So it’s midsummer, the kids have been out of school for a while and store shelves are now stocked with back to school must-haves. Although the inevitable “return to school” is approaching, right now you still have at least four weeks to continue to fill with fun, engaging, “if we don’t get out of this house I will scream” activities for your family. So with that in mind, here are a few ideas you may not have thought of or tried out yet – our official “ABCs’s of Summer Activities in Columbia!” Choose a letter today and embark on a new adventure.
A is for Art. Visit the Columbia Museum of Art where you can grab an Art Explorer Backpack to lead you on your adventure.
B is for Baseball. Try a Columbia Fireflies or Blowfish game and look out for special events like Splash Days and fireworks.
C is for Congaree. Visit Congaree National Park today and your child can become a Junior Ranger.
D is for Dessert. From Nonnah’s where you have over 20 dessert choices to a simple trip to Pelican’s SnoBalls, a late evening dessert is always a winner!
E is for Eddie. Visit Edventure Children’s Museum and explore the insides of a giant kid!
F is for Friday Nights. Enjoy family-friendly movies in the park each Friday at Riverfront Park.
G is for Get Moving. Make fitness a family activity by biking at Saluda Shoals or skating at Skateland Fun Center.
H is for Habitats. Take a trip to Riverbanks Zoo and explore their new exhibits and see the new baby lemurs.
I is for Ice Cream. For a new ice cream experience visit Sweet Cream Company where you can try unique flavors like French Toast and Indonesia Vanilla.
J is for Jumping. Take the kids to The Plex where they can enjoy HiWire Trampoline Park or jumpcastles and slides at Jumping Jacks.
K is for Kayak. Visit our local parks where older kids will enjoy kayaking or canoeing with the family.
L is for Laser Light Show. Pay a trip to the planetarium at the South Carolina State Museum and enjoy a laser light show with the family.
M is for Movies. The Summer Movie Express at Regal Cinemas is still a perfect escape from our hot summer days and at only $1 a ticket, it won’t break the bank!
N is for Neighborhood Parks. There are so many parks in our city to explore! Try a different one this week and see what it has to offer.
O is for Outdoors. Explore the outdoors while playing Pokemon GO!
P is for Picnics. Stop by the beautiful and secluded Carolina Children’s Garden to have a picnic and see the Little Bears Cottage.
Q is for Quick Trips. Take a quick ride to nearby cities for a day trip. Charlotte, Charleston, and Augusta are few great choices.
R is for Ride. How about horseback riding? Contact Longcreek Equestrian Center to schedule a trail ride with your group.
S is for Stroll. Take a stroll through the walking trail at a park such as beautiful Earlewood Park.
T is for Tubing. Palmetto Outdoors offers several tubing options and even includes shuttle service.
U is for Underwater. Visit one of the city’s pools, splash pads, spray pools, mist pads and water parks to enjoy a day of swimming.
V is for Visitor. Explore Columbia as if you are a visitor. Take a free tour of the State House, go on a house tour, or even try a food tour.
W is for Water. Enjoy the new Splash Pad at Sesquicentennial Park or check out Palmetto Falls Water Park at Fort Jackson. Looking for more water spots? Check out a full list here.
X is for eXplore. Explore Columbia’s unique shops and restaurants in the Vista.
Y is for Yarn. Take a knitting, jewelry making or craft class together at Michael’s.
Z is for Zipline. Check out the Zipline and Sky High Safari at Riverbanks Zoo.
English
Arabic
Chinese (Simplified)
Dutch
French
German
Italian
Portuguese
Russian
Spanish