Here are some great suggestions of fun things to do downtown Columbia that will help your kids love arts, appreciate history and discover nature’s little treasures. My 4 years old and I had a great time interpreting sculptures and funny self-portraits at the Columbia Museum of Art, then “chasing” the waterfalls weave their way into the Finlay Park lake and finally taming “the wild things” at the Public Library. All of that for FREE on one weekend afternoon!
Columbia Museum of Art
The Columbia Museum of Art rewards you with one of Southeast’s most significant collections of European art from the 14th through the 18th centuries. Most notable things to see:
• Sandro Botticelli – Nativity
• Claude Monet – The Seine at Giverny
• Tiffany art glass collection
The Columbia Museum of Art is located downtown in a lighted, sleek and airy building that used to be department store. Through August 17 you can get a peek incredible treasures from private South Carolina collectors such as:
• Herman Herzog – Fishing Village – oil on canvas painting
• Alberto Giacometti – Bust of Isaku Yanaihara – bronze
• Frank O. Gehry – Power Play Armchair and Off Side Ottoman – maple laminate
Tips to know before you go
1. Free admission on Saturday; Kids 5 and under enter for free anytime. A membership provides you free admission for a full year to 70 other museums in the Southeast. Call (803)-799-2810 for more info.
2. Downtown parking is free on Sunday. Beware during the week traffic is very slow due to construction on Main Street near the museum.
3. There is a family friendly tour on 1st Saturday of every month at 10:30 AM and public docent led tours every Saturday at 1 PM and Sunday at 1:30 PM.
4. You can access anytime anywhere for FREE (except the cost of your minutes) a cell-phone audio tour and hear the experts discuss selected art objects. Dial (803)-234-8969, then the art section number followed by the pound sign. There is a brochure with all the info at the museum desk.
5. Young kids are most attracted by statues, Chinese antiquities, contemporary art objects and the nice water fountain and sculpture in front of the museum.
The Art Museum is closed Mondays, Tuesdays and major holidays. Hours of operation: Wed, Thu and Sat 10 AM – 5 PM; Fri 10 AM – 9 PM and Sun 1 – 5 PM. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors (60 and over) and military and $2 for students.
Columbia Public Library downtown
Go to the Children’s Room downstairs. It has a naturally lit air-conditioned open space decorated with natural trees and plenty of couches, chairs and benches for you and the little ones to relax. Don’t worry too about making noises…there are only parents, kids and babies around :-)
Things to know before you go
1. Kids love choosing their own books. Lana made 4 trips picking up “her favorites”. If you want to choose the books, each age is color-coded.
2. The library it’s not just about reading. Kids have fun “talking and playing” with the stuff animals (say hello to the Cat in a Hat everyone!), solving puzzles, drawing or decorating. In the end just spending quality time with their loved ones it’s all that matters.
3. Richland County residents get a free library card and can check out 30 items per card (books, videos, CDs, DVDs or magazines). You can return them at any of the 9 RCPL locations.
4. If you’re pressed for time the staff can suggest age-appropriate titles. You can even call ahead at (803)-929-3434 and books will be ready for you.
5. Free wireless Internet is available throughout.
Finlay Park
This is a great park in the middle of the city. The main attraction is the man-made waterfalls that stream down into the peaceful lake.
Finlay has many shaded picnic areas, 2 playgrounds, a big open grass field and miles of walking and jogging trails around the lake. Beware the park is a very popular spot for the homeless yet they will they not bother you. I’ll let the photos do the “a day of fun at the park advertising”:
Kids cooling off by the waterfalls
Family relaxing and taking photos
Hiking trail by Finlay Park lake
Main playground area
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