A Guide to Indoor Fun in Columbia SC

In Columbia, SC, outdoor enthusiasts will find endless opportunities to explore, from rivers and Lake Murray to national parks, music, and hiking trails. However, when the weather doesn't cooperate or you're looking for indoor adventures, Columbia has you covered!

Known as the South Carolina capital, this Soda City is home to a Greek Revival Building named South Carolina State House, which sits in a garden peppered with monuments, setting a perfect stage for history lovers. Whether you are looking for a family-friendly vacation at EdVenture Children’s Museum or something competitive like bowling at The Grand, you will be sure to find anything that tickles your taste.

Ready to get on a virtual tour of these indoor fun activities? Let’s speed this up!

A little rain doesn’t have to delay your Friday night plans, let your competitive spirit come out and bring it on at this Main Street gem. A 7-lane boutique bowling alley is nicely loaded with luxurious couches for you and your big squad to unwind in between the rolls. Don’t worry, they are capable of putting bumpers on for those who are warmed up with liquid courage or just need a little encouragement push. Make sure to reserve a lane earlier, and after luxuriating in your win, try something more low-key like checkers, shuffleboard, and Jenga. To celebrate your victory, make your way to the Robinson Room downstairs to have some desserts and cocktails!

Nickelodeon Theatre, an art house, an old-fashioned movie theater. Locals call it by the name of “the Nick,” this theater maintains a Hollywood classic glamor with contemporary arts and updated amenities. Serving as an epicenter for special events, indie films, and big films, this theater shakes up a traditional catch-a-movie experience. Boasting two small theaters, you can enjoy a vino glass, a soda, or a beer, and some candy and popcorn here to make this experience extra special.

Also on thronging Main Street, the Columbia Museum of Art frequently serves as the best headquarters for an innovative set. Discover the Giverny, France countryside to explore the Monet work which is a permanent collection in the museum. Here, prepare yourself to be transfixed by the comprehensive collection and spend several hours browsing the national rotating community gallery and exhibits. Past exhibits involve works from life-size sculptures by Auguste Rodin to Andy Warhol to Salvador Dali. Make sure to check out the museum’s event calendar prior if you want a gallery tour for behind-the-curtain Intel. Capturing a selfie with a not-to-be-miss Chihuly chandelier is no exception!

Drenched in character and history, this South Carolina State Museum sits on a previous textile mill, right beside the river and on the tip of The Vista. Getting bored with 4 floors of great interactive exhibits is a no chance. The exhibits are dedicated to the history, technology, and art of South Carolina. Immerse in the learning in the Planetarium or Boeing Observatory, then kick back and relish a short 4D movie that will surely throw you in a flare of excitement. Don’t forget to halt at Cotton Mil Exchange, an amazing gift store holding up everything from gourmet food to jewelry and home decor. Keep an eye out for exciting rotating events; the local favorite is enjoying a good time at Friday Night Laser Lights: Micheal Jackson.

If you are with your kids, pop by the side of the parking lot right from the South Carolina State Museum and take your family to EdVenture, one of the largest children’s museums in SC. Here you will cross paths with one of the best things to see in Columbia SC, Eddie, the world's largest 10-year-old boy. Eddie acts as a 40-foot-tall educational jungle gym for kiddos.

Getting inside to see the workings of his heart and look out for what he enjoyed in lunch is one of the fun things to do in Columbia SC. Among several more exhibits, the entire family can gain insights into the cooking method with a real chef, practice as a meteorologist or a newscaster, and take charge in a flight simulator of a captain’s seat.

Set in The Vista, Trustus Theater is a professional award-winning theater and among the best things to do in Columbia SC, where you will come across all sorts of characters. This theater is submerged in a laid-back atmosphere, offering a great lineup, looming large from thought-provoking productions to comedy.

Teach your kids the ropes of classic games by hitting the Transmission Arcade set on Main Street. Everyone will be greatly obsessed with the spectacular vintage of Mortal Kombat and Ms. Pacman. And if pinball is more your thing, head to Five Points for an incredible evening out at Bang Back Pinball.

Getting on a beer tour is one of the things to do in Columbia SC, especially if there is a patio. Hit the Twisted Spur Brewing after your trip in The Vista or drop at Columbia Craft Brewing Co. adorned with local artwork and the beer glasses are completely swoon-worthy. Opt for a complimentary tour of Steel Hands Brewing and learn about their story.