Kid-Friendly Activities in Charleston

Traveling with children can be challenging, but there is no need to stress about finding kid-friendly activities during your vacation. Charleston is full of family-friendly places that your entire group will love! Whether you are spending the day Downtown, in Mt. Pleasant, or out on the Islands, there are many attractions guaranteed to ensure everyone has fun.

Please check out our list of activities throughout the Charleston region below and if you have any questions, feel free to contact our friendly Concierge department at (843) 242-1526.

Enjoy the beauty and charm of historic downtown Charleston by visiting the Battery and White Point Gardens. This wide-open public park offers a safe place for your children to run around while you also enjoy the scenic views. The park also is home to an impressive collection of Civil war cannons, mortars, and other relics. This offers a great opportunity to teach your children about the rich history of Charleston.

The Charleston City Market is a beloved attraction in downtown Charleston. It is an easy way to spend a few hours browsing local artisan crafts and delicious treats. This historic market is full of interesting vendors including wooden puzzle boxes, toys, Lowcountry crafts, fine art, and more!

Bring your children and learn about Charleston's natural history through hands-on exhibits and activities. This museum features a kid-sized replica of a historic Charleston home, family programs, and even a megalodon jawbone!

​Take me out to the ball game... Head on down to Joe Riley Park and cheer on the local Charleston Riverdogs baseball team. The small stadium is the perfect environment for families to enjoy baseball and some snacks. After the game, every Saturday kids get to come onto the field and run the bases!

Come relax in the shade, enjoy a picnic by the water, splash in the pineapple fountain, and more at Charleston's Waterfront Park. This scenic park boasts outstanding views of the waterfront harbor and the sailboats that pass by every day.

Come let your imagination run wild at the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry! Through a variety of interactive exhibits, playgrounds, and displays children of all ages are encouraged to use their creativity as they engage in each activity.

​The Gibbes Museum of Art provides an enriching cultural experience that encourages children's participation in the arts at a young age. You and your family can browse their well-curated collection of art and sculptures to inspire your young artists. The museum also regularly offers programming for children of all ages.

The South Carolina Aquarium is the perfect attraction for the entire family. Come interact with Charleston's coastal wildlife by exploring the touch tanks, marine habitats, and kid-friendly displays. You'll be sure to enjoy the two-story, 385,000-gallon aquarium featuring sea turtles, sharks, dive shows, and more!

Patriots Point is a naval and maritime museum full of interesting activities for both children and adults. First, you can take a self-guided tour of the USS Yorktown and experience what it was like to be a WWI Naval Officer. Then you can take pictures inside an actual submarine and in the cockpit of a fighter plane. Children over 6 can take off and experience what it was like to be a fighter pilot through an interactive Flight Simulator!

Located on an island in the Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter tours will provide an exciting day for the entire family. It begins with a 30-minute boat ride out to the island where you will learn about the location where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. This is also the fort where the famous writer Edgar Allen Poe served during his time in the military. Once you dock your children can enroll in the Junior Ranger program where they will receive a badge and activity books to use during the tour.

Do you have a child who loves fire trucks and dreams of becoming a fireman? If so, the North Charleston Fire Museum is a must-see while you're in town! The museum is home to the largest collection of operational antique fire engines and fire fighting equipment in the country. Your entire group will have a blast participating in all the fun interactive and educational activities.

A hidden gem in the middle of the city, the Park Circle butterfly garden invites guests to enjoy a picnic lunch or just sit and enjoy nature. The peak time of year to visit the garden to see the most butterflies is spring and fall. However, guests are welcome to enjoy the diverse plant life and seasonal farmers' market beginning mid-April and going until mid-October.

This easily accessible park is set on the banks of the scenic Cooper River, surrounded by graceful grand oaks and peaceful vistas. It is home to the Charleston Naval Base Memorial and homes an amphitheater, playground, and more. From family picnics to nationally renowned events and concerts, Riverfront Park will appeal to everyone.