MiMary

My husband and I will be traveling to Columbia, SC in February with our three children (ages 12, 9 and 5). I would appreciate any suggestions for hotels, activities, points of interest, etc. that would be fun for young children. I had read that Columbia had a good zoo. Is it worth going to?

GoTravel

Columbia Zoo is a great zoo.

I recommend The Whitney on Devine Street because they are all suite and have one and two bedrooms.

Second choice is The Hampton Inn in The Vista.

Both hotels are within walking distance to parks, restaurants, and shopping but the Hampton Inn is a little better located.

Don't stay at The Claussen's Inn simply because most of the rooms have spiral staircases which would be hazardous to your kids.

kathleen

The SC state museum is in Columbia and has great exhibits. Some of them are "hands-on". If it's a rainy day, and the Zoo isn't possible, I'd recommend the museum. The Zoo would be my first choice, though.


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

GoTravel

Oh I love the Columbia Zoo! Very close to the Hampton Inn!

leahinsc

Another neat place to take them, not in Columbia but a short drive away is the Congaree Swamp National Park. It will give them a glimpse at what prehistoric South Carolina looked like with huge towering trees and alligators and animals as you walk along the elevated boardwalks.