The 2026 KABOOM Awards: Discover Columbia’s Best

Best Preschool – First Place 

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!

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!

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!

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