Columbia summers are no joke. Between the heat, humidity, car seats, nap schedules, and tiny people who melt down quickly, finding fun things to do with babies and toddlers can feel like a full-time job.
When temperatures soar, it’s helpful to have a list of indoor activities that allow little ones to explore, play, and learn while staying cool. Whether you’re looking for a quick outing between naps or a way to break up a long day at home, Columbia offers plenty of baby and toddler-friendly options.
Here are some of our favorite indoor activities for babies and toddlers during the hottest months of the year.
Music Classes
Music classes are a wonderful option for babies and toddlers because they allow little ones to move, listen, clap, dance, and interact without needing to sit still for too long.
Located in West Columbia, Midland Music Makers is a perfect option for families to attend fun and engaging music classes together. These classes encourage singing, movement, instrument exploration, and social interaction while helping support early childhood development. Their research-based music classes are designed to be non-formal and non-performance oriented, so your child can learn at his or her own pace, in a way that’s developmentally appropriate.
The classes at Midland Music Makers teach the Music Together® curriculum, which includes an award-winning mix of original songs and traditional tunes from a range of musical styles, including folk, blues, jazz, and world music. Your child will be immersed in music from all over the world! And you can even download the Music Together app to listen to the songs at home as well.
Classes are currently offered on Thursdays and Saturdays in Columbia, and you can sign up to visit a class first to check it out before you fully commit.
Location: Mt. Hebron United Methodist Church, 3050 Leaphart Rd., West Columbia, 29169
Contact: (203) 725-6952
Parent-and-Me Dance Classes
For toddlers who love to move, parent-and-me dance classes can be a sweet indoor activity. Programs like My Dancer and Me give little ones an opportunity to stretch, twirl, jump, and explore movement in a structured but playful environment. These classes help children develop coordination while giving them a chance to socialize with other children their age.
At My Dancer and Me, classes are created for your tiny dancer and YOU to participate in a carefully calculated balance of movement and seated activities. Classes are designed to stimulate development, encourage listening, balance, music interpretation, and imagination. Classes are designed for ages 0-3 and are taught by Miss Shannon. Miss Shannon is originally from New York and moved here with her family in 2021. She has been dancing for over 15 years and has a true passion for bringing dance to the Midlands.
Location: 914 Pulaski St., Columbia, 29201
Contact: (803) 380-8603
Indoor Sensory Play
Sensory-friendly play spaces are ideal for babies and toddlers because they are designed with younger children in mind.
Busy Bees Playhouse in Lexington offers an indoor environment where little ones can crawl, climb, explore, and engage in imaginative play. These spaces are especially valuable during the hottest months when outdoor play isn’t always practical.
At Busy Bees your little ones, ages newborn to six, can play in areas specifically designed for them. Every area is built around how kids actually experience the world. Children who have sensory sensitivities are more than welcome to play here. Sessions are kept calm and low-key on purpose — so every child can show up and just play. And every session gets capped at a certain number so groups remain small and never get chaotic. Forget to pack a snack? No problem! Parents and tots alike can enjoy snacks and drinks from The Buzz Cafe, available at every session.
Sessions run Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 6.p. Walk-ins are welcome, but a spot isn’t guarantee. Book ahead to secure your time.
Location: 5483-B Sunset Blvd, Lexington, 29072
Contact: (803) 520-0016
Gymnastics Open Play
Gymnastics facilities often offer both classes and open gym sessions specifically designed for younger children. Many local gyms offer playtime opportunities where babies, toddlers, and preschoolers can safely climb, jump, balance, and explore movement.
Check out these local gymnastics centers in Columbia for your next play time:
- Brussell’s Gymnastics – Irmo
- Carolina Gymnastics – Northeast Columbia
- Soda City Gymnastics – Downtown Columbia
- Capital City Gymnastics – Cayce
- Cayce Gymnastics Center – West Columbia
- All Star Gymnastics – Irmo
- Empire Gymnastics – Lexington
EdVenture Children’s Museum
EdVenture remains one of Columbia’s most popular family destinations, and it’s not just for school-aged children. Babies and toddlers enjoy the museum’s colorful exhibits, hands-on experiences, and opportunities for sensory exploration. The open spaces make it easy for little ones to move around while parents enjoy a cool break from the summer heat.
Exhibits at Edventure include the Dalmation (Fire) Station, Little Spot Diner, Busy Bee Farm, The Barn, The Neighborhood Market, two medical stations (one for pets and one for humans), outdoor play area, and the brand-new Fossils to Futures exhibit.
Edventure even has specific exhibits set up just for toddlers. My Backyard exhibit is a tactile wonderland designed just for toddlers and early walkers, and The Cube is a vibrant, colorful, cube-shaped room designed especially for toddlers to learn through play.
Location: 211 Gervais St., Columbia 29201
Contact: (803) 779-3100
Richland Library and Lexington County Library
Most parents know about story times, but libraries offer so much more than that! Children’s areas at local libraries provide a quiet, welcoming space for little ones to read, play, and explore. Many branches feature interactive play spaces, puzzles, toys, and educational activities designed specifically for young children.
Mall Walks and Indoor Stroller Adventures
Sometimes the simplest outings are the most successful. Taking a stroller walk through Columbiana Centre or another indoor shopping center allows babies to enjoy new sights while parents get out of the house and stay cool. Young children are often fascinated by things like escalators, colorful store displays, people watching, bright colors and lights. And best of all, there’s no admission fee.
Indoor Water Play at Home
Not every summer activity requires leaving the house. Simple indoor sensory activities can provide plenty of entertainment, especially for babies and younger toddlers.
While we normally think of water play as an outdoor activity, it can easily be done indoors as well without causing too much of a mess. Put a few large towels on the floor and let your little one go to town!
You can:
- Bring that water table inside
- Try ice cube play/Ice painting
- Create sensory bins filled with water and toys
Summer with babies and toddlers can feel long, hot, and exhausting, but there are plenty of ways to make it fun. Whether your little one loves music, movement, sensory play, books, or simply watching the world go by from a stroller, there are indoor options throughout Columbia that can help break up the day.
Remember, babies and toddlers don’t need elaborate entertainment. Often, a new environment, a chance to explore, and a little time out of the house is enough to make the day feel special.
