Live near Columbia, SC, and looking for something fun to do with your family this fall? 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! I’ll update this page regularly with a few events that are happening in the Greater Columbia area. Have fun finding the beauty!
Fall Events
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.
Saturday, October 24th:
- Howl-O-Ween at the Bark at Crooked Creek Park at 10:30am // Do you have a furry friend that you want to dress up and take on an extra sweet walk?
Thursday, October 29th:
- Family Palooza: Halloween Costume Contest at the Chapin Branch Library at 5:30pm // Categories include funniest, scariest, cutest, hero, princess, original, villain, homemade, movie/book character. Contest open to ages 10 and under. // 129 Columbia Ave.
Friday, October 30th:
- EdVenture’s Halloween Hoopla on Friday, October 30th from 5:30-7:30pm // Kids can come dressed as their favorite characters, heroes, or dreamers—whether they’re pretending to be a firefighter, doctor, scientist, chef, farmer, pilot, or anything in between—and explore the museum in a whole new way. Throughout the evening, families can enjoy hands-on crafts and activities, festive games, creative play, and interactive experiences throughout the museum. Stop by community partner activity stations to play and explore while collecting stickers for your event map. Then, once you’ve visited all your stops, bring your completed map to the Treat Station for a sweet stash of Halloween candy to take home! Members: $5/pp, Non-members: $20/pp // Member registration opens September 14. Public ticket sales open September 21.
Saturday, October 31st:
- Family Palooza: Campfire Stories at the Lexington IRMO library at 2pm // Gather round the “campfire” to enjoy s’mores, songs, and your favorite scary stories. // 6251 St. Andrews Rd.
Thursday, December 3rd:
- Family Palooza: Grinchy Claus Day at the Chapin Library at 5:30pm // Share your Christmas list with Santa and hang out with the Grinch. Bring your camera for photo opportunities. // 129 Columbia Ave.
Ongoing Events & Things To Do
Theatre Goodness:
- Catch a showing of Winnie the Pooh at the Marionette Theatre from August 17 – November 16, 2026 // Link
Library Lovers:
- Storytime at Richland Ballentine on Thursdays & Saturdays at 10AM
Chapin Library // Address: 129 Columbia Ave.
- Toddlertime on Fridays at 11am & 2pm (12-36 mo.) Sept 4-25 | Oct 7-28 | Nov 4, 18 | Dec 2-16
- Preschool Storytime on Wednesdays at 1pm (3-5yrs) | Sept 2-30 | Oct 7-28 | Nov 4, 18 | Dec 2-16
- Family Storytime on Thursdays at 5pm | Sept 17 | Oct 15 | Nov 19 | Dec 17
- Baby Storytime 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
- Mini Movers: The Hive on Tuesdays (birth-18mo. at 9:30AM & 10:30am for 18-36mo.)
Lexington Main // Address: 5440 Augusta Rd., Lexington
- Mini Movers Foamnasium on Tuesdays between Sept 1st – Dec 1st (9:30am is birth – 18mo.; 10:30am is 24-36mo.; 11:30am is 3-5yrs)
Workshop Wonders:
- Lowes:
- Oct. 10th: Firefighting Plane
- Nov. 14th: Holiday Engine
- Dec 12th: Holiday Trolley Car
- Jan 16th: Winter Play Lodge
- Home Depot:
- October 3: Witch Candy Box
- November 7 & November 21: Dump Truck and Christmas Car
- December 5: Holiday Train
- January 2, 2027: Claw Machine
Museum Magic:
- First Sunday at the SC State Museum from 12pm – 5pm // It’s just $1 for guests on the first Sunday of every month thanks to BlueCross BlueShield! // Link here
- Animal Kingdom 4D & Bugs 4D –currently showing at the SC State Museum
Trails to Try:
- Harbison Duck Pond Loop
- Harbison State Forest
- Riverwalk
- Three Rivers Greenway
- Trails at Crooked Creek Park in Chapin, SC
