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 the NHRA Carolina Nationals and couldn’t believe all the things we got to experience. And the best part? Kids are FREE. So your 300 mph family adventure just got a lot more budget-friendly. Here’s everything you need to know.
Who are Columbia’s local sports teams? 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.
USC Gamecocks: In addition to the basketball, baseball, and football mentioned above, the USC Gamecocks also include teams in golf, soccer, tennis, volleyball, and lots more.
Find more family fun in Columbia, SC
Unlimited Glow Putt-Putt & More at Glow Dragon: Elgin, SC
Exploring History: A Tour of the Woodrow Wilson Family Home in Columbia, SC
Cottle Strawberry Farm in Columbia, SC has Delicious Berries You Can Pick Yourself!
Shaded Citadel Park in Columbia, SC is Great for Playtime
Take Your Family on a High-Speed Adventure at ZMAX Dragway in Concord, NC
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!
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.
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.
Yep, spring means Easter. This year Easter falls on April 9th, 2023. 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.
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 2023.
Thursday, March 2nd, 2023 Camden, SC Books on Broad in Camden is hosting Irish Story Telling with Christina Neely at 6 pm. This event is part of Irish Fest Camden which will have it’s main event on March 4th.
Irish Fest Camden: Main Event
Saturday, March 4th, 2023 Camden, SC Lots of Irish music, pipes, dance, food, and even Irish history presentations. Tickets to Irish Fest Camden are $15 per person, $5 per child ages 2- 12. Free under 2.
St. Pat’s in Five Points
Saturday, March 18th, 2023 Celebrating 41 years in 2023, 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 $25, and $30 at the gate on the day of the event.
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)
11 am Children’s Playland opens (Pot O’ Gold Playland)
12 pm Live music begins on multiple stages
6 pm Children’s Playland closes
7 pm Live music concludes
Tartan Day South: Celtic Festival
March 30th – April 2nd, 2023 Cayce, SC Tartan Day South So, it’s technically not for St. Patrick’s Day as this huge Celtic Festival takes place at the end of March. 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 1st. Tickets for that are $15 per person, ages 12 and up. Under 12 is free. The Friday, March 31st 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.
March 19th, 2023: St. Patrick’s Day Event with Soda City Bounce at Krafty Draft Brew Pub. Unlimited bouncing, crafts, and activities. $15 inclusive wristband covers all activities.
Looking for the best restaurants and dining 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.
Kids Eat Free (or Cheap) 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.
Where to Eat: Some of Columbia’s Favorite Restaurants
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, SC
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 Bistro has a handwritten menu because their offerings are 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.
Are you looking for printable Valentine’s Day cards? Did you find your local stores are out of stock on the boxed valentines for school? If you’re finding empty shelves in the seasonal Valentine’s Day sections, not to worry. There are lots of Valentines your kids can make at home right now, probably with things you already have. We’re talking about quick, easy, and cheap, yet super cute, Valentine’s Day cards. Free print cards are great for school, fun to make, and save you money this Valentine’s Day.
Have a little fun getting a smidge crafty and be done in time for an afternoon cup of coffee before dinner. Happy Valentine’s Day!
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 list includes parks with playgrounds, walking trails and hiking tails, nature parks, art parks, splash pads, parks with picnic areas and picnic shelters, and a whole lot more about our favorite places to play!
There are so many options when it comes to parks and playgrounds. These parks have great playgrounds, wide open spaces, basketball courts, picnic tables, walking trails, or just amazing outdoor spaces. We have reviewed some of our absolute favorite places to play, but we also have lots more coming soon!
Great Parks and Playgrounds Around Columbia, SC
Looking for playgrounds in or near Columbia where the kids can play? There are so many cool options in the Midlands! Pick one of these fun playgrounds and get playing outdoors!
Carraway Park: Great for kids of all ages in West Columbia, SC
With a beautiful little lake, playground, easy hiking, free splash pad, and cheap boat rentals, Sesquicentennial State Park is the ultimate family day kind of park! Pack a picnic and get going! Enjoy the shaded picnic tables and benches beside the lake.
Experience local art for free at West Columbia Interactive Art Park
What’s at the West Columbia Interactive Art Park? Kids and grown-ups will enjoy walking along the paths of this interactive art park in West Columbia. Play the drums, and enjoy the murals, sculptures, and time together. There are even some very family-friendly places to eat out in the park and nearby
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.
There are so many fantastic parks for even the tiny tots all around Columbia! Let your littles learn to climb, swing in bucket swings, or enjoy small slides made just for them.
Have a preschooler who is a bit too big for the small stuff, but not quite big enough for the full-sized equipment? Here are a few playgrounds we think they’d love:
Emily Douglas: Splash pad, large climbing structures, huge green space
Woodland Park: Walking trail, pickleball, large green spaces, huge playground
Looking for more of the best parks in Columbia?
Our coverage of parks and playgrounds is growing and we’ll have more on Columbia’s best playgrounds soon. But you’ll also find great information on the area’s outdoor places to play at websites for local town and city recreation departments.
You’re looking for things to do this winter in Columbia, SC? The holidays have come to an end, and January and February stretch out in front of you long and cold-ish and boring.
But, there’s so much to look forward to! The winter season offers lots of unique opportunities and things to do in Columbia. Plus, there are some seriously epic winter day trips nearby. You can read that as “Yes, there are day trips for snow tubing near Columbia, SC.” So, have no fear. We have loads of ideas to keep your winter lively and put a bounce in your step that’ll last all the way to Spring. The only thing you’ll have to do is figure out which Columbia, SC winter activity you want to do first!
We love the South Carolina State Museum for its huge amount of exhibits and hands-on learning. In the winter, they offer a winter sky planetarium show where your family can learn about the constellations, stars, and planets that make up Columbia’s winter sky. How cool is that!? Shows are about 30 minutes and should run through mid-February. Book your planetarium tickets Live Sky Tour online in advance if you want to be sure to get in at your chosen time!
Also in January, look for the Penguins 4D show in the planetarium at the SC State Museum. Nothing says winter like waddling penguins.
Dine-Out, Literally: Heated Outdoor Dining in Columbia, SC
Who has a heated outdoor dining space in Columbia, SC?
Check out this list of heated outdoor dining options we found, or, if you’re bringing the kids along, here are a couple of restaurants and breweries from our big Columbia family restaurant list that also have heated outdoor dining!
Family-Friendly Heated Outdoor Dining in Columbia, SC
Home Team BBQ Classic bbq with a kids’ menu, plus a patio with panels that keep it toasty.
Location: 700 Harden St., Columbia, SC 2920 Hours: Daily from 11 am – 12 am (midnight)
Cantina 76 The Devine Street location offers a heated outdoor dining space, and all the delicious Mexican-inspired cuisine you could hope for.
Location: 2901 Devine St., Columbia, SC 29205
Hours: Sunday and Monday from 11 am – 9 pm, Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 am – 9:30 pm, Thursday – Saturday from 11 am – 10 pm
River Rat Brewery The outdoor space at River Rat has heaters, so you can enjoy your beer of choice plus tacos, salads, sandwiches, and quesadillas together outside. If the weather is warm the kids can plan on the greenspace, too!
Location: 1231 Shop Rd., Columbia, SC 29201
Hours: Monday and Tuesday – Closed, Wednesday from 4 pm – 9 pm, Thursday from 4 pm – 10 pm, Friday from 3 pm – 10 pm, Saturday from 12 pm – 10 pm, Sunday from 11 am – 6 pm
Steel Hands Brewing Co. Load up the kids for pretzels, sandwiches, and nachos around the fire pits outdoors at Steel Hands Brewing Co.
Location: 2350 Foreman St., Cayce, SC 29033
Hours: Monday – Closed, Tuesday and Wednesday from 3 pm – 8 pm, Thursday from 4 pm – 10 pm, Friday and Saturday from 12 pm – 11 pm, Sunday from 10 am – 8 pm
Parents: don’t forget to keep a close eye on kids around outdoor heaters and fireplaces. Both can get very hot and accidents can happen quickly!
Chase the Snow: Day Trips Snow Tubing and More
I know. We aren’t likely to see many snowflakes in Columbia. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t head out on one (or two) totally epic winter day trips and chase after that snow.
Last but not least, if you’d rather just go see some snow and maybe find a good hill to sled down, you are in luck. Load up that sled. Here are spots in Western North Carolina where you can sled and go play in the snow! from our sister site, Kidding Around Greenville.
So, we may have to travel to see that snow, but that probably means things are looking pretty temperate and sunny out there. That means you can go for a hike or explore the zoo comfortably, and not even break a sweat. Anyone who has been to the zoo in the middle of July knows what we’re talking about.
Visit Riverbanks Zoo: The animals are likely to be more active in the cooler temperatures, and so are you.
Toss the wagon in your trunk and bring the kids to one of Columbia’s Riverwalks to enjoy nature by the river.
Free Winter Things to Do in Columbia, SC
Build projects with your kids for free at Home Depot. The Free Kids Workshops at Home Depot are awesome. January’s project is particularly perfect for winter!
January 7th, 2023: Snowball Game February 4th, 2023: Valentine’s Vase March 4th, 2023: Pinball Game
Check out these winter-themed events happening over the winter months in Columbia. If you’re looking for more activities and events, don’t forget to check out our full Columbia events page.
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!
What is there to do in Columbia, SC? A lot! If you’re looking for things to do or attractions in Columbia, SC you’ve come to the right spot. If you’re spending time in South Carolina’s capital city with your family and kids, there are a lot of things to do and adventures to fill your days. Here are some great kids’ activities in Columbia and more ideas to keep you busy.
