Ideas for Everyone! Things to Do Outside: Columbia, SC

Are you looking for things to do outside in Columbia, SC? The weather is finally gorgeous and you’re looking for spectacular things to do to enjoy this beautiful day. That sunshine and breezy fresh air is calling your name. Good news. You’re here on the Kidding Around Outdoor Guide to Columbia. And, what does that get you? Lots and lots of family-friendly ideas about how to enjoy a perfect day outside, plus all the information you need to know to make it happen.

So, what are you waiting for? Snatch up one of these ideas for things to do outside! Columbia, SC adventure waiting.

Outdoor Things to Do in Columbia for Everyone

We have real ideas for families, by the way. You’ll find outdoor fun here for families with little kids, older kids, teens, couples, and ideas that fit every budget. Totally free ways to enjoy outdoor things to do in Columbia, SC? We have them.

This outdoor list is for everyone in Columbia, SC.

Parks and Playgrounds

Go for an hour or go a whole afternoon. Pack a picnic with some favorite snacks to really maximize the fun. Just don’t forget a hat and some suncreen!

Hiking in Columbia

You’ve got sneakers, water bottle and maybe some bug spray. You’ve filled up a backpack with trail mix and favorite snacks. You’re ready for some hiking in Columbia, SC. All you need now is the perfect trail and that’s where we come in.

Sesquicentennial State Park

Discover Sesquicentennial State Park! This is one of the South Carolina State Parks’ most unique parks. We love that this park has a splash pad for summer fun! Don’t forget you can purchase an annual membership to the state park system that will grant you entrance to all 47 South Carolina State Parks for a year.

Congaree National Park

Kayak, Canoe, and hike at Congaree National Park in Hopkins, SC. Take advantage of ranger-led programs like the Owl Prowl, explore an old-growth forest, and see native wildlife. It’s a unique national park you don’t want to miss!

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Sports Teams in Columbia

• Columbia Fireflies baseball team at Segra Park

Riverbanks Zoo

There’s so much to see at Riverbanks Zoo. You can spend the day checking out the bears, giraffes, penguins, sea lions, and more.

But River Banks zoo is also home to an arboretum and Waterfall Junction, which is a splash pad area and a playground. It’s a full day of fun in one spot.

Riverbanks Zoo
500 Wildlife Pkwy, Columbia

Eudora Farms

At Eudora Farms Wildlife Safari Drive-Thru you’ll be able to drive through fields of animals like llamas, camels, cattle, goats, antelope, ostriches, emu, and more. Food for the animals is available for purchase, which you can offer them as you drive along.

Eudora Farms
219 Salem Lane, Salley SC
803.606.6325

Petting Zoos Near Columbia

Enjoy the water- splash pads and more!

Lakes in Columbia, SC

Lake Murray

Dreher Island State Park sits on several islands in Lake Murray. From there you can access hiking and camping as well as all that Lake Murray has to offer.

• Swimming
• Boating
• Fishing
• Camping

Lake Monticello

Managed by SC DNR, Lake Monticello is available for fishing, boating, and swimming.

Love hanging out at the lake? Check out more Lakes in the Carolinas.

Kayaking

• Explore Congaree National Park by kayak.
• Lake Murray Park, also, rent paddleboards at California Republic SUP on Lake Murray.
• Canoes and kayaks can put-in to access the Broad River at Harbison State Forest Nature Preserve.
• Dreher Island State Park
• Sesquicentennial State Park: rent kayaks and paddleboards for just $10 an hour

Looking for more things to do?