Complete Guide to Parks in West Columbia, SC

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Our family recently spent some time in West Columbia, and I made it my mission to scout the local parks! From accessible playgrounds to scenic trails, I found the best parks for every kind of outdoor fun in the city.

Top Pick for Families: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

If you’re looking for outdoor fun in West Columbia, then don’t miss Riverbanks Zoo & Garden! While the main entrance to the zoo is on the Columbia side of the Saluda River, West Columbia has its own entrance with free parking, too.

The West Columbia entrance to the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden will lead you straight into the botanical gardens, where you can enjoy beautiful walking paths, gorgeous plantlife, and—in summertime—the popular Waterfall Junction play area for kids.

A pedestrian bridge and tram are available to carry you from the gardens over into the zoo. You’ll find some amazing animal exhibits, including a farm-based petting zoo, giraffe feeding platform, and huge sea lion tank. Not to mention some great dining options!

West Columbia Entrance: 1300 Botanical Parkway, West Columbia, SC 29169

Columbia Entrance: 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210

Best Playground: Carraway Park at the Riverwalk

Address: 212 Hudson Street, West Columbia, SC 29169

After checking out every other park in West Columbia, we pulled into the parking lot at Carraway Park and knew we had found our winner! This all-inclusive, fully fenced playground was thoughtfully designed with every family in mind, and it shows.

You’ll enter the park through a gate underneath a large covered picnic shelter with tables, benches, water fountains, and ADA-accessible family restrooms. On the other side, a fabulous toddler playground awaits with sensory stations, nature-themed climbing structures, and a small playset with low tunnel, stairs, and slide.

A larger playset sits farther back in the park, with fully accessible ramps, long slides, and more for big kids to explore. The park also houses a merry-go-all, zipline swing, and swings for big kids and toddlers.

Most Scenic Stroll: Riverwalk Park & Amphitheater

Address: 109 Alexander Road, West Columbia, SC 29169

Directly across Alexander Road from Carraway Park, you can find Riverwalk Park and Amphitheater with a convenient parking lot and restrooms at the entrance. The amphitheater is often used for performances and other events, and as you follow it down the hill, you’ll be met with a pretty view of Gervais Street Bridge over the Congaree River.

This portion of the Three Rivers Greenway, known as the West Columbia Riverwalk, is several miles long, fully paved, and relatively flat with only small hills and curves. The stretch from the Gervais Street Bridge to Blossom Street Bridge is a favorite for many local families, as it is largely shaded, only a mile long, and known to be one of the safest and prettiest parts of the entire Riverwalk network.

Unique Cultural Encounter: Interactive Art Park

Address: 109 Alexander Road, West Columbia, SC 29169

The West Columbia Interactive Art Park spans a small stretch of sidewalk above Meeting Street Artisan Market, which brings together local vendors on a weekly basis each summer. Walk the path with your family to discover murals, sculptures, and interactive art pieces—all created and contributed by real South Carolina artists.

Quiet Local Favorite: Howard Park Sports Complex

Address: 200 Cougar Drive, West Columbia, SC 29169

Howard Park Sports Complex is best known for its baseball fields, but you cannot afford to miss it if you want to give your kids a quiet, safe place to play. The park is hidden inside a school zone, but don’t worry: I double-checked with the park staff that it’s open to the public…even when school is in session!

You’ll find two big playgrounds at the far end of the parking lot, and the play equipment is older but excellent. Both playgrounds have ramps for accessibility, great slides, and other fun features. Howard Park Sports Complex offers what might be the best and biggest playground for preschoolers in the City of West Columbia.

Add the shaded picnic tables, a short scenic boardwalk, and the 1-mile paved walking trail around the complex, and I could easily have spent the whole morning there with my kids!

The Tri-City Leisure Center can be accessed with a Wellness Membership from Lexington County Recreation & Aging Commission, with a variety of classes and indoor athletic amenities available. It also has a few amenities open to the public at no charge, including an adults-only walking track and a stroller walking group in its gymnasium every day from 1:30 to 3:30pm.

A fully fenced playground also sits behind the Tri-City Leisure Center, and while it is typically reserved for camps in the warmer months, families can use it free during the winter every year. This simple playground is great for those days when you want easy supervision, no crowds, and immediate access to clean restrooms for the kids!

Find out more about the Tri-City Leisure Center from Lexington County.

Four-Legged Fun: Bark West Dog Park

Location: 1940 Augusta Road, West Columbia, SC 29169

Okay, so it may not be a park for humans, but it wouldn’t be a complete guide if we didn’t include West Columbia’s only dog park! Known as Bark West, this members-only dog park has fenced spaces for big and little dogs with benches, obstacles, and pet care amenities like watering stations and doggie bags.

Find out more about Bark West from City of West Columbia.

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