Inside: A list of events happening soon that are perfect for family night in Columbia, SC, and across the Midlands.
As my kids grow and begin heading off to college, one of the things I am most thankful for—and honestly wish we had done even more of—is simple, low-key time spent out having fun together. We did it frequently when they were little, but somewhere in the busyness of life, those easy family outings slowly gave way to long homework nights, teen jobs, and plans with their own friends.
So, if you’re wondering, “What events are happening in Columbia, SC that make a great night out with the family?” you’ve come to the right place. I created this guide to help you grab those sweet, simple moments while you can, slow down the clock, and enjoy a memorable Family Night Out with the people who matter most.
These Events Are Perfect for Family Night
Test your knowledge of SC Children’s Award Nominees by authors with last names A–G and compete against others in a Battle of the Books. (families with children)
Get ready, Columbia — Jeni’s Ice Creams is coming to the BullStreet district for the first time! Join the celebration on Thursday, October 22 from 6–10 p.m. at Jeni’s brand-new shop at 2156 Pickens Street, Columbia, SC 29201.
Enjoy FREE scoops all night long (yes, really!), featuring Jeni’s signature flavors like Brambleberry Crisp, Gooey Butter Cake and Double Dough, alongside seasonal and limited-time flavors, including Jeni’s new fall lineup.
Even sweeter, five lucky guests will win free ice cream for a YEAR — that’s 52 scoops! Simply download the Jeni’s app, join Jeni’s Splendid Rewards and scan your app at the event to enter.
Bonus: The first 50 people in line will score exclusive Jeni’s swag!
Mark your calendar and bring your friends — it’s going to be a sweet night you won’t want to miss!
Bring a bag and your best costume for a Trick-or-Treat Trail (6 to 7:30 pm) along the walking trail and a Halloween carnival (6 to 8:30 pm), with a free hayride back to the parking lot. Everyone attending must be registered.
🎟️ Cost: $5 per person in advance; $7 per person day of; ages 1 and under free.
📍 Location: Crooked Creek Park, 1098 Old Lexington Highway, Chapin, SC 29036
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: All ages
TNT Martial Arts & Fitness and Cayce’s Best After School and Summer Camp present their 9th annual Halloween Party and Trunk or Treat! Expect a bounce house, food trucks, games, a costume contest, trunk or treat, and much more. Registration is requested — register your family today through the event link.
📍 Location: TNT Martial Arts & Fitness, 1330 Knox Abbott Drive, Cayce, SC 29033
👉 Read more
Celebrate Halloween with this fun, seasonal library experience featuring glow-in-the-dark games, activities and crafts. (families with children)
Their annual Halloween celebration is sure to bring out all the ghouls and boys. Wear your costume, trick-or-treat and explore their spooky stacks. (families with children).
📍 Location: Cayce-West Columbia Branch, 1500 Augusta Road, Cayce, SC 29169
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: Families with children
Categories include: Funniest, Scariest, Cutest, Hero, Princess, Original, Villain, Homemade, Movie/Book Character. Contest open to ages 10 and under.
★ Featured🎃 EdVenture’s Halloween Hoopla
Dress up. Dream big. Discover more!
Get ready for a Halloween EdVenture you don’t want to miss! Step into a night of make-believe, discovery, and after-hours fun at EdVenture’s annual Halloween Hoopla.
Kids can come dressed as their favorite characters, heroes, or dreamers—whether they’re pretending to be a firefighter, doctor, scientist, chef, farmer, pilot, or anything in between—and explore the museum in a whole new way.
Throughout the evening, families can enjoy hands-on crafts and activities, festive games, creative play, and interactive experiences throughout the museum. Stop by community partner activity stations to play and explore while collecting stickers for your event map. Then, once you’ve visited all your stops, bring your completed map to the Treat Station for a sweet stash of Halloween candy to take home!
With exclusive after-hours access to the museum, costumes, creativity, hands-on fun, and plenty of treats, Halloween Hoopla is the ultimate Halloween celebration for the whole family!
🎃 Costumes • 🍬 Candy • 🎨 Crafts • ✨ Activities • 🦖 Exclusive Museum Fun!
Friday, October 30, 2026
5:30–7:30 p.m.
Space is limited, so grab your tickets and get ready for a Halloween night full of curiosity, creativity, and fun!
Tickets: Members $5 / Non-Members $20
A big Thank You to our event sponsors
Presenting Sponsor – Publix
Treat Station Experience Sponsor – Prisma Health
Candy and treats available while supplies last.
We encourage kid-friendly costumes for children only. Masks are not permitted.
Saturday, October 31st
11:00 AM–5:00 PM
504 Lexington Ave, Chapin, SC 29036
Want more fun events?
Check out our Kidding Around Events Calendar, full of all the fun things happening in the Upstate.
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