Though Columbia, SC may not get the publicity of neighboring cities like Charleston and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina's capital city has plenty for families to love. Located in the center of the state, "Soda City" boasts top-notch museums, attractions for animal lovers, delicious restaurants, and beautiful hotels. It's a somewhat small city with wide streets, a walkable downtown area, and a youthful vibe (it's home to the University of South Carolina). Columbia, SC is also full of the southern charm and hospitality you'd expect from a city in the South. In fact, I'm not sure I've ever encountered such polite folks!

Here are our 25 favorite things to do in Columbia, SC with kids, including great family-friendly restaurants and hotels in Columbia, SC. Check out our Southern States Vacation Guide for more places to visit in the sunny South.

Located on Fan Pier in the Seaport District, the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) is one of the top destinations for families in Boston. Inside, kids will find amazing displays of modern art. The works at the ICA span different media, with painting, sculpture, and so much more. Kids and parents will be floored at the ways these artists express themselves. The museum's striking main building is situated in one of Boston's most vibrant neighborhoods: the Seaport. Make visiting the ICA part of a day out in Boston, or spend the whole day at the museum!

Visitors never lack for things to do in NYC, but when is the last time you enjoyed a staycation and checked some of the city's must-dos off your list? With spring break on the horizon, you might be planning a visit to one of these family-friendly all-inclusive resorts, but if a big vacation is not in the cards, consider the glory of a staycation and let New York City provide a week's worth of entertainment.

We've pulled together this gold mine of activities for families looking to keep busy during spring break—or anytime—in the Big Apple. From exhibitions and excursions to our favorite zoos, to everyday fun in our beautiful parks and playgrounds, we've found 53 great things to do in NYC during a staycation. Find more top picks for the best NYC has to offer on our list of NYC's top attractions, plus our curated three-day itinerary for exploring our own backyard.

Stepping Stones Museum may just be the best hidden gem for kids in Fairfield County. The museum is a kid’s dream, offering a place to play, run, imagine, and have loads of fun. Completely kid-centric, Stepping Stones offers hands-on entertainment, such as riding on a school bus, digging for dinosaur fossils, and reporting the weather.

Families can enjoy weekly story reading, art, music, and fitness. Additionally, seasonal events for both kids and adults are offered. An award-winning museum, S Get ready for a solid outing for kids ranging from pre-crawlers to 10-year-olds at Norwalk's Stepping Stones Museum.

Take kids to Florida state parks near Orlando for outdoor fun and picturesque trips. Whether you're an Orlando resident looking for a day trip or pastoral staycation, or a tourist who wants to go beyond the theme parks, these Central Florida state parks are wonderful resources to get closer to Mother Nature. These gorgeous spots offer outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, swimming, and more!

Most of these Florida state parks are open year round, but always check with individual sites and park rangers as areas of the park may be closed due to environmental factors, maintenance, etc.

There are tons of great birthday party rooms on Long Island that let you keep costs down without sacrificing fun.

Whether you're a DIY Diva, looking to fulfill your child's dream theme, or simply trying to keep your budget in check, we’ve rounded up several locations throughout Long Island where you can host your own bday event at a variety of rates. So go ahead and customize every last detail of the special day as you like!

Be sure to check out our Birthday Party Guide for Long Island Kids for even more tips on planning a party for your child. It has ideas for first birthdays, toddlers, active kids, and more!

Some salons and spas in Chicago offer services for kids, perfect for birthday parties, celebrating a special occasion, or as a bonding activity over manicures. Whatever the reason for treating your kid (and/or yourself!) we've rounded up some of our favorite kid-friendly spas and spa parties in Chicago. From mommy and me spa days to birthday pedicures, these are some amazing spas, nail salons, and spa party venues. Many of the kid-friendly spas below offer private kids spa parties and there's also a mobile beauty bar that can deliver a spa party at home. 

For more birthday party ideas check out our favorite Indoor Kids Birthday Party Venues in Chicago and the Ultimate List of Birthday Party Entertainment and Rentals.

When it comes to life skills, I can’t be the only mom of a college-bound senior wondering whether I’ve done all I can to prepare my kid for life outside my day-to-day care. High school graduation is on the horizon, and my son will fly the coop shortly thereafter. He’s smart, poised, and well-spoken, and I marvel every day that I had any role in shaping this incredible human. I also worry that I haven’t done nearly enough to teach him how to handle the day-to-day life skills that seem almost innate to me.

So, to help him—and me—prepare for his college days, I’ve put together this list of 70 life skills for teens. Checking off even a few of these lessons before my son heads to college will ease my mind, and hopefully his!

Looking for life skills for younger kids? We’ve got a list of 65 life skills for kids of all ages that will get you teaching everyone from toddlers to teens. And, take it from me, you’ll need this list soon, because high school graduation comes quicker than you think!