10 Fun Things to Do in Aiken

Looking for Fun in Aiken?

Whether you’re looking for art, music, dining, shopping, sports, nature or family fun, Aiken’s got it going on. Check out our list of some fun (and perhaps a little quirky) things to do around town. 

Nature

1. Go Geocaching! Check out the map below to see how many caches are hidden right under your nose in Aiken. Geocaching is a wonderful, healthy way to get a feel for the area, see a variety of sights, and have fun with family, friends… even your dog! We’ve successfully found 69 Geocaches around Aiken and beyond! Visit www.geocaching.com to get started. 
2. Go fishing or mountain biking at Boyd Pond Park. This 200 acre Aiken County Park has a 30 acre pond with fishing pier, ball fields, picnic shelters, miles of mountain bike and hiking trails. It’s usually peaceful, quiet, and very beautiful. There are some cool places to hike around the pond, and some cool terrain. Plan your visit by checking out the following websites: SC Trails – Aiken County Parks.
   

   Indoor Fun

3. Aiken 2 Escape is a game room with puzzles and clues designed around a specific theme and story line. 2-8 participants have an hour to solve the puzzle and escape the room!  I haven’t tried this yet, but Best Life team member Brooke Thomas has, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. For ages 8 and up. Located in the Target Shopping Center on Whiskey Road, check out their website for more information – aiken2escape.com.
4. Dupont Planetarium and Ruth Patrick Observatory – See public shows in the 30 foot diameter dome, a rooftop observatory with telescope viewing, and enjoy various educational programs for people of all ages. My kids and I have gone here for years, and we’ve seen some pretty cool stuff. Check out the website for a calendar of events and more information –DuPont Planetarium.

Volunteer

      5. Volunteer at a Horse Show – Meet new people! Learn new things!  Get involved! You don’t need to be an equestrian or ride to be part of the action. Horse trials, therapeutic riding programs, horse shows, driving events all need countless people to assist in keeping the show running smoothly and on time. Volunteers are always in short supply, and previous experience is not required. You can be a jump judge, paint fences, set up for the event, get involved in the hospitality committee…there are lots of jobs to go around. Check out these websites for more information:

Stable View   –   Paradise Farm   –     Great Oak Therapeutic Riding Program      

Full Gallop Farm   –   Katydid Farm   –   Pine Top Farm   – Sporting Days Farm

    6. Volunteer in the Hitchcock Woods – We all know how beautiful the Hitchcock Woods are for hiking. Here’s how you can be part of helping the Woods stay beautiful forever.

• The Hitchcock Woods Foundation has a volunteer group called the Axe Club that meets on a regular basis during winter months to work on trails, jumps, etc.
• Volunteers assist with preparation for Aiken Horse Show as well as preparing jumps for hunt season.
• The Hitchcock Woods Foundation acknowledges the importance of educating youth to be future stewards of the environment and the Woods. Therefore, the Hitchcock Woods Foundation encourages youth to volunteer for the Hitchcock Woods Foundation to fulfill community service requirements that pertain to a school curriculum.
• Woods Watch Volunteers is an internal network for use in an emergency in the Woods. Woods Watch Volunteers are neighbors, frequent users, equestrians, stable owners, and others. The Woods Watch Volunteer list is updated every other year. A laminated list of phone numbers and emergency procedures is sent to every Woods Watch Volunteers member. For more information, visit the Hitchcock Woods website: https://www.hitchcockwoods.org/

Explore Unique Aiken Events

       7. Festivals – From the Aiken Blue Grass Festival to Aiken’s Makin to Amp the Alley… Aiken loves its festivals and celebrations. Live music, food, cultural events, craft and antique shows…it’s a long, eclectic list.  Visit Aiken SC  and checking social media are the best ways to keep up with the unique festivals. Keep an eye on the calendar and don’t miss a thing!

      8. Equestrian Events –  In general, equestrian pursuits are often considered elite, exclusive affairs. Not in Aiken! Everyone can attend and enjoy being involved in one of Aiken’s most treasured pastimes. Everyone in the family will love the Sunday Polo games on historic Whitney Field, the Blessing of the Hounds on Thanksgiving morning,  The Aiken Steeplechase, and Horse Shows at the Aiken Horse Park.  When it comes to horses in Aiken…there truly is always something going on! Most equestrian outings include tailgating, picnicking and food trucks. Some offer special seating and dining opportunities that make the day even more special. 

Eat, Drink and Be Merry

9. The Food Scene – First, if you are wondering how food can be fun, you’re not eating at the right places, or with the right people. Some of my favorite, most memorable, fun moments are spent sitting at a table eating fantastic food. Aiken’s got some great options.  Tako-sushi is a casual joint with an eclectic menu including Mexican, Southwestern, Asian & sushi, in vibrant digs. The Stables at Rose Hill is another fun option, with outdoor seating reminiscent of a European Biergarten , as well as the quirky, but beautiful re-purposed stable turned restaurant inside. Betsy’s on the Corner is a wonderful place for lunch, with blue plate specials, burgers (named for various Aiken locales) and ice cream. This old fashioned soda fountain type eatery hits the spot, and is really charming too!

10. Enjoy an Adult Beverage –  On the heels of a recent renovation, the Alley in Downtown Aiken is now permanently closed to vehicular traffic. This is great news! Stop at the Aiken Brewing Company , the new Alley Downtown Tap Room or the Mellow Mushroom for an adult beverage. Now patrons can stroll through the Alley with a drink, listen to live music, and hang out with friends. For a quirky twist, check out the Taproom on Saturday mornings for Bend and Brew Yoga. And don’t forget about the Willcox Hotel, dubbed “Aiken’s Living Room” the place to sit, relax, have a handcrafted cocktail with friends. Never fear…in Aiken you can always show up alone and leave with new friends!

Go on…make it your #bestlife today.