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!
Free Summer Fun in Columbia, SC: Quick Facts
- Location: Columbia, SC and the Midlands
- Season: All summer long
- Best for: Families and kids of all ages
- Cost: Free (plus a few money-saving deals we couldn’t skip)
- Highlights: Splash pads, farmers’ markets, library programs, shaded parks, public pools, disc golf, and free State House tours
BONUS Great Deal: Toucan Tuesdays at Riverbanks Zoo
Take advantage of BOGO admission and ICEE’s at Riverbanks Zoo every Tuesday from now through August 11, 2026. We know, this one isn’t completely 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 July 4, 2026, kids will build a Go-Kart, and on August 1, 2026, they’ll make a Rocket Game!
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. Caractor Park in Lexington, splash pads are a great way to beat the famously hot heat! There’s also the Virginia Hylton Park with a splash pad in Lexington and the Springdale splash pad in West Columbia. 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? Through September 6, 2026, South Carolina residents can enjoy free general admission to The Columbia Museum of Art—just show proof of residency at the Welcome Desk! Head to Boyd Plaza in the evening for more free fun such as live music, food vendors, and more.
4. 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.
5. 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!
6. 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!
Don’t forget to participate in the library’s summer reading challenge!
7. Explore a Shaded Park
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
- Doko Meadows – huge shade coverings, artificial turf, fenced in, restrooms
- Hollywood Park – tons of climbing structures, shade coverings, large green space, covered shelter
Don’t stop there! Find more great places to play!
8. Swim and Splash at Lake Murray Public Park
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.
Day passes for the Lexington-side beach must be reserved online in advance (up to three weeks ahead) through Dominion Energy, and parking is $5 per vehicle. Note: as of the 2026 season, cash is no longer accepted—all parking is paid online. The beach and recreation area is open April 1 through Labor Day (September 7, 2026).
9. Cool Off at a Public Pool
Life is cool at the pool and there are several completely free public pools in and near Columbia!
10. Tour the State House
Tours are available every hour on the half hour at the state house beginning at 9:30 a.m. and ending at 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tours are not offered at 12:30 p.m. There’s also a gift shop that you won’t want to miss!
More free things
Grab a free meal for the kids!
Summer in Columbia, SC
The Ultimate Summer Guide to Columbia, SC
Find all the fun in one place!
Frequently Asked Questions
What free things can families do in Columbia, SC, in the summer?
There’s plenty to enjoy for free, including splash pads, farmers’ markets like Soda City, Richland Library programs, shaded parks and playgrounds, public pools, disc golf, and guided tours of the State House.
Are there free splash pads in Columbia, SC?
Yes! Most splash pads around the Midlands are completely free, including Emily Douglas Park, Elmwood Roy Lynch Park, Will B. Caractor Park in Lexington, Virginia Hylton Park in Lexington, and the Springdale splash pad in West Columbia. Be sure to double-check operational hours before you go.
Is Riverbanks Zoo free in the summer?
Admission isn’t free, but during Toucan Tuesdays you can get buy-one-get-one admission and ICEEs every Tuesday from June 9 through August 11, 2026, when you donate two non-perishable food items.
Is the Columbia Museum of Art free in the summer?
Yes—South Carolina residents receive free general admission through September 6, 2026. Just show proof of residency at the Welcome Desk.
What is your favorite free summer activity in Columbia?
