Columbia · Richland County, SC

Family things to do in Columbia

Scout analyzed 92 Columbia places and surfaced the ones that actually fit family.

Places analyzed

Matches

Typical spend

$25

Typical visit

1.6 hr

Complete outings

Columbia Zoo & Garden Afternoon

Spend a delightful afternoon exploring the diverse animal habitats and beautiful botanical gardens at the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. After your adventures, cross the river for a casual and satisfying meal at Black Rooster. If time and energy allow, take a peaceful stroll through the Riverbanks Botanical Garden, extending your connection with nature.

Scout-verified spots

Cottontown/Belleview

Indah Coffee

Indah Coffee is a good spot for a relaxed morning coffee or an afternoon pick-me-up. Expect to spend 45-90 minutes and $5-15 per person for a drink and a pastry.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$5–$15 typical45 min visiteasy parking

Midtown - Downtown

smallSUGAR

smallSUGAR is a good spot for a casual breakfast or lunch, especially on a weekend. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $15-30 per person.

FoodViewsRelaxed

$15–$30 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Food & Drink

Black Rooster

Black Rooster is an Italian restaurant suitable for an evening meal, offering a comfortable dining experience that could be part of a date night or family outing. Expect to spend 1.5 hours and about $35-75 per person for food and drinks.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$35–$75 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Cottontown/Belleview

The War Mouth

The War Mouth is a good spot for a casual dinner out, perhaps after an afternoon activity or before seeing a show. Expect to spend $20-40 per person for an hour and a half meal.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$20–$40 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Dreher Island State Park

Dreher Island State Park offers a day of outdoor activities on Lake Murray, suitable for families or solo adventurers seeking nature and water. Expect to spend a few hours hiking or enjoying the lake for a low per-person cost.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$5–$15 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Timmerman Trail

Timmerman Trail is a free outdoor path suitable for a relaxed walk or run, often paired with a picnic. Expect to spend an hour or two enjoying the scenery.

OutdoorsViewsRelaxed

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Alston Trailhead - Palmetto Trail

This trailhead offers an outdoor experience suitable for a morning or afternoon hike, often paired with a picnic. Expect to spend a few hours here, and it is typically free to access.

OutdoorsSportsWellness

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Harbison Place Walking Trail

This walking trail is suitable for a free, relaxed outdoor activity for an hour or two, pairing well with other activities in the Harbison area. Expect minimal cost for a straightforward walk.

OutdoorsRelaxedQuiet

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Midtown - Downtown

Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park

This park is good for a multi-hour outdoor excursion involving walking, biking, or picnicking. It costs nothing to enter and can be paired with other Columbia attractions after a visit.

OutdoorsHistoryViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Midtown - Downtown

Blue Marlin

Blue Marlin is a good choice for a sit-down Southern seafood dinner, suitable for a date or a family meal. Expect to spend 90 minutes and $40-75 per person for food and drinks. Reservations are recommended.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$40–$75 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Saluda Riverwalk

The Saluda Riverwalk is a good option for a free outdoor stroll or bike ride, offering river views and potential wildlife spotting. Plan for 1-2 hours of walking or cycling, which pairs well with a picnic or a nearby casual meal.

OutdoorsViewsRelaxed

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

West Columbia Riverwalk Park and Amphitheater

This park is suitable for a free, relaxed outdoor activity, like a morning stroll or afternoon walk with family. It can be paired with a picnic or visiting nearby restaurants in West Columbia. Expect to spend 1-2 hours here.

OutdoorsViewsRelaxed

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Shandon

Backstreets Grill

This is a good spot for a casual meal with elevated American fare, especially if you enjoy outdoor seating. Expect to spend 1-1.5 hours and around $20-40 per person for an entree and drink.

FoodOutdoorsRelaxed

$20–$40 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Lake Wateree State Park

This state park is ideal for a half-day or full-day outdoor escape, offering fishing, boating, and trails for a low entry fee. It pairs well with packing a picnic or bringing a cooler for a budget-friendly outing.

OutdoorsSportsViews

$0–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve

This nature preserve offers outdoor exploration and scenic views, making it suitable for a couple of hours as a standalone activity or paired with a picnic. It's a free outing where you'll spend on gas and potentially snacks.

OutdoorsViewsAnimals

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Midtown - Downtown

Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea

Sweetwaters is a good spot for a casual coffee break, a light breakfast, or a quiet place to work for an hour or so, costing around $5-$15 per person. It pairs well with a nearby park visit or shopping trip.

FoodShoppingWellness

$5–$15 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Congaree National Park

Congaree National Park is ideal for a half to full-day outdoor exploration, offering hiking and canoeing among large hardwood forests. Expect to spend little to no money for entry, though activities like canoeing may incur rental costs.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0–$20 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Five Points

Mr. Friendly's New Southern Cafe

Mr. Friendly's is a solid dinner spot for seasonal Southern cuisine, suitable for an evening meal. Plan for a 90-minute visit and a spend of $35-$75 per person. Reservations are advised.

FoodRelaxedSocial

$35–$75 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Midtown - Downtown

Market On Main

Market On Main is a versatile spot for a casual meal or drinks with friends, perfect for combining with a stroll downtown. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and about $25-$50 per person for food and drinks.

FoodCocktailsLive music

$25–$50 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Riverbanks Botanical Garden

Spend a few hours exploring themed gardens and plant collections, perfect for a relaxed family outing or solo walk. Expect to pay an admission fee, usually bundled with zoo access, and plan for significant walking outdoors.

OutdoorsViewsAnimals

$10–$25 typical2 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Poinsett State Park

Poinsett State Park is ideal for a half-day or full-day outdoor escape, offering hiking, fishing, and historical exploration. Plan for an entrance fee of a few dollars per person and bring your own food and water.

OutdoorsShoppingSports

$3–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Midtown - Downtown

Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar

Tupelo Honey is a good spot for a sit-down meal featuring Southern comfort food, suitable for lunch or dinner, perhaps paired with a drink. Expect to spend $25-50 per person for an hour and a half visit.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$25–$50 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Sesquicentennial State Park

Sesquicentennial State Park is ideal for a half-day family outing, offering trails and water activities. Expect to spend $6-25 per person depending on rentals and entry fees.

OutdoorsSportsHistory

$6–$25 typical2 hr visiteasy parking

Midtown - Downtown

California Dreaming

California Dreaming is a relaxed American restaurant good for a casual meal with family or friends. Expect a moderate spend of $25-$50 per person for a typical 90-minute visit.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$25–$50 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking