Looking to discover things to do in Columbia with kids? Whether you’re planning a weekend outing or everyday fun, Columbia offers a vibrant mix of indoor and outdoor adventures tailored for families. With kid friendly activities in Columbia that range from interactive playgrounds to enriching museum experiences and not least of all HyperKidz, there’s something for every mood and weather. Here are 7 Best Things to Do with Kids Can’t Miss
1. HyperKidz - Columbia’s Premier Indoor Playground
If you want one of the most fun things to do in Columbia with kids, HyperKidz is the top pick. A 16,000 sq ft, ocean-themed indoor playground, it invites children aged 0–13 to explore three distinct zones:
- Mini Zone (0–2): Padded, soft-play areas for toddlers to safely crawl and slide.
- Kid Zone (2–7): Featuring balloon houses, LED air slides, motorized rides, building blocks, ball pits and spinning palm structures.
- Big Kid Zone (3–13): A thrilling four-story multi-level pavilion with tube slides, spiral/wave slides, ball blasters, ropes, obstacles and over 20 interactive zones
Benefits & Features of HyperKidz:
- Unlimited open play with no time limits, 7 days a week
- Parents & infants enter free with the paid child’s ticket
- No arcade or coin-op games, only active and imaginative social play - LED dance floors, giant pin screens, bubble machines
- Clean, climate-controlled environment promoting safe indoor kid friendly activities
- Hosts birthday parties with customizable packages like Super, Mega, Colossal, Royal or Private events
2. Children’s Museum
Searching for kid friendly activities Columbia SC with an educational twist? Head to EdVenture Children’s Museum, the largest interactive children’s museum in the Southeast. Here’s what families love:
- Eddie, the 3-story statue of a 10-year-old boy, allows climbing through organs and systems - perfect for curious minds
- Dozens of exhibits like Dalmation Station fire-truck roleplay, farm-to-table cooking labs, Boeing simulators, auto workshops, vet clinics and space fun
- Toddler-friendly areas like Pollywog Pond and My Backyard provide age-appropriate sensory play
- Admission is $13 for ages 2+, free under 2, annual passes available for frequent visitors
The museum blends fun with learning for families seeking fun things to do with kids in Columbia or kid friendly things to do across varied age ranges.
3. Zoo Garden + Aquarium
For a full day of wildlife, beauty and adventure, Riverbanks Zoo remains a beloved thing to do in Columbia with kids.
Highlights include:
- Over 2,000 animals across 170 acres, including an aquarium and botanical garden
- Waterfall Junction splash pad for summer cooling and interactive fun
- Activities like giraffe feeding, lorikeet overlook, carousel, Farmyard, Sky‑High Safari ropes course, Riverbanks Express train
- Accredited by AZA and draws over 1 million visitors annually
This destination stands out as a signature kid friendly things to do in Columbia and a must for families exploring fun things to do with kids in Columbia.
4. Park
Need outdoor things to do in Columbia with kids that combine nature, play and easy adventure? Saluda Shoals Park and the Three Rivers Greenway are perfect. You will enjoy:
- Expansive playgrounds and picnic shelters in scenic riverside settings along Saluda River
- Paved trails for biking, strollers, walking, and running—great for all age ranges
- River access and supervised river play spots, as recommended by locals
- Spot wildlife, grab smoothies and soak in outdoor activity with families seeking things to do with kids near me
Columbia’s riverfront parks offer both relaxation and adventure—must-dos for nature-loving families.
5. Theatre & Library Storytimes
Looking for peaceful kid friendly things to do? Columbia is home to a unique arts experience - its Marionette Theatre, plus regular library events.
- The Marionette Theatre presents whimsical puppet performances every Saturday (11 am & 3 pm), plus occasional special shows
- Local libraries offer things to do with kids near me like storytime, arts & crafts, seasonal events - cost-free and enriching
These venues offer quiet, creative indoor fun tailored for young kids (< 5 years), ideal for educational growth and imagination.
6. Adventure Park
For families craving energetic indoor fun, trampoline and activity arenas are top fun things to do with kids in Columbia.
- Flight Adventure Park: trampolines, ninja warrior courses, laser tag, glow zones, toddler areas
- Surge Adventure Park: dodgeball, open jump, toddler sections, party packages
These centers are perfect for children aged 5+ and deliver high-energy play - ideal things to do with kids near me when you're searching for action-packed indoor activities.
7. Museum & Planetarium
Looking for an educational yet entertaining thing to do in Columbia with kids? The SC State Museum delivers:
- Four floors of engaging exhibits on history, science, technology, art and culture - plus an observatory
- A captivating planetarium and 4D theatre that brings outer space to life
- Convenient location beside EdVenture, enabling seamless museum-hopping
It’s a top-tier kid friendly activity, perfect for igniting curiosity and imagination - ideal on cooler days or when a break from outdoor heat is needed.
8. Main Street/Downtown & Soda City Market
When families ask “what things to do with kids near me downtown?”, these family-friendly attractions stand out:
- Soda City Market : vibrant street market with local foods and crafts
- Art walks and ice‐cream stops in Five Points, plus mural sightseeing for a creative twist
Mix in a morning or afternoon downtown and it complements the core list perfectly for a full-day family adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the top things to do in Columbia with kids on a rainy day?
When it is raining outside, HyperKidz is the best choice. With unlimited open play, ocean-themed zones for ages 0–13, interactive LED dance floors, giant pin screens and bubble machines - HyperKidz offers clean, climate-controlled joy that beats muddy playgrounds and wet splash pads. Kids stay dry, safe and entertained , when parents get a stress-free, fun retreat.
2. Where can I find affordable kid friendly activities in Columbia?
Skip the pricey park outings - HyperKidz gives you tons of value. Admission is around $11.99–$13.99 per child (depending on age and day), but each ticket includes unlimited play and two adults + infant are always free - so you’re paying for one ticket and getting a full family experience with no added costs for arcade games or extras for kid friendly activities in Columbia.
3. What fun things to do with kids in Columbia for toddlers under 3?
HyperKidz’s Mini Zone is tailor-made for little ones (0–2 years): soft-play, padded slides, safe sensory activities in an ocean-themed space. It's spotless, toddler-focused - far better than unpredictable puddles or uneven outdoor paths. Keep kids happy, parents relaxed.
4. Any indoor active choices when searching for things to do with kids near me?
Absolutely - HyperKidz is a powerhouse of active fun. Between the Kid Zone and Big Kid Zone, kids can slide, climb, crawl through multi-level structures and play on motorized attractions - all in a single visit. No need to bounce between multiple venues, it’s an all-in-one energy outlet under one roof.
5. Which kid-friendly things to do combine play with learning?
HyperKidz isn’t just play- it’s developmental learning. Structured zones support gross and fine motor skills, social interactions, imaginative role-play and sensory exploration (LED floors, bubble machines, building blocks). Plus, with daily equipment cleaning and safety compliance, it’s a trusted environment for active growth.
Final Thoughts
Columbia offers a dynamic mix of kid friendly activities that make days magical and memories unforgettable. But for sheer variety, convenience and ALL-AGES fun, HyperKidz rises above. It combines themed indoor adventure, parent-friendly features and unlimited open play - a must-do for families searching for fun things to do with kids in Columbia or things to do with kids near me.
Come play with us at HyperKidz and discover why endless fun, safety and imagination make it the top choice for families in Columbia.