Did you know that Father’s Day is under a month away? If that caught you off guard, then you might be panicking about what celebration activities to do, especially if you want to make Dad feel extra-special this year.
Thankfully, Father’s Day celebration ideas aren’t scarce, and in a city like Columbia, SC, you’ll have plenty of choices.
Don’t have the time to go through them all yourself, but still want top choices? Then keep reading to save time on research. Below, you’ll find a few unique Father’s Day activities in Columbia to consider.
Have Brunch at the Brookland Banquet & Conference Center
We know that brunches are typically for Mother’s Day, but who says you can’t celebrate Father’s Day with the same meal? It’s the perfect way to energize yourself for the day without having to get up early.
The Brookland Banquet & Conference Center is offering a tasty and special Father’s Day brunch this year, so head over to this West Columbia venue. It runs from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm, and you can fill up at the breakfast bar, as well as the carving and waffle stations. All pricing includes drinks, and you’ll hear wonderful performances from the jazz ensemble.
Go for Classic Southern Dining
Would Dad rather go out for dinner since he likes having most of his meals in the retirement community? Then you’ll have many choices in Columbia, especially if he wants a hearty Southern meal.
Our suggestions include:
- Doc’s Barbeque
- Kiki’s Chicken and Waffles
- Saluda’s
Do note that if you want something fancier to honor your dad, then go with Saluda’s. They still have Southern cuisine, but it’s more upscale, and you’ll love the historic setting.
Check Out Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
Animal lovers will definitely want to go to Riverbanks Zoo & Garden this Father’s Day. It’s home to over 3,000 animals from over 400 species in the world. Needless to say, it’ll be a highly engaging and educational experience.
This zoo and garden is also great for intergenerational bonding moments if you bring your children along. Together with Grandpa, they can get excited about the exotic animals they see.
Don’t worry about your dad getting exhausted either. While it’s a large place, there are plenty of shaded paths and ample seating to rest your feet.
Walk the Congaree National Park
The Congaree National Park is one of the numerous must-visit attractions in Columbia. There’s a boardwalk loop trail that’s accessible, and it’ll give you and your dad a serene experience amidst large and old trees in the forest.
Do note that at the time of writing, some areas of the boardwalk are under construction a project to strengthen the trail, and detours will be present. The project is estimated to be completed in the summer of 2026.
If you’ve got time, then you can also go canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. A trip to the research learning center can be excellent, too.
Spend the Day at Lake Murray
Lake Murray is another destination that has outstanding family activities for older dads. It’s referred to as the “Jewel of South Carolina,” so that should give you a hint of what you can discover there.
This lake is a reservoir and actually started off as a source of energy for the local area in 1930. Today, it’s a major recreation spot, and you’ll find wildlife habitats and more here.
For a relaxed Father’s Day, consider taking your dad out on a relaxing boat ride or having a lakeside picnic. There are several companies that have pontoon rentals, so you’ll have plenty of options.
Explore the South Carolina State Museum
Regarding Columbia, SC senior events, a safe bet is the South Carolina State Museum. It’s ideal for curious minds, as it has tons of information about South Carolina history, natural history, art, and science.
The museum has four floors of exhibits, which can be daunting. However, it’s open from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm, and admission isn’t expensive ($13 for adults, $11 for seniors over 62). You don’t have to see everything at once, and the museum is fully accessible with lots of seating areas.
Marvel at the Pieces in the Columbia Museum of Art
Now that Dad’s a little older, life’s slowed down for him. He now has the time to stop and appreciate the finer things in life, such as art. This is why this Father’s Day, you have to take him to the Columbia Museum of Art.
It’s currently the museum’s 75th anniversary, and it’s closed temporarily for a lighting update project. It’ll reopen May 24th, so you and Dad will be among the first people to see the new light installations, as well as the art collections and rotating exhibitions.
The best thing about this museum is that it’s fully accessible. There are no barriers, and you can rent wheelchairs and rollators for free.
Enjoy Columbia’s Live Music Scene
When honoring fathers in senior living, a fantastic idea is to show your dad the city’s live music scene. Music can do wonders for the soul, and it might be what he needs to feel young again.
You should check local listings for jazz or classical music performances around Father’s Day. For example, venues like the Koger Center for the Arts often have senior-friendly events, so you can count on comfortable seating and acoustics.
Unique Father’s Day Activities
There’s a plethora of unique Father’s Day activities you can do in Columbia, and we’ve chosen varying ones for different mobility levels. That way, you can pick the activities your dad’s comfortable with!
So weigh up the above suggestions and choose a few that you feel your father would be interested in. If possible, invite a few family and friends to join so he sees how truly loved he is. Together, you can make lasting memories that you’ll talk about for years to come.
Would you like to see how terrific senior living in Columbia, SC, can be? Then schedule a tour at TerraBella Windsor Lake now. Our entire community is wheelchair-accessible, and we also have a senior-focused fitness center.
