There are so many fun things to do in Charleston, SC with kids! Visiting Charleston with my 4- and 6-year old girls was one of my favorite trips of 2017. We did not rent a car so all of our transportation was by water taxi and uber (and horse and carriage, of course!). Here are several of my picks:
1. Take the Water Taxi Around Charleston Harbor
The Charleston Water Taxi stopped at the dock at our resort (the Beach Club Hotel at the Charleston Harbor Marina in Mt. Pleasant) we could ride the boat to downtown Charleston every day! (The service runs daily from mid-March to mid-November, so make sure to check the schedule if you are visiting during the shoulder season.) During one of our voyages we saw dolphins…a common sighting according to our taxi captain! The water taxi makes several stops, including Charleston Harbor Marina, Waterfront Park, Aquarium Wharf and Patriot’s Point.
2. Scope Out or Play in the Waterfront Park Fountains
Waterfront Park is located near many of Charleston’s popular downtown hotels (and next to where the water taxi arrives from the Charleston Harbor Marina). This is where you can catch a glimpse of the famous pineapple fountain. The first time we passed the fountains, my girls were fully clothed and I did not let them go in the water because we had a full day of activities. However, the next day we came prepared with bathing suits!
3. Take a Horse Carriage Ride (or two)!
My girls loved the horse and carriage rides throughout the Historic District! In order to avoid congestion, the carriage operators are forced to vary their routes (they actually have a Bingo-type system that tells them where to go!). This means that you will rarely get the same tour if you go more than once. All of the carriage operators have covered carriages which kept out the rain and the sun during both of our trips.
4. Visit the South Carolina Aquarium
I absolutely loved this aquarium and my girls did, too. The building exhibits were clean, the staff was knowledgeable and helpful and there were a ton of hands-on activities for kids. We visited on a weekday morning and it did not feel overly crowded. The Sea Turtle Care Center was interesting and educational and eye-opening! Insider’s tip: My water taxi operator also works as an educator at the Aquarium and recommended a great lunch spot a short block away from the Aquarium: East Bay Deli.
5. Enjoy an Authentic Low Country Breakfast
Traveling with little kids with picky eating habits can be hard, but breakfast is usually a sure thing for us! One of my Charleston-savvy friends recommended a couple of spots and both were a hit! We also found a gem or two on our own!
Hominy Grill
Poogan’s Porch
Butcher & The Bee
Virginia’s on King
6. Take a Walk to View the Colorful Homes, Cool Doors and Walls
Perhaps it’s my love for photography, but one of my favorite things to do in Charleston was searching and photographing the beautiful colors of the homes and buildings. I loved The Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel for its splash of pink!
7. Visit the Children’s Museum of the Low Country
This museum was a hit with my children. It is a large building with many different themed areas, such as a Medieval Creativity Castle, an Art Room, an antique Fire Truck, and a Pirate Ship. My girls loved trying out their handyman skills in the unique construction/building cubes. They loved it so much that they wanted to go back a second day.
8. Enjoy Ice Cream for All Tastes
In case you haven’t heard of it before, rolled ice cream is gaining popularity. We ventured to Ice & Pan to see it made and taste it for ourselves. My girls enjoyed the Cookie Monster ice cream with their favorite toppings!
There are so many more fun things to do in Charleston, SC with kids! Feel free to leave me a comment and let me know if you visit any of these places in Charleston.
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