Local Hot Spots for Families

Being by the Coast has a lot of benefits! Plenty of water around for kayaking, swimming, and just splashing in the ocean. If you are looking for other fun things to do, here are a few local hot spots that families can enjoy!

The South Carolina Aquarium has over 5,000 animals to view, educational opportunities galore, and it is located in the heart of the historic district in downtown Charleston. The aquarium also hosts the Sea Turtle Care Center. Did you know that all seven species of sea turtles are listed as either threatened or endangered? You can learn more about how the South Carolina Aquarium is helping aid in the treatment of injured and sick sea turtles. While exploring the aquarium you can view a wide range of animals from the bald eagle, river otters, bass, gopher tortoises, to alligators and rattlesnakes. The touch tank allows you to get a hands-on experience with invertebrates such as hermit crabs and sea urchins. You can also learn more about nature through play and guided discovery in the Kids Coast section. The costs are free for children ages 0-2, $22.95 for children ages 3-12, and $29.95 for those 13 and older.

The Charleston Museum is often called "America's first museum" as it was founded in 1773. The museum focuses on the South Carolina Lowcountry and includes natural history, historical material culture, and has both documentary and photographic resources. Each month the museum offers a special Saturday program that provides educational exciting experiences for the whole family! Exhibits that you should explore include Charleston in the Revolution, the Natural History Gallery, the Lowcountry History Hall, the Armory, and Charleston in the Civil War. A unique exhibit that you can't miss is the Kidstory, a hands-on experience for children of all ages! Children 0-2 are free to enter the museum, kid tickets (ages 3-12) are $5, youth tickets (ages 13-17) are $10, and adults can pay for one site to three site tickets ranging from $12-25.

The Children's Museum of the Lowcountry brings education through play and discovery to children of all ages. Enjoy nine hands-on interactives, the art room includes a creation station, painting place, discovery den, and the sensory space, speak loud allows for creative self-expression, learn botany and chase bugs in the kids' garden, learn how airplanes fly in air air everywhere, enjoy the infant and toddler play area, say argh! in the pirates' area, enjoy "working" in the Publix market, and explore technology in the Boeing bright lab. Children under the age of one get in the museum for free, museum admission is $12, and if you are a South Carolina resident admission is $10.

The Best Friend Train Museum is located in the heart of downtown near the City Market. If you end up at the market, walk the short distance to see a little bit of Charleston train history. The original Best Friend of Charleston ran its first route on Christmas Day 1830. The replica that is currently standing was donated in 1971. This is a free and interesting way to see a life-size locomotive, blow the whistle, and learn a little about the history of the Charleston railway!

The North Charleston Fire Museum is perfect for a fire safety listen, the child that loves firefighters or has a dream to be a firefighter, or anyone wanting to learn more about the daily life of a firefighter or the history and science behind firefighting. This museum provides interactive displays and hands-on equipment. You can also enjoy the Home Fire Hazard Theater that includes live smoke. Admission for children 12 and under is free and adult admission is $6!

See where the English settlers landed in 1670 by visiting Charles Towne Landing. Interact with hands-on exhibits, talk to knowledgeable staff, and take a self-guided audio tour on the history trail. While there go onboard The Adventure, a replica of the 17th-century sailing ship, see cannons fired and take a peek at some local wildlife at the natural habitat zoo. Children 5 and under are free, youth (ages 6-15) $7, seniors $5, and adults (16+) $12.

See where the first shot went off that started the Civil War or "the War Between States" by visiting Fort Sumter. Explore the Fort, visit the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center for the museum exhibits, this is also where you will depart to go to the Fort.

These are just a few hot spots in and around Charleston that offer family-friendly activities. I also encourage you to check out my other blog posts to see other exciting things to do around the Charleston area. My family loves Patriot's Point. If you are someone who likes gardens and looking at old tombstones, I recommend the Gateway Walk. Get out and explore Charleston, it has something for everyone!