January in Columbia is full of fun – from outdoor play, storytimes, art activities, and more! Get out your calendars and make a note of all there is to do.
Don’t forget to check out our local guides – parks & playgrounds, indoor play areas, birthday parties, kids eat free, and more!
*Please note – While we make every effort to crosscheck current links and event details on our guides, we always encourage you to do the same before making final plans. If details are missing or incorrect, please let us know so that we can correct them.
Dec
31
New Year’s Eve 2024
Ring in 2024 in the best way possible: on the lanes with non-stop bowling lanes, yummy food, festive party favors, and more!
Dec
31
New Year’s Eve Late Night Skate
COME CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR WITH YOUR FRIENDS US! WE WILL BE GIVING AWAY A PAIR OF SKATES TO ONE LUCKY WINNER TO CELEBRATE A NEW YEAR! $15 AT THE
Dec
31
2024 New Year’s Countdown
Parents/Guardians it’s time to start planning your New Year’s Party. Let us make it a little easier on you. Bring the kids to a safe/fun place they want to be
Jan
3
Family Storytime
Share stories, songs, and much more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family. Audience(s): Families, Young children (0-5 years), Babies (0-18 months), Toddlers (19 months-2 years),
Jan
3
Gladys’ Gang Toddler Edition: Mirror, Mirror
In this session we explore reflections — whether it’s in a mirror or a pool of water. Join us as we search for mirror images throughout the galleries and create
Jan
3
Crafternoon: Minecraft
Put the “craft” in Minecraft! Audience(s): Families, School age children (6-12 years)
Jan
3
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
Stroll through the Zoo and discover nearly 60 larger-than-life handcrafted lanterns inspired by nature. From pollinators and plants to endangered (and even extinct) animals, guests will be dazzled by awe-inspiring
Jan
4
Bilingual Storytime Cuentacuentos Bilingüe
Share stories, songs, and much more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family. We will have a craft time after!.This event is free and open to
Jan
4
Free First Thursday at the CMA
Enjoy free admission and extended hours. Last gallery entry at 7:30 p.m. Be on Boyd Plaza in the evening for live music, food vendors, and a beer garden. Free.
Jan
4
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
Stroll through the Zoo and discover nearly 60 larger-than-life handcrafted lanterns inspired by nature. From pollinators and plants to endangered (and even extinct) animals, guests will be dazzled by awe-inspiring
Jan
5
Free Fridays at Riverbanks Zoo
Richland and Lexington County residents: Free Fridays kicks off this Friday, January 5th and runs through Friday, February 23rd. (Please note that Free Fridays applies only to regular daytime admission
Jan
5
Fun Friday’s at Empire Gymnastics
Playgroups and moms come enjoy our fabulously fun hour of nonstop fun activity for your child! In this hour of (parent) supervised open play, your child can enjoy and explore.
Jan
5
Family Storytime
Share stories, songs, and much more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family.
Jan
5
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
Stroll through the Zoo and discover nearly 60 larger-than-life handcrafted lanterns inspired by nature. From pollinators and plants to endangered (and even extinct) animals, guests will be dazzled by awe-inspiring
Jan
6
Soda City Market
Soda City Market is Columbia’s weekly Main Street event inspired by traditional European street markets. In partnership with Founders Federal Credit Union, we’re open every Saturday morning 9 a.m. –1 p.m.,
Jan
6
Home Depot Kids Workshop
Join us the first Saturday of each month between 9 am – 12 pm for free in-person Kids Workshops. While supplies last.
Jan
6
Family Storytime
Share stories, songs, and much more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family.
Jan
6
Children’s Storytime
Children’s story time every Saturday morning, with different readers selecting books the community will enjoy.
Jan
6
Meeting Street Artisan Market
There are new options for afternoon shopping on Saturdays in West Columbia. The Meeting Street Artisan Market has new hours, 11 AM – 3 PM, beginning this Saturday, August 6,
Jan
6
Family Storytime and Craft
Join us every Saturday! Share stories, songs, a fun craft, and much more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family.
Jan
6
Puss in Boots
Long before Shrek came along, Charles Perrault penned the original tale of a crafty cat in fancy footwear. CMT’s Puss in Boots is a whimsical retelling of this classic fairy
Jan
6
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
Stroll through the Zoo and discover nearly 60 larger-than-life handcrafted lanterns inspired by nature. From pollinators and plants to endangered (and even extinct) animals, guests will be dazzled by awe-inspiring
Jan
7
Kids Adventure Terrarium
Experience the modern plant revival at a PlantHouse workshop! Our kids adventure terrarium workshop is the perfect family activity! Join us for a fun workshop where you’ll learn how to
Jan
7
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
Stroll through the Zoo and discover nearly 60 larger-than-life handcrafted lanterns inspired by nature. From pollinators and plants to endangered (and even extinct) animals, guests will be dazzled by awe-inspiring
Jan
8
Monday Morning Makers
Feed that drive to create and rediscover your sense of wonder and excitement. Discover something new with our projects of the week, which are appropriate for those 6 or more
Jan
8
Build-a-Thon: LEGOS
Get hands-on by building towers, robots, creatures and more. Who can build it tallest? Who can build it strongest? Build freely and find out!
Jan
9
Family Storytime
Share stories, songs, and much more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family.
Jan
9
Pajamarama Storytime
Share stories, songs and much more while building early literacy skills for the whole family in the comfort of your pajamas! Teddy bears and dolls are welcome to tag along!
Jan
10
Family Storytime
Share stories, songs, and much more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family. Audience(s): Families, Young children (0-5 years), Babies (0-18 months), Toddlers (19 months-2 years),
Jan
10
Crafternoon
Get your craft on! Let your imagination run wild using a variety of materials provided. Paint, color, collage, or all of the above!
Jan
10
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
Stroll through the Zoo and discover nearly 60 larger-than-life handcrafted lanterns inspired by nature. From pollinators and plants to endangered (and even extinct) animals, guests will be dazzled by awe-inspiring
Jan
10
Kid’s Custom Cocoa Bar
Bring the kid’s to create their own hot cocoa at our specialty Hot Chocolate Bar and enjoy a FREE kid’s meal. One FREE kid’s meal on Kid’s Nights with the
Jan
10
Cow Bingo
Join us for a fun family night out! Dinner, bingo, prizes, and who knows…maybe some cows! Can’t wait to see you then!
Jan
11
Bilingual Storytime Cuentacuentos Bilingüe
Share stories, songs, and much more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family. We will have a craft time after!.This event is free and open to
Jan
11
Read to a Dog
Practice your reading skills with Juliet and Django the Therapy Dogs! (Children will get a private 10 minute one-on-one session with dog to practice reading aloud. The handlers, Lorien Owens
Jan
11
Meeting Street Artisan Market
There are new options for afternoon shopping on Saturdays in West Columbia. The Meeting Street Artisan Market has new hours, 11 AM – 3 PM, beginning this Saturday, August 6,
Jan
11
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
Stroll through the Zoo and discover nearly 60 larger-than-life handcrafted lanterns inspired by nature. From pollinators and plants to endangered (and even extinct) animals, guests will be dazzled by awe-inspiring
Jan
11
Play Freely: Winter Festival ❄️
Come join us for winter-inspired crafts, games, and activities in the Richland Library Sandhills and R2I2 building Lobby Area! Activities will include: -Cookie Decorating -Coloring for all ages -Large Games
Jan
12
Free Fridays at Riverbanks Zoo
Richland and Lexington County residents: Free Fridays kicks off this Friday, January 5th and runs through Friday, February 23rd. (Please note that Free Fridays applies only to regular daytime admission
Jan
12
Family Storytime
Share stories, songs, and much more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family.
Jan
12
Play Freely: Fun Friday at Wheatley
Come have some fun with us at Richland Library Wheatley. We all need a little fun in our lives, so drop by anytime between 11 – 4 for games, bubbles,
Jan
12
Flight Sandhill Relaunch Event
Flight Adventure Park has been re-imagined and excited to welcome you to our new one of a kind indoor adventure park! Don’t miss your chance to meet our special guests
Jan
12
Read to a Therapy Dog
Sign-up and reserve your spot to practice your reading skills with a certified therapy dog and their human. Readers will get a 10-minute session with McDuffie or another therapy pet.
Jan
12
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
Stroll through the Zoo and discover nearly 60 larger-than-life handcrafted lanterns inspired by nature. From pollinators and plants to endangered (and even extinct) animals, guests will be dazzled by awe-inspiring
Jan
12
The Little Mermaid Jr. – ICRC Children’s Theatre
Journey “under the sea” with Ariel and her aquatic friends in Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR. In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home
Jan
13
Soda City Market
Soda City Market is Columbia’s weekly Main Street event inspired by traditional European street markets. In partnership with Founders Federal Credit Union, we’re open every Saturday morning 9 a.m. –1 p.m.,
Jan
13
Accessibility Morning – Rainbow Fish
This program provides free access for families of children, teenagers, young adults and adults who would benefit from a quieter, sensory-friendly and disability-adapted experience at the museum. Guests who are
Jan
13
Family Storytime
Share stories, songs, and much more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family.
Jan
13
Children’s Storytime
Children’s story time every Saturday morning, with different readers selecting books the community will enjoy.
Jan
13
Make & Create: Snow Globes
Join us for some DIY craft time and make your own snow globe! All supplies provided but you are welcome to bring your own plastic, waterproof toy or object to
Jan
13
Meeting Street Artisan Market
There are new options for afternoon shopping on Saturdays in West Columbia. The Meeting Street Artisan Market has new hours, 11 AM – 3 PM, beginning this Saturday, August 6,
Jan
13
Family Storytime and Craft
Join us every Saturday! Share stories, songs, a fun craft, and much more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family.
Jan
13
Puss in Boots
Long before Shrek came along, Charles Perrault penned the original tale of a crafty cat in fancy footwear. CMT’s Puss in Boots is a whimsical retelling of this classic fairy
Jan
13
Watch Freely: Sensory Friendly Movie: Paw Patrol: The Mighty
When a magical meteor crash lands in Adventure City, it gives the PAW Patrol pups superpowers, transforming them into The MIGHTY PUPS! For Skye, the smallest member of the team,
Jan
13
The Little Mermaid Jr. – ICRC Children’s Theatre
Journey “under the sea” with Ariel and her aquatic friends in Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR. In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home
Jan
13
Puss in Boots
Long before Shrek came along, Charles Perrault penned the original tale of a crafty cat in fancy footwear. CMT’s Puss in Boots is a whimsical retelling of this classic fairy
Jan
13
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
Stroll through the Zoo and discover nearly 60 larger-than-life handcrafted lanterns inspired by nature. From pollinators and plants to endangered (and even extinct) animals, guests will be dazzled by awe-inspiring
Jan
13
The Little Mermaid Jr. – ICRC Children’s Theatre
Journey “under the sea” with Ariel and her aquatic friends in Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR. In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home
Jan
14
The Little Mermaid Jr. – ICRC Children’s Theatre
Journey “under the sea” with Ariel and her aquatic friends in Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR. In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home
Jan
14
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
Stroll through the Zoo and discover nearly 60 larger-than-life handcrafted lanterns inspired by nature. From pollinators and plants to endangered (and even extinct) animals, guests will be dazzled by awe-inspiring
Jan
15
Monday Morning Makers
Feed that drive to create and rediscover your sense of wonder and excitement. Discover something new with our projects of the week, which are appropriate for those 6 or more
Jan
15
Puss in Boots
Long before Shrek came along, Charles Perrault penned the original tale of a crafty cat in fancy footwear. CMT’s Puss in Boots is a whimsical retelling of this classic fairy
Jan
15
Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the CMA
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the CMA is open with free admission and hosting special MLK Day programming. Don’t miss FAAAC presents A Storytelling Celebration, featuring line dancing
Jan
16
Family Storytime
Share stories, songs, and much more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family.
Jan
16
It’s a Cocoa Kid’s Night
It’s getting Cocoa over here! Join for Kid’s Night January 16, 5-7pm on Clemson Rd in Columbia. Bring the kid’s to create their own hot cocoa at our specialty Hot
Jan
17
Family Storytime
Share stories, songs, and much more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family. Audience(s): Families, Young children (0-5 years), Babies (0-18 months), Toddlers (19 months-2 years),
Jan
17
Gladys’ Gang Toddler Edition: Mirror, Mirror
In this session we explore reflections — whether it’s in a mirror or a pool of water. Join us as we search for mirror images throughout the galleries and create
Jan
17
Crafternoon
Get your craft on! Let your imagination run wild using a variety of materials provided. Paint, color, collage, or all of the above!
Jan
17
Crafternoon STEAM Edition
Art and science collide in this STEAM themed experience designed for budding scientists
Jan
17
Read to a Dog
Please join Susanne and her certified dog to practice reading with a furry friend.
Jan
18
Bilingual Storytime Cuentacuentos Bilingüe
Share stories, songs, and much more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family. We will have a craft time after!.This event is free and open to
Jan
18
Hello, Baby!
Grow your baby’s vocabulary, listening and motor skills with stories and songs. This storytime is designed for infants and lap babies. If your child is walking, check out our Toddler
Jan
19
Free Fridays at Riverbanks Zoo
Reminder to Richland and Lexington County residents: Free Fridays kicks off this Friday, January 5th and runs through Friday, February 23rd. (Please note that Free Fridays applies only to regular
Jan
19
Fun Friday’s at Empire Gymnastics
Playgroups and moms come enjoy our fabulously fun hour of nonstop fun activity for your child! In this hour of (parent) supervised open play, your child can enjoy and explore.
Jan
19
Family Storytime
Share stories, songs, and much more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family.
Jan
19
Play Freely: Fun Fridays at North Main
Come have some fun inside with us this winter at North Main. We all need a little fun in our lives, so drop by anytime between 3:00 to 5:00 for
Jan
19
Jurassic World Live Tour
Jurassic World comes to life in an action-packed, live arena show! Your trip to Isla Nublar takes a terrifying turn after the Indominus rex escapes and causes chaos in the
Jan
19
Kids Night In – National Popcorn Day
Drop the kids off for a fun night of creating a masterpiece! National Popcorn day calls for new popcorn bowls! All children will glaze their own popcorn bowl.
Jan
20
Soda City Market
Soda City Market is Columbia’s weekly Main Street event inspired by traditional European street markets. In partnership with Founders Federal Credit Union, we’re open every Saturday morning 9 a.m. –1 p.m.,
Jan
20
Family Storytime
Share stories, songs, and much more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family.
Jan
20
Children’s Storytime
Children’s story time every Saturday morning, with different readers selecting books the community will enjoy.
Jan
20
Richland Rumble: Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournament
It’s a Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournament for the ages, for ALL ages! Co-hosted with Midlands Gaming Coalition. In-person registration will take place in the opening hour, followed by double-elimination competition. Open-play
Jan
20
My First DIY Toolbox
Time to get to work! This Kids Toolbox Workshop will have your little helper eager to tag along on your next home improvement project.
Jan
20
Stroller Tour: Rendez-Vous
Take a tour of featured exhibition Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray: Rendez-Vous with infants in tow. Bring your little ones along for the ride on a stroller-friendly tour for
Jan
20
Meeting Street Artisan Market
There are new options for afternoon shopping on Saturdays in West Columbia. The Meeting Street Artisan Market has new hours, 11 AM – 3 PM, beginning this Saturday, August 6,
Jan
20
Family Storytime and Craft
Join us every Saturday! Share stories, songs, a fun craft, and much more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family.
Jan
20
Puss in Boots
Long before Shrek came along, Charles Perrault penned the original tale of a crafty cat in fancy footwear. CMT’s Puss in Boots is a whimsical retelling of this classic fairy
Jan
20
Jurassic World Live Tour
Jurassic World comes to life in an action-packed, live arena show! Your trip to Isla Nublar takes a terrifying turn after the Indominus rex escapes and causes chaos in the
Jan
20
Jurassic World Live Tour
Jurassic World comes to life in an action-packed, live arena show! Your trip to Isla Nublar takes a terrifying turn after the Indominus rex escapes and causes chaos in the
Jan
20
Puss in Boots
Long before Shrek came along, Charles Perrault penned the original tale of a crafty cat in fancy footwear. CMT’s Puss in Boots is a whimsical retelling of this classic fairy
Jan
20
Jurassic World Live Tour
Jurassic World comes to life in an action-packed, live arena show! Your trip to Isla Nublar takes a terrifying turn after the Indominus rex escapes and causes chaos in the
Jan
20
Kids Karaoke at Beef’s
Bring the entire family out for a yummy meal, then stick around for some awesome KARAOKE! Kids Welcome! Presented by CarraRock Entertainment, LLC.
Jan
21
Kids Jellyfish Terrarium
Experience the modern plant revival at a PlantHouse workshop! Our kids jellyfish terrarium workshop is the perfect family activity! Join us for a fun workshop where you’ll learn how to
Jan
21
Jurassic World Live Tour
Jurassic World comes to life in an action-packed, live arena show! Your trip to Isla Nublar takes a terrifying turn after the Indominus rex escapes and causes chaos in the
Jan
22
Monday Morning Makers
Feed that drive to create and rediscover your sense of wonder and excitement. Discover something new with our projects of the week, which are appropriate for those 6 or more
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