Your Summer Guide to Charleston, SC

Summer Activities in Charleston, SC

Learn Something New This Summer

Visit a Museum Together:

For dinosaurs and cool prehistoric history, check out the Mace Brown Museum of Natural History. BONUS: It’s FREE!

Have little ones? The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry is the place to be!

Take a break indoors at the North Charleston Fire Museum—where kids can learn, play, and explore the exciting world of firefighting! Kids under 12 are FREE and its only $6 for adults!

Have you visited Patriots Point? This summer might just be the time to take the kids and finally go! Here’s our parent review of Patriots Point with all the info plus parent tips.

Play Outside!

Too many parks to pick from? No problem, you can’t go wrong with Mt. Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park under the Ravenel Bridge!

Go Pick Berries

Summertime is berry time- especially blueberries and blackberries. And, here’s where to go pick them!
The Kidding Around Charleston Guide to Picking Blueberries and Blackberries

Charleston’s Summer Events

Celebrate the 4th of July

Catch a $1 Movie at Regal Theaters

See kids’ movies this summer for just $1. Here’s everything you need to know about Regal Theaters’ Summer Movie Express (plus real tips from real parents to keep the experience cheap and fun).

Bucket List: Summer Things to Do in Charleston, SC

Need more ideas? Consider this your summer adventure bucket list in Charleston, SC

🏖️ Soak Up the Sun at the Beach

Charleston has some seriously great beaches that are perfect for families:

• Folly Beach – laid-back, with bathrooms and nearby restaurants
• Isle of Palms – gentle waves and a playground by the pier
• Sullivan’s Island – quieter, great for tide-pooling

Bring your sand toys, sunscreen, and maybe a beach wagon to make your day easy.

Cool-Off in a Splashpad or Aquapark

🐟 Visit the South Carolina Aquarium

• Touch tanks, sea turtles, and a two-story Great Ocean Tank
• Indoor, air-conditioned, and fun for all ages
• Located right on the Charleston Harbor (so, great views!)
• Here’s our Kidding Around Review of the South Carolina Aquarium with all the details you need for a fun visit!

🚢 Take a Boat Ride or Ferry

• Fort Sumter Tour – History comes alive on this 2.5-hour boat tour from Liberty Square
• Charleston Water Taxi – Do a little dolphin watching while riding between stops downtown and Mount Pleasant

Kids love the boat ride almost as much as seeing the dolphins.

🌳 Explore a Historic Park or Plantation

• Charles Towne Landing – Historic ships, zoo, and shady trails (plus stroller-friendly paths!)
• Magnolia Plantation – Beautiful gardens, a nature train, and a petting zoo

Bring snacks, water, and a wagon if you have little walkers.

🍦 Cool Off With a Treat

Try these local spots:

• Off Track Ice Cream – Creative flavors in downtown Charleston
• Ye Ole Fashioned Ice Cream & Sandwich Cafe – Popular!
• Republic Ice Cream – Found all over Charleston and great for a post-beach reward

🎨 Rainy Day Fun

• Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry – Perfect for kids under 10
• North Charleston Fire Museum – Real fire trucks and hands-on exhibits
• Play Cafe spots – Several indoor options for younger kiddos to run around

🌆 Stroll Downtown Charleston (Family Style)

• Walk the Battery and Waterfront Park (yes, the Pineapple Fountain)
• Check out Rainbow Row and take those postcard-perfect family photos
• Ride a carriage tour if you’re up for a slow-paced downtown history lesson (kids under 3 often ride free)

🍉 Catch a Summer Event or Festival

Charleston hosts lots of family-friendly happenings:

• Fireworks at Riverfront Park (July 4th)
• Charleston Farmers Market – Saturdays at Marion Square with music, food trucks, and crafts
• Free outdoor movies or music nights – often hosted at Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park

---