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
Are you considering a visit to Surge Trampoline Park in Columbia, SC? At Surge Trampoline Park, 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!
Looking for more fun things to do indoors? Check out our full list of indoor fun!
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
Have you visited the Bee City Zoo? There is something so wonderful about watching your child’s face light up when exploring new places and learning new things. One place that is always sure to excite and encourage curiosity is the zoo!
A zoo that is really setting itself apart from the conventional animal sanctuary is Bee City Zoo in Cottageville, SC. Recently, my family took a day trip to this little animal kingdom to see what all the buzz was about. We truly had such an adventure exploring this zoo and your family will too!
Tickets were provided by Bee City Zoo for this review. The opinions are those of the writer.
In this article, I will tell you all about our journey around Bee City, the must-do activities, and unique exhibits. This little off-the-beaten-path gem has so much to offer. It’s more than worth the 1 hour and 45-minute drive from Columbia, SC.
This zoo is dedicated to the conservation of the honey bee and its extraordinary role in our ecosystem. Don’t let the name fool you though, there are many other activities to see and an abundance of animals to learn about.
As we venture into the heart of Bee City I’ll tell you all about our experience feeding the animals, learning about the honey bee, and taking a safari ride! Prepare to get excited about this heartwarming zoo and start planning a trip for your family to explore Bee City!
Scenes from the zoo
Here’s what you’ll see at Bee City Zoo.
Arriving at Bee City Zoo
Where is Bee City Zoo?
Cottageville is a very sweet country town right outside of Summerville, SC. Getting to the zoo in this town will definitely require a GPS or maps application. It is nestled off back roads with a few signs directing you along the way.
Once you get close though, you won’t miss the entrance. The main parking lot right outside the zoo doesn’t have a lot of space, but there is an overflow parking lot directly across from it that is a very short walk. The parking lots are gravel and dirt but we had no issue at all pushing a stroll to the entrance.
When you get to the ticket gates there are 4 lanes with workers prepared to help you. For this article, we were given tickets to visit Bee City and take a safari ride, along with the activity coins for feeding birds, kangaroos, and the monkeys.
The employees will explain which animals can eat which foods, but don’t worry about forgetting the rules because they are well-posted throughout the zoo! Safaris are by reservation only and it’s a good idea to check their schedule online because you can book before you go, or check at the gate to see if seats are still available when you arrive.
Purchasing animal snacks and food
If you would like to feed the animals, you’ll need to purchase some when you arrive. Large cups of oats, and carrots are $3 each. There is also a $12 combo that includes each of those cups as well as monkeyos to feed the monkeys, and coins to enter the bird and kangaroo exhibit for 2 people. If you’d like to purchase the Monkeyos separately they are $2, and the coins providing 2 entries each in the kangaroo exhibit or the bird exhibit are also $2.
Once you’ve got your tickets and animal treats it’s time to explore the zoo!
Feeding The Animals
What animals are at Bee City Zoo?
Monkeys
Lemurs
Kangaroos
Birds
Giraffes
Reptiles
Sloth
Farm animals
More!
Monkeys
One of the first areas we decided to explore, and arguably the most fun, was the monkeys and lemurs. We had such a good time holding out their treats for them to grab directly out of your hands! Some of the monkeys do have a pulley system or tubes they retrieve their food from but there are plenty of stations to hand feed as well.
Speaking of hands, there are several hand-washing stations around so make sure to take advantage when you see one!
Llamas, goats, and more
Past the monkey area, you can find a plethora of hooved animals that are waiting not so patiently for their treats as well! We got to feed llamas, goats, emu, camels, and zebras! There are several other exotic deer and antelope through this route so make sure to save some snacks for them too.
Some of these animals can eat the treats right out of your hand while others have areas to pour their snacks.
We arrived at the zoo around 11 am on a Saturday and I wondered if the animals would have been full by then, but not a single animal we encountered turned away a snack! This is something to consider if arriving later in the day, however.
Birds and Kangaroos
We really enjoyed visiting the exhibits that required coins to enter like the bird feeding area, and the kangaroos. Inside the bird exhibit there are lots of birds flying above and also some ducks waddling around so be mindful of where you step!
The kangaroos had definitely been well-fed by the time we arrived as they were not nearly as interested in the food as the other animals. There is a trail you have to stay on inside the kangaroo exhibit, but the kangaroos are clearly not aware of the rules and roam as they please. It is truly an up-close encounter with them!
Are there Giraffes at Bee City Zoo?
One of the final exhibits we really enjoyed was feeding the giraffes! The zoo currently has two toddler giraffes in their care that are so curious and love their carrots! The feeding times do vary for the giraffes so make sure to check the times when you arrive. This feeding is included in your admission and it’s a very up close feeding with an attendant monitoring the experience.
Safari Ride
Our safari ride was scheduled at 1 pm on a Saturday which must have been a popular time because it was packed full! There are signs directing you to the safari area so if you book a ride make sure to look for this spot ahead of time so you don’t have to rush there when you’re ready.
The safari ride consists of two tractor-pulled trains that drive you through an outdoor exhibit full of some really fun animals! You stop twice along the ride in two separate areas so you can hand out treats.
Our ride was directed by zoo attendants who were really knowledgeable about all of the animals on the ride. They introduce you, by name, to some of their unique or really friendly animals such as E.T. the camel or Elvis the emu.
On our ride, we also saw some amazing bovines, zebras, and yak! When the trains stop, you are able to stand up and move around but you cannot leave the train itself. No worries though, the animals know what you’re there for! Within a couple of minutes, the trains are surrounded by animals looking for a treat and they truly get up close and personal.
While strollers are not allowed on the train there is an area to stow them inside the safari area, as well as a place for your animal treats if you still have some. My family had so much fun doing this and I highly recommend booking the experience!
Animal Encounters
Bee City offers many options for animal encounters and petting zoo-style interactions. I was so excited to enter the reptile area and see they had a baby (well 2-year-old) alligator out of its enclosure for visitors to interact with! The zookeeper was so experienced with these animals and she knew so much about the alligators in her care as well as how they live in the wild.
We were allowed to hold the alligator, which she gave us instructions on how to do, and it was such a great experience! If you have a reptile lover in your family you will love this exhibit! Lots of amazing snakes, lizards, and turtles in the reptile area.
For an additional cost, the zoo does offer personal encounters with a variety of animals. You can view the prices and animal list on their website, it includes experiences with armadillos, kangaroos, and even a sloth! We did not do one of these encounters but I would look into booking one for a special occasion like a birthday party!
The Bees!
Now to the zoo’s namesake. There is a wonderful little exhibit inside the zoo where visitors can see the bee houses and even a hive you can open up and look for the queen! On the zoo’s website, you can find a ton of information about their involvement with the Lowcountry Beekeeper’s Association and even join as a member. You can buy honey from the bee’s you see here as well as many other homemade products from their beeswax.
While I did expect more of an experience with the bees, it was really amazing seeing the bees at work in their homes and reading about all the family does to educate the public about the importance of the honey bee and the art of beekeeping!
Food and Drink at Bee City Zoo
There is a cafe located inside the zoo that can accommodate all of your family’s basic needs. We were able to bring water bottles in with us, I didn’t bring any other food but it doesn’t say on the zoo’s website that you are not allowed to. The cafe has what I would consider normal prices for an entertainment venue. While we did not eat here I did see prices between 10 – 15 dollars for meals like chicken tenders, hamburgers, and hot dogs.
Gift Shop and More
I’m not normally one to browse a gift shop because I will inevitably impulse buy something overpriced. We were very impressed however with the prices at the Bee City gift shop! We found stuffed animals between 10 and 20 dollars! My son fell in love with a little bee we found and at these prices, I couldn’t say no!
There are tons of fun gifts in there as well, from honeycombs and lotions made from the bees that live here, to local artists’ souvenirs and of course some personalized Bee City Zoo memorabilia. You have to exit the zoo through the gift shop so if you were hoping to avoid your kids seeing all the trinkets and things you’re out of luck, but it’s worth the tour if you’re looking for something fun to take home!
Last tip for the Bee City Zoo
One additional thing that felt worth a mention is the cell phone service. Or rather, lack thereof. We had ZERO signal once we arrived at the zoo, which I wasn’t expecting in a place so close to Summerville. Luckily, the zoo has very good wifi you can connect to for free so don’t panic if you see no bars!
Bee City Zoo 1066 Holly Ridge Lane, Cottageville, SC
Are you looking for discounted admission at museums or zoos? SNAP and EBT benefits recipients can take advantage of discounts at amazing museums and attractions across South Carolina, simply by presenting their EBT card. In fact, there are several EBT FREE Museums and SNAP discount admissions offered at great museums right in Columbia, SC.
In this article, we’ll look at the discounts provided to EBT and SNAP recipients in South Carolina. We’ve included deals in Columbia, SC and those within a day’s drive to Charleston, SC, and Greenville, SC. These venues provide educational experiences as well as recreational time for families with kids of all ages. If you participate in either the EBT or SNAP benefit programs in South Carolina check out the list and start exploring!
EBT and SNAP Discounts in Columbia, SC
Summertime in Columbia can be full of fun, family time, and hot afternoons. Kids are home from school and trying to keep them entertained can be a struggle! Especially when you start to factor in the cost of a family outing. We are lucky to have so many free outdoor activities in this city, but sometimes an adventure can cost a pretty penny.
We are so glad to see Columbia offering a helping hand to families through discounts offered for those receiving EBT and SNAP benefits, like the new EBT Perks program. These discounts give all kids the opportunity to visit South Carolina’s best-known attractions, and give their parent’s wallet a break!
It only seems appropriate to start with one of our cities most nostalgic attractions. The SC museum operates out of a building that originally held the first fully electric textile mill in the state! This place was transformed into a place of exploration in 1988, hosting a floors full of history about our state, country and ancient ancestors.
You can also experience a digital dome planetarium, 4d theater, and observatory! Check out their calendar to see the rotating exhibits, and ever-changing events like digital laser shows and more!
EdVenture has been inspiring kids to learn through play for many years in Columbia! I remember being brought here as a kid with my family and on field trips with school. There are so many interactive learning experiences for kids of different ages. They also have rotating experiences that are so fun like the butterfly exhibit, or science experiments. Check their calendar for these events as well as sensory-friendly nights!
CMA is in the heart of downtown, located at 1515 Main Street. This museum is so awesome for kids and adults. They have rotating exhibits all year long that display educational, diverse, and inspiring artwork.
We LOVE our zoo in Columbia! Riverbanks has been in Soda City since 1974 and as far as we’re concerned it never gets old! So many great exhibits to see, educational instructions scheduled on different days, giraffe feedings and so much more!
Fun fact, this is America’s FIRST museum! Founded in 1773, this museum has been offering some really amazing insights into our state’s history with permanent and rotating exhibits. There are some hands-on experiences for kids, as well as beautiful fully furnished homes to show what it was like living centuries ago.
Discount: Free admission for up to 4 people per family!
Address: 40 Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant SC Patriots Point
This Naval and Maritime museum is a one-of-a-kind experience. It’s a perfect experience to add on to a summer trip to Charleston. This museum lets you see into the life of a navy crew member aboard the USS Yorktown. If that’s not impressive enough, there are several other National Landmark Ships, a Cold War memorial, and the only Vietnam Experience Exhibit in the US. It is truly an adventure for kids of all ages.
This aquarium offers so much for a family day full of fun! So many exhibits that introduce animals from the land and see. There are interactive kid discovery zones, instructional exhibits that include animal showings, and even a touch tank! A perfect addition to a day trip on the coast.
The Powder Magazine has been many things in the city of Charleston, including a gunpowder storage room, a print shop, and a wine cellar! This museum is now open to the public and holds centuries of knowledge about our colonial beginnings. Check out their web page for some of their special scheduled events!
This wonderful museum was created for kids by Moms in our state! There are two locations, Greenville and Spartanburg. Each museum is packed full of intentional and inclusive play. The exhibits are designed to engage kids in areas of arts, science, health, transportation, the environment and more. Less than a 2 hour drive from Columbia, this would make a great day trip!
Take a trip back in time in this musical immersion experience. Sigal Music Museum offers an experience to delight music lovers of all ages! With a rotating exhibit of permanent pieces as well as acclaimed musical instruments from around the world, the museum offers visitors the chance to celebrate the history of music. Don’t forget to check their schedule for live concerts as well as select performances using period pieces!
Spend some time with the giraffes, lions, monkeys, snakes, and more at Greenville’s zoo. The location in Cleveland Park couldn’t be any more perfect for an afternoon. So don’t forget your picnic and leave some time to play at the park!
The Museums for all initiative was launched in 2014-2015 and encourages people of all backgrounds to regularly enjoy the museum experience. The goal is to eliminate the cost barrier for any family in hopes that the museum experience is more inclusive and available!
Museums throughout the United States participate in the Museums for All program. Check out their website to see details on admission and to find participating museums outside our city and state! Then, use your EBT card to gain free or reduced admission.
Do you know of additional discounts offered to those with EBT or SNAP benefits? Please let us know in the comments.
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?
Are you searching for local, kid-friendly fishing holes? Fishing is a budget-friendly activity that the whole family can enjoy, year-round. Lucky for us, Columbia is home to one of the best fishing places in the country as well as several smaller lakes and ponds that can be just as exciting.
Whether you’re a Columbia native looking for a new place to cast a line, or a visitor looking for some bragging rights, we’ve got tons of great fishing information for you!
How to Get a Fishing License in SC
In the state of South Carolina, everyone over the age of 16 is required to have a valid SC fishing license. You can purchase either a temporary, annual, or 3-year license. However, there are several different licenses to choose from depending on the type of fishing you’re most interested in such as freshwater, saltwater, or combination, just to name a few.
Getting a fishing license is a relatively easy thing to do once you decide which one is best suited for your needs. The best way to purchase a license is by going online to the SC Department of Natural Resources.
You will need your social security and driver’s license numbers in order to complete the application. If you would rather purchase your license in person, you can also find a list of places that offer this service on the SCDNR website.
How Much Does a SC Fishing License Cost?
The price of fishing licenses varies greatly depending on the type of license you get. Here are a few of the most popular for SC residents, non-residents will have to pay a bit more:
3-year freshwater
SC Resident: $30
Annual freshwater
SC Resident: $10
14-day freshwater
SC Resident: $5
3-year saltwater
SC Resident: $45
Annual saltwater
SC Resident: $15
14-day saltwater
SC Resident: $10
Tackle Loaner Programs: Fishing on a Budget
Want to take the whole family fishing, but don’t have enough supplies? These state parks are part of the Tackle Loaner Program which allows you to check out fishing equipment such as rods, reels, and even stocked tackle boxes! You will also be given great tips on which bait to use, how to tie knots, and everything you need to know in order to make your family’s adventure a great one!
Lake Wateree State Park
Details: You can fish for tons of different fish at Lake Wateree State Park where fishing is allowed from anywhere along the banks. Along with fishing, you can also enjoy a swimming area, walking and biking trails, a playground, and so much more for the whole family! Cost: $3 adults, $1 ages 6 – 15, 5 and under free Address: 881 State Park Road, Winnsboro
Details: At Dreher Island State Park you will be fishing in Lake Murray and be able to find bass, catfish, crappie, and more! More than just your average fishing hole, you will also find camping, a playground, swimming areas, and trails – the perfect recipe for family fun! Cost: $3 adults, $1 ages 6 – 15, 5 and under free Address: 3677 State Park Road, Prosperity
Details: With more than 650 miles of shoreline and several different species of fish, did you know that Lake Murray is one of the world’s top fishing destinations? How lucky are we to have it so close to home! There are several ways you can take advantage of this great fishing hole, but one of the most popular is at the Lake Murray Dam. Here you will find fishing docks, restrooms, a boat launch, and picnic tables. Cost: $5 from April – Labor Day, otherwise free Address: 2101 North Lake Drive, Columbia
Details: There is a small pond behind the playground at Doko Meadows Park where fishing is allowed! A small dock sits out into the water where you can often find families with young children casting a line. Along with a fishing dock and playground, you will also find a huge green space, amphitheater, and clean restrooms. Cost: Free Address: 171 Langford Road, Blythewood
Details: Test your luck at Sunset Park, found within the Lake Carolina neighborhood in Northeast Columbia. The lake has been fully stocked with more than 200,000 fish since 1999 and fishing is allowed in designated areas. At Sunset Park you will find a small dock, relaxing swings, parking lot, and picnic area. Cost: Free Address: Amber Ridge Drive, Columbia
Pinewood Lake Park
Details: Pinewood Lake is a 20-acre lake full of bass, bream, and more! You can easily fish right from the shoreline all throughout the park. Pinewood Park is known for being peaceful, scenic, and providing tons of outdoor recreation, making it a great fishing spot for the whole family! Cost: Not specified Address: 1151 Old Garners Ferry Road, Columbia
Details: Hope Ferry Landing gives you fantastic fishing access to the Saluda River. The Saluda River is well-known for trout fishing, but there are a variety of other fish that can oftentimes be caught here. Along with great fishing you can also find a boat launch, picnic tables, and an awesome rope swing – great for providing endless entertainment! Cost: Free Address: 1047-1099 Hope Ferry Road, Lexington
Details: You can find a small lake within Sesquicentennial State Park perfect for fishing for bass and bream. At the park you can also rent non-motorized fishing boats for $5/hour or $25/day. This area is a noteworthy fishing hole for kids because IF, or rather, WHEN, they get bored there are plenty of other amenities to enjoy! Cost: $6/adult, $3.50 children ages 6 – 15, ages 5 and under free Address: 9564 Two Notch Road, Columbia
Details: Along the Congaree River, in Cayce, you will find the Thomas Newman Boat Landing. There is a small area to fish off of as well as a short hiking trail that runs along the river’s edge. Cost: Free Address: Granby Landing Road, Cayce
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 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!
Need more ideas on free things to do around Columbia? We’ve got you covered with more than 50 awesome free ideas!
Are you searching for free things to do this summer in Columbia, SC? Whether you’re looking for money-saving outdoor adventures, ideas for cooling off around water, or if you’d rather stay inside and enjoy the air conditioning, we’ve got tons of great ideas for you!
Great Deal: Toucan Tuesdays at Riverbanks Zoo
Take advantage of BOGO admission and ICEE’s at Riverbanks Zoo every Tuesday from now through August 8, 2023. We know, this one isn’t complete;y free, but it’s too good of a deal not to include on our list!
To participate in Toucan Tuesdays, guests will need to bring at least two non-perishable food items to receive buy-one-get-one-free on admission and ICEE’s.
1. Home Depot Kids’ Workshop
Head to your local Home Depot on the first Saturday of the month for the free Home Depot kids’ workshop. On August 5th, 2023 kids will build a treasure chest!
2. Cool Off in the Splash Pads
There are several fantastic splash pads to choose from all throughout the Midlands and the majority of them are completely FREE! From downtown parks such as Emily Douglas and Elmwood Roy Lynch to Will B. Caracter Park in Lexington, splash pads are a great way to beat the famously hot heat! Be sure to double-check the splash pad operational times before you go as some have limited hours.
For more information on splash pads take a look at our HUGE list of more than 30 places you and your family can cool off this summer!
3. Admire Artwork at The Columbia Museum of Art
Looking for something to do inside this summer? On August 3, 2023, residents can enjoy free admission to The Columbia Museum of Art, courtesy of Dominion Energy! Head to Boyd Plaza in the evening for more free fun such as live music, food vendors, and more.
4. Enjoy an Outdoor Movie
There is just something about an outdoor family-friendly movie that screams summer fun! Doko Meadows Park is hosting another free summer movie series all summer long:
August 19 – Moana
September 16 – Double Feature! Top Gun & Maverick
October 21 – Hotel Transylvania
Looking for more options to see low-cost summer movies? Check out our Free Movies for Summer for all the details!
5. Play a Shady Round of Disc Golf
During the middle of summer, being in shaded spaces is about the only way to make the outdoors bearable. Stay active in the fresh air by playing a round of disc golf this summer!
Almost all disc golf courses can be found twisting and turning in and out of shady, wooded areas so keeping cool is a lot more manageable. There are great disc golf courses at Owens Field and Earlewood.
6. Stroll Through the Farmers’ Markets
Columbia is home to tons of fantastic farmers’ markets! Most of them happen weekly and some are larger than others. One of the most popular farmers’ markets, The Soda City Market, takes place every Saturday and makes for such a fun, family-friendly morning!
Here you can find more than just produce, there are also local crafters, food trucks, fresh flowers, street music, and so much more. Don’t forget to take a look at The Best Farmers Markets all around Columbia!
8. Participate in an Event at the Library
The Richland Library is full of great activities and events for kiddos of all ages! Enjoy the cool air conditioning while also trying out a story time, craft activity, family game night event, or just go to let your kiddos discover new books and play with the educational toys!
We know what you’re thinking, an outdoor playground in the Columbia summer sun is the last place you want to go, but we know of a few shaded parks that we think will be a perfect fit:
Citadel Park – large green space, tall pine trees, plenty of seating, separate play space for toddlers
At Lake Murray Public Park you will find both a beach area and lake swimming access, making the perfect place to play then jump in and cool off! Along with swimming you can also kayak, fish, and boat.
Keep in mind that there are two places to park when visiting Lake Murray. One lot is completely FREE and the other parking area will cost $5, cash only.
The free lot can be found just past the main parking area and does require a little bit longer of a walk, but if you come prepared with wagons, strollers, or just overall light packing, it is totally doable even with kids!
11. Cool Off at a Public Pool
Life is cool at the pool and there are several completely free public pools in and near Columbia!
Icehouse Amphitheater has several upcoming events this summer that are completely free. From outdoor movies to live music and more, you won’t want to miss these fun, kid-friendly events!
