If one of your New Year’s resolutions was to save more – but you’re already dipping into your piggy bank (like me) for all the fun events coming up this month, check out some of Cola’s free activities – from scavenger hunts to mansion tours.

Columbia Art Scavenger Hunt | Daily | Time + location dependent on hunt | Take a day to uncover the hidden gems– art structures, paintings + popular attractions, + more– that normally go unseen in Columbia’s downtown area.

Columbia Museum of Art | First Thursday of the month | 10 a.m.-8 p.m. | 1515 Main St. | Experience exciting new exhibits that cycle through every few months, ignite an old passion by taking art classes, or bring the kids along for their learning programs.

Soda City Market | Saturdays | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | 1300-1500 Main St. | From kettle corn to freshly pressed juices, try samples of different local products.

Governor's Mansion | Tuesdays, Wednesdays + Thursdays | 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m. + 11 a.m. | 800 Richland St. | Call ahead to make an appointment for a Docent-led tour (803) 737-1710.

Richland Library | Daily | Time dependent on event | All Locations | From cooking classes + DIY workshops to storytelling + films, take advantage of all the events you have access to with with your library card.

The Riverwalk | Daily | Open 24-hours a day | West Columbia | Take a walk, have a picnic, cast a fishing line or float down the river.

Splash pads | Days + hours dependent on location | Various locations | Check out this comprehensive list of 20+ splash pads, spray pools, mist pads and water parks in Columbia + surrounding areas. A few of our favorites: Lexington’s Corley Street Park has a free splash pad and there is one next to the British Bulldog Pub on Harbison Blvd.

South Carolina State House | Monday-Friday | 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | 1100 Gervais St. | Unravel the history + architecture of the State House with a guided tour and a 15-minute film.

Congaree National Park | Daily | Open 24-hours a day | 100 National Park Rd. | Take a hike, pack a picnic + breathe in the fresh air. If you time it right, you could even catch a glimpse of the synchronized fireflies between mid-May and mid-June. (DYK– there are only three places in the Western Hemisphere that are known to have fireflies synchronize their flashes.)

Home Depot | Days + hours dependent on location | Various locations | Offers free kids workshops (and workshops for adults) on the weekends. Find out what is going on at a store near you.

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