Bring the sights and sounds of Columbia, South Carolina, into your child's birthday celebration. Columbia offers many interesting locations that can elevate a children's birthday party to something truly unique. When selecting a venue, consult with your child and use his interests to make a decision. Let older children make the decision themselves, and do research to prepare a short list of approved locales from which younger children may make the selection. Does this Spark an idea?
Edventure Children's Museum
Hosting a birthday party at Edventure, the largest children's museum in the South, is easy, educational and kid-approved. Exhibits include "Eddie", a 40-foot model of a human child, plus special exhibits on literacy and arts, the human body, the world of work, insects and more. The museum offers a birthday package for up to 15 children and unlimited adults to attend the party. As of August 2010, the package runs for $175 for museum members and $195 for non-members. Additional guests cost $13 per person. Partygoers will enjoy a two-hour party, including a guided museum tour, a decorated private party room, a special birthday ceremony, an Edventure staff member "birthday buddy," a balloon bouquet, themed invitations, and a T-shirt for the birthday child.
Edventure Children's Museum
211 Gervais St.
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 779-3100
hwww.edventure.org
Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens
A birthday party at Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens will allow curious partygoers to see a wide range of wildlife up close. Exhibits include large mammals, Australian animals, aquariums with reptiles and amphibians, lemurs and apes, animals of the African plains and a varied botanical garden. Shows and demonstrations include the penguin feeding, gorilla presentation, lorikeet feeding, diving demonstration and an "Amazing Animals Show." Other attractions include a carousel, train, pony rides, 3D Adventure shows and a rock climbing wall. Discounts are available for parties of 15 or more guests, assuming the party is booked at least two weeks in advance. The zoo offers free materials for a zoo-themed scavenger hunt, ideal for birthday parties. A private room, with a capacity of 100 people, is available for $500 for a full day.
Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens
500 Wildlife Parkway
Columbia, SC 29210
(803) 779-8717
www.riverbanks.org
Finlay Park
For a picnic birthday bash, invite guests for a few hours in Finlay Park. Covering more than 18 acres, the park includes a 1.8-acre lake, a waterfall, playgrounds and several walking trails. From Finlay Park's main facility, enjoy a panoramic view of over 180 degrees of Columbia's skyline. The space can be reserved for parties, and it features an adjoining deck, a 75-person indoor capacity and a warming kitchen.
Finlay Park
City of Columbia Parks and Recreation
930 Laurel St.
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 545-3100
www.columbiasc.net/parksandrec/212
