Columbia
Our primary reason for visiting Columbia was to be near Congaree National Park, but we found a few other fun things to explore while in the area!
3 Fun Activities with Kids in Columbia, South Carolina:
EdVenture Children’s Museum - if your kids are Blippi fans, then you've probably seen the episode where Blippi visits this children’s museum - and it's a pretty cool place! Several interactive learning exhibits for the kids and even a cute play area with soft climbing for the littlest ones. This museum is two stories, so there is a lot to explore and we spent several hours here. Our 5 year old says he gives it a thumbs up for other kids if you are in the area! *stroller friendly
Eudora Wildlife Safari Park - This is a must-do stop if you are in the area and your kiddos are animal lovers. This neat experience has a drive-through safari as well as a petting zoo, tortoise exhibit and walking safari. For the drive-through safari, you can also purchase food and feed the animals from your car - they come right to you for a snack! The walking safari allows you to see giraffes, a bird aviary and kangaroos up close. The park also holds special events (we were there for their Christmas festival, which had crafts for the kids, s’mores and hot chocolate, Santa & The Grinch!), so check their website for upcoming events if you are in the area to visit. *stroller friendly
Congaree National Park - although it is one of the smaller national parks, Congaree is unique and interesting with a lot of biodiversity to explore. We did the Boardwalk Loop Trail which is an easy and leisurely 2.6 mile walk through some of the most interesting parts of the park. The trail is all boardwalk, so it is stroller friendly and starts at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. You can also pick up a self-guided tour brochure so you can learn about the park along your walk. And don’t forget to pick up your Junior Ranger book at the visitor center as well!
Where we stayed: River Bottom Farms Family Campground. Honestly, it appeared that this campground has seen better days and ultimately we wouldn’t recommend staying here. We came to the area to specifically visit Congaree National Park and there aren’t many campgrounds in the near vicinity, so we chose this one that was a bit of a drive but near other family friendly activities. It felt like a safe location, but the facilities are pretty run-down, the staff wasn’t very friendly and overall we just didn’t love it here.
Brewery Spotlight: As always, we are on a quest to bring you recommendations for great local craft beer and/or food in cities all across America that also have a kid-friendly spaces. Savage Craft Ale Works - this location has an awesome outdoor space for the kids to run around! Great outdoor space, beer and food? Say less and sign us up!