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Archive for the ‘Guides’ Category

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.

Trade-In Old Car Seats for Coupons: 2024 Target Car Seat Trade-In

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Do you have an old car seat to trade in? If you’ve got an old car seat around collecting dust, you can participate in the Target car seat trade-in or Wal-Mart car seat trade-in. All you have to do is trade it in, and the respective store will give you coupons or gift cards. Read on to learn how these programs work. The next Target car-seat trade-in event is coming up April 2024.

Car seat trade in program Target
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Beautiful U-Pick Flower Farms Near Columbia, SC

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Looking for a place to pick your own flowers in Columbia, SC this spring and summer? It’s that time of year, and there are several farms that offer beautiful blooms for you to pick and create beautiful bouquets. Check out the u-pick flower farms near Columbia, SC below and bring a little bit of that spring beauty indoors!

U pick flower farms in Columbia, SC

Bush-N-Vine Farm

1650 Filbert Highway, York SC

Here’s a great place to pick your own flowers. They offer a variety of blooms including zinnias, dahlias, black-eyed susans, sunflowers, and more. Check out the Bush-N-Vine Farm website here for more information about particular seasons for blooms and hours of operation.

Bush N Vine

Find out more about Bush N’ Vine in our Tour of York County Things to Do.

Indigo Iris Farm

524 Ridge Road, Clover, SC

Check out Indigo Iris Farm! Not only do they offer u-pick flower times, but they also have a farm stand as well as other special events throughout the year. Their flower picking is usually done by appointment. Check out the Indigo Iris Farm website here for the latest information and what to bring/not bring to your flower-picking adventure. It is highly recommended that you follow the Indigo Iris Farm Facebook page too.

Five Blossoms Farm

1121 Crossland Road, Clover, SC

Five Blossoms Farm is a small, family-run farm that opens their farm to the public by appointment only. Their farm is not only a place to cut flowers, but it is a beekeeping farm too! They offer various events all throughout the year, but the tend to sell out quickly. So check out Five Blossoms Farm here to view their events and all the latest information. You also can follow Five Blossoms on Facebook.

New Moon Flower Farm

7131 Park Place Road, York, SC

New Moon Flower Farm provides EVERYTHING you need to cut and make your own beautiful arrangement! They have blooms such as Lenten roses, sunflowers, and so much more. They also offer goat yoga! Check out the New Moon Flower Farm website and New Moon Facebook page for the latest updated information.

Lever Farms

5057 SC-34, Pomaria, SC

Visit this small, family-owned farm to cut some fresh flowers and pick some strawberries too. Lever Farms also has cattle, pork, bees, and more. Check out the Lever Farms website. They are just a short 45-minute drive from Columbia!

Cotton Hills Farm

2575 Lowrys Highway, Chester, SC

Cotton Hills Farm offers a variety of u-pick options, including strawberries, peaches, collards, more from the garden, and of course, yes, flowers!!! Check out their special events on the Cotton Hills Farm website and make a day of it.

Red, White, & Bloom

820 Old Cordesville Road, Moncks Corner, SC

U-pick flower cutting at Red, White, & Bloom is by appointment only. Check out the Red, White & Bloom website for available days and times. Also, follow Red, White, & Bloom on social media for the latest news and updates about their farm!

Want More Flowers?

Check the u-pick flower farms in nearby Greenville, SC, and Charlotte, NC.

One of our favorites on our Kidding Around Greenville list of Flower Farms is Thompson Family Farms in Landrum. They are definitely worth a day trip . Check out more fun things to do in our Landrum, SC Guide, too!

Watch: Picking Tulips

See for yourself! Watch this video of our visit to pick tulips!

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, Columbia

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!

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

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!

Columbia, SC Car Seat Inspections

Car Seats in South Carolina: Things to Know

Need help finding the right car seat? Or just need some guidance on getting started? The US Department of Transportation has a great resource to help you choose the right car seat and learn how to install it. (We still recommend having your car seat installation checked.)

If you want to freshen up on South Carolina’s car seat laws, be sure to read South Carolina Department of Public Safety’s guide to Child Passenger Safety. Or check out this helpful video from DHEC.

And, of course, when your child has outgrown their car seat, or when the car seat has expired, you can trade it in at Target. Target will recycle old, expired, or damaged car seats and give you 20% off another car seat, a stroller, or select baby gear. Read more about Target’s Car Seat Trade-In Program.

Statistics shockingly estimate around 80% of car seats are NOT correctly installed. Now is the perfect time to make sure yours isn’t one of them.

Where to Get a Car Seat Installation Check in Columbia, SC

Items needed when getting your car seat installation checked:

  • the owner’s manual for your car (if available)
  • the owner’s manual for the car seat (if available)
  • your vehicle
  • your child

We’ve listed the inspection stations near Columbia by county below.

Where to Get Your Car Seat Installation Checked in Richland County

City of Columbia Police Department
1 Justice Square, Columbia
803.545.3975
By appointment only

Irmo Police Department
1230 Columbia Avenue, Irmo
803.781.8088
By appointment only

Lexington Medical Center (Department of Public Safety)
115 West Hospital Drive, West Columbia
803.791.2373
By appointment only

South Carolina State Fire Office
141 Monticello Trail, Columbia
803.896.9800
By appointment only

SC DHEC
2100 Bull Street, Columbia
803.898.2767
By appointment only

The Therapy Place
3620 Covenant Road, Columbia
803.787.3033
By appointment only

Forest Acres Police Department
5205 North Trenholm Road, Forest Acres
803.782.9444
By appointment only

Richland County Sheriff’s Department
5623 Two Notch Road, Columbia
803.576.3000
*Multilingual

Irmo Fire District
6017 St. Andrews Road, Columbia
803.798.4979
By appointment only

Prisma Health Children’s Hospital-Midlands
7 Medical Park Drive, Columbia
803.434.2633
By appointment only

Where to Get Your Car Seat Installation Checked in Lexington County

Lexington Police Department
111 Maiden Lain, Lexington
803.359.6260
By appointment only

Lexington County Health Services District (Department of Public Safety)
115 West Hospital Drive, West Columbia
803.791.2732
By appointment only

Irmo Fire District Northlake
117 Lincreek Road, Columbia
803.781.7178
By appointment only

Cayce Public Safety
2 Lavern Jumper Road, Cayce
803.794.0456
By appointment only

West Columbia Police Department
200 North 12th Street, West Columbia
803.794.0721 ext. 825
By appointment only

Lexington County Sheriff Department
521 Gibson Road, Lexington
803.785.5646
By appointment only

Swansea Police Department
320 West 3rd Street, Swansea
803.568.3366
By appointment only

Batesburg/Leesville Police Department
660 West Columbia Avenue, Batesburg/Leesville
803.532.4408

The SC DHEC website has a list of available car seat inspection stations near Columbia, SC

Parenting in Columbia, SC

See all of Kidding Around’s Parenting Content in one place!

Parenting Guide

Parenting in the Midlands: KA Content for Parents

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Are you a parent in the Midlands of SC? You have a full-time job on your hands. Some days you thrive, while others you simply survive. Many times it takes a little creativity on our part to have a successful day. At Kidding Around, we occasionally have experts in the field who can answer many of your questions. We’re covering topics on sleep, internet safety, meal prep, and lots more! You’ll find all our parenting content right here on this hub. Hopefully, you can find some tips to help you have more thriving days than just surviving ones.

Parenting in Columbia, SC

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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The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Greenville, SC: Travel With KAG!

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Planning a visit to Greenville, SC? Travel to the area is booming, and we’re so glad you’re here! We love our little city (and so does The New York Times, Forbes, and Southern Living!) because there’s so much for everyone to see, do, and eat.

Art connoisseurs, outdoor enthusiasts, foodies, and history buffs will all find something to enjoy while visiting Greenville. And, of course, families have an incredible amount of opportunities to make memories here. So, since you’re planning to visit, we wanted to make your planning a little easier by giving you a list of our top recommendations for places to eat, places to stay, and things to do in Greenville… as well as a guide to parking in downtown Greenville.

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