Do you need some ideas for Valentine’s Day in Columbia, SC this year? How will you celebrate with the kids? What about a date night, or a friend’s night out? Whether you’re celebrating love for your family, your friendships, or romantic love for your spouse or significant other, there are so many ways to celebrate the holiday. And of course, at Kidding Around, we have some great ideas!
So, without further comment, here is our guide to celebrating Valentine’s Day in Columbia, SC for everyone!
Have you visited the Ballentine Branch of the Richland Library System yet? If you haven’t been there recently, now is the time. They have lots of special features and public programs, most of which are free. The staff is beyond helpful and there is so much to explore beyond the books (which are awesome too!).
Library cards are free for residents and property owners of Richland County and Education cards are available free for students (Pre-K through college), K-12 teachers and daycare employees in Richland County educational institutions.
Family Story Time occurs twice weekly on Thursdays and Saturdays at 10 am and is intended for families with young children from birth to preschool but of course, older children are welcome as well. Families will listen to stories, sing songs, and have fun together while building literacy skills with their early learner.
Monday Morning Makers is on Monday mornings from 9:30 – 11:30 am and you can drop on anytime within those hours. The projects, which are designed for those 6 years old and up, are different each week and all ages and abilities are welcome.
This program takes place in the Makerspace which is packed with art supplies to fuel your creativity! The Makerspace also features a corner of windows that stretch to the ceiling and allow for some amazing birdwatching! Seventy-two different species of birds have been sighted here.
The Read to a Dog program typically occurs once a month and allows children to spend 10 minutes, one-on-one, practicing reading aloud to Bailey The Therapy Dog. There are only 10 spots available to read to Bailey, so this program is first come, first served. The handler will be with the dog and child at all times.
Birding at Ballentine is a monthly program led by the Ballentine Library Staff where you will learn how to use binoculars to identify local birds, plus how to help the birds in your own backyard beyond bird feeders.
Come see how many of the 72 different species you can spot!
Career Ready: Resume Help provides community members with individual help in building a resume from one of the library’s Career Coaches. This is recommended for both adults and teens, whether you are creating your first resume to transition into the workforce for the first time or refining an existing resume, the Career Coach is available to answer your questions.
With all the time you can spend here as a family and with the kids, you may be craving some alone time. That’s okay too. They have several adult-only classes available also. Every Friday, adults gather to create some really fun projects.
Every other week the craft typically incorporates some form of crochet to give a variety of projects and plenty of opportunity to use different crafting materials and techniques. There is a wall in the Makerspace that features examples of past (and some future) projects and inquiries into the techniques used in each are welcome.
Not only are these programs a great way to bond with your child and make learning fun but they provide an excellent opportunity to make new friends as well.
Let’s be honest, being a parent isn’t always easy and sometimes it can even feel isolating. Getting out, connecting with others, and taking advantage of the FREE library programs is beneficial in so many ways, plus you may even discover a skill or interest you never knew you had.
Be sure to visit the Seed Library after your program! They have flower seeds and Non-GMO vegetable seeds. You can take up to 10 packets. Each packet is labeled with details and instructions so you’ll know exactly when to plant, how long until harvest, and how to grow your new seeds.
Grab a scavenger hunt sheet at the seed library for the kids and head out back to the large patio and nature trail.
The staff at Ballentine Library is super helpful, friendly, and excited to share about the resources the library has to offer.
Ballentine is one of 4 Libraries within the Richland Library System that has a Library of Things. Baking supplies such as stand mixers, cake pans, cake decorating tip set, bread and scone kits, and cookie cutters are available to check out.
You are also able to check out games like corn hole, a giant wooden Connect Four set, Bean Bag Bucketz, Croquet Set, and a Giant Tumbling Timber Toy. Tools, including an electric tiller, electric pressure washer, electric earth auger, push reel mower, and lawn maintenance kit are also available to rent at Ballentine.
Some other noteworthy items are a film-to-digital converter, binoculars (and birdwatching kit), monoculars, trail cam kit, sewing machine, and Cricut Maker Machine which are also available here.
There are rules and restrictions associated with checking these items out so be sure to read those in detail beforehand. You must have a library card to access the Library of Things and check items out. Main, Lower Richland, and Edgewood locations also have a Library of Things which includes an unbelievable variety of items from tents and telescopes to projection screens and a Stop-Motion Animation Kit.
There are programs for every age, ability, and interest across the Richland Library Branches. Programs they offer across the branches include family storytimes, Read To A Dog, Make & Create, Bilingual storytime, Crafternoon (babies, toddlers, teens, and adults all welcome), Teen Gaming Night and so much more.
Each branch also has a unique feature like the Print Studio at the Eastover Branch, Bike Repair Station at Edgewood, and Recording Studio at North Main. The Richland Library Main Branch has a Makerspace, Fiberworks Studio, Production Stage, Post-Production Lab, Theater, Artist-in-Residence Studio, and more. That’s just to name a few of the unique features they each offer.
You can read more about those at the Richland County Libraries Website.
We highly recommend you take advantage of the many free and fun resources the Richland Library has to offer. There is literally something for everyone. We highlight some of the upcoming events on our calendar.
Which is your favorite Richland Library location to visit and why
Check out what’s happening at Richland’s Main Library.
Want more indoor things to do? Don’t miss our HUGE Indoor Guide to Columbia, SC.
Looking for a kid-free date night or just need some alone time but can’t find a sitter? Parent’s Night Out programs in Columbia, SC are the perfect solution! Check out our list for places to choose from. We’ve got gymnastics to cooking options; there’s something for everyone. Your kids are sure to have a great time, all while you enjoy the quiet. See details below for times, dates, and specifics that each program offers.
Known as “Kid’s Night Out” here, Empire Gymnastics offers great fun for your kiddo – including pizza, free play, games, and crafts. Space is limited, and pre-registering is a MUST. So be sure to get on their list ASAP. They generally offer this program on the 2nd Friday of each month, but occasionally it changes. Check out Empire Gymnastics for more information.
Location: 116 South Lake Court, Lexington
Phone: 803.359.2420
Time: 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Cost : $25/child ($5 off if you bring a guest)
Ages: 5+ years
Palmetto Athletic Center offers everything from bounce houses to rope swings for their “Saturday Night Out” fun! Your kiddos are sure to get their energy out and have loads of fun while you enjoy a much deserved night away. They offer this program on select Saturdays throughout the school year. So check out Palmetto Athletic Center here for more information.
Location: 1193 North Lake Drive, Lexington
Phone: 803.951.2090
Time: 5 pm – 9 pm
Cost: $20 (includes pizza)
Ages: 5 – 13
Lake Murray Gymnastics offers a 10,000 sq. ft. facility for your child to run, jump, and play in on Friday nights. Your child is sure to laugh and have fun while getting their wiggles out. Enjoy your evening, knowing that your child is safe and well-cared for – and filling up on some yummy pizza! Visit Lake Murray Gymnastics for more information.
Location: 110 Hunter Village Drive, Irmo
Phone: 803.233.1460
Time: 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm (Fridays)
Cost: $10 – Members/$15 – Non members
Ages: 4+ years
Your child will enjoy all sorts of fun, themed cooking and baking activities when attending one of Flour Power’s “Kid’s Night Out” events on Friday nights! From whipping up a breakfast dinner to baking muffins and cookies, your child is sure to find a yummy treat to enjoy making. These tickets sell out fast, so be sure to get yours soon. Visit Flour Power Cooking Studio for more information.
Location: 4517 Forest Drive, Columbia
Phone: 803.231.9635
Time: 6 pm – 8 pm
Cost: $52
Ages: 5-12 years
Here’s an example of one of Flour Power’s Kid’s Night Out events.
Ready for your child to be able to play, learn, discover, and be creative? Kids Play Garden is the perfect spot! Not only do they offer Parent’s Night Out on Saturdays, but they also offer drop-in afternoon enrichment classes, summer camps, birthday parties, and more. The Columbia location is open now.
Check out the Kids Play Garden website here.
Planning a date night out? Don’t miss our list of super unique date ideas in Columbia, SC
Are you looking for something new and exciting to do with your significant other for date night? There are lots of things to do in Columbia, SC for couples. It can be hard to decide! So, we’re highlighting some awesome and unique ways to spend the day, or even just a few hours, with your loved one right here for a date night, Columbia, SC-style! Whether you’re interested in art, theater, ax throwing, outdoorsy activities, or cooking classes, just to name a few, we’ve got you covered for your next date! Let the date night ideas planning begin!
We get it, between your kid’s school, extracurricular activities, family get-togethers, and work, it’s so hard to plan a date night with just you and your spouse. Now is a great time to make your significant other feel like a priority.
It can be hard to come up with new and unique date ideas, but we are here to help! We hope you enjoy a little one-on-one time in Columbia using our list of date night ideas!
Looking for something new to do for date night? One thing’s for sure, taking a cooking class together sounds super fun and unique! Let’s Cook Culinary Studio offers so many great classes, one being a Friday night class specifically for couples. This class is offered twice a month and you will follow a recipe, and the guidance of a chef, to create your own delicious meal. You are even allowed to bring your own wine to complement your meal!
These classes have limited availability and usually fill up quickly. If this is something you’re interested in, be sure to book your spot well in advance!
It’s not as hard as it looks, really! And you rent paddleboards for just $25 at California Republic SUP on Lake Murray. Rentals are for two hours, which is just the right amount of time to enjoy the beautiful Lake Murray on the water. Then you can enjoy a picnic on the grassy lawn by the lake.
Try something new for your next date! Rent paddleboards on Lake Murray.
There are two great places in Columbia that offer pottery making and painting: HalfMoon Pottery and Mad Platter. Both of these businesses offer classes, walk-ins, and take reservations. You will be able to choose your art piece, design, and decorate, then return to pick up your project after it has been glazed and dried. Talk about a statement, or conversation piece for your home!
Not long ago, ax throwing was all the rave, and for good reason! If you haven’t had the chance to go I HIGHLY recommend giving it a try. Craft Axe Throwing is the only business in Columbia that offers this fun activity, but there are two locations: downtown Columbia and Lexington.
My husband and I went for the first time about a year ago and it was so much fun figuring it out together, getting competitive with the games and scorekeeping, and of course, snacking on some delicious food and drinks! They are known to be quite busy on the weekends so it would be a good idea to book a lane online in advance!
Put your art skills to the test at a “Paint & Sip” studio! Here are the two canvas painting studios we recommend for a date night:
Both of these studios offer classes where an instructor will walk you through each step of painting a pre-chosen picture or freestyle painting where you can choose your own artwork, be given a set of instructions, and work at your own pace. You can even bring your own wine, beer, non-alcoholic beverages, and snacks to munch on as you paint!
If you’re looking to have a group date night with some of your other couple friends, an escape room might be just the place for you! The main idea is that you get 60-minutes to solve a mystery using clues all around you. It really puts your mind to the test and works on your communication and team-work skills.
Most of these escape rooms change out their mysteries frequently so you can always go back more than once. There are several fantastic escape rooms throughout Columbia, here are a few of our favorites:
There are several places to go bowling all throughout the Midlands, however The Grand on Main Street is like no other! At The Grand you will find a restaurant in the front of the building and bowling lanes in the back. Enjoy a delicious meal with your spouse then continue the night with a fun game of bowling!
If you don’t want to have a full meal, you can order small plates and drinks while you bowl and they will be brought right to you. This is much smaller than a traditional bowling alley so the atmosphere is a lot more cozy and intimate.
Pssst! Not many people know about it, but there is also an underground cocktail and dessert bar called The Robinson Room found here. You and your spouse can continue your night by enjoying unique cocktails and desserts!
Another great date night idea is to head to a local theater and enjoy a performance, musical, or movie. Columbia is home to many theaters that all have calendars FULL of monthly events:
The Nickelodeon Theater has been in business for more than 40 years. It offers all the charm and coziness of an old-school movie theater with both matinee and evening showtimes. They usually show about 3 – 4 movies at a time which change as new movies are released.
The Township Auditorium often hosts up-and-coming musical artists, bands, comedians, and more. Already on the list for this year are performers such as STYX, Kountry Wayne, and Jill Scott.
Another great place to go to view performances is the Koger Center. You can often find ballets, musicals, orchestras, and more! On the 2023 schedule, you can find Annie, Hairspray, and Romeo and Juliet, just to name a few.
Want to see a movie?
Here are your options:
Movie theaters in Columbia, SC
Get out your University of South Carolina gear and cheer on the Gamecocks! While sporting events can double as a fun family activity, they can also be a fantastic date idea! No matter what time of year, there is always some kind of college sporting event happening in Columbia – baseball, basketball, soccer, and football, and more. You can check out the full sports schedule for USC.
Root for more local home teams!
Baseball, football, basketball, and lots more!
Do you or your significant other love art? Touring the art galleries at the Columbia Museum of Art could be a fun date! They have rotating exhibits, guided tours, and monthly events that would be perfect for couples.
Pack up a picnic basket, large blanket, pull out your tennis shoes, and take a romantic stroll with your loved one to see a beautiful Columbia sunset!
There are SO MANY fantastic places to walk and enjoy fresh air, but some of our date night favorites include Saluda Shoals, Columbia Canal & Riverfront Park, West Columbia Riverwalk, and the SC State House grounds.
Be sure to check out our review of the Riverwalks!
Overall the romantic, mushy gushy date night ideas? Here’s one that is quite the opposite! At Trash the Smash Room you will be able to smash, crash, and demolish as many things as your heart desires! There are different sessions and rooms to accommodate the number of people you’re going with, so this one would make a fun group date night out with some other couples. One important thing to note is that closed-toed shoes are REQUIRED!
This one is free! On Monday nights with clear skies, the Melton Observatory on the USC campus opens up to the public for free. Learn from the knowledgeable staff and get a chance to look through the observatory’s huge telescope.
It’s not the usual date idea, we know. But if you have a few daytime hours to spend together, heading to the zoo can be a great way to spend that time. Visiting the Riverbanks Zoo as a couple, sans kids, is a totally different experience. Grab a coffee, stroll, you may even get a chance to actually read the exhibit signs and learn something new since you won’t be chasing around the kiddos.
Ready for a fun, hot-day, water activity? Grab your partner and head down to Palmetto Outdoor for some tubing down the Saluda River. Cost ranges from $15 – $85 depending on the type of tube you choose. They offer this activity May through September as long as the weather and water levels permit. Reservations can be made online the day before. Walk-ups are welcome for cash only. They also offer other activities such as kayaking and canoeing. There are fun rapids to enjoy, but there are also calm spots along the way. So bring a camera and enjoy taking in some of the beautiful scenery. Don’t forget a dry bag and some snacks! Check out their what to bring/not to bring list here.
Class arcade games mix with burgers, salads, wings and adult beverages at Transmission Arcade and Bar on Main Street in Columbia. Relive your youth for a few hours with some classic arcade games and good food.
Transmission Arcade & Bar Menu
1712 Main Street, Columbia
On Lake Greenwood in Waterloo, SC, you’ll find the most romantic treehouse. Check it out!
Old Soul Treehouse: This treehouse on Lake Greenwood in Waterloo, SC is completely stunning and the perfect place for a romantic getaway!
BONUS idea! Check out Lula Drake Wine Parlour. It’s the perfect spot for some wine, small plates, and good conversation.
Bring along a favorite game or deck of cards, you won’t be rushed!
Hot out there?
Here are 5 places to go for frozen cocktails in Columbia, SC
Want Something More Traditional?
If a fine dining experience is more your thing: 16 Romantic Restaurants for Date Night in Columbia, SC
Looking for something less expensive? We get it. Family budgets are tight, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a fun time out together.
Where in Columbia, South Carolina do you like to go for date night?
Try one of these fun date night ideas in Charlotte, NC.
Or, head to Greenville SC for tons of new date ideas!
You’re looking for things to do this winter in Columbia, SC? The holidays have come to an end, and January and February stretch out in front of you long and cold-ish and boring.
But, there’s so much to look forward to! The winter season offers lots of unique opportunities and things to do in Columbia. Plus, there are some seriously epic winter day trips nearby. You can read that as “Yes, there are day trips for snow tubing near Columbia, SC.” So, have no fear. We have loads of ideas to keep your winter lively and put a bounce in your step that’ll last all the way to Spring. The only thing you’ll have to do is figure out which Columbia, SC winter activity you want to do first!
We love the South Carolina State Museum for its huge amount of exhibits and hands-on learning. In the winter, they offer a live sky planetarium show where your family can learn about the constellations, stars, and planets that make up Columbia’s winter sky. How cool is that!? Shows are about 30 minutes and should run through all of the cold months. Book your planetarium tickets Live Sky Tour online in advance if you want to be sure to get in at your chosen time!
Additional shows currently available at the Planetarium are Arora, Mars, James Webb Space Telescope and We Are Stars. You can book your tickets at the link above.
We have ideas for great family restaurants in Columbia, and we also have a huge kids eat free list, but what restaurants let us dine outdoors no matter the weather?
Who has a heated outdoor dining space in Columbia, SC?
Check out this list of heated outdoor dining options we found, or, if you’re bringing the kids along, here are a couple of restaurants and breweries from our big Columbia family restaurant list that also have heated outdoor dining!
Parents: don’t forget to keep a close eye on kids around outdoor heaters and fireplaces. Both can get very hot and accidents can happen quickly!
I know. We aren’t likely to see many snowflakes in Columbia. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t head out on one (or two) totally epic winter day trips and chase after that snow.
Go skiing, go snowboarding, go snow tubing. You can do it all just a couple of hours away in Western North Carolina. You’ll want to start here: 13+ Places to Ski, Snowboard, and Snow Tube: North Carolina & Beyond
If snow tubing is your aim, check out Black Bear Snow Tubing in Hendersonville, NC. We just visited and had a blast. It makes an amazing family day trip!
Last but not least, if you’d rather just go see some snow and maybe find a good hill to sled down, you are in luck. Load up that sled. Here are spots in Western North Carolina where you can sled and go play in the snow! from our sister site, Kidding Around Greenville.
Head up to the Whitewater Center in Charlotte for epic outdoor ice skating. They have several skating spaces and ice trails, it’s much more than an oval rink! Skating is open through mid-February. Find out all about it in our Whitewater Ice Skating Review!
Have you seen our Indoor Guide to Columbia? It has all the ideas for family fun indoors.
This winter we recommend:
So, we may have to travel to see that snow, but that probably means things are looking pretty temperate and sunny out there, perfect for some outdoor winter activities. Columbia, SC has a whole heap. That means you can go for a hike or explore the zoo comfortably and not even break a sweat. Anyone who has been to the zoo in the middle of July knows what we’re talking about.
Build projects with your kids for free at Home Depot. The Free Kids Workshops at Home Depot are awesome.
February 3rd, 2024: Valentine’s Basket
March 2nd, 2024: Butterfly house
Or, head to Lowe’s Home Improvement Store for their free kids’ kits. Here’s a sneak peek at January’s project. My First DIY Toolbox
Check out these winter-themed events happening over the winter months in Columbia. If you’re looking for more activities and events, don’t forget to check out our full Columbia events page.
Looking for more?
Don’t miss our huge list of things to do in Columbia, SC
Our winter break bucket list will fill that school break with lots of family fun.
Looking for things to do when you’re stuck at home? Whether you’re home because of illness in the family, school closings, or because gas is too expensive, you need ideas to help you not lose your sanity and entertain your kids. If you’re looking for things to do at home with kids, we have lots of ideas (because that’s what we do here). This may be the perfect time to cross off some of your bucket list items.
(more…)What’s so great about winter hikes? Columbia, SC offers lots of places to get out and enjoy the outdoors on a hike, and the surrounding area particularly towards the mountains brings beautiful winter hiking opportunities just a day trip away. This winter hiking guide will help you choose your winter hiking destination and pack your bag so you’re prepared for a fun adventure.
Why should we go hike in the winter, anyway?
Expect to see things as you haven’t before. Fewer leaves on the trees means that you can see through them for a view usually hidden. Expect to walk along trails that feel much more open, and expect more lookout stops and panoramic mountain views, even from the valley trails.
What you won’t see many of? Bugs. And snakes (usually). And while it’s colder and you’ll want to layer up (more on that later), you also won’t be dripping sweat and hiking through summer humidity. That right there makes winter hiking a lovely alternative.
Spoiler alert: It’s gorgeous
If you want to find panoramic mountain views you’ll want to head up towards the Upstate of South Carolina for your winter hike. But if you can’t dedicate a whole day to your adventure, there are still several spots for winter hiking right in and near Columbia.
Pick a place on our Columbia Hiking Guide. Any of those trails can be enjoyed in the cooler winter temperatures.
If that’s too many choices, we recommend one of these three spots!
Enjoy the open forest, and a waterfall when you hike the trail at the Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve.
There are over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails in Harbison State Forest, including and ADA-accessible trail so everyone can enjoy a winter trail hike together.
Enjoy a light hike around the lake at Sesquicentennial State Park. In the winter you’ll avoid insects and humidity, and likely enjoy a much less crowded park. The trail is only half a mile, so the whole family can enjoy it together.
For a longer winter hike in the mountains, you’ll want to plan a day trip to the Upstate.
Check out these 7 Winter Hikes Near Greenville, SC for lots of options or try one of these favorite spots.
In winter, the strenuous trail offers an incredible view. While the hike to the top of Table Rock is tough, it’s definitely more doable in the cooler temperatures. The panoramic view is a huge pay-off.
If temperatures are below freezing, we do not recommend going to the top since the steps to Governors Rock will be frozen over. Instead, hike the Carrick Creek loop.
This hike is great in winter because you can see a whole lot further and you can’t play in the falls anyway. The waterfall is a long distance away from the overlook, you may want to bring binoculars.
Crowders Mountain is near Kings Mountain on the SC/NC border, about 2 hours from Columbia. You can do a five-mile moderate loop trail that gives you incredible views in winter. We could even see Charlotte from the top!
Visit our Winter Guide to Columbia for lots more ideas and winter fun!
Looking for “Mommy and Me” classes in Columbia and nearby areas? Well, look no further. We have compiled a great list of things for you and your little one to enjoy! “Mommy and Me” time is a great way to give your child that one-on-one attention that is so needed, and it’s a great way for them to release their built-up energy. So pick out a few and give them a try. Be sure to look them up before you go to verify days and times since some may be subject to change.
Young children learn through playing. Tinkergarten provides outdoor and nature playing for children ages 1 – 8. From weekly sessions to activities that continue the fun at home, there’s something for children and parents the whole year long. This program provides three levels of monthly plans. You’re welcome to try a class for free or enroll in a class for the season.
For more information about Tinkergarten please visit our Kidding Around Columbia page here.
Learn rhythms and harmonies with your child through this fun music class! Be sure to bring a blanket or towel to sit on. You can sign up for individual classes or pay for a Tempo Membership. Individual classes must be booked at least 48 hours in advance.
Is there anything more magical and dreamy than singing nursery rhymes, reading children’s books and riding miniature horses all in one place? At Horse Crossing Farm’s Old MacDonald Mommy & Me Musical Farm Class, you’ll experience exactly this…and more.
More information is coming for spring classes.
Got a tumbler on your hands? The Parent and Me class at Carolina Gymnastics will introduce basic gymnastic skills to your little one. You will also get to be involved and learn how to safely spot your child. This program includes many cognitive development learning opportunities too; such as, color sorting, counting, etc.
Heather Nieves offers a mom & baby yoga class at Freedom Yoga every other week. Follow Freedom Yoga on Facebook to see upcoming classes. Each Mom & Baby drop-in class is $25.
112 Main Street, Batesburg-Leesville
Looking for a fun way to let your little get their wiggles out? Check out Lexington County Library for locations and times near you. You and your little will enjoy singing, dancing, and fun stories together!
Need a rainy day activity for your kiddos? Flight Adventure Park with all kinds of trampoline activities has just the ticket! Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays they have a special hour from 10:00 am – 11:00 am that is reserved for just children ages 6 and under. The cost is $13 for that hour.
Locations:
Irmo: 1019 Broad Stone Road, Irmo; Phone: 803.732.1900
Sandhill: 741 Fashion Drive, Columbia; Phone: 803.360.7300
Check out the Kidding Around Columbia Guide to Classes and Activities for Kids!
Wondering what it’d be like to go to a University of South Carolina basketball game? Thinking about bringing the kids along? Whether you’re a die-hard Gamecock fan or planning your first trip to Colonial Life, we hope to answer all of your questions. We’ve got all the helpful hints you’ll need for bringing kids, information on parking, ticket purchases, tips for entering Colonial Life Arena, and more from a mom who recently went to a game with her family.
Colonial Life Arena is home to both the women’s and men’s Gamecock basketball teams. It holds a whopping 18,000 fans, making it the 10th largest on-campus basketball arena in the nation! Before entering the arena itself, you will be greeted with a beautiful fountain and statue of A’ja Wilson, a Gamecock women’s basketball legend.
Upon entering through the main doors, you will see a beautiful mural of a Gamecock on the floor. As you continue your walk around the arena, you will see vintage jerseys and other memorabilia from some of the most well-known Gamecock basketball players and teams.
And there’s more exciting news!!! For the remaining games of this season, there are FREE concessions! Find out more about the free concessions this season on the Gamecocks website.
College basketball games are a great event for couples, families, or even groups of friends to enjoy! Not only is it thrilling to cheer on your team to victory alongside thousands of other fans, but the Gamecocks also have some note-worthy players that you won’t want to miss seeing on the court.
You will also have the chance to hear the Carolina Band, also known as the “Mighty Sound of the Southeast” play. During the halftime show and timeout segments, the USC cheerleaders and dance team come out to perform and keep the crowd involved as well.
The Gamecock women’s basketball team has been in the spotlight for several years now and rightfully so! They are coached by Dawn Staley and have won the NCAA National Championship in 2017 and 2022. They have also won the SEC Championship 5 times! There are usually around 10,000 fans who show up to cheer on the Univesity of South Carolina women’s team, “The Lady G’s,” making it an atmosphere that you just can’t find in any other college basketball arena!
The men’s team is coached by Lamont Paris. Throughout the last 3 seasons, the men’s team has sold out Colonial Life Arena 5 times! My family and I recently went to a men’s game and had a fantastic time cheering on all of the players and watching their coach in action!
If you’re looking to go to a specific game, your best option is to purchase those tickets well in advance. This way you will not have to worry about them selling out AND you might be able to find the tickets for a bit cheaper. Both teams are known to have large crowds in attendance, but this is especially true for the women’s team, particularly when they play against other SEC teams.
There are several ways you can go about purchasing basketball tickets. You can do so by going to the Gamecock Ticket Office, found at 1304 Heyward Street, online at Ticketmaster, or you can purchase tickets directly from Colonial Life Arena.
The box office at the arena is open every Tuesday from 9 am to 5 pm for ticket purchases as well as on game days.
Pricing depends greatly on rankings, who the opposing team will be, and when you purchase.
Outside food and drinks are not permitted within the arena. However, there are several concession stands located throughout Colonial Life with delicious options such as: pretzels (my son’s personal favorite), candy, hamburgers, nachos, drinks, and much more!
Some other things that aren’t allowed inside Colonial Life include:
Be aware that there is a clear bag policy at Colonial Life Arena. This means no diaper bags, backpacks, fanny packs, etc. Medically necessary items are the only exception to the rule. However, they will most likely have to be inspected and tagged before entry.
The doors to the arena will open 1 hour before the game. That being said, I recommend getting there about 30 to 45 minutes before game time. This will give you and your littles plenty of time to go through security, find your seats, use the restroom, and get situated before the excitement begins.
Speaking of excitement, you won’t want to miss all of the pre-game events! This part of the game always gets my kids into it, draws their attention to the court, and gives them something stimulating to look at. During the pre-game you can expect the band to play some Carolina favorites, flashing lights, small fireworks as starting players are announced, cheerleaders, and the oh, so popular “Sandstorm” to really get the crowd going!
My kids love to look around and find the mascot, “Cocky” as he dances around the court. Pro tip: If, or better yet, when, your kids start to get wiggly, play who can find Cocky the fastest – works every time!
Some other ways to keep your kids involved during the game:
Where can I park at the Colonial Life Arena?
There are several different parking options for Colonial Life Arena. There are parking garages, meter spaces, and public parking lots that can be found within a block or two of the arena. My family often parks at the Discovery Plaza Garage. We like this option because we can just cross over 1 street and be at Colonial Life. There is a small fee for parking in most places around the arena, usually between $10 and $20.
Colonial Life Arena
801 Lincoln Street
803.576.9053
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On the hunt for family-friendly ways to ring in the New Year? Columbia, SC is home to several spectacular NYE events and the good news is that several of them are kid-friendly! The majority of these events will be over well before midnight, leaving plenty of time to get home before the bigger celebrations begin. We’ve found events with miniature ball drops, bowling, skating, great prizes, and more!
Happy New Year from the Kidding Around Columbia team!
Where: 4801 Forest Drive
Time: 5K Run & Walk at 10 am; Snowflake Youth Fun Run at 10:45 am
Price: From $15 to $50 depending on race and sign-up date
Event Details: Kick-off your celebrations with a 5K and/or family fun run! This is a rain-or-shine event. Runners will receive a t-shirt!
Cold Winter’s Day 5K and Family Fun Run
Where: Altitude Trampoline Park – 7451 Garners Ferry Road
Time: 10:30 am until 12:30 pm
Price: $25/jumper
Event Details: Join Altitude to celebrate 2024! This includes 2 hours of jump time, a balloon drop, prizes, sparkling cider toast, and more! Be sure to purchase your tickets ASAP as this deal is limited to the first 100 jumpers.
Noon Year’s Eve Celebration – Altitude Trampoline Park
There are FOUR New Year’s Eve events at Skateland Fun Park!
Skateland Fun Center NYE Celebrations
More places to go bowling in Columbia, SC with the kids.
Where: Dave & Buster’s – 100 Columbiana Circle, Suite 5
Time: 4 pm until 7 pm
Price: $53.80/person
Event Details: Celebrate the New Year with your family at Dave & Buster’s. Admission includes an appetizer buffet, unlimited soda, coffee & tea, Ginger Ale toast, and $20 power card!
Dave & Buster’s New Year Celebration
Where: Segra Park – 1640 Freed Street
Time: 5 pm until 8 pm
Price: From $9 to $16
Event Details: This will be your last chance to get a glimpse of the Fireflies Holiday Lights at Segra Park. There will be a kid-friendly NYE ball drop and all children in attendance will receive a voucher for a free hot dog and fountain soda!
We visited! Check out the Kidding Around Review of Fireflies Holiday Lights.
Fireflies Holiday Lights – NYE Event
Where: Three Fountains Recreation Skating Rink and Mini Golf
Time: 7:30 pm to 2 am
Price: $12 in advance, $15 at the door
Events Details: Advanced sale tickets get to enter early at 7 pm and a pair of skates will be given away at the event.
New Year’s Eve Late Night Skate at Three Fountains
Where: AMF Bowling – 900 Axtell Drive
Time: 9 pm until 1 am
Price: Depends on package – more info below
Event Details: Start 2024 off with a strike! There are two different packages to choose from:
Will there be fireworks in Columbia for New Year’s 2024?
We have confirmed with the City of Columbia that there will be fireworks for New Year’s Eve 2024.
2024
Where: Downtown Columbia, SC
Time: Fireworks right after midnight
Price: Free
Event Details: For the second year in a row, this family-friendly event, Capital City Fireworks will be ringing in 2024. Families are invited to spend time in the city and stay for fireworks just after midnight. The best places to view the fireworks will be along Gervais Street and Main Street, to the north side of the SC State House.
Parties and big celebrations not your style? How about starting off the year with some fresh air and exercise? There are several places right in Columbia where you can enjoy a more relaxed New Year’s Day and get in a long walk or a hike.
New Year’s Eve is often the last night to see holiday light displays. If you haven’t had a chance to drive through our Columbia holiday lights driving routes, New Year’s Eve is the night!
Still need more ideas? We have them!
How will your family ring in the New Year?
