Top Ten Family Friendly Things To Do in Charleston

There’s nothing better than spending time with all of your family, and we are beyond thankful to live in a city like Charleston that is filled with family-friendly indoor and outdoor activities. Whether you’re old or young, these amazing locations can be experienced and enjoyed by all. Here are just a few of our favorite family friendly things to do in Charleston...

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  1. Charleston Zipline Adventures

Charleston Zipline Adventures is an outdoor adventure experience for the whole family. Owned by a local family, we pride ourselves on having something for absolutely everyone to enjoy. While adults ten years and older are up on our Zipline Canopy Tour, the kiddies can be enjoying our Koala Kid Zip at the same exact time. Our guides will lead you through the Canopy Tour and assist your children on the Kid Zip, so you’ll be able to enjoy your adventure without worrying if everyone is safe and having fun. Make sure to check out our website for seasonal deals, information on our birthday party packages, and exclusive summer camps.

  1. Charleston Riverdogs

Whether you’re visiting for the summer or local, seeing our local minor league baseball team is a must. Ball park hot dogs, drink deals, games during breaks, music, fireworks, and great baseball are all just a few reasons why spending the night at the ballpark is a perfect way to spend time with the entire family. Don’t forget to check their home schedule online, though, because their season only lasts from April to September.

  1. Fort Sumter National Monument

Located in the Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter National Monument is an exciting way to glimpse into Charleston’s history. Fort Sumter played a prominent role in the Civil War, and a majority of the canons and historical structures are still there for everyone to enjoy. This monument is a hands on and immersive tour into history that is sure to keep everyone entertained. A short 30 minute boat ride will lead you right to the peninsula, but make sure to look at the schedule for departure times! 

  1. Patriots Point

The Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum includes access to the USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier, the USS Laffey Destroyer, the USS Clamagore Submarine, an aircraft, a Vietnam Experience Exhibit, and a Medal of Honor Museum. Walk and climb through the USS Yorktown for a special look into how this aircraft carrier played a role in both World War 1 and the Vietnam War. It’s a great way for everyone to learn about the history of Charleston without being confined to a typical museum setup!

  1. Waterfront Park

Charleston Waterfront Park is one of the most iconic Charleston sites due to its picturesque location and design. This waterfront park includes Charleston’s Pineapple Fountain, open green space that’s perfect for picnics and games, a pier, and is at the perfect distance for a short walk to other iconic landmarks such as the Battery and Rainbow Road. Your kids will enjoy getting to splash in the Pineapple or play on the open green while you experience some of the more widely known Charleston symbols.

  1. Museums

The Charleston Museum, Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, and the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry are the perfect spots to visit on a rainy day. All of these museums offer a special look into Charleston’s unique history with interactive exhibits and knowledgeable historians ready to expand on the information being presented. We would recommend the Children’s Museum for families with smaller children and the Old Exchange and Charleston Museum for families with older children or all adults.

  1. Day on Shem Creek

All along Shem Creek are tours available for paddleboarding, kayaking, and boating that include everyone in the family. You can spend the entire day out on the water and then come back to enjoy fresh seafood, live music, local shops, and family friendly restaurants with beautiful waterfront views. Be sure to check out our friends at Nature Adventures for kayak tours and kayak rentals. 

  1. Capers Island Boat Tour

Barrier Island Eco Tours offers a three and a half hour wildlife exploration tour out to Capers Island, which is one of the only remaining undeveloped barrier islands. Expect to see dolphins, pelicans, herons, and egrets as you ride through the salt marsh environments that surround this island. Capers is most widely known for its “bone-yard” beach, which you could explore for the majority of your tour. 

  1. Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park

Throughout the day, Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park offers a playground for children, an open field, and a public pier that has swings, fishing spots, and beautiful photo opportunities. On summer nights, however, Shagging on the Cooper is a fun way to let loose with the entire family. Local live music, food and drinks, and a night full of shag dancing are what make this event so much fun for everyone. Make sure to check their website for the 2019 schedule.

  1. South Carolina Aquarium

Located near the Charleston Port, our local aquarium has countless exhibits that not only pay tribute to Charleston’s local marine ecosystems but also allow for an interactive experience. The aquarium exhibits a stingray touch tank, a kiddies touch tank with dog sharks, the Greak Tank, interactive games that teach children about marine science, a view into the shark tank, a marsh environment exhibit, and a look into the newly renovated Turtle Hospital as well as many other small displays. Throughout the day local experts can be seen all around the building holding unique animals or diving in the Great Tank, which is a great way to interact with all of the species.