This unique list of things to do in Charleston with kids will make your vacation planning a breeze. Visiting a city destination is always a treat, but traveling with kids brings a whole new vibe to the trip. For most families, the itinerary shifts to activities that keep the kiddos entertained, and it’s lights out by ten instead of enjoying the nightlife.
Nevertheless, thanks to these ten things to do in Charleston with kids, my little family and I had a fun-filled, memorable trip.
- Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park
- Downtown Carriage Drive
- Kid Friendly Restaurants
- South Carolina Aquarium
- Ice Cream Shop
- French Quarter
- Beach Day
- Ghost Tour/ Haunted Jail
- Other Attractions We Didn’t Make It To
- Movies and Pop Culture
Charleston, SC, is high on many people’s destination wishlist, and for a good reason. The city transports you to a whole new way of life as soon as you leave the airport.
You won’t find any skyscrapers or over-commercialized towns on your way into Downtown Charleston. Instead, you’ll find that life there is a bit more simple and slower-paced. The landscape is plush and green, and much of the architecture is over a century old.
Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park
Perhaps one of the most underrated things to do in Charleston with kids is this unique playground experience.
Located under the famous Arthur Ravenel Bridge, you will find a beautiful jam-packed park. The park features a playground, an open lawn, a cafe, a fishing pier, walking paths, artwork, and monuments.
Playground
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A small section of the playground
A small section of the playgroundThe playground is long and narrow and has a futuristic vibe to it. It is positioned directly under the bridge, which makes for a unique setting.
The play area’s attractions go beyond your typical jungle gym and swing set and even specify age groups for each play area section. There is a whole section for the little littles to ride spaceships and slide baby slides.
Not only was there more than enough room for our son to burn off energy, but there were also a ton of kids there for him to interact with as well.
Additional notes– There are clean restrooms nearby at the park entrance and water fountains inside the playground gate.
The Rest of Memorial Park
The unique playground lured us there, but we were delighted to discover everything else going on at this huge park.
Just outside of the gated playground is an expansive lawn area that is perfect for picnics, tossing a ball around, and racing up and down the greens.
Grab a bite at the River Watch cafe and gift shop that offers subs, paninis, smoothies, milkshakes, and the TALLEST soft-serve ice cream cones I’ve ever seen. Enjoy your food under a covered, outdoor dining area.
Just past the outdoor dining area, you can take a break on one of the many benches overlooking the river and the beautifully manicured landscape on your way to the pier. It was the perfect place for us to rest after running around the playground.
Beyond that is a fishing pier that extends out into the Cooper River. Take a walk down the 1250 foot pier for a serene and beautiful view of Charleston Harbor.
Be sure to follow the sidewalk back and walk all the way around to observe the statues and memorial tributes to local war veterans. Large, painted ceramic oysters line the pavement as a fun display of art.
The littles are sure to be worn out after all of this!
Downtown Carriage Ride
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Seeing the horse-drawn carriages trot through downtown Charleston was a joy to see. It is a proper display of southern charm. This was high on my list of things to do in Charleston with kids.
The covered carriages escort tourists through about 20 blocks of downtown streets while a licensed tour guide points out all of the history and unique characteristics of the 300-year-old town.
We rode with Carolina Polo Carriage Co. and paid $40 for each adult ticket. We planned on spending $35 for our four-year-old, but the lovely lady at the desk offered for him to ride for free as a “lap child.”
Additional Notes– The city regulates the carriage rides, which means there is no guarantee you will see the sights you are hoping to see. Once you board the carriage, the tour guide passes by a kiosk that randomly selects which route you are allowed to go. If you have your heart set on a particular path, some companies offer to ride as many times as you would like under the same tickets.
Kid-Friendly Restaurants
High on the list of things to do in Charleston with kids is keeping them full and happy! We planned most of our activities around the reservations we were able to get.
If you take nothing else from this post, take this —> Make dining reservations TWO weeks in advance!! Especially if you have been doing your research and have your heart set on a specific place.
We were lucky enough to get that advice from a neighbor before we went, and sure enough, I saw people turned away at almost every place we went because they did not have a reservation.
Even the fancier restaurants were kid-friendly and offered paper menus and crayons. The wait staff automatically served drinks in covered cups, and the kid’s menus had both basic options and fun new dishes for more adventurous kiddos.
Side note– Every restaurant we went to offered only paper straws, which was a struggle more than once. If this might bother you, don’t forget to pack a portable stainless steel or glass straw!
Ms. Rose’s
Our first experience with Charleston cuisine was Ms. Rose’s, and we were impressed. The atmosphere is casual but trendy.
The interior architecture is unique, with slatted wood walls curved around the ceiling like a cocoon and colorful light fixtures and bar area.
We all enjoyed our food, and my son was able to cut up and have fun (in his seat) without causing a disturbance since we were seated next to a couple of large parties. My husband loved the large screen projection behind us playing the Golf Channel.
Virginia’s on King
Virginia’s on King has raving reviews for dinner but was only available for brunch by the time I made a reservation. I didn’t want to miss out on such a popular spot, so I was happy to take what I could get.
The face of the restaurant is at the corner of King and Hutson Street within view of the beautiful St. Mathews Lutheran church, which we self-toured after our meal.
We sat in a booth will tall backs that separated us from the guests on both sides. There were also small tables scattered though out the cozy, narrow dining space.
The decor was charming with wood and brick walls, original hardwood floors, and green pendant lights over each booth.
Our food was good, but my favorite was the fried green tomatoes. Give them a try if you go here!
Poogan’s Porch
A haunted restaurant! We went to Poogan’s Porch for brunch and were seated in the back dining room overlooking a small, plush courtyard. The space is open and bright, with original wood floors and beams.
Our food was delicious, and we all cleaned our plates! My favorite was my son’s french toast and bacon, which I just had to steal a bite. I also really liked the huevos rancheros, which is one of their bestsellers and what I ordered.
Mill Street Tavern
Mill Street Tavern is in Mt. Pleasant, a trendy town about ten minutes from Charleston. The restaurant overlooks Shem Creek, with a large patio overlooking the water.
The inside was pretty and had a fun vibe, but we chose to sit on the patio and enjoy the views.
The restaurant was busy, but the service was excellent, and the food was delicious!
Tavern and Table
For a fancier dinner, we landed at Tavern and Table. The interior is open and bright, with tall ceilings and grand chandeliers.
We were seated inside next to a large window that also overlooked Shem Creek. It was a treat to watch the boats go by and the sun go down.
Tavern and Table offers an extensive wine menu and specialty drinks. We enjoyed all of our food, and the service was excellent.
South Carolina Aquarium
On pretty much every list of things to do in Charleston with kids, you’ll find the aquarium on it. And for a good reason.
This South Carolina Aquarium is directly geared for kids’ entertainment and was perfect for our four-year-old and kids of all ages. There are many hands-on exhibits, with creatures to touch and buttons to push.
All exhibits were at children’s eye level and easy for them to observe. Our son loved it!
As an indoor activity, it’s a good idea, rain or shine. This excursion will only take up an hour, maybe two, if you drag it out, so you’ll want to make plans to fill up the rest of your day.
Take a Stroll Down King Street
While it is on the list of things to do in Charleston with kids, the King Steet experience is mainly for the parents while the kiddos tag along. If you have any hopes of shopping on this trip, King’s Street is the place to start.
The street is lined with shops from cute little boutiques to high-end designer stores like Louis Vuitton and Gucci. Even just some window shopping is enough to add to those sweet vacation memories.
The energy is lively and fun. Be sure to wear comfy shoes!
PARKING TIP- Parking downtown- The meters take credit cards! & it’s easier to find a good spot before lunch.
Kilwin’s chocolate and Ice Cream Shop
After walking down King St. and exploring the market, we treated ourselves to a delicious waffle ice cream cone. Of course, THIS is on the list of things to do in Charleston with kids!
Right next to the City Market, we found Kilwins Chocolate Shop. I shared a vanilla cone with my sweet little boy, and my husband had the pistachio. It did not disappoint.
And we got there just in time for a downpour that flooded the street faster than I ever thought possible. Seriously. Within minutes, tourists had to cross the street with water up to their shins.
We were lucky to have cover inside the shop until we eventually escaped the French Quarter.
PARKING TIP- Parking downtown- The meters take credit cards! & it’s easier to find a good spot before lunch.
French Quarter
The French Quarter district is a great place to admire the architecture, church grounds, and art galleries. The buildings have been there for hundreds of years, dating back to before the civil war.
Our introduction to the French Quarter was the U.S Custom’s House. It’s impossible to miss the massive staircase. If you’re able to, climb the stairs! The view of the city from the top is beautiful, and it was fascinating to get up close to the original Corinthian columns.
You will also want to explore the Waterfront Park, where you’ll find twelve acres of gardens, walking paths, and fountains for the kids to splash in.
There are many benches to sit and enjoy boats coming in and out of the Charleston Harbor if you need a rest.
PARKING TIP- Parking downtown- The meters take credit cards! & it’s easier to find a good spot before lunch.
Beach Day
The beach is expansive, and instead of large hotels and beach houses, all you find behind the dunes is a thick treeline.
There are beautiful beaches both east and west of Charleston, and from what I hear, they are all unique in their way. Since we had an Airbnb in Mt. Pleasant, we headed down to Sullivan’s Island Beach.
It was a short and scenic drive. What makes it unique is the complete lack of commercialization. Much of the land is untouched, and once you get to the island, it is so quaint, with just small, historic houses that are now small businesses.
We walked down a quiet tree-covered street lined with beach cottages and wildflowers to get to the beach. It is a quiet residential area, and we found parking in front of a daycare that looked like it was once a home. It truly felt like a storybook.
Ghost Tour/ Haunted Jail
If your family is intrigued by spooky history and up for a fright, consider a ghost tour! There are several options available for all ages starting at $20/ person.
My four-year-old’s favorite part of the trip is passing the old haunted jail on our carriage ride. He was fascinated by the unfamiliar architecture and stories of bad guys haunting the halls.
I never expected it, but he is still telling random people about it at home! For this reason, the haunted jail made it on my list of things to do in Charleston with kids.
Other Attractions We Didn’t Make It To
Charleston is a small town with a BIG history. There is so much to soak in here, and some of it can be kind of heavy. Fort Sumpter in Charleston Harbor is where the first shots took place in the Civil War in 1861. Here are some more things to do in Charleston with kids.
Fort Sumpter Tour
Fort Sumpter is a popular attraction that can only be reached by boat. The ferry ride to get there takes about thirty minutes. The round trip ferry is $30 for adults, $28 for seniors and military, and $18 for children 4-11. Children under three years old are free.
The ferry ride will play an audio recording that explains the history of Fort Sumpter and Charleston Harbor. When you arrive on the island, the tour is self-guided. You will have about an hour to roam and explore the island before it is time to head back to the ferry.
Many visitors say this is a must-see and the children love it!
Plantations
Plantations started as large plots of land that the British Queen gifted to entice settlers to travel to America and colonize the strange new land.
Early plantations were self-sufficient settlements that depended on slave labor to grow and maintain cash crops like wheat, rice, and corn. Their elaborate architecture and beautifully manicured gardens and landscapes are what make them so popular and intriguing.
Several famous plantations are still working in Charleston, including Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens, Magnolia Plantations, and Gardens, two of the most popular. Magnolia Plantations offers several types of tours, including the house, the gardens, a nature tour, and swamp gardens. Sometimes there are special events and pricing too! Costs vary, so be sure to check the website before you go.
USS Yorktown and Patriots Point
I am pretty bummed that I miss the boat on this one. (Pun unintentionally intended, lol) My son and my husband would have loved this!
Patriots Point offers tours of three WWII-era military vessels, including one submarine! The USS Yorktown is where you will likely spend most of your time, so it is an excellent place to start.
According to my research, there is no air condition on the vessel, and the interior tours can get especially hot in the summer months. Be prepared to walk narrow hallways and climb metal stairs. You will want to wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes.
Tickets are $27 for ages 12 and up, $19 for seniors over 62, $16 for kids 6-11, and free for children under 6. Special pricing for active and retired military, $19, veterans, teachers, and first responders $21).
Fun Fact- The Notebook Was Filmed In Charleston!
Other movies filmed in Charleston include Dear John, The Patriot, Halloween, and Ave Ventura Pet Detective.
If you love pop culture, it could be exciting to find some popular spots where filming took place. Like where Allie and Noah lay in the road on King Street in front of the American Theater!
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