60+ Fantastic Indoor Things to Do in Columbia, SC

👀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.

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!

Indoor things to do in Columbia, South Carolina

What are Your Favorite Indoor Things to Do Near Columbia, SC?

Indoor Fun: Quick Link of our Favorites

Indoor Fun: Search By Category

All Indoor Fun Near Columbia, SC

Quick FAQ- Indoor Fun Ideas

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!

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.

Arcades near Columbia

Bowling Alley: Columbia, SC

Escape Rooms in Columbia

Libraries near Columbia

Movie Theatres

Museums

Places to Make Art in Columbia, SC

Indoor Play Places: Columbia SC

Skating Rinks

Trampoline Parks

Where to See Live Shows and Concerts

Capture the Holiday Spirit With The Perfect Christmas Tree: Columbia, SC

🎄Quick Look: Searching for Christmas trees in Columbia, SC? Below you’ll find 20+ local lots and nearby Christmas tree farms where you can cut your own or pick out a precut tree for the holidays.

Are you looking for the perfect Christmas Tree in Columbia, SC? You’re ready for the lights, the ornaments, and all the festive decorations, but first, you need your tree. Let us help you choose! You’ll find Christmas Tree farms right at home near Columbia. Or, you can head up towards the Upstate and North Carolina for even more tree farm options with the opportunity to cut your own tree.

🎄Christmas Tree Farms Near Columbia, SC: By Location & Option

🎄All Christmas Tree Farms in the Carolinas

🎄Close to Home: Columbia Tree Lots

🎄Tips for Visiting A Christmas Tree Farm

Where Can You Pick Your Christmas Tree?

We will help you find the right place to get your family’s real Christmas tree and make sure that this holiday’s centerpiece is everything you desire. Many of these farms have fun activities and extras like visits with Santa, cocoa, and more. There are even choose and cut options to bring the extra magic!

Where to Cut Your Own Tree

Columbia, SC Area Tree Farms

Christmas Tree Farms Across the Carolinas

The Ultimate Guide to Trick-or-Treat and Halloween Events in Columbia, SC

👻What’s Inside: Trick-or-treat events & trunk-or-treat events, Halloween decorations driving tour, haunted houses & trails, and EVERYTHING Halloween in Columbia, SC.

Looking for the best trick-or-treat and Halloween events in Columbia, SC? 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!

Use these buttons to navigate & find your favorite Halloween activities near you!

🎃Trick-or-treat and Trunk-or-Treat in Columbia

🎃Where should we trick or treat in Columbia? Best trick-or-treating neighborhoods

🎃Alternatives to Halloween in Columbia

🎃Halloween Activities: Crafts & Kits

🎃Halloween at Richland Libraries

🎃Day-Trips for Halloween

🎃Spooky Things to Do: Haunted houses, Trails, & Farms Near Columbia

🎃Pumpkins, corn mazes, and all the rest of the not-so-spooky fall things

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.

🕷️Submit Your Halloween Event Here

Halloween Driving Tours are coming! Check out these 2025 Spooky Halloween Houses in Columbia, SC
Find all the Kids Eat Free Meals & Treats Halloween Deals in Columbia, SC!
Have a baby or toddler? Check out this list of Halloween Events perfect for little ones!

👻Halloween Events Happening Today Around Columbia

This guide is a lot! If you just want to know what Columbia Halloween events and activities are going on today or tomorrow, go right now to our full list of all the Halloween things going on around Columbia organized by date.

See Columbia Halloween Events Today

The Premier Guide to Fun Birthday Parties: Columbia, SC (2025)

🎉Inside this Guide: 60+ ideas for birthday party places in Columbia, SC, and the surrounding area, sorted by category for your convenience! With play venues, themed parties, and more.

Are you planning a birthday party in Columbia, SC? Maybe you’re looking for birthday party places in Columbia or maybe you’re looking for birthday entertainment that will come to you. Below, you can scroll through our huge list of birthday celebration ideas near Columbia, SC, for a bit of inspiration.

Plan the Perfect Birthday Party in Columbia, SC

Ready for an amazing birthday celebration? Are you looking for a specific theme or type of venue for your child’s next birthday party? Sort this huge list of Columbia, SC venues that offer birthday parties for kids and teens by category.

Navigate Columbia Birthday Party Options by Category:

Featured Birthday Parties

Animal Birthday Parties

Art Birthday Parties

Bounce House Party

Bowling Parties

Cooking Parties

Gymnastics Parties

Nerf Birthday Parties

Play Venue Parties

Rentals & Entertainers near Columbia, SC

Skating Birthday Parties

Sports Parties

Trampoline Park Parties

Facilities for Rent

All Birthday Parties near Columbia, SC

Which birthday spots are the best?

Our readers voted in the annual KABOOM Awards. Visit our KABOOM Guide for the TOP Birthday Parties in Columbia, SC.

Photographers in Columbia, SC: Maternity, Newborn, Family, and More!

📸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.

Photography Guide to Columbia, SC: family photos, maternity

Photographers Near Me: Columbia, SC- By Category

Maternity Photographers- Columbia, SC

Newborn Photographers- Columbia, SC

Family Photographers- Columbia, SC

Business & Headshot Photographers

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.

Our Kidding Around® Guide to Fun, Fall Activities: Columbia, SC (2025)

🍂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!

Kidding Around Guide to Fall in Columbia, SC

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!

What are the Best Fall Activities Near Me?

This Guide to Fall in Columbia Includes:

Fall Events and Festivals: Popular fall festivals and fairs

Where to Play this Fall in Columbia: Parks and playgrounds

Fall Treats: Coffee anyone?

Fall Day Trips from Columbia

Farms to Visit: Animals, corn mazes, pumpkins, and more!

Picking Apples: Where to pick apples closest to Columbia

Favorite Fall Activities: Columbia, SC

Spend Saturday with the Gamecocks
South Carolina State Fair
Spend the Day at Clinton Sease Farm and explore the corn maze
Shop Local at a Farmers’ Market Near Columbia
Are you looking for Halloween Events? We have a huge Halloween Guide full of Halloween activities, things to do, and trick-or-treating events, including The Best Halloween Events for Babies and Toddlers in Columbia, SC. We’ll be updating for 2025 throughout the season.

Fall Events and Festivals Near Columbia, SC

Fairs, festivals, and outdoor events are a pretty splendid way to spend a fall day. Hot dog and funnel cake, live music, and happy kids all make fall festivities awesome. We have a full list of Fall Festivals near Columbia, SC. Some we love include the Fall Festival Fun at Cottle Strawberry Farm, Clinton Sease Farm, the South Carolina State Fair.

Where to Play this Fall

Places to Play Outdoors

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.

Giraffe at Riverbanks Zoo, feed giraffes at Riverbanks Zoo

Petting a horse at Fox Farm near Columbia, SC

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!
Explore history in a “most charming small town,” Newberry, SC.
Check out Revolutionary War history in historic Camden, SC.
View the elk at Oconaluftee Visitor Center in Cherokee. The fall is a great time to see the elk!
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.

For more great day trips, don’t miss our list of South Carolina Day Trips and WNC Day Trips. If you’re exploring small towns, don’t miss this list of Upstate, SC Day Trip Towns.

Drive to the Upstate and check out Where to Find Fall Leaves to help you find gorgeous fall colors near the Upstate.

Thinking a weekend getaway might be fun? Here’s a list of Incredible Vacation Rentals Where You Can See Fall Colors and Vacation Rental Cabins With Private Indoor Pools.

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.

The Ultimate Guide to U-Pick Apple Orchards Near Columbia, SC

Are you searching for “u-pick apple orchards near me”? Then these apple orchards near Columbia, SC, are where you need to go! 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!

List of UPick Apple Orchards Near Columbia, SC

Our Google Map of Apple Orchards

Apple Cider Donut Tour Information

Tips for Apple Picking With Kids

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.

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.

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!

A Comprehensive Guide to Private Schools in Columbia, SC

Inside👀: Over 20 private schools in the Columbia, SC area, organized by category, along with contact information and a program overview.

Looking for private schools in Columbia, SC for your child? Our Kidding Around® Guide to Private Schools in Columbia, SC makes it easy to explore over 20 local schools. Sort schools by grade level, county, or school type, including Christian and religious-affiliated schools or secular private schools. Just scroll down and use the orange and blue buttons to find the best-fit school for your family in the Columbia area.

Premier guide to private schools in Columbia, SC

HOW TO NAVIGATE: Scroll down to the orange or blue buttons below, sorted by category, to find private schools in Columbia, SC, and the surrounding area, that are the perfect fit for your family.

Which schools are the best?

Our readers voted in the annual KABOOM Awards. Visit our KABOOM Guide for the TOP Schools in Columbia, SC.

Looking for a preschool? Don’t miss our huge guide to preschool and daycare in Columbia, SC.

Featured Private Schools Near Columbia, SC

KA BOOM Award Winning Private Schools in Columbia, SC

Find Private Schools in Columbia by Grade Level

Private Elementary Schools in Columbia, SC

Private Middle Schools in Columbia, SC

Private High Schools in Columbia, SC

Find Private Schools By Type/Philosophy

Religious and Christian Private Schools Near Columbia, SC

Secular Private Schools Near Columbia, SC

Private Schools By County

Private School in Richland County

Private Schools in Lexington County

The Premier Guide to Preschools & Day Care: Columbia, SC

Searching for the best preschools and daycares in Columbia, SC? Our comprehensive Kidding Around® Preschool and Daycare Guide makes it easy to explore top-rated options by category, whether you’re looking for Christian and religiously affiliated preschools, secular programs, specific age groups, or convenient locations. Start your search with confidence and find the perfect fit for your family today!

Choose a Category to Search Preschools Near Columbia, SC

Search By Location: Preschools & Daycare Near Columbia, SC

Preschools & Daycare: By Age

Full Day or Half Day Preschools

Preschools by Religion/Philosophy

Featured Preschools Near Columbia, SC

Search All Columbia Preschools & Daycare

Be added to our Kidding Around® Guide to preschools and daycare in Columbia, SC

Which preschools are the best?

Our readers voted in the annual KABOOM Awards. Visit our KABOOM Guide for the TOP Preschools in Columbia, SC.

HOW TO NAVIGATE: Click the circles 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 blue or orange buttons below to search for preschools and daycares in Columbia, SC by county or city.

Columbia, SC Preschools & Day Care Centers by County:

Richland County Preschool and Day Care

Lexington County Preschool and Day Care

Columbia, SC: Preschools & Child Care Centers by City:

Blythewood, SC and Elgin, SC Preschools & Day Care

Downtown Columbia, SC Preschools & Day Care

Irmo, SC Preschools & Day Care

Lexington, SC Preschools & Day Care

West Columbia, SC Preschools & Day Care

Search for Preschools and Daycares in Columbia, SC- By Age

Use the buttons below to find the perfect preschool or daycare for your child based on their age. We have information for parents looking for childcare from newborn – K5.

Infant Child Care in Columbia, SC

Toddler Child Care in Columbia, SC

K2 Preschool in Columbia, SC

K3 Preschools in Columbia, SC

K4 Preschools in Columbia, SC

K5 Preschools in Columbia, SC

School-age Afterschool & Break Care in Columbia, SC

Columbia Preschools and Daycares- By Schedule

Maybe you are 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!

Full Day Preschools

Half Day Preschools

Full Day Daycare: Columbia, SC

Half Day Child Care: Columbia, SC

After School Child Care

Columbia Preschools and Daycare- By Type & Philosophy

If you are looking for preschool and daycare in Columbia, SC that are secular or religious affiliated, we have options for you!

Secular Preschools & Daycare: Columbia, SC

Religiously Affiliated Preschools & Daycare

The Ultimate Guide to Classes & Activities for Kids in Columbia, SC

What’s Inside 👀: Over 90 Classes and Activities for Kids near Columbia, SC, including sports teams, art classes, horseback riding lessons, and more!

Looking for engaging classes and fun kids activities Columbia SC families love? Whether you’re hoping to fill your child’s schedule with creative outlets, hands-on learning, or confidence-boosting adventures, this guide has you covered. Inside this guide, you’ll discover a wide range of opportunities for kids to explore new skills, make friends, and have a blast doing it. From art and sports to science and more, there’s something here for every curious kid in Columbia!

Kidding Aroun® Columbia Classes and Activities guide

Columbia, SC Kids Activities and Classes: Navigation

Columbia Kids Classes: By Category

Featured Classes & Activities

All Columbia Kids Activities

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 sponsor’s offerings. Not sure what you are looking for? Check out all the listings we have by choosing the “All Columbia Kids Activities” button below!