Keep on reading to learn about 10 fun, kid- and teen-friendly things to do in Columbia, SC — with FREE options first, plus links and phone numbers so you can plan fast.
1. Stroll, Bike, or Scooter at Columbia Canal & Riverfront Park (FREE)
Columbia Canal & Riverfront Park is an easy win for all ages: paved trails for strollers, scooters, and bikes, river views for photos, and plenty of space to burn off energy. Pack snacks, let the kids race to the next mile marker, and enjoy the views of the historic canal and Congaree River.
Details
- Address: 312 Laurel St, Columbia, SC 29201
- Phone: (803) 545-3100
- Cost: Free
- Best for: All ages – walkers to teens
- Website: Riverfront Park & Historic Columbia Canal
2. Play Downtown at Finlay Park (FREE)
Finlay Park is one of Columbia’s best-known green spaces — a big downtown park with room to run, play, and picnic. It’s perfect for a quick “get the wiggles out” stop before or after a downtown outing.
Details
- Address: 930 Laurel St, Columbia, SC 29201
- Cost: Free
- Best for: Toddlers, kids, and relaxed teen hangouts
- Website: City of Columbia – Finlay Park (search “Finlay Park”)
3. Skate, Climb, & Explore at Owens Field Park & Skate Park (FREE)
Got bigger kids or teens who need to move? Owens Field Park has a skate park, disc golf, open fields, and space to just be loud and active. Pads and helmets are a smart idea for the skate park.
Details
- Address: 1351 Jim Hamilton Blvd, Columbia, SC 29205
- Cost: Free park & skate park access
- Best for: Older kids & teens
- Website: Columbia Parks & Recreation – Regional Parks
4. Storytimes, Teen Spaces & More at Richland Library Main (FREE)
Richland Library Main is not your quiet, dusty library of the past. Think play spaces, hands-on learning areas, teen zones, coding, art, and regular events for kids and teens. Check their calendar for storytimes, STEAM programs, and teen hangouts.
Details
- Address: 1431 Assembly St, Columbia, SC 29201
- Phone: (803) 799-9084
- Cost: Free entry; some programs may require registration
- Best for: Babies through teens
- Website: Richland Library Main
5. Saturday Morning Fun at Soda City Market (FREE to Browse)
Saturdays on Main Street turn into “Soda City” — a European-style street market with food trucks, local makers, music, and plenty of people-watching. Kids can snack, stroll, and listen to live performers while you grab coffee and pretend this counts as grocery shopping.
Details
- Location: 1300–1500 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201
- Time: Saturdays, generally 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. (check before you go)
- Cost: Free to attend; pay for food & purchases
- Best for: All ages, especially school-age kids & teens
- Website: Soda City Market
6. Explore the South Carolina State House & Grounds (FREE)
Want to sneak in some history without losing your audience? Take a walk around the State House grounds to see monuments, then head inside for a free tour (great for older kids and teens studying SC history).
Details
- Address: 1100 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29208
- Phone: (803) 734-2430
- Cost: Free
- Best for: Elementary–teen (especially 3rd–8th grade)
- Website: SC State House Tours
7. Hike, Paddle & Play at Sesquicentennial State Park
Locals call it “Sesqui” — a 1,400-acre state park with trails, a lake, playgrounds, and picnic shelters. Teens can hike or mountain bike; younger kids can hit the playgrounds and short nature trails. There’s a small entrance fee per vehicle.
Details
- Address: 9564 Two Notch Rd, Columbia, SC 29223
- Phone: (803) 788-2706
- Cost: Small daily park admission per person/vehicle
- Best for: All ages; especially outdoor-loving families
- Website: Sesquicentennial State Park
8. Hands-On Learning at the South Carolina State Museum
Four floors of exhibits, plus a planetarium and 4D theater = hours of “learning in disguise.” Kids can check out science, art, history, and natural history all in one building. Teens usually love the planetarium shows and special exhibits.
Details
- Address: 301 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29201
- Phone: (803) 898-4921
- Cost: Admission + extra for planetarium/4D shows
- Best for: School-age kids & teens
- Website: South Carolina State Museum
9. Play & Build at EdVenture Children’s Museum
If your kids like to touch everything, EdVenture is their place. Climbing structures, pretend play spaces, STEM exhibits, and the famous giant kid statue “Eddie” make this a big hit for younger children — but there are plenty of hands-on exhibits for older kids too.
Details
- Address: 211 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29201
- Phone: (803) 779-3100
- Cost: Admission required
- Best for: Toddlers through tweens
- Website: EdVenture Children’s Museum
10. See Animals & Holiday Lights at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
Riverbanks Zoo is a Columbia classic — more than 2,000 animals, a botanical garden, zip line, and play areas. Seasonally, Riverbanks hosts Lights Before Christmas, a huge holiday light display that’s a must-see for many local families.
Details
- Address: 500 Wildlife Pkwy, Columbia, SC 29210
- Phone: (803) 779-8717
- Cost: Admission required; separate event pricing for Lights Before Christmas
- Best for: All ages
- Website: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
AI Disclosure: This article was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by your Macaroni KID Columbia publisher.
