Have you heard about the sunflower fields at the Draper Wildlife Area? If you are looking for a magical place to take family photos or just a place to visit for fresh air and a change of scenery, we found a place just south of Rock Hill that won’t cost you a dime to enjoy. The Draper WMA Sunflower Fields are only in bloom for a few weeks over the summer, but if you hurry you can see them in full bloom.
Are you searching for an indoor place to have fun with your family in Northeast Columbia, SC? Whether you’ve got toddlers, teenagers, or a mix of both, Flight Adventure Park Sandhill location is the perfect place for you! Here your kiddos can jump on trampolines and bounce houses, roller skate, play laser tag, and more! Below you will find all you need to know about Flight Adventure Park – from purchasing ticketto information on all the awesome attractions! If you are looking for ice skating instead of roller skating, check out Flight Adventure Park in Irmo! They offer many of the same activities, but not all, so be sure to check each location’s website when planning your trip if you have something specific in mind to do while there.
Things to Do at Flight Adventure Park:
Trampolines
Inflatables
Ninja Course
Roller Skating
Laser Tag
Arcade
Turf Field
This article includes:
About Flight Adventure Park
Tickets and Pricing at Flight
Things to Do at Flight Adventure Park
Deals and Events at Flight Adventure Park
Have you ever been to Emily Douglas Park? Are you looking for a laid-back playground with a space to cool off in downtown Columbia, SC? We’ve got the perfect place for you and wow, is it nostalgic in all the best ways! Complete with a sprinkler, separate play spaces, large green space, dog park, and community center, your family will love this simple, fun-filled neighborhood park!
Interested in discovering more parks around Columbia? Be sure to check out our huge guide of the best playgrounds around!
(more…)Did you know Columbia has three South Carolina state parks? If you’re looking for South Carolina state parks near Columbia, SC, you’ve come to the right place. We have all the info on these great parks, plus tips on how to make the most of your visit and save some money, too!
Are you trying to spend more time outside or hit the #1000hoursoutside challenge? While just being outside in nature has so many benefits according to the American Psychological Association, that is a lot of hours! But don’t worry; Columbia has you covered with hiking and biking trails, nature trails, lakes for paddling, and lots more!
Of course, Columbia has dozens of city parks, an award winning zoo and botanical gardens, but there’s also lots of more nature, including a Columbia state park on Lake Murray. Plus, we have big news and some ideas on how you can save money on park admission.
Which State Parks Are Near Columbia, SC:
Sesquicentennal State Park
Pine Island State Park
Dreher Island State Park
Aiken State Park
Bonus Tips: Park Passports, Outsiders and more!
To find out about the hiking, splash pad, paddling, and camping available at Sesquicentennial State Park in northeast Columbia, check out our Kidding Around Review of Sesqui.
Quick facts on Sesqui:
Sesquicentennial State Park
9564 Two Notch Rd, Columbia SC 29223
But, if hiking isn’t your thing and you’re looking for swimming or spending time at a larger lake, here is what you need to know.
Big News: the Columbia area is getting a new SC State Park right on the lake this summer.
An island formerly owned by the company SCANA, which supplied power to the region, Pine Island is set to become South Carolina’s newest, and smallest, state park yet. This island provides public water access and already has over 20 acres that include boat ramps and picnic areas.
Preparations for opening should begin soon! Watch this recent news segment on Pine Island to learn more.
But you don’t have to wait to cool off at the lake. Luckily, there’s already another state park out there on Lake Murray!
Northwest from downtown Columbia to the Irmo/Lake Murray area you’ll find Dreher Island State Park. Many enjoy this 50-acre island on Lake Murray.
Good hack to know: even though it is an island, you can drive on State Park Road to get there- no boat needed! However, boating is permitted and there are boat ramps available. On the island, you can explore woods, beaches, playgrounds, and wildlife including rare birds on the lake.
The park has three different short walking trails and three playgrounds. You can find a visitors center with wifi where you can also buy a few things or use picnic tables. Camping, swimming (at your own risk), geocaching, fishing and scuba diving are permitted. Note, dogs should be on a leash and may not be allowed in camping villas.
Without your Park Passport, Dreher Island State Park costs $3 for adults, $1.50 for seniors, $1 for kids 6-15 and free for kids 5 and under. It’s open from dusk to dark, with hours changing seasonally.
Dreher Island State Park
3677 State Park Road, Prosperity, SC
Just about an hour’s drive from Columbia, Aiken State Park is waiting. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this park has a long history and many opportunities for you to enjoy nature. Hike through hardwood forests, paddle down the Edisto River, camp, picnic, and enjoy the outdoors at Aiken State Park.
Don’t miss our Kidding Around review of Aiken State Park.
Quick Facts of Aiken State Park:
Aiken State Park
1145 State Park Road, Windsor
SC STate Parks offer admission discounts up to 50% for seniors, military and disabled people. Each park’s discount will be slightly different. For Dreher Island, you can get your park admission for HALF the standard admission rate if you can show an ID (or handicapped placard) to prove you are:
-Disabled
-SC National Guard
-Over 65
Here’s another secret to maximizing the fun with these parks. They offer an Ultimate Outsider program. Simply pick up or order your Ultimate Outsider Guide, do activities and collect stamps from each park to become an Ultimate Outsider! It’s a fun challenge to get you motivated to do more outside.
The Kidding Around Guide to all of South Carolina’s State Parks will help you out as you plan your Ultimate Outsider adventures!
As you might know, a SC Park Passport is an affordable way to get access to hundreds of acres of wilderness, free activities, learning, events and more.
Here’s How it Works:
First, you can get your All Park Passport online or at any South Carolina State Park Office. Your pass hangs in your car rearview mirror, like a handicapped placard and comes with a card for inside exhibits. It’s just $99 for your entire family for the whole year of access.
For this, you get unlimited access to all the state parks in the state. That means everything from Hunting Island Beach, to several lakes, to hiking in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains at Caesar’s Head and Table Rock. Actually, that is 47 state parks.
So, if you went to one every month, it would take you nearly four years to see them all. On the other hand, if you went to one every week, you could finish in a year!
Now, you can explore Columbia state parks, and beyond, for a discount!
For information on our FREE National Park, home to a unique synchronized firefly phenomenon (for which our local baseball team is named), check out our Kidding Around review of Congaree National Park.
Please, tell us your favorite Columbia are South Carolina State Parks!
Have you visited the Riverbanks Zoo Garden? The Botanical Gardens and Waterfall Junction at Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, SC are fun to visit any time of year, with a variety of attractions that keep everyone entertained, like the big attraction: Riverbank Zoo Splashpad!
At the Riverbanks Botanical Gardens and Waterfall Junction you will find several beautiful and award-winning flower gardens, a huge splash pad, a dinosaur fossil dig, and several areas for exploration and play. We’ve got all you need to know to plan your trip from a mom who visits frequently!
This article includes:
Tickets for Waterfall Junction in Riverbanks Botanical Gardens
Parking for Waterfall Junction
About Riverbanks Botanical Gardens
About Waterfall Junction
Splashpad at Waterfall Junction
Toddler Splash Zone
Dino Dig
Greenspace at Waterfall Junction
More Things to Do at Waterfall Junction
Packing Checklist for Waterfall Junction and Riverbanks Botanical Gardens
Visiting The Riverbanks Zoo and want to see the animals? You’ll want to jump over to our guide for the Riverbanks Zoo, as this piece focuses on the amazing gardens and water play spaces at the Riverbanks Botanical Gardens.
Tickets can be bought online prior to your arrival or at the gates. To save a little bit of time, we recommend purchasing tickets in advance! Tickets to the gardens and Waterfall Junction are included in tickets for the animal side of the zoo. We discuss more about tickets and annual membership options in our guide for Riverbanks Zoo.
You can get into the Botanical Gardens/Waterfall Junction one of two ways.
Regardless of which parking lot you decide to park in, you can get to both the garden and animal side of the zoo easily. There is a tram that takes you back and forth or you can walk across the bridge connecting each side. If you’ve got littles or a lot of things to carry/push, it would be best to utilize the tram as the walk is a bit long and can get somewhat strenuous at times.
At the Riverbanks Zoo Botanical Gardens, you will find more than 5,700 species of plants spread across 70-acres. And let me tell you, it is just as beautiful as it sounds! With several different gardens such as the walled garden, bog garden, and shade garden (just to name a few) there are no areas that won’t be fascinating and wonderful to look at!
Even in the cooler months, the zoo does a fantastic job at making sure the gardens still look as beautiful as possible. There are restrooms and sitting benches all throughout the gardens. Also, the walkways throughout the gardens are paved, making pushing strollers or wagons easy.
Within the Botanical Gardens, you will find Waterfall Junction – Riverbanks Zoo Garden’s very own huge splash pad and kiddy play zone! This area spans across 3-acres and includes a splash pad, life-size dinosaur fossil dig, a large treehouse, playhouses, and an open green space for endless fun and imagination!
Waterfall Junction is open year-round, however, the splash pad is only open throughout the summer. All water functions turn off 15 minutes before closing.
You haven’t been to a splash pad until you’ve tried out the one at Waterfall Junction! It is massive and will have your kiddos laughing and playing in the summer sun for hours.
Recently, the splash pad got a bit of an upgrade and now features soft, rubber flooring making it much less slippery and easier on little toes, however, water shoes are still a great idea.
Think of the splash pad as 2 separate levels. The largest and first area includes a 25-foot waterfall surrounded by several water sprays all around. From here, your children can play and walk through a pretend stream complete with running water.
A little further down you will find a wooden bridge and another set of stairs down to the toddler splash zone. The toddler zone is operated by buttons to turn the sprayers off and on. There are a variety of water sprays here, no zones with standing water for added safety, and no sprayers that shoot out an intense amount of water.
There are also several Adirondack chairs and large umbrellas for shade that can be found here. Speaking of tots…if your children are not yet potty trained, swim diapers must be worn while at the splash pad!
There are several things to love about the splash pad, but one thing worth giving extra attention to is the fact that there are lifeguards that can be found all throughout the water areas!
While there aren’t many places with standing water, the splash pad itself is pretty spread out making it difficult to see your kids at all times, especially if you’ve got more than one to keep track of. It definitely gives some peace of mind knowing that there are extra sets of eyes on your tribe!
Right next to the largest part of the splash pad you will find a covered picnic area that offers plenty of shade, tables, and chairs, and a great place to set down your bags or enjoy lunch and snacks. You will also find a concession stand, changing stations, and restrooms close by.
Do you have any dino lovers in your family? If so, you won’t want to miss the dino dig! Here, you will find a huge sandpit with replicas of life-sized dinosaur bones scattered all around. There are plenty of buckets and shovels for your kiddos to use and put their archaeologist skills to the test!
Because this area is made up of sand, I highly suggest going here either before or after your children are done at the splash pad and have on their dry clothes. Most of the dig area is covered by large shades, however, there are a few parts that aren’t. If your kids are anything like mine, they will gravitate towards those tiny areas that aren’t shaded so I highly recommend bringing extra sunscreen and sun hats!
In the middle of Waterfall Junction sits a large green space with endless amounts of open-ended fun! There are several hula-hoops, a wooden balance beam, and big building blocks that can be found here. Bring some bubbles or a ball to share, spread out a towel and have a family picnic, or just let your kids jump and run…the options are endless in this space!
Also found within Waterfall Junction are giant tree houses, playhouses, and a small, hidden playground. The tree house is 2 stories tall and gives great views of nature all around. The playhouses are situated right off of the green space and are great areas for the imagination to flow freely.
To find the playground you will have to go to the toddler area and head left into what looks like a little grassy area. There is a wooden play structure with climbing ropes and a tunnel slide that can be found here. I like this area because it is a bit quieter than the other attractions and is a nice place to go for a bit of a break and reset if needed.
There is a lot to remember when you’ve got to load up your kids for a day out of the house, especially when there is a potential for water to be involved. Here are some things we don’t want you to forget when you visit the Riverbanks Zoo Splashpad at Waterfall Junction:
Riverbanks Botanical Gardens
1300 Botanical Parkway
West Columbia, SC 29169
Hours:
Daily from 9 am – 5 pm
Has your family visited the Botanical Gardens and Waterfall Junction yet? What attraction did you enjoy most?
Are you looking for a fun place to cool off in Columbia, SC this summer? It’s time to pull out the sunscreen and water shoes and load up your herd for a trip to Elmwood Roy Lynch Park! Here you will find a splash pad, updated playground equipment, large zipline, and endless amounts of fun!
Are you wondering where you can find free movies for summer in Columbia, SC? Regal Movies, the Town of Blythewood, the Icehouse Amphitheater, and The Big Mo are hosting summer movie events that your whole family will love! Below we’ve got the details on where you can see movies for free or super budget-friendly this summer.
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. Try these summer movies for kids and families this year and don’t break the bank to do it!
Have you ever been to Bowlero Bowling Alley in Cayce, SC? Bowlero provides a fantastic indoor, family-friendly activity to beat the rising temperatures of summer and the unpredictable rainstorms that come with it.
If you’re looking for a place to go bowling in Cayce, SC, Bowlero has budget-friendly weekday deals, an arcade, a sports bar, and several bowling lanes! We had a great time visiting Bowlero. Here’s everything you need to know!
Conveniently located in Cayce, Bowlero gives a fresh take on bowling with its modern and trendy decor. They’ve got 24 bowling lanes, comfortable seating, huge TV’s, an arcade, and a sports bar.
My family and I recently made a visit to Bowlero on a Friday around 4 pm and we had the whole bowling alley to ourselves! I was a little nervous because of the young ages of my children, but both my daughter (1.5) and son (4) had an absolute blast.
Staff provided us with a bowling ramp to make it easy for them to join in on the fun. Along with the ramp, we also chose to have bumpers on our lane. Keep in mind that they aren’t automatic bumpers so if you choose this option, they will remain up for each player.
They also played fun, upbeat music that kept my kids occupied by dancing around while they waited their turns. The staff was very friendly and checked in on us about halfway through our game.
A quick game of bowling would be the perfect indoor activity this summer! And good news is, Bowlero runs several money-saving weekday specials! A regular game of bowling will cost $5.99/person plus shoe rental fees. Weekday savings include:
Lanes can be reserved online at Bowlero’s website in either 2 or 2.5-hour time slots. This is highly recommended during weekends.
Bowlero also has a sports bar located near the lanes with large flat-screen TV’s. Along with a variety of adult beverages, you can also order food that will be delivered right to your lane as you bowl. They offer burgers, wings, nachos, pizza, sweet treats, and more.
The arcade at Bowlero features several different styles of games – racing, basketball, claw machines, and more. You will need to load an arcade card with credits before playing.
Bowlero
900 Axtell Drive, Cayce
Did your family enjoy Bowlero?
Here are some more things you’ll enjoy!
Have you been searching for summer reading programs to keep your child reading, motivated, and learning throughout break? While summer is usually time for mental breaks, going on family trips and sleeping in, there can also be time for slowing down with a good book in hand.
Whether your child will be starting out this upcoming year as a preschool or kindergartener or if you’ve got older, high school teens, we’ve got a reading program for everyone…even you!
Find all the “summer reading programs near me” you could possibly desire on this list!
We’ve all heard the statistics and recommendations on reading – reading to your babies and tots will help develop their speech and literacy understanding, low reading levels, unfortunately, lead to increased school drop-out rates, reading increases knowledge, and so on.
The summer months are a great time to encourage your child to read while also having fun! Long car trips, plane rides, and stormy summer days make for the perfect opportunity to open up a book of their choice. Let kids read for enjoyment instead of purely school-related outcomes, while also practicing super important reading skills.
Make it a family affair and jump into the challenges with them, model the behavior you’re wanting to see, and help them earn their potential rewards. Read books together, out loud. Or, share the books you’ve read individually. Consider how you can share your books. Present a book report, skit, poster, or find some other creative way for each member of the family to share their favorite book read this summer.
Below you will find both local and virtual reading programs throughout the summer and several of them can earn your children awesome prizes!
Win prizes for reading, or develop those reading and literacy skills with these summer reading programs and incentives in the Columbia, SC area.
First, start with your local library.
The Lexington County Library’s summer reading program offers programs for kids and all ages, even adults! This year’s theme is “All Together Now” and begins June 1, 2023. This theme will focus on friendship, unity, and spreading kindness throughout our community. There will be several summer reading kick-off parties around Lexington beginning on June 1:
June 1, 2023
June 3, 2023
June 5, 2023
June 6, 2023
June 7, 2023
June 9, 2023
Each event has free admission and will have activities planned. You’ll be able to sign-up for the summer reading challenge and get your reading packet. Be sure to check out each library’s website to get more information on special events that will be at your local kick-off party!
The Summer reading challenge for the Richland County library begins on June 1, 2023 and ends on August 13, 2023. The goal is to earn a total of 30 points by collecting 1 point each time your child reads for 30 minutes, attends a summer learning challenge program, or completes a learning activity of their choice. Points must be tracked on the “Paper Tracker” which can be picked up at the library or printed from the website.
Once completed, take your child’s tracker to the library and receive a medal, FREE passes for one adult and one child to the Columbia Museum of Art, $2 off coupon for the family book sale, BOGO coupon for Pelican’s SnoBalls, and a FREE pass to a select Columbia Fireflies baseball game.
This reading club is led by library reading specialists and is for rising 3rd-grade students. The club is designed for children who are reading below their grade level and who need some extra help with phonics and reading strategies throughout summer break! You must register your child for this club by going online or calling 803.929.3434. Reading Club sessions are as follows:
This reading club is only available at the Richland Library located at 1431 Assembly Street, Columbia.
I love this program because it offers some flexibility for parents to decide on guidelines/challenges based upon reading level, age, and family needs. All you need to do is print off the 2-week long “Reading Rewards” Calendar and give your kids check-marks each day that they complete the reading challenge(s) you have set. Once the chart is finished, it can be redeemed at your local Chuck E. Cheese for 10 FREE play points.
Don’t forget to check for summer reading activities at your child’s school. They may have programs or even book recommendations based upon grade and/or reading level!
This program is run by certified speech therapists and is offered to children between the ages of 6 – 11 years old. These are group-based sessions where children will build upon their knowledge of reading, writing, and comprehension. For more information or to enroll please go to the Prisma Literacy Program website or call 803.434.1260.
Have a rising 1st – 6th grader? This program is for them! The Barnes & Noble reading program will challenge your kiddos to not only read 8 books of their choice, but also write about their favorite part in each book.
Your child(ren) will then need to bring their completed reading journal to any Barnes & Noble store between July 1 and August 31, 2023. Once completed, they will receive a free book which they can choose from a list found on the Summer Reading Journal.
This summer, your children can earn a free water bottle when they complete the Books-A-Million summer reading program. They will need to choose and read 4 books from the reading list which can be found in-store or online and then write about each book in their summer reading log. Take the finished reading log to any store to claim their prize!
Clemson’s summer reading program is divided into several 6-week long courses. Visit their website and choose which grade your child will be in this upcoming school year, see a list of books they will read, and register for dates and times.
Go online at Half Price Books Summer Reading to register for this summer’s reading club which officially begins June 1 and will go until July 31, 2023. Throughout the summer, your children will be able to download several activities that will keep them engaged, learning, and excited about reading! There will be various themes throughout the weeks to keep the challenge entertaining!
You can also find a list of recommended books online according to your child’s age group!
Parents can go online to and register for Camp Book It where they can track their child’s reading all summer long. When your child meets their monthly reading goal, you will receive an emailed certificate for a FREE one-topping personal pan pizza from Pizza Hut!
Your kiddos can travel the United States on a virtual reading marathon this summer with Reading is Fundamental! There are various activities each week to go along with their books as they learn about beaches, parks, museums, and the great outdoors. Along with the reading log and book recommendations, children will also have free access to DIY postcards, coloring sheets, and more.
From May 4 – September 7, 2023 your kids can track their reading, attend virtual author events, engage in educational games and more by creating an account for them on “Home Base.” By keeping up their reading streak, your children will not only be able to gain access to more virtual fun, but they will help “unlock” donated books that will be distributed to children with limited or no book availability. Reading for a purpose – how rewarding! Sign up for Scholastic Home Base.
Have a teenager at home? Going to be on-the-go a lot this summer? We’ve found the perfect summer reading program for you! Sync is designed for teens 13 years and older and will give them 14 weeks worth of audiobooks for a grand total of 28 books all for FREE! All you’ll have to do is register your child for Sync online so they can get started!
How will you encourage reading in your home this summer?
Are you wondering where to go river tubing? Columbia, SC brings that famously hot (and humid!) South Carolina summer that’s perfect for a refreshing float down a river. Sounds great, but now you may be wondering, where are the places to go tubing near me? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with some river tubing spots in Columbia, SC!
We do our best to stay relaxed and cooled off this time of year, which is no easy feat. One great way to beat the heat this summer is by taking a dip in one of the many rivers running through Columbia. And what better way to experience the river than floating down it in a tube?
River tubing has been a popular pastime in our city for a long time and for good reason! It’s a great way to spend an afternoon with friends and family while enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Columbia has several options for river-tubing. Whether you’re an experienced tuber, or looking for your first adventure, here are a couple of the best ways to go river tubing in Columbia, SC:
Saluda Shoals Park offers one of the best options for a beginner! This is my family’s favorite spot for a quick river outing. It’s such a convenient location with parking right near the launch ramp.
You enter Saluda Shoals at the main entrance and follow the signs for the boat ramp/river. When you arrive, there’s a small shack in the parking lot where you can rent tubes and pay for a shuttle service from the staff. The tube rental is $15 and it includes shuttle service. The shuttle service will follow you to the exit of the river in your car, and then shuttle you back to the launch ramp. That way when you exit the river your car is ready and waiting for you!
There’s usually a decent amount of people enjoying the river on a nice day so if you’re unsure of where to go just follow the crowd! It can take about 1 – 1.5 hours to float from the entrance to the exit, and if you’re lucky you’ll spot some adorable river otters on the way!
Here’s our Kidding Around Review of Saluda Shoals with more information about all the fun things this Columbia park offers.
If you’re looking for a more adventurous tubing experience, Palmetto Outdoors might be the choice for you!
Palmetto Outdoors offers a really great river tubing trip for different size groups, down the Lower Saluda River. They have an online scheduling service as well as a cash-only walk-up reservation! They make it super simple and fun to make a day of being on the river.
The 3-hour-long excursion ranges from the Riverbanks Zoo to the Gervais Street Bridge. This portion of the Saluda does contain class II rapids so children under 10 are not permitted.
Shuttle times are offered 7 days a week during their open season at the top of every hour from 10 am – 4 pm on Saturdays and 12 pm – 4 pm all other days. They meet you at the West Columbia Riverwalk with equipment ready to go.
The standard tube rental is $20 per person and this includes the shuttle service. There are several rental options so check out their website for more details!
Have another place you want to float on a tube? Palmetto Outdoors offers a grab-and-go option for $15. There’s no shuttle with this option, but you can take the tube wherever you’d like as long as you have it back by 7 pm.
Lake Murray is a popular spot to bring the tubes.
Palmetto Outfitters also offers kayak and guided tours! Paddle Congaree National Park with them or try a guided kayak trip to see Spider Lilies.
River tubing is such a fun and unique way to discover the beauty of Columbia’s waterways. With multiple options for renting tubes and exploring the rivers, you’re sure to find an experience that works for you and your family!
If not, check out these tubing options in the Upstate and WNC area. These will make a totally awesome summer day trip.
No matter which option you choose, you can’t go wrong with spending some time outdoors getting some Vitamin D, and floating your worries away in a refreshingly cool river.
Looking for more places to beat the heat? Here’s our giant list of places to splash and swim in Columbia, SC.
