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Posts Tagged ‘parks columbia sc’

Your Family Will Love the All-Inclusive Playground at Leo’s Landing in Irmo, SC

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Have you been to Leo’s Landing at Saluda Shoals in Irmo, SC? Are you looking for a modern park that is more than just your typical swing and slide set-up? Whether you’re looking for a new go-to park or somewhere special to visit every once in a while, Leo’s Landing inclusive playground at Saluda Shoals Park is sure to be the perfect place to exceed all of your expectations! This playground features all-inclusive play equipment, covered picnic shelters, and several safety features that will make your outing a great one! 

Leo's Landing Playground in Columbia, SC at Saluda Shoals

See more about Saluda Shoals Park in Columbia, SC.

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Saluda Shoals Park: Outdoor Family Fun in Columbia, SC

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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!  

Things to do at Saluda Shoals in Columbia, SC

This article includes:
Admission to Saluda Shoals
Leo’s Landing Playground at Saluda Shoals
Saluda Shoals Splash Pad
Swim in the Saluda River
Trails at Saluda Shoals
Kayak and Canoe at Saluda Shoals: Rentals available
River Tubing at Saluda Shoals
More Things to Do at Saluda Shoals
Summer Camps at Saluda Shoals

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Shaded Citadel Park in Columbia, SC is Great for Playtime

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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. 

Citadel Park
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Play Pickleball, Enjoy Open Green Spaces, and Relax in Nature at Woodland Park in Columbia, SC

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Have you ever been to Woodland Park in Columbia, SC? With the warmer weather rolling in, Woodland Park is a great place to get some fresh air, enjoy the sunshine, and let your kiddos burn off some energy. Woodland Park features a huge playground, large open green spaces, a walking trail, pickleball and tennis courts, and is even dog-friendly. My family and I recently took a trip here, and I think we found a new staple to add into our playground rotation – it’s THAT good! 

The playground at Woodland Park in Columbia, SC

Enjoy Nature at Woodland Park 

Just off of Garners Ferry Road, tucked away in the Old Woodlands subdivision, you will find a FANTASTIC park for you and your family to enjoy! Even though we’d consider it a quiet area, you can almost always find a decent amount of kiddos for your children to play with here. Woodland Park is surrounded by trees, making it feel a little less like the hustle and bustle of city-life and a bit more relaxing as you enjoy nature all around. 

Reasons to Love Woodland Park 

There are so many things to love about Woodland Park, but my family’s absolute favorite thing about going here is the variety of playground equipment. For my 1-year-old, there were small slides, bucket swings, a rocking car, and even some climbing features that she could enjoy. 

There were tons of things for my older son to enjoy as well – big slides, a variety of monkey bars, traditional swings, balancing equipment, and a large climbing structure. There is truly something for ALL ages at Woodland Park! 

Kids playing at Woodland Park in Columbia, SC

Open Ended Green Spaces 

Along with the playground itself, my kids enjoyed playing hide-and-seek in the open green spaces. One part of the green space is filled with trees while the other is more open. Both of these areas would be perfect for sprawling out on a blanket and having a nice picnic! You could also toss a football, blow bubbles, catch a frisbee, or even fly a kite on a breezy day. 

Walking Loop 

Under the shade of the trees you will also find a walking trail that makes a large loop. My family and I took a quick stroll along the path and couldn’t help but notice all of the neat signs of nature. Several of the tree trunks were hollowed out which my son loved to carefully peak inside. We even saw and heard an owl flying around and “hoot-ing” up in the trees! 

The walking path at Woodland Park

Pickleball and Tennis Courts 

Have you given pickleball a try yet? With its new popularity, you might be searching for a nice place to play! At Woodland Park you will find 2 pickleball courts and 5 tennis courts. The courts are all open to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

Play tennis at Woodland Park in Columbia, SC

A Few More Reasons to Go to Woodland Park

I know we’ve already given you so many great reasons to give Woodland Park a try, but if you’re still not sold, here are a few more: 

  • Several benches 
  • Picnic tables 
  • Dog-friendly 
  • Shade
  • Free little library 
  • Large paved parking lot 
Swings at Woodland Park

More Things to do Near Woodland Park 

Woodland Park is centrally located to several popular Columbia spots! In just under 15-minutes you can be in Five Points where you can find restaurants, coffee shops, and shopping. Maybe even make your way to the University of South Carolina and stroll through the beautiful, well-known “horseshoe.” 

You could also continue your day of fun with a quick drive to EdVenture Children’s Museum. The West Columbia Riverwalk, SC State House, and The Vista are all close by, too. 

Woodland Park
6500 Olde Knight Parkway, Columbia

What is your family’s favorite thing about Woodland Park?

Parks and Playgrounds in Columbia, SC

Need more fun places to play?

These are the best parks and playgrounds in Columbia, SC!

Doko Meadows Park: You’ll Love the New Upgrades

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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. 

Playground is open at Doko Meadows Park
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Great Things to Do at Beautiful Irmo Community Park

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Have you visited Irmo Community Park yet? This hidden park is tucked away, but it’s still very popular with locals. Beautifully landscaped and full of things to do, including trails and playgrounds, Irmo Community Park is also home to many community events including the famous Okra Strut Festival!

Irmo Community Park

About Irmo Community Park

Irmo Community Park is gorgeous. The park is well landscaped and full of mature trees with a pretty pond, walking trails, picnic shelters, multiple playgrounds, and an amphitheater.

Stop by to let the kids burn off some energy, get in some extra steps on the shady trails, or catch an upcoming event in the amphitheater!

The Playgrounds

Shaded and unique, the playgrounds at Irmo Community Park offer space for both the little ones and the big kids to climb, slide, and have some fun. The ground cover under the climbers is solid rubber, but there’s still mulch and sandy dirt between each area. There are several climbing walls and climbing structures, a saucer swing, plus spinning features that will get the kids dizzy. The smaller play area is covered with a sun canopy and nearby there is a large log mounted for kids to practice their balancing skills!

The spaces are open and not fenced.


What to Know Before You Go

Spring and Summer are beautiful times of year to visit Irmo Community Park as the landscaping is very
colorful and hosts a variety of photo-worthy backdrops! The tall mature trees and stream line a
portion of the walking path adding to the natural beauty of this park.

There are restrooms on-site located near the pond and only a short walk from the playground and amphitheater.

Pond at Irmo Community Park

There are 2 picnic shelters with BBQ grills which can be reserved for parties and special events. The park is free for public use and is open from 7 am to 10 pm daily.

Irmo Community Park
7507 Eastview Drive

Irmo Community Park amphitheater

What is your favorite community event to attend at Irmo Community Park?


Parks: Columbia, SC with playgrounds and fun places to explore

Don’t miss our huge guide to Parks and Playgrounds in Columbia, SC!


Your Family Will Love Hollywood Park in Columbia, SC

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Have you ever been to Hollywood Park in Columbia, SC? If you’re looking for a playground that offers shade, has great play equipment, an open green space, and a picnic shelter where you can enjoy snacks or lunch we’ve got just the place for you! Hollywood Park has all of these things and more. We recently went there and think it is a wonderful place to enjoy some fresh air and playtime with your kiddos! 

Hollywood Park: Charming, Cozy, and Quiet 

Located on the edge of downtown Columbia, in the cozy Hollywood Rose Hill Neighborhood, you will find Hollywood Park. The park itself is such a charming hidden gem. You will be welcomed with raised flower beds that are maintained by the neighborhood residents and a beautiful walkway leading into the park. 

Hollywood Park is completely fenced-in, making it an ideal place to go with little kids or large groups. While there is no designated parking lot for this playground, there are plenty of on-street parallel spaces. Another thing I noted while visiting this quaint play area was that there are no restrooms. Be sure to plan accordingly! 

Hollywood Park playground

Awesome and Shaded Playground at Hollywood Park 

The playspace at Hollywood Park is a perfect size and has tons of fun climbing equipment! One thing I really liked is that the majority of the play area was covered by large shade sails. This made a huge difference in keeping the equipment cool. The playground is made up of sand so keep in mind that close-toed shoes are ideal! 

There are two main play structures at Hollywood Park. One is much larger and fit for older kiddos. It has an awesome climbing wall, archway for climbing, and even monkey bars. The playscape for younger children is equally as awesome with a fun tunnel to crawl through and slides perfect for their size! While there are some swings at this park, there are no bucket swings. 

Hollywood Park Has a Great Green Space 

Another thing to love about Hollywood Park is the awesome green space! It is the perfect size for so many activities and open play. Bring a large blanket and have a fun family picnic, some bubbles for your toddlers, balls, or even play a fun game of tag. My son and his friend had a great time kicking a soccer ball around! 

Hollywood Park entrance

Picnic Tables and Shelter 

At the main entrance, you will see a huge covered picnic shelter with lights and a few picnic tables underneath. We sat here to have our lunch and it was perfect! There are also several other picnic tables found on the outskirts of the green space. These tables are under the trees and are shaded, making it a great place to read books, enjoy some snacks, or a place for littles to take a rest. 

Hollywood Park shelter

More Things to do Nearby 

From Hollywood Park, you are about 5 minutes from the “Five Points” area of downtown Columbia. Here, you will find great clothing boutiques, coffee shops such as Drip, and several places to get sweet treats or delicious meals. We would recommend trying out Gourmet Shop, Hometeam BBQ, Pawley’s Front Porch, or The Baked Bear if you’re looking for something sweet. 

Also within a 10-minute drive from Hollywood Park, you will find the University of South Carolina, SC State House, and The Vista area. The Vista is where you can find more shopping, restaurants, and coffee shops. You could even pack up a wagon or stroller and take a walk around the beautiful and well-established neighborhood streets all around. Whatever you decide, we hope your family has a great time exploring! 

Hollywood Park 
216 S Gregg St. 
Columbia, SC 29205

Have you taken your family to play at Hollywood Park? What did you like about this playground? 

Enjoy the Rivers of Columbia on Three Rivers Greenway Trail: West Columbia Riverwalk, Cayce Riverwalk, Saluda Riverwalk

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Are you looking for a great way to enjoy the beautiful rivers at a riverwalk? Columbia, SC has several riverwalk options on the Three Rivers Greenway Trail and the Saluda Riverwalk? No matter what time of year, the riverwalks within the Three Rivers Greenway Trail provide a fantastic place to exercise, take a leisurely stroll with your family, enjoy a picnic, fish, learn how to bike ride, and so much more. Below we’ve got all you need to know about the West Columbia Riverwalk, Cayce Riverwalk, and newly developed Saluda Riverwalk! 



Paved path at West Columbia Riverwalk

Be sure to also check out our list of 50+ totally FREE things to do!

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Guignard Park: The Perfect Shady Place to Play, Splash, and Enjoy Nature

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Are you looking for a park with water access or maybe even a shady walking trail and playground? Guignard Park in Cayce, SC has it all – a paved walking trail, playground, natural stream for splashing and cooling off in the summer sun, artwork, great views of nature, and best part is…it’s ALL shaded! If you’re anything like me, you’ve driven past Guignard Park multiple times, but just never had the time to stop. Do yourself a favor and next time you’re near it, plan to check it out! 

Guignard Park in Cayce, SC

Go, Discover Guignard! 

Although Guignard Park is right off of the busy and well-known Blossom Street, the views, sounds, and overall feel of the park is pleasantly surprising and peaceful. With the running stream, wildlife, and hundreds of tall, shady trees it feels as if you’re miles outside of town. One fun thing to do while there is to look for the two carved-out wooden structures as they are so unique and neat to see – happy hunting! 

Wood sculpture at Guignard Park

Walk the Beautifully Shaded Trail at Guignard

If you’re looking to get in some exercise or even just take a leisurely stroll around with your littles, the shady trail at Guignard will be perfect for you! Three laps around the trail equal 1 mile. It’s shaded, has a beautiful and relaxing stream running through the middle, and lots of plants, flowers, and wildlife to enjoy. The path is smooth and wide enough to push a stroller on and has several benches and large picnic shelters for resting along the way. 

My toddler loved wandering along the path, collecting sticks, and looking out for wildlife. We pretended to be on a bear hunt and while we didn’t see any bears (insert disappointed toddler), we did see several butterflies, birds, and bugs. This brings me to my next point…DON’T forget your bug spray!  

You can also bring your furry friend(s) along for some exercise and fresh air as dogs are allowed in the park, but must remain on a leash! 

Shaded, paved Guignard park path

You Can Play in a Natural Stream at Guignard Park 

The stream at Guignard Park is awesome! There are several great entrance points that are flat and easy to spot, but I think the best play area is towards the parking lot and on the backside of the trail loop. Here, there is pretty much a straight shot from the trail to the water, a decent-sized area without many plants or overgrowth, and the water is about knee-deep for toddlers.

We allowed my son to get his toes wet, but wish we would have been better prepared with water shoes and maybe even some dry shorts for him to be able to go out a bit deeper. There were a few other toddlers and their families taking advantage of the refreshing water – truly such a great activity for a hot and humid Columbia day! The stream can be a bit rocky and unsteady in some areas so just be cautious of where little feet may step. 

Guignard Park stream

Playground at Guignard 

While the playground is small, it still gets the job done. There are several slides, monkey bar rings, and a climbing wall made of tires. Just behind the playground is a ping-pong table which I thought was neat, but you will have to bring your own ball and paddles if you plan on using this feature. I did note that there are no swings at Guignard and even though the playground has most of what kiddos need, it probably isn’t suitable for children under 3 or 4 years old. 

Looking for a playground more suited for younger kids? Be sure to check out our full list of more than 19 fantastic places to play!

Playground at Guignard Park

Other Things to do Nearby 

The park is in a fairly central area of town with tons of fun things to do all around. Both the Cayce Riverwalk and West Columbia Riverwalk are just a few blocks away and great places to continue your day of walking and exercise. Within a 10-minute drive is EdVenture Children’s Museum, SC State Museum, the University of South Carolina, and several great places to eat such as Zesto, Manny’s Shaved Ice, and Cafe Strudel

Guignard Park 

964 Axtell Drive
Cayce, SC 29033 
Open daily from 8 am – 8 pm 

Did you find the carved artwork at Guignard Park? What else did your family enjoy while there? 

Exploring Stroller-Friendly Parks in Columbia, SC

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It can be hard finding enjoyable outings for the whole family. Especially if you require stroller accessibility! Luckily, Columbia has a plethora of parks to explore that can accommodate kids of all ages, even the ones that still require some wheels. No matter what side of town you’re on, our little city provides some delightful ways to escape the bustling urban environment. Have a new adventure by taking a stroll(er) in one of our many beautiful stroller-friendly parks in Columbia, SC.

In this article, we will list some of our favorite Columbia parks to visit with strollers. All of these parks include stroller-friendly pathways that are fun and safe for families. From the open aired roaming Finley Park to the shaded meander through Maxcy Gregg, you’re sure to find one that provides you with an outdoor excursion that doesn’t require any off-roading in the baby mobile.

Stroller-friendly parks in Columbia, SC

Finlay Park is Stroller-Friendly

This park has had many lives in Columbia, SC. It has been nested between the streets of Assembly, Taylor, Gadsden, and Laurel since before the Civil War! The 18-acre area has so much to offer.

Two playgrounds, stroller-friendly paths, open field areas, and covered swings on an upper level. You may even capture an event or festival taking place in the amphitheater at the entrance. My family grew up visiting this park, playing on the now handicap-accessible playground, and running through the waterfall. Pack for a long afternoon of playing, exploring, and maybe even a picnic!

Finlay Park
930 Laurel Street, Columbia

Riverfront park, stroller-friendly in Columbia, SC
At Riverfront Park

Riverfront Park: Bring the strollers

One of the most popular parks in Columbia has to be the Riverfront Canal. It is completely paved and stroller friendly from the parking lot all the way to the river’s end. Which is a total of 4 miles, one way. There are so many great stops along the way to get a great view of the Broad River while resting on a bench or standing at the overlooks. You can see tons of wildlife on this walk which makes it so fun for the kids.

This park does stay busy so be mindful to always walk on the right side and stay aware of runners and bikes. A friendly reminder that there are public restrooms at the beginning and end of this trail only! One thing we really love about RiverFront is the open grass area nestled next to the river. If you’re lucky, find a couple of Adirondack chairs facing the water and let the kids run free while you relax!

Riverfront Park
South Riverfront Park Address: 312 Laurel Street, Columbia
North Riverfront Park Address: 4210 River Drive, Columbia

Walking and biking at West Columbia Riverwalk
Riverwalk

Riverwalk is Great for Strollers

Okay, let me acknowledge the confusion first. Yes, there is a difference between River “Front” and River “Walk”. Although these parks are not too far apart, they offer very different experiences, and you don’t want to miss out on either!

Riverwalk in Cayce is a beautiful 8-mile trail alongside the Congaree River. This trail actually connects to several smaller trails throughout Columbia. The area is well-mapped with posts along the way so don’t worry about getting lost.

One of the biggest differences I take into consideration when deciding between these trails is the shade. Riverwalk offers a much shadier walk which can be really necessary for our hot and humid summers! The park still borders the river so feel free to dip your toes in while you’re out!

Riverwalk, shaded trail in Columbia, SC
Riverwalk

Besides the shady trees, there are numerous shelters, benches, and lookouts along the way to take a break. At the head of the trail sits an amphitheater where you might catch a Friday night concert in the cooler months.

Riverwalk
Access the main entrance at the intersection of Axtell Drive and Naples Avenue

Three Rivers Greenway trails in Columbia, SC

Cayce Riverwalk is part of the Three Rivers Greenway Trail. Find out all about it in our mom review of Three Rivers Greenway Trail.

Maxcy Gregg offers a little garden stroll

This is one of our smaller parks and is not meant for a day-long hike or outing. Rather, its a good spot for a cute little picnic and stroll. It is located in the heart of our downtown, right outside of Five Points and inside the University of South Carolina campus. Maxcy Gregg offers a little garden side stroll, lovely shaded pathways, and art installations in its .3-mile walk.

If you’re already downtown don’t hesitate to grab a coffee from one of the local spots and take the kiddos for a little fresh air in this adorable park. It’s a wonderful area to visit in the fall when the leaves have fallen and you’ll find many a student studying away under one of the beautiful trees in the park.

Maxcy Gregg Park
Near the intersection of Blossom Street and Pickens Street in Columbia

Saluda Shoals

If you’re looking for a park with LOTS to offer Saluda Shoals is the park for you. This park does require a $5 parking fee but you can easily spend an entire day out with the family. From walking trails to river tubing, to splash pads and Leo’s Landing (an inclusive playground the kids will LOVE) what else could you need?

Saluda Shoals Park along the river

The trails are well paved for strollers for most of the pathways, even the not paved trails still offer a smooth ride. There are activities and events throughout the year and this park makes an excellent option for birthday parties or showers as well. The information for renting out shelters (or even a train ride through the park!) can be found on their website.

Saluda Shoals with babies in Columbia, SC
Things to do at Saluda Shoals in Columbia, SC

Also, don’t miss our Kidding Around Review of Saluda Shoals for all the details on the park, trails, and great playground.

Saluda Shoals
5605 Bush River Road, Columbia

Page Ellington

This is one of Columbia’s newer additions in the up-and-coming Bull Street district. With 20 acres of open public park, Page Ellington features a beautiful paved walking path around a small water habitat and a dog park.

While this area is still undergoing a lot of changes, we are really loving this new family-friendly area right next to Segra Stadium. The dog park is free as well as the parking surrounding the park. After a little stroll, you can easily walk down to a couple of restaurants for a meal, like Publico which offers indoor and outdoor seating.

Page Ellington Park
2220 Gregg Street, Columbia

More Parks

Find the perfect place to play in our Columbia, SC Playground and Park Guide!

Parks: Columbia, SC with playgrounds and fun places to explore

Discover more of the best parks in Columbia, SC