Looking for a safe and engaging outdoor spot for your kids near Columbia, SC? Howard Park in West Columbia offers spacious playgrounds, shaded picnic areas, and a scenic walking trail for families. With accessible playgrounds and plenty of space for preschoolers to explore, this quiet park is an ideal destination for a morning outing or casual playdate.
Snapshot of Howard Park
- Trail: 1 mile, paved, mostly level
- Athletic fields: Baseball fields
- Playgrounds: Two age-differentiated playgrounds with ramps for accessibility
- Other Amenities: Restrooms, shaded picnic tables, & short scenic boardwalk
- Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset
- Parking: Free parking throughout the complex
- Address: 200 Cougar Drive, West Columbia, South Carolina 29169
We recently visited Howard Park and were impressed by the quiet, safe setting inside a school zone. Even when school is in session, the park is open to the public, making it a wonderful option for family outings and playdates any day of the week. If you prefer a less crowded park with amenities for every age in your family, you’re going to love Howard Park in West Columbia, SC.
Accessible Playgrounds for All Ages
Howard Park features two playgrounds at the far end of the parking lot. The equipment, while older, is well maintained and designed to accommodate a variety of developmental skills, from climbing and balancing to imaginative play. Both playgrounds include ramps for accessibility, slides, climbing structures, and other elements to encourage active play.
We especially loved the playground for preschoolers. It is larger than we usually see for that age and set just the right distance away from the bigger playset, so it’s easy to supervise kids on both while making sure the little ones stay in their area.
Shaded picnic tables surround the play area, providing a convenient spot for nursing mothers, working parents, or family picnics. Add plenty of greenspace for free play, and it’s the perfect place to spend a day with kids of multiple ages or plan a playdate with friends!
Check out the fully accessible playground and splash park in nearby Newberry, SC!
Stroller-Friendly Walking Trail and Boardwalk
In addition to the playgrounds, Howard Park offers a 1-mile paved walking trail that loops around the sports complex. The path is mostly level, stroller-friendly, and wheelchair-accessible. A short scenic boardwalk branches off the trail behind the playgrounds, where you can explore a little nature together as a family.
The trail at Howard Park is ideal for family walks, stroller meetups, or getting some steps while keeping a close eye on the kids. Parents can even team up to watch each other’s children and take turns walking or jogging around the loop.
Discover more stroller-friendly parks around Columbia, SC!
Athletic Fields at Howard Park Sports Complex
While ordinarily a quiet park, Howard Park Sports Complex can get pretty busy on game days! The park includes baseball fields, which are used for youth practices, casual games, and community sports throughout the year.
If you are interested in signing up for organized sports at Howard Park, or just want to plan around their schedule, contact Lexington County Recreation and Aging Commission for details.
Howard Park FAQs
Want to know more about planning a visit to Howard Park in West Columbia, SC? Check out these frequently asked questions for more answers before you go!
Where is Howard Park located?
Howard Park’s address is 200 Cougar Drive, West Columbia, SC 29169. To access it, you will drive directly between Riverbank Elementary School and Northside Middle School. Don’t worry—even though you’ll pass through school property to access it, we confirmed that the park is open to the public even during school hours!
What are the rules at Howard Park?
Howard Park is open dawn until dusk, and no loitering is allowed. No alcohol, tobacco, or drugs are allowed in the park or parking lot. Skateboarding, rollerblading, bicycling, and motorized vehicles are not allowed in the park or on the walking trail. Pets are allowed on-leash only.
Are pets allowed at Howard Park?
On-leash pets are generally permitted on the walking trail, but should be kept off the playgrounds and athletic fields. Please clean up after your pet, and we recommend double-checking with the City of West Columbia or Lexington County Recreation and Aging Commission for any updates to the pet policy at the park before visiting.
Can Howard Park be reserved for parties or other gatherings?
While the athletic fields are often reserved for organized athletics, the playground and picnic areas cannot generally be reserved. If you are planning a group meetup at the park, check with Lexington County Recreation and Aging Commission and plan to avoid any athletic events on the schedule.
Are the trail and playgrounds at Howard Park accessible for children with disabilities?
Absolutely! The walking trail is fully paved and mostly level, making it accessible for visitors with mobility devices. Both playgrounds have ADA-compliant ramps for access to the upper levels. While the turf surrounding each playground is mulch, there is a paved path leading directly to each of the accessibility ramps.
What other parks do you love around West Columbia?
AND, if you want to learn more about the parks of WeCo, we have a guide for that, too!
West Columbia’s Parks & Playgrounds
Want more places to play? We have a huge and growing guide to Parks & Playgrounds in Columbia, SC