Inside: A local family visits the Charleston Children’s Museum: Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry, and shares all the info you need to plan your visit and have a great time!
Looking for a place where your kids can cook, build, shop, broadcast the weather, and get creative—all in one visit? The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry in Charleston is an absolute winner for hands-on, screen-free fun that sparks imagination in every corner.
Here’s everything you need to know before you go!
Play Chef, Catch Shrimp, and Run the Café
Dockside Diner & Shrimp Boat
This exhibit is a pretend-play paradise!
Kids can serve up local seafood in the Dockside Café, take turns as chefs, servers, or guests, and even pretend to captain the shrimp boat that supplies their menu. Whether your child dreams of owning a restaurant or catching the day’s fresh catch, this combo exhibit is packed with creative play.
Let’s Build Something in the Bright Lab
Sponsored by Boeing, the Bright Lab is a huge hit for curious builders and makers. Geared for school-aged kids, this space includes:
Real tools like hammers and small saws (yes, really!)
Safety gear, including goggles and aprons
Open-ended materials so kids can build whatever they dream up
The Bright Lab is a favorite for our kids, and it is really a lot of fun. It might be hard to leave when you visit—don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Grab a Cart and Shop at the Publix Market
Your kids can go grocery shopping just like you—but way more fun. This mini Publix includes:
- Tiny carts perfect for little shoppers
- A full produce section, seafood counter, bakery, and more
- A realistic self-checkout with barcode scanners and registers
Whether they’re filling the cart with donuts or pineapples, this one sparks tons of giggles.
Toddler Town: Rainbow Row + Train Time
Got a toddler in tow? The toddler zone is bright, adorable, and age-appropriate. It features:
- Play buildings modeled after Charleston’s iconic Rainbow Row
- A colorful train to sit and play on
- A safe space to toddle, explore, and pretend
Bonus: It’s a nice spot to take a breather while older siblings explore other exhibits.
Be the Star in the Live 5 Newsroom
Lights, camera, meteorology! Step into the Live 5 News studio, where kids can:
- Try out being a weather reporter
- Stand in front of a green screen
- See themselves on TV like a real newscaster
Perfect for kids who love to talk, perform, or ask, “What’s the weather today?”
Put on a Puppet Show
Let your child’s imagination shine behind the puppet theater stage. With plenty of puppets and a mini theater set-up, it’s a chance for kids to:
- Make up stories
- Perform for family or new friends
- Practice creativity and storytelling
🎨 Make Art, Dig, and Reset in Creative Spaces
This part of the museum is ideal for winding down—or winding up creativity!
- A creative art room stocked with coloring supplies, glue, recycled bits, and craft materials
- Sensory bins for hands-on exploration
- A calm and quiet sensory break room when things feel too loud or overwhelming
⛳️ Outdoor Fun: Mini Golf, Bridge Climbing & More
Outside, there’s even more to explore:
- A putt-putt mini golf course (just grab a club and play!)
- A kid-sized Ravenel Bridge replica for climbing and running
- Optional gemstone mining for an extra fee
- And coming soon… a splash pad for warm-weather water play!
👍 Tips for Your Visit
- Stroller-friendly inside, but outdoor areas have steps and uneven surfaces.
- Restrooms are clean and family-friendly.
- Plan to spend at least 2–3 hours here—your kids will not want to leave.
- Look out for Quarter Day, where it costs only one quarter to get into the museum.
Ready to Visit?
The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry is perfect for toddlers through elementary-aged kids, with something to spark every kind of imagination.
Hours & Admission at the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry
Planning your family’s visit? Here’s the scoop on when to go and how much it costs:
🕒 Hours
- Monday – Saturday:
- 9 am – 10 am: Members-only hour
- 10 am – 5 pm: Open to the public
- Sunday:
- 12 pm – 5 pm: Open to the public
Note: The museum is closed on Tuesdays.
🎟️ Admission
- General Admission: $15 per person
- Advance Admission (online): $13 per person
- Children under 1 year old: Free
- Museum Members: Free
- SNAP, WIC, or Foster Family ID holders: $3 per person
Please note: The museum does not participate in reciprocal admissions programs.
Have you been? Tell us your kids’ favorite exhibit in the comments!
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