Inside: A family guide to Boone Hall’s Strawberry Festival, maybe Charleston’s sweetest tradition.
For years now, we have attended the Boone Hall Strawberry Festival as it has become one of the most anticipated events of the year for the kids. It’s a full day of family fun with rides, fresh strawberries, a petting zoo, and so much more! – Rebecca
If you’re planning a visit with kids, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of it.
Our Family’s Experience 🍓
Before we dive into all the details, here’s what keeps us coming back year after year:
- The pony rides are a must-do – my kids even remember the ponies’ names and look for them each year
- Strawberry shortcake is non-negotiable – it’s our official “festival treat”
- Boiled peanuts are always a hit for a salty snack break
- The pig races are a family favorite – it’s the perfect time to sit, laugh, and recharge
- Picking strawberries together always ends up being the highlight of our day (and yes, lots get eaten before they make it to the basket!)
Everyone—kids and adults—finds something they love, and we always leave tired, a little messy, and very happy.
When to Go: Boone Hall Lowcountry Strawberry Festival
The festival takes place over two weekends each spring:
- April 24–26, 2026
- May 1–3, 2026
Hours: Gates open daily at 10 am, and the festival runs until 7 pm, with some attractions winding down at dusk.
Best Time to Go: For families, earlier in the day is best—cooler temperatures, shorter lines, and first access to the strawberry fields.
See For Yourself: Fun Things to Do at the Festival
Tickets & What to Expect
Admission to the Boone Hall Strawberry Festival is straightforward:
- Around $15 per person (ages 3 and up)
- Children 2 and under are free
- Parking is free
Once inside, the festival opens up into a wide, walkable farm setting filled with activity stations rather than one crowded midway.
Keep in mind:
- Ride tickets are sold separately
- Food and treats are additional
- U-Pick strawberries are priced by the pound
Combo tickets are often available online and can save time and money, especially if your kids love rides.
Start with the Strawberry Fields
The heart of the festival is the U-Pick experience.
A tractor-pulled hayride carries families out to the fields, where rows of ripe strawberries stretch across the landscape. Kids can pick their own berries straight from the vine—and somehow, this simple activity ends up being the highlight of the day.
Field hours: Typically 11 am to 5 pm
Berries can run out, especially on busy afternoons, so if it’s on your list, make it your first stop.
Where Kids Will Spend Most of Their Time
After the fields, the festival becomes a choose-your-own-adventure for families.
The Play Zones
Large inflatables, obstacle courses, and open play areas give kids space to run without feeling confined. It’s one of the reasons this festival feels less hectic than a traditional fair.
Carnival Rides & Games
From classic rides to midway-style games, there’s plenty for older kids to enjoy. Ride tickets are separate, so it’s easy to scale your day depending on your budget.
Petting Zoo & Pony Rides
Younger children tend to gravitate here—feeding animals, gentle pony rides, and slower-paced fun that balances out the high-energy attractions.
My children love the pony rides and always ask for specific ponies they remember from the previous year.
Strawberry Festival Favorites
Don’t Miss the Pig Races
It’s a crowd favorite for a reason.
The All-American Pig Races run throughout the day and offer a built-in break where everyone can sit, laugh, and reset. For many families, this becomes a tradition within the tradition.
Live Entertainment & Festival Energy
Throughout the day, the main stage hosts a rotation of performances—music, family-friendly acts, and interactive shows that add to the atmosphere without requiring a rigid schedule.
You can wander, discover something unexpected, and stay as long (or as little) as your kids allow.
Special Events to Plan Around
A few signature moments are worth timing your visit around:
- Strawberry Pie Eating Contest – Saturdays at 3 pm
- “Mini & Me” Pie Contest – a fun parent-and-child version
- Miss Berry Princess Contest – typically Sunday afternoon
What to Eat
Come hungry—festival food is part of the fun.
You’ll find a mix of farm-fresh treats and classic fair food:
- Strawberry shortcake and fresh berries
- Funnel cakes, fries, and hot dogs
- Fresh-squeezed lemonade
There’s usually a boiled peanut stand my kids love, and of course, strawberry shortcake is a must for them!
This Strawberry Festival Works So Well for Families
If you’re doing the Lowcountry Strawberry Festival with kids, you’ll love that what sets this festival apart is space.
Instead of tight crowds and long lines, you’ll find:
- Open fields where kids can move freely
- Stroller-friendly paths
- A layout that allows you to pause, reset, and regroup
You can stay for a couple of hours or turn it into a full-day outing without feeling rushed.
Tips for a Smooth Day at the Strawberry Festival
A little planning goes a long way when it comes to fun on farm:
- Arrive early for the best parking and shortest lines
- Head to the strawberry fields first
- Bring wipes and a change of clothes—things will get messy
- Set a ride budget ahead of time
- Take breaks during shows or shaded moments
- If you bring a stroller, styles like the BOB work best on the rock terrain near rides and games
A Lowcountry Spring Tradition
There’s something timeless about Boone Hall’s Strawberry Festival. It’s not overly polished or fast-paced—it’s a day built around simple pleasures: picking fruit, watching your kids laugh, and enjoying the season as it arrives.
For Charleston-area families, it’s a tradition many families return to year after year—and somehow it still feels just as fun every time.
Lowcountry Strawberry Festival
Boone Hall Farms
2434 N Hwy 17, Mount Pleasant, SC
Strawberry Festival Website
Have you been to the Strawberry Festival at Boone Hall? What does your family love most? Share in the comments—we’d love to hear! 🍓
Want more strawberry picking options? You got it!
The Kidding Around Guide to U-Pick Strawberries in Charleston, SC
Find more great events on our Charleston, SC Event Calendar
