12 Must-See Parks & Playgrounds Around Columbia

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Now that spring almost is here, my daughters and I are trying to spend as much time outside as possible. But they get bored with the backyard quickly, and my number one go-to are local parks or playgrounds. Here are some of our favorite parks in and around Columbia to enjoy with your family as well. 

Irmo Community Park 

This one is fairly new and it’s expanded quite a lot since it first opened. Tucked away in the woods, Irmo Community Park has beautiful scenery, walking trails, and three different playground areas. You can enjoy lunch in one of the two covered picnic areas and bring pets as well. The shelters are also available to host a birthday party.

Address: 7507 Eastview Drive, Irmo, SC 29063

Parks and Playgrounds Around Columbia

Carraway Park

Carraway Park is located just across the Gervais Street bridge in West Columbia. It sits near one of the entrances to Riverfront Park where you can take a long stroll on its trails, jog, cycle, tube, kayak and canoe on the beautiful river. The park also oversees the tall buildings of downtown Columbia.

As you enter the park, it is covered with huge wood beams that cover several picnic tables for a perfect basket lunch, great conversation, and an office for on-the-go parents who can work from home. The park has play areas specially dedicated to small children. The color play systems come in some of the coolest gadgets we have ever seen. And it has a rubber foundation instead of sand or wood chips. 

Address: 212 Hudson Street, West Columbia, SC 29169 

Carraway Park - columbia mom

Leo’s Landing

Hidden within the grounds of Saluda Shoals is a three acre inclusive playground that is perfect for family fun, Leo’s Landing.

There is plenty of space to run and roll around, along with a large variety of play structures. I also love that they’ve included spaces that intentionally encourage imaginative play, like the little Hobbit Village. I’ve taken kiddos anywhere from newborn to 11 years old to this park and there are spaces for all of them to get in some good, fun physical activity.

Lastly, Leo’s Landing is not only an inclusive playground for children, but it also boasts features that address the needs of adults with physical disabilities too. It truly is a place EVERYONE can enjoy!

Address: 6071 St. Andrews Road, Columbia, SC 29212

Parks and Playgrounds Columbia SC Parks and Playgrounds

Ballentine Park

Ballentine Park is just outside of Irmo, and hosts plenty of sporting events throughout the year. It also has a great playground well-suited for younger children. There are picnic tables to enjoy a snack, and soccer fields close by if the kids want to play a game or just run around. 

Address: 1009 Bickley Road, Irmo, SC 29063

Sesquicentennial State Park

Located in Northeast Columbia, Sesqui is a beautiful park with activities for everyone in your family to enjoy. There are two playgrounds located at the picnic area, as well as nature trails with great scenery. Boat rentals are available for fishing and kayaking, or you can rent a paddleboat and peddle your way across the lake. While you’re there, take in some bird watching, or some softball or sand volleyball. Make sure to check out the splash pad as well!

Address: 9564 Two Notch Road, Columbia, SC 29223

Columbia Parks and Playgrounds

Columbia South Carolina Parks and Playgrounds

Edisto Discovery Park

This park is located off of Rosewood Drive in Columbia and is full of great amenities. Another great place for summer days, the Edisto Discovery Park includes a splash pad and spray pool. There are basketball courts, a walking and soft track, and a playground as well.

Address: 1914 Wiley Street, Columbia, SC 29205

Roy Lynch Park

Located right off Elmwood Street in downtown Columbia, this playground has been revamped to include a spray pad, separate playground structures for toddlers and big kids, a zip line, swings, an open field for plenty of running, picnic tables and it’s enclosed! Tucked beside Elmwood Park neighborhood, this playground boosts views of the downtown skyline, easy off street parking, and ease to interstate 26 and 277. Plus, it’s close to EdVenture and the SC State Museum, so you can make it a full day of fun! 

Address: Abbeville Steet & Lincoln Street, Columbia, SC 29201

Seven Oaks Park

Located near the intersection of St. Andrews and Piney Grove Roads in the Irmo area, Seven Oaks park offers two playgrounds right next to each other with plenty of shade. There are also walking trails perfect for a stroll, bike riding or your scooter. Since it’s right next to their athletic fields, be sure to bring a ball or bat and brush up on your game. There’s plenty of picnic tables and benches to enjoy a snack or take a break.

Address: 200 Leisure Lane, Columbia, SC 29201

Earlewood Park

Visit Earlewood Park in the Earlewood neighborhood north of downtown Columbia and definitely make an afternoon of it. The park features a new Community Center, one-of-a-kind playground, amphitheater, disc golf course, baseball/kickball fields, basketball courts and tennis courts. You can also enjoy the walking track and nature trails, and enjoy a unique view of the train trestle crossing North Main Street.

Address: 1113 Parkside Drive, Columbia, SC 29203

Crooked Creek Park

Crooked Creek is located in Chapin, and is another great spot to check out. There are walking trails, and several playgrounds located throughout the park. There are also plenty of soccer and baseball fields available, and even a disc hole golf course.

Address: 1098 Old Chapin Highway, Chapin, SC 29036

Citadel Park

Citadel Park is located in the Forest Acres area, and has a great play area for younger children. There is plenty of room to run around, and also great tree coverage to sit in the shade! The best part, the playground area contains foam padding, so no worries about your kids getting sand or woodchips in their shoes (plus it makes for an easier fall is your little one takes a spill).

Address: 4941 Citadel Avenue, Columbia, SC 29206

Woodland Park

Nestled in the Old Woodlands subdivision off Garners Ferry Road, next to Meadowfield Elementary, is an amazing open grassy area with great playground and swings (for both big kids and baby). Included is a small walking trail, picnic tables, benches, and lots of big shady trees that are perfect for big imaginations. Bring a ball or Frisbee to throw around, or visit the nearby tennis courts. Bonus: During weekdays, the community center next to the school has bathrooms and a water fountain during their afterschool program.

Address: 525 Galway Lane, Columbia, SC 29209

 What are some of your favorite parks to visit in the Midlands?

7 COMMENTS

  1. Hannah,
    Thank you for mentioning Seven Oaks Park in your blog, we just added a musical playground that is a big hit with the little kids.
    In Chapin we just opened up Melvin Park that has a splash pad and small playground also, it is located at 370 A Eptings Camp Rd.

  2. Would love to get in contact with recently moved here; seems very nice here in Columbia… your blog is also very inspiring.

  3. We were just traveling through Columbia and looking for a playground for our 2 toddlers. Your recommendations were very helpful! We ended up at the sesquicentennial state park which was absolutely beautiful and perfect for our girls. It was the perfect amount of shade on this 90 degree day! Thank you!

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