basket at one of these local farms.
Things to Know Before You Go Blueberry Picking
First off, speaking from the experience of someone who picks blueberries in Columbia yearly, here are some tips to make your experience better for kids:
- You will need bug spray. These berries grow in the shade of bushes that can last decades, and in our experience, that moist, green area invites those itchy monsters. Whatever you use, you’ll want to use it well to make sure this experience isn’t just scratching and aloe-inducing.
- Also, going early in the day seems to help. This way, you can beat the crowds and the heat!
- Where closed-toed shoes.
- Always make sure to visit a restroom before you get to the blueberry patch.
Patches Open for Blueberry Picking: Columbia, SC
Berry Hill Farm
Berry Hill Farm is open now for blueberry picking! This farm has been around for 40 years and uses organic pesticides only.
First, here are a few things to know before you go:
- It is not walker-friendly, but there are lower fields that they will try to help make wheelchair accessible.
- They are open from 7:30 am – 1:00 and 6:00 pm till dark, Monday – Saturday. Yes, they are closed in the afternoon, the hottest part of the day, and you will likely be glad. Also, they are closed on Sundays.
- Please note, the blueberries are $2 per lb and they only take cash or check, no cards or Venmo. However, you will not need buckets; they have their own for you to use.
- You can call the farm ahead of time to make sure they are open, but do not call late at night or on Sunday.
Berry Hill Farm
219 Bluefield Road, Lexington, SC
803.957.4203
Smith Blueberry Farm
Smith Blueberry Farm is a pesticide-free blueberry farm in Leesville, SC will open for u-pick on June 14, 2025. They will have sporadic u-pick dates, so follow their Facebook to see which days they will have the patches open to the public.
Their general season hours are Monday-Saturday from 7 am to 11 am, and 5 pm to 8 pm. Sunday hours are 5 pm to 8 pm. Please call ahead to make sure the patch is open before heading there.
Smith Blueberry Farm
341 Holley Ferry Road, Leesville, SC
1.803.532.6219
Southern Blues Blueberry Farm
If you cannot make it to Lexington, Southern Blues Blueberry Farm in Chapin also has blueberry picking near Columbia.
They are the same price as Berry Hill, $1.75 per pound. It is u-pick and honor system pay. They are open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday according to their Facebook page.
Southern Blues Blueberry Farm
216 East Boundary Street, Chapin, SC
803.227.9660
Drive a Little Further for Blueberry Picking
Oak Grove Farm of Gaston, SC
You can find u-pick blueberries in nearby Oak Grove Farm, but you’ll need to keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates about hours. You can also contact them directly by phone to see if they are open on the day you want to go. Prepicked blueberries, eggs, and the occasional pork for the BBQ can be purchased as well.
Oak Grove Farm
872 Old Sandy Run Road, Gaston, SC
803.917.2694
Farms That Are a 1+ Hour Drive from Columbia, SC
Up for a longer drive? You’ll find options in North, SC (Orangeburg County) and a few in Aiken/North Augusta. These farms are all about one hour’s drive away, including Honalee Farm, Herbs N Berries, and Kiser Family Farm.
Did we miss anyone? What is your favorite place to go blueberry picking near Columbia, South Carolina?
Looking for strawberry picking?
We have a list of places to u-pick juicy strawberries near Columbia, SC.
Heading to Upstate, SC?
Check out our list of places to pick your own blueberries and blackberries near Greenville, SC!
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