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!
🎉What’s inside: 60+ more birthday party places in Columbia, SC, sorted by category, including play venues, animal parties, trampoline parks, themed parties, and more.
Are you planning a birthday party in Columbia, SC? Whether you’re looking for a fun venue like EdVenture Children’s Museum, Surge Adventure Park, or Riverbanks Zoo, or want birthday entertainment that comes straight to you, Columbia has 60+ options to fit every age, theme, and budget. Scroll through our huge list below, sorted by category, and find the perfect fit for your child’s big day!
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? We research and update this list regularly, but if you know of one we missed, you can submit it through this form.
Navigate Columbia Birthday Party Options by Category:
Quick answer: best birthday party places in Columbia, SC
Columbia has more than 60 venues that host kids’ birthday parties. from hands-on museums and trampoline parks to zoos, skating rinks, and backyard entertainers that come to you. Here are 10 of the top picks to get you started, organized by what they do best.
Find the best 2026 summer camps in Columbia, SC – over 90 programs by age, type & price (when available). Explore arts, sports, STEM, week-by-week options & when to register.
Looking for summer camps in Columbia, SC for 2026?
This guide helps families find the best day camps, overnight experiences, arts, sports, STEM, preschool options, and more. We’ve organized 90+ programs by age group, county, schedule, and price to make choosing the perfect camp easy.
At Kidding Around, we’re kind of the summer camp experts in South Carolina, and we know what parents want!
We’ll be updating this 2026 Summer Camp Columbia SC Guide all season long as more and more camps announce their summer plans. ⭐Bookmark this page and check back soon for even more options. You won’t want to miss these great camps!
Find the fun! Use the blue buttons below to sort summer camps in Columbia and find the perfect camp for your kids! You can search camp programs by type, so you can choose your child’s favorite interest and go from there.
Arts and Performance Arts Summer Camps Near Columbia
Half Day Camp/ Full Day Camp/ or Overnight Summer Camp Options
Do you need to send your kids to a camp that lasts all workday? Maybe they just need some time away from half the day. We have options for half-day or full-day camps listed. You will also find fun overnight camps, many of which are in the mountains!
Browse Featured Summer Camps for Kids in Columbia, SC
Do you need some summer camp ideas? These featured listings offer additional details about their summer camps, so you are able to make an even better decision for your kids!
Who are Columbia’s Family Favorites? Kidding Around brought our annual Family Favorite Contest, the KABOOM! Awards, to Columbia, SC for the very first time!
Find out who our readers love. What were your 2026 Family Favorites?
Presenting the Kidding Around® Columbia Family Favorites (2026): KABOOM! Awards
Watch! The You’ve Got KABOOM Party & Awards
To all our winners, thanks for partying with us!
These Family Favorites have KABOOM!
What are the KABOOM Awards?
Kidding Around (K-A-BOOM, get it?) launched our annual contest in 2023. The KABOOM Awards are our reader’s opportunity to tell us who they love for all the important things in life like schools, preschools, birthday parties, summer camps, and more. The KABOOM Awards are also an opportunity for our community’s top businesses to shine!
Who’s the best in Columbia, SC? We asked our readers and they chimed in for the first time in 2025 on 5 different topics.
My name is Sarah Messner and I own Blue Belle Photography. I live in Chapin South Carolina but I travel all over. I photograph a lot of families, couples, newborns, and all the milestones 🙂 I absolutely love what I do and I am honored to receive this award! Thank you to everyone who voted for me! I am incredibly grateful!
Gateway Baptist Preschool is a ministry of Gateway Baptist Church for children ages 1-4. It is our goal to provide a loving Christian environment in which your child can grow in all areas of his or her life, becoming all that God has intended for them to be.
Our programs and activities are designed to aid the development of the whole child. Our days are full of playing, making friends, developing new skills, and, most of all, learning about God’s world and His love for them.
– Preschool hours are 9AM until 12PM.
– A school year program that operates from September to May.
– Watch a video tour here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPG9iETGap0)
– Schedule a tour today!
Soccer Shots is the most trusted and engaging children’s soccer program for ages 2 to 8, with the best coaches in the business teaching age-appropriate soccer skills, character-building, and FUN!
Whether your child is just starting off on their soccer journey or is looking for a challenge, Soccer Shots offers programs for kids ages 2 to 8 years old, focusing on making a positive introduction to sports and activity while also making a lasting impact on kids and their families. It’s the reason we are the #1 soccer program for kids in the United States and Canada.
“Amazing coaches and program. I have seen so much growth in my daughter over the months she has been with Soccer Shots!” –Soccer Shots Parent
Horse Crossing Farm is a family-owned mini farm in the heart of Lexington, SC. We offer horse riding lessons, toddler equine exposure sessions, farm camps, Meet & Greets (private tours), birthday parties, field trips, music/art/storytelling classes, photography sessions, farm school and live nativities. We have a large variety of animals including horses, a mini horse, a mini mule, a pony, a mini cow, goats, sheep, a pig, chickens, ducks, peacocks, turkeys, guinea fowl, an emu, a rhea, rabbits, hedgehogs, an alpaca, a llama, guinea pigs, cats and a dog. We sell farm fresh eggs, pet bunnies, pet hedgehogs and sheep.
The farm owner/manager Brittany is a former public school educator with 8 years of experience. Farm visitors have the opportunity to interact with and learn about every type of farm animal!
We also have a farm shop open daily from 10:00am-7:00pm. The Farm Depot serves as our gift shop and is filled with locally-sourced items such as eggs, baked goods, tallow, jams/jellies, vintage items, farm toys, home decor, dried floral arrangements, produce, goat soap, organic candles, crafts, handmade jewelry, etc.
We are open by private appointment only, so please contact us to book a service!
Best Preschool: Top 5 Preschools in Columbia, SC
Kidding Around Columbia offers a full guide to Preschools & Childcare in Columbia, SC. But our readers have chimed in with their favorites for this list of the top 5 preschools in Columbia, SC
Kidding Around Columbia offers a full private school guide, but if you want to know about our readers top choices for schooling in Columbia, here are their favorites: Top 5 Schools in Columbia, SC.
Best Summer Camp: Top 5 Summer Camps in Columbia, SC
Kidding Around Columbia publishes a really large Summer Camp Guide to Columbia, SC every year. But, our readers chimed in on their favorite summer camps for our annual KABOOM Awards. These are their choices for the Top 5 Summer Camps in Columbia, SC.
Best Family Fun: Top 5 Places in Columbia for Family Fun
Looking for fun things to do with the family? While Kidding Around Columbia maintains a huge list of Things to Do in Columbia, our awesome readers voted for their favorites. Here are the Top 5 Family Fun Things to Do in Columbia, SC.
Best Birthday Party: Top 5 Birthday Parties in Columbia, SC
Are you planning a birthday party in Columbia, SC and looking for the very best options? While Kidding Around Columbia maintains an extensive Birthday Guide to Columbia, SC with lots and lots of options, our readers voted for their favorite birthday party spots in our annual KABOOM Awards.
Best Eats & Treats: Top 5 Best Places to Eat in Columbia, SC
There are lots of great places to eat out in Columbia, but which are the best? Kidding Around readers say these are the top 5 spots for eats and treats in Columbia, SC.
Best Class & Activity: Top 5 Kids’ Classes & Activities in Columbia, SC
Kidding Around Columbia offers a full class & activity guide, but if you want to know about our readers’ top choices for kids’ activities, here are their favorites: Top 5 Classes for Kids in Columbia, SC.
1st place: Soccer Shots Columbia
Finalists:
Goldfish Swim School Lexington
Horse Crossing Farm
Lake Murray Gymnastics
South Carolina United FC
Want to see more classes and activities? You can sign your kids up for so many fun things! Check them out!
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👇
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 newborn 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.
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 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:
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!
🎄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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
