📸What’s Inside? 20+ best photographers in Columbia, SC, including top professionals specializing in maternity photography, newborn photography, family portraits, and business headshots.
Are you searching for photographers in Columbia, SC? Whether you are looking for a photographer for family photos, a newborn session, maternity, special event, or to stand out in your business portfolio, you’ll find local Columbia, SC photographers on this list offering photo sessions and packages for you. Verified in September 2026.
Want to have your portfolio included in our photography guide? Fill out this form for Kidding Around Guides to be considered!
Are you searching for the perfect maternity photographer to beautifully capture this once-in-a-lifetime journey into motherhood? Or maybe you’re planning ahead and want to book a trusted newborn photographer before your little one arrives. If it’s time for updated family portraits, you might be looking for a skilled family photographer who can finally get everyone smiling at the camera at the same time.
Running a business? A professional headshot photographer can help you stand out with a polished, confident image.
Whatever stage of life you’re in, welcoming a new baby, updating family photos, or refreshing your professional brand, we’ve done the research for you. Explore these photography categories to find exactly what you need, all in one place.
Photographers in Columbia, SC
Not exactly sure what type of photographer you are looking for? Below is our growing collection of Columbia, SC area photographers that specialize in newborn, maternity, family, business, and more. You’ll find links to their portfolios along with each photographer’s contact information.
Discover the ultimate Columbia, SC homeschool guide: co-ops, educational trips, classes, and activities for kids across every subject in the Midlands!
Looking for homeschool resources in Columbia, SC?
From homeschool classes in Columbia, SC to homeschool co-ops in Columbia and Lexington, SC, plus associations and supply spots, this guide has everything homeschooling families in the Midlands need.
Whether you’re just getting started with homeschooling in Columbia, SC families or looking to connect with the local homeschool community, you’ll find the best options for homeschooling in South Carolina right here!
New to Homeschooling in SC? Start Here!
New to all this? We’ve got you. Use the category buttons below to find the resources and info you need to get started, from required subjects to legal requirements to that first “how do I even begin” moment. And if you’re a few years in already, you’ll find what you need to plan ahead for that high school diploma too.
Looking for the best trick-or-treat and Halloween events in Columbia, SC? Halloween is on a Saturday this year, so grab your costumes and get ready for family-friendly fun across the Midlands!
From Trunk or Treat celebrations at Richland Libraries to Boo at the Zoo at Riverbanks Zoo, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy costume contests, spooky activities on October evenings, and plenty of treats on Halloween night. Don’t miss the biggest list of Halloween things to do in South Carolina! Being updated for 2026.
Use these buttons to navigate & find your favorite Halloween activities near you!
Try a haunted house or farm. How about a Halloween getaway to a haunted hotel or a day trip Halloween adventure? Go trick-or-treating in Downtown Columbia! We have all the events, details, and Halloween fun right here. Have the best Halloween in Columbia ever!
There are a lot of Halloween events around Columbia and we’ll be updating throughout the season. Don’t forget that many events will be announced in October as Halloween gets closer, so bookmark this page to check back often.
What are the most popular and largest Halloween events in Columbia? These events have lots of things to do for kids and families, with food, music, and more.
Boo at the Zoo at Riverbanks Zoo, October 16th – 30th, 2026
This popular family Halloween event includes trick-or-treating around the zoo, plus fun activities. Get your tickets in advance!
Here’s our local mom review of Boo at the Zoo! Here’s our local mom review of Boo at the Zoo!
South Carolina Railroad Museum, Pumpkin Patch Express, October 17th and 24th, 2026:
Ride a train to the pumpkin patch! Pick a pumpkin, decorate it, and enjoy games and a maze before heading back to the depot aboard the train.
Halloween Fun for Free at Richland Libraries in Columbia
Check out the Richland County Library Holiday Event Calendar for fun Halloween events! You’ll find everything from craft events, to costume story times, teen Halloween events, and lots more! Here are a few of the Halloween-themed events going on at your local library. Some of our favorites include:
Richland Library Halloween Events (Columbia, SC – October 2026)
Saturday, Oct 3, 2026 – 3:00 p.m. | Richland Library North Main Make and Create: Halloween Garlands Make a garland that fits the creepy and spooky season! (Audience: Adults)
Friday, Oct 9, 2026 – 2:30 p.m. | Richland Library Eastover Make and Create: Cake Decorating – Fall Theme Guided instruction for creating DIY projects. We provide the supplies; you supply the creativity! (Registration opens 9/1/2026)
Monday, Oct 12, 2026 – 10:30 a.m. | Richland Library Sandhills Hands on Science Help a Scientist reverse the spell of a witch and save Countess Megg — creepy potions, floating eyeballs, and Mad Science’s Preschool Halloween. (Audience: Preschoolers 3-5; Registration opens 9/14/2026)
Saturday, Oct 17, 2026 – 12:30 p.m. | Richland Library Edgewood Teen Makers: Corpse Bride Sculpture Come make a spooky sculpture while watching a Halloween favorite! (Audience: Teens 12-18; Registration opens 10/1/2026)
Saturday, Oct 24, 2026 – 11:00 a.m. | Richland Library Sandhills Money Smarts: Personal Finance A financial expert from SAFE Federal Credit Union shares best personal finance practices for Halloween fun and other special occasions. (Registration opens 9/24/2026)
Saturday, Oct 24, 2026 – 3:00 p.m. | Richland Library Eastover Crafternoon: Spooky Halloween Craft Kids enjoy creating festive decorations and creative projects while exploring their imagination. (Audience: School age children 6-12)
Tuesday, Oct 27, 2026 – 5:30 p.m. | Richland Library Edgewood Make and Create: Halloween Fall Lanterns Celebrate the arrival of Fall with this crafty DIY project, now with a Halloween twist! (Registration opens 9/10/2026)
Where should we trick-or treat in Columbia, SC? Fill up those candy buckets or pillowcases at these trick-or-treat and trunk-or-treat events near Columbia.
What neighborhoods and areas are good for trick-or-treating?
Looking for the old-fashioned door-to-door trick-or-treating? First, remember to stay safe. Halloween should be fun spooky, not truly scary. Parents remember that you make the call about what is safe for your kids and what’s not. That said, we’ve seen KACOLA readers and Columbia residents recommend the following neighborhoods and places for Halloween trick-or-treating on October 31st, 2026.
Wales Garden and Rosehill
Hampton’s Ridge
Shops at Five Points
Windermere
Lake Carolina (Harborside)
Ashley Oaks
When do we trick-or-treat in Columbia, SC? 2026 Trick or treating times around Columbia, SC
When does Columbia trick or treat door to door? While some areas of the country move Halloween trick-or-treating to a convenient weekend day, in Columbia, most people will trick-or-treat on Halloween evening, Saturday, October 31st, 2026. There will be plenty of trunk-or-treat style events, usually on the Saturday’s throughout October, and ramping up with dozens closer to Saturday, October 31st.
From trunk or treating to fun crafting events, spooky movie nights to spectacular haunted theatre experiences, here you will find a collection of Halloween-themed events throughout the month of October near Columbia, SC, and the surrounding area.
Want to take a festive Halloween day trip? There are lots of ideas near Columbia with something that’s a great fit no matter the ages in your group. Carowinds near Charlotte is pretty much a perfect Halloween daytrip, which offers both Scarowinds for older teens and adults and the Tricks & Treats for families, happening from September 11th – November 1st, 2026.
Like to be scared? Spooky Things to Do in Columbia
Stay Overnight Somewhere Haunted: The Spookiest Stays in the Southeast
Looking for a chance to see a real ghost this Halloween? Book one of these haunted vacation rentals or hotels. These spots have been widely reported as haunted, making them perfect for a festive Halloween night.
Discover the haunted places in Columbia, SC
Columbia is full of ghost stories. Our Haunted Places in Columbia article lists 13 places you might see ghosts along with the stories of those ghosts.
Visit a Haunted House, Farm, or Haunted Trail
If you and your crew like to be scared, then you might be considering a trip to a haunted house or trail. In Columbia, you’ll find everything from haunted castles to haunted farms where you can take a haunted wagon ride. There’s even a place where you can shoot zombies with lasers. These definitely go way beyond a plain traditional haunted house. Lots of these places are highly NOT recommended for children. Use the listings below to pick the perfect spot to be scared. Click the purple button below to find haunted trails near Columbia, SC.
Where are those pumpkin patches? How about a corn maze?
Need a pumpkin to carve for Halloween night? Pick one up at these farms near Columbia! Or, if traditional corn mazes are more your Halloween speed, try one of these farms with a corn maze. Have some family-friendly fall festive fun. Click the buttons below to see all the pumpkin patches and corn mazes in the Midlands.
🍏🍎Quick Look: Apple orchards near Columbia, SC that are within driving distance and offer upick apples, pre-picked apples, bakeries, apple cider donuts, and more!
Are you searching for “u-pick apple orchards near me”? Then these apple orchards near Columbia, SC, open in August and have a variety of apples and treats to enjoy! It’s so much fun to pack a lunch, load up the kids, and head up towards the cool(er) mountain air to a favorite orchard with apples to pick and farm games to enjoy.
There are many wonderful apple orchards near Columbia, SC, where you can pick your own apples. If you’re looking for apple picking in SC, you’ll find the closest orchards towards Upstate, SC, and into Western North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Apple picking makes for an awesome day trip. Use our guide to pick the orchard that sounds fun for your family, and then check out our other content to see what else there is nearby to do. Plan your amazing fall day trip adventure and be back home by bedtime. Happy picking!
Before you go apple picking, be sure to call ahead to check on hours and apple varieties available, or check the orchard’s Facebook page for updates, as many of the orchards will list upcoming events, changed hours, and a list of fruits that are available.
Watch! Sky Top Orchard
Get in the apple season spirit. Check out all the fun things to do at Sky Top Orchard.
Take a Stroll Through the Best U-Pick Apple Orchards in SC
Check out this video to get a sneak peek of the awesome family fun offered at some of the best apple orchards near Columbia, SC.
Looking for something different? Make the rounds and visit several orchards while sampling apple cider donuts on our Apple Cider Donut Tour. We can’t think of a more perfect and delicious fall day.
Do you love fall? Check out our huge Fall Guide to Columbia, SC. It’s full of fall activities for the whole family, from farms to day trips to corn mazes and more.
Quick FAQ: Picking an Orchard to Visit
Best all-around family day:Justus Orchard, Grandad’s Apples, or Jeter Mountain Farm, all have extra kid-friendly activities (corn mazes, cow trains, wagon rides, play areas) on top of the apple upick.
Dog-friendly picks: Justus, Sky Top, Grandad’s, and Chattooga Belle all welcome leashed dogs in at least part of the orchard.
Reservation-required spots:Sky Top, Jeter Mountain, and Windy Hill all require an appointment or reservation for u-pick in 2026, which keeps things running smoothly and lets you time your visit to whichever apple variety is actually ripe.
Bakery: Grandad’s Apples, Justus Orchard, and Sky Top Orchard are your best bets for fresh cider donuts and other bakery treats on-site, with Jeter Mountain Farm and Coston Farm are worth the drive for their bakery treats.
Fun Apple Farms: U-Pick Apple Orchards Near Columbia, SC
Don’t forget to check out all the additional family fun available at many of these orchards. Visit with farm animals, pick out some jams and jellies at the farm store, or pick up some apple cider, pie, or pick another baked good or apple product to enjoy. Test out an apple cannon, ride a cow train, or just kick back and enjoy the view!
🍂What’s Inside: A categorized guide to fall things to do near Columbia, including fall activities, apple orchards, pumpkin picking places, fall festivals, and more!
Have you been searching for the best “fall activities near me”?
We have gathered all the fall fun in one place! Pick some pumpkins, spend a day at a farm, hike over a trail covered in colorful leaves, indulge in some cider donuts, or attend a fall festival. There are so many places near Columbia, SC to visit for a little fall family adventure, and that’s just what you’ll find here: a list of awesome fall things to do near you!
Is there anything better than bringing the kids to the playground on a crisp fall day? Or, maybe you’d prefer a leisurely walk under a beautiful canopy of trees? You’ll find all that and more near Columbia. Check out these great parks and playgrounds near Columbia.
Raining? Play Indoors
Did you know we have a whole guide about things to do indoors in Columbia? So, if it’s raining or even just a bit too cold, there are lots of places you can head for some fun this fall. You can browse them all in our guide and even sort by the type of activity you’d like to try!
See some Animals: Visit a Zoo or Farm
Fall is a great time to spend the day learning about some animal friends. Check out both Riverbanks Zoo and check out their Boo at the Zoo event and Eudora Farms, or try one of these petting zoos where you can bring the kids to pet and play with animals.
Fall Treats
Visit one of the locally owned coffee shops in Columbia for delicious coffee and fall treats. There’s nothing cozier as the weather cools down than the perfect cup of coffee and snickerdoodle cookie, except maybe something pumpkin-flavored. Pumpkin muffin anyone?
Fall Day Trips and Travel
Fall weather lends itself to fabulous outdoor adventures. Check out these great day trip ideas from Columbia that are perfect for family fun this fall!
Head to Bee City Zoo for amazing animal interactions. You’ll get to pet kangaroos, feed monkeys, and lots more!
Check out the hawk migration that happens every fall at Caesars Head State Park or visit the Carolina Raptor Center to see these amazing creatures up close.
Spend the day in Landrum, SC. Enjoy the small-town downtown plus fabulous food, hiking, and more!
Drive to the top of Sassafras Mountain for amazing views from the highest point in South Carolina.
Drive to the Upstate and check out Where to Find Fall Leavesto help you find gorgeous fall colors near the Upstate.
Fall Fun on the Farm: Visit farms near Columbia, SC
Visit a farm or orchard near Columbia for traditional fall activities and fun! These farms offer various things to do with your family that include corn mazes, pumpkin picking, hayrides, and a lot more.
Inside👀: Find the Best Private School for Your Child in Columbia, SC Compare 20+ schools by grade level, county, and school type (grade level, religious and secular). Includes tuition info, accreditation, financial aid links, and admissions details where available.
Looking for private schools in Columbia, SC for your child? Our Kidding Around® Guide to Private Schools in Columbia, SC and Lexington, SC makes it easy to explore over 20 local schools. Sort schools by grade level, county, or school type. Start here👇Last verified: July 2026.
Choose what you’d like to browse: ☝️Click the orange buttons above or 👇scroll down to the blue buttons below, to find private schools in Columbia or Lexington, SC, including cities like Chapin, Cayce, West Columbia, Columbia, Elgin, and more!
Which schools are the best? Our readers voted in the annual KABOOM Awards. Visit our KABOOM Guide for the TOP Schools in Columbia, SC.
🧸Quick Look: This guide helps Columbia area parents compare preschools and daycare options by age, schedule, curriculum, and location, including full-day care, half-day preschool, part-time childcare, secular and faith-based programs for newborns to K5.
Looking for preschools and daycares in the Columbia, SC area? This Kidding Around guide covers early childhood programs, ratings, curriculum types (secular, faith-based), age ranges, locations, and enrollment tips. [Last verified: July 9, 2026]
Choose a Category to Search Preschools Near Columbia, SC
HOW TO NAVIGATE: Click the buttons above or scroll down and click a button below to sort preschools by location, age, schedule, or philosophy, and find the right preschool or childcare for your family!
Search by Location: Preschools and Daycare in Columbia, SC
Use the location guides below to find preschools and daycare closest to you in Columbia, Irmo, Lexington, West Columbia, Blythewood, and across Richland and Lexington counties.
Columbia, SC Preschools & Day Care Centers by County:
Search Preschools & Daycares in Columbia, SC by Age
Use the age buttons below to quickly find childcare programs that fit your child’s stage of development. Options include newborn care, infant/toddler programs, preschool, and K4–K5.
Search Columbia Preschools and Daycares By Schedule
Looking for part-time care for your kids, or need a full-day childcare center. Below, you will see full-day and half-day options for preschool or daycare, plus after-school care options!
What’s Inside 👀: Looking for classes for kids and kids’ activities in Columbia, SC? Explore 90+ classes and programs, including sports, baby/toddler classes, gymnastics classes, horseback riding, and more.
Wondering where to find kids’ activities in Columbia, SC? Right here! Whether you’re hoping to fill your child’s schedule with something creative, hands-on, or to help boost their confidence, this guide has you covered. We’ve researched it all, from art and sports to science, swimming lessons, and more, and found something for every kid in Columbia! Scroll down to search by category.
Columbia, SC Kids Activities and Classes: Navigation
How to navigate this guide: Click the blue buttons above to help you search this page, where you will find classes and activities for kids, sorted by category. You can also use the buttons to preview featured classes and activities that give you more detailed information about those sponsored offerings. Not sure what you are looking for? Check out all the listings we have by choosing the “All Columbia Kids Activities” button above to scroll to the bottom!
What Kids’ Activities are Available in Columbia, SC? Search by Category!
Columbia, SC, offers a wide range of kids’ activities, from dance and gymnastics classes to sports leagues, art studios, nature programs, and horseback riding, suitable for toddlers through teens. Sort Columbia’s classes and activities for kids by category using the orange buttons below.
Questions Parents Have about Classes for Kids near Columbia
Click the questions below to find answers to readers’ questions about kids’ classes nearby.
How much do kids’ classes and activities cost in Columbia, SC?
Costs vary widely depending on the type of program. Some community and library programs are free, while structured classes like dance, gymnastics, or horseback riding typically range from $40 to $120 per month, depending on how often you go and the type of lesson. We recommend contacting the studio directly. Sports leagues and specialty programs may have seasonal or registration fees.
What ages are served by kids’ activities in Columbia, SC?
Kids’ activities in Columbia can be found for any age, from babies and toddlers and preschoolers to elementary through teens. Many programs clearly list age ranges, and plenty offer parent-and-child classes for younger children as well as advanced programs for older kids and teens.
Are there open play or drop-in activity options for kids?
Yes. Several kids’ activity providers in Columbia offer open play or drop-in options, including indoor play spaces like EdVenture and art studios like The Mad Platter. These are great for families who want a flexible schedule or a fun one-time activity without committing to a full session.
Do kids’ activities in Columbia, SC require advance registration?
Many structured classes and sports programs require advance registration, especially for seasonal sessions. Kids classes at Sesqui State Park and other SC State Parks, including Harbison State Forest, also require registration ahead of time. Open play options, workshops, and special events (found on our events calendar) often allow same-day or walk-in participation. When in doubt, it’s always best to check ahead of time.
Are there affordable or free kids activities in Columbia, SC?
Yes. Columbia has a great range of free and affordable options. Library programs offer arts and crafts, storytime, maker times, and more at no cost. Kroger Chef Junior classes are available for a low fee. The Columbia Museum of Art has free programs like Gladys’ Gang monthly. And Home Depot and Lowe’s both run free kids workshops monthly throughout the year. These are all great ways to explore new activities without spending a lot.
👀What’s Inside: Discover the best indoor things to do in Columbia, SC, including museums, arcades, theaters, play centers, and fun activities for all ages, updated for 2026!
Searching for indoor things to do in Columbia SC? Whether you’re escaping the summer heat, staying dry on a rainy day, or just looking for family-friendly fun, Columbia has plenty of great options. Explore the South Carolina State Museum, try arcades and indoor playgrounds, catch a movie at a cozy theater, or enjoy hands-on activities at local attractions. The Midlands offer exciting indoor experiences for all ages, so no matter the weather, you’ll find indoor things to do in Columbia, SC that everyone will love!
What are Your Favorite Indoor Things to Do Near Columbia, SC?
Quick List of Indoor Things to Do Near Me! Columbia, SC
Are you looking for a quick plan to play indoors? Click the boxes below to check out some of our favorite indoor attractions in Columbia, SC! Still not sure? Scroll down to the orange boxes to find even more indoor fun!
If you still need more fun things to do after you’ve read our indoor list, be sure to check out our HUGE list of Things to Do in Columbia, SC.
Have Lots of FREE Fun at Richland County Libraries!
Don’t miss the story times, craft events, teen game nights, family events, workshops, and more happening at Richland County Libraries. You can also find some amazing programming at one of the 10 Lexington County Public Libraries, which offer storytime, science and art programming for kids, and more!
Quick FAQ About Indoor Activities near Columbia for Families
Start Here to Find the Best Indoor Things to Do in Columbia!
Sort our long list of things to do indoors by category using the buttons below.
Are you looking for after-school childcare for school-age kids? There are quite a few childcare centers that offer after-school care in Columbia, SC, and lots of other after-school programs, too!
Here’s a list of Columbia, SC, and Lexington, SC, after-school programs. Most of these programs also offer childcare during school breaks as well. You can view the listings in this guide by county using the buttons in the orange box. Or, simply scroll down to see all your after-school options!
