Art and air conditioning — what could be better? | Photo by Drew Baron / Columbia Museum of Art
Indoor parenting is harder than outdoor parenting. But who wants to go out in this heat?
Lucky for us, there are plenty of indoor activities around town.
Educational activities
EdVenture Children’s Museum
Explore the Southeast’s largest children’s museum, which boasts a giant sculpture of a child that kids can crawl inside.
Columbia Fire Museum
Take your aspiring firefighter to this one-room exhibit, which has ahorse-drawn fire engine from 1903. Columbia Museum of Art
The CMA is the perfect place to foster a love of art. Kids will remember creating an original piece of art in the CMA studios.
Fun and games
Transmission Arcade
Introduce young gamers to the arcade classics like “Frogger” and “Dig Dug” — plus, “Mortal Kombat” for the older crowd.
Altitude
Bounce out all that energy at this indoor trampoline park featuring high-flying trampolines, courses, and competitions.
Lexington County Blowfish vs. Boone Bigfoots | 7:05 p.m. | Lexington County Baseball Stadium, Lexington | $12+ | Don your most patriotic duds and stick around for the post-game fireworks.
Friday, July 4
Fort Jackson 4th of July Celebration | 4-9 p.m. | Fort Jackson - Hilton Field | Free | Enjoy live entertainment and patriotic festivities capped off with a fireworks display.
Saturday, July 5
Soda City Market | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Main Street | Free | Browse this lively downtown market to find local artisans, businesses, and food vendors — rain or shine.
Saturday Morning Strolls | 9:30-10:30 a.m. | The Drew Wellness Center | Free | Enjoy light refreshments and breathe in the fresh air during this hour-long walk.
Sunday, July 6
Sensory Sunday | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Surge Adventure Park | $8 per hour | Enjoy the park without loud music or flashing lights — perfect for kids with sensory needs.
Funding from the SC Education Lottery helped Sam, Rhett, and Jessie reach their higher education goals. | Photos by James Quantz Jr. Photography
Every time you play the SC Education Lottery, you help fund scholarships for Palmetto State students like Sam Haile, Rhett Bissell, and Jessie Eichman.
All three of these college grads received the lottery-funded, merit-based LIFE scholarship and went on to work in the natural resources field. Read: They’re improving SC’s environment.
West Columbia Riverwalk will open in its entirety soon. Work will begin on Monday, July 14 — starting with the section between the amphitheater and Cayce, followed by the portion between the Gervais Street Bridge to the end of the trail. Each section is expected to take about a month to complete. (Post and Courier)
Fest
We have some unbe-leaf-able news. The Okra Strut will return to Irmo this year. Last year’s event was canceled due to Hurricane Helene — but it’ll be back to celebrate its 50th year on Friday, September 26. (Cola Daily)
Announced
No Name Deli is on the move. After four decades of service at its current downtown location, the spot will move to 1301 Laurel St. next year. The owner promises the same menu, same staff, same old-school feel — but with more parking. (Post and Courier)
Traffic
What do you think about an extra lane in each direction on I-26? SCDOT will host an information meeting on Thursday, July 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the New Vision Centre in Orangeburg. You can also weigh in online.
Edu
Need school supplies? Check out this list of Back-To-School Bashes, where free school supplies are given to local families. The next one will be at Bluff Road Park on Saturday, July 12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — don’t forget to bring the kids. (Cola Daily)
Sports
We just can’t stop talking about Dawn Staley. Especially now that she’s reportedly interviewed for the New York Knicks head coaching job. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the South Carolina Gamecockswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Watch
This video of a black bear swimming in Lake Wateree on Tuesday, July 3. A good reminder to watch out for wildlife — including bears — if you’re headed to the water this weekend.
This 10-minute summer lunch layers rotisserie chicken, crisp apple, and creamy brie in a pita. Serve it warm or chilled — either way, it’s peak picnic fare.*
Older Adults
Your fifties + beyond is a great time to build wealth. Beyond basics like bulk shopping and retirement accounts, here are 14 financial benefits seniors are entitled to (but often forget to claim).*
Shop
Mood’s rapid onset THC gummies deliver gentle body relaxation with a strong but balanced, clear-headed euphoria — all in as little as five minutes. Get 20% off.†*
Finance
Even “1883" couldn’t script a gold run like this: An ounce of gold is expected to cost $4,000 in 2026. Diversify your portfolio with a gold IRA — no pickaxe required.†*
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
It’s hot, and I’m feeling fro-yo. Or ice cream. Or even vegan soft serve. As long as it’s cold.
Fortunately, there’s a new spot open in Forest Acres — 16 Handles. Why 16? Because that’s the number of rotating flavors it offers. Sweet. Find it at 4840 Forest Dr.
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