Fun Family Activities This Fall in Columbia, SC

Local mom, Jayne Baker shares with us some great ideas for family outings this fall in and around Columbia, SC.

Irmo Okra Strut
September 26-27, 2009
It is the largest known celebration of the slimy green vegetable…okra. The first day includes the Okra Strut street dance featuring two favorite beach bands. Saturday begins with a parade and a 10K Dam Run to Irmo. Festivities include more than 100 arts and crafts exhibitors, “Okryland” kids’ area, okra-eating and -growing contests and a full day of musical entertainment. Free event.
(803) 781-6122
www.irmookrastrut.com

Boo at the Zoo
Held at the Riverbanks Zoo & Botanical Garden
Oct. 16-18, 23-25, 29-30
Kids – Put on your cutest costume and head over to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden for the annual Halloween spook-tacular, Boo at the Zoo. The family-friendly Halloween event runs from 6-9pm each evening. Children 12 and under are invited to wear costumes for a spook-fest complete with Frankenstein’s Foam Zone, an eeky freaky DJ dance party and a trick-or-treat trail with candy and more! Tickets are $8.
(803) 779-8717
www.riverbanks.org

Dracula at the Koger Center
Oct. 29, 30, 31
The cult hit and audience favorite Dracula, Ballet with a Bite returns to the Koger Center for its 14th anniversary performances. The creatures of the night take over the stage in William Starretts acclaimed original production for four performances of what international publication Dance Magazine calls an extravaganza that guarantees the audience a good time.
(803) 251-2222
www.columbiacityballet.com

Lantern Tours
At the homes of the Historic Columbia Foundation
Guests are invited to take an evening adventure as a costumed guide leads tours through our historic homes by lantern light on the fourth Thursday of September at 8pm. Learn about the history and significance of the houses and their connection to Columbia. Guests will tour the Hampton-Preston home.

Scarecrows in the Garden at Historic Columbia
Historic Columbia is hosting a Scarecrow in the Garden contest. The local community is asked to enter their fun, wild, wacky, or scary scarecrows.  The public is invited to view the scary scarecrows exhibit during the month of October, Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 10am to 4pm or Sundays from 1pm to 5pm.
(803) 252-1770
www.historiccolumbia.org

Corn Maize
Family Fun this Fall at the Corn Maze
Open September 18 – November 22
Come explore a life-sized puzzle at the Corn Maze in Lexington, SC. Explore the Final Frontier as you embark on a fantastic journey through the Corn Maze. This year’s theme is Space Exploration! Along the maze, you will find clues, pictures, and games. Maize-o-Vision secret decoders help you navigate the multi-acre puzzle. Can you find your way out?  The maze provides a safe environment for the family to enjoy victory together. After ‘Getting Lost’ in the corn maze, visit the Kiddies Corn Maze, cool off in the Mist Maze, or try South Carolina’s only Marshmallow Maze.

The Maize Quest is located at The Clinton Sease Farm at 404 Olde Farm Road in Lexington, SC. Hours are Fri. 6-11pm; Sat. 10am-11pm and Sun. 2-7pm.  The last ticket is sold one hour before closing.  Flashlights are welcome.
(803) 730-2863
Admission: $8 (Ages 3 and under are free)
www.clintonseasefarm.com

Pumpkin Patch and Haunted Hayrides at Harmon’s Tree Farm
Open throughout October: Mon.-Fri. 1-6pm; Sat. 10-6pm; Sun. 1:30-6pm
Bring the family out to Harmon’s Tree Farm in Lexington, SC, to enjoy fall on the farm. Activities include a haunted hayride, farm animals, pumpkin picking, barn tours and more!
(803) 359-4454
$7 per person (Ages 2 and under are free)
www.harmontreefarmllc.com

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