Programs are designed for ages 3-5 or 6-8, last approximately 1 hour and can be scheduled at any time during the year. Yearly programs require reservations and a minimum of 10 participants. They include a story, 1-2 crafts, 1-2 games, a mini-tour (1-2 rooms) and a snack.
Early Adventures
Yearly Programs
Dirt Diggers
Mann-Simons Site
Explore the world of archaeology at an historic site. Participants will play games, view artifacts in the Lunch Counter Exhibit and finish the day off with a cup of edible dirt!
Garden Gnomes
Robert Mills House
The Robert Mills gardens always have something in bloom. Investigate our flowers and plants and see if you can complete the Gnome Scavenger Hunt. Participants will take home a potted lima bean so they can watch it grow. Don’t forget your lunch if you want to picnic in our garden afterwards.
Time Travelers
Hampton-Preston Mansion
What was life like in the 1800’s when the Preston family lived in this house and what kind of activities would their children have played? Learn about the Victorian Era during this program through games, crafts and a tour of the Hampton-Preston Mansion parlors.
History and Heritage
Modjeska Simkins House
Did you know that South Carolina has been home to many famous African-Americans? Explore the history of our state through some of its significant citizens from the past 200+ years that have made great accomplishments and brought notoriety to our state.
Victorian Tea Time
Seibels House
Tea time was very popular during the Victorian Age. HC will lead your youngsters in songs, crafts, and memory games revolving around tea parties. We will prepare for tea by making party hats and learning proper table etiquette.
Presidential Party
Woodrow Wilson Family Home
Celebrate past presidents, including Woodrow Wilson who lived here in Columbia. Children will play Wilson’s favorite boyhood game, make powdered wigs like our founding fathers wore and participate in their very own parade.
Special Event Programs
Eggstrordinary Fun
Robert Mills House
Spring is in the air and Easter is just around the corner. A month before the big day, Children will make crafts inspired by the spring, learn the Bunny Hop and enjoy our gardens while participating in an Easter Egg Hunt.
Pumpkin Patch
Robert Mills House
Our scarecrows are on the loose and watching over the pumpkins. Throughout the month of October, children will pick out and decorate a pumpkin to take home, play games and enjoy a harvest snack. Afterwards they can participate in the Scarecrows in the Garden Scavenger Hunt.
Olde Fashioned Christmas
Robert Mills House
Join HC for a holiday treat to remember. Throughout the month of December, children can make an ornament to take home for your tree, listen to a story in the decorated Twin Parlors of the Robert Mills House, play games and enjoy hot cocoa and cookies while you are waiting to take pictures with our Victorian Santa.