Summer is coming up, and that means more opportunities to get out around the capital city as a family. There is so much to see and do this summer — get ready to take notes, have fun, and show the kids all that Columbia has to offer. Plus, transportation to and from family-friendly destinations has never been easier, thanks to The COMET Soda Cap Connector. Take our word for it…
The Soda Cap Connector is the best way to get around downtown for all your playdates and family days out!
That’s right — leave the parallel parking to us, and forget about the expensive and crowded parking garages. Your little ones have probably pointed out the colorful COMET and Soda Cap buses in passing, and summer is the perfect time to introduce them to how to ride them.
We’ve come up with some great ideas to spend fun days out downtown to make the most of all Columbia has to offer. One of the best parts of using the Soda Cap Connector is how budget-friendly it is. It’s just one dollar per person to ride, and kids under 6 ride for FREE (up to four kids with one adult). That means less money spent on travel and parking and more for family adventures!
Family-Friendly Outings with Younger Kids
Richland Library is continuing its outdoor family storytimes this summer. Pack some sunscreen for those sunny days and head over to the Main branch. After hearing some classic stories, hop on Soda Cap Connector Route 1 to cool off. All of our buses are air–conditioned, which makes the journey to EdVenture even more comfortable. There is always something new and exciting at Edventure, and every visit is different.
Don’t forget about the Columbia Museum of Art. They put together a number of family-friendly events and activities during the summer. Start your morning off with the kids participating in a special event or half-day summer camp. There’s always the option to stay after and let your little ones expand their creativity and imagination by walking through the exhibits. Afterward, you can catch the Soda Cap Connector Route 1 to the West Columbia/Cayce River District to get outside and burn off energy by exploring the West Columbia Riverwalk.
Family-Friendly Outings with Older Kids
Columbia has a vibrant arts scene, and there is so much the Soda Cap Connector can help you see and do. Enjoy dinner in the Vista at GrillMarks, and then hop on the Soda Cap Connector Route 1 to catch Fiddler on the Roof on tour at the Koger Center for the Arts to avoid the hassle and cost of finding parking and moving the car.
Soda City Market is a great place to spend a few hours on a Saturday morning. There is plenty to see, smell, and taste, and it always feels great to support small South Carolina businesses. After grabbing a bite to eat on Main Street, the family can hop on the Soda Cap Connector Route 1 to head over to Bowlero in Cayce for a family-friendly bowling competition.
Something Just for the Grown-Ups
We all know that Mom can use some time with friends, and there is nothing better than heading downtown to the Main Street District for a fun and relaxed night out. Start off with a farm-to-table dinner at the Motor Supply Co. Bistro in the Vista. Afterward, head to the Transmission Arcade on Main Street for classic arcade games in a spunky location with delicious late-night snacks and drinks.
With something to see and do in every corner of the Vista and Main Street District, there is no doubt in our minds that you’ll return home refreshed and relaxed, especially when you make use of the Soda Cap Connector and put the worry of parking behind you.
It’s Easy to Ride + Get Around on the Soda Cap
Downtown Columbia has something to offer regardless of your family size or preference of activities, and the Soda Cap Connector is ready to make your next outing even easier. Buses run every 30 minutes from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. throughout the Main Street District, the River District, and Cayce/West Columbia, and fare is just one dollar per person!
If you haven’t taken a trip on The COMET, it may seem intimidating, but we promise it couldn’t be easier. Look for the distinctive Soda Cap Connector signs in The Vista, West Columbia/Cayce, and the Main Street District, or find a map online at CatchTheCOMET.org. You can even plan a trip and track your bus on The COMET website!
Buses arrive every 30 minutes, but just to be safe, we recommend getting to the stop five minutes before its scheduled departure time. That means you’ll have plenty of time to get on board and get your little ones seated to get to the next stop on your big adventure.
When it comes time to get off at your stop, let the driver know by doing one of three things — pulling the cord, pressing the yellow strip near the windows, or calling out ‘next stop.’
View Schedules and Plan Your Trip
Check out CatchTheCOMET.org for schedules or download the Transit app from the App Store or Google Play to track buses in real–time and pay your fare from your phone.
Next time you head downtown, take the Soda Cap Connector to your destination and leave the hassle and cost of parking behind!
