Posts Tagged ‘Columbia SC’

Get Festive! Fall Festivals in Columbia, SC

Are you ready for fall festivals in Columbia, SC? State fairs, farm days, Halloween celebrations, and pumpkin spice everything added to a backdrop of color-changing leaves make the season so special. These events are a wonderful way to mingle with the community while making memories with your family. Check out our list of fall festivals near Columbia that celebrate all the wonderful things the season has to offer!

Information about individual events is subject to change. Please check the festival’s website or social media page for updates regarding ticket pricing, rescheduling due to weather, changes to scheduled events, and more.

Love fall?

We have a huge fall guide. Don’t miss all the amazing fall activities near Columbia!

Fall Festivals In and Near Columbia, SC

Fall Arts and Crafts Market

September 16th – 17th, 2023 from 9 am to 4 pm on Saturday and 12 pm to 4 pm on Sunday
State Farmers Market, 3483 Charleston Highway, Columbia SC
Features art, food trucks, woodworking, lawn & garden, clothing boutiques, crafts, and so much more
Free parking and admission

Irmo Okra Strutt

September 29th and 30th, 2023
Irmo Community Park, 7507 Eastview Dr. Irmo, South Carolina 29063.
Live music, Saturday morning parade, crafts, art, amusement rides, and lots of food!
Free admission

Harvest Festival

September 30th, 2023 from 10 am to 5 pm
The Farm, 1127 Corley Mill Road, Lexington SC
Family-friendly fall fun on a local farm with tons of games and activities
Tickets available now for $25, limited availability

Fall Fido Festival 2023

October 1st, 2023 from 1 pm to 4 pm
Crooked Creek Park, 1098 Old Lexington Highway, Chapin SC
Grab your furry friends and have some family fun with games, vendors, food trucks, adoptions, raffles, and much more
$5, however pets and children under 12 are free

Midland Plant and Flower Festival

October 6th – October 8th, 2023, from 8 am to 6 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm
South Carolina State Farmers Market, 3483 Charleston Highway, West Columbia, SC
Festival and sale of plants and flowers for Fall and in preparation for other seasons.

Big Red Barn Retreat 2023

Saturday, October 7th, 2023, beginning at 5 pm
Segra Park, 1640 Freed Street, Columbia SC
Fun fall concert with country music singers Chris Janson and Brooks Herring
Tickets on sale now, prices vary

Cayce Fall Festival

Saturday, October 7th, 2023
Granby Gardens Park, 1800 12th Street, Cayce SC
Featuring live music, food, drinks, a children’s area, and more.
Free admission

Rosewood Art and Music Festival

Saturday, October 7th, 2023, from 11 am to 6 pm
901 S Holly St, Columbia, SC 29205
Celebration of art, music, and southern culture through family-friendly activities.
Free admission

South Carolina State Fair

October 11th – October 22nd, 2023
1200 Rosewood Drive, Columbia, SC 29201
Major attractions, carnival rides, food, entertainment, animals, crafts, art, stage shows, and much more!
Ticket sales begin September 12th online – Early bird ticket pricing is $10; Prices during the fair are $20 for ages 6 – 54 and $15 for 55+.

Here’s everything you need to know about the SC State Fair from a local mom.

Oktoberfest Columbia

October 20th – October 22nd, 2023, from 11 am to 10 pm
Incarnation Lutheran Church, 3005 Devine Street, Columbia
Celebration of German culture with authentic food, drinks, dancing, and more.
There will be a kid’s area with face painting, balloon art, a playground, and activities.
Free admission

Fall Festival of Columbia

October 21st, 2023, from 2 pm to 8 pm
Columbus Meeting Hall, 1623 Marion Street, Columbia SC
6th annual fall fest including crafts, vendors, food, music, and more

Boo at the Zoo

October 20th – October 30th , 2023
500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC
Trick or Treat through the Riverbank Zoo!
See our Mom Review of Boo at the Zoo

Eudora Wildlife Safari Park Fall Festival

Dates TBA
Eudora Wildlife Safari Park, 219 Salem Lane, Salley SC
Pumpkin patch, corn maze, fall activities, kids games, Parakeet adventure, pony rides, petting zoo, and paintball shooting.
Admission is an additional $26 per car of 6 guests to the original $36 per car fee for Drive Thru Safari
Check out our review of Eudora Farms

Harvest Festival

Dates TBA
Mt. Hermon Lutheran Church, West Columbia, SC
Featuring Trunk or Treat, food, hay rides, and more.
Free admission

Blythewood Oktoberfest

Dates TBA
Doko Meadows Park, 100 Alvina Hagood Circle, Blythewood SC
An all-day family-friendly event complete with food and beverages, children’s games, yodeling contest, keg toss, 5K, and so much more
Free admission

Do you have a favorite fall festival in Columbia, SC that you just can not miss? Let us know in the comments!

Have the Best Visit to Surge Trampoline Park: Columbia, SC

Are you considering a visit to Surge Trampoline Park in Columbia, SC? At Surge Trampoline Park, you will find numerous trampolines, ninja courses with 3 different course setups, a high ropes course, two toddler play spaces, foam pits, an arcade and so much more! There truly is something for everyone at Surge.

We have all the details to help you plan your family’s visit, including promotions and discounted sessions.

Having one of “those” days? You know, the ones where the kids seem to have unlimited energy and you just need to get everyone out of the house? Load up your tribe and head over to Surge Trampoline Park where they can jump, climb, and play the crazies away!

Looking for more fun things to do indoors? Check out our full list of indoor fun!

This article includes:
Surge Trampoline Park: Tips
Things to Do at Surge Trampoline Park
Trampolines at Surge
Ninja Course at Surge
High Ropes Course at Surge Trampoline Park
Things to Do for Toddlers and Preschoolers
Jump in Foam Pits
Arcade at Surge Trampoline Park
Special Days and Deals at Surge Trampoline Park

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Storytime, Crafts, Game Nights, & More for the Whole Family at Richland County Libraries

Have you been to your local Richland County Library recently? Are you looking for events and learning opportunities that your whole family can enjoy? Of course, the libraries have books, but what a lot of people don’t know is that the Richland County Libraries host tons of family-friendly, wholesome events all throughout the week. There are groups for teenagers, crafting events for adults, storytimes for toddlers, learning workshops, and much, much more!

Need more ideas on free things to do around Columbia? We’ve got you covered with more than 50 awesome free ideas!

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Columbia Fireworks! 4th of July Celebrations in Columbia, SC

Have you been on the hunt for ways to celebrate the 4th of July in Columbia, SC? It’s time to bring out the red, white and blue because there are family-friendly events happening all weekend long offering things such as parades, concerts, Columbia fireworks, baseball games, and more!

We’ve gathered a list of these Independence Day events all around Columbia, SC, and know you will find the perfect celebration for you and your family below!

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Jump, Tumble, and Twist: Carolina Gymnastics Parent and Me Class

Have you ever heard of Carolina Gymnastics? Whether you’re looking for a Parent and Me class for your tots, an awesome place to host your next birthday party, or a sport to introduce your older kids to, you should give Carolina Gymnastics a try! A local mom and Kidding Around Columbia writer has been taking her young daughter to gymnastics classes here for the past several months and has some great insight we think you will love!

Carolina Gymnastics: Parent and Me Classes

When my daughter began walking, and became more of a “toddler” than a baby, I knew I needed to find something for her to do on a regular basis. Not only to get us out of the house, but to challenge her, teach her new skills, and socialize with other tots her age.

After some searching, I came across the Parent and Me classes at Carolina Gymnastics and I knew I had to give them a try. It was comforting to know that Carolina Gymnastics has been in business since 1976 and was the very first privately owned gymnastics center in all of South Carolina.

Group Class Room

The class we are a part of usually starts out in the Group Class Area. Complete with a climbable castle replica, wall murals, slide, and small foam pit, this room is so cute and fun for small kiddos. Tiny gymnasts are also given the opportunity to free play in the “big gym” where they can jump on the trampoline, swing on the bars, walk across the beams, dance to the music, and so much more!

Parent and tot class at Carolina Gymnastics

Independence to Explore at Their Own Pace

Each family can do one free trial class to be sure the classes are a good fit. About halfway through our trial run, it was safe to say that my daughter was HOOKED. The Parent and Me class is set up to give toddlers space and independence to explore and try things on their own time, but with tons of guidance from the coaches.

I really love that throughout the class I am able to participate with my daughter and learn how to safely teach her new skills such as forward rolls, cartwheel basics, bridges, and so much more. It is so cool to see her learn and achieve new skills even at such a young age! Now, at almost two years old, her favorite thing to do is swing on the bars and jump into the large foam pit.

Bars with toddler at Carolina Gymnastics

More Classes at Carolina Gymnastics

There are so many flip-tastic classes at Carolina Gymnastics:

Parent and Me
- Ages walking to 2 years old
Preschool Gymnastics
- Ages 3 – 5 years old
Advanced Preschool Gymnastics
- Ages 4 -5 years old
Girls & Boys Recreational Gymnastics
- Ages 6 and up
Tumbling Classes
- Ages 6 and up

Twist and Tumble at Your Next Birthday Party

Looking for a unique place to host your child’s next birthday party? Carolina Gymnastics could be a great fit! Parties include:

1.5 hour celebration
Age appropriate games
Invitations
Goody bags
Special t-shirt and medal for birthday child
Gym play

There are two different packages to choose from. You can either provide your own cake or have the gymnastics center provide one for you. Depending on the number of guests you have at your party and the package you choose, parties can cost anywhere from $220 to $310.

You’ll find more birthday party options in our Kidding Around Guide to Birthday Parties in Columbia, SC

Carolina Gymnastics
437 Rabon Road
803.788.2808

Have you ever visited Carolina Gymnastics?

Classes and Activities in Greenville, SC

Discover more classes and activities for kids in Columbia, SC.

The Premier Guide to Classes & Activities in Columbia, SC

Search for Owls at Night at Congaree National Park During a Ranger-Guided Hike near Columbia, SC

Are you interested in learning about Congaree National Park events? Many people don’t know that our national and state parks have pretty cool events all throughout the year. One of them – the Owl Prowl – is quite the adventure at Congaree National Park in Columbia, SC and Kristina has all the details.

The more I’ve visited local, state, and national parks, the more I’ve learned about the Ranger programs offered, and wow, every single one I’ve been to or done with my kids has been awesome. When I saw an event for the Ranger-guided Owl Prowl in Congaree National Park in Columbia, SC, I immediately signed up.

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Best Places to Go Blueberry Picking: Columbia, SC

It’s summer berry season, and if you love blueberry picking, Columbia, SC has a few patches and local farms that are perfect for upick blueberries. Need details? We’ve got you covered! Berry season is short, so get ready to fill up your basket at one of these local farms.

Where to go blueberry picking: Columbia, SC.

Things to Know Before You Go Blueberry Picking

First off, speaking from the experience of someone who picks blueberries in Columbia yearly, here are some tips to make your experience better for kids:

You will need bug spray. These berries grow in the shade of bushes that can last decades, and in our experiences that moist, green area invites those itchy monsters. Whatever you use, you’ll want to use it well to make sure this experience isn’t just scratching and aloe-inducing.

2. Also, going early in the day really seems to help. This way you can beat the crowds and the heat!

Several of the usual patches will be closed for the 2023 Season

Now, blueberry picking is one of our favorite summer traditions, and so are blueberry dumplings- YUM! While Columbia, South Carolina is a capital city, it is also the center of a very agricultural state, so you usually have no trouble finding blueberry picking.

Typically, three farms close to Columbia provide blueberry picking. Unfortunately, both last year and this year unpredictable weather has forced most of them to close.

For example, PK Blueberries, our family favorite, and Double A Farms, a very popular option, both remain closed or have made announcements that they do not have enough crop for this year.

But, if you’re still desperate to get your hands on those little berries, there are a few options still!

Fresh picked blueberries near Columbia, SC

Patches Open for Blueberry Picking: Columbia, SC

Berry Hill Farm

Berry Hill Farm is open now for blueberry picking! This farm has been around for 40 years and uses organic pesticides only.

First, here are a few things to know before you go:

It is not walker friendly but there are lower fields they will try to help make wheelchair accessible.
They are open from 7:30 am – 1:00 and 6:00 pm till dark, Monday – Saturday. Yes, they are closed in the afternoon, the hottest part of the day, and you will likely be glad. Also, they are closed on Sundays.
Please note, the blueberries are $1.75 per lb and they only take cash or check, no cards. However, you will not need buckets; they have their own for you to use.
You can call the farm ahead of time to make sure they are open, but do not call late at night or on Sunday.

Berry Hill Farm
219 Bluefield Road, Lexington, SC
803.957.4203

Smith Blueberry Farm

Smith Blueberry Farm is a pesticide-free blueberry farm in Leesville, SC will open for upick on June 17, 2023, from 7 am to 10 am. They will have sporadic upick dates, so follow their Facebook to see which days they will have the patches open to the public.

Their general season hours are Monday – Saturday from 7 am to 11 am, and 5 pm to 8 pm. Sunday hours are 5 pm to 8 pm. Please call ahead to make sure the patch is open before heading there.

Smith Blueberry Farm
341 Holley Ferry Road, Leesville, SC
1.803.532.6219

Southern Blues Blueberry Farm

If you cannot make it to Lexington, Southern Blues Blueberry Farm in Chapin also has blueberry picking near Columbia.

They are the same price as Berry Hill, $1.75 per pound. It is upick and honor system pay. They are open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 8 am- 4 pm according to their Facebook page.

Southern Blues Blueberry Farm
216 East Boundary Street, Chapin, SC
803.227.9660

Redmond Road Blueberries

Redmond Road Blueberries is a mom-and-pop operation in Lexington, SC. Remember, the season is short (end of June), but online posts look like people are filling up here this season.

They are also closed during the heat of the day and on Sundays. Their hours were listed as Monday and Tuesday, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.; Wednesday through Saturday, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Redmond Road Blueberries
1126 Redmond Road, Lexington, SC

Eating fresh picked blueberries from farms near Columbia, SC

Drive a Little Further for Blueberry Picking

Oak Grove Farm of Gaston, SC

You can find upick blueberries in nearby Oak Grove Farm, but you’ll need to keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates about hours. You can also contact them directly by phone to see if they are open the day you want to go. You can also purchase prepicked blueberries, eggs, and the occasional pork for the bbq from them.

Oak Grove Farm
872 Old Sandy Run Road, Gaston, SC
803.917.2694

Farms That Are a 1+ Hour Drive from Columbia, SC

Up for a longer drive? You’ll find options in North, SC (Orangeburg County) and a few in Aiken/North Augusta. These farms are all about one hour’s drive away, including Honalee Farm, Herbs N Berries, and Kiser Family Farm.

Did we miss anyone? What is your favorite place to go blueberry picking near Columbia?

Looking for strawberry picking?

We have a list of places to upick juicy strawberries near Columbia, SC.

Where to pick blueberries and blackberries near Greenville, SC

Heading to Upstate, SC?

Check out our list of places to pick your own blueberries and blackberries near Greenville, SC!

Discover the Best Ice Cream in Columbia, SC

Are you looking for a delicious place to enjoy ice cream around Columbia, SC? Calling all ice cream enthusiasts, this one’s for you! We’ve found the best places in town to enjoy not only great ice cream, but milkshakes, frozen yogurt, snow cones, Italian ice, and more!

I Scream, You Scream, Let’s Go Get Ice Cream!

There are so many places in the Columbia area to enjoy a cold sweet treat on a hot summer day…or really, any day! We know it can be fun to load up the kiddos for a special treat, maybe after a long week or as a back-to-school, end-of-summer celebration. So, if you’re looking for somewhere to see those faces light up and get those hands a little sticky, we’ve got you covered! Enjoy!

Interested in finding out about other delicious restaurants? Be sure to check out our HUGE list of favorites. From pizza parlors to mouthwatering BBQ, we’ve got it all!

This article includes:
Best Ice Cream near Columbia, SC
Best Shaved Ice and Snow Cones near Columbia, SC
Where to Get Italian Ice in Columbia, SC
Gelato in Columbia, SC
Best Frozen Yogurt in Columbia, SC

Ice cream and frozen desserts in Columbia, SC

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Jump, Skate, and Play Laser Tag at Flight Adventure Park in Columbia, SC

Are you searching for an indoor place to have fun with your family in Northeast Columbia, SC? Whether you’ve got toddlers, teenagers, or a mix of both, Flight Adventure Park Sandhill location is the perfect place for you! Here your kiddos can jump on trampolines and bounce houses, roller skate, play laser tag, and more! Below you will find all you need to know about Flight Adventure Park – from purchasing ticketto information on all the awesome attractions! If you are looking for ice skating instead of roller skating, check out Flight Adventure Park in Irmo! They offer many of the same activities, but not all, so be sure to check each location’s website when planning your trip if you have something specific in mind to do while there.

Things to Do at Flight Adventure Park:
Trampolines
Inflatables
Ninja Course
Roller Skating
Laser Tag
Arcade
Turf Field

This article includes:
About Flight Adventure Park
Tickets and Pricing at Flight
Things to Do at Flight Adventure Park
Deals and Events at Flight Adventure Park

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Emily Douglas Park: The Perfect Cozy Playground and Splash Pad in the Heart of Columbia, SC

Have you ever been to Emily Douglas Park? Are you looking for a laid-back playground with a space to cool off in downtown Columbia, SC? We’ve got the perfect place for you and wow, is it nostalgic in all the best ways! Complete with a sprinkler, separate play spaces, large green space, dog park, and community center, your family will love this simple, fun-filled neighborhood park!

Interested in discovering more parks around Columbia? Be sure to check out our huge guide of the best playgrounds around!

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Posts Tagged ‘Columbia SC’

Fall Festivals In and Near Columbia, SC

Find More Fall Fun in Columbia, SC

The Ultimate Guide to Halloween Events & Trick-or-Treat in Columbia, SC

Premier Family Guide: The (2023) South Carolina State Fair

10 Parent-Hacks for Amazing & Memorable Trips to the Farm this Fall

Clinton Sease Farm Offers Incredible Fall Fun in Lexington, SC

Get Ready for a Fun Halloween Night: Boo at the Zoo in Columbia, SC

Fall Snow Tubing is a Real Thing at Black Bear Snow Tubing in Hendersonville, NC

Don’t Miss Any Fun, Fall Activities in Columbia, SC

Get Festive! Fall Festivals in Columbia, SC

Pick Your Pumpkin Off the Vine at Nix Pumpkin Patch in Hendersonville, NC

Carolina Gymnastics: Parent and Me Classes

Group Class Room

Independence to Explore at Their Own Pace

More Classes at Carolina Gymnastics

Twist and Tumble at Your Next Birthday Party

Things to Know Before You Go Blueberry Picking

Several of the usual patches will be closed for the 2023 Season

Patches Open for Blueberry Picking: Columbia, SC

Berry Hill Farm

Smith Blueberry Farm

Southern Blues Blueberry Farm

Redmond Road Blueberries

Drive a Little Further for Blueberry Picking

Oak Grove Farm of Gaston, SC

Farms That Are a 1+ Hour Drive from Columbia, SC

More Things to do This Summer Near Columbia, SC

Lake Murray Public Park: The Perfect Swimming Spot This Summer in Lexington, SC

6 Floating Obstacle Courses at Aqua Parks in Georgia and South Carolina

What You Need to Know for a Day at Carolina Panthers Training Camp

12 Completely Free Things to do in Columbia, SC This Summer

Your Paddleboard Adventure is Waiting at California Republic SUP: Lake Murray

Best Places to Go Blueberry Picking: Columbia, SC

I Scream, You Scream, Let’s Go Get Ice Cream!

Columbia Guides

Family Fun in Columbia, SC