Have you ever heard of Glow Dragon in Elgin, SC? Glow Dragon is a one-stop shop for several family-friendly activities. They have indoor glow putt-putt, axe throwing, and even escape rooms! Whether you’re looking for something to do on a rainy day or even just something new to do with the kids, Glow Dragon is a great option for you!
We visited Glow Dragon with kids, and we’re bringing you this mom review so you’ll know what to expect when you go!
One Stop Shop for Fun: Glow Dragon
Located just outside of Columbia, in Elgin, SC, you will find Glow Dragon. Here you can have all kinds of fun and stay for as long as you’d like! It is a great place for children of all ages with a wide variety of fun activities. It’s important to note that they are only open on Saturdays and Sundays!
Unlimited Indoor Glow Putt-Putt
Yes, you read that right…UNLIMITED putt-putt at Glow Dragon! My family and I recently had the chance to check it out and my kids loved the glow-in-the-dark dragon theme. There were plenty of golf club sizes to choose from – from adult sizes all the way to small plastic ones for toddlers. The course is made up of 9 holes that get a bit more tricky along the way with fun, glowing obstacles, ramps, and more!
Also included in the mini golf price is access to the arcade! Here you will find tons of “old-school” arcade games like Pac-Man and NBA Jam as well as pool tables, foosball, and even basketball hoops.
Unlimited putt-putt prices are as follows:
$15/person; ages 2 and under free
SUNDAY FAMILY PASS: This pass is good for up to 8 people and will cost $65. Along with mini golf and the arcade, it will also include 1 scoop of ice cream for each family member!
They often run other deals that will be posted on their Facebook page, be sure to follow along
Glow Dragon Axe Throwing
Looking for a quaint and cozy place to give axe throwing a try? Glow Dragon would be perfect for you! They have just 3 lanes which gives you plenty of opportunity to learn the basics in a more quiet, laid back atmosphere. Each lane can hold up to 4 people, however children must be at least 10 years old to enjoy the fun.
It is HIGHLY recommended that you book your lane online in advance! The cost to book a lane is $20/person for 1 hour of throwing.
Escape Rooms at Glow Dragon
At Glow Dragon, you will also find two noteworthy escape rooms! The room themes do change from time to time so be on the lookout for one you might enjoy. The newest theme is “Operation Ransom” and is set to open very soon.
The escape rooms cost $25/person.
Plan Your Next Birthday Party a Glow Dragon: Elgin, Sc
Looking for a unique place to host your next birthday party? At Glow Dragon there are 2 party options to choose from:
Princess Victoria/Prince William Party Room
$300
Includes: 2-hour rental, up to 15 guests, private party room, unlimited mini golf, ice cream
Party Facility Rental
$450
Includes: 4-hour rental, up to 50 guests, unlimited mini golf, arcade rooms
Have you visited EdVenture Children’s Museum in Columbia, South Carolina? This museum is the perfect combination of hands-on play and educational fun for your family! Keep reading as we will share all the tips and info you’ll need to make your trip to Edventure: Columbia, SC perfect!
From babies to pre-teens, EdVenture Children’s Museum is sure to have something for all! Several exhibits make up the two floors of wonder and include activities ranging from science and engineering to pretend play and everything in between. Before we discuss the exhibits, let’s start with some helpful tips to get you prepared for your “edventure.” This children’s museum is closed on Tuesday’s, but is open every other day of the week.
Admissions and Fees to Columbia’s EdVenture
Tickets can be purchased at the museum or online before you go for $13.00/person (children under 2 are free). Yearly memberships can also be purchased with various price ranges and package deals. EdVenture has a strong belief that EVERY child should have the opportunity to engage in educational fun within the museum. Because of this, they have discounted admissions options for families who receive SNAP, WIC, or Medicaid for $3 entry per person.
Once tickets are purchased, you can leave and re-enter the museum throughout the same day for no extra fees.
Camps, Classes, and Regular Events at EdVenture
EdVenture offers several extra programs throughout the week and during different seasons including:
Spring Break & Summer Camp
ages 4-10
$198 weekly per child, $30 membership discount for Spring Break
$249 weekly per child, 15% discount for members for Summer Break
I was very impressed by all of the thoughtful features throughout the museum for even the littlest of littles! For starters, the museum is well-planned out making it easy to maneuver strollers to and from the exhibits. There is also an elevator located in the middle of the museum that is large enough for the whole family – strollers and all!
On the second floor, in “My Backyard” (the area for those under 3 years old), there is a cozy nursing room complete with a rocking chair, bookshelf, and dark, retractable curtains.
Eddie’s Cafe
On the first floor, to the right of the main entrance, you can enjoy a fresh lunch or quick snacks. The cafe has a decent-sized menu and serves things such as pizza, sub sandwiches, salads, and a variety of grilled items as well as beverages. No outside food is allowed within the museum.
EdVenture Children’s Museum Exhibits
More than nine different areas with endless amounts of learning and exploration can be found at EdVenture. We will walk you through each level of the museum and let you know what to expect as you wander around with your kids!
On the main level of EdVenture you’ll find the majority of the museum’s exhibits.
World of Work
What do you want to be when you grow up? A firefighter? How about a farmer? Or maybe even a chef? You can try it all throughout this exhibit! “World of Work” takes up the majority of the main level of EdVenture.
Your children can climb into a 24 foot life-size fire truck, flash the lights and even create their own fire escape plan. Across from the firetruck, you will find a dairy and produce farm. Here, your children can “milk” a cow, harvest vegetables, climb onto a tractor and collect fruits from the fruit trees to send to the grocery store.
Farm at EdVenture
Next, make a “grocery list” and send your littles out on an errand – the Neighborhood Market is always a popular place to be! With small shopping carts, 2 check-out lanes, and realistic foods and goods, your family is sure to have a fun time playing pretend.
Be sure to also check out the Little Spot Diner (situated right outside of the grocery store) and let your kids make you a delicious meal. My favorite thing about “World of Work” is watching my kid’s creativity and imagination come to life in these real-world settings sized just right for them!
Eddie at EdVenture in Columbia, SC
Eddie!
You can’t miss him, he’s the world’s largest child measuring in at over 40 feet tall with a heart weighing over 500 pounds! Eddie is his name and he will help teach your children all about body organs and their functions!
You can climb up a set of stairs that will take you into his stomach, intestines, heart, and brain. Eddie is the perfect combination of fun and education as his insides are set up like a jungle gym, but with realistic organs – You can hear his beating heart, the electricity inside of his brain as well as his stomach growling when you listen carefully.
As you make your way up, take a tunnel slide back down to his large shoes (which are each about the size of a car, might I add), and start your exploration again! I love that Eddie opens up a door for parents and caregivers to talk to and teach their children about the wonderful things our bodies can do at such an age-appropriate level.
The News Room
Has your child ever wanted to be on TV? If so, head on over to the “News Room.” Here, your child can pretend to be a news anchor or even a producer. With realistic equipment and large TV screens to look up at, this exhibit is sure to be a treat. Be mindful that to get here, you will have to go up a small flight of stairs!
Wags & Whiskers
Get ready to put your children’s pet care abilities to the test! In this area, they will be able to care for a variety of different animals with x-rays, grooming and veterinary tools, and basic pet care needs. Wags & Whiskers teaches your child how to care for the health of their pets through interactive play.
Biolab at EdVenture
Let your child explore their inner scientist in the Biolab, designed to teach kids about biomedical science in a fun way! With teaching laboratories, this exhibit and programming is geared toward kids ages 5 – 14 to spark a lifelong interest in the biomedical field.
Cooking Lab at EdVenture
Enjoy cooking and preparing real food in the Cooking Lab, all while learning about the body, how nutrition is important, and tie all the information together with what is taught in the Biolab.
Outdoor Fun at EdVenture
The outdoor area at EdVenture is made up primarily of water play which is great in the warmer months, but be mindful that your kids may get pretty wet so an extra shirt or full change of clothes isn’t a bad idea! There are also several tricycles and a small, model airplane in this area that kids can climb into and “fly.”
Seasonal Exhibit
The seasonal exhibit changes frequently to match whatever is going on during…well, each season! EdVenture often has holiday characters such as Santa and the Easter Bunny set up here. You will also find holiday-specific activities, education on different cultural and traditional beliefs, and goodies throughout the year!
Fly an Airplane on the Second Floor of EdVenture
The second level of the museum is home to all things science, engineering, and technology, but with a closed-off room dedicated to the tiniest explorers.
Flight
This part of the museum is full of flight simulators and educational, hands-on displays that teach children about gravity, the solar system, and how/why some things can take flight while others can’t.
My son’s favorite part of this exhibit is the Boeing 757 cockpit where you can sit in the pilot’s seat, explore the gears, and look out of the windshield at a view of the city.
In this area, you can also create and launch your own paper airplane, climb and play in a rocket ship, read interesting facts about aeronautics, and learn to fly in the Boeing 777 flight simulators.
Maker Works
In this area, your children will be able to create and build. In the “Open Make” center, there are several recycled materials where your kids can cut, glue, fold and color their own creations. There are also several different styles of blocks that can be found – magnetic, large Legos, KAPLA blocks, waffle blocks, etc. that will put your child’s problem-solving and engineering skills to the test!
This part of the museum is best suited for children 5-10 years old, however, with extra assistance, younger children might also be able to engage in some of the play (especially with the building blocks).
My Backyard
Strictly reserved for children 3 years old and younger, here you will find tons of toddler and baby-safe play! There is a treehouse-styled jungle gym, a boat where kiddos can dress up in rain boots and large yellow jackets, puzzles, soft play mats, a ball pit, and several ways to meet the sensory needs of your tots!
As mentioned before, there is also a nursing area and large, family-style restroom within.
Party Room at EdVenture
Looking for the perfect place to host a birthday party? You might want to check out the EdVenture party room! Parties are $300 for non-members and $260 for members. The birthday packages come with several incentives including all-day admission for 35 guests, discounts in the gift shop, downloadable party invitations, 90-minute private party, and more! You can visit the EdVenture Birthday page to check for dates and find out more.
Thinking about taking your family to the movies soon? Columbia, SC is home to several movie theaters that offer a range of experiences for moviegoers. Whether you’re looking for a large, modern theater, a drive-in movie experience, or even a smaller, independent cinema, there’s something for everyone! We’ve even got helpful tips for making your family movie outing a more budget-friendly one! So, let’s get started. Here are the 7 best movie theaters in Columbia, SC
Best Movie Theaters: Columbia, SC
Nickelodeon Theatre
This Nickelodeon Theatre is located in the heart of downtown Columbia and offers a unique movie experience for all. In business for more than 40 years, locals love to go here for the cozy, nostalgic vibes. The theater showcases a wide variety of movies including new releases, documentaries, shorts, and classics in an intimate space that seats just over 100 people. They offer both matinee and evening showtimes.
Be aware that “The Nick” offers membership deals starting at just $25. Depending on the membership package you decide on, this could include benefits such as complimentary and discounted tickets.
Address: 1607 Main Street, Columbia
Regal Cinemas Columbiana Grande 14
Located in the Columbiana Mall, Regal Cinemas theater offers comfortable seating and all the modern-day amenities. It also features an IMAX screen for a larger-than-life movie experience!
Address: 1250 Bower Parkway, Columbia
AMC Classic Harbison 14
The AMC Classic Harbison 14 theater offers amenities such as a MacGuffins Bar, which serves beer, wine, and cocktails. There is also a concession stand with a wide variety of snacks and drinks.
The theater is located near the Harbison shopping district, making it a convenient destination for shopping and entertainment.
Address: 122 Afton Court, Columbia
BTM Cinemas Dutch Square 14
Located in the Dutch Square Mall, the BTM Cinemas Dutch Square theater features all of the modern-day amenities: large concession stand, comfy seating, big screens, and more!
Address: 421 Bush River Road, Columbia
Regal Sandhill Stadium 16
Located in the Sandhill shopping district, this theater features IMAX, IMAX 3D, and Regal Premium Experience (RPX) screens. RPX offers a larger screen, custom sound, and luxury seating. The Regal Sandhill Stadium 16 theater also offers a range of concessions, including popcorn, candy, and soft drinks.
Address: 450 Town Center Place, Columbia
Regal Northlake Village
Regal Northlake Village has both regular and 3D movie options! They also feature very comfortable reclining seats, a full concession stand, and a clean environment. A great place to go see a new movie!
Address: 929 North Lake Drive, Lexington
Discounted Movies: Columbia, SC
Spotlight Cinemas
Let’s face it, taking your whole family out to the movies isn’t super budget-friendly. However, Spotlight Cinemas makes going to the movies with littles a bit more cost-efficient. This is a “second run” theater offering movies with a HUGE discounted price! As in they have tickets for just $3!
Even better news, there are two locations in Columbia – one in West Columbia and the other in Northeast Columbia!
Address: 527 St. Andrews Road, Columbia Address: 201 Columbia Mall Boulevard, Suite 211, Columbia
Summer Movie Discounts
Don’t forget that additional theaters in Columbia offer discounts on summer movies for families. Find all that info in our post on summer movie theater deals in Columbia. SC.
Outdoor Movie Theater Near Columbia, SC
The Big Mo
The Big Mo began in 1951 as a single-screen drive-in theater. It is now home to three movie screens and is a popular place to enjoy a fun evening with your family and friends!
They’ve got a full concession stand offering things such as hot dogs, pizza, sweet treats, drinks, and much more. Within about an hour’s drive from Columbia, this should definitely be added to your family’s bucket list!
The Big Mo will open on March 3 for its 2023 season!
As a child, I can remember going to the movie theater was such an exciting treat! It was so much fun deciding which movie to go to, picking out our favorite candy, and loading up on buttery popcorn. While going out to the theaters is much less popular these days, there is still something so thrilling about it that keeps us going back time and time again. Let’s be honest, however, sometimes taking your whole family out to the movies can feel like an overly expensive task. Here are some ways you can save money at the theaters:
And, if that’s not enough. Head over to our huge list of things to do in Columbia, SC. It has over 50 ideas about things to do and places to visit in the Columbia area. Fun in Columbia starts right there.
Wondering what it’d be like to go to a University of South Carolina basketball game? Thinking about bringing the kids along? Whether you’re a die-hard Gamecock fan or planning your first trip to Colonial Life, we hope to answer all of your questions. We’ve got all the helpful hints you’ll need for bringing kids, information on parking, ticket purchases, tips for entering Colonial Life Arena, and more from a mom who recently went to a game with her family.
Fans Love Colonial Life Arena
Colonial Life Arena is home to both the women’s and men’s Gamecock basketball teams. It holds a whopping 18,000 fans, making it the 10th largest on-campus basketball arena in the nation! Before entering the arena itself, you will be greeted with a beautiful fountain and statue of A’ja Wilson, a Gamecock women’s basketball legend.
Upon entering through the main doors, you will see a beautiful mural of a Gamecock on the floor. As you continue your walk around the arena, you will see vintage jerseys and other memorabilia from some of the most well-known Gamecock basketball players and teams.
Why a Basketball Game?
College basketball games are a great event for couples, families, or even groups of friends to enjoy! Not only is it thrilling to cheer on your team to victory alongside thousands of other fans, but the Gamecocks also have some note-worthy players that you won’t want to miss seeing on the court.
You will also have the chance to hear the Carolina Band, also known as the “Mighty Sound of the Southeast” play. During the halftime show and timeout segments, the USC cheerleaders and dance team come out to perform and keep the crowd involved as well.
Gamecock Basketball Teams
The Lady Gamecocks: USC Women’s Basketball Team
The Gamecock women’s basketball team has been in the spotlight for several years now, and rightfully so! They are coached by Dawn Staley and have won the NCAA National Championship in 2017 and 2022. They have also won the SEC Championship 5 times! There are usually around 10,000 fans who show up to cheer on “The Lady G’s”, making it an atmosphere that you just can’t find in any other college basketball arena!
Gamecock Men’s Basketball
The men’s team is coached by Lamont Paris and this is his first year as the Gamecocks head coach. Throughout the last 3 seasons, the men’s team has sold out Colonial Life Arena 5 times! My family and I recently went to a men’s game and had a fantastic time cheering on all of the players and watching the new coach in action!
Purchasing USC Basketball Tickets
If you’re looking to go to a specific game, your best option is to purchase those tickets well in advance. This way you will not have to worry about them selling out AND you might be able to find the tickets for a bit cheaper. Both teams are known to have large crowds in attendance, but this is ESPECIALLY true for the women’s team, particularly when they play against other SEC teams.
There are several ways you can go about purchasing basketball tickets. You can do so by going to the Gamecock Ticket Office, found at 1304 Heyward Street, online at Ticketmaster, or you can purchase tickets directly from Colonial Life Arena.
The box office at the arena is open every Tuesday from 9 am to 5 pm for ticket purchases as well as on game days.
Pricing depends greatly on rankings, who the opposing team will be, and when you purchase.
Helpful Hints Before You Head to the Game
What Can You Bring? Colonial Life Arena
Outside food and drinks are not permitted within the arena. However, there are several concession stands located throughout Colonial Life with delicious options such as: pretzels (my son’s personal favorite), candy, hamburgers, nachos, drinks, and much more!
Some other things that aren’t allowed inside Colonial Life include:
Strollers
Noisemakers
Selfie sticks
Water bottles
Binoculars
Colonial Life Arena is Clear Bag Only!
Be aware that there is a clear bag policy at Colonial Life Arena. This means no diaper bags, backpacks, fanny packs, etc. Medically necessary items are the only exception to the rule. However, they will most likely have to be inspected and tagged before entry.
Tips for Bringing Your Kids Along
The doors to the arena will open 1 hour before the game. That being said, I recommend getting there about 30 to 45 minutes before game time. This will give you and your littles plenty of time to go through security, find your seats, use the restroom, and get situated before the excitement begins.
Speaking of excitement, you won’t want to miss all of the pre-game events! This part of the game always gets my kids into it, draws their attention to the court, and gives them something stimulating to look at. During the pre-game you can expect the band to play some Carolina favorites, flashing lights, small fireworks as starting players are announced, cheerleaders, and the oh, so popular “Sandstorm” to really get the crowd going!
My kids love to look around and find the mascot, “Cocky” as he dances around the court. Pro tip: If, or better yet, when, your kids start to get wiggly, play who can find Cocky the fastest – works every time!
Some other ways to keep your kids involved during the game:
Go for a walk around the arena at halftime
Let them choose a snack from the concession stands
Keep their attention by explaining what is happening on the court
Encourage them to keep track of the score
Teach them some of the chants
Where to Park for Gamecock Basketball Games
Where can I park at the Colonial Life Arena?
There are several different parking options for Colonial Life Arena. There are parking garages, meter spaces, and public parking lots that can be found within a block or two of the arena. My family often parks at the Discovery Plaza Garage. We like this option because we can just cross over 1 street and be at Colonial Life. There is a small fee for parking in most places around the arena, usually between $10 and $20.
Are you wondering about the bowling, dining, and desserts at The Grand on Main in Columbia, SC? If you have any bowling enthusiasts in your family and you’re looking for a new place to score some strikes, or you’re looking for that unique boutique dining spot for a date night or to meet friends, you’ve come to the right place. The Grand on Main houses a large, full-service restaurant, quaint bowling alley, and a top-secret dessert lounge, The Robinson Room, – don’t worry we’ll share ALL the details!
Bring your kids, or bring your date, either way, The Grand on Main in Columbia, SC is the boutique-style bowling alley, restaurant, and dessert bar that you’ve got to try!
Are you looking for a skating rink in or near Columbia, SC? Not only is skating a great way to stay indoors this winter, but also a thrilling activity that the whole family can enjoy! We’ve found both ice skating and roller skating options all throughout Columbia.
Most of these places include more than just skating with options for mini golf, trampoline add-ons, inflatables, lessons, and more!
Ice Skating in Columbia, SC
Flight Adventure Park – Irmo
Address: 1019 Broad Stone Road, Irmo Cost: Ice Skating prices – $10/ person and $4 skate rental Details: Flight Adventure Park – Irmo, is home to the only public ice skating around Columbia! They offer open, freestyle skating as well as ice hockey and skating lessons. Along with ice skating, your family can also enjoy a trampoline park, inflatables, an arcade, and more!
*Please be aware that the ice rink is currently closed to the public due to maintenance. Be sure to check online for updates as they hope to reopen soon!
Address: 800 Bookman Road, Elgin Cost: Price based on age – from $6 to $15 Details: In business for more than 30 years, Skateland Fun Center is the perfect indoor roller rink for you and your family! They have a huge monthly calendar with fun, daily activities, and events such as adult skate nights, teen night skating and pizza nights, after-school care, summer camps, birthday party packages, and more!
Address: 2724 Emanuel Church Road, West Columbia Cost: From $6 to $10 Details: At Three Fountains Recreation you can play mini golf AND roller skate! Be sure to ask about the “Frequent Skater Miles” card. After 10 stamps, you will get a free admission pass during your next visit. They also have birthday party options, homeschool skating, and more!
Address: 129 Oak Drive, Lexington Cost: $6 admission, $3 skate rental; under 5 is free Details: Keep it rollin’ at Sports & Skate Station USA! Here you will find tons of family fun, an after-school program for $75/week, roller derby, group packages, and great concessions. They also run weekly deals such as:
Address: 741 Fashion Drive, Columbia Cost: $5/person Details: There are SO MANY opportunities for family fun at Flight Adventure Park – Sandhill! Along with an indoor skating rink, they’ve also got a trampoline park, arcade, laser tag, and inflatables!
While Columbia doesn’t have many options for ice skating, there are a few ice skating rinks within a few hours of here. If you find yourself near any of these cities listed, or maybe if you’re just really wanting to give ice skating a try, these could all make for a super fun day trip with your fam!
Carolina Ice Palace
Address: 7665 Northwoods Boulevard, North Charleston Cost: Weekends & Holidays – $12/person, $5 skate rental; Weekdays – $10/person, $4 skate rental Details: The Carolina Ice Palace is a HUGE facility featuring 2 full-sized ice rinks, concession stands, a lounge, pro shop, and more! Along with public skating, they also offer figure skating classes, hockey, curling, and birthday party packages.
Only about 2 hours from Columbia, Charleston is a great option for a day trip! Head to the Carolina Ice Palace for some great family fun then continue your adventure by strolling through downtown, sightseeing, or even planning a trip to the aquarium!
Address: 400 Scottswood Road, Taylors Cost: Ice skating rates – $7 ages 12 and under; $9 ages 13 and older; $4 skate/walker rentals Details: Head to The Pavilion for ice skating, tennis, sports fields, bounce houses, and more! There are several opportunities for public skating, but be sure to double-check their monthly schedule for open-skating dates and times.
If you find yourself in Greenville, The Pavillion might be the perfect place for you and your family to go! While there, be sure to check-out our Kidding Around Greenville page for more ideas on kid-friendly fun!
Are you considering a visit to Surge Trampoline Park in Columbia, SC? At Surge Trampoline Park in northeast Columbia, you will find numerous trampolines, ninja courses with 3 different course setups, a high ropes course, two toddler play spaces, foam pits, an arcade and so much more! There truly is something for everyone at Surge.
We have all the details to help you plan your family’s visit, including promotions and discounted sessions.
Having one of “those” days? You know, the ones where the kids seem to have unlimited energy and you just need to get everyone out of the house? Load up your tribe and head over to Surge Trampoline Park where they can jump, climb and play the crazies away!
Have you been to your local Richland County Library recently? Are you looking for events and learning opportunities that your whole family can enjoy? Of course, the libraries have books, but what a lot of people don’t know is that the Richland County Libraries host tons of family-friendly, wholesome events all throughout the week. There are groups for teenagers, crafting events for adults, storytimes for toddlers, learning workshops, and much, much more!
Have you been thinking about a family trip to the Columbia Marionette Theater? Are you looking for something “new” to do with your kids? No matter what time of year it is or how old your children are, you will love it at the Marionette Theater! It is such a unique and wholesome opportunity for fun with puppets, bright colors, lights, music and smiles to be had by all. We’ve got all you need to know to make your trip to the next puppet show a terrific one!
Make it to the Marionette
The Columbia Marionette Theater is somewhere that I have wanted to go for a long time. When my family and I finally got the opportunity to go to a show, it did not disappoint and I left asking myself why we hadn’t gone sooner!
The building itself is so charming – painted to look like a castle and oh so welcoming. Neither of my kids, but especially my toddler, could get enough of the magic, and the whole way home he was asking when we could go again!
Marionette Theater in Columbia
It’s Showtime at Columbia’s Marionette Theater!
The Marionette Theater is a non-profit organization that specializes in puppetry. They host puppet shows every Saturday at 11 am and 3 pm and every third Monday of the month at 10 am. The Saturday shows last about 1 hour – the PERFECT length of time before littles start to get too wiggly!
The Monday shows are a bit more hands-on than the Saturday shows. At “Marionette Monday”, your kiddos not only get to see the production, but also learn more about the puppets and behind-the-scenes work, try out a puppet, see various puppet demonstrations, and more!
Tickets for the shows cannot be purchased in advance. Have no fear, though, there are 200 seats within the theater, and shows rarely sell out.
Tickets to Marionette Theater are $7 per person and children under 2 years old are free. Senior citizens and active duty military can purchase tickets for $6.
Seating Within the Theater
All seating at the theater is general admission. Because of this, we suggest arriving a few minutes early to secure a great spot! To be sure that kids have the best possible view of the show, the first 3 rows are reserved just for them. Our family sat in the 5th row and we had a great view the whole time. Even our 3-year-old decided to stay with us and never complained about not being able to see.
Take Home a Puppet of Your Own
The gift shop at the Marionette Theater is so charming and cute! With beautiful murals on the walls, puppets everywhere you look and the kindest staff, it will be hard to go home without a little souvenir. They have everything from large puppets to $1 finger puppets and everything in between.
Marionette Theater gift shop
Plan Your Next Birthday Party at the Marionette Theater
Around the perimeter of the stage and main seating, there are 4 rooms decorated in different themes: dinosaur, underwater, Wizard of Oz, and Medieval Castle. These are their birthday party rooms and can be rented for $75 plus $6 per child. Birthday parties are 2 hours long and come with a special prize for the birthday boy or girl, priority seating for attendees, and more.
Are you on the hunt for a fun, budget-friendly summer activity in Columbia? Do you have any movie lovers in your family? Both Regal Movies and the Town of Blythewood are hosting summer movie events that your whole family will love! Below we’ve got the details on where you can see movies for $2 or less this summer.
Let’s Go to the Movies!
It’s no secret that taking your family to the movies can be quite expensive – the tickets, popcorn, drinks, and candy all add up QUICK! Maybe you’ve even got a toddler or two that you’re just not sure are ready to make it through a whole movie in a crowded, evening theater, but taking them during the day or even to an outdoor venue might seem a little more manageable! This summer we found great options to not only make going to the movies cheap but also fun and memorable for your whole tribe.
