Live near Columbia, SC, and looking for something fun to do with your family? No matter your child’s age, they are building SO much schema from their lived experiences, and going places as a family is a blast! This page will be updated regularly with a few events that sound neat in the Greater Columbia area. Have fun exploring together!
Saturday, June 27th:
- SC State Museum – Free general admission to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution // New exhibition opening (American Battleground: South Carolina’s Revolution), live music, hands-on activities, debut of a new planetarium show, and more. 10am – 5pm. Food trucks will be on site for lunch and snacks. // website link
Saturday, July 4th:
- Columbia Marionette Theatre – 11am & 3pm showing of Jack and the Giants // website link
- Lake Murray Firework Show at 9:30pm (more details at the bottom of the page)
- Lexington County Peach Festival – Free admission to this full day of fun from 9am – 9:30pm // website link
Monday, July 6th:
- Lexington County Library Chapin Branch hosting “Family Palooza: Colonial Games” // Celebrate 250 years of American play with historic colonial-era games. Mondays at pm (families with children) July 6th & August 3rd
Tuesday, July 7th:
- Lexington County Library hosting “Wild Wonders” // Meet Carolina Wildlife Center’s ambassador animals and discover how wildlife has changed over time with fun facts, surprising stories, and unforgettable moments. (grades K-5)
- Irmo branch – 10:30am
- Chapin branch – 2pm
Saturday, July 11th:
- Saluda Shoals Park hosting “Backyard Saturday” for ages 0-7yrs from 10am – noon at the Cattail Shelter // Each of these sessions brings a featured book to life with story time, sensory bins, science tables, and more. July 11th is Summer Run Risin’ by W. Nikola-Lisa. $5/parking fee to enter the park
Tuesday, July 28th:
- Lexington County Library hosting “Unearthing a Story” // Exciting tales come to life as our experienced storytellers share adventures that spark imagination and wonder. (grades K-5)
- Irmo branch – 10:30am
- Chapin branch – 2pm
Saturday, August 1st:
- Saluda Shoals Park hosting “Backyard Saturday” for ages 0-7yrs from 10am – noon at the Cattail Shelter // Each of these sessions brings a featured book to life with story time, sensory bins, science tables, and more. August 1st is Knight Owl by Christopher Denise. $5/parking fee to enter the park
Thursday, August 20th:
- Family storytime at Lex. County Library Chapin at 5pm (for families with children)
Saturday, September 5th:
- Saluda Shoals Park hosting “Backyard Saturday” for ages 0-7yrs from 10am – noon at the Redbud Shelter // Each of these sessions brings a featured book to life with story time, sensory bins, science tables, and more. Sept 5th is a Way with Wild Things by Larissa Theule. $5/parking fee to enter the park
Saturday, October 3rd:
- Saluda Shoals Park hosting “Backyard Saturday” for ages 0-7yrs from 10am – noon at the Redbud Shelter // Each of these sessions brings a featured book to life with story time, sensory bins, science tables, and more. October 3rd is Are You a Cheeseburger? by Monica Arnaldo. $5/parking fee to enter the park (Saluda Rudy Day)
Friday, October 23rd:
- Crooked Creek Park in Chapin is hosting “Halloween at the Park Trick or Treat Trail and Carnival” on 10/23 from 6pm – 8:30pm. //The Trick-or-Treat Trail is open from 6pm – 7:30pm and starts near the front of the park and ends at the carnival. The carnival will be from 6pm – 8:30pm. Food trucks will be available. You must be registered to attend! $5/person in advance. PS. The next morning at 10:30am is Howl-O-Ween at the Bark so if you have a furry friend you want to dress up bring them the next day!
Ongoing Events
Library Lovers:
- Storytime at Richland Main or Richland Ballentine on Saturdays at 10AM (Ballentine also has storytime at 10AM on Thursdays)
- Toddlertime at Lex. County Chapin Library on Fridays at 11am (12-36 mo.) June 5-26 | July 10-31 | Aug. 7-28th
- Preschool Storytime at Lexington County Chapin Library on Wednesdays at 1pm (3-5yrs) July 8-29 | August 5-26th
- Baby Storytime at Lexington County Main Library on Saturdays at 10am (birth – 12 mo.) June 6-27 | July 11-25 | August 1-29 and on Thursdays at 9:30AM (birth – 12mo.) June 11-25 | July 9-30
- Foamnasium at Lexington County Main Library on Tuesdays between July 7th – 28th (9:30am is birth – 18mo.; 10:30am is 24-36mo.; 11:30am is 3-5yrs)
Workshop Wonders:
- Lowes:
- July 11th: Mini Toy Box
- Sept. 12th: Haunted House
- Oct. 10th: Firefighting Plane
- Nov. 14th: Holiday Engine
- Dec 12th: Holiday Trolley Car
- Jan 16th: Winter Play Lodge
- Home Depot:
- April 4: Farm Planter
- May 2: Keepsake Box
- June 6: Goalie Game
- July 4: Go Kart
- August 1: Rocket Game
- September 5: School Bus Organizer
- October 3: Witch Candy Box
- November 7 & November 21: Dump Truck and Christmas Car
- December 5: Holiday Train
- January 2, 2027: Claw Machine
Trails to Try:
- Harbison Duck Pond Loop
- Harbison State Forest
- Riverwalk
- Three Rivers Greenway
- Trails at Crooked Creek Park in Chapin, SC
Park Events:
- Dreher Island & Pine Island State Parks // Celebrate America’s 250th birthday at one of the South’s favorite Fourth of July traditions during Lake Murray’s Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, July 4, 2026! This celebration will feature two spectacular fireworks shows launched from Spence and Dreher Islands over Lake Murray. Spectators are encouraged to experience the fireworks by boat for the full Lake Murray experience, but several land-based viewing opportunities will also be available. **Fireworks Viewing Options
- By boat on Lake Murray – The best way to experience the show!
- Dreher Island State Park – Public viewing available; normal park admission and parking fees apply ($6 adults; $3.75 SC Seniors [age 65 & older]; $3.50 children age 6-15; ages 5 & under free).
- [SOLD OUT] Pine Island State Park – Family-friendly fireworks viewing event from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM Admission is $25 per vehicle through online registration only, and space is limited.
- Lake Murray Public Park (Irmo side): Fireworks viewing access available on a first-come, first-served basis. The park will close once it reaches capacity.
- Lake Murray Public Park (Lexington side): Public viewing available; normal park admission fees and reservation system applies ($5 for vehicles – single day use). Ticket holders will be allowed to remain in the park throughout the duration of the fireworks show. Reserve your spot online here.
Museums & Theatre Events:
- Children’s Marionette Theatre (We have been to 2 shows so far and have loved both!)
- May 2 – August 8, 2026 // Jack and the Giants // Link
- Classes at Horse Crossing Farm in Lexington, SC
- List upcoming events here
- EdVenture Children’s Museum
- SC State Museum
Tolbert Travels 