Columbia, SC

South Carolina State Museum
This interactive museum displays exhibits on art, natural history, science & technology, and cultural history; includes stirring exhibits of Black South Carolinians during slavery, Civil Rights Movement, and the present; don’t miss the Black Astronauts from South Carolina exhibit and the video exhibit of Iron Master, Philip Simmons; Tue–Sat 10a–5p, Sun1p–5p; 301 Gervais Street; 803-838-4921; http://www.museum.state.sc.us

Riverbanks Zoo & Botanical Garden
Since opening in 1974, this 170-acre park features two distinctly areas along the scenic Lower Saluda River; Riverbanks Zoo is dedicated to providing the highest standards of care for animals and a diverse educational experience; over 2,000 animals placed in naturalistic habitats call the zoo home; also features an Aquarium Reptile Complex, Birdhouse, Gorillas in our Midst and a 3-D Action Theater; Riverbanks Botanical Garden is 70-acres devoted to woodlands, gardens, historic ruins, plant collections and visitor facilities so prominent in the region; daily 9a-5p, longer hours in the summer; admission fee for ages 3 and above; 500 Wildlife Blvd; 803-779-8717; http://www.riverbanks.org

EdVenture Children’s Museum
At 67,000 square feet, it’s one of the South’s largest children’s museums; houses eight galleries with 450 individual exhibits, a 200-seat community theatre, a library, and two unique resource centers; 211 Gervais Street; 803-779-3100; http://www.edventure.org

Carolina Children’s Garden
Many theme gardens on 2-acres oriented to the perspective of children; located in the Clemson Institute for Economic & Community Development; 900 Clemson Road; 803-788-5700; website

McKissick Museum
A university museum with galleries displays of the natural sciences, arts, quilts, crafts, decorative arts, ceramics & material culture, history, plus gem and mineral collections; small admission fee; Tue, Wed-Fri: 9-4:p; Thu 9a-7p; Sun 1p-5p; 816 Bull Street in the University of South Carolina Horseshoe; 803-777-7251; http://www.cas.sc.edu/mcks