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Daycare in Columbia, SC.

Playcare, Not Daycare

  • 12mos (walking) to 12yrs
  • Pay by the hour

Facing the challenge of finding suitable childcare can often feel overwhelming for parents. Kids Garden offers a refreshing solution, blending the flexibility families crave with the stability children need. Unlike traditional daycares, our space is designed to foster an environment where kids learn and thrive through hands-on experiences and imaginative play; all backed by hourly drop-in and memberhsip based pricing options.

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Innovative Childcare For Creative Minds


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Are you on a waitlist for daycare in Columbia, SC and tired of waiting? At Kids Garden, we offer flexible daycare replacement programs for busy families. And, unlike traditional daycare, we make learning fun for your child!

Our creative arts center serves as a cornerstone of innovation in early childhood education, where the curiosity of every child is nurtured under the guiding principles of creativity, exploration, and personalized care.

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Our Curriculum Includes... We Integrate Montessori, Reggio and Play-Based Methods

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Positive Socialization

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Fine Motor Skills

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Communication

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Math Concepts

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Reading Comprehension

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Art

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Yoga & Gross Motor Skills

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And More...

How Drop-In Childcare Works

1

Register Your Family

Register your child or children and complete our required paperwork.

Please note that Kids Garden collects a yearly registration fee of $40 (per family) during your first visit.

2

Choose A Payment Option

Utilize our flexible plans and customized membership deals to fit your family’s needs and schedule.

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Pay By the Hour

No commitment, drop-in visits. Great for spontaneity!

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Membership Packages

Discounted rates with hourly increments of 12, 24, 48 & 72.

Members benefit from discounted rates on both drop-in childcare and a variety of additional programs.

3

Enjoy!

Drop-in (and drop-off) during business hours to witness them learn, grow, create, and play in a naturally creative environment.

Kids Garden isn't just guilt-free childcare; it's a place worth boasting about!

Kids Garden Columbia drop in childcare.

Drop-in Childcare Pricing Pay by the hour or Become a member for Discounted hourly packages

Searching for affordable childcare in Columbia, SC that meets your family's needs and budget can often feel like navigating a complex maze. At Kids Garden, we simplify this search by offering flexible and transparent pricing options that cater to various family dynamics and schedules

Whether you're a busy parent needing occasional support or looking for regular childcare solutions, our pricing model is designed with your family in mind.

1st Child
2nd Child
3rd Child

Pay by the hour or select an hourly package

By the Hour
1 Hour Minimum
12 Hours
Members Only
24 Hours
Members Only
48 Hours
Members Only
72 Hours
Members Only

$16

Member Hourly Price For 1st Child

Add $2/hr for children under 2

$18

Non-Member Hourly Price For 1st Child

Add $2/hr for children under 2

$13.50

Hourly Price For 1st Child

Add $2/hr for children under 2

$162

Package Price For 1st Child

$186 for children under 2

$13

Hourly Price For 1st Child

Add $2/hr for children under 2

$312

Package Price For 1st Child

$360 for children under 2

$12.50

Hourly Price For 1st Child

Add $2/hr for children under 2

$600

Package Price for 1st Child

$696 for children under 2

$12

Hourly Price For 1st Child

Add $2/hr for children under 2

$864

Package Price For 1st Child

$1,008 for children under 2

Pay by the hour or select an hourly package

By the Hour
1 Hour Minimum
12 Hours
Members Only
24 Hours
Members Only
48 Hours
Members Only
72 Hours
Members Only

$10

Member Hourly Price For 2nd Child

Add $2/hr for children under 2

$12

Non-Member Hourly Price For 2nd Child

Add $2/hr for children under 2

$10

Hourly Price For 2nd Child

Add $2/hr for children under 2

$120

Package Price For 2nd Child

$144 for children under 2

$10

Hourly Price For 2nd Child

Add $2/hr for children under 2

$240

Package Price For 2nd Child

$288 for children under 2

$10

Hourly Price For 2nd Child

Add $2/hr for children under 2

$480

Package Price For 2nd Child

$576 for children under 2

$10

Hourly Price For 2nd Child

Add $2/hr for children under 2

$720

Package Price For 2nd Child

$864 for children under 2

Pay by the hour or select an hourly package

By the Hour
1 Hour Minimum
12 Hours
Members Only
24 Hours
Members Only
48 Hours
Members Only
72 Hours
Members Only

$7

Member Hourly Price For 2nd Child

Add $2/hr for children under 2

$9

Non-Member Hourly Price For 2nd Child

Add $2/hr for children under 2

$7

Hourly Price For 2nd Child

Add $2/hr for children under 2

$84

Package Price For 2nd Child

$108 for children under 2

$7

Hourly Price For 2nd Child

Add $2/hr for children under 2

$168

Package Price For 2nd Child

$216 for children under 2

$7

Hourly Price For 2nd Child

Add $2/hr for children under 2

$336

Package Price For 2nd Child

$432 for children under 2

$7

Hourly Price For 2nd Child

Add $2/hr for children under 2

$504

Package Price For 2nd Child

$648 for children under 2

*1st child rates apply when only 1 child attends

Add-Ons

$2

Each Snack Per Child

$8

Each Lunch Per Child

$3

Pair of Socks

$1

Per Diaper

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Nutritious Meals & Snacks. Always.

At Kids Garden Columbia, we believe that nutrition is as vital to a child's development as education and play. Understanding the importance of wholesome, nutritious snacks, we serve a variety of organic, locally sourced, and peanut-free options to our young learners. Our snacks are designed to fuel creativity and growth, ensuring that every child receives the nourishment they need to explore, learn, and thrive in our eco-friendly environment.

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FAQs

Yes! Kids Garden provides a sibling discount when a family brings both children to the center together. If you choose to become a member, both children will receive discounted hourly rates and access to discounted hourly packages.

We are a shoe-free facility, so your child must wear socks at all times. We have plenty of new pairs available for purchase if you forget. For younger children still in diapers or pull-ups, please bring diapers, wipes, a sippy cup and a spare change of clothes. You are welcome to use one of our storage cubbies to stash shoes, jackets, and other personal items. We kindly ask that your child's items are labeled such as their water bottle, bag or backpack, diapers and wipes. Please give all items needed to a teacher upon drop off to ensure we have everything your little one needs. If you don't have these items at drop off, it's okay! We got you! We sell diapers, snacks and can provide water cups to give you peace of mind that you can drop in anytime. We do not allow outside food or beverages (except water).Please speak with a team member if your child has dietary needs or restrictions.

YES! We are here for the spontaneous moments or when you just need a break for some me time. Kids Garden provides a fun and interactive learning place for your children. Drop the little ones off and enjoy some productive time away and return to happy, worn out kiddos.

Comfortable clothing that can get messy! They’ll be learning through sensory activities, arts and organized crafts that may involve anything from paints and glue to sand and even mud. While they’re sure to have fun, there’s no guarantee their clothes will remain spotless, so please dress them accordingly.

We serve balanced, nutritious meals and snacks everyday at Kids Garden. We do not permit outside food, but rather provide healthy and organic (when possible) sandwiches, fruits, veggies and whole grains that are available daily for a small fee.

For safety and health reasons, we do not allow any outside toys or food. Small children may bring a soft blanket or other small comfort item, but we ask that you leave all other possessions at home or in a storage cubby in our welcome area. Kids Garden has dedicated extensive research to sourcing the best, non-toxic toys and products for our eco-friendly center. Our play space is a time for new discovery and we encourage children to engage in new activities and experience natural materials.

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Kids Garden Columbia childcare.

Take a Tour of Our Learning Center Creativity Is At the Heart Of Our Center & Everything We Do


Seeing is believing, and we invite you to witness firsthand the magic of Kids Garden. Book a tour today, explore our facilities, meet our dedicated team, and learn more about our programs. Join us at Kids Garden, where every day is an opportunity for your child to thrive, create, and discover. Let's nurture their potential together, one playful moment at a time.

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We've Got You! Hear From parents who have found peace of mind in the garden

Providing Childcare Solutions Playcare, Not Daycare in Columbia, SC

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Facing the challenge of finding a suitable daycare for your child is overwhelming. At Kids Garden Columbia, SC, we understand the need for an alternative solution that provides the flexibility families need and the stability children crave.

Unlike traditional daycares, our space fosters an environment where kids learn and thrive through hands-on experiences and imaginative play. At Kids Garden, we don’t just watch over children; we engage with them, offering a curriculum as dynamic as their growing minds.

Our mission is simple yet profound: to offer a childcare experience that feels like an extension of your family, where your child is valued, understood, and encouraged to explore their unique talents and interests. How do we do this?

  • Teach emotional expression, social skills, and connection
  • Explore wonder and imagination with reading and storytelling
  • Enhance cognitive development through STEAM-based activities
  • Let children explore movement with dance, yoga, and organized play
  • Encourage children to express themselves and explore their environment
  • Organize arts and crafts activities, including painting, sculpting, and drawing

Step into Kids Garden, and you'll find a nurturing setting where your child's growth is supported through every season of their development.

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Play Care, Not Daycare Our Programs

Drop-In Childcare
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Kids Garden Columbia, SC preschool.
Preschool
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Kids Garden Columbia after school programs.
Art Classes & After School
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Parent's Night Out
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Kids Garden Columbia summer camp programs.
Seasonal Camps
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Kids Garden Columbia party options.
Parties
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Growing Together Alternative to Daycare in Columbia, SC

Our Philosophy
A Symphony of Exploration and Play
Specialized Programs Tailored for Every Child
Eco-Friendly
Safety and Security
Grow With Us

Our Philosophy: Nurturing Beyond Care

At Kids Garden Columbia, SC, we see every child as an individual, brimming with potential and eager to explore the world around them. Our approach is to nurture this curiosity with a curriculum that is as engaging as it is educational.

By integrating elements of play-based learning with the creative arts, we ensure that each day is filled with opportunities for children to express themselves, solve problems, and develop critical thinking skills in a supportive environment.

Here, learning is driven by the interests and enthusiasm of the children themselves. This child-centered approach fosters a sense of independence and confidence, preparing them for both the next stages of their educational journey and a lifetime of curiosity and growth.

Our programs are also designed to adapt to the changing needs of families, offering flexibility and stability that are often missing in traditional childcare solutions.

A Symphony of Exploration and Play

From the moment our doors open, children are invited to dive into a world of interactive learning experiences that stimulate their senses and ignite their imaginations.

Here’s what a day at Kids Garden could look like:

  1. Our day starts with a warm welcome, inviting children in and giving them time to transition to their new environment.

  2. The first activities begin! We carefully plan each one to cater to different interests and developmental stages.

  3. Next, we head over to the art studio, where creativity knows no bounds. Children experiment with colors, textures, and materials.

  4. To take a break from indoors, we next move things outside. This is a natural classroom, where the environment itself teaches valuable lessons about the world.

  5. And finally, we finish off with science activities that unravel the mysteries of everyday life. We turn complex concepts into fun, hands-on experiments.


Within our walls, children enjoy the freedom to explore, guided by experienced educators who are passionate about early childhood development. These professionals are not just teachers; they are facilitators of your child's natural curiosity, employing a play-based curriculum that makes learning both effective and joyful. This dynamic approach ensures that our daycare alternative is not just a place for children to stay but a vibrant learning community where they thrive.

Specialized Programs Tailored for Every Child

Kids Garden Columbia, SC goes beyond the traditional daycare model by offering a spectrum of specialized programs designed to meet the diverse needs of modern families. We understand that no two families are the same, and we’ve curated a variety of options to suit the needs of everyone, including:


Our programs are a testament to our commitment to providing care that adapts to you, not the other way around. We also offer a wide variety of activities to meet the unique needs of each child. In our childcare or daycare programs, you can expect to see the following activities:

  • Outdoor time
  • Arts and crafts
  • Monitored play
  • STEAM activities
  • Movement and yoga
  • Critical thinking skills

Our childcare programs are an alternative to traditional daycare, and is crafted to keep even the most curious minds engaged and entertained. We offer specialized programs for toddlers to elementary-aged children, emphasizing creative arts, play-based learning, and eco-friendly practices. Each option is tailored to foster growth, curiosity, and joy, ensuring every child finds a place to shine.

Eco-Friendly and Health-Conscious Approach

At Kids Garden, we pride ourselves on being one of the few eco-friendly and green alternative to daycare options in Columbia, SC.

Our commitment to sustainability is evident in everything we do, from the non-toxic art supplies to eco-friendly cleaning products that keep our spaces safe and clean. We believe that a healthy environment is critical to the well-being and development of children, and we strive to create a space that reflects this belief.

Nutrition plays a vital role in a child’s day at Kids Garden Columbia, SC. All food served, from snacks to meals, is wholesome, nutritious, and peanut-free, catering to the dietary needs and preferences of our young learners. We partner with local providers to ensure that the food we offer is healthy, delicious, and appealing to children.

Safety and Security: Our Top Priority

Ensuring the safety and well-being of every child in our care is the cornerstone of our mission. Our center is fortified with modern security measures, including keypad entrances and stringent ID checks, to provide peace of mind for parents.

To ensure a safe and responsive environment, we require each member of our team to undergo rigorous background checks. All care providers are certified in CPR and first aid.

Our dedication to safety extends beyond the physical to include emotional and social security. We foster an atmosphere where children feel valued, understood, and connected. This sense of belonging is crucial for their development and is a fundamental principle of our approach to childcare.

By maintaining clear, consistent routines and open communication, we create a stable environment where children can thrive with confidence.

Grow With Us

Kids Garden Columbia, SC is not just a place for children to learn and play; it's a community that grows alongside your family.

From the first steps into toddlerhood to the leaps into preschool and beyond, our programs evolve to meet the changing needs of your child. This flexibility ensures that as your child grows, their experiences at Kids Garden remain relevant, engaging, and supportive of their developmental journey.

Our philosophy of growth extends to our relationships with families. We understand that raising children takes a village, and Kids Garden aims to be a vital part of your support network.

Building connections with families, celebrating milestones, and providing a consistent, nurturing presence are ways we contribute to the support that every family deserves. By choosing Kids Garden, you're not just selecting a care center; you're joining a community dedicated to nurturing young minds through creativity, exploration, and personalized care.

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Kids Garden Columbia, SC Join Our Vibrant Community

At Kids Garden, we invite you to become part of a community that values the cognitive, emotional, and creative development of your child. Our unique approach offers nurturing care that adapts to the rhythm of your family's life.

Kids Garden Columbia, SC is more than a daycare; it's an intentional environment where your child can explore their interests, develop new skills, and make lifelong friends. Our eco-friendly setting, commitment to safety, and dedication to fostering a love for learning set us apart.

We understand the trust you place in us when choosing your child’s care provider. That’s why we're committed to maintaining an open, welcoming space where children feel at home, and parents are confident in the care their children receive.

From our flexible programming to our innovative curriculum, everything we do is designed to support the growth and happiness of your child.

Kids Garden Columbia, SC Book a Tour and Discover the Difference

Seeing is believing, and we invite you to witness firsthand the magic of Kids Garden Columbia, SC. Book a tour today, explore our facilities, meet our dedicated team, and learn more about our programs.

Join us at Kids Garden, where every day is an opportunity for your child to thrive, create, and discover. Let's nurture their potential together, one playful moment at a time.

Kids playing with toy animals at Kids Garden Columbia daycare.
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