Free & Cheap Things to Do in Columbia, SC

  • The list below includes 37 free or cheap things to do in or near Columbia, South Carolina, including 35 different types of inexpensive activities like Parks, Movie Theaters, Military Museums and Nature & Wildlife Areas.
  • From University of South Carolina to Saluda Shoals Park, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in Columbia and in nearby cities within 25 miles like Irmo, West Columbia and Winnsboro.
  • The list below includes 37 free or cheap things to do in or near Columbia, South Carolina, including 35 different types of inexpensive activities like Parks, Movie Theaters, Military Museums and Nature & Wildlife Areas.
  • From University of South Carolina to Saluda Shoals Park, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in Columbia and in nearby cities within 25 miles like Irmo, West Columbia and Winnsboro.
Showing 11-20 of 70
0.0 Miles
Let your imagination run wild with countless LEGO bricks, meet professional builders, listen to seminars, and shop LEGO collections
0.1 Miles
93% 368 votes
Architectural Buildings Columbia, SC MoreLess Info
The State Capitol building is the home of the Governor's office and the House and Senate chambers. Visitors of this site can tour the facilities and the gift shop sells apparel, jewelry, and holiday-themed items.
2.3 Miles
82% 55 votes
Nature & Wildlife Areas 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29214 MoreLess Info
Combining a full-sized zoological park and botanical garden, Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is open for visitors of all ages throughout the year. Featuring many exotic species of flora and fauna, the park encourages visitors to stroll through its natural habitats.
0.3 Miles
86% 21 votes
Religious Buildings 1306 Hampton Street, Columbia, SC MoreLess Info
The site of the first Civil War movement, First Baptist Church was the site of the declaration of the South's intent to separate from the U.S. The church is now a national landmark and contains artifacts and history about the Civil War.
0.0 Miles
99% 103 votes
Food Tours 1100 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC 29201 MoreLess Info
Learn about the history of Columbia's food culture with Columbia Food Tours. Explore local cuisine and taste samples from featured restaurants in downtown Columbia. Tours begin on the State House steps and last two to three hours in length.
0.4 Miles
95% 61 votes
Movie Theaters 1607 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201 MoreLess Info
The primary nonprofit cinema in South Carolina is the Nickelodeon Theatre, and it has served this purpose since 1979. The site can hold 99 guests and presents both matinee and evening shows throughout the week.
0.8 Miles
94% 71 votes
Military Museums 301 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC 29201 MoreLess Info
Founded in 1896, the South Carolina Confederate Relic Room & Military Museum is the third oldest museum in the state. The collection focuses on the military history of South Carolina with emphasis on the Civil War period.
0.8 Miles
86% 444 votes
Specialty Museums 301 Gervais St, Columbia, SC MoreLess Info
Columbia's South Carolina State Museum contains thousands of objects and hundreds of exhibits relating to the state's history. The exhibits are divided into four groups: art, natural history, state culture and science.
0.8 Miles
81% 315 votes
Children's Museums 211 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC 29201 MoreLess Info
A non-profit organization headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina, EdVenture is dedicated to children's education. It runs a variety of enrichment programs at schools, libraries and community centers. EdVenture also operates a popular summer camp.
2.4 Miles
100% 40 votes
Military Museums 1225 Bluff Road, Columbia, SC MoreLess Info
One of the largest National Guard museums in the U.S. is the South Carolina Military Museum. The museum houses an array of weapons, tools, and artifacts from prior wars, as well as honors South Carolina soldiers who have been lost in war.
0.3 Miles
89% 190 votes
Art Museum Corner of Main and Hampton Sts, Columbia, SC MoreLess Info
South Carolina's Columbia Museum of Art is the largest and most important art museum in the state. In addition to its massive collections of art and artifacts, the Columbia Museum of Art hosts concerts, lectures, seminars and welcomes traveling exhibits from other museums.
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