When you’ve scrolled to the end of Instagram and just finished all 10 seasons of Friends on Netflix for the 200th time (but also not a bad idea to make it 201 times since it’s leaving Netflix at the end of this year), then it might be time to switch up your stuck-in-the-house routine.
Here’s a list of 12+ indoor activities in Columbia – for when it’s too hot to breathe outside + our daily summer thunderstorms just won’t let up.
Go bowling
Boutique bowling alley, restaurant and bar The Grand on Main not only has seven lanes to bowl – but also arcade games, shuffleboard, lifesize Jenga + more, to keep you occupied for hours on end.
See a movie
Nickelodeon Theatre shows a mix of first run independent films, special curated series, one-off screenings of films + even some “Hollywood hits.” Check out what’s playing here. Bonus: You can get a glass of wine or beer to drink during the movie.
“Becoming a member was the best idea!!” – Anna G.
Explore the museum
Check out the brand-new inflatable art exhibit (on display until Sept. 8) at Columbia Museum of Art or the planetarium and Apollo 50: Journey to the Moon exhibit at the South Carolina State Museum.
“It’s always a nice, cool 70 degrees in the State Museum and you won’t get wet (unless you experience one of our 4D movies)!” –Jared G.
Find your way out of an escape room
Find out who stole the Mona Lisa at Escapology in The Vista, or help capture a spy for the CIA at Escape Plan in Lexington or escape your kidnapping from a fanatical cult at The Final Door.
“Escape rooms are always a great idea! @escapeplansc and @escapologycolumbia both have amazing experiences.” – @mauvemarissa
Take a cooking class
Watching every episode of Nailed It! and The Great British Baking Show on Netflix will have you wanting to put your own chef skills to the test – and Let’s Cook Culinary Studio can help you become the next Gordon Ramsay or Julia Child. Check out their upcoming classes.
Brewery hop
Here’s where you need to go and what you need to order at every brewery in the Midlands.
“Love a bar crawl near the stadium--happy hour at @crouchdistilling and then @conquestbrewing (they sometimes have super smash bros or beer yoga)” – @rmwl
“Bar hopping from @columbiacraft, @thewhig and @craftanddraftbeer” – @foodjackeats
Make something
Paint and pour with Grapes and Gallery or Studio Cellar; take a ceramics, glass fusing or wooden plaque painting class at The Mad Platter; or create DIY home decor with AR Workshop.
Do a staycation
Everyone deserves a royal treatment from time to time – and boutique hotel Hotel Trundle has just that with their complimentary beer at check-in, nightly turndown on the house, their showcase of all local businesses, experience packages + more. Book your stay.
Swing a club
Top Golf Swing Suite has five simulator bays where you can do everything from golf to dodgeball with zombies – plus a full menu to make sure you’re not playing on an empty stomach.
Take an exercise class
Check out these 5 unique yoga classes for when you’re saying “namaste inside.”
Test your knowledge with trivia night
Put all those random facts you have stored away to good use. Here’s our guide to 11 trivia nights in Cola.
Cozy up with a good book
Our award-winning Richland Library allows you to rent books, movies, music + more – plus has a variety of literary and cultural programs, workshops, art exhibits and state-of-the-art technology throughout its 14 branches around Columbia.
“Richland Library- of course! Access freely... 😁” – @sodacitygal
