Friday, February 4, 2011

Roadtrip: Charleston's Children's Museum of the Lowcountry

Who isn't looking for a good excuse to go to Charleston? Several months ago Groupon had a special deal on tickets to the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry. (If you haven't checked out Groupon yet, what are you waiting on?!) I had no idea what the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry was, but since it was (a) for children and (b) in Charleston, I jumped on the deal.

We drove to Charleston one dreary cold day this past December to check it out, and we were pleasantly surprised. (For starters, it is across the street from my favorite Charleston restaurant, 39 Rue de John, but I digress...). I have visited several children's museums in various cities over the past five years, and this might be my favorite one.

Why? Lots of free play--and parents can actually relax while the kids are exploring!



I confess I was a little underwhelmed when we first walked in. It's a small, narrow unassuming building. But it is very long.

There are seven exhibit rooms: The Art Room, Medieval Creativity Castle, Raceways, Waterwise, Pirates, Charleston Market, and an Infant / Toddler Playspace. There is also a Children's Garden outside.

The Castle is located to the right of the foyer, and it was our first stop. When we first entered the castle room, I nervously followed our two-year old around, up and down the steps and through low-ceilinged corridors, afraid she would escape the castle unnoticed and wander off never to be seen again. But I soon discovered that all the nooks and crannies and stairs of the castle eventually dump into the same central room--a room that is pleasantly stocked with seating for parents. Once I realized she could not leave the castle without passing through that room, I was able to sit down and chat with my husband while the kids explored and played. How's that for a museum outing?!

The kids loved the Creativity Castle. They could have spent an hour or more there alone. There was dress-up, a shadow cave, and a medieval kitchen area, where children could pretend to be medieval cooks. The neatest part of the castle was that it was truly kid-sized. Did I mention the low ceilings?!

The entire museum is designed for kids (and parents) in mind. I noticed that in every exhibit room, parents could either position themselves to see the entire room from one position, or they could position themselves in one place and know that the children would have to pass that point before leaving the room (for example, all the openings in the castle dump into one room, and the pirate ship is accessible by one entrance). This allows kids to explore and play without their parents tagging along behind every step (although you should spend some time playing with your children--after all, that's why you're here, right?!).

Our other favorite room was the Raceways Room, which has several Newtonian exhibits involving golf balls. Both of my children loved this room!

I would recommend this room for toddlers, preschoolers, and young elementary-aged children. I think it's worth a trip to Charleston if you're dying to get out and need something new to do. Or, keep it in mind the next time you travel to Charleston!

They are open Tuesday-Saturday from 9:00 a.m. -- 5:00 p.m., and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. -- 5:00 p.m. Admission is $7 per person; children under 12 months are free.

Interested in going? Click here for more information, including directions.

Discount at Barnes & Noble

Today's Groupon is a $20 gift certificate to Barnes & Noble for just $10! This is a great place to take the children to hang out, play with the toy train, and buy books. Interested? There's a limited quantity available, so go to Groupon now!

Free this Weekend 2/4--2/7

Friday, February 4:

Free Admission to Riverbanks Zoo for residents of Richland and Lexington Counties. I know it's cold and rainy, but you can still enjoy the aquarium and the bird house.

Saturday, February 5:

Free Admission to EdVenture for Bank of America Cardholders

Family Storytimes:
10:30 a.m., Richland County Public Library (Main)
10:30 a.m., Sandhills Branch (RCPL)
11:00 a.m., St. Andrews Regional Branch (RCPL)
11:00 a.m., Northeast Regional Branch (RCPL)
11:00 a.m., Southeast Regional Branch (RCPL)
11:00 a.m., Cooper Branch (RCPL)
11:00 a.m., Sandhills Branch (RCPL)
11:00 a.m., Lexington County Public Library (Main)

Twix-n-Between: 12:30 p.m., North Main Branch (RCPL). Stories for ages 9-12. Call 754-7734 to register.

3d Annual Anti-Valentine's Day Festival: 3:30 p.m., Irmo Branch (LCPL). Join us for chocolate and fun, but no cupids and hearts! Grades 6-12. Call Youth Services at 798-7880 ext. 3 for more information.


Sunday, February 6:

Free Admission to EdVenture for Bank of America Cardholders

Free Admission to Columbia Museum of Art

Guided Canoe Tour: 2:00 p.m., Congaree National Park. Ages 5 and up. Registration required: 776-4396. Do NOT leave a voicemail for reservations.

Monday, February 7:

Black History Month Trivia: All day, Northeast Regional Branch, RCPL. Stop by and answer new trivia questions each week for a chance to win cool prizes! Ages 6-12.

Pajamarama Storytime: 6:30 p.m., Southeast Regional Branch (RCPL). Wear your pjs!

Free Museums this Weekend!

It's the first weekend of the month, and if you are a Bank of America cardholder, you receive free admission to participating museums! You will need your BOA card as well as a picture id; each cardholder gets free general admission. Participating museums include:

Columbia: EdVenture Children's Museum

Charlotte: Mint Museum Uptown
                Mint Museum Randolph
                Levine Museum of the New South
                Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
                NASCAR Hall of Fame
                Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture

Durham:   Nasher Museum of Art at Duke Univeristy

Raleigh:     Marbles Kids Museum

Atlanta:      Atlanta History Center
                  High Museum of Art

Cartersville: Booth Western Art Museum
                   Tellus Science Museum

Savannah:   Telfair Museums

There are additional museums located nationwide. I've highlighted the ones that are within a day's driving distance.

If you decide to venture to the Raleigh / Durham area, don't forget about these other free museums in Raleigh:
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
North Carolina Museum of History

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Discount on My Gym

Today's Columbia Groupon gets you Lifetime Membership, Four Classes and Four Freeplays at My Gym Children's Fitness for just $39! That's a savings of more than $100. Instructors use gymnastics, music and dance to build children's strength and self-esteem. My Gym Children's Fitness has more than 200 locations worldwide. There are two in Columbia: Northeast Columbia and Lexington. If you are interested, get your Groupon today!

Free this Weekend: 1/29--1/31

Saturday, January 29

Morning of Puppets: 11:00 a.m., Southeast Regional Branch (RCPL).

Family Movie Time: 11:00 a.m., Lexington County Public Library (Main).

Celebration of Motherland Africa: 2:00 p.m., North Main Branch (RCPL). Come celebrate Black History Month and the beauty of Africa with food, music and dance.

Game On! Winter Games: 3:00 p.m., Cooper Branch (RCPL). Challenge your friends in Wii games. Ages 9-12. Call 787-3462 to register.

Family Storytimes:
10:30 a.m., Richland County Public Library (Main)
11:00 a.m., Northeast Regional (RCPL)
11:00 a.m., St. Andrews Regional (RCPL)
11:00 a.m., Cooper Branch (RCPL)
11:00 a.m., Sandhills Branch (RCPL)

Sunday, January 30
Guided Canoe Tour: 2:00 p.m., Congaree National Park. Ages 5 and up. Registration required: 776-4396. Do NOT leave a voicemail for reservations.

The Three Little Pigs Opera: 3:00 p.m., Richland County Public Library (Main). FBN Productions performs and operatic version of the classic tale.

Free Admission to Columbia Museum of Art

Monday, January 31

Pajamarama Storytime: 6:30 p.m., Southeast Regional Branch (RCPL). Wear your pajamas!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Discount on clothes from Bumble Boutique

Easter is coming, and those of you who plan ahead may be interested in today's Columbia Groupon: a $30 gift card to Bumble Boutique for only $15! Bumble Boutique is an upscale children's boutique located in Forest Acres, next to the Publix on Trenholm and Forest Drive. They carry smocked clothing, baby and children clothes, accessories, toys, and more! It doesn't expire until July 27, 2011, so grab one now for that perfect Easter dress or for picture-perfect clothes for your summer beach trip. Not valid on online purchase or on sale items.

Interested? Go to Groupon today!

Monday, January 24, 2011

Free this Week

Tuesday, 1/25/11

Art Tuesdays, 2:00 p.m., Ballentine Branch (RCPL): Self-directed art projects.

Reader's Theatre, 4:15 p.m., Cooper Branch (RCPL): Theatre group with Columbia Children's Theatre. Learn character development, acting skills, and have fun. Ages 9-12. Call 787-3462 to register.

Lego Madness, 6:30 p.m., Northeast Regional Branch (RCPL): create cities, robots, and more using LEGOS and other tools. Ages 6-12.

Astronomy Night, 6:30 p.m., Lexington County Public Library (Main): star gazing and telescope viewing (weather permitting); talk led by Lexington High School Astronomy Instructor Bob Carroll. Ages 12 and up. Call 785-2684 if you have questions.

Wednesday, 1/26/11

Teen Time--Pizza and Puzzles, 4:00 p.m., Batesville-Leesville Branch (LCPL). Ages 6-12.

Family Storytimes:
10:30 a.m., Richland County Public Library, Main
10:30 a.m., Southeast Regional (RCPL)

Thursday, 1/27/11

Afternoon of Puppets, 4:00 p.m., Richland County Public Library (Main).

Scrapbooking workshop for Teens, 5:00 p.m., Cayce West Columbia Branch (RCPL). Bring your own pictures and pages. Grades 6-12. Call 791-6791, ext. 5, to register.

Books and Beyond, 4:00 p.m., Gaston Branch (LCPL). K5-5th grade. Call 791-3208 for more information.

Friday, 1/28/11

Free Admission to Riverbanks Zoo

Teen Time: Amazing Race, 4:00 p.m., South Congaree-Pine Ridge Branch (LCPL). Race to compete in various contests: food, trivia and relay. Call 785-3050 for more information.

Family Storytimes:
10:30 a.m., Richland County Public Library (Main)
11:00 a.m., Ballentine Branch (RCPL)

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Kids Books at a Great Price

I'm excited about today's Columbia Groupon: $7 for $15 worth of used books at Books Revisited! I've never been to Books Revisited, but I'm excited to learn that we have a used book store in Columbia. I love the idea of reselling used books--it saves money, saves trees, and saves space in our landfills. And according to thier website, all children's books are $2--something every budget-minded parent should be thrilled about! Want even more savings? Gather up your old books and they will give you store credit for them!

If this sounds like a good deal to you, head over to Groupon to get a $15 gift card for $7!

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Free Admission to Columbia Museum of Art

Tomorrow is Sunday, and that means the Columbia Museum of Art is FREE! This event is sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina. The museum is open Sundays from noon to 5:00 p.m., and is located downtown at 1515 Main Street.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Art for Kids

Are you interested in exposing your children to the arts? Check out the following events in Columbia this weekend:

Saturday, January 22:

The Snow Queen: The Columbia Marionette Theatre, 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Come watch this adaptation of the classic fairy tale by Hans Christian Anderson. Tickets are $5.

Art School: Sculpture 101: Columbia Museum of Art, ages 8-12, 10:00--2:00 p.m.. Make your own sculpture using wire and fabric. $40 for nonmembers, $32 for Kids Plus members. Click here to register.

Free This Weekend

If you've got cabin fever, check out one of these free events this weekend.

Thursday, January 20:

Fly South for Winter, 3:30 p.m., St. Andrews Regional Library (RCPL). Stories and craft about birds who fly south for winter. Ages 3-12.

Pajamarama Bedtime Storytime, 6:30 p.m., Ballentine Library (RCPL). Wear your pjs--what could be better than that?!

Friday, January 21:

Free Fridays at Riverbanks Zoo: Residents of Richland and Lexington County get into Riverbanks Zoo free on Fridays in January and February: Free Fridays at Riverbanks Zoo.

Family Story Time:
10:30 a.m., Blythewood Library (RCPL)
11:00 a.m., Blythewood Library (RCPL)

Winter Wonderland, 10:30 a.m., Wheatly Branch Library (RCPL). For ages 3-5; call 799-5873.

Bedtime Story Time, 6:00 p.m., Pelion Branch Library (LCPL). Call 785-3272.

Saturday, January 22:

Puppet Show by The Puppet Playhouse, 10:30 a.m., Irmo Branch Library (LCPL). Call 798-7880.

Bon Voyage, Adios, and Au Revoir: Let's take a Trip @ Your Library, 11:00 a.m., Ballentine Branch (RCPL). This week: explore Australia through language, stories and crafts. Ages 6-12.

Family Movie Time, 11:00 a.m., South Congaree-Pine Ridge Branch (LCPL). Call 785-3050.

A Great Day for Money, 12:00-3:00 p.m., Richland County Main Library. Ages 9-12. Help your children learn about money! Presented by the S.C. Office of Economic Development. Call 929-3434 to register.

Basic Organic Gardening for Teens, 2:30 p.m., North Main Branch Library. All supplies are provided. Call 754-7734 to register.

Family Story Times:
10:30 a.m., Richland County Public Library (Main)
11:00 a.m., Northeast Regional Library (RCPL)
11:00 a.m., Southeast Regional Library (RCPL)
11:00 a.m., St. Andrews Regional Library (RCPL)
11:00 a.m., Cooper Regional Library (RCPL)
11:00 a.m., Sandhills Regional LIbrary (RCPL)

Guided Canoe Tour, 2:00 p.m., Congaree National Park. Children must be at least five years old. Call 776-4396 to register.

Sunday, January 23:

Guided Canoe Tour, 2:00 p.m., Congaree National Park. Children must be at least five years old. Call 776-4396 to register.

Columbia Museum of Art: Free admission on Sundays courtesy of BlueCross Blue Shield.

Monday, January 24:

Pajamarama Bedtime Story, 6:30, Southeast Regional Library (RCPL)

For more information about Richland County Public Library, including additional age-specific storytimes, visit Richland County Public Library. For more information about Lexington County Public Library, including additional age-specific storytimes, visit Lexington County Public Library.

If you know of any additional kid-friendly free events in the Columbia area this weekend, please leave a commnet!

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Free Fridays at Riverbanks Zoo!

Riverbanks Zoo is offering free admission on Fridays during the months of January and February for residents of Richland and Lexington County. If you are not already a member, be sure to check it out while it is free! They are open 9:00 to 5:00 during the winter. We have lots of nice days during the winter in Columbia (assuming the snow ever melts), but if it's cold out you can still enjoy many of their indoor exhibits, such as the aquarium and the bird house.