The Best Things to Do with Kids in Charleston SC
Fort Moultrie, Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina
Let me set the record straight: there are SO many things to do with kids in Charleston SC!
More people than ever are coming to Charleston, but I've met many visitors who said, "We've wanted to visit, but we thought our kids would be bored."
As someone who grew up in Charleston and the current parent to two kids growing up in the Lowcountry, I can attest that there are tons of places that are awesome for kids of all ages to learn about this Southern city's history and charm.
In fact, there really isn’t a “kid friendly Charleston” and a “not kid friendly Charleston.”
It's a welcoming city, and most restaurants, shops, and attractions will do their best to make visitors of all ages happy during your stay.
Bottom line: don't leave the kids at home if you're planning at trip to the Holy City!
In this guide to Charleston with kids, you’ll find my favorite kids activities, family friendly restaurants, and the best Charleston playgrounds.
Let’s plan a trip your kids will never forget!
This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through one of the following links, I will receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.
Updated 8/2022 | Written 9/2014
The Best Charleston Kids Activities
The Children's Museum of the Lowcountry
I feel like this is a cheat entry because the title has the word "children" into it--obviously, it's going to be kid-friendly!
The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry (CML) is particularly awesome as far as kiddie museums go, so if you're walking around the historic downtown area, add this to your list of Charleston kids activities.
My daughter on one of our many trips to the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry, 2014
On top of themed rooms like a pirate ship, a kid-sized grocery store, and a multi-level castle, the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry also has weekly dance classes, an annual festival, and a wonderful Early Starts program for the youngest visitors.
There's also an art room with a different daily art project and open ended art supplies, an outdoor area perfect for picnics, and a water room that my kids are obsessed with.
One of my favorite parts of CML is the exhibit room that changes regularly with new themes and props.
Over the last year or so, this room has had bunk beds and forts for the kids to climb all over, a build-your-own-project area with real tools from Lowe's, and a music room celebrating American jazz.
2022 Note: the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry has undergone a massive renovation over the last few years, which means fresh play spaces and more activity offerings.
Now, more than ever, it is a must-do on my list of fun places for kids in Charleston!
While it isn't the biggest children's museum we've visited thus far, CML remains a friendly, welcoming place with a fantastic staff.
It's well worth the entrance fee.
Children's Museum of the Lowcountry Quick Facts
Why this is a great Charleston kids activity: engaged, educational and hands-on-learning through play
Best ages to visit: 2-10 years old
Address: 25 Ann Street, Charleston, South Carolina
Hours: Thursday-Saturday 9:30 AM-5 PM, Sunday 12:30-5 PM, Closed Monday-Wednesday
New to Charleston? Get an overview of the area, safety tips, and more travel suggestions in my First Time Visitors’s Guide to Charleston!
Magnolia Plantation
Yes, I'm including a plantation on this list. Most parents will run away screaming at the idea of taking any kid under the age of 11 or 12 to a plantation.
I will admit, some of the area plantations are less than kid-friendly with their priceless antiques and strict do-not-touch policies.
However, Magnolia Plantation is a great way to introduce your kids to the history of plantations, slavery, and the antebellum South since there are multiple ways to experience this property.
Because of these options, Magnolia Plantation deserves a spot on my list of best things to do with kids in Charleston SC!
If you've got very wee ones, skip the house tour completely and roam around the extensive (and gorgeous!) gardens, check out the petting zoo, or take the train or boat tours.
You can get a feel for the plantation and its history without worrying about knocking over that 200 year old vase!
Magnolia Plantation is aware that different visitors have different needs and expectations of the property, so they've got an a la carte approach to their ticketing system.
My daughter at Magnolia Plantation's petting zoo
If you want to just do the garden and petting zoo, that's a base ticket. You can then add on a house tour, a boat tour, tram ride, and more.
This approach is also fantastic because it allows families with multiple children to pick and choose different options for each kid.
Your 5 year old might want to do the petting zoo while the 10 year old wants to learn more about the house.
There's no need to pay for a stressful house tour for the 5 year old, so you can easily split the family for 45 minutes while an adult and one child go on the tour.
Check their website before you go as they're great about offering additional kids' programming free with the purchase of a base ticket.
>> Grab tickets for the Magnolia Plantation and transportation tour. <<
Magnolia Plantation Quick Facts
Why this is a great Charleston kids activity: thoughtful options on learning for all ages, a petting zoo, and beautiful gardens
Best ages to visit: 4-18 years old
Address: 3550 Ashley River Road, Charleston, South Carolina
Hours: 9 AM-5 PM daily
South Carolina Aquarium
Located right on the harbor, the SC Aquarium is perfect for family fun in Charleston SC.
It’s been a staple in our routines both when we were homeschooling and now that my kids are in a traditional school.
Your family with love the journey through the different ecosystems of South Carolina. You’ll learn about the animals and plants that make up everything from the Piedmont forests to the barrier islands.
Along the way, you’ll see a bald eagle, adorable otters, several snakes, jellyfish, and lobsters.
There are dozens of fish in the Great Ocean Tank, along with a few sharks!
You’ll learn about sea turtle rescue in the rehabilitation center for local sick and harmed turtles.
The touch pools allow visitors to get close to manta rays in the outdoor section next to the harbor.
This is always one of my kids’ favorite spots.
Check the daily schedule to see when the live animal encounters are being held.
South Carolina Aquarium Quick Facts
Why this is a great Charleston kids activity: interactive educational opportunities for marine biology, touch pools, dolphin watching in the harbor
Best ages to visit: 2-18 years old
Address: 100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston, South Carolina
Hours: 9 AM-5 PM daily
Patriots Point
Who doesn't love a gigantic floating museum?
This WWII aircraft carrier has been permanently placed into the mud at Patriots Point so that future generations can learn more about World War II and the sacrifices that our veterans have made for us.
It's on my list of things to do in Charleston SC with kids because it's one of the places that they can touch, see, and even smell history (oh, that lovely musty historic smell!).
Plus, there are always school tour groups around, and no one worries about the noise or kids running from section to section.
There are also other military craft to explore, as well as aircraft onboard the Yorktown.
The U.S.S. Yorktown, the main World War II ship, is located right on the Charleston harbor, so from this perspective, you'll have stunning views of downtown, James Island, the bridge, and Fort Sumter.
Bring the camera!
The property has added the U.S.S. Clamagore, a submarine, and the Vietnam War Experience recently to even more opportunities to learn about military history.
For extra family fun in Charleston SC, experience the Yorktown on an overnight youth camping trip (for groups of 10 or more).
Maybe you'll see the ghost that's rumored to haunt the U.S.S. Yorktown on the nighttime Patriots Point tour!
Patriots Point Quick Facts
Why this is a great Charleston kids activity: accessible military history, antique boats and planes, great views of the Charleston harbor
Best ages to visit: 5-18 years old
Address: 40 Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Hours: 9 AM-6:30 PM daily
Carriage Tours in Charleston SC
Your child might not remember a single fact that the carriage driver tells you about, but he or she will totally remember that time you rode in an old fashioned horse-pulled cart.
While your kid waves at all of the people on the street (and the ticked-off locals trying to drive past the super slow cart), you'll be free to learn all about historic Charleston SC.
Or, if your kid is anything like I was from the age of 8 onward, he or she will get all sorts of information about the Battery, the houses South of Broad Street, the City Market, and French Quarter.
History nerds forever!
These tours of the city are a great way to get an overview of the main parts of the peninsula as you'll head past most of the must-see attractions between the City Market (see below for an entry on that!) and the Charleston Harbor.
Sure, you could walk the same area, but it's way more fun to go on a horse-drawn buggy.
>> Get your tickets for the the horse and buggy tours here. <<
BONUS ACTIVITY! You can also visit the stables of the carriage companies downtown and feed the horses a carrot or two while they're off duty.
Not only is this an enjoyable interaction for kids, it's also free!
The carriage stables for Old Carriage Company are located at 14 Anson Street in downtown Charleston.
The carriage stables for Palmetto Carriage Works are at 8 Guignard Street in downtown Charleston.
Historic Carriage Tour Quick Facts
Why this is a great Charleston kids activity: friendly horses, unusual transportation style, and a fun ride through the historic district downtown
Best ages to visit: 7-18 years old
Address: all carriage tours depart from the City Market, Market Street, Charleston, South Carolina
Hours: most run 9 AM-5 PM daily, but check for later tour offerings during peak months
Fort Sumter National Monument
Much like the carriage ride, the history might not stick with a smaller child, but the boat ride, fake cannons, and rambling stairways definitely will.
My older child would visit for the boat ride alone, which provides incredible views of the Charleston harbor, downtown skyline, the U.S.S. Yorktown, and Mount Pleasant's Old Village.
Older kids will get a kick out of the Junior Ranger program (ask a fort ranger for more details) and the Flat Ranger/ Soldier program.
Overall, Fort Sumter is really kid-friendly, as there are plenty of open areas for kids to explore. There's no need for hushed voices here, either!
>> Get tickets for Fort Sumter and the required ferry ride here. <<
Fort Sumter Quick Facts
Why this is a great Charleston kids activity: engaging boat ride through the harbor, Junior Ranger program, an island to explore
Best ages to visit: 6-18 years old
Address: tour boats leave both from Patriots Point and the SC Aquarium docks
Hours: 9 AM-5 PM daily
City Market
Sweetgrass baskets at the City Market in downtown Charleston
Let your child meet local artisans, taste homegrown food, and pick out a new toy at the City Market downtown.
Many ill-informed people will tell you that the City Market was where slaves used to be bought and sold. Absolutely not true.
The Old Slave Mart is located elsewhere (on Chalmers Street), so if you want to teach your child about this horrific part of Charleston's past, you'll want to redirect your itinerary there.
(Note: while I wholeheartedly recommend the Old Slave Mart to families, you'll want to consider your child's disposition and tolerance level before heading there. It's a very well done museum, but doesn't shy away from the difficult and heart wrenching parts of the slave trade in Charleston, so it's best for kids 9+.)
The City Market, on the other hand, is where people--including enslaved people--came to buy and sell fruits, veggies, and handmade wares.
To this day, that's exactly what you can get there...as well as a bunch of other things.
A recent remodel of the area a few years back enclosed and air conditioned part of the market, and now you can get yummy food from downtown restaurants and see mini-versions of some of downtown's most popular shops like Caviar and Bananas or Wonderworks.
It's always a noisy, bustling place, and it's one of the things to do in Charleston SC with kids that never fails to elicit big smiles from the younger visitors.
Charleston City Market Quick Facts
Why this is a great Charleston kids activity: dozens of booths over 4 blocks to explore with shirts, candy, baskets, and more souvenirs
Best ages to visit: 8-18 years old
Address: enter from East Bay Street or Meeting Street between N. Market Street and S. Market Street
Hours: 9:30 AM-5 PM daily
Isle of Palms County Park
Although there's more history to explore than you could ever manage in a single family visit, you need some beach time, too!
While each of the area beaches has its own charm and appeal, Isle of Palms has a fantastic county park right on the water and beautiful streets lined with palm trees.
It’s this park that makes Isle of Palms one of the most family friendly beaches in South Carolina.
When it is time for us to head to the beach, we always make a beeline for the IOP park.
It is located just over the Isle of Palms connector from Mount Pleasant, and the park is about 15 minutes from downtown Charleston.
Inside the park, there is a good deal of parking, but it does fill up fairly quickly on summer weekends, Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day.
Otherwise, aim to be at the entrance around 10 AM when the park opens, and you shouldn't have any issues getting in.
Once inside, you can head straight to the beach, where there are lifeguards on duty whenever the park is open.
The park also has changing rooms, outdoor showers, and indoor bathrooms, all for the exclusive use of patrons.
You can also rent beach chairs and umbrellas at the entrance if you didn't bring your own--or if you want someone else to do the heavy lifting while you're having a beach day.
Near the outdoor showers are covered picnic tables and grills, which are first come first served. You can also start a volleyball game on one of the courts.
There are limited food offerings inside of the park, usually in form of a small ice cream cart.
However, from Isle of Palms County Park, you can easily head to Palm Boulevard where you'll find pizza, sandwiches, and ice cream.
>> Explore more fun things to do in Isle of Palms! <<
Isle of Palms County Park Quick Facts
Why this is a great Charleston kids activity: beautiful beach with lifeguards
Best ages to visit: 1-18 years old
Address: 1-14th Avenue, Isle of Palms, South Carolina
Hours: 10 AM-5 PM daily
Fort Moultrie National Historic Site
While Fort Sumter out in the harbor is the obvious choice for most visitors, Fort Moultrie is more of a hidden gem.
Run by the National Parks Service, Fort Moultrie is located on Sullivans Island and is a 20 minute drive from downtown.
Fort Moultrie is particularly important to South Carolina history since this is where we get the palmetto tree symbol on our flag. The original fort was constructed from palmettos, and the construction allowed the soldiers to successfully defend themselves from British ships in the harbor.
In addition to the Revolutionary War significance, it's also served the state during multiple other conflicts, most recently as a base during World War II.
This layered history is laid out in the fort so visitors can learn about the original construction steps away from the underground bunkers from WWII.
I've taken my kids several times and they discover something new every time we go.
There are plenty of hills to run up and down, cannons to touch, and bunkers to explore. You'll also get some phenomenal views of the Atlantic Ocean from the top!
When you're done touring the main property, you can walk the ring around the fort where there are additional information signs.
Back across the road--and behind the visitors center--you'll find picnic tables next to the Intracoastal Waterway for an al fresco lunch.
Fort Moultrie Quick Facts
Why this is a great Charleston kids activity: World War II bunkers, lots of climbing opportunities, 3 centuries of history, Junior Ranger program
Best ages to visit: 5-18 years old
Address: 1214 Middle Street, Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 9 AM-5 PM, closed Monday-Tuesday
Angel Oak
If your kids aren't wowed by this tree, I don't know what will impress them!
First of all, it's massive.
Where the giant sequoias grow up, this tree has grown out. And out. And out.
Some estimates put it at two thousand years old, which is incredible.
Best of all, little travelers are encouraged to walk around the tree, touching and feeling it as they go.
The Angel Oak is also in a completely enclosed space, so you don't have to worry about your kiddos running off into the wilds of Wadmalaw Island.
Getting here requires a car, but the 20 minute or so drive from downtown Charleston will be well worth it.
Angel Oak Quick Facts
Why this is a great Charleston kids activity: historic tree, outdoor space to run around
Best ages to visit: 2-18 years old
Address: 3688 Angel Oak Road, Johns Island, South Carolina
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9 AM-5 PM, Sunday 1-5 PM
Charleston Tea Garden
While you're in the area to see Angel Oak, you might as well go a little further into Wadmalaw Island and check out North America's only tea plantation.
Your kids will enjoy the (air conditioned) indoor tours where groups are led through the process of planting, harvesting, and processing different types of tea.
There's also a great tea tasting station in the attached gift shop, so you can get a free sampling of what the Charleston Tea Plantation produces.
If you are true tea enthusiasts or want to learn more about the day-to-day requirements of running a tea farm, there are also outdoor tours available.
Charleston Tea Garden Quick Facts
Why this is a great Charleston kids activity: tea samples, interactive indoor tour, cute trolley tour of property
Best ages to visit: 4-18 years old
Address: 6617 Maybank Highway, Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 AM-4 PM, Sunday 12-4 PM
Charles Pinckney National Historic Site
We love this site for a few reasons:
1) It's free. Yay!
2) The Junior Ranger program is one of the best we've discovered.
3) It's easily doable in just a few hours.
4) It's not as well known as other local historic sites, so we often have the place to ourselves.
In fact, the Charles Pinckney site is right across the street from Boone Hall Plantation, but it's so quiet, you'll feel like you're out in the country.
Charles Pinckney was a member of a prestigious Lowcountry family and was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence if you're into early American history.
The house on site has been divided into 4 areas, 3 of which delves into an aspect of the family farm's history: Charles Pinckney's library, the property's archeological digs, and the Gullah-Geechee history.
(The 4th room is where you'll find the gift shop and rangers.)
Have your kids experience the Geechee language by reading a passage from the Bible in the Gullah-Geechee room.
Or, let them explore the many historic artifacts that have been found on the property.
The rangers are extremely cordial and have gone out of their way to help us during our visits.
Definitely do the Junior Ranger program here, as it's a small property that allows you to easily work inside the house and out in the field to fully experience the history.
Plus, there are covered picnic tables and public restrooms next to the parking lot, so you can make a day out of your experience.
Charles Pinckney Historic Site Quick Facts
Why this is a great Charleston kids activity: indoor displays, short outdoor hike, Junior Ranger program
Best ages to visit: 6-18 years old
Address: 1254 Longpoint Road, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 9 AM-5 PM, closed Monday-Tuesday
Best Charleston Playgrounds
Sometimes, your kids need to burn off steam.
In between your horse and carriage tour, dining at some of downtown's best restaurants, and learning about South Carolina history, your kids will need a break.
Head to one of these fun places in Charleston SC for kids, and have a a beautiful day out!
Hampton Park
This expansive park might be your new favorite spot in Charleston thanks to the beautiful green space that it provides.
(source)
Around the corner from the Citadel campus, Hampton Park offers towering oak trees to climb, a pond to meet some new duck friends, and plenty of paths to walk between historic tours.
If you're visiting during the spring, you definitely need to make a visit, as the azaleas in bloom are every family photo dream.
My kids love the McMahon playground on the end closest to Rutledge Avenue, which has swings, monkey bars, slides, and everything else that makes a play space fantastic.
Parking is readily available all around the park.
Address: 30 Mary Murray Drive, Charleston, South Carolina
Hazel Parker Playground
Hazel Parker playground is mostly frequented by locals, so you're sure to find a new Charleston friend or two while you're there.
The playground also only has one small-ish sign on East Bay Street, so you might even walk past it without realizing what it was.
Once you head through the gate, your kids will be delighted to find swings, a grassy field perfect for impromptu soccer matches, and plenty of green space to run around.
I used to be a full-time homeschool tutor for a family downtown, and, while I took the kids to this park, we once saw actor Bill Murray and his son.
This property also offers picnic tables if you'd like to buy some tasty treats from Fast and French (98 Broad Street) or Bakehouse Charleston (160 East Bay Street) and enjoy them harborside.
Address: 70 Easy Bay Street, Charleston, South Carolina
Mount Pleasant Waterfront Park
Located underneath the Ravanel Bridge on the Mount Pleasant side, this park is wonderful for a few hours of rest and relaxation.
Closest to the parking is a large, gated playground. The play spaces here are designed after local landmarks like the U.S.S. Yorktown and the Ravenel Bridge.
Your family will find swings for big and little kids, a toddler play area, several slides and bridges for bigger kids, climbing equipment, and more.
There's a huge field for rambunctious kids to play soccer or run off some energy.
When everyone is hungry, grab a big milkshake at the bait and tackle shop at the foot of the pier. There are also soft drinks and water available.
Walk out onto the pier to watch one of the massive container ships come into port. You could also enjoy the harbor breezes in the wooden swings or try to catch some fish off the pier!
Address: 99 Harry M. Hallman Boulevard, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Alhambra Hall
You'll need to go deep into the Old Village of Mount Pleasant to find this hidden gem, but the effort is worth the amazing views at this local favorite!
The huge playground is fenced in, and it has public restrooms on-site.
My kids love the sandpit and the pirate ship play set.
Another favorite is the dual swings, where we can put my younger child in the baby seat and then partner with him on the big kid seat attached.
There are multiple playsets here, one for really small kids and another for big kids.
The spinning seat is tough to master but so much fun!
Across the street from the playground is a big field with expansive views of the harbor and downtown Charleston.
Address: 131 Middle Street, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Best Kid Friendly Restaurants in Charleston SC
Charleston is a foodie town, but that doesn't mean it isn't accessible for most families.
When you're in town with your kids, pop into one of these delicious spots:
Fuel Catina
It's inside an old gas station and has a hip, casual vibe. We love dining on the patio out back!
This restaurant is a great way to introduce your kids to the fresh, tangy taste of Caribbean food.
I love the fried goat cheese salad with orange balsamic vinaigrette, while my kids usually opt for the taco cheese fries, nachos, or the Big Papi Quesadillas.
>> Read my full review of Fuel Restaurant in Charleston SC! <<
Address: 211 Rutledge Avenue, Charleston, South Carolina
Vickery's on the Creek
(source)
This Mount Pleasant restaurant is right on Shem Creek and has gorgeous water views.
Ask for a table on the porch so your kids can spot a dolphin while they're waiting for their food.
My family loves the spinach and artichoke dip, and the burgers are amazing here.
Address: 1313 Shrimp Boat Lane, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Tommy Condon's Irish Pub
The ceilings are low, there's paneled wood everywhere, and you might feel as if you're on the Emerald Isle!
This downtown Charleston classic is tucked on a side street near the City Market and offers up comforting pub grub to please the whole family.
Address: 160 Church Street, Charleston, South Carolina
Lewis BBQ
We are obsessed with this place, and their brisket has become a staple at our Christmas progressive dinners.
While you can get takeout to eat at a local park, I recommend getting the full experience by waiting in the line (which can get long during dinner hours!) and hand selecting your BBQ, brisket and sides.
The BBQ can be eaten plain or with one of the house sauces. We also love their macaroni and cheese, which is an elevated version of this family friendly classic.
Really, you can't go wrong with anything they have here. Grab a table outside in the small courtyard so your kids can stretch their legs while you're waiting for your food.
Address: 464 Nassau Street, Charleston, South Carolina
Sugar Bakeshop
So many sweets, so little time. I've sampled most of the cookies, cupcakes and cakes from their menu over the years and haven't ever had a bad experience.
It's a tiny little place, and you may have to wait outside if there are more than 2 customers already inside. Once inside, you'll feel like a kid in a candy store with all of the adorable glass cake displays and cookies scattered over the counter.
The almond, vanilla, or confetti cupcakes are tied for my favorites. The M&M cookies are huge and so good!
Take your treats to the small courtyard that is attached or settle into one of the tables on the sidewalk.
Address: 59 1/2 Cannon Street, Charleston, South Carolina
When it comes to a trip to the Holy City, you can't really go wrong when you're traveling with little kids.
Even as a local, people tend to go out of their way to help me when I'm struggling with strollers and shopping bags, and I've seen others extend that courtesy to visitors time and time again.
Not only is this a fantastic place to learn about South Carolina history, you'll also teach your kids so much about early American history while you're in town, too.
Add in a few fun nights out in our restaurants, and you've got a family vacation that no one will ever forget!
Which of these things to do in Charleston with kids would you like to experience with your family?
