Are you thinking of getting UofSC football tickets this fall? Whether you’re a Columbia native and have cheered on the Gamecocks for years or even if you’ve just recently moved here and are not sure about the college football atmosphere, we will walk you through all you’ll need to know about going to a USC Gamecocks game. From bringing along your kiddos, tailgating, Gamecock Walk, prepping for the game and what to expect while you’re inside the stadium, we hope to leave none of your questions or uncertainties unanswered!
Have you visited South Carolina’s ACE Basin in the Lowcountry? Ever wondered what the ACE Basin is? Or maybe you just want to know more about this ecologically unique area that checks all the boxes for a fantastic weekend? Keep reading to find out what the ACE Basin is and how best to see it!
Edisto Spanish Mount Shell Midden
What is South Carolina’s ACE Basin?
Three rivers – the Ashepoo, the Combahee and the Edisto (ACE) – come together at St. Helena Sound in South Carolina’s Lowcountry to form a rich estuary. This 350,000-acre ACE Basin watershed contains one of the largest areas of undeveloped wetlands/uplands ecosystems remaining on the Atlantic Coast and features a remarkable interlocking web of ecosystems including forested uplands, wetlands, tidal marshes, barrier islands, and peatlands.
According to The Nature Conservancy, it supports 33 types of natural plant communities and provides critical habitat for waterfowl, migratory birds and endangered species. In 2014, National Geographic featured the ACE Basin as its cover story, and The Nature Conservancy has declared the area “one of the last great places.”
From the early 1700s to the mid-1800s, much of the ACE Basin was home to large plantations that primarily grew rice. In the late 1800s, many of these plantations were purchased by wealthy sportsmen as hunting retreats, who managed the former rice fields and adjacent upland estates for a wide range of wildlife – ensuring that the region remained relatively undeveloped.
Sounds cool! But how can we see it?: How to Visit ACE Basin
The principal road through the ACE Basin is U.S. Highway 17, the ACE Basin Parkway, which skirts the north end of the protected areas connecting Charleston to Yemassee. Small communities within ACE Basin include Bennetts Point, Green Pond, Jacksonboro, Wiggins and Willtown Bluff.
There are numerous access points to the public lands of the ACE Basin including 23 boat landings, allowing visitors opportunities to experience it by land and by water!
Edisto Learning Center & Edisto Beach State Park
A good place to start is at Edisto Beach State Park. The park’s environmental education center is a “green” building with exhibits that highlight the natural history of Edisto Island and the surrounding ACE Basin. One of four oceanfront state parks in South Carolina, it features trails for hiking and biking in addition to the 1.5 miles of beach renowned for its shelling.
Edisto Beach State Park is also an excellent home base for additional ACE Basin explorations; if camping or staying at a cabin there, you are within an easy drive of the Edisto River side of the region including ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge and Botany Bay!
Dawhoo Bridge view
ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge
Driving north from Edisto Beach there is a boat ramp at the Dawhoo Bridge that offers westerly views (great for sunset viewing!) over the salt marsh and towards Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge. At just under 12,000 acres, the Refuge is key in protecting the Edisto portion of the estuary.
In addition, the Refuge office is a former rice plantation house that was built in 1828, one of only a few antebellum mansions that survived the civil war in the area; today it is protected on the National Register of Historic Places.
You can visit both Grove Plantation House and the kitchen house. The Visitor’s area inside the Plantation House has tons of information for you.
There are a variety of recreational activities such as hunting (in season), picnicking, hiking, fresh and saltwater fishing, canoeing, wildlife watching, photography, and environmental education. Special events and programs are held throughout the year for visitors to learn more about the ACE Basin and National Wildlife Refuges; see the Fish & Wildlife Service website.
Botany Bay
The 3,363 acre Botany Bay Plantation Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is located in the northeast corner of Edisto Island, and is important to numerous wildlife species including the federally-threatened loggerhead sea turtle and the state-threatened least tern.
Cultural sites including the Fig Island Shell Rings, outbuildings from Bleak Hall Plantation and elements of the Alexander Bache U.S. Coast Survey Line – all listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The causeway to the beach is wheelchair accessible, and the designated driving tour provides excellent viewing opportunities for the mobility impaired; for more information, please visit the SC DNR website.
Edisto River & State Parks
A great way to see the Edisto River is from kayak or canoe. For more on the Edisto River Canoe and Kayak Trail, Edisto River Adventures tubing, and the two SC State Parks that provide access to the Edisto (Givhans Ferry and Colleton).
The blackwater river is the longest of its kind in North America and is a favorite for cooling down on hot summer days.
A portion of the headwaters of the Edisto River and ACE Basin is Four Holes Swamp, which visitors can experience through Audubon’s Beidler Forest. T
his 18,000-acre bird and wildlife sanctuary in the South Carolina Lowcountry is the world’s largest virgin cypress-tupelo swamp forest, home to thousand-year-old trees and a wide range of wildlife.
It is a great place to visit for families, as the entire 1.75-mile trail is a boardwalk: easy to follow, and provides safe viewing of wildlife without getting muddy or wet.
Ravenel Caw Caw Interpretive Center
This nature center has over six miles of walking trails that wind through its diverse habitats, with interpretive exhibits, displays, and an assortment of programs. Boardwalks take visitors through the wetlands and rice fields dating to the eighteenth century.
Caw Caw is a birding hotspot for coastal SC, but is also important historically: it’s one of the important sites of the Stono Rebellion, a Member of the National Park Service’s National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program, and features thousands of naturalized tea plants from a 20th-century tea farm.
On your visit, you can expect to see American alligators, swallow-tailed kites, and bald eagles! Admission is $2/person, for more information see the Charleston County Parks website.
Bear Island Game Management Area
It was a hot day in July when we found ourselves turning off Highway 17 towards Bennetts Point a few weeks ago. Much like many of the destinations on this side of Charleston – Edisto Beach, Hunting Island, Hilton Head – there is a significant drive from the main highway to reach the ocean.
Over the next 15 miles we wound our way along live oak-shaded lanes, the giants draped in Spanish moss functioning almost as curtains to the lands beyond. After crossing the Ashepoo River we entered Bear Island Game Management Area home to countless waterfowl and protected species such as wood storks and bald eagles.
The miles of dikes on Bear Island provide plenty of wildlife viewing, hiking, biking and hunting opportunities.
ACE Basin National Estuarine Research Reserve
Soon after passing Bear Island we arrived at the Michael D. McKenzie Field Station. Headquarters for the ACE Basin National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR), the field station serves as a community hub for coastal science, education and collaboration.
The NERR encompasses nearly 100,000 acres of ACE Basin, and is managed in a joint effort by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SC DNR) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA).
Adjacent Mosquito Creek was living up to its name, but luckily we were able to escape the insects by boarding a boat and heading out on the Ashepoo River as part of the South Carolina 7 expedition.
Viewing the ACE Basin from the water is an excellent way to not only get away from the bugs but also to get a feel for the enormity of coastline and estuary protected by the NERR and other entities.
There are numerous science, education and training programs operated by the SC DNR out of the field station including ones off and on the water; the facility contains offices, wet/dry labs, a conference room and an outdoor classroom, while science-related school groups and naturalists visit the field station for a variety of educational outdoor activities.
For more on the programs and workshops offered, please visit the ACE Basin NERR website.
Our boat tour with the SC7 team included an orientation to the ACE Basin watershed, and contained a look at the oyster reefs, plenty of wildlife viewing, and discussions of salt marsh and estuarine diversity.
For those wishing to tour the ACE Basin by boat, but looking for an option other than the NERR, a number of outfitters in Charleston, Beaufort and Colleton counties offer guided kayaking trips on the three rivers, as well as tours for those who prefer to enjoy the scenery from the comfort of a motorboat.
Islands only accessible by boat!
If traveling by water in the area, you more than likely will pass through or near the St. Helena Sound Heritage Preserve, a collection of coastal and barrier islands only accessible by boat. Otter Island is part of this Heritage Preserve, and receives special protection because of its significance for rare plants, threatened and endangered species, and as a historic site.
With developed islands to the north (Edisto) and to the south (Harbor, Fripp and Hunting), Otter Island is the only spot where wildlife species can rest, feed and reproduce without development pressures for a long stretch of coastline. Another barrier island only accessible by boat but providing ample wildlife viewing is South Fenwick Island.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area
Heading back out from Bennetts Point you’ll pass the 8,000-acre Donnelley Wildlife Management Area just as you reach ACE Basin Parkway (Highway 17). The nature trails here offer birdwatching, hiking, biking, riding and hunting opportunities; check the website for seasonal closure information, as the WMA is closed during certain hunt periods.
When should we visit ACE Basin?
As anyone who has spent time in the Lowcountry knows, each season down near the coast comes with advantages and hindrances. Summer days can be hot and buggy, especially in the marsh, however a hot August day might just be perfect for tubing the Edisto or enjoying the ocean surf.
Spring and fall offer excellent birdwatching, cooler temperatures and fewer bugs, but some areas might see closures for hunt seasons. And while winter might mean you have the trail/boardwalk to yourself, it also brings cold & unpredictable weather…
As with any trip, planning ahead can really pay off in terms of knowing what to expect and what adjustments might have to be made. Our year-round basics include protection against the weather & insects, water and snacks, and comfortable clothes & footwear.
But snakes, alligators, and spiders?!
Before we took our boys tubing on the Edisto, I asked how often they see alligators on that stretch of the river – the answer was never. However, if you are kayaking the Four Holes Swamp, chances are you might see one or two. In any case, the key is to follow the basic guidelines as you would with all animals – keep your distance and don’t feed or harass the wildlife.
For our family, the fear of encountering the animals that get all the bad press has slowly turned to hopes of catching a glimpse of one of them: a gator from a causeway as we head out to one of the barrier islands, a snake from the safety of the boardwalk at Francis Beidler Forest, or a shark feeding out beyond the break as we sit safely on the shore of Edisto Beach.
Know what to do in case you come across a venomous snake, and know how to tell the difference between the ones that can hurt you and the harmless ones that help keep the rodent population in check.
And finally, stay on the trail, be mindful of where you are stepping, and exercise caution when out in the wilderness; animals are a part of the outdoor experience, and will add so much to your ACE Basin adventure!
Something for everyone!
More than 130,000 acres of land have been protected through public/private partnerships in the heart of the ACE Basin, qualifying it as one of the most acclaimed freshwater natural areas found on the East Coast.
It is open to hiking, biking, boating, driving, riding, diving, viewing, and tasting (we enjoy stopping at local stands for fresh produce and seafood – but that’s a whole other post!)… Each time we visit, we discover another thing we love about the area, and I hope this article has inspired you to visit the ACE Basin and find something of your own to love.
Are you curious about Aqua Parks?Need something different but also super fun to cool off during the summer and get out all your kids’ energy? Here are six floating obstacle courses in South Carolina and Georgia to do just that!
Floating obstacle courses are one of my new favorite summer activities. Here’s why:
I get to make my Wipeout and ninja warrior dreams come true
I get in an awesome workout
My kids are obsessed with and so happy to enjoy these aqua parks
My kids are completely wiped out afterward because it’s super exhausting
They are excellent for both kids and adults!
If you haven’t tried one of these, I’ve compiled a list for you so you can try them all too! I’ve noted the differences between the places to help you out in choosing your adventure. I’ve been to all of the places listed below so these are firsthand reviews and comments. Most are open all summer through September, depending on the weather.
Splash Island at Big Water Marina
Who says you need a lazy river and wave pool to have a water park, just head to one of these aqua parks on a lake! So, if you have been wondering “Where are the water obstacle courses near me?”, don’t worry. We have all the information you need!
Water Obstacle Courses Near Me: Upstate, South Carolina
Splash Island at Big Water Marina
This huge floating obstacle course opened in the summer of 2022 on Lake Hartwell. It is like a theme park on the water! The Splash Island floating water park is situated at Big Water Marina and Campground, which has a sandy beach, hammocks, chairs, shaded spots, tiny cabins, TV pads, and a delicious restaurant, J.R. Cash’s on-site (it has a pirate ship playground!).
Cost: $15/hour; $25/two hours; kids must be 42″ tall (under 46″ are allowed with an adult) Hours: Thursday-Sunday from 10 am – 6 pm and the two-hour sessions are 10 am – Noon, 1-3 pm, and 4-6 pm. Distance from Greenville: One hour Highlights: Sandy beach, restaurant, hydrobike/SUP/kayak rentals, tiny cabins for rent, restaurant with a playground Address: 320 Big Water Road, Starr, SC Kidding Around Review of Big Water
Splash Island at Big Water Marina
Aqua Zone at The Shores at Asbury
The Shores at Asbury has their giant Aqua Zone floating obstacle course on Lake Hartwell also. It’s situated on a huge sandy beach, with sand imported from Florida, kayak and SUP rentals, and a restaurant on site. They also have a kids obstacle course for kids who are under 47″.
Cost: $18/hour or $25/two hours if bought online; $20/hour on-site; $35/all-day pass, $120/family four pass for all-day access; follow on Facebook for deals on tickets Hours: 11 am – 7 pm daily, closed Noon-1 pm, and 3 – 4 pm for safety checks and lifeguard breaks Distance from Greenville: One hour Highlights: White sandy beach with tents and lounge chairs, kids floating obstacle course, lawn games, a restaurant Address: 1600 Asbury Park Road, Anderson, SC Kidding Around Review of the Shores at Asbury
Aqua Zone Shores at Asbury
SouthTown Wake Park
Located in Rock Hill, SC, SouthTown Wake Park has wake boarding plus a big floating obstacle course. This is a great activity to tire those kids (and adults) out, as it takes a ton of energy to climb and jump over the obstacles. Kids have to be 7 years old to participate on the aqua course.
Cost: $18 for 45 minutes Hours: Open daily Noon-6 pm Distance from Greenville: 1.5 hours Highlights: Big aqua park, wakeboarding, disc golf, cornhole Address: 255 E Rambo Rd Rock Hill, SC 29730 Kidding Around Review of SouthTown Wake Park
Aqua Parks in Charleston, SC
Charleston Aqua Park
The Charleston Aqua Park is super cool because it not only has an aqua park but also the only ropes course over water in the country. It is also one of the area’s only floating water parks. The owner assured us there aren’t gators at Trophy Lake, too. We had such a blast at this park and the water felt so good on a hot, summer day. Plus, it’s really close to the beautiful Angel Oak Tree!
Cost: $19/hour; discounts available during the week and/or if you book both the aqua park and ropes course Hours: Open daily 10 am – 6 pm Distance from Greenville: 3 hours and 20 minutes Highlights: Big aqua park, a little beach, and swimming area for smaller kids, only over-water ropes course in the country, kids summer camps (you can send a kid there for a day while you’re on vacation), covered picnic areas, other water activity rentals Address: 3050 Marlin Road, Johns Island SC Kidding Around Review of Charleston Aqua Park
Charleston Aqua Park
Aqua Parks in Georgia
Marina Station Water Park
This is one of the most family-friendly aqua parks in Georgia. The park is located on Lake Chatuge in Hiawassee, GA, and also has a sandy beach with chairs and umbrellas for rent. They just upgraded their equipment and life jackets for 2023 and it’s so much better than previous years. They also have a smaller kids course for ages 4-7 years old, making for a great floating playground. We really enjoyed our time at Marina Station Water Park.
Cost: $18/hour or $42/all day; kids have to be 45″ tall or 7 years old for the big course; $150/family of four all-day pass Hours: Open daily 10 am – 7 pm (last ticket sold at 6:30 pm) Distance from Greenville: 2 hours and 20 minutes Highlights: Huge splash island, kids floating obstacle course, sandy beach, chair, and tent rentals, offers season passes Address: 3379 US Highway 76, Hiawassee, GA Marina Station Water Park
Splash Island at The Ridges Resort in GA
Terminus Wake Park
We loved the aqua course at this outdoor adventure park near Cartersville, Georgia. You can also go wakeboarding here but I’m not coordinated enough for that. There’s also a lot to do in the Cartersville-Bartow area to make your trip here an overnight adventure.
Terminus Wake Park
Cost: $24-$28 a person depending on if it’s a weekday or weekend/holiday Hours: Open daily usually from Noon-8 pm but check the website for updated hours. Distance from Greenville: 3 hours and 15 minutes Highlights: Huge aqua course with body slides, climbing wall, cabanas with beanbag chairs for parents/spectators, wakeboarding, big bathroom for changing Address: 171 LakePoint Pkwy, Cartersville, GA Kidding Around Review of Cartersville-Bartow (includes Terminus Wake Park)
Would you try out one of these aqua parks? Did we miss your favorite place? Let us know in the comments
Have you visited Grandad’s Apples? Fall is just around the corner and your family might be hunting for the perfect apple orchard! We checked out Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such and had so much fun. You’ll find activities for kids at Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such, with beautiful views, and, of course, apples.
U-PICK: U-pick is TBD. Grandad’s asked that you follow their Facebook page for the latest updates.
Hendersonville, North Carolina is known for its delicious apples and it’s easy to see why on the drive up to Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such. There are a handful of orchards within a few-mile radius and several farm stands all selling the delicious fruit. On my quest to find the perfect apple orchard experience, I headed on over to Grandad’s, which I heard was pretty awesome.
Are you ready for fall festivals in Columbia, SC? State fairs, farm days, Halloween celebrations, and pumpkin spice everything added to a backdrop of color-changing leaves make the season so special. These events are a wonderful way to mingle with the community while making memories with your family. Check out our list of fall festivals near Columbia that celebrate all the wonderful things the season has to offer!
Information about individual events is subject to change. Please check the festival’s website or social media page for updates regarding ticket pricing, rescheduling due to weather, changes to scheduled events, and more.
September 16th – 17th, 2023 from 9 am to 4 pm on Saturday and 12 pm to 4 pm on Sunday State Farmers Market, 3483 Charleston Highway, Columbia SC Features art, food trucks, woodworking, lawn & garden, clothing boutiques, crafts, and so much more Free parking and admission
September 29th and 30th, 2023 Irmo Community Park, 7507 Eastview Dr. Irmo, South Carolina 29063. Live music, Saturday morning parade, crafts, art, amusement rides, and lots of food! Free admission
September 30th, 2023 from 10 am to 5 pm The Farm, 1127 Corley Mill Road, Lexington SC Family-friendly fall fun on a local farm with tons of games and activities Tickets available now for $25, limited availability
October 1st, 2023 from 1 pm to 4 pm Crooked Creek Park, 1098 Old Lexington Highway, Chapin SC Grab your furry friends and have some family fun with games, vendors, food trucks, adoptions, raffles, and much more $5, however pets and children under 12 are free
October 6th – October 8th, 2023, from 8 am to 6 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm South Carolina State Farmers Market, 3483 Charleston Highway, West Columbia, SC Festival and sale of plants and flowers for Fall and in preparation for other seasons.
Saturday, October 7th, 2023, beginning at 5 pm Segra Park, 1640 Freed Street, Columbia SC Fun fall concert with country music singers Chris Janson and Brooks Herring Tickets on sale now, prices vary
Saturday, October 7th, 2023 Granby Gardens Park, 1800 12th Street, Cayce SC Featuring live music, food, drinks, a children’s area, and more. Free admission
Saturday, October 7th, 2023, from 11 am to 6 pm 901 S Holly St, Columbia, SC 29205 Celebration of art, music, and southern culture through family-friendly activities. Free admission
October 11th – October 22nd, 2023 1200 Rosewood Drive, Columbia, SC 29201 Major attractions, carnival rides, food, entertainment, animals, crafts, art, stage shows, and much more! Ticket sales begin September 12th online – Early bird ticket pricing is $10; Prices during the fair are $20 for ages 6 – 54 and $15 for 55+.
Here’s everything you need to know about the SC State Fair from a local mom.
October 20th – October 22nd, 2023, from 11 am to 10 pm Incarnation Lutheran Church, 3005 Devine Street, Columbia Celebration of German culture with authentic food, drinks, dancing, and more. There will be a kid’s area with face painting, balloon art, a playground, and activities. Free admission
October 21st, 2023, from 2 pm to 8 pm Columbus Meeting Hall, 1623 Marion Street, Columbia SC 6th annual fall fest including crafts, vendors, food, music, and more
Dates TBA Eudora Wildlife Safari Park, 219 Salem Lane, Salley SC Pumpkin patch, corn maze, fall activities, kids games, Parakeet adventure, pony rides, petting zoo, and paintball shooting. Admission is an additional $26 per car of 6 guests to the original $36 per car fee for Drive Thru Safari Check out our review of Eudora Farms
Dates TBA Doko Meadows Park, 100 Alvina Hagood Circle, Blythewood SC An all-day family-friendly event complete with food and beverages, children’s games, yodeling contest, keg toss, 5K, and so much more Free admission
Do you have a favorite fall festival in Columbia, SC that you just can not miss? Let us know in the comments!
Find More Fall Fun in Columbia, SC
The Ultimate Guide to Halloween Events & Trick-or-Treat in Columbia, SC
Premier Family Guide: The (2023) South Carolina State Fair
10 Parent-Hacks for Amazing & Memorable Trips to the Farm this Fall
Clinton Sease Farm Offers Incredible Fall Fun in Lexington, SC
Get Ready for a Fun Halloween Night: Boo at the Zoo in Columbia, SC
Fall Snow Tubing is a Real Thing at Black Bear Snow Tubing in Hendersonville, NC
So, you’re thinking about taking the family to a farm or petting zoo near Columbia, SC for a fun day spending some time with all kinds of farm animals. It’s hard to resist a photo of your child petting or interacting with a cute animal at a farm or petting zoo.
But, you’re not sure which farm to visit, or, you might be thinking “are there any petting zoos near me?”
We’re here to tell you “Yes!” There are quite a few petting zoos and farms to visit! We’ve pulled together a huge list of petting zoos and farms where you can interact with animals.
Is There a Petting Zoo Near Me?
Yes, there probably is a petting zoo on this list near you! In Columbia, SC there are more than 7 awesome petting zoos, and there are a few great options with just a short drive.
Petting Zoos Near Columbia, SC
Goat Daddy’s Farm
Pet, feed, and learn about animals at Goat Daddy’s Farm. We would suggest setting aside at least 1 to 2 hours of your day in order to get the full Goat Daddy’s experience! There is so much to see and learn and even some opportunities for hands-on experiences!
In Elgin, SC
The farm is open to the public every Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm.
Admission: Age 2 and under- free, Under 12 – $5, Over 12- $10. Prices subject to changes.
Farm events, tot times, homeschool events, and lots more opportunities to interact with farm animals is what you’ll find at the family-owned Crosswind Farm.
In Holly Hill, about one hour from Columbia, SC
Not open daily, only open for scheduled events like toddler time on Tuesdays.
Schedule a tour to visit Little Creek Farm and your family will get to meets ducks, sheep, goats, pigs, an emu, and so much more! Your crew will get to help on the farm, feed animals, brush a horse, and of course, pet the animals. One hour tours are just $50 for up to 5 people and $10 per additional person.
In Lexington, SC
Not open daily, schedule a tour
Lots of opportunities to interact with animals and learn about farm life
Much more than a petting zoo, this huge zoo has not only animals but a ropes course, gardens, a carousel and climbing wall, and outdoor playgrounds. As far as the animal encounters and petting zoo components, you can feed the giraffes and lorikeets and pet animals in the farmyard all for a small fee, around $2 for each cup of feed or per person.
In Columbia, SC
Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily, closed Thanksgiving and Christmas
Admission: $24.99/adults, $21.99/kids ages 2-12
Parking: $5 per vehicle
Animals: The ones you can interact with are the giraffes, goats, sheep, and lorikeets.
Eudora Farms is most known for its drive-thru safari. They also have a section of their zoo where you can walk through exhibits and pet some of the animals.
In Salley, SC
Animal safari and petting zoo with opportunities to feed animals
Bee City Zoo in Summerville, SC offers so many opportunities to learn about and interact with animals. Pet a giraffe, hang out with kangaroos, feed a monkey, learn about bees and so much more!
In Summerville, SC
Lots of opportunies to interact with animals
Open Wednesday and Thursday from 9 am to 5 pm, Friday and Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm and Sunday 11 am to 6 pm
Are you looking for a park with water access or maybe even a shady walking trail and playground? Guignard Park in Cayce, SC has it all – a paved walking trail, playground, natural stream for splashing and cooling off in the summer sun, artwork, great views of nature, and best part is…it’s ALL shaded! If you’re anything like me, you’ve driven past Guignard Park multiple times, but just never had the time to stop. Do yourself a favor and next time you’re near it, plan to check it out!
Go, Discover Guignard!
Although Guignard Park is right off of the busy and well-known Blossom Street, the views, sounds, and overall feel of the park is pleasantly surprising and peaceful. With the running stream, wildlife, and hundreds of tall, shady trees it feels as if you’re miles outside of town. One fun thing to do while there is to look for the two carved-out wooden structures as they are so unique and neat to see – happy hunting!
Walk the Beautifully Shaded Trail at Guignard
If you’re looking to get in some exercise or even just take a leisurely stroll around with your littles, the shady trail at Guignard will be perfect for you! Three laps around the trail equal 1 mile. It’s shaded, has a beautiful and relaxing stream running through the middle, and lots of plants, flowers, and wildlife to enjoy. The path is smooth and wide enough to push a stroller on and has several benches and large picnic shelters for resting along the way.
My toddler loved wandering along the path, collecting sticks, and looking out for wildlife. We pretended to be on a bear hunt and while we didn’t see any bears (insert disappointed toddler), we did see several butterflies, birds, and bugs. This brings me to my next point…DON’T forget your bug spray!
You can also bring your furry friend(s) along for some exercise and fresh air as dogs are allowed in the park, but must remain on a leash!
You Can Play in a Natural Stream at Guignard Park
The stream at Guignard Park is awesome! There are several great entrance points that are flat and easy to spot, but I think the best play area is towards the parking lot and on the backside of the trail loop. Here, there is pretty much a straight shot from the trail to the water, a decent-sized area without many plants or overgrowth, and the water is about knee-deep for toddlers.
We allowed my son to get his toes wet, but wish we would have been better prepared with water shoes and maybe even some dry shorts for him to be able to go out a bit deeper. There were a few other toddlers and their families taking advantage of the refreshing water – truly such a great activity for a hot and humid Columbia day! The stream can be a bit rocky and unsteady in some areas so just be cautious of where little feet may step.
Playground at Guignard
While the playground is small, it still gets the job done. There are several slides, monkey bar rings, and a climbing wall made of tires. Just behind the playground is a ping-pong table which I thought was neat, but you will have to bring your own ball and paddles if you plan on using this feature. I did note that there are no swings at Guignard and even though the playground has most of what kiddos need, it probably isn’t suitable for children under 3 or 4 years old.
Looking for a playground more suited for younger kids? Be sure to check out our full list of more than 19 fantastic places to play!
Other Things to do Nearby
The park is in a fairly central area of town with tons of fun things to do all around. Both the Cayce Riverwalk and West Columbia Riverwalk are just a few blocks away and great places to continue your day of walking and exercise. Within a 10-minute drive is EdVenture Children’s Museum, SC State Museum, the University of South Carolina, and several great places to eat such as Zesto, Manny’s Shaved Ice, and Cafe Strudel.
Guignard Park
964 Axtell Drive Cayce, SC 29033 Open daily from 8 am – 8 pm
Did you find the carved artwork at Guignard Park? What else did your family enjoy while there?
Planning a trip for apple picking at Jeter Mountain Farm? This gorgeous farm hosts weddings, has seasonal u-pick flowers, fruits, and more plus an enormous indoor play area.
The views from the parking lot of Jeter Mountain Farm are sweeping shots of the nearby mountains, open space, and a beautiful building that seems to fit right into the landscape with its earthy hues of brown and green. The farm is a welcoming spot for families that has nearly two dozen varieties of apples, cider, live music, a wagon ride, and lots of other activities to enjoy.
Have you heard of the Anne Springs Close Greenway? Are you looking for a new wide-open space to explore with your family? I recently spent a few days exploring York County, South Carolina and found so many wonderful things. This nature preserve was just one of the discoveries we made while there.
Anne Springs Close Greenway is really the perfect spot for any outdoor adventure you are looking to enjoy. It’s family-friendly, with a restaurant, live music events, hiking, horseback riding, historical relevance, paddle sports, and over 2100 acres to explore. At about 90 minutes from the Upstate in Fort Mill, SC, this is the perfect day trip for your family. We spent several days in York County and left without getting to do everything on our list!
If a unique getaway or staycation is on your radar, Kristina stayed at a tiny house with Saluda Tiny on the Saluda River in Easley. It’s the perfect little overnight glamping trip to take a break from the world and she tells us all about it. Thank you to the Saluda Outdoor Center and Saluda Tiny for hosting us.
Kidding Around Earns through an affiliate relationship with Stay22 when you book through links on this page.
