The summer is sizzling in Columbia. Beat the heat and enjoy the outdoors at Saluda Shoals Park, a magnificent, fun-packed riverfront park near Lake Murray. Admission is $5 per car and $11 per bus ($1 cheaper for Lexington and Richland 2 residents). Annual passes are available.

The main attraction is the interactive water playground.

Kids can splash around, shoot canons, fight dragons, jump on spouts and run through misting circles.

Saluda Splash is open May through Labor Day from 9AM to 8PM.

$3 wristbands are required and may be purchased at the park entrance (credit cards accepted) or at the playground (cash only).

Big and small, young and old, everybody loves goofing around! Just make sure to wear sunscreen and drink lots of water.

Ready, set, aim! Older children have a blast shooting water jets at each other.

Don’t kick the bucket! Shower time everyone!

When water splashing is not enough, children can burn more energy climbing on rock walls, swinging from monkey bars and going down a variety of slides at the playground located only feet away.

Even better, the Water Oak shelter provides an ideal watching spot of both the splash zone and the playground. It can be a great choice for an affordable, fun and relaxing outdoor birthday party. You can rent it for 3 hours for $95. Contact Karen Deaton at (803) 213-2053 for reservations.

Saluda Shoals Park is Columbia’s best weekend destination for a cheap and exciting family outing!

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