15+ Free Activities to Do With Kids in Columbia, SC
Looking for something free or cheap to do with your kids in Columbia, SC? We’ve compiled a list full of ideas for you. Take your family and make fun memories together. Here’s our list of free things to do in Columbia, SC with kids!
Free Outdoor Activities in Columbia, SC
To go for a walk: Head to Cayce Riverwalk for a family stroll. With over 20 miles of river walks and trails, it’s the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors. You can find shade under trees and bridges, and parking is free!
Have a Horseshoe Picnic at the University of South Carolina: The Horseshoe at USC is a perfect place for a family picnic and spending the afternoon. Bring outdoor toys and bikes and enjoy the nice weather together. Although there is plenty of shade, you will need to bring some cash to park.
Play tennis: Head to one of Columbia Public Recreational Tennis Courts.
Cool off in the pool or paddling pool: One of the most fun things to do in the summer is to take your kids on a swimming pool or paddling pool. While the Maxcy Gregg and Greenview pools have a small fee ($3-$4 depending on age), the wading pools and spray pools are free and open to the public.
Spray pools and pads in Colombia *Be sure to call Columbia Department of Parks and Recreation at 803-545-3100 or check hours of operation online.
- Anna’s Park – 1315 Liberty Hill Avenue
- Drew Park – 2102 Walker Solomon Way
- Edisto Discovery Park – 1914 Wiley Street
- Emily Douglas Park – 2500 Wheat Street
- Heathwood Park – 800 Abelia Road
- Hyatt Park – 950 Jackson Ave
- Lorick Park – 1600 Lorick Avenue
- Mays Park – 4100 Trenholm Road
- Melrose Park – 1500 Fairview Road
- Pacific Park – 200 Wayne Street
- Pinehurst Park – 2300 Pinehurst Road
- Roy Lynch Park – 900 Abbeville Street
- Sims Park – 3500 Duncan Street
Play at one of the local parks or playgrounds: What kid doesn’t love running around in a cool playground? There are many beautiful parks with great playgrounds in the Columbia area. Irmo Community ParkElmwood/Roy Lynch Park and the Owens Field Skatepark and Pump Track are all large parks with playgrounds and other amenities such as walking paths, ball fields, ziplines, and wading pools.
In West Columbia, Carraway Park has an amazing play area!
Sesquicentennial State Park offers plenty of amenities, including $5 kayak rentals. Admission to the park is required unless you have an SC State Park Annual Pass. If you do, admission is free.
To verify all parks and playgrounds in Columbia.
Ride a bike: Grab your bikes and go for a bike ride. Download the Sprocket appan app created by The Cola Town Bike Collectiveto help you find the ideal and safe cycling route for you and your family.
Go fishing: Take advantage of free fishing thanks to the South Carolina Fishing Tackle Loan Program where you can borrow a rod, reel and tackle box for FREE. Some fishing spots to consider are Lake Murray (head toward Dreher’s Island State Park) or Saluda Shoals Park.
Go see a movie outdoors: The Icehouse Amphitheater in Lexington shows movies from time to time. Be sure to check their schedule for upcoming shows.
Go hiking: There are many hiking trails in Colombia. From paved multi-use trails to longer, rougher trails, you’ll find something for you and your family.
Walk down Main Street for the Soda City Market: Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., vendors gather on Main Street for a European-inspired street market for the Soda City Market. Everything sold is unique, artisanal and produced in the Southeast. As you walk around and browse what the vendors have to offer you will hear music and can do lots of people watching.
Throw a frisbee on one of the disc golf courses: Grab your disc golf frisbee and play disc golf for free. Udisc has a list of courses in the area.
Take a public art tour: You can consider this a scavenger hunt if you like, but there are plenty of public art installations around Columbia that you can visit for free. One Columbia has an interactive map for you to find art spots.
Art in Colombia includes the “the largest fire hydrant in the world” sculpture located on Taylor Street in Columbia, SC, between Marion and Bull Street.
First Thursdays on Main: First Thursdays on Main include free live music and even free admission to cultural venues, like the Columbia Museum of Art on select First Thursdays. Food and other items are available for purchase.
Free things to do inside Columbia, SC
Go bowling: There are several bowling alleys in the Columbia area where children up to age 15 can play for free. You will still need to rent shoes or bring your own.
Anchor ways – 1000 Columbia Ave, Irmo
Royal ways Z – 8512 Two Notch Road, Colombia
stars and strikes – 700 Columbiana Drive, Irmo
Head to the library: Richland Library and Lexington County Library both have children’s programs you can join and include stories, crafts, and movies.[‘sprogramsyoucanparticipateinandincludestorytimecraftsandmovies[‘sprogramsyoucanparticipateinandincludestorytimecraftsandmovies
Pick up a free DIY kit from Home Depot: The Home Depot is offering free kids’ workshop kits that you can pick up the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. while supplies last.
Head toward Lowes Home Improvement for a FREE workshop for kids some Saturdays.
Don’t miss 10+ FREE things for kids to do across the US.
Visit the South Carolina State House: Do you want to learn a little about your activity? Head to the State Chamber for a free or guided visit. Tours take place every half hour from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday when the chambers are not in session. The State House is also open for tours every Saturday. You don’t have to make a reservation, but you can call ahead if you wish.
Kids Eat FREE in Colombia: While you’re on the go on your free adventure, grab a cheap meal by taking advantage of these free deals for kids.
Prime! Are you a homeschooled family? The SC State Museum is offering FREE admission to homeschooled families.