ADVENTURE CAROLINA: Congaree National Park Trip, noon, Dec. 16; Ski Trip to Catalooche Mountains, 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Wednesday; Congaree River Trip, 2 p.m. Saturday; Congaree Creek Trip, 1 p.m. today, 1107 State St., Cayce. Closed Dec. 24, 25 and 31. Reservations and fitting for any rental equipment must be made at least 48 hours in advance. (803) 796-4505, adventurecarolina.com
CAROLINA RIVER CONNECTION: Basic canoe, sea/rec and whitewater kayak instruction and rentals. Five different guided trips for all levels of paddlers including half day, full day and overnight trips. Meals are provided, and ages 8 and under paddle for free. Paddle the Saluda, Congaree, Edisto and Enoree Rivers. (803) 917-3920; carolinariverconnection.com
CAROLINA SANDHILLS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE: Christmas Bird Count, 6:15 a.m. Saturday at the Refuge Headquarters, U.S. 1, McBee. Reservations are required and due Wednesday. (843) 335-6026
CONGAREE NATIONAL PARK: Canoe tour reservations for the fourth quarter through Dec. 31 are open; by phone only. Call (803) 776-4396, ext. 0, to speak with a ranger. Voice mail or email reservations will not be accepted. Harry Hampton Visitor Center park hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. The park will be closed on Christmas and New Year’s day. The park is at 100 National Park Road, Hopkins. (803) 776-4396; nps.gov/cong
RIVERBANKS ZOO & GARDEN: Safari Saturday, 10 a.m. Saturday, for ages 2-5 at 500 Wildlife Parkway. Discover fascinating facts about native and exotic plant life at Riverbanks. Registration is required. (803) 779-8717, ext. 1799; www.riverbanks.org
RIVERFRONT PARK: The walking trail near the Broad River Bridge will be closed Monday-Friday due to construction. The park will remain open these days as well as the walking trail leading up to the construction barricades at the 2-mile marker. The park is located at 312 Laurel St. (803) 545-3100.
SESQUICENTENNIAL STATE PARK: First Day Hike, 1 p.m. Jan. 1, 2013 at Two Notch Road in northeast Columbia. Join a park ranger for a guided 2-mile walk in the newly resurfaced Sandhills Trail. Free with park admission; $2/adults; ages 15 and younger are free. (803) 788-2706; SouthCarolinaParks.com
