Are you thinking about a visit to Saluda Shoals Park? If you’re looking for ways to enjoy the great outdoors, have some fun on the Saluda River or explore awesome play areas with your kids, Saluda Shoals is the place for you! Saluda makes for the perfect day trip activity or even a wonderful place to spend a few extra hours out of the house. We’ve got all you need to know about things to do, our favorite places to go within the park, and events you won’t want to miss out on!
Have you visited EdVenture? Columbia, SC has a wonderful children’s museum that is the perfect combination of hands-on play and educational fun for your family! Keep reading as we will share all the tips and info you’ll need to make your trip to Edventure: Columbia, SC perfect!
From babies to pre-teens, EdVenture Children’s Museum is sure to have something for all! Several exhibits make up the two floors of wonder and include activities ranging from science and engineering to pretend play and everything in between. Before we discuss the exhibits, let’s start with some helpful tips to get you prepared for your “edventure.” This children’s museum is closed on Tuesday’s, but is open every other day of the week.
Admissions and Fees to Columbia’s EdVenture
Tickets can be purchased at the museum or online before you go for $13.00/person (children under 2 are free). Yearly memberships can also be purchased with various price ranges and package deals. EdVenture has a strong belief that EVERY child should have the opportunity to engage in educational fun within the museum. Because of this, they have discounted admissions options for families who receive SNAP, WIC, or Medicaid for $3 entry per person.
Once tickets are purchased, you can leave and re-enter the museum throughout the same day for no extra fees.
Camps, Classes, and Regular Events at EdVenture
EdVenture offers several extra programs throughout the week and during different seasons including:
Spring Break & Summer Camp
ages 4-10
$198 weekly per child, $30 discount for members for Spring Break Camp
$249 weekly per child, $40 discount for members for Summer Break Camp
I was very impressed by all of the thoughtful features throughout the museum for even the littlest of littles! For starters, the museum is well-planned out making it easy to maneuver strollers to and from the exhibits. There is also an elevator located in the middle of the museum that is large enough for the whole family – strollers and all!
On the second floor, in “My Backyard” (the area for those under 3 years old), there is a cozy nursing room complete with a rocking chair, bookshelf, and dark, retractable curtains.
EdVenture Children’s Museum Exhibits
More than nine different areas with endless amounts of learning and exploration can be found at EdVenture. We will walk you through each level of the museum and let you know what to expect as you wander around with your kids!
On the main level of EdVenture you’ll find the majority of the museum’s exhibits.
World of Work
What do you want to be when you grow up? A firefighter? How about a farmer? Or maybe even a chef? You can try it all throughout this exhibit! “World of Work” takes up the majority of the main level of EdVenture.
Your children can climb into a 24 foot life-size fire truck, flash the lights and even create their own fire escape plan. Across from the firetruck, you will find a dairy and produce farm. Here, your children can “milk” a cow, harvest vegetables, climb onto a tractor, and collect fruits from the fruit trees to send to the grocery store.
Farm at EdVenture
Next, make a “grocery list” and send your littles out on an errand – the Neighborhood Market is always a popular place to be! With small shopping carts, 2 check-out lanes, and realistic foods and goods, your family is sure to have a fun time playing pretend.
Be sure to also check out the Little Spot Diner (situated right outside of the grocery store) and let your kids make you a delicious meal. My favorite thing about “World of Work” is watching my kid’s creativity and imagination come to life in these real-world settings sized just right for them!
Eddie at EdVenture in Columbia, SC
Eddie!
You can’t miss him, he’s the world’s largest child measuring in at over 40 feet tall with a heart weighing over 500 pounds! Eddie is his name, and he will help teach your children all about body organs and their functions!
You can climb up a set of stairs that will take you into his stomach, intestines, heart, and brain. Eddie is the perfect combination of fun and education as his insides are set up like a jungle gym, but with realistic organs – You can hear his beating heart, the electricity inside of his brain as well as his stomach growling when you listen carefully.
As you make your way up, take a tunnel slide back down to his large shoes (which are each about the size of a car, might I add), and start your exploration again! I love that Eddie opens up a door for parents and caregivers to talk to and teach their children about the wonderful things our bodies can do at such an age-appropriate level.
The News Room
Has your child ever wanted to be on TV? If so, head on over to the “News Room.” Here, your child can pretend to be a news anchor or even a producer. With realistic equipment and large TV screens to look up at, this exhibit is sure to be a treat. Be mindful that to get here, you will have to go up a small flight of stairs!
Wags & Whiskers
Get ready to put your children’s pet care abilities to the test! In this area, they will be able to care for a variety of different animals with x-rays, grooming and veterinary tools, and basic pet care needs. Wags & Whiskers teaches your child how to care for the health of their pets through interactive play.
Biolab at EdVenture
Let your child explore their inner scientist in the Biolab, designed to teach kids about biomedical science in a fun way! With teaching laboratories, this exhibit and programming is geared toward kids ages 5 – 14 to spark a lifelong interest in the biomedical field.
Cooking Lab at EdVenture
Enjoy cooking and preparing real food in the Cooking Lab, all while learning about the body, how nutrition is important, and tie all the information together with what is taught in the Biolab.
Outdoor Fun at EdVenture
The outdoor area at EdVenture is made up primarily of water play which is great in the warmer months, but be mindful that your kids may get pretty wet so an extra shirt or full change of clothes isn’t a bad idea! There are also several tricycles and a small, model airplane in this area that kids can climb into and “fly.”
Seasonal Exhibit
The seasonal exhibit changes frequently to match whatever is going on during . . . well, each season! EdVenture often has holiday characters such as Santa and the Easter Bunny set up here. You will also find holiday-specific activities, education on different cultural and traditional beliefs, and goodies throughout the year!
Fly an Airplane on the Second Floor of EdVenture
The second level of the museum is home to all things science, engineering, and technology, but with a closed-off room dedicated to the tiniest explorers.
EdVenture
Flight
This part of the museum is full of flight simulators and educational, hands-on displays that teach children about gravity, the solar system, and how/why some things can take flight while others can’t.
My son’s favorite part of this exhibit is the Boeing 757 cockpit where you can sit in the pilot’s seat, explore the gears, and look out of the windshield at a view of the city.
In this area, you can also create and launch your own paper airplane, climb and play in a rocket ship, read interesting facts about aeronautics, and learn to fly in the Boeing 777 flight simulators.
Maker Works
In this area, your children will be able to create and build. In the “Open Make” center, there are several recycled materials where your kids can cut, glue, fold and color their own creations. There are also several different styles of blocks that can be found – magnetic, large Legos, KAPLA blocks, waffle blocks, etc. that will put your child’s problem-solving and engineering skills to the test!
This part of the museum is best suited for children 5-10 years old, however, with extra assistance, younger children might also be able to engage in some of the play (especially with the building blocks).
My Backyard
Strictly reserved for children 3 years old and younger, here you will find tons of toddler and baby-safe play! There is a treehouse-styled jungle gym, a boat where kiddos can dress up in rain boots and large yellow jackets, puzzles, soft play mats, a ball pit, and several ways to meet the sensory needs of your tots!
As mentioned before, there is also a nursing area and large, family-style restroom within.
Party Room at EdVenture
Looking for the perfect place to host a birthday party? You might want to check out the EdVenture party room! Parties are $300 for non-members and $260 for members. The birthday packages come with several incentives including all-day admission for 35 guests, discounts in the gift shop, downloadable party invitations, 90-minute private party, and more! You can visit the EdVenture Birthday page to check for dates and find out more.
Do you need a shady outdoor space to beat the spring and summer heat in Columbia? Citadel Park is sure to be a treat! This quaint, family-friendly playground has so many unique and cozy features including a “Little Free Library,” beautiful landscape and large green space, a designated toddler area, and plenty of sitting space.
Do you have any baseball fans in your family? Have you ever been to a Columbia Fireflies baseball game at Segra Park? In this mom review of a Fireflies game with kids, we’ll tell you all about this Certified Sensory Inclusive ballpark where your family can enjoy a lively baseball game, engage in fun, family-friendly promotions, and have the chance to get free Fireflies gear.
Columbia Fireflies games are an excellent way to spend quality time with your family and friends and we’ve got all you need to know to plan the perfect night out at the ballfield!
Purchase individual game tickets now for the 2024 home games at Segra Park! The 2024 season will kick off with a home game on April 9th. The last regular season home game is scheduled for September 8, 2024 – giving you plenty of time to enjoy a day out at the ballfield.
Have you visited Cottle Strawberry Farm for strawberry picking? Columbia, SC has one of the largest strawberry patches located on a beautiful, huge farm where strawberries are plentiful. Plus, it is such a memorable springtime experience to visit a strawberry farm. Columbia, SC’s Cottle Strawberry Farm offers both u-pick and prepicked strawberries, plus lots of NEW activities for the 2024 season!
The first thing I noticed when pulling into Cottle Strawberry Farm outside Columbia, SC was the rows upon rows upon rows of strawberries. The place is huge and the berries are juicy, sweet, and delicious.
The Strawberry Farm
Cottle Strawberry Farm is run by Ms. Joy Cottle, and the family has been farming the land for about 50 years. They have two strawberry picking locations, one in Hopkins, SC, and the other in Florence, SC. We went to the one in Hopkins, right outside Columbia.
They host field trips and, of course, families and others who want to get outside and pick their own berries. Only school groups need to make reservations, and like we always suggest, it’s good to call ahead before you go since the weather is a constant variable for u-pick farms.
Besides picking your own strawberries, the farm offers locally made strawberry bread, local honey, tomatoes, jams, and salsas. The farm has multiple roadside stands (addresses are listed below) and sells their berries and local goods at farmers’ markets in the area.
Like some other farms, they have cute, painted boards to measure how tall your kids are every year and take photos with cut-out heads in painted scenes on boards. They have lots of new things that they have added for this coming 2024 season as well.
Strawberry Picking at Cottle Strawberry Farm
The farm offers two sizes for upick strawberry picking – a quart ($5) and a gallon ($17). They will give you directions on parts of the strawberry patch that are good for picking. Then head out and get those berries. It’s always a good idea to wear closed-toed shoes when strawberry picking due to ants, other insects, and mud. And a hat, sunscreen, and water are also great things to have with you, especially as the weather heats up.
It only took us about 30 minutes to fill up two gallons, so the berries are plentiful, to say the least. There is a lot of space to spread out so even if you are there when a field trip or two are present, you won’t feel crowded.
Hours
Check back soon for Cottle Strawberry Farm u-pick opening date for the 2024 season. They are usually open Monday – Saturday 8 am – 7 pm and Sunday 10 am – 6 pm, but remember this can change due to conditions in the field. We will update further as
You pick berries are $5/quart and $17/gallon. Berries picked by the farm are $6/quart, $14/half gallon, and $20/gallon. We pick berries are available at select stands beginning in mid-March.
3712 W. Palmetto St Florence, SC 29501 | 843.317.0031
They post regularly on the Cottle Strawberry Farm Facebook with the latest updates regarding hours and berries available. Also, be sure to get the stamp from the farm if you are working your way through the SC Agritourism Passport!
Roadside stands are located at:
1249 Alice Drive Sumter SC 29150
Bower Parkway and Harbison Blvd (across from PetSmart)
5143 Forest Drive, Columbia SC 29206
714 Clemson Road, Columbia SC 29229 (in the parking lot of Rodney’s Rockets and Fireworks)
1839 Sunset Blvd, West Columbia, SC 29169
582 Highway 1 South Lugoff, SC 29078 (beside River Crossing Shopping Center)
Do you want to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Columbia, SC? This season of all things Irish means festivals, food, parades, crafts, and all kinds of events. Here’s what’s happening around Columbia for Saint Patrick’s Day 2024.
Saturday, March 2nd, 2024 in Camden, SC Lots of Irish music, pipes, dance, food, and even Irish history presentations. Tickets to Irish Fest Camden are $20 per person, $5 per child ages 2- 12. Free under 2. Please note that if you plan to purchase tickets at the gate, it is CASH ONLY.
St. Pat’s in Five Points
Saturday, March 16th, 2024 Celebrating 42 years, St. Pat’s in Five Points has become a Columbia, SC St. Patrick’s Day tradition. The event features a St. Patrick’s Day parade, lots of music, food, and a children’s play area. General Admission tickets purchased in advance are $30, and $35 at the gate on the day of the event.
Head to Steel Hands Brewing on Sunday, March 17th for a sham-rockin’ good time! This is a family-friendly event from 1 pm – 8 pm that includes live music, vendors, nonprofit booths, and more. Live music begins at 2 pm!
April 4th – April 7th, 2024 Cayce, SC Tartan Day South So, it’s technically not for St. Patrick’s Day as this huge Celtic Festival takes place at the beginning of April. However, if you want to enjoy Celtic heritage, this is an event you’ll want to check out. Tartan Day South features live music, Celtic and traditional concerts and dance, as well as Highland Games.
You’ll see sheep dog and bird of prey exhibitions, enjoy traditional foods, pipe bands, kids’ rides and play area, drum circle, car show, learn about Scottish Military History, and much more. Ticket prices will vary depending on what days you’d like to attend. The main event is April 6th. Tickets for that are $20 per person, ages 12 and up. Under 12 is free. The Friday, April 5th Celtic Concert tickets are $10 per person ages 12 and up. Under 12 is free. Purchase Tartan Day South tickets online.
Columbia, SC St. Patrick’s Day Events and Things to Do
We covered the big festivals already, but here are some more ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with crafts, music, food, story times, and more.
Thinking about taking your family to the movies soon? There are several movie theaters in Columbia, SCthat offer a range of experiences for moviegoers. Whether you’re looking for a large, modern theater, a drive-in movie experience, or even a smaller, independent cinema, there’s something for everyone! We’ve even got helpful tips for making your family movie outing a more budget-friendly one! So, let’s get started. Here are the 7 best movie theaters in Columbia, SC
Best Movie Theaters: Columbia, SC
Nickelodeon Theatre
This Nickelodeon Theatre is located in the heart of downtown Columbia and offers a unique movie experience for all. In business for more than 40 years, locals love to go here for the cozy, nostalgic vibes. The theater showcases a wide variety of movies including new releases, documentaries, shorts, and classics in an intimate space that seats just over 100 people. They offer both matinee and evening showtimes.
Be aware that “The Nick” offers membership deals starting at just $25. Depending on the membership package you decide on, this could include benefits such as complimentary and discounted tickets.
Address: 1607 Main Street, Columbia
Regal Cinemas Columbiana Grande 14
Located in the Columbiana Mall, Regal Cinemas theater offers comfortable seating and all the modern-day amenities. It also features an IMAX screen for a larger-than-life movie experience!
Address: 1250 Bower Parkway, Columbia
AMC Classic Harbison 14
The AMC Classic Harbison 14 theater offers amenities such as a MacGuffins Bar, which serves beer, wine, and cocktails. There is also a concession stand with a wide variety of snacks and drinks.
The theater is located near the Harbison shopping district, making it a convenient destination for shopping and entertainment.
Address: 122 Afton Court, Columbia
BTM Cinemas Dutch Square 14
Located in the Dutch Square Mall, the BTM Cinemas Dutch Square theater features all of the modern-day amenities: large concession stand, comfy seating, big screens, and more!
Address: 421 Bush River Road, Columbia
Regal Sandhill Stadium 16
Located in the Sandhill shopping district, this theater features IMAX, IMAX 3D, and Regal Premium Experience (RPX) screens. RPX offers a larger screen, custom sound, and luxury seating. The Regal Sandhill Stadium 16 theater also offers a range of concessions, including popcorn, candy, and soft drinks.
Address: 450 Town Center Place, Columbia
Regal Northlake Village
Regal Northlake Village has both regular and 3D movie options! They also feature very comfortable reclining seats, a full concession stand, and a clean environment. A great place to go see a new movie!
Address: 929 North Lake Drive, Lexington
Discounted Movies: Columbia, SC
Spotlight Cinemas
Let’s face it, taking your whole family out to the movies isn’t super budget-friendly. However, Spotlight Cinemas makes going to the movies with littles a bit more cost-efficient. This is a “second run” theater offering movies with a HUGE discounted price! As in they have tickets for just $3!
Even better news, there are two locations in Columbia – one in West Columbia and the other in Northeast Columbia!
Address: 527 St. Andrews Road, Columbia Address: 201 Columbia Mall Boulevard, Suite 211, Columbia
Summer Movie Discounts
Don’t forget that additional theaters in Columbia offer discounts on summer movies for families. Find all that info in our post on summer movie theater deals in Columbia. SC.
Outdoor Movie Theater Near Columbia, SC
The Big Mo
The Big Mo began in 1951 as a single-screen drive-in theater. It is now home to three movie screens and is a popular place to enjoy a fun evening with your family and friends!
They’ve got a full concession stand offering things such as hot dogs, pizza, sweet treats, drinks, and much more. Within about an hour’s drive from Columbia, this should definitely be added to your family’s bucket list!
The Big Mo will open on March 1st for its 2024 season!
As a child, I can remember going to the movie theater was such an exciting treat! It was so much fun deciding which movie to go to, picking out our favorite candy, and loading up on buttery popcorn. While going out to the theaters is much less popular these days, there is still something so thrilling about it that keeps us going back time and time again. Let’s be honest, however, sometimes taking your whole family out to the movies can feel like an overly expensive task. Here are some ways you can save money at the theaters:
AMC Theaters – save money on discounted tickets every TUESDAY
Ask about student, military, and/or senior citizen discounts
Eat a meal before going, share popcorn, limit kiddos to just 1 snack
Skip on IMAX or 3D options
Purchase tickets at the box office – sometimes buying online will add a few dollars for “site charges”
Always double-check promos before heading out
Promos can often be found on the theater’s website and usually include special meal deals or ultra-discounted kids movies
With summer just around the corner, be sure to keep an eye out for summer movie programs
Where is your favorite place to go see a movie?
What? There’s More Fun?
Don’t forget, we have more indoor fun! It’s not quite a movie, but if you’ve never been we highly suggest giving the Columbia Marionette Theater a try!
And, if that’s not enough. Head over to our huge list of things to do in Columbia, SC. It has over 50 ideas about things to do and places to visit in the Columbia area. Fun in Columbia starts right there.
Need to have your child’s car seat checked in Columbia, SC? It’s true what they say, “You can never be too safe,” especially when it comes to your children! And car seat safety is absolutely no exception!
Car Seats in South Carolina: Things to Know
Need help finding the right car seat? Or just need some guidance on getting started? The US Department of Transportation has a great resource to help you choose the right car seat and learn how to install it. (We still recommend having your car seat installation checked.)
And, of course, when your child has outgrown their car seat, or when the car seat has expired, you can trade it in at Target. Target will recycle old, expired, or damaged car seats and give you 20% off another car seat, a stroller, or select baby gear. Read more about Target’s Car Seat Trade-In Program.
Statistics shockingly estimate around 80% of car seats are NOT correctly installed. Now is the perfect time to make sure yours isn’t one of them.
Where to Get a Car Seat Installation Check in Columbia, SC
Items needed when getting your car seat installation checked:
the owner’s manual for your car (if available)
the owner’s manual for the car seat (if available)
your vehicle
your child
We’ve listed the inspection stations near Columbia by county below.
Where to Get Your Car Seat Installation Checked in Richland County
City of Columbia Police Department 1 Justice Square, Columbia 803.545.3975 By appointment only
Irmo Police Department 1230 Columbia Avenue, Irmo 803.781.8088 By appointment only
Lexington Medical Center (Department of Public Safety) 115 West Hospital Drive, West Columbia 803.791.2373 By appointment only
South Carolina State Fire Office 141 Monticello Trail, Columbia 803.896.9800 By appointment only
SC DHEC 2100 Bull Street, Columbia 803.898.2767 By appointment only
The Therapy Place 3620 Covenant Road, Columbia 803.787.3033 By appointment only
Forest Acres Police Department 5205 North Trenholm Road, Forest Acres 803.782.9444 By appointment only
Richland County Sheriff’s Department 5623 Two Notch Road, Columbia 803.576.3000 *Multilingual
Irmo Fire District 6017 St. Andrews Road, Columbia 803.798.4979 By appointment only
Prisma Health Children’s Hospital-Midlands 7 Medical Park Drive, Columbia 803.434.2633 By appointment only
Where to Get Your Car Seat Installation Checked in Lexington County
Lexington Police Department 111 Maiden Lain, Lexington 803.359.6260 By appointment only
Lexington County Health Services District (Department of Public Safety) 115 West Hospital Drive, West Columbia 803.791.2732 By appointment only
Irmo Fire District Northlake 117 Lincreek Road, Columbia 803.781.7178 By appointment only
Cayce Public Safety 2 Lavern Jumper Road, Cayce 803.794.0456 By appointment only
West Columbia Police Department 200 North 12th Street, West Columbia 803.794.0721 ext. 825 By appointment only
Lexington County Sheriff Department 521 Gibson Road, Lexington 803.785.5646 By appointment only
Swansea Police Department 320 West 3rd Street, Swansea 803.568.3366 By appointment only
Batesburg/Leesville Police Department 660 West Columbia Avenue, Batesburg/Leesville 803.532.4408
Are you wondering about the bowling, dining, and desserts at The Grand on Main in Columbia, SC? If you have any bowling enthusiasts in your family and you’re looking for a new place to score some strikes or you’re looking for that unique boutique dining spot for a date night or to meet friends, you’ve come to the right place. The Grand on Main houses a large, full-service restaurant, quaint bowling alley, and a top-secret dessert lounge, The Robinson Room – don’t worry we’ll share ALL the details!
Bring your kids or bring your date, either way, The Grand on Main in Columbia, SC is the boutique-style bowling alley, restaurant, and dessert bar that you’ve got to try!
Have you ever been to Doko Meadows Park in Blythewood, SC? Is your family in need of a park that has a variety of options for fun? With plenty of space to exercise, play, enjoy nature and wildlife or even attend an event or two, Doko Meadows Park has it all! We know Doko Meadows will be a place your family will keep coming back to – keep reading to find out why!
So Much to Enjoy at Doko Park
Doko Meadows Park is a large 22-acre multipurpose park found in the heart of downtown Blythewood. Complete with clean restrooms, a fenced-in playground, walking trails, a fishing dock, an event space, an amphitheater, and a huge open field. Doko Meadows is the perfect place for families to go to have fun, make memories and spend as much or as little time as they need.
