Are you looking for things to do inside near Columbia, SC? Whether it’s a rainy day or that infamously hot Columbia heat holding your kids hostage indoors, this list will keep them (and you) from going stir-crazy. We have compiled a list of indoor places to have fun, including arcades, theaters, indoor playgrounds, and a whole lot more. Columbia is full of things to do inside!
What’s your favorite thing to do inside with your family? We hope you find it and lots more!
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.
Quick List of Our Indoor Favorites in Columbia
- Flight Adventure Park
- EdVenture
- South Carolina State Museum
- Glow Dragon Mini Golf
- The Grand
- Movie theaters
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.
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 in the orange box below.
Things to Do Inside in Columbia, SC
AMC Classic Dutch Square 14
803.750.5130 421 Bush River Road Unit 80 , Columbia , SC
AMC Classic Dutch Square 14 offers movie tickets 30 percent off before 5 pm. Every Tuesday, movies are only $5 dollars all day long!
Frankie's Fun Park
140 Park Ridge Drive, Columbia, SC
Frankie’s Fun Park is a place for children of all ages. With mini golf, bumper boats, batting cages, an arcade, laser tag, and more, there’s plenty to entertain yourself with.
Birthday Party Packages: A party a Frankie’s Fun Park can include food with their food packages or just play cards for varying amounts so your guests can enjoy all the games, rides and attractions at Frankie’s Fun Park.
Escapology offers private escape room adventures so you’ll never be solving your puzzles with a stranger. Just get your group together and book one of their 12 rooms, which are family-friendly. No jump scares, everything is PG. They also offer large group team building for groups as large as 180.
Birthday Parties: Book a birthday party or private event at Escapology. Call to discuss available options.
You can experience wizards, haunted hotels, pirate ships and more when you visit Escape Plan Columbia. Each room takes an average of 2-10 people, so it could be perfect for a date night activity!
Flight Adventure Park
1019 Broadstone Road, Irmo, SC
Flight Adventure Park in Irmo has tons of ways for families to have fun, including trampolines, bounce houses, an arcade, and even an ice skating rink.
Birthday Parties: Flight Adventure Park in Irmo offers trampoline parties, bounce house parties, and ice-skating parties. Various packages are available and they can be customized with options for pizza, beverages, and more.
Town Theatre
803.799.2510 town@towntheatre.com 1012 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC
Town Theatre offers a youth theatre program with a variety of classes and production experiences for youth and teens.
Summer Camp: Town Theatre offers various summer camps for rising kindergartners through rising 12th graders. From cabaret skills to tap dancing to musical theatre and more… there are plenty of options to satisfy the kid who loves performing.
Regal is introducing ScreenX, which extends the movie theatre screen to the auditorium walls for an immersive movie-watching experience. You’ll have a 270-degree panoramic view! Playing both the latest hits and old favorites, Regal Columbiana Grande offers a wide variety of screenings. Select movies are also offered in IMAX and RPX.
Offers ceramics painting and pottery classes.
Ceramics painting is guided, self-paced, and all ages are welcome. You can pick a piece of bisquewear to paint.
All supplies are provided.
Prices: Bisquewear starts at $5 per piece. There is also a $5 per day studio fee (or $18 per month)
Hours:
Monday: 11 am – 7 pm by appointment
Tuesday: 3 pm – 7 pm by appointment
Wednesday: 11 pm – 7 pm by appointment
Thursday: 3 pm – 7 pm by appointment
Friday: 11 am – 7 pm by appointment
Saturday: 11 am – 7 pm by appointment
Sunday: By Appointment
The Orangeburg County Library system has lots to offer residents, families, and kids. Most locations have a designated children’s area, as well.
Classes: Mud Club, art classes for kids after school.
Summer Camps: Mad Platter offers camps for young kids ages 3-6, older kids age 7 and up, as well as clay camps for kids ages 9 and up.
Regal Northlake Village
844.462.7342 929 North Lake Drive, Lexington, SC
Regal Cinemas movie theatre offers daily screenings of new and classic films.
They also offer special premier screenings and seasonal promotions throughout the year.
A large selection of pinball games and arcade games to play. Machines cost 1 to 2 tokens per play.
The arcade also serves food such as wings, fries, and sandwiches.
All ages until 7 pm , after 7 pm is 21+ only
Hours:
Wednesday – Friday 4 pm – 2 am
Saturday- Noon – 2 am
Sunday- 10:30 am – Midnight
Theatre located at Midland Technical College offers large-scale productions, dance performances, live theatre and variety shows, symphony performances, and musical performances.
Many of their productions are of classical themes, and they occasionally have performances geared toward younger viewership.
Regal Sandhill IMAX & RPX
844.462.7342 450 Town Center Place, Columbia , SC
This movie theater offers “closed caption” theater rooms for hearing impaired guests. If you want an exciting watching experience, try one of the IMAX or RPX rooms!
Offers a bowling alley, arcade, and sports bar. They offer a “laneside” menu for food and beverages.
Hours:
Sunday: 1 pm – 11 pm
Monday and Wednesday: 2 pm – 11 pm
Tuesday: 2 pm – 1 am
Thursday: 9 am – 1 am
Friday: 2 pm – 2 am
Saturday: 12 pm – 2 am
Indoor boutique play center for children ages babies, toddlers, and young children.
Birthday party packages are available, with pricing TBA.
Learn more about PlayMatters SC in our KA Review, including the cost of admission, activities, and more!
Children’s museum with multiple floors of hands-on fun and learning for children and their families. Cafe on-site and regular events. See our full review of EdVenture.
Birthday Parties: Birthday packages include all-day admission for guests and 90 minutes in a private party room.
Summer Camp: Summer Camps exist to ignite curiosity, discovery, and adventure in children ages 4-10. Camps are open to the public, and there are a variety of camps to choose from. Space is limited, and all campers must be potty-trained.
The Final Door Escape Room
803.602.2433 930 Knox Abbott Drive , Columbia , SC
Rated one of the top 20 escape rooms in the nation, The Final Door is not one to miss. With themes such as Alice in Wonderland, Blackout, and The Sacrifice, this escape room is a highly immersive experience.
Anchor Lanes
803.732.7880 1057 Lake Murray Boulevard, Irmo, SC
This bowling alley offers open play rates, shoe rentals, and Rock-N-Glow bowling Friday and Saturday evenings.
Anchor Lanes participates in summer Kids Bowl Free.
Birthday Parties: Anchor Lanes has several customizable parties for kids, teens, and even adults. Parties include bowling and shoe rental, plus various options for food packages, party host, photographs and more!
This entertainment center offers arcade games, augmented reality bowling, axe throwing, laser tag, VR, food, and more!
They also offer kid and adult birthday party packages starting at $19.95 per person.
The space can also be rented for large events.
Hours:
Monday – Thursday: Noon – 11:30 pm
Friday: Noon – 12:30 am
Saturday: 10 am – 12:30 am
Sunday: 10 am – Midnight
Call Ahead to make sure the space is open. Stars and Strikes is sometimes closed to the public for private events.
Columbia Marrionette Theatre
401 Laurel Street, Columbia, SC
- Birthday Parties at Columbia Marionette Theatre
- Columbia Marionette Theatre
- Kidding Around review of Marionette Theater

Columbia Marionette Theatre offers family-friendly puppet shows for kids and families.
Birthday Parties: Parties at Columbia Marionette Theatre include an hour in a themed party room, a gift for the birthday child, and admission to the puppet show.
Located at the Univerity of South Carolina, this theatre offers broadway productions, ballet performances, special guest speakers, symphony orchestras, musical productions, sensory-friendly family concerts, and more!
The ticketing policy requires all persons, even babies, to have a ticket to the event.
There is a coat check for strollers and car seats.
AMC Harbison 14 offers reclining seats, adult beverage options, and all the latest and greatest movies. It’s also right behind a Mexican restaurant with great happy hour deals!
U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum
803.751.7419 4442 Jackson Boulevard, Columbia, SC
The museum exhibits follow the evolution of basic training since 1917. Guests can interact with soldiers during their visit. The museum is open Monday through Friday, closed Saturday and Sunday.
The museum is an official US Military museum.
Drayton Hall is located on the USC campus at Wardlaw College and offers performances theatre, dance, and artistic performances throughout the year.
This refurbished theatre offers dining, a bar, and boutique bowling.
Hours for bowling:
Monday – Thursday: 11 am – 12 am
Friday: 11 am – 2 am
Saturday: 9 am – 2 am
Sunday: 9 am – 12 am
Prices range from $30 per hr / lane – $60 per hr/ lane (depending on day and time)
Shoe rental is an additional $5.50 per person
Bowling Alley with open play and Cosmic Bowling in addition to a game room, arcade, and bar.
Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 10 am to 10 pm
Friday-Saturday: 10 am to 12 am
Sunday: 10 am to 9 pm
Prices start at $3.50 per game until 5 pm
$4.50 per game after 5 pm
Birthday Party Packages start at $15 per kid (10 child minimum) and includes a game, shoes, pizza, and an arcade card.
AMC Theatres offer $5 movies on Tuesdays, along with a sensory friendly movie experience. Closed captioning devices are also available upon request.
JC’s Lexington Bowl offers bowling and league bowling.
Their family deal includes 2 hours of bowling plus shoes for $44 for 4 people. They also offer deals on Wednesday with $2 per game with $2 shoes.
Birthday Parties: JC’s offers two birthday party packages. A minimum of 8 people are required.
Spare Package: $8 + Tax- Includes 1 hour of bowling, small drink, and ice cream
Strike Package: $10 + Tax- Includes 1 hour of bowling, choice of hot dog or corndog, chips, small drink, and ice cream.
Video arcade and social gaming lounge that offers high-end video game systems, board cards, and collectible card games.
Playpass prices start at $14.99 for weekdays, and $16.99 for Sundays, with additional options.
They also offer birthday party packages starting at $229.99
Bring the kids any time Studio Cellar is open for “Freestyle at the Paintbar.” Just pick a package option and get painting.
Classes: Instructor-led family classes on the weekends!
Birthday Parties: Bring decorations and food, and celebrate while painting at Studio Cellar. There are paint package options to choose from, and you also have the option of selecting a private party when the venue is closed, or a separate party area while the venue is open.
Three Fountains Recreation
2724 Emanuel Church Road, West Columbia, SC
Throw a party at Three Fountains Recreation and your guests will enjoy unlimited skating and mini-golf, plus options to include pizza, soda and ice cream.
They also offer open skate sessions Friday through Sunday, including evening hours. Prices range from $6 – $8 depending on the day.
Richland County Library
Multiple Locations, , SC

With over 10 locations, the Richland County Library system has lots to offer residents, families, and kids. Most locations have a designated children’s area, as well.
Surge Adventure Park
230 Business Park Boulevard, Columbia, SC
- Surge Adventure Park Birthday Parties
- Kidding Around Review of Surge Trampoline Park
- Surge Adventure Park

Surge Adventure Park offers all sorts of adventure for kids and families including trampolines, a high ropes course, ninja obstacles, and even arcade games.
Birthday Parties: Surge Adventure Park offers trampoline park parties that range in size from 10 to 25 jumpers. Parties include 2 hours of jump time, 2 hosts, a t-shirt for the birthday child, and more.
Flight Adventure Park in Sandhill
741 Fashion Drive, Columbia, SC
- Kidding Around Review of Flight Adventure Park
- Birthday Parties at Flight Adventure Park, Sandhill
- Flight Adventure Park Sandhill

Flight Adventure Park in Sandhill offers so many activites. You’ll find a trampoline park, roller skating rink, laser tag, indoor turf field and lots more.
Birthday Parties: Birthday party packages include trampoline park parties, bounce house parties, roller rink parties, laser tag parties, and indoor sports parties. Packages can be customized with food, favors, and more.
Bowling Alley and Arcade.
Bowling prices:
$3.99 per game Monday – Thursday
$4.99 Friday and Saturday
The shoe rental is $4.29
They also offer Cosmic Bowling on Friday and Saturday from 11 pm to 2 am
Party Packages are available starting at $155 for 8 party guests
AMF Columbia Lanes
803.798.1310 1732 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC
AMF Columbia lanes offer bowling, bowling leagues, birthday parties, special events, billiards, and an arcade. They also have a full bar with food service laneside.
Lanes can be reserved ahead of time online.
Bowling party packages have parties that range from 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Some packages include pizza, ice cream, and more.
The Kershaw County Library system has lots to offer residents, families, and kids. Most locations have a designated children’s area, as well.
The Columbia Place Mall has a Children’s Play Area in the Food Court.
Indoor roller skating and an indoor playland is available for family fun at Skateland. Skate rentals are available. Special events include glow parties, pizza nights, and more.
Summer camp at Skateland Fun Center includes roller skating, use of an indoor/outdoor playground, field trips, crafts, and more!
- For kids ages 5 to 12
- Breakfast, lunch and snacks included
- 6:30 am to 6:30 pm
- Weekly and daily options
Birthday parties at Skateland include pizza, skate rentals, and use of the indoor playland, plus other options depending on the party package.
With over 10 locations, the Lexington County Library has lots to offer families and kids. Most locations have indoor play areas for children, too.
Altitude Trampoline Park
7451 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, SC
At Altitude you’ll find trampolines, tumble tracks, dodgeball and many more classic trampoline park attractions. Specials include unlimited afterschool jump time for one price and monthly memberships.
Birthday Party: Packages include the option to reserve a table, use a private party room, or book the entire park. Party sizes begin at 8 people and include pizza, water, 2 hours of party time, and jump socks.
Alexandra's Art Studio
803.724.2771 cafeartcola@gmail.com 111 Sparkleberry Crossing Road Suite 2, Columbia, SC
Offers classes for young artists and teens on specific days of the week. All art supplies are provided to the student. Classes are themed.
You must sign up at least 24 hours before attending
Young Artists (ages 9 – 11): Thursdays 4 pm to 5:30 pm
Teens (ages 12 – 15): Saturdays 10 am to 12 pm
Prices: $20-$25 per class
Spotlight Cinemas in Andrews offers $3 movies. They’re not the newest blockbusters, but it’s a great way to spend an afternoon indoors with your kids.
The Columbia Museum of Art has a small play area for children. Visiting the rest of the museum does require admission, but they offer several programs for kids and youth.
Summer Camp: The Columbia Museum of Art has a variety of summer camps for ages 4-18. Camps center around encouraging your child to be creative and imaginative. Register early; most camps sold out in 2021.
The Columbiana Centre mall has an outdoor-themed play area located near JC Penny’s. Your little ones must be 48 inches or shorter to be able to play in the indoor playground. You’ll also find a merry-go-round at the food court.
AR Workshop Columbia
4711 Forest Drive, Columbia, SC
DIY projects, classes for adults, kids, and families to complete projects together.
Birthday Parties: Parties for ages 6 and up that include all materials, prep, and clean-up. There are a wide variety of crafts t choose from and everyone goes home with the project they have made.
Summer Camp: 4 day summer camps for kids 7 to 14 from 9:30 am to 12 pm. Each week is a different project and crafting focus. Complete projects like tie-dye, string art, pillows, dream catchers, and more.
Chuck E. Cheese
1775 Burning Tree, Columbia, SC
Chuck E. Cheese offers a place for kids to play arcade games, play space, pizza, and more.
Birthday Parties: Party packages include pizza and drinks, add-ons available including cake.
Columbia Children's Theatre
803.691.4548 3400 Forest Drive, Columbia, SC
The Columbia Children’s Theatre Summer Camp is a week-long experience to get your child moving, learning and having fun. Activities will include acting, set design, playwriting, and more. There are a variety of camp offerings for different age groups.
Monetta Drive-In Theatre
803.685.7949 5822 Columbia Highway North , Monetta, SC
If a kids play area, snack bar, and movie under the stars sounds like a fun time, you’ll love Monetta Drive-In Theatre. All the newest movies are shown on select nights!
The SC State Museum has four floors of changing and permanent exhibits, a planetarium, a 4D interactive theater, and plenty of places for kids to play and explore indoors. The museum offers year-round programming and events to suit every learner.
Summer Camp: Week-long summer camps with natural history, astronomy, art, STEAM and more.
- Ages 6 to 12
- 8:30 am to 3:30 pm with extended day options to 5:30 pm
The Newberry County Library is a great resource for families. There’s even a designated children’s area and story times.
Heading to the Upstate? Here’s our huge guide of Things to Do Indoors Near Greenville, SC
Need More to Do in Columbia, SC?
Here’s our huge guide to Things to Do in Columbia, SC. You’ll find things to do all over Columbia, like hiking, water fun, zoos, parks, and lots more!