Carolina Children’s Garden, Columbia free, fun and magical things to do

Recently we visited the Carolina Children’s Garden inside the Clemson Research and Education Center, right across the Sandhills shopping center. The garden is open daily from dawn to dusk and admission is free. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leash at all times. The view from inside the park is spectacular. I’ve seen [...]

A taste of heaven at Pearl Friar’s Topiary Garden – beautiful free things to do between Columbia and Myrtle Beach

Find a little Eden inside Pearl Friar’s Topiary Garden…insanely beautiful plant sculptures, intricate landscaping and humorous ornaments. It’s peaceful, calm and humbling. Admission is FREE, yet donations are always welcome. Park on the side of the road and tour the garden at your own pace. Keep in mind the “Garden” it’s pretty much Mr. Friar’s [...]

The stunning SC State House it’s an inspirational family attraction downtown Columbia

“One of the most notable buildings in the world”, the magnificent SC State House, took more than 50 years and $3.5 million dollars to complete. The South Carolina Capitol it’s a Columbia must see free and truly inspirational family attraction. Here are some fascinating history facts: • In 1854 everything was torn down because inappropriate [...]

Columbia fun activities for kids – Arts, nature and fairy tales all for FREE!

In downtown Columbia kids learn to appreciate arts and history and to discover Mother Nature’s little treasures. My 4 years old and I had a great time interpreting sculptures at the Columbia Museum of Art, then “chasing” the waterfalls weave their way into the Finlay Park’s lake and finally “taming the wild things” at the [...]

Fun, free and affordable weekend things to do with kids in Columbia

Wonder where to go with the kids and what’s interesting to see while visiting Columbia? Here is a list of really fun, educational and healthy things to do during the weekend. UPDATE! I’ve added more lovely places from recent 2009 and 2010 experiences. Free family activities 1. “Tame the wild things” at the Public Library, [...]

Edisto Memorial Gardens in Photos (Free family travel attraction)

“Are we there yet?”…Put an end to interstate driving boredom and stop to smell the roses at the incredible Edisto Memorial Gardens in Orangeburg. It’s beautiful, fun, educational and best of all FREE! Read more about the history of and all the cool things children and the entire family can do at Edisto Memorial Gardens. [...]

Congaree National Park photos (Columbia free outdoor fun for the whole family)

Visit the Congaree National Park, world renown natural wonder, rich in history and biodiversity the entire family can enjoy year around for FREE! Half an hour drive from Columbia, the swamp park is the world’s tallest deciduous forest and the country’s largest and few remaining old-growth floodplain forests. It features splendid cathedral like canopies, an [...]

Congaree National Park: a natural wonder near Columbia (free things to do with kids)

Congaree National Park is the largest and few remaining bottom land hardwood forest in North America. A short drive from Columbia the swamp park (more exactly a floodplain forest) stretches over 11,000 acres along the Congaree and Santee rivers. With its serene cathedral like canopy it is the world’s tallest deciduous forest, with trees reaching [...]

Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park: unwind in the outdoors, admire wildlife, experience Columbia history and have family fun for FREE!

The Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park is the city’s secret jewel. At the confluence of 3 Rivers (Congaree, Broad and Saluda) and minutes from downtown, EdVenture and the State Museum, Riverfront Park is an oasis of outdoor relaxation, amazing history and abundant wildlife, the entire family can enjoy every day for free! Part of the [...]

Columbia Riverfront Park photos – Free things to do outdoor

Come outside, get some fresh air, enjoy the blooming trees and the migratory birds. Riverfront Park is located in downtown Columbia minutes from State House and EdVenture museums. You can walk, jog, bike or skate for miles and miles by the peaceful Congaree river. For sportier types you can fish, canoe or kayak. Here are some [...]