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Columbia, SC Sports: Cheer on the Home Team

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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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Go find those Easter Eggs.

The biggest list of 2023 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

Play Pickleball, Enjoy Open Green Spaces, and Relax in Nature at Woodland Park in Columbia, SC

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Have you ever been to Woodland Park in Columbia, SC? With the warmer weather rolling in, Woodland Park is a great place to get some fresh air, enjoy the sunshine, and let your kiddos burn off some energy. Woodland Park features a huge playground, large open green spaces, a walking trail, pickleball and tennis courts, and is even dog-friendly. My family and I recently took a trip here and I think we found a new staple to add into our playground rotation – it’s THAT good! 

The playground at Woodland Park in Columbia, SC

Enjoy Nature at Woodland Park 

Just off of Garners Ferry Road, tucked away in the Old Woodlands subdivision, you will find a FANTASTIC park for you and your family to enjoy! Even though we’d consider it a quiet area, you can almost always find a decent amount of kiddos for your children to play with here. Woodland Park is surrounded by trees, making it feel a little less like the hustle and bustle of city-life and a bit more relaxing as you enjoy nature all around. 

Reasons to Love Woodland Park 

There are so many things to love about Woodland Park, but my family’s absolute favorite thing about going here is the variety of playground equipment. For my 1-year-old, there were small slides, bucket swings, a rocking car, and even some climbing features that she could enjoy. 

There were tons of things for my older son to enjoy as well – big slides, a variety of monkey bars, traditional swings, balancing equipment, and a large climbing structure. There is truly something for ALL ages at Woodland Park! 

Kids playing at Woodland Park in Columbia, SC

Open Ended Green Spaces 

Along with the playground itself, my kids enjoyed playing hide-and-seek in the open green spaces. One part of the green space is filled with trees while the other is more open. Both of these areas would be perfect for sprawling out on a blanket and having a nice picnic! You could also toss a football, blow bubbles, catch a frisbee, or even fly a kite on a breezy day. 

Walking Loop 

Under the shade of the trees you will also find a walking trail that makes a large loop. My family and I took a quick stroll along the path and couldn’t help but notice all of the neat signs of nature. Several of the tree trunks were hollowed out which my son loved to carefully peak inside. We even saw and heard an owl flying around and “hoot-ing” up in the trees! 

The walking path at Woodland Park

Pickleball and Tennis Courts 

Have you given pickleball a try yet? With its new popularity, you might be searching for a nice place to play! At Woodland Park you will find 2 pickleball courts and 5 tennis courts. The courts are all open to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

Play tennis at Woodland Park in Columbia, SC

A Few More Reasons to Go to Woodland Park

I know we’ve already given you so many great reasons to give Woodland Park a try, but if you’re still not sold, here are a few more: 

  • Several benches 
  • Picnic tables 
  • Dog-friendly 
  • Shade
  • Free little library 
  • Large paved parking lot 
Swings at Woodland Park

More Things to do Near Woodland Park 

Woodland Park is centrally located to several popular Columbia spots! In just under 15-minutes you can be in Five Points where you can find restaurants, coffee shops, and shopping. Maybe even make your way to the University of South Carolina and stroll through the beautiful, well-known “horseshoe.” 

You could also continue your day of fun with a quick drive to EdVenture Children’s Museum. The West Columbia Riverwalk, SC State House, and The Vista are all close by, too. 

Woodland Park
6500 Olde Knight Parkway 

What is your family’s favorite thing about Woodland Park?

Parks and Playgrounds in Columbia, SC

Need more fun places to play?

These are the best parks and playgrounds in Columbia, SC!

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

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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.

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

Pizza Restaurants

Pizza in 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.

Find the 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

Coffee Shops

Coffee Shops in Columbia, SC

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

Family Meal Deals in Columbia

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

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.

920 Gervais Street, Columbia

Free Car Seat Safety Check: Columbia, SC

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Need to have your child’s car seat checked in Columbia, SC? It’s true what they say, “you can never be too safe”, especially when it comes to your children! And car seat safety is absolutely no exception!

I’ve been there, trying to make sense of the manuals, all the straps, struggling to get everything pulled tight…it’s stressful to say the least. If you’re expecting, or even if you’ve had a car seat installed in your car for years, we’ve got all the info you’ll need to have your seats double-checked by the experts and set your mind at ease.

Columbia, SC Car Seat Inspections

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

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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!

Free Valentines for School, print now


Homemade and Printable Valentine’s Day cards

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It’s Winter! 20+ Things to Do in Columbia, SC

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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!

This article includes:
Winter Sky- Planetarium Shows
Heated-Outdoor Dining
Snow tubing Columbia, SC: Find the snow day trips
Winter Things to Do Inside
Outdoor Things to Do in Winter: Columbia, SC
Free Things to Do in Winter
Winter Events in Columbia, SC

Winter Guide to Columbia, SC

Winter Planetarium Shows at SC State Museum

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

We have ideas for great family restaurants in Columbia, and we also have a huge kids eat free list, but what restaurants let us dine outdoors no matter the weather?

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

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.

Snow Tubing Near Columbia, SC

Go skiing, go snowboarding, go snow tubing. You can do it all just a couple of hours away in Western North Carolina. You’ll want to start here: 13+ Places to Ski, Snowboard, and Snow Tube: North Carolina & Beyond

If snow tubing is your aim, check out Black Bear Snow Tubing in Hendersonville, NC. We just visited and had a blast. It makes an amazing family day trip!

Sliding down in a tube at Black Bear Tubing
Black Bear Snow Tubing

Sledding: Where is there 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.

Things to Do Inside

Have you seen our Indoor Guide to Columbia? It has all the ideas for family fun indoors.

This winter we recommend:

Children's Area in Richland County Libraries

The Weather is Beautiful: Go Outdoors

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.

Riverbanks Zoo

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

Or, head to Lowe’s Home Improvement Store for their free kids’ kits. They have an equally wintery project in January!

Winter Events in Columbia, SC

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.

 

Winter Break from School

Our winter break bucket list will fill that school break with lots of family fun.

20+ Ideas: Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Columbia, SC (2023)

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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

This article includes:
Valentine’s Day Date-Night Ideas in Columbia, SC
FREE and Inexpensive Date Ideas for Valentine’s Day in Columbia
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with kids in Columbia: Family events & more

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11 Unique Date Night Ideas in Columbia, SC

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Are you looking for something new and exciting to do with your significant other for date night? We have found so many great ways to spend the day, or even just a few hours, with your loved one right here in Columbia, SC! Whether you’re interested in art, theater, ax throwing, outdoorsy activities, or cooking classes, just to name a few, we’ve got you covered for your next date! Let the planning begin!

Unique date night ideas in Columbia, SC

Date Nights Are Important!

We get it, between your kid’s school, extracurricular activities, family get togethers, and work, it’s so hard to plan a date night with just you and your spouse. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, and the hustle and bustle of the holidays behind us, now is a great time to make your significant other feel like a priority. It can be hard to come up with new and unique date ideas, but we are here to help! We hope you enjoy a little one-on-one time.

1. Take a Cooking Class 

Looking for something new to do for date night? One thing’s for sure, taking a cooking class together sounds super fun and unique!  Let’s Cook Culinary Studio offers so many great classes, one being a Friday night class specifically for couples. This class is offered twice a month and you will follow a recipe, and the guidance of a chef, to create your own delicious meal. You are even allowed to bring your own wine to complement your meal! 

These classes have limited availability and usually fill up quickly. If this is something you’re interested in, be sure to book your spot well in advance! 

2. Make Pottery Together 

There are two great places in Columbia that offer pottery making and painting: HalfMoon Pottery and Mad Platter. Both of these businesses offer classes, walk-ins, and take reservations. You will be able to choose your art piece, design, and decorate, then return to pick up your project after it has been glazed and dried. Talk about a statement, or conversation piece for your home! 

3. Go Ax Throwing 

Not long ago, ax throwing was all the rave, and for good reason! If you haven’t had the chance to go I HIGHLY recommend giving it a try. Craft Axe Throwing is the only business in Columbia that offers this fun activity, but there are two locations: downtown Columbia and Lexington.

Axe-throwing target

My husband and I went for the first time about a year ago and it was so much fun figuring it out together, getting competitive with the games and scorekeeping, and of course, snacking on some delicious food and drinks! They are known to be quite busy on the weekends so it would be a good idea to book a lane online in advance! 

4. Get Artsy at a Paint & Sip Studio 

Put your art skills to the test at a “Paint & Sip” studio! Here are the two canvas painting studios we recommend for a date night: 

  • Painting With a Twist 
  • Studio Cellar – currently in the process of changing locations, but offering pop-up events and travel party services until the move is complete. Stay tuned for updated address and opening information! 

Both of these studios offer classes where an instructor will walk you through each step of painting a pre-chosen picture or freestyle painting where you can choose your own artwork, be given a set of instructions, and work at your own pace. You can even bring your own wine, beer, non-alcoholic beverages, and snacks to munch on as you paint! 

5. Test Your Skills at an Escape Room

If you’re looking to have a group date night with some of your other couple friends, an escape room might be just the place for you! The main idea is that you get 60-minutes to solve a mystery using clues all around you. It really puts your mind to the test and works on your communication and team-work skills. Most of these escape rooms change out their mysteries frequently so you can always go back more than once.There are several fantastic escape rooms throughout Columbia, here are a few of our favorites: 

6. Enjoy Bowling 

There are several places to go bowling all throughout the Midlands, however The Grand on Main Street is like no other! At The Grand you will find a restaurant in the front of the building and bowling lanes in the back. Enjoy a delicious meal with your spouse then continue the night with a fun game of bowling! 

If you don’t want to have a full meal, you can order small plates and drinks while you bowl and they will be brought right to you. This is much smaller than a traditional bowling alley so the atmosphere is a lot more cozy and intimate.

Top Secret: Dessert Bar

Pssst! Not many people know about it, but there is also an underground cocktail and dessert bar called The Robinson Room found here. You and your spouse can continue your night by enjoying unique cocktails and desserts! 

7. See a Show at the Theaters 

Another great date night idea is to head to a local theater and enjoy a performance, musical, or movie. Columbia is home to many theaters that all have calendars FULL of monthly events: 

The Nickelodeon Theater has been in business for more than 40 years. It offers all the charm and coziness of an old-school movie theater with both matinee and evening showtimes. They usually show about 3 – 4 movies at a time which change as new movies are released. 

The Township Auditorium often hosts up-and-coming musical artists, bands, comedians, and more. Already on the list for this year are performers such as STYX, Kountry Wayne, and Jill Scott. 

Another great place to go to view performances is the Koger Center. You can often find ballets, musicals, orchestras, and more! On the 2023 schedule you can find Annie, Hairspray, and Romeo and Juliet, just to name a few. 

8. Go to a College Sporting Event 

Get out your University of South Carolina gear and cheer on the Gamecocks! While sporting events can double as a fun family activity, they can also be a fantastic date idea! No matter what time of year, there is always some kind of college sporting event happening in Columbia – baseball, basketball, soccer, and football, and more. You can check out the full sports schedule for USC

In the stadium at a Gamecocks Football game

Root for the home team at these Columbia, SC sports teams.

Root for more local home teams!
Baseball, football, basketball, and lots more!

9. Take a Tour of the Columbia Museum of Art 

Do you or your significant other love art? Touring the Columbia Museum of Art could be a fun date! They have rotating exhibits, guided tours, and monthly events that would be perfect for couples. 

10. Enjoy a Romantic Evening Outdoors 

Pack up a picnic basket, large blanket, pull out your tennis shoes, and take a romantic stroll with your loved one to see a beautiful Columbia sunset! There are SO MANY fantastic places to walk and enjoy fresh air, but some of our date night favorites include Saluda Shoals, Columbia Canal & Riverfront Park, West Columbia Riverwalk, and the SC State House grounds. 

Be sure to check out our review of the Riverwalks

Saluda Shoals Park along the river

11. Get Destructive at the SC Riot Room  

Overall the romantic, mushy gushy date night ideas? Here’s one that is quite the opposite! At the SC Riot Room you will be able to smash, crash, and demolish as many things as your heart desires! Rooms can hold up to 6 people and reservations need to be made in advance. One important thing to note is that closed-toed shoes are REQUIRED!

More!

Where do you like to go for date night?

15+ Hiking Trails for Your Family in Columbia, SC

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Are you thinking hiking in Columbia would great way to get outdoors with your family? It’s time to dust off the hiking boots, get out the bug spray, and maybe even find a hiking stick or two because we’ve got a fantastic list of the best hiking trails all around Columbia, SC! No matter what your fitness level is or how long of an adventure you’re willing to go on, we’ve got you covered! 

This article includes:
Paved Hiking Trails Near Columbia, SC
Natural Hiking Trails Near Columbia, SC
Parks With Hiking Trails Near Columbia, SC

Hiking in Columbia with kids
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