What is there to do in Columbia, SC? A lot! If you’re looking for things to do or attractions in Columbia, SC you’ve come to the right spot. If you’re spending time in South Carolina’s capital city with your family and kids, there are a lot of things to do and adventures to fill your days. Here are some great kids’ activities in Columbia and more ideas to keep you busy.
This article includes:
Things to Do Outdoors in Columbia, SC
Things to Do Indoors in Columbia, SC
Seasonal Fun: Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring Fun in Columbia, SC
Looking for dining and restaurants? If you’re searching for things to eat in Columbia, we have some suggestions here: Find Your Favorite Restaurants and Family Dining in Columbia, SC.
Outdoor Activities in Columbia, SC
Sesquicentennial State Park
Discover Sesquicentennial State Park! This is one of the South Carolina State Parks’ most unique parks. We love that this park has a splash pad for summer fun! Don’t forget you can purchase an annual membership to the state park system that will grant you entrance to all 47 South Carolina State Parks for a year.
- Summertime splash pad
- Hiking
- Camping
- Dog park
- Playground
Sesquicentennial State Park
9564 Two Notch Rd, Columbia SC 29223
Eudora Farms Wildlife Safari
At Eudora Farms Wildlife Safari Drive-Thru you’ll be able to drive through fields of animals like llamas, camels, cattle, goats, antelope, ostriches, emu, and more. Food for the animals is available for purchase, which you can offer them as you drive along.
Eudora Farms
219 Salem Lane, Salley SC
803.606.6325
Riverbanks Zoo
You can spend the whole day at Riverbanks Zoo checking out the bears, penguins, sea lions, and more. But River Banks zoo is also home to an arboretum and Waterfall Junction, which is a splash pad area and a playground. It’s a full day of fun in one spot.
Riverbanks Zoo
500 Wildlife Pkwy, Columbia
Go Hiking!
What outdoor activity list is complete without some hiking? There are more than 15 trails in this list of some of the best hiking near Columbia, SC. Our list includes easy paved trails and also offers more challenging trails that older kids will enjoy. There’s something for everyone!
- Sesquicentennial State Park
- Congaree National Park
- Dreher Island State Park
- Three Rivers Greenway/ Columbia Riverwalk: Paved trail for walking, running, and biking.
- Harbison State Forest: 18 miles of trails in a nature preserve
Congaree National Park
Kayak, Canoe, and hike at Congaree National Park in Hopkins, SC. Take advantage of ranger-led programs like the Owl Prowl, explore an old-growth forest, and see native wildlife. It’s a unique national park you don’t want to miss!
- Exploring Congaree National Park
- The Kayak Trail at Congaree National Park
- Owl Prowl at Congaree National Park
Congaree National Park
100 National Park Road
Hopkins, SC 29061
Segra Park: Columbia Fireflies
Head to Segra Park to see the Columbia Fireflies baseball team at home games. You’ll also find unique events and concerts happening all throughout the year at Segra Park.
Parks and Playgrounds
Looking for a great place to play outdoors in Columbia? Check out Columbia’s fun, local playgrounds for free fun.
- Carraway Park: Great for kids of all ages in West Columbia, SC
- Citadel Park: The perfect shaded place to play
- Elmwood Roy Lynch Park: Splash pad, zipline, and playgrounds
- Leo’s Landing: Very large, inclusive playground at Saluda Shoals in Irmo, SC. ($5 per vehicle, or $55 per year)
Kayaking
- Explore Congaree National Park by kayak.
- Lake Murray Park
- Canoes and kayaks can put-in to access the Broad River at Harbison State Forest Nature Preserve.
- Dreher Island State Park
- Sesquicentennial State Park: rent kayaks and paddleboards for just $10 an hour
Lakes to Explore Near Columbia, SC
Lake Murray
Lake Murray Park: Enjoy the beach area and swim with the kids at Lake Murray Park in Lexington, SC.
Dreher Island State Park sits on several islands in Lake Murray. From there you can access hiking and camping as well as all that Lake Murray has to offer.
- Swimming
- Boating
- Fishing
- Camping
Lake Monticello
Managed by SC DNR, Lake Monticello is available for fishing, boating, and swimming.
Love hanging out at the lake? Check out more Lakes in the Carolinas.
Soda City Market
You haven’t been to a farmers market until you’ve been to Soda City! Several blocks of Main Street are closed off for this event, allowing people to walk on the road and on the sidewalks, every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm, year-round. Each weekend you can expect to find around 150 vendors with fruits and veggies, flowers, food and coffee trucks, clothing, homemade bread, paintings, musicians, sweet treats, and SO MUCH more.
Soda City Market
1300 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Looking for more? Discover all of Columbia’s Farmers’ Markets.
