It can be lonely and boring to stay in Columbia during the summer months while campus is empty. Especially if you're like me and all three of your roommates went home and you only work Thursday-Sunday, so you have the beginning of each week free. Columbia may be vacant of students, but there's still plenty of people who live here year-round and many places you now have the free time to explore.
Whether you haven't been able to check out these spots during the school year or they're only available in the summer, I highly recommend each of these summer past-times.
1. Fireflies’ Game
Tickets range around $5 to $10 which is relatively cheap for a baseball game. They offer many promotions as well, such as $2 Tuesdays and post-game fireworks. Check their Homestand Highlights on their website to view all of their upcoming events and game nights.
2. Riverbanks Zoo
The zoo can be visited throughout the year, but summer is the ideal time to visit the animals. The weather is nice enough to spend all day walking around while it won't be too cold for the animals to come out. You can see all your favorite animals sunbathing during these months. Even better, on June 4th a baby Western Lowland Gorilla was born. They are currently critically endangered.
3. Tubing or Kayaking down the Congaree River
Palmetto Outdoors allows you to rent tubes and kayaks for trips, lasting around three hours, down the Congaree River located in West Columbia. Columbia gets very hot in the summer while the water in the river stays cold. It's the perfect match for a day activity that you can do alone or with a group. It's very relaxing and quiet as you float down the river. You can bring coolers and your own float for the cooler to have lunch.
4. Farmers Markets
There are two great and close farmers markets that you can enjoy during the summer in Columbia for free. Soda City Market occurs every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Main Street. They're open year-round but provide the best mornings in the summer. USC's Healthy Carolina has a farmers market on Davis Field, located on campus. Their summer dates are May 22nd and 29th and June 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th, so there's still plenty of time to go check it out. Their hours are from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Both are fun ways to stock up on groceries and learn a healthy lifestyle.
5. Frankie’s Fun Park
An arcade, mini golf, Fun House, batting cages, go-karts, laser tag, bumper boats, and Virtual Reality are all offered inside Frankie's Fun Park. There is so much for you to do! You pay per activity, so no worries about an admission fee. There is something for everyone while only paying for what you want to do, so take your friend group or co-workers. The park itself is small enough that you won't lose or separate any friends either. It can all be enjoyed together.
