• Heritage Christian Jan 2024

Posts Tagged ‘Farms’

Strawberry Picking: Columbia, SC’s Berry U-Pick Farms

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Are you searching for u-pick strawberries near Columbia, SC? You have a lot of options when it comes to strawberry-picking farms all throughout the Midlands! Columbia, SC has several nearby farms where you can pick your own delicious berries or just pick up a gallon or two of pre-picked berries.

Our list includes all the strawberry picking options in Columbia and the surrounding Midlands’ area. We’ll let you know what other farm activities might be happening and where you can find other fun things to do nearby. Enjoy the strawberry season in Columbia, SC!

Strawberry picking: Columbia, SC

Before You Go: Top Strawberry Picking Tips

  1. Strawberry patches, and as a result strawberry picking availability, are highly dependent on weather. Most farms won’t have regular hours. You’ll need to check their social media Facebook page or Instagram for picking availability.
  2. Wear sneakers or boots. Fields have ants. Ants bite. A strawberry patch is not the place for flip-flops.
  3. Don’t forget a hat, sunscreen, and water bottles! That sun gets hot fast!
  4. Think about visiting a restroom before you get to the farm. You might have a porta-potty option at the farm, or there might not be an on-site restroom. No one wants to run away from their basket of freshly picked strawberries to try to find a potty.

Cottle Strawberry Farm

9560 Garners Ferry Road, Hopkins, SC 29061| 803.695.1714

One of the most popular places to pick strawberries near Columbia, Cottle Strawberry Farm offers both u-pick and pre-picked berries.

We visited Cottle Strawberry Farm, and you’ll find everything you need to know about this farm in our Cottle Strawberry Farm review.

This farm participates in the SC Agritourism Passport.

cottle strawberry farm agritour

Lever Farm

5057 SC Highway 34, Pomaria, SC | 803.321.5952

Lever Farms has both U-pick and pre-picked strawberries.

They do plan do be open for the 2024 season in early April, but as always, keep an eye on the Lever Farm Facebook page for conditions and availability before you go for spring break and after!

This farm also offers u-pick flowers!

James R. Sease Farms Inc. Strawberry Patch

3911 Augusta Hwy, Gilbert | 803.359.3276

James R. Sease Farms offers both u-pick and pre-picked strawberries.

U-Pick Gallon: $16
Pre-picked gallon: $20

You’ll also find this farm’s berries at farm stands located: Hwy 378 Lexington, Wingard’s Market on Hwy #6 Lexington, Four Oaks Farm on Hwy #1 Lexington, Taylor’s Produce on Augusta Hwy, Gilbert and Randall’s Produce on Hwy #1 Batesburg

Clinton Sease Farm

Clinton Sease Farm Strawberry Patch: 426 Olde Farm Road, Lexington

A popular farm for pumpkins and fall adventures, Clinton Sease Farm also offers spring strawberry picking! Note that the fun playgrounds are not open at this time, but keep your eyes peeled for their Pick and Play events planned for May!

Check the Clinton Sease Farm facebook page for strawberry field updates.

Lucas Ridge Farms Strawberries

7668 Edmund Highway, Pelion, SC

Get u-pick and pre-picked strawberries at Lucas Ridge Farms in Pelion, SC.

U-Pick: $15
Pre-picked: $18

Check the Lucas Ridge Farms Facebook page for hours and dates.
Opening Day – March 30, 2024

Cherry Place Farm

1950 Oakdale Road Rock Hill, SC

Cherry Place Farm is in York County, SC. It’s a little further from Columbia, but, besides picking strawberries you can also visit the on-site farm animals. That sounds like a pretty perfect day trip to us.

If you’re heading to York County, we have a few more ideas about things to do there to help you plan a spectacular day. Here’s our guide to York County things to do!

McCurley Farms

8839 Salley Road, North, SC

McCurley Farms has pre-picked strawberries for $18. They do not offer u-pick. But they do offer lots of other fruits and vegetables for purchase on the farm.

Lush Acres Farm

1875 W. Maple Street Extension, Clinton, SC 

Lush Acres Farm is just over an hour from Columbia, SC. They offer strawberry picking, but also a chance to visit with animals and play on the farm, including on the jumping pillow. Their farm benefits foster children. We absolutely love their wheelchair-accessible raised strawberry beds. Find out more in our Kidding Around Review of Lush Acres Farm from our recent visit!

Want to pick more strawberries?

You have lots more options for strawberries in Greenville, the Upstate, and Western North Carolina. In fact, the strawberry season starts a couple of weeks later in the Upstate and WNC which means you can try a day trip to these farms if the strawberry patches near Columbia are picked-out.

Strawberry Patch

Pick more strawberries in the Upstate

Strawberry Farms near Greenville, SC

What do you make with all your freshly-picked strawberries?

Farmers Markets in Columbia, SC

Love local food? Here’s where to find more!

Columbia’s Farmers Markets

Endless Offerings at Horse Crossing Farm

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Horse Crossing Farm, the “family-owned mini farm nestled beside the railroad tracks within the town limits of Lexington, SC,” has something for everyone. There are offerings for farm lovers, enthusiasts, and beginners alike. Whether you’re looking for the ultimate farm experience or riding lessons for your little one, you’re bound to find something that is perfect for you and your friends and/or family!

Direct message Horse Crossing Farm on their Facebook page regarding gift cards for any of the farm experiences below!

Horse Crossing Farm

Animal Meet-and-Greets

These private farm tours are perfect for visitors who want the complete farm experience. Guests can view and experience an up-close and personal visit with each farm animal. Meet-and-greet sessions are with the following animals: Horses, goats, sheep, alpacas, potbelly pig, miniature horse, miniature mule, hedgehogs, chickens, ducks, turkeys, peacocks, guineas, raccoon, guinea pig and bunnies. Visitors are able to pet the animals, learn how to brush the horses and feed them treats. Children may enjoy a horse-lead ride and can play in the small animal petting pen. 

Who: Anyone
When: Schedule privately
Cost: $70 per session – 1 hour (For 1 to 2 children)
*Additional children are $10 each

Birthday Parties 

These are two-hour birthday party sessions with use of the farm facilities. Candid photography is also included with this package. Children will learn how to brush the horses, feed them treats, visit all the animals in the petting zoo, play in the small animal petting pen and experience a horse ride.

Who: Anyone 
Capacity: 8 children (*Additional children allowed for an extra fee)
When: Call or message for availability (*We do not host birthday parties on Sunday)
Cost: $350 – 2 hours ($50 deposit to hold the date)

Playing with goats at Horse Crossing Farm

Check out more birthday parties in Columbia in our Kidding Around Guide to Columbia Birthday Party Venues.

Farm Camp 

This camp includes instruction on full horse care, horse riding and farm animal care. Included each day, is water games, yard games, crafts, and photography.

Who: Ages 6 – 12 years
When: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm (Morning Camp) or 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm (Afternoon Camp)
Cost: $250/per child

Field Trips 

Students are able to meet and learn about all the farm animals, pet them, feed them treats, and enjoy a horse lead ride during these special field trips. We teach as much about the animals as we can during these sessions! Farm owner is a former teacher with 8 years of experience in public education.

When: 9:00 am – 11:00 am (Tuesday, Thursday or Friday only)
Cost: $10 to $15/per child (Adults are free)

Horse Riding Lessons

These lessons involve complete equine instruction. These offerings include: Groundwork, brushing, tacking-up, riding, proper tack care and proper handling of a horse on and off the ground. ONLY WESTERN lessons are offered at this time. 

Who: Ages 4+ (No prior horse experience required)
When: Monday, Tuesdays, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday
Cost: $40 per lesson – 1 hour (Semi-private lesson)

Romeo

Horse Riding Lessons – Tiny Trots

These are equine exposure lessons/sessions for younger children, aged 18 months to 3 years. Children must be able to sit up on a saddle unassisted. Most students will ride our miniature horse, but some may be tall enough to ride a standard-sized horse. Lessons also include brush time and treat time for the horse. These 30 minute lessons are once, every other week. 

Who: Ages 18 months – 3 years 
Cost: $25 per lesson – 30 minutes

Mobile Petting Zoos

Horse Crossing Farm goes on the road. Almost all the farm’s animals are available to travel. Perfect for schools, churches, daycares, festivals, etc, Horse Crossing Farm brings animals right to you!

Cost: Call or message for a quote (Price is based on the number of animals)

Old MacDonald Mommy and Me Musical Farm Class

This class offers music, reading and farm basics. The class includes a music and reading portion followed by a farm portion. Students learn about each farm animal musically as well as in person!

Who: Ages 18 months – 4 years
When: TBA

Horse Crossing Farm Old MacDonald Mommy and Me Musical Farm Class

Find out all about the fun Mommy & Me Class at Horse Crossing Farm in our review!

Old MacDonald Mommy & Me Musical Farm Class Review

Photography Sessions

These are farm-themed photography sessions with farm or seasonal decor and live animals (horses, alpacas, unicorn pony, miniature horse, standard horse and/or bunnies). Offerings include, but are not limited to the following: Fall, Halloween, Christmas, Spring, Easter, Back-to-School, proposals/engagement. Approximately 50 edited, color photos (as well as a black and white version of each photo) are included with unlimited access to the digital downloads. 

Cost: $75 per session – 20 minutes 

*Deposit required at booking (half the cost of the session); the remainder is due at time of the session

Horse Crossing Farm
210 Railroad Avenue, Lexington, SC 29072

Clinton Sease Farm Offers Incredible Fall Fun in Lexington, SC

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Are you thinking about a trip to Clinton Sease Farm this fall? If you’re looking for a family-friendly place to enjoy the season and all the festivities it has to offer, Clinton Sease is the place for you! At this farm, you will find a huge corn maze, pumpkin patch, two awesome kid zones FULL of activities, tractor rides, and more. We recently went and have all you need to know in order to make your trip a memorable one! 

This article includes:
About Clinton Sease Farm
Clinton Sease Farm Hours
Tickets for Clinton Sease Farm
Things to Do for Kids at Clinton Sease Farm
Corn Maze at Clinton Sease Farm
Pumpkin Patch: Pick your pumpkin off the vine
Tractor Rides
Birthday Parties at Clinton Sease Farm

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So Many Great Opportunities for Hands-On Fun at Fox Farm in Lexington, SC

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Have you been thinking about a visit to Fox Farm in Lexington, SC? Are you looking for a budget-friendly way to enjoy farm activities and a petting zoo with your family? At Fox Farm there are hayrides, horse rides, and animal pettings and feedings available at a really great price! We recently went here and have everything you need to know in order to have a farm load of fun! 

Looking for more farms to visit? Be sure to check out our list of more fun farms!

Horses at Fox Farm

Loads of Fun and Learning at Fox Farm 

Your family will love the quaint and welcoming atmosphere at Fox Farm! There is a lot to love about this locally-owned farm, but one thing that really stood out to me were all of the great opportunities for hands-on learning. From feeding farm animals to riding horses and everything in between, your children will be able to experience so much during your visit! 

You Must Schedule Your Visit in Advance 

Fox Farm is open for family visits most Saturday’s throughout the year. However, it is important to note that they are by APPOINTMENT ONLY. This is to make sure they have enough staff available in order to give you and your family the best experience possible. To schedule your visit you can email foxfarmsc@yahoo.com or call 803.351.2462. 

In my experience, scheduling our trip was pretty simple. The owners responded to my emails quickly and were easy to work with. When our initial date didn’t work out, they were very helpful in offering new dates and times that would work with both of our schedules. 

Petting a horse at Fox Farm near Columbia, SC

Fox Farm is Super Budget Friendly! 

At Fox Farm you truly get your money’s worth and then some! For just $7 per child, your kiddos will be able to enjoy all of the exciting things the farm has to offer – horse riding, animal feeding, a hayride, and playground. Adults are able to ride on the hayride and enjoy the barnyard for FREE. Horse rides for adults are an additional $3. 

What is There To Do at Fox Farm? 

Horse Rides

One unique thing about Fox Farm is that they offer horse rides! Saddle up and enjoy being led down the path and back again. Both of my kids (1 and 3 years old) loved riding the horses! My son was able to ride by himself and although he started off a little nervous and unsure, he very quickly loosened up and had the best time. They allowed me to ride on the same horse with my 1-year old which was so fun and memorable. 

Ride a horse at Fox Farm

Barnyard and Animal Feedings 

Head over to the barnyard to get up close and personal to several of the farm animals! Staff members call you into groups where they will then lead you around the barnyard and hand out food for feeding. Throughout your adventure, you will have the opportunity to pet and feed a donkey, alpaca, pony, sheep, rabbits, and more! 

Feeding a goat at Fox Farm in Columbia, SC

Hayride

Almost all of us have been on at least one hayride, but the hayrides at Fox Farm are unlike any other. Also referred to as “CRAAAZY Time”, your kiddos will have a lot of fun giggling and playing along with the driver throughout the ride. Along with this silly, bumpy ride you will also be able to see more of the property. 

Play Area

The play area is in the middle of the farm and has several great obstacles and activities for kids. They’ve got traditional swings, bucket swings, slides, and my son’s personal favorite, the tractor to “drive”. 

Fox Farm tractor

Schedule Your Next Party at Fox Farm!

Have a birthday party coming up? You might want to consider Fox Farm! Each party costs $200 and includes all of the activities mentioned above – hayride, horse riding, and a trip to the barnyard to feed and pet the animals. There are also a few add-on options available such as heater rentals for the cold months, BB gun shooting, and even the option to have a horse dressed up like a unicorn…talk about a memorable birthday! 

Fox Farm
133 Virginia Pine Lane
Lexington, SC 29073

What is your favorite memory from Fox Farm?

Visit Farms and Win Prizes with the SC Agritourism Passport Program

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Looking for a fun way to explore our state’s different sources of plant- and animal-based products? The SC Agritourism Passport Program is an incentive program where people can earn free goodies for visiting places that are probably already on your to-do list! The good news is there are nearly two dozen farms not far from Greenville and Spartanburg. Visiting farms is more than a fun, family activity; it’s also a field trip-worthy educational opportunity! 

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Little Creek Farm is a Hidden Gem for Families: Lexington, SC

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Would your family enjoy a farm experience, complete with adorable animal interactions and fun learning experiences? Little Creek Farm, right outside of Lexington, SC, might be just the spot you’re looking for. Local mom and Kidding Around guest contributor, Mary Thomas, brought her kids for a day at Little Creek Farm.

They all had such an amazing time she wanted to share their experience so others could enjoy this amazing little farm. In this article she’s telling us all about their visit, and how you can plan your own visit to Little Creek Farm!

Playing with animals at Little Creek Farm

What is Little Creek Farm?

As a mom, I’m always looking for new experiences to share with my two young boys (ages 7-9). If you have an hour to kill and are looking for a neat activity, I highly recommend Little Creek Farm (LCF).

This hidden gem is a privately owned animal sanctuary that provides permanent placements for abused, neglected, or disabled livestock. Located right outside of Lexington, SC, LCF offers farm tours, weddings, birthday parties, and photography venue rentals. 

My family and I planned a tour for our youngest son’s birthday back in December. Booking was super easy and convenient, not to mention very reasonably priced, just $50 for a one hour tour for up to 5 people. You can add additional people for $10.

LCF is not quite visible from the road, but once we pulled up the driveway we were surrounded by horses and other livestock. We managed to keep the birthday plans a surprise from my son, so having the privacy of a hidden venue added to the experience- he was so excited! 

Learning at Little Creek Farm

The Little Creek Farm Tour

We were greeted by Anne Kershner, the owner, who explained what all the tour would involve. Anne was super helpful with planning this trip. Prior to arriving, we had discussed taking family photos at the venue.

She so kindly took our photos on the front porch which was decorated with the cutest Christmas decorations. My family and I loved them so much, we decided to use them as our Christmas cards! 

Anne gave us some background information about the farm and what animals we would be visiting during our time at LCF. After the photos, we met Diddley, the 27-year-old horse. My sons were able to pet, brush, and give treats to him. While the boys were busy at work, Anne was telling them Diddley’s background and other horse facts. 

After loading some feed for other animals, we continued on our tour. We stopped by a garden and Anne explained all the produce LCF locally grows to feed the animal residents. My sons were able to help resource some of the vegetables they would need to feed the other animals we would be visiting.

From the garden, we stopped at the bunny cages. Here my sons were able to feed the bunnies and learn from Anne all of their names. 

The next stop was the chickens. Anne was very generous and gifted each of my sons an egg. She explained that they could eat the egg or “grow” a chicken. She explained the incubating process to them and the life cycle of a developing chick.

Of course, my sons opted for the latter choice, so now we currently have an incubator and are rotating chicken eggs in hopes of hatching one (LOL, thanks Anne!). 

Little Creek Farm animals

Our tour continued on as we met a mini donkey, goats, a sheep, an alpaca, ducks, an emu, and pigs. Not only did we get to learn about all the animals, but we also learned about composting. At each stop, Anne was educating the boys on every animal each step of the way.

I am thankful to Anne for allowing my family and I to visit LCF. I was surprised how much of the tour was interactive, as it was a new experience for us all. 

I enjoyed watching my sons light up with excitement every step of the way. I was able to snap some photos of them during this learning experience. I used to own a photography business but gave it up once I had the boys. This trip reminded me of my passion and why I had fallen in love with photography in the first place. 

Little Creek Farm feeding animals

More at Little Creek Farm

Little Creek Farm also offers birthday parties for kids, parties and events for adults, and a rental photography location. You’ll find more about all these offerings under the “book now” tab on the Little Creek Farm Facebook page.

Plan Your Tour

I hope that by my sharing our experience at LCF that you will reach out to Anne and schedule a tour. All the proceeds the farms gains goes 100% back to the animals. LCF is easily accessible online through the Little Creek Farm Facebook page, where you are able to see their availability and book your visit.

If social media isn’t your speed, Anne can also be your point of contact to book via email or phone.

One-hour tours are $50 for up to 5 people, and $10 for each additional person.

Little Creek Farm
Edmund Highway
Lexington, SC
803.837.5377

Looking for more petting zoos around the Midlands? Be sure to check out our awesome list of 7+ petting zoos!

Farms in Columbia, SC to visit

There’s always time for more fun at the farm.

Fun Farms Near Columbia, SC

Feed and Pet Goats, Pigs & More: Goat Daddy’s Farm, Elgin, SC

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Have you been thinking about a trip to Goat Daddy’s Farm? Want to have a family day trip out to the country where you can hand-feed and pet a variety of animals? At Goat Daddy’s Farm, not only will your family have the opportunity to do just that, but you will also gain great knowledge about animal care.

You’ll be able to discuss any questions you have with friendly and knowledgeable staff, and have the opportunity to purchase your own goat milk products made from the goats right at the farm. So, what are you waiting for? 

Feeding animals at Goat Daddy's Farm
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7+ Adorable Farms & Petting Zoos in Columbia, SC: Pet & Feed Animals

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So, you’re thinking about taking the family to a farm or petting zoo near Columbia, SC for a fun day spending some time with all kinds of farm animals. It’s hard to resist a photo of your child petting or interacting with a cute animal at a farm or petting zoo.

But, you’re not sure which farm to visit, or, you might be thinking “are there any petting zoos near me?”

We’re here to tell you “Yes!” There are quite a few petting zoos and farms to visit! We’ve pulled together a huge list of petting zoos and farms where you can interact with animals.

Petting zoos near Columbia, SC

Is There a Petting Zoo Near Me?

Yes, there probably is a petting zoo on this list near you! In Columbia, SC there are more than 7 awesome petting zoos, and there are a few great options with just a short drive.

Petting Zoos Near Columbia, SC

Goat Daddy’s Farm

Pet, feed, and learn about animals at Goat Daddy’s Farm. We would suggest setting aside at least 1 to 2 hours of your day in order to get the full Goat Daddy’s experience! There is so much to see and learn and even some opportunities for hands-on experiences!

  • In Elgin, SC
  • The farm is open to the public every Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm.
  • Admission: Age 2 and under- free, Under 12 – $5, Over 12- $10. Prices subject to changes.

Kidding Around Review of Goat Daddy’s Farm
144 Tomahawk Trail, Elgin | Goat Daddy’s Farm

Crosswind Farm

Crosswinds Family Farm

Farm events, tot times, homeschool events, and lots more opportunities to interact with farm animals is what you’ll find at the family-owned Crosswind Farm.

  • In Holly Hill, about one hour from Columbia, SC
  • Not open daily, only open for scheduled events like toddler time on Tuesdays.
  • Visit the Crosswind Farm Facebook page to find upcoming opportunities to visit the farm.

Kidding Around Review of Crosswind Farm
799 Target Road, Holly Hill, SC 29059

Little Creek Farm

Schedule a tour to visit Little Creek Farm and your family will get to meets ducks, sheep, goats, pigs, an emu, and so much more! Your crew will get to help on the farm, feed animals, brush a horse, and of course, pet the animals. One hour tours are just $50 for up to 5 people and $10 per additional person.

  • In Lexington, SC
  • Not open daily, schedule a tour
  • Lots of opportunities to interact with animals and learn about farm life

Kidding Around Review of Little Creek Farm
Little Creek Farm, Edmund Highway, Lexington, SC

Playing with animals at Little Creek Farm

Fox Farm

Open most Saturdays by appointment, Fox Farm offers opportunities to pet horses, feed goats, enjoy a hayride, pony rides, and lots more.

  • In Lexington, SC
  • Make an appointment in advance

Kidding Around Review of Fox Farm
Fox Farm,133 Virginia Pine Lane, Lexington, SC 29073

Riverbanks Zoo

Much more than a petting zoo, this huge zoo has not only animals but a ropes course, gardens, a carousel and climbing wall, and outdoor playgrounds. As far as the animal encounters and petting zoo components, you can feed the giraffes and lorikeets and pet animals in the farmyard all for a small fee, around $2 for each cup of feed or per person.

  • In Columbia, SC
  • Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily, closed Thanksgiving and Christmas
  • Admission: $24.99/adults, $21.99/kids ages 2-12
  • Parking: $5 per vehicle
  • Animals: The ones you can interact with are the giraffes, goats, sheep, and lorikeets.

Kidding Around Review of River Banks Zoo
500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia | 803.779.8717 | River Banks Zoo

Riverbanks Zoo

Cotton Branch Farms

A rescue farm, Cotton Branch Farm Animal Sanctuary offers tours for visitors that include interaction with the animals.

  • In Leesville, SC
  • Hours: Tours begin at 11 am on select dates and last approximately 90 minutes. Guests are asked to sign-up for tours in advance.
  • Admission: $30/adults, $15/kids ages 15 and under
  • Animals: Pigs, cows, donkeys, horses, chickens, turkeys, ducks, sheep, and goats.

328 Lightwood Knot Road, Leesville | 803.381.0051 | Cotton Branch Farms

Eudora Farms

Eudora Farms is most known for its drive-thru safari. They also have a section of their zoo where you can walk through exhibits and pet some of the animals.

  • In Salley, SC
  • Animal safari and petting zoo with opportunities to feed animals
  • $18-$45 per car depending on the number of people

Kidding Around Review of Eudora Farms
Eudora Farms, 219 Salem Lane, Salley, SC | 803.606.6325

Goats at Eudora Farms

Mobile Petting Zoos Near Columbia, SC

Odom’s Mobile Petting Zoo

Odom’s Mobile Petting Zoo brings the animals to you for birthday parties and other events.

Petting Zoos Near Charleston, SC

Bee City Zoo

Bee City Zoo in Summerville, SC offers so many opportunities to learn about and interact with animals. Pet a giraffe, hang out with kangaroos, feed a monkey, learn about bees and so much more!

  • In Summerville, SC
  • Lots of opportunies to interact with animals
  • Open Wednesday and Thursday from 9 am to 5 pm, Friday and Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm and Sunday 11 am to 6 pm
  • Tickets cost $15-17 per person

Kidding Around Review of Bee City Zoo
1066 Holly Ridge Lane, Cottageville, SC | Bee City Zoo

Petting Zoos Near Charlotte, NC

Lazy 5 Ranch

Just outside of Charlotte, this farm has lots of animals to see and pet, plus it offers wagon rides. Please note they only accept cash.

  • In Mooresville, NC
  • Hours: Hours are Monday- Saturday from 9 am – 5 pm (please arrive by 5 pm) Sunday from Noon- 5 pm (please arrive by 4 pm).
  • Admission: $15/adults, $11/ages 2-11; to include the wagon ride and animal feed, tickets are $21/adults, $15/ages 2-11.
  • Animals: Ducks, cows, sheep, goats, deer, exotic animals

15100 Mooresville Road, Mooresville, NC | 704.663.5100 | Lazy 5 Ranch

Which is your favorite petting zoo?

Farms in Columbia, SC to visit

Want more farms? Here you go!

Farms to Visit Near Columbia, SC

Plan a petting zoo day trip!

Discover more petting zoo options in the Upstate, WNC and Northern Georiga.

Petting zoos and farms in Greenville, SC
Things to Do Outside: Columbia, SC

Need more outdoor fun?

Things to Do Outside in Columbia, SC

Crosswind Farm: A Farm Full of Fun Events Near Columbia, SC

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Looking for fun, educational, toddler-friendly farm events near Columbia? Crosswind Farm has lots of events, including special holiday events to homeschool days. They also offer traveling birthday party services and traveling petting zoos as well as birthday parties on location, animal photo shoots, and more.

We have experienced a few of their events, and the kids really enjoyed them. We also got photos from them, and they are some of our favorites. Here’s what you need to know if you’re interested in their many different services.

Crosswind Farms, Columbia, SC

Getting to Crosswind Farm

The drive to Crosswind Farm is about 1 hour from Columbia, and not a lot is on the way. The area is beautiful farmland and woods, though. Just before you get there, you’ll turn past an old church before your turn between two farms.

Careful, don’t miss the sign on the left in a wooded drive for Crosswind Farm at 799 Target Road, Holly Hill, SC 29059.

Crosswinds Family Farm

Family-Owned Farm

You’re going to be driving right up to this family-owned business’ family home. There’s plenty of parking. You’ll likely be greeted by a large, friendly dog or a barn cat. There are several of each that roam freely. A stray chicken or two is another common, fun sight.

Keep in mind, Crosswind Farm is a family business, and it is at their home so you will walk right past their home from parking to the animal pens and fields.

However, there is a food truck as well as a building containing restrooms, a huge shaded barn you can sit in, and plenty of hand sanitizer stations.

Inside the Farm

Once inside, you’ll pay at the barn for the event and whatever extras you want to add on. For us, toddler Tuesdays were just $5 and adults are free. Add-ons, like food for the animal or pony rides, were only a couple of dollars as well.

Plus, there are numerous animal pens to greet and pet and plenty to play with for free. To start, there is a swing set tree house and sandbox hidden under it. Plenty of little cars to drive, a couple of bouncy houses, and more.

Overall, it’s a laid-back place kids can alternate between toys and animals in a farm experience.

Petting a cow at Crosswind Farm.

When to Go to the Farm: Special Events

The farm is NOT open daily. The Crosswind Farm Facebook page is the place to go for an updated list of the farm’s upcoming events. Crosswind Farm hosts holiday events, homeschool learning days with themes such as bees, and Toddler Tuesdays monthly.

Book Crosswind Services:

Or, check out the Crosswind Farm website to book them for private tours, parties and visits. They are very affordable, and here are some of the services they offer.

  • private birthday parties
  • private tours
  • field trips
  • animals visits/birthday/petting zoo at your location
  • horse rides at your location
  • photography
Petting zoos and farms in Greenville, SC

For more petting zoos around our region, check out our full list of Great Petting Zoos and Farms near Columbia, SC.

Best Places to Go Blueberry Picking: Columbia, SC

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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:

  1. 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.

Strawberry picking: 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!