Sometimes we make plans to go on vacation but things don’t work out. Maybe it’s finances, maybe someone gets sick, or maybe bad weather cancels our plans. Whatever the case may be, it doesn’t have to ruin your vacation. You may not be able to go out of town, but you can take a staycation right here in Columbia! There are plenty of kid-friendly things to do and places to visit in the capital city! Check out our list of locally fun activities for you and your family!
1. Frankie’s Fun Park
Frankie’s Fun Park is a great opportunity to get together as a family, eat some pizza, and play some games. With three go-cart tracks, three different mini-golf courses, laser tag, batting cages, Drop Zone, XD Dark Ride, and an arcade, there’s truly something for everyone!
Location: Located off of Harbison Blvd at 140 Parkridge Dr.
Hours: Sunday-Thursday: Noon-10pm, Friday: Noon-12am, Saturday: 10am-12am
Pricing: Prices vary per attraction. Check the Frankie’s website for a full list of prices.
2. Sesquicentennial State Park
Want a way to unplug and relax on your vacation? Get outdoors and visit Sesquicentennial State Park, where you can immerse yourself in the 1,400 acres of pines trees, nature trails, creek, and lake! Within the park you’ll find two playground areas, splash pad, hiking trails, fishing, boating, and picnic shelters, and camping. Want to make a game of it for your kids? Try one of their scavenger hunts, bird watching, or geocaching.
Location: 9564 Two Notch Rd.
Hours: Open daily from 8am to sunset.
Admission: Adults: $6, SC Seniors (age 65+): $3.75, Children ages 6-15: $3.50, Children ages 5 and under are free.
3. EdVenture Children’s Museum
This local children’s museum houses eight state of the art galleries, making it the destination for imagination in Columbia! Your child can explore Eddie, the world’s biggest kid or shop in the EdVenture grocery store. Children can explore MedVenture, where they’ll have the chance to learn about occupations in the healthcare profession with hands-on exhibits. Your family can also explore the great outdoors in EdVenture’s outdoor exhibits featuring gem mining, water play, a play jet, and more! Kids can also get crafty in the maker space, visit the Busy Bee Farm and Garden, and learn about at home safety in the Dalmation Station (fire truck).
Location: 211 Gervais Street
Hours: Monday, Wednesday – Saturday: 9am – 5pm, Sunday: 12pm – 5pm, Closed on Tuesday’s
Admission: $13 Children and Adults, Children under two are free, free admission for teachers when you show your teacher ID
4. Columbia Museum of Art
It is never too early to introduce your child to good art. Columbia Museum of Art boasts multiple galleries that feature both ancient and modern works of art. Is your child a budding artist? Why not sign them up for one of the museum’s many art classes for children and families? After you’re done checking out the art and creating your own, step outside onto Boyd Plaza, where you can sit and relax in one of many shaded areas, surrounded by fountains and beautiful trees and plants.
Location: 1515 Main St.
Hours: Monday: Closed, Tuesday, Wednesday Friday-Sunday: 10am – 5pm, Thursday: 10am – 8pm
Admission: Adults: $15, Children ages 7-18, and college students: $10, Children 6 and under are free (Be sure to ask for their Senior and/or Military discount, if applicable)
5. Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
If you have never been to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, you need to make it part of your staycation plans. With over 3,000 animals at the zoo and over 5,000 varieties of flowers and plants at the botanic garden, you can’t miss! Take a stroll through the scenic zoo and see animals like otters, lemurs, gorillas, kangaroos, snakes, lions, koala’s, penguin’s, sea lions, rhinos and so many more! And don’t forget to check out the playground, high ropes course, and rock climbing wall. In the mood for a relaxing ride? Check out the carousel. And don’t miss your chance to feed one of the amazing giraffes!
At the garden, stroll through the breathtaking flower beds coupled with peaceful water features. You’ll want to visit Waterfall Junction too, of course, where your kids can dig for dinosaur bones, explore a tree house, run and play lawn games, splash around in the splash zone, and more!
Location: The main entrance to the zoo is located just off Greystone Blvd. at 500 Wildlife Parkway. The Botanical Gardens entrance is located at 1300 Botanical Parkway West.
Hours: Daily 9am – 5pm
Admission: Adults (ages 13-61): $27.99, Children (ages 2-12): $24.99, Children under 2 free, Seniors (ages 62+) and Military: $25.99 (Receive $3 off ALL ticket prices when you purchase tickets online.) Parking is an additional fee of $5
Are there any groups of mothers (or grandmothers) who get together in a park, or anywhere else, to have some socialization time for themselves AND their children?
Here is a list of all the mom groups in the area. We’ve had a lot of luck joining them and making new friends for mom and kids! https://columbiamom.com/guide-to-columbia/moms-groups/