15+ Free Things 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, packed full of ideas, for you. Grab your family and make some fun-filled memories together. Here’s our list of free things to do in Columbia, SC with kids!
Free Things to Do Outside in Columbia, SC
Go on a walk: Head to Cayce Riverwalk for a walk with your family. With more than 20 miles of riverwalk and trails, it’s the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors. You can find shade under the trees and bridges, and parking is free!
Have a picnic at the Horseshoe at the University of South Carolina: The Horseshoe at USC is a perfect place to have a family picnic and spend the afternoon. Bring some outdoor toys and bikes and enjoy the weather together. While there’s plenty of shade, you will need to bring a little money to park.
Play tennis: Head to one of Columbia’s public recreational tennis courts.
Cool off at a pool or splash pad: One of the most fun things to do in the summer is taking your kids to a pool or splash pad. While the Maxcy Gregg and Greenview Pools have a small fee ($3 – $4 depending on age), the splash pads and spray pools are free and open to the public.
Spray Pools and Pads in Columbia *Be sure to call the Columbia Parks and Recreation Department at 803-545-3100 or check online for operating hours.
- 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 Avenue
- 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 to run around at a cool playground? There are plenty of beautiful parks with great playgrounds in the Columbia area. The Community Park of Irmo, Elmwood/Roy Lynch Park, and the Owens Field Skate Park & Pump Track are all great parks with playgrounds and other amenities such as walking trails, ball fields, zip lines, and splash pads.
In West Columbia, Carraway Park has an amazing playground space!
Sesquicentennial State Park has lots of amenities, including $5 kayak rentals. Park admission is required unless you have SC State Park Annual Pass. If you do, admission is free.
Check out all the parks and playgrounds in Columbia.
Ride bikes: Grab your bikes and go on a bike ride. Download the Sprocket app, an app created by The Cola Town Bike Collective, to help you find the perfect, safe bike route for you and your family.
Go fishing: Enjoy free fishing thanks to the South Carolina Fishing Tackle Loaner program where you can borrow a rod, reel, and tackle box for FREE. Some fishing spots to consider are Lake Murray (head to Dreher Island State Park) or Saluda Shoals Park.
Go see an outdoor movie: The Icehouse Amphitheater in Lexington shows movies every now and then. Be sure to check their schedule for upcoming shows.
Head out for a hike: There are plenty of hiking trails in Columbia. From paved multi-use trails to longer, more rugged trails, you’ll find something for you and your family to enjoy.
Stroll down Main Street for Soda City Market: Every Saturday from 9 am – 1 pm, vendors gather on Main Street for a European-inspired street market for the Soda City Market. Everything sold is unique, hand-crafted, and produced in the Southeast. While strolling and perusing what the vendors have to offer, you’ll hear music and be able to do a lot of people watching.
Throw a frisbee around at 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.
Go on a public art tour: You can treat this as a scavenger hunt if you’d 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.
The art in Columbia includes the “world’s largest fire hydrant” 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 in Columbia, SC
Go Bowling: There are several bowling alleys in the Columbia area where kids up to age 15 can bowl for free. You’ll still need to rent shoes or bring your own.
Anchor Lanes – 1000 Columbia Avenue, Irmo
Royal Z Lanes – 8512 Two Notch Road, Columbia
Stars and Strikes – 700 Columbiana Drive, Irmo
Head to the library: Richland Library and Lexington County Library both have children[‘s programs you can participate in and include storytime, crafts, and movies.
Grab a free DIY Kit from Home Depot: Home Depot has free Kids Workshop kits that you can pick up on the first Saturday of each month from 9 am – 12 pm while supplies last.
Head to Lowes Home Improvement for a FREE Kids Workshop on select Saturdays.
Don’t miss 10+ FREE Things to Do for Kids Across the USA.
Tour the South Carolina State House: Want to get a little education with your activity? Head to the State House for a free guided or self-guided tour. Tours are given every half hour from 9:30 am – 3:30 pm Monday through Friday when the chambers are not in session. The State House is also open for tours each Saturday. You do not have to make a reservation, but you can call ahead if you’d like to.
Kids Eat FREE in Columbia: While you’re out and about on your free things to do adventure, grab a cheap meal by taking advantage of these kids eat free deals.
Bonus! Are you a homeschooling family? The SC State Museum offers FREE admission to homeschooling families.
