Be sure to check the farm's social media accounts and the weather before visiting Eudora Farms. There would be a lot of crying if one tried to drive there but was unable to enter (and the kids would be upset, too). If anyone has to stop for food or the restroom once you reach the Columbia area, do so at that time. You'll be traveling through a fairly rural area without any places to halt for around 40 minutes. A pit stop wouldn't be the worst idea because there can be a line once you get to the farm and you have to wait.

The drive from the tent to the safari gates has a Jurassic Park feel to it. You may see the ring-tailed lemur enclosure and other animals in the Walking Safari area of the farm while keeping an eye out for the raptors. Zebras, camels, antelope, water buffalo, goats, emus, llamas, cattle, and a sizable African Watusi will all be present as the safari winds through several farms. While some of the animals will happily approach your car, others will need to be persuaded to come. You ought to stay in your car for the sake of the visitors and the animals. Keep all of your windows closed (and do not roll an animal's head up into a window!). Always keep the doors closed. This includes keeping the van's doors from slipping open.

Address: 219 Salem Ln, Salley, South Carolina
Official site: https://eudorafarms.net/
Phone: +1 803-564-5358
Admission: $36 per car (up to 6 people), $5 for a bucket of animal food, $5 per extra passenger
Google rating: 4.7/5.0

If you're looking for some of the best day trips from South Carolina during the summer or one last trip before winter, Riverbanks Zoo is a great option. The 170-acre (69 ha) Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is a zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden near Columbia, South Carolina, in the United States. The zoo's boundaries barely touch the neighboring city of West Columbia. The Rich-Lex Riverbanks Park Special Purpose District, a collaboration between the city of Columbia and the counties of Richland and Lexington, runs it. The Riverbanks Park Commission, which consists of one at-large member and two representatives from each of the three governments, is in charge of managing it. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums has accredited Riverbanks Zoo and Garden as a member (AZA).

The zoo proper and the Botanical Gardens are the two separate sections of Riverbanks Zoo. A concrete walkway connects the zoo's two sections. You have two options for getting there and back: walking or taking a tram. Imagine the zoo area as one big circle. It is advisable to turn right toward the otters or left toward Sea Lion Landing upon entering. Then proceed through the zoo staying on the trail the entire time. You will have gone around halfway around when you reach the zebras. Go inside the center once you reach the starting point to see the flamingos, penguins, and the Aquarium and Reptile Conservation Center (set to reopen in Fall 2022).

Address: 500 Wildlife Pkwy, Columbia, South Carolina
Official site: http://www.riverbanks.org/
Phone: +1 803-779-8717
Admission: Adults (13 and up): $21.99 + tax; Children (2–12): $18.99 + tax; Under 2: Free
Google rating: 4.7/5.0

In Columbia, South Carolina, EdVenture is the largest children's museum in the Southeast United States. The only larger children's museum in the world, The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, is ahead of it in size. In 2003, EdVenture first welcomed visitors. There are also interactive displays, 2 resource centers, a 200-seat theater, and 8 galleries totaling 92,000 square feet (8,500 m2). The display galleries, laboratories, and visitor amenities take up 40,000 square feet (3,700 m2) of the entire 92,000 square feet (8,500 m2) space.

Just outside the museum's entrance is a second outdoor gallery space measuring 7,000 square feet (700 m2). There are over 350 different interactive displays spread across 92,000 square feet (8,500 m2) in total. On the first floor of the museum, there is a three-story-tall statue of "Eddie" that kids can climb into to learn about human physiology. Your kids can get inside a scale-model fire vehicle, turn on the lights, and even design their own fire escape route. A dairy and produce farm is located in the opposite direction from the firetruck. Your kids can "milk" a cow here, pick veggies, hop on a tractor, and gather fruits from the trees to take to the store.

Address: 211 Gervais St, Columbia, South Carolina
Official site: http://www.edventure.org/
Phone: +1 803-779-3100
Admission: Children and Adults: $11.95; Under 2: Free; Members: Free
Google rating: 4.5/5.0

The South Carolina State Museum features an observatory, a 4D interactive theater, a digital dome planetarium, and four levels of both permanent and changing exhibitions (both opened in 2014). The State Museum is situated in the heart of Columbia, South Carolina, next to the Congaree River. It is a Smithsonian Affiliate and a member of the American Alliance of Museums. It is the biggest museum in the state.

Four academic fields are represented in the museum: natural history, science and technology, art, and cultural history. The Best Friend of Charleston, the first American-built locomotive in 1830, and the H.L. Hunley, the first submarine to sink an adversary ship in battle, are both on display in life-size reproductions. A life-size Columbian mammoth and a reproduction of a 3.6 million-year-old megalodon named Finn that is located on the second floor's natural history section are noteworthy features. Finn has terrified numerous groups of small children.

On the first level, there is also the Lipscomb Art Gallery, which showcases a gate made of iron by Charleston resident Philip Simmons. Additionally, there is the Cotton Mill Exchange gift shop, which sells literature and mementos of South Carolina. The Crescent Café serves sandwiches at the museum. In a room close to the café, the museum features a mural painted by Columbian artist Blue Sky in 1989 of the neighboring Gervais Street Bridge. In the parking area, topiary sculptures created by Bishopville's Pearl Fryar can be found. In 1997, the Stringer Discovery Center for young kids debuted.

Address: 301 Gervais St, Columbia, South Carolina
Official site: http://www.scmuseum.org/
Phone: +1 803-898-4921
Admission: Adults (13 and up): $8.95; Children (3-12): $6.95; Under 2: Free
Google rating: 4.7/5.0

Although South Carolina is home to many enjoyable activities, this digging expedition is unmatched. You can search for genuine crystals that have just been extracted from the mine at Diamond Hill Mine near Abbeville. There are countless prospects to discover a genuine hidden gem because this mine is one of the biggest in the South! Every crystal you find in this mine is "unsalted," which means it wasn't added there; instead, it came from the soil. At the Diamond Hill Mine in South Carolina, which is open 365 days a year, put your gloves on and get ready to search for undiscovered treasure.

You'll need to carry a few items if you want to go digging. Specifically, gloves, a tool (screwdrivers or shovels work well), a container to carry them in, as well as food, water, and sunscreen. There is nothing given. From 9 am to 2 pm, you can sign up at the location. Although not essential, reservations are suggested for bigger groups. Dig away till it becomes dark out!

Address: 100 Diamond Mine Rd, Abbeville, South Carolina
Official site: https://diamondhillmine.com/informationcost/
Phone: +1 864-934-3744
Admission: Adults: $20; Teens: $10; Children: $56; Under: Free
Google rating: 4.3/5.0

High Falls Park is a 46-acre park on the shores of lovely Lake Keowee, tucked away in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are 91 campsites, 10 of which are on the water. All of the campgrounds feature electricity hookups (20 and 30 amp), water service, and bathhouses. The dump station is outside the park's entrance.

Three rental structures/shelters are available at the park for gatherings, birthday celebrations, award ceremonies, and picnics. There are also barbecue grills at the picnic tables, a swimming area, restrooms, a miniature golf course, a tennis court, a basketball court, a volleyball court, two boat ramps, a fishing pier, and a playground. Over 18,000 acres large, Lake Keowee offers a clear, blue reservoir that is renowned for fishing and water activities. The Sumter National Forest, Wild & Scenic Chattooga River, renowned waterfalls, Stumphouse Tunnel, Upstate Heritage Quilt Trail, a thriving arts community, Clemson University, and revitalized downtown settings brimming with dining and shopping are just a few of the nearby attractions available in the Mountain Lakes region.

Address: 671 High Falls Rd, Seneca, South Carolina

Official site: https://experienceoconee.com/parks/high-falls-park

Phone: +1 864-882-8234

Admission: $2 per car

Google rating: 4.7/5.0

A 48-acre park, South Cove Park is situated on the crystal-clear waters of Lake Keowee, which covers 18,500 acres, and is tucked away in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. On a 15-acre peninsula, there are 86 campsites with water and electricity, and 46 of them are waterfront. A dump station is situated close to the park's entrance, and two bathhouses provide service to the campsite area.

Both lakeside camping and a wide range of day-use amenities are available at South Cove Park. Three access ramps make fishing, boating, sailing, and water skiing easy to access. Day-use amenities include a handicapped-accessible fishing pier, four pickleball courts, three tennis courts, basketball, playground areas, picnic spaces, and a waterfront sand beach for sunbathing. Two rental structures/shelters are offered by South Cove and can be reserved for gatherings, birthday celebrations, award ceremonies, and picnics. The lake itself is huge with numerous inlets and coves to explore, and the lakeshore is heavily forested, mostly with pine trees. Including ducks, shorebirds, forest birds, and even the sporadic peregrine falcon and bald eagle, this area is home to over 200 kinds of birds.

Address: 1099 S Cove Rd, Seneca, South Carolina
Official site: https://experienceoconee.com/Parks/South-Cove-Park
Phone: +1 864-882-5250
Admission: $2 per car
Google rating: 4.6/5.0

The South Carolina Botanical Garden is located in Clemson, which is 45 minutes to the west of Greenville. This spring, a day trip to this attraction would be ideal. A pleasant visit to one of the top Gardens of the Upstate will be made possible by the vibrant spring foliage and the cool weather. The South Carolina Botanical Gardens, which span just under 300 acres, feature everything from natural landscapes to display gardens, as well as miles of waterways, nature paths, and the 70-acre Schoenike Arboretum.

The Gardens include a large variety of hollies, hydrangeas, magnolias, and native plants in addition to having over 300 different species of camellias. Parking in the lot off Pearman Blvd. nearest to the Heritage Garden will put you in the middle of this stunning botanical treasure, despite the fact that there are other points of entrance. This section of the garden also includes the Flower Display Garden, where you should stop to view what is in bloom before choosing one of the several trails that lead back to the Heritage Garden. If you keep going past the parking lot, you'll reach Kelly Meadow and the Meadow Pond, a stunning scene with a forest backdrop.

Address: 150 Discovery Ln, Clemson, South Carolina
Official site: http://www.clemson.edu/public/scbg/
Phone: +1 864-656-3405
Admission: Free
Google rating: 4.8/5.0

This is one of the Best Day Trips from South Carolina. The elevation of Sassafras Mountain is 3,553'. It is South Carolina's highest peak, so bear that in mind as you prepare for your summertime excursions. The peak crosses the Eastern Continental Divide as well as the border between North and South Carolina; on a clear day, the summit may be seen from four states. However, this picturesque vantage point is one of the "highest places" in the US that is the easiest to reach, making it ideal for a family day trip from Greenville.

It wasn't constantly reachable. Even though a fire lookout tower had been located there for a long time, it wasn't until the 1990s that the SC DNR obtained the land that is now known as the Jocassee Gorges. In 2010, three acres of trees were removed from the peak, revealing the vistas that can be seen today. At the same time, the final 4.5 miles of the road to the summit were paved, and a parking lot was put in place. The turning point was the completion of the Sassafras Mountain observation plaza, which had picnic tables, numerous viewing platforms, a central viewing tower, numerous pathways, informative signs, and restrooms.

Address: 1391 F Van Clayton Memorial Hwy, Sunset, South Carolina
Official site: N/A
Phone: N/A
Admission: Free
Google rating: 4.8/5.0

The 7,500-acre (3,035 ha) Lake Jocassee is bordered by the Devils Fork State Park, which is located in northwest South Carolina on the eastern fringe of the Sumter National Forest. It lies three miles (five kilometers) off SC 11, the Cherokee Scenic Highway, and close to the South Carolina town of Salem. The park offers canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and camping, including a number of paddle-in rustic sites. The park is widely recognized for its largemouth, smallmouth, and white bass, crappie, bream, and catfish in addition to its rainbow and brown trout.

Due to the lake's recent formation, roads, buildings, signs, and other indications of human existence can be seen on the lake's bottom. The park includes facilities for scuba divers, including a walk-in ramp. Thirty-foot visibility is typical. The park's 622-acre (2.5 km2) creation dates back to 1990. The park is home to the Oconee Bell, a wildflower native to North and South Carolina that thrives all across the park and makes up more than 90% of the global population of these delicate white and pink flowers. The park also contains numerous minor waterfalls that feed lake Jocassee.

Address: 161 Holcombe Cir, Salem, South Carolina
Official site: https://southcarolinaparks.com/devils-fork
Phone: +1 864-944-2639
Admission: Adults: $8; Children: $45 ; Under: Free.
Google rating: 4.7/5.0

A 3,083-acre (12.48 km2) park, Table Rock State Park is located in northern Pickens County, South Carolina, close to the Blue Ridge Mountains. The tallest mountain in the entire state, Pinnacle Mountain, is a part of the park. The park has a lodge constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) that has a kitchen and a dining area with 72 seats. Two park lakes are available for summer swimming, and there are hiking paths leading to Mill Creek Falls, the summit of Pinnacle Mountain (through two different routes), and the summit of Table Rock. There are playground equipment and picnic shelters, and a nature center offers educational events.

The rich history and intriguing educational opportunities are just two of the many things South Carolina State Parks take great delight in. The state parks of South Carolina provide a range of fascinating opportunities for learning outside the classroom, including guided history tours, practical instruction, and breathtaking natural scenery. A wide range of engaging educational programs is available at South Carolina state parks to help your kids learn while having fun. Our state parks provide a variety of programs and events that provide enjoyable educational opportunities for people of all ages, from sea turtle patrolling to interviewing park rangers.

Address: 158 E Ellison Ln, Pickens, South Carolina
Official site: http://www.southcarolinaparks.com/tablerock/introduction.aspx
Phone: +1 864-878-9813
Admission: Adults: $6; Children (6-15): $3.505; Under: Free
Google rating: 4.8/5.0

In Pickens County, South Carolina, there is a state park called Keowee-Toxaway State Park. It was built in 1970 on land that had previously belonged to Duke Power along the beaches of Lake Keowee. Exhibits regarding the nearby Cherokee Indians and their interactions with settlers may be found at the Keowee-Toxaway Museum. Along one trail, there are four interpretative kiosks that also focus on the Cherokees. Since then, the trail has been blocked, and the Cherokee museum in Walhalla now houses the items.

There are various picnic shelters in the park, as well as boat and fishing access to the nearby lake. There are two hiking trails available: the 1.4-mile (2.3-kilometer) Natural Bridge hiking path and the 3.1-mile (5.0-kilometer) Raven Rock hiking trail. There is also a brief interpretive loop trail. Visitors to the park can hike on two different routes that cross a natural bridge and pass into the Blue Ridge mountain foothills, where the Cherokee Indians originally roamed. Visitors can fish for bass, bream, crappie, and catfish at Lake Keowee by following a short, half-mile walk.

Address: 108 Residence Dr, Sunset, South Carolina
Official site: http://www.southcarolinaparks.com/keoweetoxaway/introduction.aspx
Phone: +1 864-868-2605
Admission: Free
Google rating: 4.7/5.0