Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Sumter, SC

COLUMBIA NORTHEAST. A suburban oasis, Sesquicentennial Park is 1419 acres of peace and relaxation. You can fish, canoe...

COLUMBIA NORTHEAST. A suburban oasis, Sesquicentennial Park is 1419 acres of peace and relaxation. You can fish, canoe or kayak on the 30-acre lake, hike and mountain bike on miles of trails, participate in nature interpretation programs, enjoy a picnic, or swing, slide and jump at the playground. Originally constructed by the CCC in the 1930s, the park is also home to what is considered the oldest building in the county, a mid-1700s log cabin.

Hours: Daily 8am-6pm Hours May Vary Seasonally

Payment Methods: Cash Only

DOWNTOWN. Built in 1855, this stately, gracious mansion has served as home to the state's governor since 1868. Prior to...

DOWNTOWN. Built in 1855, this stately, gracious mansion has served as home to the state's governor since 1868. Prior to that time, it was used as officers' quarters for the Arsenal Military Academy. The beautifully landscaped grounds are often used for receptions and special events.

Hours: Tue-Wed 10am, 10:30am, 11am By Appointment

THE VISTA. At Columbia's EdVenture you'll meet the 40-foot tall Eddie, who lives in the atrium across from the entrance....

THE VISTA. At Columbia's EdVenture you'll meet the 40-foot tall Eddie, who lives in the atrium across from the entrance. Through a series of tunnels and slides, kids can explore inside Eddie and discover just how amazing the human body is. The fun doesn't stop with Eddie ­ there are more hands-on exhibits here than most youngsters could appreciate in one visit. The communication exhibit includes a pneumatic tube (just like at the bank drive-thru), and there's a wonderful art room as well. Outside is a fascinating water fixture ­ dam it up, create a maze for your boat, and see how high you can make the water spout go! It's all good, clean, (educational) fun!

Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm; Sun Noon-5pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card

THE VISTA. Inside a century-old textile mill, this museum presents a comprehensive collection of art, history and...

THE VISTA. Inside a century-old textile mill, this museum presents a comprehensive collection of art, history and science exhibits depicting South Carolina's past, present and future. From natural history to technology to fine arts, this museum has informative permanent displays and temporary shows that delve into a broad range of cultural topics. Highlights of their collection include a giant white shark model, a Blue Sky mural, dinosaur fossils, and a gorgeous iron gate by Lowcountry artist Philip Simmons.

Hours: Memorial Day - Labor Day Mon-Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 1pm-5pm
Labor Day - Memorial Day Tue-Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 1pm-5pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover

DOWNTOWN. The only purpose-built marionette theater in the US, this is also one of the largest, seating 300 people in...

DOWNTOWN. The only purpose-built marionette theater in the US, this is also one of the largest, seating 300 people in front of a 30-foot stage. All shows are created in-house from the script up, including puppets designed specifically for each show. Entrancing for kids, to be sure, but grown-ups should be entertained as well, not to mention surprised at the skill, creativity and artistry on display. If a performance inspires you, there's a gift shop with a good selection of puppets you can take home.

Hours: Sat 11am, 3pm

DOWNTOWN. For area runners, cyclists and walkers, Riverfront Park is a top choice. The long strip of sidewalk flanks the...

DOWNTOWN. For area runners, cyclists and walkers, Riverfront Park is a top choice. The long strip of sidewalk flanks the Congaree, offering visitors cool shade beneath a canopy of trees. Stop at one of the benches scattered along the river to take in the scenic view. A pedestrian bridge spans a surging section of the river

Hours: Hours May Vary Seasonally

CAYCE / WEST COLUMBIA. Adventure Carolina offers a variety of guided kayaking and canoeing trips on Columbia's rivers....

CAYCE / WEST COLUMBIA. Adventure Carolina offers a variety of guided kayaking and canoeing trips on Columbia's rivers. The popular "After Work" trip on the Congaree lasts about 3 hours and is ideal for first-timers and families (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays during the summer). Weekend trips range from shorter jaunts to full-day excursions. If floating is more your speed, schedule a tubing trip, which is great for families and friends just looking for a fun, relaxing day in the sun.

Hours: Summer Daily 10am-6pm
Winter Wed-Sat 10am-6pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover

COLUMBIA NORTHWEST. Located near the Greystone Boulevard exit off I-26 and ranked as one of the most popular attractions...

COLUMBIA NORTHWEST. Located near the Greystone Boulevard exit off I-26 and ranked as one of the most popular attractions in the Southeast, the zoo is home to a plethora of species. Monkeys, lions, birds, seals, koalas and much more are displayed in their natural habitats. The stunning botanical garden adjacent to the zoo features 70 acres of varied plant life, nature trails, and great views of the Saluda River. One of the more popular exhibits is the walk-through Lorikeet Aviary ­ for $1, you can hand-feed the colorful birds from small cups of fruit nectar.

Hours: Oct - Mar Daily 9am-5pm Apr - Sep Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; Sat-Sun 9am-6pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express

IRMO / ST ANDREWS. This amusement center can keep kids of all ages occupied for hours. Choose from great activities like...

IRMO / ST ANDREWS. This amusement center can keep kids of all ages occupied for hours. Choose from great activities like miniature golf, go-carts, the ever-popular bumper boats, and even a batting cage. Older kids and teens will love the well-stocked arcade. This is active fun for the whole family, and it is also a great place for parties and events.

Hours: Summer Mon-Sat 10am-Midnight; Sun 11pm-Midnight
Spring/Fall Mon-Thu 10am-10pm; Fri-Sat 10am-Midnight; Sun Noon-10pm
Winter Mon-Thu 10am-9pm; Fri-Sat 10am-Midnight; Sun Noon-9pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express

IRMO / ST ANDREWS. A great place to spend a blistering summer's day, Saluda Shoals Park is situated on the banks of the...

IRMO / ST ANDREWS. A great place to spend a blistering summer's day, Saluda Shoals Park is situated on the banks of the Saluda River and has a variety of diversions for kids and other intrepid explorers. Within the 270-acre park's forested confines are paved and unpaved paths for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding, a canoe/kayak launch area, sweet fishing spots, and picnic facilities with barbecue grills. There's also Saluda Splash, a touch-activated water playground that kids will never want to leave.

Hours: Daily 7am-Sunset