The Best Things to Do With Kids in Charleston
As a Charleston local with a toddler, I love sharing all of my favorite family-friendly activities in Charleston, South Carolina with you all! Charleston is the perfect playground for families with kids of all ages – in fact, I’d argue it might be the most baby and kid friendly city in the USA!!! Blending rich history, stunning scenery, a delicious family-friendly restaurant scene, and endless fun, you can’t beat Charleston. Whether you have little ones or teenagers, this city has something exciting for everyone. From lush gardens to interactive childrens museums, to our famous aquarium, to the beaches of course, Charleston combines learning and play in the best ways that will leave an impact on your kiddos. So, pack your bags, grab the kids, and let’s dive into the best family-friendly activities in Charleston. Here’s why I love these spots and why your family will too!
The Best Family-Friendly Spots in Charleston
South Carolina Aquarium
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Ages: All Ages
The South Carolina Aquarium is must-visit when visiting Charleston. Your kids will be thrilled to get up close with over 5,000 animals, including sharks, rays, and turtles. The Sea Turtle Care Center is a highlight, where kids can learn about rescuing and rehabilitating sea turtles. It’s educational, engaging, and so much fun! I love this spot because it perfectly combines excitement with learning about marine life. Plus, the stunning views of Charleston Harbor are just a bonus! For an extra treat, check out the daily dive shows and interactive touch tanks. Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the joy on your kids’ faces as they discover the underwater world.
Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry
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Ages: 2-10
The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry is a paradise for your little explorers! We love this place! It’s packed with interactive exhibits that let kids’ imaginations run wild. From a pirate ship, to a full play kids GROCERY STORE (so fun!), there’s so much to see and do. It’s designed for hands-on learning and fun, making it perfect for toddlers and elementary-aged kids. I adore this museum because it keeps kids entertained while stimulating their creativity and curiosity. Your kiddos will leave exhausted and with big smiles! There are also special programs and events, so check their schedule before you go.
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
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Ages: 6 and up
Patriots Point is a great spot to head for young history buffs and adventurers. Climb aboard the USS Yorktown and explore a real-life massive aircraft carrier, complete with aircraft displays and interactive exhibits. It’s both fun and educational, offering your kids a glimpse into naval history. There’s also a Medal of Honor Museum and a Vietnam Experience Exhibit that adds to the excitement. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as there’s a lot of ground to cover. And don’t miss the flight simulator!
Charleston Pirate Tours
Ages: 4 and up
Who doesn’t love a good pirate tale? Charleston Pirate Tours take you on an exciting journey through the city’s pirate history. Kids will LOVE the stories of real pirates as they explore the waterfront and historic streets. It’s such a fun and interactive way to learn about Charleston’s swashbuckling past. I love these tours because they mix storytelling with history, making learning a fun adventure. Your little pirates will absolutely love it! The guides often dress in pirate attire, adding to the fun. Bring some pirate gear for your kids to wear – they’ll feel like part of the crew!
Fort Sumter National Monument
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Ages: 6 and up
Step back in time with a boat ride to Fort Sumter, the place where the Civil War began. This adventure includes a narrated history tour, perfect for older kids and teens interested in American history. The scenic views of Charleston Harbor are beautiful, too! I love visiting Fort Sumter is a memorable way to dive into history while enjoying the beauty of Charleston’s waterways.
Pro tip: Be sure to bring sunscreen and hats, as the fort is exposed to the sun. Grab a Junior Ranger activity booklet at the visitor center to keep the kids engaged. And the ferry ride itself is a highlight!
Boone Hall Plantation
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Ages: All Ages
Boone Hall Plantation is a great spot for families. Explore the stunning gardens, historic home, and learn about Charleston’s culture. The butterfly pavilion and working farm are big hits with younger kids. And, depending on the season you might find things like hay rides, strawberry picking, holiday season celebrations and more! Boone Hall is a wonderful way to mix history, nature, and fun! Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the expansive grounds.
Charles Towne Landing
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Ages: All Ages
Charles Towne Landing is a fantastic spot to step back in time. Kids can explore interactive exhibits, a replica of a 17th-century trading vessel, and a zoo featuring animals native to the area in the 1600s. It’s a perfect mix of history and nature and getting up and close with animals. It’s an adventure through history that your kids will love! Charles Towne Landing also features beautiful gardens and walking trails. Rent bikes or bring your own for a fun way to explore the grounds. Be sure to check out the living history demonstrations – they’re a hit with kids and adults alike.
The beach!
Pick from any of Charleston’s three beaches, Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms, or Folly Beach, for a fabulous kid-friendly experience. I will say we tend to choose Isle of Palms with kids since there are public restrooms available, unlike the others.
The Kenny Flowers flagship store on King Street – head to the back for the kids section!
For the cutest kids clothes, swimwear, and more, in Charleston, head to the back of the adorable Kenny Flowers store at 345 King Street, where your kids will love and you will love shopping!! The best part? You can pick up matching family looks for your trip! And the store has a bunch of in-store exclusives for kids you won’t find online – like the Charleston print!
The best restaurants with kids in Charleston
For baby-friendly and kid-friendly restaurant recommendations, I’ve got you!
Where to eat with kids in Charleston
Edmund’s Oast Brewery
Edmund’s Oast is baby-friendly and kid-friendly – the Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co location is the most kid-friendly due to its spacious lawn and outdoor areas that kids love to run around. We go almost every weekend when the weather is nice!
Rancho Lewis
This family-friendly tex-mex spot is one of the best restaurants to take kids in Charleston, and is located right next to Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co – where they share a big patio and lawn outside that kids and toddlers love. On weekends, you can post up outside for happy hour while the kids mingle and run around the (shaded) lawn and both Rancho and Edmund’s Oast both have outdoor bars open with fresh margaritas and beers on tap. Big fan!
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Home Team Barbecue
Home Team is one of our favorite go-to dinner spots in Charleston. The food is so delicious (the wings are the BEST, and I love their pulled pork nachos!) and they also offer a kid’s menu including quesadillas, PB&J, grilled cheese, chicken fingers and more. Great spot for the family! But, be warned, go on a gameday and you might be fighting the bar crowds!
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Islander 71
Islander 71 on Isle of Palms has tons of fun yard games, kid-friendly trivia nights, live entertainment and a full kids menu featuring mac & cheese, grilled cheese, chicken tenders, fries, peanut butter mini pies and banana pudding!
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Longboard
One of our favorites, Longboard is always a go-to dinner spot for a group in Charleston when we want to bring our babies. We love their poke bowls and fresh seafood, and the cocktails are to-die-for!
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Basic Kitchen
Looking for a good healthy spot downtown to bring the family? Basic Kitchen is my favorite spot for clean eats, vegan eats, and a chic healthy lunch patio in downtown Charleston. This patio is good for kids, and I crave their buffalo cauliflower and cesar salad all the time!
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Obstinate Daughter
If you’re looking for a more upscale option that is still family-friendly, Obstinate Daughter is a great spot. Located on Sullivan’s Island, it’s.a local favorite! Fresh seafood, wood-fired pizzas, and a DELICIOUS ice cream store on the bottom floor for dessert. Definitely recommend!
Sullivan’s Fish Camp
Around 5pm at Sullivan’s Fish Camp, you’re bound to see a ton of families with little ones dining at one of Charleston’s best restaurants! This is one of our go-to’s as a family!
Visiting Charleston anytime soon? Be sure to read my other blogs below for the best hotel and restaurant recommendations!
Packing for a Weekend in Charleston – What to Wear in Charleston SC
