3 Best Places To See in Columbia, SC

“Riverbanks Zoo & Garden has a diverse collection of over 3,000 magnificent animals and over 5,700 varieties of stunning plants, which makes it one of the nation's most captivating attractions. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the 170-acre site, which showcases dynamic natural habitat exhibits, breathtaking river views, picturesque valley overlooks, and notable historic landmarks. The zoo offers engaging activities for kids, ensuring a fun and educational experience for young visitors. Riverbanks Zoo & Garden has over 50,000 member households and over 10,000 annual visitors over the years. The dedicated employees have earned high praise for their impeccable customer service and commitment to maintaining a clean and inviting environment. They aim to create connections and inspire actions that have a lasting impact on wildlife and wild places. The affordable pricing allows visitors to enjoy this exceptional experience without breaking the bank. They accept both cash and card payments for certain areas within the facility.”

“South Carolina State Museum has four floors of permanent and changing exhibits, a digital dome planetarium, a 4D interactive theater, and an observatory. The museum provides an advanced facility and has health and safety measures in place. South Carolina State Museum shows a rich and diverse collection displayed through interactive and engaging exhibitions, and it strives to honor the groundbreaking nature of its setting, providing both residents and visitors with an in-depth picture of the state’s past, present, and future. The museum is committed to collecting, preserving, and showcasing the rich culture, art, and natural history of the Palmetto State. South Carolina State Museum also conducts a variety of exhibitions and educational programs, both offered at the museum and through distance learning programs, as well as through entertaining community events of all kinds.”

“Edventure Children's Museum covers 92,000 square feet, with more than 350 individual hands-on exhibits. The museum is second only to The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, the world's largest children's museum. The museum has a 40-foot-tall iconic statue of Eddie, where visitors can climb aboard a life-sized fire truck, take off in a real airplane cockpit, and so much more. Edventure Children's Museum is a not-for-profit educational institution dedicated to creating new generations of lifelong learners through museum experiences, after-school programming, and camps. The museum also has a dedicated toddler area for children 4 and under. Their expansive Maker Space features an interactive Draw Alive experience that animates each child's picture on a big screen TV. The museum also has many different hands-on labs, including the Cooking Lab, Bio Lab, Tinker Tech Lab, and more. Edventure Children's Museum aims to inspire children, youth, and adults who care about them to experience the joy of learning as individuals.”