Are you looking for the perfect family vacation to Charleston, South Carolina? Look no further! With its rich history and culture, as well as incredible outdoor activities, Charleston is the ideal destination for a fun-filled getaway with kids (toddlers to teens). Whether you’re bringing your kids along or not, you’ll be impressed by all this beautiful city has to offer. In this guide we have rounded up our ultimate list of must-see attractions and things to do while touring the city with kids in tow.
Historical & Educational Family Fun
South Carolina Aquarium
Journey from South Carolina’s mountains to the sea, exploring native animals and plants in a variety of exhibits of birds, plants, rep-tiles and plenty of sea creatures from turtles to otters. Check out the Shallows exhibit where the kids can touch cownose stingrays in a 20,000-gallon touch tank overlooking the Charleston harbor. 100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston | scaquarium.org
North Charleston and American LaFrance Fire Museum and Educational Center
It’s tough to beat the appeal of fire trucks. This museum houses the largest collection of professionally restored American LaFrance fire apparatus in the country, including 18 restored vehicles and one-of-a-kind firefighting artifacts. The center also has interactive exhibits featuring real smoke, hands-on displays, children’s play area complete with fireman’s pole and a fire truck simulator. 4975 Centre Pointe Drive, North Charleston | legacyofheroes.org
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museums
Engage the kids in a hands-on history lesson at Patriots Point. This museum is home to the USS Yorktown, the 10th aircraft carrier to serve in the U.S. Navy in the 1940s. Tour the ship and take in the beautiful views of Charleston from the flight deck. The Congressional Medal of Honor Museum is located aboard the USS York-town, and the newer Vietnam Experience Exhibit also is located on the property. 40 Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant | patriotspoint.org
Fort Sumter Tours
Standing in the middle of the Charleston Harbor and only accessible by ferry through Fort Sumter Tours, the Fort Sumter National monument lets kids walk the man made island where the first shots of the Civil War took place on April 12, 1861. If you book the first ferry of the day, you will be able to participate in the flag raising ceremony. Those who book the last ferry of the day will see the lowering of the flag above Fort Sumter. When you board the boat, be sure to ask the Ranger about the Jr. Ranger program! (It gives the kids fun activities to do while touring.) https://fortsumtertours.com/
Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry
Suitable for ages 3 months to 12 years. Young visitors will be thoroughly entertained by the variety of exhibits, including water stations with boats and bridges, an arts and crafts center, a medieval castle, a pirate ship for climbing and grocery store with pint-sized shopping carts. Ad-mission is free for 1 year and younger and there’s a specific play area for toddlers. 25 Ann St., Charleston | explorecml.org
Ghost Walking Tour
If you’re looking for a *spooky* way to keep the kids entertained on your next Charleston, SC vacation then a Ghost Tour is just the ticket! From cemeteries and haunted dungeons to stories of the city’s past inhabitants, ghost tours offer up a unique glimpse into the spookier side of Charleston – guaranteed to leave everyone in your family spellbound. These tours may not be suitable for young children, please consult with the tour operator. Our favorite ghost tours are provided by http://bulldogtours.com or https://revolutionarycharlestontours.com/
Outdoor, Nature and Water Family Fun
Charleston Towne Landing State Historic Site
The Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site has plenty of open space where children can run and explore. Kids (and adults) will love the Animal Forest, a natural habitat zoo with bison, puma, black bear and a variety of birds. With 7 miles of nature trails for walking and biking, the littlest legs will be ready for an afternoon nap. Don’t miss The Adventure, a replica trading vessel docked at the park, to learn about life on the water. And the park hosts regular history demonstrations and 17th-century cannon firing demonstrations. 1500 Old Towne Road, Charleston | charlestownelanding.travel
Barrier Island Eco Tours
With the promise of searching for shells and sharks’ teeth, kids will be eager to explore local waterways and barrier islands with Barrier Island Eco-Tours. This educational yet entertaining boat tour introduces you and the kids to a spectacular area of coastal South Carolina where nature reigns supreme. Along the way, families can learn about the Lowcountry’s salt marshes, barrier islands and the natural plants and wildlife in those areas. Common sightings include bottlenose dolphins, bald eagles, and numerous shore and wading birds. This is definitely an exciting adventure that the whole family will enjoy. https://nature-tours.com/
Nature Adventures
Are you looking for a thrilling, hands-on nature experience to share with the kids? Nature Adventures has got you covered! Kayaking and paddle boarding are two of the best ways to explore the Lowcountry while bonding together as a family. Enjoying an exciting outdoor adventure is easier than ever – no prior paddling or outdoor experience necessary! For families who love the water, try kayak tours or stand-up paddle boarding in Shem Creek – a popular dolphin play-ground. https://kayakcharlestonsc.com/
Tidal Wave Water Sports
Looking to take your family vacation to new heights? Look no further than parasailing with Tidal Wave Water Sports! Parasailing let’s you soar high into the Charleston sky for a view you can’t get anywhere else. If you like to keep you family closer to the ground, Tidal Wave has got you covered with a Jet Ski Harbor Tour. This high speed adventure tour is sure to offer adrenaline pumping adventure while enjoying the sites that make the Charleston Harbor so popular. https://www.tidalwavewatersports.com/
Charleston County Waterparks
Get wet and wild at one of the three Charleston County Waterparks. Located within select county parks in North Charleston, Mount Pleasant and James Island, it’s the perfect way to cool off during the hot summer days. Head to the website for directions and hours for each waterpark.
Splash Island Water Park
Splash Island is tucked within the tropical vegetation of Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park. This seasonal family water attraction provides hours of fun and recreation for toddlers to preteens.
Splash Zone Water Park
When the temperature starts rising, you’ll love Splash Zone, a summer playground located within James Island County Park that provides hours of fun and recreation for the whole family.
Whirlin Waters Adventure Waterpark
Gallons of fun for all ages, Whirlin’ Waters is located within North Charleston Wannamaker County Park and offers island-style splash and exhilarating fun packed into over 15-acres.
Charleston Zip Line Adventures
Charleston Zip Line Adventures in Mount Pleasant offers high-flying fun with their zip line canopy tour, kids zipline and climbing wall. Their canopy tour starts from a 65 foot tower through the trees on 7 zip line cables between tree platforms, 3 swinging bridges, and a grande finale zip of 750 feet. Each tour is led by two highly trained guides. 1152 Guerins Bridge Rd., Awendaw | https://www.charlestonziplineadventures.com/
Beaches
No summertime trip to Charleston is complete without a trip to one of the area’s beautiful beaches. Soak up the laid-back vibe of Folly Beach or the family friendly feel of Isle of Palms. For a more in depth guide to the all the local beaches, visit our Charleston SC Beach Guide
Isle of Palms Beach
Located a just a few minutes from Mount Pleasant, the Isle of Palms has plenty of amenities and is a great family friendly beach option. This stretch of public beach has a selection of shops, restaurants and amenities plus public restrooms. The area of Ocean Boulevard from 10th Avenue to 14th Avenue is set aside for beachgoers and is known as “Front Beach.” If you’re not staying on Isle of Palms, plan to arrive early. The Isle of Palms Connector backs up quickly with beach traffic.
Folly Beach
This barrier island beach has a laid-back atmosphere and is often frequented by locals and surfers. With plenty of restaurants, surf shops, hotels and beach rentals, Folly Beach is a great place to spend some time. Plus, Folly is a short drive from the heart of downtown Charleston with all its attractions and activities. Note, summertime traffic can be extra heavy. If you’re not staying on the beach, plan to arrive by 10 a.m.
