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Columbia, SC Sports: Cheer on the Home Team

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Want to bring your family to a sporting event in Columbia, SC? Ready to load up the kids and cheer on your Columbia, SC home team? You have several family-friendly sports team options in Columbia, from collegiate to minor league teams, all year long.

We headed to the ballparks and the stadiums with kids in tow. We jotted down our tips for bringing kids, and we tallied up the great family-friendly amenities. What follows here are the most kid-friendly sporting events where families can cheer for the home team in Columbia, SC while maybe enjoying one of those hotdogs or nacho plates.

More Columbia, SC Home Teams

Want to try supporting another sports team at a home game in Columbia, SC? Here are a few more Columbia, SC home teams!

Looking for more? Here’s our full guide to Things to Do in Columbia, SC.

Strawberry Picking: Columbia, SC’s Berry U-Pick Farms

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Are you searching for u-pick strawberries near Columbia, SC? You have a lot of options when it comes to strawberry picking farms all throughout the Midlands! Columbia, SC has several nearby farms where you can pick your own delicious berries or just pick up a gallon or two of pre-picked berries.

Our list includes all the strawberry picking options in Columbia and the surrounding Midlands’ area. We’ll let you know what other farm activities might be happening and where you can find other fun things to do nearby. Enjoy the strawberry season in Columbia, SC!

Strawberry picking: Columbia, SC

Before You Go: Top Strawberry Picking Tips

  1. Strawberry patches, and as a result strawberry picking availability, are highly dependent on weather. Most farms won’t have regular hours. You’ll need to check their social media Facebook page or Instagram for picking availability.
  2. Wear sneakers or boots. Fields have ants. Ants bite. A strawberry patch is not the place for flip-flops.
  3. Don’t forget a hat, sunscreen, and water bottles! That sun gets hot fast!
  4. Think about visiting a restroom before you get to the farm. You might have a porta-potty option at the farm, or there might not be an on-site restroom. No one wants to run away from their basket of freshly picked strawberries to try to find a potty.

Cottle Strawberry Farm

9560 Garners Ferry Road, Hopkins, SC 29061| 803.695.1714

One of the most popular places to pick strawberries near Columbia, Cottle Strawberry Farm offers both u-pick and pre-picked berries.

We visited Cottle Strawberry Farm, and you’ll find everything you need to know about this farm in our Cottle Strawberry Farm review.

This farm participates in the SC Agritourism Passport.

cottle strawberry farm agritour

Lever Farm

5057 SC Highway 34, Pomaria, SC | 803.321.5952

Lever Farms has both U-pick and pre-picked strawberries.

They do plan do be open for the 2024 season in early April, but as always, keep an eye on the Lever Farm Facebook page for conditions and availability before you go for spring break and after!

This farm also offers u-pick flowers!

James R. Sease Farms Inc. Strawberry Patch

3911 Augusta Hwy, Gilbert | 803.359.3276

James R. Sease Farms offers both u-pick and pre-picked strawberries.

U-Pick Gallon: $18
Pre-picked gallon: $20

You’ll also find this farm’s berries at farm stands located: Hwy 378 Lexington, Wingard’s Market on Hwy #6 Lexington, Four Oaks Farm on Hwy #1 Lexington, Taylor’s Produce on Augusta Hwy, Gilbert and Randall’s Produce on Hwy #1 Batesburg

Clinton Sease Farm

Clinton Sease Farm Strawberry Patch: 426 Olde Farm Road, Lexington

A popular farm for pumpkins and fall adventures, Clinton Sease Farm also offers spring strawberry picking! Note that the fun playgrounds are not open at this time, but keep your eyes peeled for their Pick and Play events planned for May!

Check the Clinton Sease Farm facebook page for strawberry field updates.

Lucas Ridge Farms Strawberries

7668 Edmund Highway, Pelion, SC

Get u-pick and pre-picked strawberries at Lucas Ridge Farms in Pelion, SC.

U-Pick: $15
Pre-picked: $18

Check the Lucas Ridge Farms Facebook page for hours and dates. For the 2024 season, they hope to open up to pickers in late March.

Cherry Place Farm

1950 Oakdale Road Rock Hill, SC

Cherry Place Farm is in York County, SC. It’s a little further from Columbia, but, besides picking strawberries you can also visit the on-site farm animals. That sounds like a pretty perfect day trip to us.

If you’re heading to York County, we have a few more ideas about things to do there to help you plan a spectacular day. Here’s our guide to York County things to do!

McCurley Farms

8839 Salley Road, North, SC

McCurley Farms has pre-picked strawberries for $18. They do not offer u-pick. But they do offer lots of other fruits and vegetables for purchase on the farm.

Want to pick more strawberries?

You have lots more options for strawberries in Greenville, the Upstate, and Western North Carolina. In fact, the strawberry season starts a couple of weeks later in the Upstate and WNC which means you can try a day trip to these farms if the strawberry patches near Columbia are picked-out.

Pick more strawberries in the Upstate

Strawberry Farms near Greenville, SC

What do you make with all your freshly-picked strawberries?

Farmers Markets in Columbia, SC

Love local food? Here’s where to find more!

Columbia’s Farmers Markets

St. Patrick’s Day (2024): Family-Friendly in Columbia, SC

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Do you want to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Columbia, SC? This season of all things Irish means festivals, food, parades, crafts, and all kinds of events. Here’s what’s happening around Columbia for Saint Patrick’s Day 2024. 

St. Patrick's Day in Columbia, SC

Irish Fest Camden

222 Broad Street, Camden, SC Historic Camden Revolutionary War Park
Irish Fest Camden Website

Irish Fest Camden: 2024 Info

Saturday, March 2nd, 2024 in Camden, SC Lots of Irish music, pipes, dance, food, and even Irish history presentations. Tickets to Irish Fest Camden are $20 per person, $5 per child ages 2- 12. Free under 2. Please note that if you plan to purchase tickets at the gate, it is CASH ONLY.

St. Pat’s in Five Points

Saturday, March 16th, 2024 Celebrating 42 years, St. Pat’s in Five Points has become a Columbia, SC St. Patrick’s Day tradition. The event features a St. Patrick’s Day parade, lots of music, food, and a children’s play area. General Admission tickets purchased in advance are $30, and $35 at the gate on the day of the event.

Purchase tickets for St. Pat’s in Five Points online.

St. Pat’s in Five Points 2024 Schedule of Events

  • 7:30 am Get to the Green 5k, 10k and 1-mile family fun run
  • 10 am Gates open
  • 10 am St. Pat’s Parade along Devine Street (beginning at Sims Avenue)
  • 10 am – 6 pm Children’s Playland opens (Pot O’ Gold Playland)
  • 11 am – 7 pm Live music begins on multiple stages

The Shindiggity: Sham Rock Jam

Head to Steel Hands Brewing on Sunday, March 17th for a sham-rockin’ good time! This is a family-friendly event from 1 pm – 8 pm that includes live music, vendors, nonprofit booths, and more. Live music begins at 2 pm!

The Sham Rock Jam Schedule of Events/Live Music

  • 2 pm – 3:30 pm: Sean Mills of Machine Funk
  • 4 pm – 5:30 pm: Electric Sparrows
  • 6 pm – 8 pm: Adam Knight’s Buried Alive: Phish Tribute

Tartan Day South: Celtic Festival

April 4th – April 7th, 2024 Cayce, SC Tartan Day South So, it’s technically not for St. Patrick’s Day as this huge Celtic Festival takes place at the beginning of April. However, if you want to enjoy Celtic heritage, this is an event you’ll want to check out. Tartan Day South features live music, Celtic and traditional concerts and dance, as well as Highland Games.

You’ll see sheep dog and bird of prey exhibitions, enjoy traditional foods, pipe bands, kids’ rides and play area, drum circle, car show, learn about Scottish Military History, and much more. Ticket prices will vary depending on what days you’d like to attend. The main event is April 6th. Tickets for that are $20 per person, ages 12 and up. Under 12 is free. The Friday, April 5th Celtic Concert tickets are $10 per person ages 12 and up. Under 12 is free. Purchase Tartan Day South tickets online.  

Columbia, SC St. Patrick’s Day Events and Things to Do

We covered the big festivals already, but here are some more ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with crafts, music, food, story times, and more.  

Spring: Columbia, SC

Spring is FUN in Columbia

Columbia, SC Guide to Spring

Take Your Family on a High-Speed Adventure at ZMAX Dragway in Concord, NC

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Thinking about a visit to ZMAX Dragway in Charlotte, NC? When is the last time you stood up to watch something go 300 mph? Been a long time or maybe never? Then you should plan a trip to the ZMAX Dragway for an NHRA National Event.

We got a chance to visit for an NHRA Nationals Event and couldn’t believe all the things we got to experience. And the best part? Kids are just $10. So your 300 mph family adventure just got a lot more budget-friendly. Here’s everything you need to know.

Watch!: Here’s our visit in one quick video

This post contains affiliate links.

The next NHRA event at ZMAX Dragway is coming soon!

Thank you to Explore Cabarrus County for providing tickets so we could bring our readers this review!

entrance to ZMAX Dragwa
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Spring Guide to Columbia, SC

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Spring has arrived! So, what is going on this spring? Columbia, SC is full of springtime fun and ways get out and enjoy some of the most beautiful weather. And, we’re covering it all right here so you don’t miss a thing!

Happy Spring Columbia!

Get Outside: Springtime in Columbia, SC

A paved trail for walking and bike riding? Yes, please! Load up those scooters and helmets or grab that stroller and go enjoy that fresh air. Your to do list can probably wait a couple of hours, right?

The riverwalk trails in Columbia are a great place to enjoy spring.

We know the perfect place to play.

Our guide to the best parks and playgrounds in Columbia, SC.

Parks and Playgrounds in Columbia, SC

Playgrounds and spring go hand in hand. Bring the kids out to enjoy the spring weather with slides, swings, and all kinds of things to climb.

Move those feet and enjoy nature. Pack a bag with water and some trail mix, pull on those sneakers, and go enjoy one of Columbia’s great family hiking trails.

Spring Means Strawberries!

Strawberry PIcking Cottle Strawberry Farm

Pick some strawberries!

Everything you need to know about Cottle Strawberry Farm.

Pick Flowers

Go pick spring flowers! There are several flower farms near Columbia, SC where you can pick your own flowers!

Spring Sports

Head to the ballpark for All-American, traditional baseball fun. You have two fabulous choices in Columbia, SC!

Easter Time

Yep, spring means Easter. This year Easter falls on March 31st, 2024. That means all Easter Egg hunts and community events will be happening soon. We created a Columbia Easter Egg Hunt and Events list so you don’t miss anything!

You’ll want to bookmark this one and check back throughout the Easter season as more events are added.

Go find those Easter Eggs.

The biggest list of 2024 Easter Egg Hunts in Columbia, SC.

Easter Egg Hunts in Columbia, SC

Springtime Showers Bring Indoor Play

Indoor Guide to Columbia, SC

Here’s where to play indoors in Columbia, SC

Spring Break Things to Do

Spring break is coming! Our spring break guide is full of ideas for indoor and outdoor fun, plus day trips, spring break camps, and lots more!

Spring break guide to Columbia, SC

Fill your spring break with lots of fun!

Spring Break Things to Do: Columbia, SC

Find Your Favorite Restaurants: The Best Dining in Columbia, SC

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Looking for the best restaurants in Columbia, SC? We are just beginning our coverage of the best places to eat out for families and children in Columbia. But we already have some pretty amazing ideas, from the best ice cream to favorite coffee shops and our already famous Kids Eat Free list. Discover some of the best places to eat in Columbia, SC right here.

Columbia, SC Restaurants: where to eat out

Kids Eat Free (or Cheap) in Columbia, SC

Kids Eat Free in Columbia, SC

Kids are expensive. Feed them for FREE.

Check out our list of kids eat free and cheap deals! We have restaurants where kids eat free, plus deals where kids’ meals are significantly discounted.

Our Favorite Kid-Friendly Restaurants

Outdoor Dining

Restaurants with outdoor dining in Columbia, SC

Eat Out(side)

It’s your turn to pick a restaurant and you want to eat outdoors. Where do you go?

We know!

And it’s right here in our list of Outdoor Dining in Columbia, SC.

Pizza Restaurants

Best pizza, Columbia, SC

The best pizza in Columbia is on this list.

Locally-Owned: Best Pizza in Columbia, SC

Great BBQ

We Can Taste This Picture

Find really good barbecue in Columbia, SC on our list.

Best BBQ in Columbia, SC

Date Night Dining

Date night restaurants in Columbia, SC

Your Next Date is Happening Here

15+ Romantic Restaurants in Columbia, SC

From fine dining to casual food and drink, date night options abound.

Coffee Shops

You'll love these coffee shops! Columbia, SC has a bunch.

Find your favorite cup of coffee.

Columbia, SC: Best local coffee shops

Meal Deals

Bring home dinner. Spend less for quick and easy.

Family Meal Deals from Restaurants in Columbia, SC

Restaurants with family meals to go in Columbia, SC

Brunch

Enjoy a delicious brunch in Columbia, SC

Who has the best brunch in Columbia, SC?

19+ Brunch Restaurants to Try in Columbia, SC

Ice Cream

What list of awesome restaurants is complete without ice cream? Certainly not this one. Here are the best places for ice cream in Columbia, SC.

Bakeries

If you’re looking for a good bakery, check out this list of bakeries in Columbia, SC.

Frozen Cocktails

Hot outside?

Here’s a list of some of COLA’s favorite frozen cocktails.

Frozen cocktails, Columbia, SC

What’s New?

What have we been talking about lately when it comes to eating and dining in Columbia?

Dining out and things to eat are a big topic. Here’s what we found yummy lately!

Where to Eat: Some of Columbia’s Favorite Restaurants

Lula Drake Wine Parlour

Date night out, or an evening out with friends, you’ll find something fun, cozy and vintage at Lula Drake Wine Parlour in Downtown Columbia.

Find out more in our Kidding Around review of Lula Drake Wine Parlor!

1635 Main Street, Columbia

Lula Drake Wine Bar, Columbia, SC

Cafe Strudel

Find out about Cafe Strudel’s delicious brunch, coffee, and more in our Kidding Around review of Cafe Strudel.

Mainly known for their breakfast and sandwiches, Cafe Strudel also has coffee drinks as well as beer and wine.

300 State Street, West Columbia

Coffee bar at Cafe Strudel in West Columbia

Groucho’s Deli

One of Columbia’s favorite deli’s; there are six locations spread throughout the Columbia area. Find out about Groucho’s, including their kids eat free promotions, in our Kidding Around Review of Groucho’s Deli.

The Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli

What’s a cinnamon roll deli? The Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli serves breakfast and lunch, though breakfast is available all day. They serve a wide variety of cinnamon roll flavors, including banana foster, strawberry cheesecake, and apple cobbler. In addition to cinnamon rolls, they offer breakfast sandwiches and a wide variety of hot dogs and paninis.

2617 Devine Street, Columbia

Menkoi Ramen House

Menkoi Ramen House offers authentic Japanese ramen noodles in downtown. Dine-in and take-out are available.

1004 Gervais Street, Columbia

Motor Supply Bistro

Motor Supply Company Bistro has a handwritten menu because their offerings are locally sourced, based on what is fresh and local. They are truly a farm-to-table restaurant. The bistro offers lunch and dinner, as well as a weekend brunch.

920 Gervais Street, Columbia

Blythewood, SC Restaurants

Chubby’s Burgers and Brewhouse

Try Chubby’s Burgers and Brewhouse for amazing burgers in a family-friendly atmosphere!

420 McNulty Street, Blythewood

Saving Money in Columbia, SC: Attractions Coupon Books

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Ready to save some money? You bring the kids to fun places, you head out with your family and friends to explore the Midlands and enjoy great places to dine in Columbia, SC. But doing all those things and expierencing all the places you want to visit can be pretty hard on the wallet. If you’re looking for a way to save some money, we have an idea. Check out these Attractions Coupon Books full of coupons on dining and things to do in the Columbia area.

Purchase a coupon book any time of the year, with free shipping!

Kidding Around earns when you purchase Attractions Books through these links.

Attractions Dining and Value Guide in Greenville, SC

Purchase your Attractions Coupon Book using the QR code in the graphic above. Or visit the Kidding Around Purchase link for Attractions Books. Use EZPay Code KAC24.

(You have to use the EZPAY Code KAC24 to support Kidding Around!)

Want to see inside the Attractions Book before you buy? Of course, you do! You can flip through a digital version of the 2024 Columbia Attractions Dining And Value Guide here.

5 Valentine’s Day Cards Free! Print or Make These EASY cards right now!

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Valentine’s Day cards for kids do not have to be complicated or expensive. No, you don’t have to include candy, stickers, tattoos, or any other little trinket that’s got a pretty good chance of being dropped on the way home anyway. A simple card that says “Hey, thanks for being my friend,” is heartfelt and in keeping everything good about Valentine’s Day. Of course, you can include little gifts if you’d like to and they do make the Valentine’s Day festivities at school a little more sparkly. Either way, here are some ideas for FREE (or very cheap) Valentines.

Free Valentines for School, print now
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20+ Ideas: Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Columbia, SC (2024)

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Do you need some ideas for Valentine’s Day in Columbia, SC this year? How will you celebrate with the kids? What about a date night, or a friend’s night out? Whether you’re celebrating love for your family, your friendships, or romantic love for your spouse or significant other, there are so many ways to celebrate the holiday. And of course, at Kidding Around, we have some great ideas!

So, without further comment, here is our guide to celebrating Valentine’s Day in Columbia, SC for everyone!

Valentines Day in Columbia, SC
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