Cola City Homeschoolers

Common Ground Collective: Jackbox Games 2
2025-03-19 12:30 - 14:30 UTC | In Person
Jackbox Games: Rescheduled
March 19 from 12:30-2:30pm
At UU Congregation
All Ages — $5/participant
NOTE: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED from 3/5.
The Common Ground Collective is a space for students and parents to come together, connect, and grow. In a world often divided by differences, our mission is to create a joyful and supportive community where we celebrate what makes us unique and discover the common ground that unites us all.
Jackbox is a collection of fun party games played digitally. Think of it as updated versions charades, trivia, or win lose or draw. The games are easy to learn and play–if you’ve never played before or if you’re shy or introverted. https://www.jackboxgames.com/
Location: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia, 2701 Heyward St, Columbia, SC 29205
Bring a wi-fi device (phone or tablet or laptop computer) for each player. Players can also buddy up on a shared device. Bring your own lunch or snacks, too.
Look for Angela to greet you. Call or text if you get lost along the way 803-743-8802
Sign up here to reserve your space:

Mind Your Own Beeswax! Hives & Honey
2025-03-19 10:00 - 11:00
Mind Your Own Beeswax! Hives & Honey
by High Falls County Park
Wednesday, March 19th @10am
Ages 7-13 — FREE
Note: This is NOT a Cola City event
Find out what makes bees so awesome in this program for kids! Best for ages 7-13. We’ll learn about how bees contribute to our environment and sample honey. Meet the bees (safely contained!) in a special observation hive. Then we’ll make crafts out of beeswax!
Reserve your spot HERE!

Take A Hike March 2025
2025-03-15 10:00 - 13:00
Take A Hike 2025
by City of Aiken Recreation & Tourism
Saturday, March 15th @10am
All Ages — FREE
Note: This is NOT a Cola City event.
Take-A-Hike with us on March 15, 2025! Join us at Boyd Pond Park in Aiken, SC, for a FREE guided 2-mile hike and mountain trail exploration from 10 AM – 1 PM.
Location: 340 Boyd Pond Rd, Aiken, SC Register by March 14 at one of our facilities or online.https://cityofaikensc.recdesk.com/Commu…/Program/Detail… Light refreshments provided!
Tag your hiking buddies and let’s hit the trails!

SJCSRA Aiken Coin Show
2025-03-15 09:00 - 16:00
SJCSRA Aiken Coin Show
by SC Numismatic Association
Saturday, March 15th @9am
All Ages — FREE
Note: This is NOT a Cola City event.
Coins, currency and much more. Family Friendly. FREE Parking, FREE Admission, Kids gifts and ANACS on site. Boy Scout Merit Badge Clinic at 10:00 AM
More info HERE!

Let Grow Play Club: March
2025-03-12 12:30 - 14:30 | In Person
Let Grow Play Club: March
by Cola City Homeschoolers
Wednesday, March 12, 12-2:30 pm
FREE — All ages
This activity *IS* hosted by Cola City Homeschoolers, but there is no sign up necessary. Just show up but there is a sign up form so we can send you a reminder about the location details each week.
This is not just another playground meet-up group. It’s a new kind of play program. Intentionally designed to foster independence, social development, problem solving–for all ages (especially 8+). Families with younger siblings are also welcome, though.
We hope to see this grow and expand to more projects and activities thru the fall to develop interpersonal connections as well as personal agency. We’re meeting up on every other WEDNESDAY.
Let Grow Play Club WEDNESDAYS 12:30-2:30 pm now thru May
Location: Owens Field Park, 1401 Jim Hamilton Blvd, Columbia
Bring: yard games, balls/frisbies, bubbles, nerf blasters, sidewalk chalk, table games/activities, scooters, skate boards, bikes. AND KITES!
Parents also bring beach chairs, sunscreen, bottled water and snacks.
For more information about the “Let Grow” initiative, Click HERE
Contact Kim with any questions or to brainstorm ideas: colacityinfo@gmail.com
Call or Text if you get lost along the way: 803-307-4880

STEAM Studios: Homeschool Edition
2025-03-10 14:00 - 15:00
STEAM Studios: Homeschool Edition
by Richland Library Lower Richland
Monday, March 10th @2pm
All Ages — FREE
Note: This is NOT a Cola City event.
Learn about insects using a microscope while enjoying games and activities. Live blue death feigning beetles will be available for observation.
More info about this event HERE.

10th Annual Shamrock Parade
2025-03-09 15:00 - 17:00
10th Annual Shamrock Parade
by Blowfish Baseball
Sunday, March 9th @3pm
FREE — All Ages
Note: This is NOT a Cola City event.
The 10th Annual Shamrock Parade is scheduled to take place Sunday, March 9 at 3 p.m. in downtown Lexington!
The Irish dancers, marching bands, cars filled with beauty queens, floats featuring characters and community leaders will travel straight down Main Street for this family event!
Get your green apparel and shamrocks out for a day of fun in Lexington! You can line up on either side of Main Street to enjoy the parade. There will be spots along the route which will include music and live audio about each participant.
More info HERE!

Disability Celebration Day
2025-03-08 09:00 - 15:00
Disability Celebration Day
by South Carolina State Museum
Saturday, March 8th @9am
All Ages — FREE
Note: This is NOT a Cola City event.
Program participants can help create a 1,500 square foot mural with Zot Artz Community Art Creation, enjoy Sensory Friendly and ASL interpreted shows, experience a Silent Disco, meet several Community Resource Partners, and so much more!
Online pre-registration for Disability Celebration Day is encouraged, but walk-up participation the day of the event is also welcome.
Disability Celebration Day attendance and activities are free for participants, with the exception of planetarium and 4D theater shows which carry an additional charge.
Program Schedule
An American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter, sponsored by Colonial Life, will be available during the day provided by certified interpreters through the SC School for the Deaf and the Blind. Activities featuring ASL interpretation are noted (ASL) below.
Many activities and shows are capacity limited so pre-registration is encouraged to ensure we can best accommodate all participants.
Activities
9 – 11 a.m. | Sensory Hours: Sounds and lights in the museum will be turned down wherever possible for a more sensory-friendly exploration experience.
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Meet Community Resource Partners from across the state and learn more about local accessibility focused groups and organizations here to serve you.
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | ZotArtz Community Art Creation featuring art experiences and art tools for everyone. Using accessible art tools, each participant will paint on a large floor mural and make individual poster-sized paintings to take home. Art rollers will also attach to wheelchairs and stamping tools to give everyone the opportunity to make art. This creative process uses paint, so participants should wear their art clothes. Your wheelchairs and other devices will be safe and shoes and wheels will be covered. We will have shoe covers for your shoes (and can help fit them to your service animal as well).
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Silent Disco with fun space that includes music via headphones so you can party and dance to the music at your own pace! Feel free to turn the music up – or down – as you need! Provided by The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry.
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Several hands-on stations will be available throughout the museum including an astronomy touch zone in the observatory and hands-on history stations in the museum galleries.
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Astronomy Sonification: Hear what space looks like as our astronomers discuss how NASA has encoded information about stars, galaxies, and other celestial objects with sound.
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | A mini-exhibition from AbleSC celebrating Disability Pride and Disability Rights along with a postcard and poster making station.
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Sensory Room offering a dedicated quiet space with a variety of tools for guests who may need to take a break during their visit to the museum. Presented by The Behavior Co.
More info can be found HERE!

Homeschool Game Day: March
2025-03-07 12:00 - 14:00 | In Person
Homeschool Day
by Firefly Toys & Games
First Friday of the Month
All Ages — Free
Note: This is not a Cola City Event. We are meeting up there–so keep an eye out for other Cola City connections!
This free event is the First Friday of the month from 12-2pm. Open to all ages. Located at Firefly Toys & Games, 736 Saint Andrews Rd Ste C, Columbia, SC
Firefly staff will be highlighting and teaching educational board games which cover a range of subjects, such as: Math, Science, Geography, Chemistry and many more.
Use games for education; come learn about it.
And look for other Cola City Homeschoolers! We’re scheduling this as a meet-up time/location for our “Let Grow Club” initiative.
NOTE: Firefly is hosting a DnD tutorial for beginners for anyone who wants to learn Dungeons and Dragons. All Ages!

Common Ground Club: Jackbox Games
2025-03-05 12:30 - 14:30 | In Person
Jackbox Games
March 5 from 12:30-2:30pm
At UU Congregation
All Ages — $5/participant
NOTE: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED TILL 3/19, due to inclement weather. Stay safe, y’all!
The Common Ground Collective is a space for students and parents to come together, connect, and grow. In a world often divided by differences, our mission is to create a joyful and supportive community where we celebrate what makes us unique and discover the common ground that unites us all.
Jackbox is a collection of fun party games played digitally. Think of it as updated versions charades, trivia, or win lose or draw. The games are easy to learn and play–if you’ve never played before or if you’re shy or introverted. https://www.jackboxgames.com/
Location: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia, 2701 Heyward St, Columbia, SC 29205
Bring a wi-fi device (phone or tablet or laptop computer) for each player. Players can also buddy up on a shared device. Bring your own lunch or snacks, too.
Look for Angela to greet you. Call or text if you get lost along the way 803-743-8802
Sign up here to reserve your space:

Backyard Saturday: Squirrels
2025-03-01 10:00 - 12:00
Backyard Saturday: Squirrels
by Saluda Shoals Park
Saturday, March 1st @10am
PreK thru Age 7 — $5 Parking fee
Note: This is NOT a Cola City event.
Join us for an exciting outdoor nature awareness day all about squirrels! This fun-filled event is perfect for kids who are curious about wildlife and love to explore the great outdoors. We’ll dive into the fascinating world of squirrels with engaging activities, biofacts, crafts, and stories that bring these furry little creatures to life.
This event is designed to spark curiosity and help kids connect with nature, all while having a blast! Whether you’re a young adventurer or a budding nature enthusiast, there’s something for everyone at Backyard Saturday. Don’t miss out on this exciting day of discovery!
Activities are appropriate to age 7Cattail Shelter/ Saluda Shoals Wetland Preserve$5/parking fee
More info HERE

Let Grow Play Club
2025-02-26 12:30 - 14:30 | In Person
Let Grow Play Club: February
by Cola City Homeschoolers
Wednesday, Feb 26, 12-2:30 pm
FREE — All ages
This activity *IS* hosted by Cola City Homeschoolers, but there is no sign up necessary. Just show up but there is a sign up form so we can send you a reminder about the location details each week.
This is not just another playground meet-up group. It’s a new kind of play program. Intentionally designed to foster independence, social development, problem solving–for all ages (especially 8+). Families with younger siblings are also welcome, though.
We hope to see this grow and expand to more projects and activities thru the fall to develop interpersonal connections as well as personal agency. We’re meeting up on every other WEDNESDAY.
Let Grow Play Club WEDNESDAYS 12:30-2:30 pm now thru May
Location: Owens Field Park, 1401 Jim Hamilton Blvd, Columbia
Free parking lot on Park Street–near the lower level entrance to the Teen/Children’s area.
Let Grow Play Club

Contact Kim with any questions or to brainstorm ideas: colacityinfo@gmail.com
Call or Text if you get lost along the way: 803-307-4880

Columbia Winter Stamp Show
2025-02-22 10:00 - 2025-02-23 15:00
Columbia Winter Stamp Show
by Columbia Philatelic Society
Saturday & Sunday, Feb 22-23rd @10am
All Ages — FREE
Note: This is NOT a Cola City event.
Stamp collecting is a fun, educational, and affordable hobby, and we’re excited to introduce it to a new generation. We’ll have free activities, prizes, and of course stamps! for any kids and teens that stop by.
The show is located at the Tri City Leisure Center, 485 Brooks Ave in West Columbia.
More info about the event and the oldest stamp collecting club in the state can be found HERE!

Family Dance Party 2
2025-02-21 18:30 - 21:30 | In Person
Family Dance Party
Hosted by Cola City Homeschoolers
Friday, February 21, 6:30-9:30 pm
All Ages — $10/ticket
Note: This event is hosted by Cola City Homeschoolers. This is not a drop-off event. Scroll down to register for tickets.
BACK by popular demand!! Ready to shake off the winter blues!
It’s our 2nd Annual Family Dance Party on Friday, February 21st from 6:30-9:30 pm. Located at St. David’s Lutheran Church (in the gym) 132 St Davids Church Rd, West Columbia, SC 29170.
Tickets are $10 for all ages. Photo booth and refreshments included. Glow sticks and minute-to-win games/prizes too! Featuring DJ: Cindy Cheek
Parents are asked to stay on site, participate in the activities–it’s family fun. Dressy/Semi-formal/Festive attire recommended (in other words: dress-up/not casual). Theme is Glitter and Glow–Shimmer and Shine. Wear clothing and accessories that light up!
Contact Kim/Cola City homeschoolers with any questions: colacityinfo@gmail.com
Register HERE for this Cola City Event:

Make-it-Take-it Crafts
2025-02-19 12:30 - 14:30 | In Person
Make-it-Take-it Crafts
By Cola City Homeschoolers
Wednesday, February 19 @12:30
All ages — $5/participant
Note: This is a Cola City event. Registration required, so we can get an accurate head count and cover our overhead costs. Scroll down to sign up.
The Common Ground Collective is a space for students and parents to come together, connect, and grow. In a world often divided by differences, our mission is to create a joyful and supportive community where we celebrate what makes us unique and discover the common ground that unites us all.
Whether you’re looking to foster stronger relationships, deepen your understanding of others, or simply find joy in meaningful conversations, the Common Ground Collective offers a welcoming space to grow, learn, and thrive—together.
Join us as we build bridges, spread kindness, and create a community rooted in understanding and joy! Read more about the Common Ground Collective
This week’s activity is Make-it-Take-it Crafts. Some of the activities we have planned: reverse coloring pages, Tinfoil balloons, yarn hearts, and more. All ages. Teens can participate or help facilitate the games.
Cost: $5/participant to help cover the overhead costs and facility rental.
Location: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia, 2701 Heyward St, Columbia, SC 29205. Free parking along both sides of the street. Spaces may or may not have lines. Just don’t block driveways or firelane.
Sign up here to reserve your space:

Little Flippers Pinball Tournament
2025-02-15 12:00 - 14:00
Little Flippers Pinball Tournament
by Bang Back Pinball Lounge
Saturday, Feb 15th @12pm
Ages 4-12 — FREE
Note: This is NOT a Cola City event.
Every THIRD SATURDAY between 12-2 pm, Bang Back is hosting a Little Flippers Tournament! This is a FREE Kids tournament for ages 4-12.5 rounds group matchplay1 game final for top 4Bring the whole family to learn something new about pinball, enjoy some food from the Funky Fresh Food Truck, and have fun! Directly afterwards we will have our Sensory Sensitive Fun time for kids with sensory needs to have a space of their own do discover and learn about the game we all love… PINBALL!
More info HERE!

Valentines Pizza Party & Card Exchange
2025-02-14 13:00 - 15:30
Valentines Pizza Party & Card Exchange
by Akoma Cares
Friday, Feb 14th @1pm
All Ages — $2
Note: This is NOT a Cola City event
Join us for our annual Valentine’s Pizza Party and Card Exchange. There will be pizza with light refreshments, music, games, and a chance for the kids to exchange Valentine’s among friends.

Please bring 30 signed kids Valentine cards, pieces of candy, OR party favors for your child/children to pass out. Bags for their Valentine cards and gifts will be provided at the party.

Tickets are donation-based with an option to pay what you want at checkout. We do ask for a minimum donation of $2 per person. Your contribution will help us cover the cost of food and supplies for the event. Thank you and hope to see you there!
Party is located at:
5637 Bush River Rd, Columbia, SC 29212, USA
More info and tickets HERE!

Let Grow Play Club
2025-02-12 12:30 - 14:30 | In Person
Let Grow Play Club: February
by Cola City Homeschoolers
Wednesday, Feb 12, 12-2:30 pm
FREE — All ages
This activity *IS* hosted by Cola City Homeschoolers, but there is no sign up necessary. Just show up but there is a sign up form so we can send you a reminder about the location details each week.
This is not just another playground meet-up group. It’s a new kind of play program. Intentionally designed to foster independence, social development, problem solving–for all ages (especially 8+). Families with younger siblings are also welcome, though.
We hope to see this grow and expand to more projects and activities thru the fall to develop interpersonal connections as well as personal agency. We’re meeting up on every other WEDNESDAY.
Let Grow Play Club WEDNESDAYS 12:30-2:30 pm now thru May
Location: Owens Field Park, 1401 Jim Hamilton Blvd, Columbia
Alternate location/Inclement weather: Richland Library Children’s/Teens Room, 1431 Assembly St.
Columbia
Bring: yard games, balls/frisbies, bubbles, nerf blasters, sidewalk chalk, table games/activities, scooters, skate boards, bikes.
Parents also bring beach chairs, sunscreen, bottled water and snacks.
For more information about the “Let Grow” initiative, Click HERE
Contact Kim with any questions or to brainstorm ideas: colacityinfo@gmail.com
Call or Text if you get lost along the way: 803-307-4880

Homeschool Game Day: First Friday
2025-02-07 12:00 - 14:00 | In Person

Goldilocks Ballet
2025-02-07 11:00 - 12:30 | In Person
Goldilocks & 3 B’s Ballet
Education Outreach Performance
by Columbia City Ballet
Friday, February 7 at 11:15 am
$6.50/seat — All Ages
Note: This group rate discount is organized by Cola City Homeschoolers. Seating is limited for this sold out performance. Registration and prepayment is required–scroll down for registration.
Columbia City Ballet offers Education Outreach performances especially for children. This program is “Goldilocks & The Three B’s: Bach, Beethoven & Beyonce”. Cola City Homeschoolers has secured a group discount rate for each seat, including adults and students on Friday, February at 11:15 am.
These extended opportunities incorporate the interrelated nature of the elements of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, Math). Performances last approximately 1 hour and include a Q&A session. Productions are narrated providing students a clear understanding of the story and allowing them to fully appreciate the professional dancers of Columbia City Ballet and its high artistic and production standards.
Please plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early to allow time to find parking and to be seated. Parking is available for an hourly rate in the nearby parking garage and also street meters.
Contact colacityinfo@gmail.com with any questions about this group event.
Call or text Kim A. if you’re running late or lost along the way: 803-307-4880
Reserve your seats now:

Career Day Expo
2025-02-06 09:00 - 15:00 | In Person
Career Day Expo
by Cola City Homeschoolers
Thursday, February 6 from 9am-3pm
$25 — Teens (ages 13+)/Parents
NOTE: This event is hosted by Cola City Homeschoolers. Registration is required: Click HERE
Are you ready to explore exciting career paths and gain hands-on experience? Join us for an engaging Career Day, specially designed for homeschool high school students! This event is packed with interactive workshops, expert advice, and real-world activities that will help you discover your passions and shape your future.
An Event Especially for High Schoolers!
What to Expect:

Interactive Workshops led by industry professionals in various fields.
Hands-On Experiences that let you try out different skills and discover what excites you.
Career Exploration where you can ask questions, learn about potential career paths, and get personalized advice.
Networking Opportunities to connect with mentors and professionals who are eager to share their knowledge.

Why Attend?

Explore a variety of career options through real-world experiences.
Gain valuable insights from professionals in various fields.
Get inspired to take the next steps toward your future career.
Make connections that could help guide your career journey.

Learn, Grow, and Have Fun While Discovering Potential Career Paths!
Date and Time: Thursday, February 6 from 9am-3pm
Location: Cornerstone Presbyterian Church (Fellowship Hall), 5637 Bush River Rd, Columbia, SC 29212
Cost: $25 for teens (ages 13+); Lunch/Refreshments optional add-on; Parent-Educator/Chaperone: $25 with student

Featured Workshop: Be Pro Be Proud, Exploring Trade Skills and Careers
SC Discus: Free resources for Career Explorations for High Schoolers presented by SC State Library. Bring your own electronic device for hands-on practice
Test Prep and Science Apps: Free resources (and games) to improve your test scores presented by US Army.
Soap Knapping Workshop: Highlighting land history and preservation for park ranger/guide/naturalist by Nature As Teacher
STEM Stations Open Lab: Highlighting several hands-on STEM activities to explore your interests. Presented by Cola City Homeschoolers

Click HERE to
Reserve your space NOW!

Minute-to-Win-it Games
2025-02-05 12:30 - 14:30 | In Person
Minute-to-Win-it Games
By Cola City Homeschoolers
Wednesday, February 5 @12:30
All ages — $5/participant
Note: This is a Cola City event. Registration required, so we can get an accurate head count and cover our overhead costs. Scroll down to sign up.
The Common Ground Collective is a space for students and parents to come together, connect, and grow. In a world often divided by differences, our mission is to create a joyful and supportive community where we celebrate what makes us unique and discover the common ground that unites us all.
Whether you’re looking to foster stronger relationships, deepen your understanding of others, or simply find joy in meaningful conversations, the Common Ground Collective offers a welcoming space to grow, learn, and thrive—together.
Join us as we build bridges, spread kindness, and create a community rooted in understanding and joy! Read more about the Common Ground Collective
This week’s activity is Minute-to-Win-it Games. Some of the games we have planned: Human Hungry, Hungry Hippos, Pool Noodle Hockey, Paperball/Snowball Fight and more. All ages. Teens can participate or help facilitate the games.
Cost: $5/participant to help cover the overhead costs and facility rental.
Location: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia, 2701 Heyward St, Columbia, SC 29205. Free parking along both sides of the street. Spaces may or may not have lines. Just don’t block driveways or firelane.
Sign up here to reserve your space:

National School Choice Fair
2025-02-01 11:00 - 14:00 | In Person
National School Choice Fair
by Palmetto Promise
Saturday, February 1, 11am-2pm
FREE — All Ages/Parents
Note: This is NOT a Cola City event. Contact National School Choice Awareness Foundation for more information and RSVP: Click HERE
Location: Brookland Baptist Church, 1066 Sunset Blvd, West Cola
Time/Date: Saturday, February 1 from 11am-2pm.
FREE Admission
Families in South Carolina have more choices for their children’s education than ever before! Parents: learn more about the different K–12 education options available for your kids at the Columbia School Fair on February 1st 2025, from 11:00am to 2:00pm, at Brookland Baptist Church
At the school fair, you’ll have the chance to meet representatives from traditional public, public charter, public, magnet, private, faith-based, online, home, and nontraditional schooling options, and have your questions answered.
This event is hosted by Palmetto Promise Institute in collaboration with the National School Choice Awareness Foundation. It’s family-friendly, free to attend, and will include complimentary food, face painting and balloon artists. RSVP today!
Featured Schools + Vendors: Note the Homeschool representation too!
SC Whitmore School
Hawthorne Christian Academy
Grace Christian School
Edge Christian Academy
Grace Community Academy of Columbia
Heritage Christian Academy
Hope Christian Academy
South Carolina Child Care Resource & Referral
South Carolina Virtual Charter School
Vital Connections of the Midlands
Midlands Middle College
Cutler Jewish Day School
GREEN Charter Midlands
The Suzuki Academy of Columbia
Carolinas Academic Leadership Network
South Carolina Connections Academy
Educational Scholarship Trust Fund
Colearn Academy
Soaring Eagles Christian Academy
American Leadership Academy Lexington (6-12)
Northside Christian Academy
Saint Joseph Catholic School
Clear Dot Charter School
Lexington School District Two
St. Martin de Porres Catholic School
Foundation Christian School
Gray Collegiate Academy
SC Homeschooling Connection
RoyalT Learning Center
Inspired Learning and Above
Omni Therapy Solutions
Mountains to Sea Homeschool Association
I Tutor the Kids, LLC
USC Early Social Development Lab
First Steps 4K
HERO Homeschool Group
BLAST Aerospace Magnet at WA Perry Middle School
Saluda River Academy for the Arts
Cyril B. Busbee Creative Arts Academy
St John Neumann Catholic School
SC Public Charter School District
Excelsior Academy
Montessori School of Columbia
United Way of the Midlands
Rhema Christian School
Family Connection of South Carolina
Ervin’s Enrichment
American Leadership Academy K-5th
Ascent Classical Academy
Cardinal Newman School
Dyslexia Resource Center
Cyber Academy of South Carolina
Heron Virtual Academy

National School Choice Rally at Capitol
2025-01-30 09:00 - 12:30 | In Person
National School Choice Rally
by National School Choice Awareness Foundation
Thursday, January 30 from 9am-12:30
FREE — All Ages
Note: This is NOT a Cola City event. Contact event host for more information HERE
Please join Charleston RISE and National School Choice Awareness Foundation on January 30th 2025, 9:00am – 12:30pm for a celebration of school choice! Hosted at the University of South Carolina Alumni Center, this event will begin with a talent showcase featuring students from across the state and continue with a spirit-filled march to the State Capitol Building. We will celebrate students’ access to school choice with a Proclamation from the governor and hear speeches from parents and students to share their school choice story.
This event is FREE, for all ages. Street parking may have fees.
Meet at USC Alumni Center, 900 Senate Street, Columbia to gather for the march together to the State House. Or you can wait at the State House steps for the rally.
More information and registration click here. RSVP is so they can send you some reminders, but if you just head over to the statehouse, you can join in last minute as well.

Homeschool Spirit Day
2025-01-29 12:30 - 14:30 | In Person
Homeschool Spirit Day & Dance Party
By Cola City Homeschoolers
Wednesday, January 22 @12:30 pm
Rescheduled: January 29 @12:30
All ages — $5/participant
Note: This is a Cola City event. Registration required, so we can get an accurate head count and cover our overhead costs. Scroll down to sign up.
Due to INCLEMENT WEATHER Forecase: The alternate date is next Wednesday, January 29 at 12:30 pm, same location (at UU Congregration of Columbia).
Show off your Homeschool Spirit and come dance it out! National School Choice Week is the last week of January. We’re preparing with our own celebration day to learn the School Choice Dance (and some other fun dance steps).
Wear yellow and red clothing/accessories, if you have any!
Cost: $5/participant to help cover the overhead costs and facility rental.
Location: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia, 2701 Heyward St, Columbia, SC 29205. Free parking along both sides of the street. Spaces may or may not have lines. Just don’t block driveways or firelane.
Sign up here to reserve your space:

Homeschool Spirit Day: Postponed
2025-01-22 12:30 - 14:30
The Cola City Club meet-up planned for today has been postponed till next Wednesday, Jan 29.
Click HERE for more information: https://www.colacityhomeschoolers.com/event/homeschool-spirit-day/
In the meantime, stay safe!

STEM Stations Party
2025-01-08 12:30 - 14:30 | In Person
STEM Stations Kick-off Party
By Cola City Homeschoolers
Wednesday, January 8 @12:30 pm
All ages — $5/participant
Note: This is a Cola City event. Registration required, so we can gather enough supplies. Scroll down to sign up.
Let’s kick off the new year with this fun opportunity: STEM Stations for all ages. Several activity stations will be set up. Student participants will be allowed to rotate at their own pace thru the various activities. Supplies are provided, but parents/teens can volunteer to assist at a station or shadow your own child.
Station activities included:

Spoon Catapults Make-it-Take-it
Cup Snowball Launcher
LEGO Bridge Challenge
Boat Float Challenge
Laser/Mirror refraction
Krypto: Math Facts Challenge
and more!

Cost: $5/participant to help cover the overhead costs and facility rental.
Location: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia, 2701 Heyward St, Columbia, SC 29205. Free parking along both sides of the street. Spaces may or may not have lines. Just don’t block driveways or firelane.
Sign up here to reserve your space:

Firefly Gameday: January
2025-01-03 12:00 - 14:00 | In Person
Homeschool Day
by Firefly Toys & Games
First Friday of the Month
All Ages — Free
Note: This is not a Cola City Event. We are meeting up there–so keep an eye out for other Cola City connections!
This free event is the First Friday of the month from 12-2pm. Open to all ages. Located at Firefly Toys & Games, 736 Saint Andrews Rd Ste C, Columbia, SC
Firefly staff will be highlighting and teaching educational board games which cover a range of subjects, such as: Math, Science, Geography, Chemistry and many more.
Use games for education; come learn about it.
And look for other Cola City Homeschoolers! We’re scheduling this as a meet-up time/location for our “Let Grow Club” initiative.

No Play Club Today 12/25
2024-12-25 | Holiday
NO PLAY CLUB Today
Wednesday, Dec 25
No Park Meet-up today. See you in the New Year!

Winter Solstice Lantern Parade
2024-12-21 17:30 - 19:00
Winter Solstice Lantern Parade
by City of Columbia
Saturday, Dec 21st @5:30pm
All Ages — FREE
Note: This is NOT a Cola City event.
Gather, beginning at 5:30. Bring your lantern, our volunteers provide poles and string to get you parade ready. Indah Coffee will have their scrumptious s’mores kits and warm beverages. Emerald’s Artistry will be painting faces and twisting light-up balloons for little ones.
Don’t have a lantern? We have lantern making workshops at the Columbia Art Center on Taylor Street December 11, 14 & 18. Sign up for a session here: https://parksandrec.columbiasc.gov/online-registration/ . Cost is $15
There are plenty of creative ways to make your own lantern- just grab some battery operated string lights or a flashlight to get started. You can find beautiful papers and Mod Podge at City Art or any other arts and crafts supply stores. Consider including seasonal interest: leaves, grasses and other natural materials lend themselves to the solstice theme.
When the sun goes down and shadows grow long, we will parade into the park, cross the canal and gather beside the river to reflect. Dress for the forecast; it may be chilly!This annual tradition at Riverfront Park is a free, family friendly way to enjoy nature and the outdoors. Make time to breathe in the fresh air and reflect on the year past and the promise of the ever lengthening days ahead.
More info about this event can be found HERE.
