Kids love a playground; it’s an environment created just for them. It gives them the opportunity to stretch their legs, work out some energy, and socialize with their peers. Columbia’s park system offers an impressive number of options for parents looking for a playground to take their kids for an afternoon. Anyone interested in swings, slides, monkey bars, and fountains should check out these fantastic Columbia playgrounds.
Earlewood Park
Located on Parkside Drive just north of downtown, Earlewood Park boasts many amenities for people of all ages to enjoy. They include baseball fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, an amphitheater, and a totally unique playground.
When the park was designed, residents voted that they wanted the equipment to have a natural look. As such, the playground at Earlewood features the boulder-themed Rocks and Ropes set as well as a Mud Puddle water and sand area. Kids may also want to check out Earlewood’s 18-hole disc golf course and the off-leash NOMA Bark Park.
Finlay Park
On Laurel Street in downtown Columbia, Finlay Park is part town common, part nature escape, and all recreational destination. In addition to its recognizable curlicue fountain, the park boasts a lake, waterfalls, athletic fields, and a summer snack bar. Its playground is an extensive waterfront structure that will make your kids feel like they’re running around a coastal fortress, and its elegant swing pergola makes for a one-of-a-kind swinging experience.
With plenty of ramps and paved paths, Finlay has the bonus of being one of the largest handicap-accessible parks in the country.
Edisto Discovery Park
On Wiley Street off Rosewood Drive, Edisto Discovery Park features a basketball court, a concrete splash pad, and a choice playground that sits right in front of the community center, which hosts birthday parties, banquets, and classes. Unique to Edisto Discovery is the Fossil Dig, an area where kids can learn about archeology by digging up gemstones.
Emily Douglas Park
Located on Wheat Street in the Shandon neighborhood, Emily Douglas Park’s tall, shady pine trees and spray pool make it a perfect spot for the summer months. The park has swings and three different playgrounds for kids to choose from, which could easily keep them occupied all day. Emily Douglas also has a dog park, so you can bring along the family pet to make sure everybody is having a great time.
Drew Park
Another cool summertime park is Drew Park, located on Walker Solomon Way behind the Drew Wellness Center. In addition to its playground and LED fountain, Drew Park boasts one of the largest splash pads of any park in the city, which earned it a special mention on the Columbia SC Moms Blog list of Columbia splash pads.
With so many playground options available in Columbia, your kids should never have to sit at home bored on a beautiful summer day. From Finlay Park downtown to the many neighborhood playgrounds around the city, the children of Columbia will find no shortage of places to swing, slide, and have a blast.
Image via Flickr by cwwycoff1
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