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Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve: A hidden falls hike in Lexington, SC

Have you visited Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve near Columbia, SC? It has a hidden falls hike! It is also not very well known or overly crowded. But, it is home to the midlands’ only naturally occurring waterfall. It’s about 20 feet high but not a ton of water. It is more impressive after rains but don’t go too soon after unless you love mud.

Looking for an easy hike for little ones that has a water feature? The Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve trail is considered a baby trail with very little incline. However, it is not stroller or wheelchair friendly.

Hiking Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve with kids

About Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve, Lexington County

The Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve is 460 acres of land managed by South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and the SC Chapter of the Nature Conservancy. The preserve consists of sandstone formations and outcrops, pines, and wetlands.

You can find a bird list and plant list at the Nature Conservancy website.

Along the Trail: Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve

The walk from the preserve parking lot to the giant Peachtree Rock, an inverted pyramid, and the falls and creek is just about half a mile. The trail is mostly flat with a few spots that have a brief 30-degree uphill stretch. Also, the path is typically clear.

Peachtree Falls at Peachtree Falls Heritage Preserve

Remember, it will also be a half mile walk back, but again, one of the easiest if you’re just starting.

Pets and playing along the path are very welcome as more experienced hikers aren’t often bursting past. Toddlers and young children love exploring the trail and touching the water.

Kids at Peachtree Falls Heritage Preserve

Or, if you want to do the full loop, it is 7.5 miles, so there is something for everyone. Further along the path is the historic site for Peachtree Rock Moonshine Still and “Little Peachtree Rock.” Plus, you can even spy some fossils, making it a decent homeschool field trip.

Note, there are NO bathrooms or water fountains around, so come prepared. Please, use the BATHROOM before. Verizon customers typically receive decent cellular and data reception.

Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve flowers on the hike

Peachtree Hike: Things to Bring

For a fun, safe hike, you might want to bring:

a map image of the trail so you don’t end up on the long portion (blue trail, stay to the left)
charged cell phone for photos and emergencies
bug spray and maybe sunscreen unless you want a very fussy afternoon
water and a trail-friendly snack
good shoes, for hiking and snake protection
clothes that can get dirty
carrier for baby/toddler in case they get tired
bonus, a durable, cheap toy to explore with you or nature scavenger hunt, or the like to keep kids engaged

Happy hiking!

Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve
883 Peachtree Rock Road, Lexington

Discover more great Family Hiking Trails in Columbia, SC

Amazing Discoveries at Roper Mountain Science Center in Greenville, SC

The Roper Mountain Science Center in Greenville, SC is easily one of the coolest places you can visit in town. They have an astounding array of hands-on activities, exhibits, and even a dinosaur trail. Read on to learn all you need to know to visit. This is such a fun day trip idea!

Thank you to Roper Mountain Science Center for sponsoring this article.

Have you explored the Roper Mountain Science Center in Greenville, SC? You may have heard the name of the Roper Mountain Science Center and wondered what in the world this is or maybe your kids attended a field trip there. But really, do you know how cool this place is?

With a dinosaur trail, a living history farm, a Marine Ecology lab, and active classrooms you can explore, you can visit multiple times and find something new and exciting at each visit! Plus, RMSC has the only planetarium in Greenville, SC and a giant 23” refractor telescope that you can look through during special events. It doesn’t get much cooler than that!

Looking for more things to do near Greenville, SC? We’ve got you!

RMSC is part of the Greenville County School system and during the week they host classes for science exhibits and hands-on learning for the public school system. However, they have greatly expanded their offerings and hours for the general public in the last several years and there several wonderful opportunities to explore this gem in Greenville. Every season offers something new and exciting at the RMSC.

What is at Roper Mountain Science Center?

The Roper Mountain Science Center is absolutely the place to go for STEM activities in Greenville, SC that are fun and engaging. During special events throughout the year, Roper Mountain is open to the public, and it is truly worth a visit (or ten). From September through May, you can visit during Afternoon Explorations on Thursdays and Fridays.

You can also explore June through July during their Summer Adventure programming, during which an exciting traveling exhibit is set up. And don’t forget their year-round Friday Starry Nights at the Hooper Planetarium.

Kids of all ages will love the RMSC. There is so much for them to see and do from the Dinosaur Trail, the touch tanks in the Marine Lab, the rainforest with its small waterfall, the outdoor play area, the pirate and castle playgrounds, and traveling exhibits.

Environmental Science & Sustainability Building

There is so much to explore at Roper Mountain Science Center that we promise you’ll need lots of visits to see everything. When you first arrive, you will enter through the Environmental Science and Sustainability Building. The building is dedicated to water ecology and sustainability practices and is filled with immersive experiences, a traveling exhibit (in summer), live animal displays, and more.

You can see a Timber Rattlesnake and Copperhead snake mere inches away and see a Hellbender up close as well. Kids love the interactive exhibits that teach them what not to flush down the toilet (parents like this one as well) and how to lower and raise the water level in a lake. Pretty neat stuff.

One of the most popular exhibits is the Nature Exchange. Here, your child can bring in items they found in nature, including moss, rocks, shells, lichen, or other items in exchange for points that they can use to spend on awesome items like crystals, fossils, and even owl pellets.

The Environmental Science and Sustainability Building is only open to the public during special events and Afternoon Explorations and Summer Adventure.

Harrison Hall of Natural Science

As you leave the lower level exit of the Environmental Science building, you can follow the path toward the Dinosaur Trail to the left or the Harrison Hall of Natural Science to the right. I am a huge ecology lover, so I immediately gravitate toward Harrison Hall. Here you will find multiple active classrooms to explore. There are live animals to meet and even touch like docile snakes, lizards, and sometimes even an alligator.

I love the permanent rainforest exhibit since it’s nice and humid and has a small waterfall, cocoa tree, and benches to enjoy the warmth, which feels especially nice during the colder months.

You can explore taxidermied animals, bone collections, specimen collections, and living animal exhibits. Your child can touch snakes, meet a skink, and learn about ecology and biodiversity during their exploration.

The Marine Lab is super popular because you and your children will be able to touch stingrays, starfish, and other sea creatures in the tide pool while learning about them.

The Ecology Lab showcases South Carolina habitats with their native animals, which include a Mountain Trout Stream, a Beaver/Turtle Pond, a Cypress Swamp (with an alligator), and a Salt Marsh. Guests can also check out a live honeybee hive at work.

Harrison Hall of Natural Science is only open to the public during special events such as Summer Adventure and Afternoon Explorations.

Dinosaur Trail

If you decide to head to the Dinosaur Adventure Trail first, then your dino adventure will start with a meet and greet with a Triceratops. All the dinosaurs are life-size models, so be sure to notice the awe in your young kid’s eyes as they notice them towering above them.

Be mindful of the ropes, as RMSC does not allow climbing on the majority of the exhibited dinosaurs. There is a big slide and play area that was designed to look like dinosaur bones coming out of the ground that kids can play on.

Don’t miss the animatronics T-Rex , which moves and roars. It’s motion-activated so you have no idea it’s going to move until you (or your kids) walk in front of it.

The Dinosaur Adventure Trail is open to the public during special events, Afternoon Explorations, and Summer Adventure.

Pirate & Castle Playgrounds

Your kids will LOVE the two newer playgrounds: a large pirate playground for older kids and a smaller castle playground for toddlers.

Both are located next to Harrison Hall and are partially in the shade depending on the time of day. There are benches for parents to sit on as well. Kids really love these new playgrounds as they foster lots of imaginative adventures on the high seas and in the world of knights and ladies at the castle.

These playgrounds are open during Summer Adventure and Afternoon Explorations.

Living History Farm & Butterfly Garden

One of my earliest memories as a kid was visiting the Living History Farm when I was in Kindergarten. With authentic log cabins, a schoolhouse, a working barn, and a reconstructed former slave cabin, there is so much history that you can live the experience. Walking through the gardens, fields, pasture, farm pond, and farm animals certainly lend itself to easily imagining that time period.

The Living History Farm also has an incredible garden in the summer. You will find the Butterfly Garden on the outskirts of the Living History Farm. The garden has native plants that are frequently visited by butterflies, bees, and other pollinators.

The Living History Farm is only open to the public during special events and Summer Adventure while the Butterfly Garden is open during Afternoon Explorations, Summer Adventure, and special events.

Symmes Hall of Science

If you are a lover of all things STEM, then the Symmes Hall of Science will be the highlight of your trip to the Roper Mountain Science Center. Though Symmes Hall is only open during special events, it is worth it when you get to explore chemical reactions through experimentation, explore Tesla coils and solar panels, and interact with robotics.

Hooper Planetarium & Daniel Observatory

Last, but not least, the incredible Hooper Planetarium and Daniel Observatory. If you are wanting to spark a love for science in your child, this is a great place to start. The Hooper Planetarium is designed with a 360-degree dome with 4K projection and a truly immersive sound system.

The Hooper Planetarium offers special space-themed programming called Friday Starry Nights throughout the year. The planetarium is also equipped with a Laser Fantasy projection system, which is spectacular, to say the least! You can enjoy Laser Days of Summer, Halloween Laser Shows, and Special Laser Events throughout the year.

If you’re looking for a truly magical experience for adults and kids, then head to the Daniel Observatory after your planetarium showing to look through the historic 23’’ refractor telescope. The telescope is the 8th largest of its kind in the United States! You’ll be able to observe Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, and more as you climb the steps to look through the scope.

Friday Starry Nights

Friday Starry Nights at the Roper Mountain Science Center on Friday nights is a favorite activity for many. Shows sell out quickly and RMSC suggests purchasing tickets online beforehand. You can find out everything you need to know about Friday Starry Nights in our KA review.

View of the earth from the planetarium at Roper Mountain Science Center

Friday Starry Nights are offered on Friday evenings throughout the year at the Hooper Planetarium. Typically, there are three showings (4:30 pm, 6:00 pm, 7:30 pm), with each showing offering a unique feature film themed around space. The 4:30 pm show is excellent for younger children to attend and is recommended for ages 4 and older. The 6:00 pm show is also kid-friendly and features a film that is more exploratory of space in a kid-friendly way. The 7:30 feature showing is most appropriate for older children and adults.

Tickets to Friday Starry Nights are $8/adults and teens, $7/kids ages 3-12. The shows are generally not recommended for kids three and under (I can vouch for this – to my dismay, my toddler was scared when we visited the planetarium during an event).

Laser Shows at the Hooper Planetarium

The planetarium also features several special events throughout the year, including Laser Days of Summer, Halloween Laser Shows, Holiday Laser Shows, Pink Floyd Laser Shows, and more. I saw the Laser Days of Summer Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon a couple of years ago, and it was EPIC.

These events are fully immersive, and allow you to sit back and listen to classic albums of the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Stranger Things, and more while lasers tell a story across the 360 degree screen. Regularly check the Roper Mountain Science Center website for updates about their upcoming special events and laser shows.

Tickets for Laser Days of Summer can be purchased now, and the event will begin July 17th, 2025. Multiple showings are offered from Thursday through Saturday from 4:30 pm to 9:00 pm on most nights. Tickets for Laser Days of Summer are $8 per adult or child.

The Nature Exchange

There are 12 Nature Exchanges in the country and they are like little shops for kids that focus on learning about things you find in nature and seeking out neat things that you may not otherwise see if perhaps you weren’t looking for them.

The Nature Exchange at the RMSC is the only one in the state but it’s connected to the other 11 through a database. When your kids sign up, they are entered into this national database. As they rack up points, if they visit another Nature Exchange on a trip, they can use those points to get something from that particular place they visit.

At the Nature Exchange at RMSC, there are lots of neat items already that kids can choose from if they earn enough points. Each person who signs up automatically gets 100 points plus they get points for their birthday, also. Kids can then choose something from the big Nature Exchange wall that is the same number or less than the points they have accumulated. Or, they can accumulate their points and save up for something super cool like a dinosaur fossil plate or a pretty stone or a big bug.

Kids will find everything from gemstones to intricate shells to mummified grasshoppers and tarantulas. The Nature Exchange is located on the top floor of the Environmental Science and Sustainability Building, to the left of the main entrance.

Afternoon Explorations

Afternoon Explorations is when RMSC is open to the public during the school year. They will open back up in the fall of 2025 likely on Thursday and Friday afternoons. Guests will have access to the Environmental Science and Sustainability Center, the Rain Forest Room, Marine Lab and Ecology Lab in Harrison Hall of Natural Science as well as the Living History Farm when weather permits.

You will also be able to hunt for dinosaurs on the Dinosaur Adventure Trail, play in Wildwood, visit the Butterfly Garden, and play on the Pirates of the Carolinas playground.

Tickets for Afternoon Explorations are $8/adults and teens, $7/kids ages 3-12. Members receive free admission.

2025 Summer Adventure & Traveling Exhibit

Summer Adventure 2025 opened May 28th and ends July 26th. Visit during Summer Adventure Tuesday – Saturdays from 10 am – 4 pm. Explore all the exhibits RMSC has to offer, including this year’s traveling exhibit, Wild Kratts: Creature Power—only accessible during the summer.

The traveling exhibit changes every year, so it’s something special and unique to experience. Summer Adventure also offers special programs, including cockroach racing, the Eat a Bug challenge, farm animal interactions at the Living History Farm, period costume volunteers, and more to get children engaged and excited about science.

The Butterfly Exhibit is a favorite of ours and many of our readers. Butterflies are in a greenhouse and guests can go in with some Gatorade on a stick and butterflies will land on it. Or they will land on you! We learned that if you are sweating and wear bright colors, you have a greater chance of a butterfly taking up residence on you.

If you really want to get adventurous, you can earn your membership in the Eat-A-Bug Club on Saturday’s at 11 am or watch a cockroach race on Saturday’s at 11:30 am. Both are worth going for, even if you don’t eat bugs.

Admission is free for members, and tickets are $15 per adult and $14 per child 3 – 12 years of age. EBT cardholders can purchase tickets for $5.

The Butterfly Garden

The outdoor butterfly garden is located beside the parking lot in front of the Harrison Hall of Natural Science. It’s definitely something to check out, enjoy the beautifully landscaped garden, and see some butterflies. If you’d like to make it a homeschool adventure, try some of the books, ideas and activities below.

butterflies at roper mountain science center

Make it Educational

Math: Draw the butterflies with colored pencils (maybe take pictures with a cell phone to reference later) and keep a tally count of how many of each variety you see. Once you return home, turn your tally count into a bar graph. Siblings can compare their graphs and see how they differ.

Science: Use some butterfly books or websites to help you name the different species of butterflies you see. If it’s too much to manage “in the field” just take pictures and look them up when you get home. The following resources may be helpful.

Discuss the butterfly life cycle before or after your visit to the garden. Here’s a great freebie kids’ resource of the life cycle.

Language Arts: Come up with some super sentences about butterflies. Make them factual or fictional. Use the bright colors and textures of the insects and the garden to dress up your sentences with adjectives. Look at how the butterflies move and what they do to pick some great verbs for your sentences.

Resources

This website deals with butterflies specific to our area, and has pictures that may be helpful to you when trying to name species.

The Life Cycles of Butterflies: from egg to maturity, a visual guide to 23 common garden butterflies (J 595.789 Burris) by Judy Burris and Wayne Richards -This book shows the life cycle of butterflies, but also shows pictures of common butterflies and areas where they are found. The Greenville libraries have many other fine books on butterflies with photographs under the call number J 595.789.

If you’d like to know a little more about the purpose of butterfly gardens, or the specific plants and landscaping you see at the garden, check out this portion of Roper Mountain’s website. It lists the host plants and nectar plants found at the science center’s butterfly garden. Many of these plants are labeled in the garden. Spend some time examining these plants.

Summer Camps

RMSC is focused on making STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics- fun for kids, and summer camps are no exception. But summer at Roper Mountain is more than just science: they also offer camps focusing on art, literature, moviemaking, mythology, photography and so much more. Summer camps at the Roper Mountain Science Center are available from K5 through Grade 12, and early drop-off and lunch stays are available for students attending separate morning and afternoon sessions.

Summer camp registration begins in March and camps fill up very quickly. Members will get first dibs on summer camp registration and if you really, really want your kid in a certain camp, you can get the concierge membership, which will ensure you will be able to register your kid(s) before anyone else.

Science on Wheels – Bring Science Lessons to You

If you are looking for a unique and science-driven demonstration for a school program or public outreach program Science on Wheels will bring the experimentation to you. They even have a portable planetarium! The program is perfect for school science days, preschools, library events, family audiences, afterschool groups, evening school events, summer camps, and community centers.

If you think RMSC’s Science on Wheels would be perfect for your group event, you can request more information by contacting the Roper Mountain Science Center directly. Educators can also utilize the many amazing programs Roper Mountain has to offer, including field trips, virtual field trips, e-learning Live From Roper, and more to boost their science curriculum for their students.

RMSC Membership

Speaking of membership to the RMSC, they have some worthwhile packages, especially if your family loves science and technology.

Memberships include free admission to Afternoon Explorations, Summer Adventure, and Friday Starry Nights, special pricing for special events and Laser Days of Summer, and early registration to summer camps. A family membership costs $125 and is easily paid for in just a couple of visits to the RMSC.

Additionally, members get free or discounted admission to over 300 science centers and museums worldwide. This is a great perk when traveling or planning day trips or summer vacations. Just know that the program only works if you live outside of a 90 mile radius of RMSC, so it would currently not work for free admission to the Schiele Museum in Gastonia or the WNC Nature Center.

Bottom line: A membership to the RMSC is a good investment in both learning and entertainment!

Longview Carolina: A Mountain-View Community Just 5 Minutes from Easley

Imagine waking up to a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains—and still making it to Sam’s Club before lunch. That’s a regular Tuesday at Longview Carolina, a 180-acre gated community tucked into the foothills just outside Easley, SC.

We took a personal tour to see for ourselves what Longview Carolina offers and you’ll want to keep reading because it’s everything from fresh eggs to mountain top fire pits.

Thank you to Longview Carolina for sponsoring this article.

Quick Summary: Longview Carolina Offers So Much

Can you imagine living in a community where you could drink a cup of coffee with a mountain view but Sam’s Club is only 10 minutes away? You can at Longview Carolina, a new gated community just 5 minutes from Easley.

We took a tour and wow—this new community blends cozy, adventurous, and practical in the best ways. Think wildflower trails, a real working farm, and mountain-top fire pits.

Here’s what families are loving:

📍 5 mins to Downtown Easley + shopping
🏞️ Private trails, wildflowers, and 60 acres of green space
🏡 Homes that flex with your season of life
🐓 Chickens, fresh produce, and space to play
🔥 The Overlook: Yoga, marshmallow roasts, and sunset views
🧺 Wellness without the pressure—just everyday good living

You’re not escaping life—you’re living it fully, right here in the Upstate.

From Bluebirds to Brunch in Under 10 Minutes

When we visited, we passed breathtaking views, peeked into a birdhouse with baby blue birds, and picked fresh kale—all before heading just five minutes down the road for lunch at The Silos in Easley.

Downtown Easley (5 minutes): Local boutiques and plenty of choices for lunch or dinner.
Sam’s, Publix, HomeGoods & more (5–10 minutes): The full U.S. 123 shopping corridor
Downtown Greenville (25 minutes): Falls Park, Broadway shows, and flights from GSP

Clemson University (20 minutes): Game days, college visits, or lifelong learning
Lake Keowee & Lake Hartwell (30 minutes): For boating, tubing, or sunset cruises
Lake Jocassee (45 minutes): Crystal-clear water and hidden waterfalls

You really can start your day with chickens and finish it with a Tigers touchdown.

Trails, Community Spaces, and Adventure

We walked the trails ourselves—and yes, you really might see a deer along the way. At Longview your family can explore over two miles of private paths that loop through wildflower meadows, woods, and about 60 acres of preserved green space.

Want a longer ride? The 8.5-mile Doodle Trail is conveniently located nearby, linking Easley and Pickens for Saturday‐morning cyclist meet-ups.

At the top of the ridge is The Overlook—a cozy lodge-style gathering spot for yoga, sunset wine nights, and marshmallow roasts.

Add in a resort-style pool, pickleball, and campsites, and you’ve got everyday adventure built in.

Wellness That Happens With or Without a Gym Bag

The community’s design draws inspiration from Blue Zones—places in the world where people live longer, healthier lives. Here wellness doesn’t come with a sign-up form. It’s built into everyday life.

Move naturally: Bike the trails with your kids or stroll up to The Overlook for sunset
Recharge: Catch up with a neighbor by the fire pit instead of doom-scrolling
Eat fresh: Fresh eggs and produce are just a short walk away
Make friends: Join in on shared gardens, club nights, and service projects.

One of the founders summed it up during our visit: it’s about designing a place that helps you live well on an ordinary weekday—whether or not you ever step into a gym.

Pick Your Veggies & Feed the Chickens

The farm here is the real deal. We saw it in action—chickens laying eggs, vegetables sprouting in raised community beds, and berry bushes growing along the trails.

Families are welcome to lend a hand or just enjoy the harvest. Either way, you’ll see kids learning where their food comes from—and probably sneaking a few blueberries along the way.

Homes That Flex With You—Whether You’re Looking for Space for the Kids or Downsizing

During our visit, we heard stories of grandparents building homes close to their kids, families choosing flexible layouts, and even a little girl whose favorite food is tomatoes—grown right in her backyard.

Longview’s homes are designed to grow (or shrink) with your season of life:

Deep porches for rocking chairs, lemonade, and neighborhood chats
Mudrooms with elbow room—perfect for soccer cleats, garden boots, or a wet dog after a creek walk
Flexible guest spaces that welcome visiting grandkids, cousins, or grandparents

Customize an acre with room for fruit trees, or choose a cozier lot closer to neighbors and pickleball courts. Either way, mountain sunsets come standard.

Why Families Love Longview

We saw it firsthand: trails, wildflowers, stunning views, and a real working farm–all minutes from town.

Room to roam: Kids build forts, grandparents walk the trails, and there’s space for everyone to explore
Every day convenience: Groceries, doctors, and dinner spots are all just a few minutes away

Wellness without the hassle: Movement, fresh food, and community come built into daily life
Lake days made easy: Keowee, Hartwell, and Jocassee are all close enough for spontaneous fun

Longview isn’t about escaping everyday life—it’s about living it more fully, right here in the Upstate. Schedule a private tour and see for yourself at LongviewCarolina.com.

Kroger Chef Junior: Cheap Cooking Experience for Kids Builds Kitchen Confidence

Have you heard about Kroger Chef Junior? This program offers a low-cost opportunity for kids to learn a new cooking skill in a mini-cooking class. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to spend a little quality time with Mom or Dad. Kroger Chef Junior is a program found at participating Kroger stores in South Carolina and Georiga, including both Columbia, SC and Atlanta, GA. We tried the Kroger Chef Junior in Columbia, SC and had a blast.

Each month is a different, simple recipe, usually themed. For example, we went in May and did Fiesta Corn for Cinco de Mayo. It was very fun and something we look forward to doing again! So, here’s everything you need to know about Kroger Chef Junior from registration to what to expect at the class.

Kroger Chef Junior: Does Your Store Participate?

First off, go online to the Kroger Chef Junior Website and put in your zip code to find the locations close to you that offer Kroger Chef Junior. Currently in Columbia, SC, two Kroger stores offer Kroger Chef Junior, and both are in northeast Columbia. One is off Two Notch Road just before Sandhills Mall – near the Target and Spring Valley High School – while the other is northwest on Robert’s Branch Parkway.

Once you select a location, you will need to register for the class.

Date and Time: Kroger Cooking Classes for Kids

As for when it is, classes are offered on select Saturdays between 9:00 am and 1:30 pm. As I said, there is one recipe class per month. That recipe is offered two weekends out of the month.

The slots to sign up for are 30 minutes, but it is pretty brief, closer to 15 minutes. Kids try the recipe one at a time, so it is not long to wait their turn or long to stay focused.

Cost for Kroger Chef Junior and What’s Included

The cost is $7 per kid, parents do not need to register. Included is:

a reusable apron they can put their name on
a single-use paper chef hat (adjustable),
a patch that can be ironed or sewn on (one for each recipe),
their own take-home durable plastic kitchen tool,
pocket to keep recipes
and a recipe card of the day (good quality).

Age: Who is Kroger Chef Junior For?

There does not currently appear to be any age restrictions on the program. I took a four-year-old, and the instructor provided plenty of help. Older kids we saw also seemed to enjoy it. While you know your kid best, based on the setup, I’d say a three-year-old who is already helpful in the kitchen might be old enough and a ten or eleven-year-old with beginner interest in cooking might enjoy it, but mostly kindergarten to third graders are the target.

Also, there are enough spaces to book siblings or a playdate, but since kids work one at a time, I took one kid as a quick mommy and me experience (while I grabbed something from the store) as some special time where he got all my attention. If you’re looking for a way to do that, this is great.

The short one-on-one setup also works well for a beginner playdate for kindergartners or others into parallel play with neurodivergence, which is one reason we chose it.

Experience: What to Expect at Kroger Chef Junior

Right away, it was very easy to find the Chef Junior class. There were plenty of signs. It was located near an entrance as a display sort of off to the side near produce (and in the Two Notch Road location right by the Starbucks). A long-standing table, that would be wheelchair accessible, was decorated sort of like a picnic and held all the ingredients. The area had a lot of stimuli, so do be prepared for that.

My kid was thrilled with all the materials provided and could not wait to jump in and get started! The kids were allowed to forgo certain ingredients they didn’t like, and nothing particularly hazardous was used for this recipe, such as flames and sharp knives. It was very simple but a big confidence builder and fun.

The recipe was definitely something he could make again at home, even on his own, which is a great skill. It also encouraged him to try something new. Although his experiment was not his favorite result, we do look forward to trying others.

This program (and provided, take-home materials) sets kids up to want to do more at home, after the class.

Afterwards, as we did a little shopping, everyone in the store was very impressed with his chef’s ensemble, which made his day!

Main Takeaways from Kroger Chef Junior Experience:

One simple recipe a month; two Saturdays to choose from
$7 a kid, register online
One kid at a time, brief activity
Excellent materials
Very fun learning experience
Great for ages 4-8; first playdates; mommy/daddy and me outings

More Cheap Fun in Columbia

Looking for more free and cheap activities for kids in Columbia?

We’ve got you covered with our huge list: Free (and Cheap) Things to Do in Columbia, SC

Or, are you looking to do an outside experience and maybe whip up something with fresh strawberries? Check out our strawberry picking guide .

Find other longer classes offered around Columbia in our Class and Activity Guide.

What’s your favorite class or craft experience offered around Columbia?

Sumter Iris Festival: FREE Family Fun in Sumter, SC

Have you attended the Sumter Iris Festival? Celebrating the gorgeous Iris flower and the onset of summer, the Sumter Iris Festival brings many opportunities for totally FREE family fun. That’s one reason among many that the Sumter Iris Festival is on our summer bucket list. Is it on yours? It should be! Way more than a flower show, here’s what we love about the Sumter Iris Festival and its home, Swan Lake in Sumter, South Carolina.

The 2025 Sumter Iris Festival is May 16-18, 2025.

Iris Festival in Sumter, SC at Swan Lake

Only about an hour from Columbia, the Sumter Iris Festival is one of my favorite South Carolina festivals. I remember going as a kid and the irises becoming my favorite flower. The park includes peaceful dirt walkways around the lake, shaded by massive trees and Spanish Moss. You’ll find, nature, swans, boat rides, irises, bathrooms, and plenty to do during the Sumter Iris Festival.

Kids enjoy Sumter Iris Festival at Swan Lake

About the Sumter Iris Festival

The Sumter Iris Festival is several days long at the end of May, and it’s a great event for kids since admission and most of the kid stuff is FREE.

When is the Sumter Iris Festival?

This year the festival begins on Thursday night May 15th, 2025 with the opening ceremony. The “Taste at the Gardens” features live music, great food, boat rides, and more. Friday though, is when the family time really gears up. In fact, all day Friday, Saturday, and Sunday things are happening.

You’ll find a full schedule of events on the Sumter Iris Festival Website.

Free fun for kids at the Sumter Iris Festival

Lots of FREE Things to Do at the Sumter Iris Festival

Not only does the park feature beautiful nature, gorgeous blooms in the Swan Lake Iris Gardens, vendors and performances, and an excellent playground, but it also offers kids’ rides, a parade, special performances, free goodies, juggling and unicyclist show, children’s carnival, and more.

Even better, the rides, activities, admission, and more are completely free. Kids might spot performing dance teams and theater troops, classic cars, Cocky and other mascots, and more.

Free rides for kids at the Sumter Iris Festival

Meeting Cocky at the Sunmter Iris Festival

Here were some of our favorite parts of last year’s Sumter Iris Festival:

Free kids rides
Free crafts/story time/goodie bags
Petting zoo
The playground with the firetruck
Nature
banana split

Kids exploring near Swan Lake, Sumer, SC

While all admission to the festival and most kids’ activities are free, you’ll want to bring cash/cards for parking, food, and drinks. Likewise, face painting was offered among a lot of free crafts and activities for kids but was actually very pricey, so keep an eye out for that.

Expect it to be hot as it’s the middle of May, and expect crowds as this festival is increasingly popular as it’s been featured in Southern Living and others.

Also, expect fun!

Discover more family-friendly summer festivals near Columbia, SC.

7+ Family-Friendly Summer Festivals in Columbia, SC

Inside: What festivals are happening this summer in Columbia, SC.

Are you looking for summer festivals near Columbia, SC? Now, the weather has warmed, school is almost over, and already it’s festival season! If you’re planning to get out in Columbia and build memories and experiences this summer, festivals can be a great way to dip your toes in something new. Columbia has festivals year-round, but here are some family-friendly festivals coming up to take in this famously hot season.

Quick Summary: Summer festival season is HERE, Columbia! ☀️🎶

Ready to eat, dance, and celebrate all summer long? 🎉 Here are a few family-friendly faves:

🦞 Rosewood Crawfish Festival (May 3)
🎶 Main Street Caribbean Festival (June 5-8)
🖤 Juneteenth Festival (June 21)
🍤 Shrimp & Grits Festival (June 21)
🦀 Southeast Crab Festival (July 12)

First off, get ready to kick things off with some Southern eats!

Irmo International Festival 2025

Saturday, April 26, 2025

Head to Irmo and check out this local music festival at Midland’s Technical College’s Harbison Theater. There will be artists, dancers, musicians, food trucks, art, and more. More information at the Irmo Internationl Festival website.

Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College, 7507 Eastview Drive, Irmo, SC
12 pm – 5 pm

Rosewood Crawfish Festival

Saturday, May 3, 2025

Of course, in typical Rosewood neighborhood fashion, this event promises to be full of live music and local artisans. It’s family-friendly, with things for kids including rides, face painting, and crawdad races. Also, kids 12 and under get in free! This is the Rosewood Crawfish Festival website.

State Fair Grounds at 1200 Rosewood Drive Columbia, SC 29201.
11 am – 7 pm
Tickets are $12 presale and $15 day of

Pickin’ and Piggin’ at the Park (SCBA)

Saturday, May 3, 2025

Or, if you’re feeling a little more down to earth, enjoy more than 20 BBQ cooks best at this cook-off in the park. Beer will also be available for purchase. The event is all-you-can-eat at Columbia’s most accessible park with music by Randy Lucas Trio. See the Pickin’ and Piggin’ website for more.

Saluda Shoal’s Park, 5605 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29212 United States
11 am – 1:30 pm
Adults (13+) $15
Children (12 and Under) $5

Main Street Caribbean Festival

June 5th – June 8th, 2025

Next up, another family-friendly, cultural festival. What’s more, it’s free! So, trek right down to Main Street between Richmond and Laurel Streets to experience this big Caribbean Block Party. Find out more about the Main Street Caribbean Festival, part of South Carolina Carnival.

1800 Block Main Street Columbia, SC 29201
Thursday, June 5th from 7 pm – 12 am
Friday, June 6th from 11 am – 3 pm (LYME)
Friday, June 6th from 10 pm – 2 am (P.W.P. Festival)
Saturday, June 7th from 12 pm – 8 pm (Block Party)
Saturday, June 7th from 10 pm – 2 am (White & Anything)
Sunday, June 8th from 11 am – 3 pm
FREE

Juneteenth Festival

June 21st, 2025

It’s time to celebrate freedom, black heritage, and more at this family-friendly event. It offers many activities including food, games, live music, artistic performances, and local vendors. For more, see the Juneteenth Festival website.

421 Bush River Road, Columbia SC 29210
Ticket Price TBA

Columbia’s 10th Annual Shrimp and Grits Festival

June 21st, 2025

According to the Shrimp and Grits Festival official website, there will be unlimited Shrimp & Grits, live music, and prizes! Restaurants around the Midlands will be offering their version of Shrimp & Grits, and it’s your turn to find out who has the best! Also, there will be a winner in the “People’s Choice” division, and “tickets include unlimited shrimp and grits samples from participating restaurants and live music.”

Seawell’s Catering, 1125 Rosewood Drive, Columbia, SC 29201
6 pm- 9 pm
Children $25
Adults $50

Looking for 4th of July Festivals and Events? We have a whole article about that!

Celebrate the 4th of July in Columbia, SC!

Southeast Crab Festival

July 12, 2025

Obviously, this festival will include crabs, but that’s not all. It actually has all-you-can-eat blue crabs! There will also be fish and chips as well as drinks for sale. You can bring in your own toppings, but please no coolers. This event boasts being both a long-standing state tradition of outdoor seafood cooking and a family-friendly event. Tickets will be limited to reduce crowds. Get tickets online at the Southeast Crab Feast website and collect them at Will Call with ID.

Tickets starting at $17.50

Still Hungry for More?

Bonus: Sumter Iris Festival

May 16th – 18th, 2025

Don’t forget the Sumter County Iris Festival is about an hour’s drive on Memorial Day Weekend. It offers lots of FREE fun for the family, so this is one you don’t want to miss!

And, Soda City Comic Con is in August.

There are also car shows, 5ks, and more in Columbia this summer. The Kidding Around Columbia Event Page is where you can find more events.

Let us know about your favorite festivals and summer activities below!

Find more things to do this summer in Columbia, SC!

19+ Best Playgrounds and Parks: Columbia, SC

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!

Popular Columbia Playgrounds

Unique Parks

Hiking Parks

Splash Pad Parks

Toddler Playgrounds

Preschool Playgrounds

Big Kid Parks & Playgrounds

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
Citadel Park: The perfect shaded place to play
Elmwood Roy Lynch Park: Splash pad, zipline, and playgrounds
Leo’s Landing: Very large, inclusive playground at Saluda Shoals in Irmo, SC. ($5 per vehicle, or $60 per year)
Crooked Creek Park: Located in Chapin, SC, has lots of shade and an indoor center.

Columbia’s Most Unique Parks and Outdoor Spaces

Have you visited Sesquicentennial State Park?

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.

Visit Sesquicentennial State Park in Columbia, SC

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.

Drums at the West Columbia Interactive Art Park

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.

Three Rivers Greenway Trail

Parks with family hiking trails near Columbia, SC

Splash Pads at Columbia Parks

Here are all the parks where you can splash, swim, and cool off in Columbia, SC

Parks with Splash Pads

Splash pads and more places to cool off in Columbia, SC

Best Parks in Columbia, SC for Toddlers

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.

Doko Meadows: Shaded, bucket swings, toddler playscape
Citadel Park: Padded base, plenty of room to run, tons of shade, separate toddler area
Sesquicentennial State Park: Separate play space with small slides and playscape

Going for a stroll?
These Columbia, SC Parks are Stroller-Friendly!

Best Parks in Columbia, SC for Preschoolers

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:

Carraway Park: Wide variety, all-inclusive, padded base
Leo’s Landing: Plenty of opportunities for kids of ALL ages
Hollywood Park: Quiet, shaded, large green space
Guignard Park: Natural stream for splashing, walking loop, medium-sized playground

Best Parks in Columbia, SC for Older Kids

Even the older kids can benefit from a park day or two! Enjoy the outdoors with your bigger kids at these fun playgrounds!

Elmwood Roy Lynch Park: Sprinklers, large zipline, 2 playgrounds
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.

Which park or playground in Columbia is your favorite?

Need more places to play?

Fun days start with this list of over 50 Things to Do in Columbia, SC.

50+ Free Things to Do in Columbia, SC

Inside: Local parents share their favorite FREE Things to Do in Columbia in one great list.

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!

Free Things to Do Outdoors

Kids Eat Free

Free Things to Do Indoors

Free Events in Columbia, SC

Free Things to Do Outside in Columbia, SC

Go on a walk: Head to Columbia’s Riverwalk for a walk with your family. With more than 20 miles of river walk 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.

Historic Columbia

Historic Columbia’s gardens are a great place to walk around and have a picnic lunch.
Gardens are open Monday through Saturday 10:00 am-4:00 pm and Sundays 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Museum of the Reconstruction Era at the Woodrow Wilson Family Home – 1705 Hampton Street
Robert Mills House – 1616 Blanding Street
Hampton-Preston Mansion 1615 Blanding Street – includes a children’s garden with two tree swings
The Seibels House’s gardens are open Monday through Friday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm – 1601 Richland Street

Play tennis: Head to one of Columbia’s public recreational tennis courts.

Cool off at a pool or splash pad: One of the most fun things to do in the summer is to take 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.

We have a huge list of 30+ places to cool off, swim, and splash in Columbia, SC. Many of them are totally FREE!

Elmwood Roy Lynch Park Splashpad — Splashpad at Elmwood Roy Lynch Park in Columbia, SC

Spray Pools and Pads in Columbia: *Be sure to call the Columbia Parks and Recreation Department at 803.545.3100 or check online for operating hours.

Anna’s Park – 1315 Liberty Hill Avenue
Drew Park – 2102 Walker Solomon Way
Edisto Discovery Park – 1914 Wiley Street
Emily Douglas Park – 2500 Wheat Street
Heathwood Park – 800 Abelia Road
Hyatt Park – 950 Jackson Avenue
Lorick Park – 1600 Lorick Avenue
Mays Park – 4100 Trenholm Road
Melrose Park – 1500 Fairview Road
Pacific Park – 200 Wayne Street
Pinehurst Park – 2300 Pinehurst Road
Roy Lynch Park – 900 Abbeville Street
Sims Park – 3500 Duncan Street

Play at one of the local parks or playgrounds:

What kid doesn’t love to run around at a cool playground? There are plenty of beautiful parks with great playgrounds in the Columbia area.

Moore Park, Elmwood/Roy Lynch Park, and the Owens Field Skate Park & Pump Track are all great parks with playgrounds and other amenities such as walking trails, ball fields, zip lines, and splash pads.

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!

The playground at Carraway Park in West Columbia

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.

Parks: Columbia, SC with playgrounds and fun places to explore

Check out all the parks and playgrounds in Columbia.

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 fishing: Enjoy free fishing thanks to the South Carolina Fishing Tackle Loaner program where you can borrow a rod, reel, and tackle box for FREE. Some fishing spots to consider are Lake Murray (head to Dreher Island State Park) or Saluda Shoals Park.

🎣 Here’s where to go fishing in Columbia, SC.

Go Swimming at Lake Murray: Enjoy the beach and swimming area on a sunny day with your family. Be sure to make reservations ahead of time.

Playing at Lake Murray Park — 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.

Check out this list of free and cheap movies this summer in Columbia.

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
Forty Acre Rock Heritage Preserve | 2207 Conservancy Road, Kershaw, 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.

You can also visit the Interactive Art Park in West Columbia. It’s free!

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:

Woodland Park – 6500 Olde Knight Parkway
Crooked Creek Park – 1098 Old Lexington Highway
Trenholm Recreation Park – 3900 Covenant Road
Gibson Park – 244 Duffie Drive
Jeep Rogers YMCA – 900 Lake Carolina Drive

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

See model trains! Columbia, SC has a free model train museum at AMROC.

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.

Anchor Lanes – 1000 Columbia Avenue, Irmo
Royal Z Lanes – 8512 Two Notch Road, Columbia
Stars and Strikes – 700 Columbiana Drive, Irmo

Head to the library: Richland County Libraries and Lexington County Library both have children‘s programs you can participate in, which include story time, crafts, and movies.

Children's Area in Richland County Libraries

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.

Don’t miss 10+ FREE Things to Do for Kids Across the USA.

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!

Visit a Pet Store:
Fishy Business – Here you can feed koi fish in their indoor pond. Bring quarters, but they will likely give you some if necessary to feed the fish. They also have a large selection of frames, saltwater fish, and supplies. Their staff is super friendly and knowledgeable, so if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask one of their team members.

Creature room has a nice selection of unusual and exotic reptiles. They have a supply of live food and a friendly and knowledgeable staff. Since they are just steps away from Fishy Business, plan to visit both and maybe even take home a new pet!

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. State House 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.

Historic Columbia: One Sunday a month, Historic Columbia hosts Free Sundays for Richland and Lexington County residents. Check out their website to find out which house is available for a free self-guided tour! Events | Historic Columbia

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.

Tour the South Carolina Military Museum for free. Self-guided tours are available any time the museum is open, and guided tours just need to be reserved at least a week in advance.

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.

Current Month

sepPreschool Storytime @ Lexington County Library - All BranchesLexington Main Branch LibraryMonth Long Event (September)(GMT-04:00) Lexington County Library - Lexington Main Library, 5440 Augusta Rd, Lexington, SC 29072Price:Free

sepToddlertime @ Lexington County Library - All BranchesLexington Main Branch LibraryMonth Long Event (September)(GMT-04:00) Lexington County Library - Lexington Main Library, 5440 Augusta Rd, Lexington, SC 29072Price:Free

sepBaby Storytime @ Lexington County Library - All BranchesLexington Main Branch LibraryMonth Long Event (September)(GMT-04:00) Lexington County Library - Lexington Main Library, 5440 Augusta Rd, Lexington, SC 29072Price:Free

octPreschool Storytime @ Lexington County Library - All BranchesLexington Main Branch LibraryMonth Long Event (October)(GMT-04:00) Lexington County Library - Lexington Main Library, 5440 Augusta Rd, Lexington, SC 29072Price:Free

octToddlertime @ Lexington County Library - All BranchesLexington Main Branch LibraryMonth Long Event (October)(GMT-04:00) Lexington County Library - Lexington Main Library, 5440 Augusta Rd, Lexington, SC 29072Price:Free

octBaby Storytime @ Lexington County Library - All BranchesLexington Main Branch LibraryMonth Long Event (October)(GMT-04:00) Lexington County Library - Lexington Main Library, 5440 Augusta Rd, Lexington, SC 29072Price:Free

wed01oct10:00 amwed11:00 amGladys’ Gang Toddler Edition: Life and Limb10:00 am - 11:00 am(GMT-04:00) The Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main StreetPrice:Free

thu02oct4:00 pmthu7:00 pmLake Carolina Farmer's Market4:00 pm - 7:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Lake Carolina Farmers Market, 5 Carolina Way Columbia, SC 29229Price:Free

fri03oct12:00 pmfri7:00 pmBierkeller Columbia Oktoberfest 202512:00 pm - 7:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Bierkeller Columbia, 600 Canalside St, Columbia, SC 29201-6042Price:Free

Show More Events

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.

More Fun, Free Things to Do

There are more free things to do in Greenville, SC.

Take a day trip, for free.

Looking for more fun things to do in Columbia, SC? We’ve compiled the ultimate Columbia list for you.

10 Places To Order Custom Cookies, Cakes, and Sweets in Columbia, SC

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!

Custom cookies Columbia, SC, custom sweets & 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. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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 know of a custom cake or cookie decorator that we missed, be sure to let us know!

Planning a party? Don’t miss our HUGE Columbia, SC Birthday Guide!

9+ Things to Do at Frankie’s Fun Park: Columbia, SC

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

Activities at Frankie's Fun Park: Columbia, SC

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.

Batting Cages
Spinning Coaster
Go Karts
Mini Golf (“Frankie’s Island Golf”): 3 courses

Activity Pricing at Frankie’s

Frankie’s Mini-Golf

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.

Frankie’s Fun Park
140 Parkridge Drive, Columbia
Birthday Parties at Frankie’s Fun Park
Open: Sunday – Thursday: 12 pm – 10 pm, Friday: 12 pm – 12 am, Saturday: 10 am – 12 am

Fun Days Start Here

There are so many things to do in Columbia, SC!