Feed giraffes, catch a double feature and learn how three generations can unplug and reconnect in South Carolina
TRAVEL MEDIA PRESS ROOM–AUGUST 2026—The region of west-central South Carolina known as Thoroughbred Country has long been recognized for top-notch equestrian facilities featuring steeplechasing, eventing, dressage, polo and various other equestrian disciplines. But there’s also a wide variety of multi-generational fun. Within the rolling hills east of Augusta, Georgia, along I-20 between Atlanta and Charleston, with Aiken as its center town, lie wide open greenspaces with plenty of opportunities to explore nature plus tons of family friendly attractions. Visit Aiken and the rest of Thoroughbred Country for the ideal multi-generational experience.
Eudora Wildlife Safari Park is South Carolina’s largest safari drive-through, home to more than 300 exotic animals that guests may view from their cars, by wagon ride or by walking the park. The walking tour includes Melman’s Landing, a giraffe observation deck where visitors will see eye-to-eye with giraffes and feed them by hand. Walking the park allows guests to engage with parrots, lemurs, kangaroos while zebras, bison, camels, llamas, emus, ostriches, alpacas or yaks can be seen through the drive-through area.
The Monetta Drive-In, known to locals as The Big Mo, features three screens showing double features of both new and classic films—beginning at dusk, of course. Only one of three operating drive-in movie theaters in South Carolina, The Big Mo is open March through November.
South Carolina is home to numerous state parks helping folks get back to nature and Thoroughbred Country is fortunate to have four. Aiken State Park, for instance, built in 1934 by two Civilian Conservation Corps companies, one of which was an African American detachment, features a wide range of outdoor activities. Because of its location on the Edisto River, visitors may fish, paddle (canoe and kayak rentals are available) or swim. Barnwell State Park in Blackville includes Rondette-style cabins and has three small lakes filled with a variety of fish. Battle of Rivers Bridge State Historic Site in Ehrhardt tells Civil War history with an award-winning Battlefield Trail and casualties exhibit and Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site has been named by the South Carolina African American Heritage Commission as one of the “Top 10 Sites to Visit in South Carolina.”
You might think pinballs are for kids but wait until the adults check out the retro pinball machines! The family-oriented Radioactive Pinball Arcade—South Carolina’s largest pinball arcade—provides hours of fun for all ages with more than 70 new and retro pinball machines, retro arcade video games, foosball and more. And you don’t need change! Every admission includes unlimited play, either by the hour or for a full day of fun.
Visitors ages four and up may enjoy a star-studded sky experience at the DuPont Planetarium housed in the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center on USC Aiken’s campus. The planetarium consists of a 30-foot-diameter tilted aluminum dome and a Digistar 6 planetarium projection system used to create shapes that dance across the dome accompanied by lively music. Open on Saturdays only.
For some fast-paced action, the Carolina Dragway in Aiken County hosts events year-round, including bracket races, weekly test-n-tune sessions, head-up events and more on its ¼-mile National Hot Rod Association-sanctioned dragstrip. Spectators welcome.
And then there’s the horses that make Thoroughbred Country famous. Visit Equine Rescue of Aiken to view retired racehorses who are ready for a new and forever home. The rescue is open for tours and non-riding children’s programs. For guided trail rides with seasoned horses through picturesque Thoroughbred Country, visit Trail Rides with La Donna.
For more multi-generational ideas, including where to stay and dine, visit TbredCountry.org.