Columbia, SC

South Carolina State Museum
DESCRIPTION: 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

ADMISSION: Age 13-61 $7, Age 62+ $6, Age 3-12, Age 2 and under enter Free

DAYS & HOURS: Tue–Sat 10a–5p, Sun1p–5p

ADDRESS: 301 Gervais Street  MAP

PHONE: 803-838-4921

WEBSITE: http://www.museum.state.sc.us

Riverbanks Zoo & Botanical Garden
DESCRIPTION: 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

ADMISSION: Free for ages 2 and under

DAYS & HOURS: daily 9a-5p, longer hours in the summer

ADDRESS: 500 Wildlife Blvd  MAP

PHONE: 803-779-8717

WEBSITE: http://www.riverbanks.org

EdVenture Children’s Museum
DESCRIPTION: 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

ADMISSION: Kids & Adults $9.50, Military with ID and Age 62+ $8.50

DAYS & HOURS: Tue-Sat 9a-5p, Sun Noon-5p

ADDRESS: 211 Gervais Street  MAP

PHONE: 803-779-3100

WEBSITE: http://www.edventure.org

Carolina Children’s Garden
DESCRIPTION: Many theme gardens on 2-acres oriented to the perspective of children; located in the Clemson Institute for Economic & Community Development
ADMISSION: Free
DAYS & HOURS: daily, 7:30a-dusk
ADDRESS: 900 Clemson Road  MAP
PHONE: 803-788-5700
WEBSITE: http://www.carolinachildrensgarden.org

McKissick Museum
DESCRIPTION: A university museum with galleries displays of the natural sciences, arts, quilts, crafts, decorative arts, ceramics & material culture, history, plus gem and mineral collections
ADMISSION: Free
DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Fri: 8:30a-5p; Sat 11a-3p
ADDRESS: 816 Bull Street, University of South Carolina Horseshoe  MAP
PHONE: 803-777-7251
WEBSITE: http://www.cas.sc.edu/mcks