Whether you’re looking for a place to play with the kiddos or to decompress with some off-screen time, Columbia features 20+ parks and recreational spots for you to enjoy.

Ready to plan your trip to the park? Grab your shades and trusty water bottle — here are some of the Soda City’s best:

The Boardwalk Loop Trail is wheelchair accessible. | Photo by @hdcarolina

Nature parks

W. Gordon Belser Arboretum, 4080 Bloomwood Rd.
The 10-acre nature preserve tucked away off Devine Street features winding trails, a cypress-tupelo swamp, a waterfall, and diverse native plant habitats, with limited public access during scheduled open house events.

Congaree National Park, 100 National Park Rd., Hopkins
Congaree National Park is a wilderness area that offers hiking trails, camping, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors can explore the park's old-growth forests and wetlands, and see various wildlife, including deer, otters, and maybe even a gator.

Dreher Island State Park, 3677 State Park Rd., Prosperity, SC
Dreher Island State Park is located on Lake Murray and offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including boating, fishing, and camping. The park also features hiking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds.

Harbison State Forest, 5500 Broad River Rd.
Harbison State Forest is a 2,177-acre forest offering hiking, biking trails, and fishing. The park also features picnic areas and playgrounds, making it a great place for families to spend the day.

Views from Riverfront Park show the confluence of the Saluda and Broad Rivers to form the Congaree. | Photo by COLAtoday

Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park, 312 Laurel St.
The Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park offer a beautiful area to walk along the river beneath the hanging Spanish moss. There are even built-in workout stations located at the beginning to supplement your cardio workout.

Page Ellington Park, BullStreet District
A 20‑acre public park featuring running and walking trails, a fenced dog park, and a restored natural water habitat centered around a two‑acre pond and daylighted Smith Branch Creek.

Pine Island State Park, Lake Murray
Opening Wednesday, Oct. 1, this new 27-acre state park will feature shoreline access, picnic areas, walking trails, and scenic views.

Family parks

Drew Wellness Center Park, 2101 Walker Solomon Way
This is a seven-acre park with a walking trail, outdoor fitness equipment, and a playground. It's located next to the Drew Wellness Center.

Hyatt Park, 950 Jackson Ave., Columbia
Hyatt Park was recently renovated and features two custom basketball courts dedicated by local WNBA superstar A'ja Wilson.

The updates to Finlay Park include a revitalized fountain and new walkways. | Rendering from the City of Columbia via the design team, Stantec + LS3P.

Finlay Park, 930 Laurel Street, Columbia
Columbia’s 14-acre signature green space, is on track to reopen in late October following a $24 million revitalization that will feature a restored spiral fountain and waterfall, new stage and event spaces, strolling gardens, a shaded playground, public art, upgraded restrooms, and expanded space for community gatherings.

Gibson Pond Park, 241 Gibson Rd., Lexington
This 50-acre park is home to a beautiful pond stocked with fish, as well as a playground, picnic shelters, and a walking trail. Visitors can also enjoy a disc golf course at the park.

Gills Creek Memorial Park, 24 Forest Lake Pl.
The recently updated park, born from the aftermath of the 2015 flood, aims to rejuvenate the area, offering families a vibrant gathering space, weekly markets, and a splash pad.

Heathwood Park, 800 Abelia Rd.
Located in the Heathwood neighborhood, this park has a neighborhood center, tennis courts, a handball court, a picnic shelter, and a spray pool.

Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 2300 Greene St.
This Five Points park features a basketball court, playground, baseball field, and an on-site community center offering programs and events.

May's Park, 4100 Trenholm Rd.
Nearing the end of its major revitalization, the updated park now includes new walking trails, a rain garden, an upgraded playground and splash pad, and a basketball tree.

Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Rd.
This 400-acre park features scenic hiking trails, river access, shaded picnic areas, and the award-winning Leo’s Landing Inclusive Playground.

Sesquicentennial State Park, 9564 Two Notch Rd.
With hiking and biking trails, fishing spots, pedal boat rentals, and campsites, this state park is a go-to for outdoor recreation—and it’s also a popular place to host family gatherings with rentable picnic shelters.

NoMa Bark Park has a full playground set for dogs to enjoy. | Photo by Mike MacDonald

Dog parks

Bark West, 1940 Augusta Rd., West Columbia
Bark West is a members-only unleashed park, with designated small and large dog areas. Become a member today.

Emily Douglass Dog Park, 2500 Wheat St.
We hear you may need to be prepared to bathe your pup after visiting this downtown area dog park.

Lexington Paw Park, 989 Hendrix St., Lexington
Pups must be older than four months, up-to-date on all shots, spayed/neutered + owners must be 18 or older.

NoMa Bark Park, 1250 Parkside Dr.
All pups must be spayed/neutered and up-to-date on all vaccines.

Page Ellington Dog Park, BullStreet District
The 1.75-acre dog park is fenced in and open to dogs of all shapes and sizes.

Practice your kickflips at Owens Field Skate Park. | Photo by COLAtoday team

Sports park

Earlewood Park, 1113 Parkside Dr.
Earlewood is popular for its disc golf course, tennis courts, basketball court, and three baseball fields. There is also a playground, and it is home to the office of Columbia Parks and Rec.

Owens Field Park, 1351 Jim Hamilton Blvd.
Located near Owens Field Airport, Owens Field Park includes a disc golf course, skate park, dog park, and several baseball + soccer fields.

Midlands Sports Complex, 750 Old Clemson Rd.
The Midlands Sports Complex is a multi-sports facility located in West Columbia. The complex has athletic fields, including soccer fields, baseball fields, and softball fields. The complex also has concession stands, restrooms, and parking.

Pine Grove Sports Complex, 701 Old Barnwell Rd, West Columbia
The Pine Grove Sports Complex is a large park located in the St. Andrews area of Columbia, SC. The park has several athletic fields, including baseball fields, softball fields, and soccer fields. There are also playgrounds, picnic shelters, and walking trails.

Seven Oaks Park, 200 Leisure Ln.
The park has baseball fields, playgrounds, walking trails, and picnic shelters. It also has an indoor community center with a gymnasium and classrooms for community learning events.

South East Park, 951 Hazelwood Rd.
The park has well-lit tennis courts, pickleball courts, walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic shelters. It is a popular destination for outdoor activities and family outings.

Your park grab bag

Picked your perfect park? Make the most out of your experience with our favorite items for a relaxing day outside:

Is there anything quite like sitting in the shade and enjoying a good book? Check out our guide to books by local authors to help choose your next great read.
The Kindle Paperwhite is a lightweight e-reader option that stands up to bright sunlight.
A good water bottle keeps you hydrated — we’re big fans of the best-selling Owala FreeSip + this insulated stackable tumbler from Asheville NC-based retailer Pirani.
Heading to the park with kids? Check out the Owala FreeSip for kids.
Don’t forget the travel-size bug spray and sunscreen.
These sunglasses from Nordstrom Rack are available at discount prices + have a style for everyone.
Keep it all together in a handy tote bag — these adorable tote bags are all crafted by small businesses and local makers.