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!
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 12, 2025. 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 5th, 2025, the kids’ craft will be a toucan mobile. On August 2nd, 2025 kids will build an August space odyssey!
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 August 31, 2025, residents can enjoy free admission to The Columbia Museum of Art! 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.
Reservations must be made online for parking at Lake Murray Park. Parking is FREE on the Irmo side, but the Lexington side with the beach access has a parking fee of $5.
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
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What is your favorite free summer activity in Columbia?
