15 Things for Kids in Charleston SC

Here are 15 Things for Kids in Charleston

Here is a list of Fun and Educational things for kids in Charleston

Charleston, South Carolina, is the perfect destination for families looking for a mix of fun and learning. With its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and interactive attractions, there are plenty of things for kids to enjoy while also expanding their knowledge.

One of the best places to start is the South Carolina Aquarium, where kids can get up close with sea turtles, sharks, and stingrays. The interactive exhibits make learning about marine life exciting. Just a short walk away is the USS Yorktown at Patriots Point, where children can explore a real aircraft carrier and learn about American military history.

For a hands-on historical experience, visit Charles Towne Landing, the site of the first European settlement in South Carolina. Kids can see a replica 17th-century sailing ship, visit an animal forest, and even learn about archaeology. Another must-see is the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, where costumed guides bring Charleston’s colonial and Revolutionary War history to life.

If you’re looking for outdoor adventures, Boone Hall Plantation offers engaging tours where kids can learn about Gullah culture and Lowcountry farming. At Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, they can explore nature trails, spot alligators, and enjoy a petting zoo. Hampton Park is a great place to have a picnic, climb on the giant oak trees, and feed the ducks. 

Charleston also has plenty of hands-on science fun. The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry offers interactive exhibits, including a medieval castle, a pirate ship, and an art room.

Whether it’s discovering history, exploring nature, or engaging in interactive exhibits, Charleston offers a variety of things for kids that are both fun and educational. A visit to the Holy City is sure to create lasting memories while keeping young minds engaged and entertained.

 

Free things to do in Charleston,  a woman with her hands up

Charleston is full of exciting attractions that blend fun with learning. Whether your kids love history, science, nature, or hands-on experiences, there’s something for everyone. Here are 15 things for kids to do in Charleston that will keep them entertained while expanding their knowledge.

 

1. South Carolina Aquarium

The South Carolina Aquarium offers an interactive experience where kids can touch stingrays, see sea turtles, and explore marine habitats. The aquarium’s Sea Turtle Care Center teaches children about conservation and rehabilitation. This is one of the best things for kids to do in Charleston for an up-close look at ocean life.

2. Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry

This museum is designed just for kids, with hands-on exhibits that include a pirate ship, a medieval castle, and an art studio. It’s a perfect way for children to learn through play. The interactive spaces provide fun things for kids to explore while stimulating creativity and problem-solving skills.

3. USS Yorktown at Patriots Point

This massive aircraft carrier lets kids step into history. They can explore military planes, climb aboard a real submarine, and learn about naval warfare. Patriots Point is a must-visit for families looking for historical things for kids, offering a glimpse into the life of a sailor.

4. Boone Hall Plantation

Boone Hall Plantation offers an educational tour through Charleston’s agricultural past. Kids can visit the gardens, see a live Gullah presentation, and explore historic slave cabins. This plantation teaches valuable lessons about history, culture, and farming, making it one of the most informative things for kids to experience.

5. Magnolia Plantation & Gardens

Magnolia Plantation is a perfect mix of history and nature. Kids can take a nature tram ride, visit the petting zoo, and explore swamps where they might spot an alligator. This attraction offers engaging things for kids, making learning about the Lowcountry ecosystem fun and memorable.

6. Charles Towne Landing

Step back in time at Charles Towne Landing, where kids can see a replica 17th-century ship, visit an animal forest, and explore an interactive museum. This site marks the first European settlement in South Carolina and is one of the top historical things for kids to discover.

7. Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon

This historic landmark gives kids an immersive look into Charleston’s past. Costumed guides tell stories of pirates, patriots, and prisoners from the Revolutionary War era. The dungeon tour is a thrilling and educational way to experience Charleston’s colonial history through interactive things for kids.

8. The Charleston Museum

As America’s oldest museum, The Charleston Museum features exhibits on everything from dinosaurs to Civil War artifacts. Kids can explore a hands-on history section with interactive displays. This museum is one of the best things for kids who love history and natural science.

9. The Angel Oak Tree

The Angel Oak is a massive live oak tree estimated to be over 400 years old. Kids will be amazed by its giant limbs and fascinating history. This is a great stop for families looking for unique outdoor things for kids that highlight nature’s beauty and resilience.

10. Fort Sumter National Monument

Kids can take a ferry ride to Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began. They’ll learn about history through ranger-led talks and explore the remains of the fort. This is one of the best things for kids who enjoy history, boats, and hands-on learning.

11. Ghost Tours for Families

Charleston’s family-friendly ghost tours offer spooky stories with a historical twist. Kids can hear legends of pirates, lost soldiers, and haunted mansions while walking the historic streets. These tours provide a fun mix of history and adventure, making them exciting things for kids to experience.

12. Edisto Island Serpentarium

Just outside Charleston, this attraction features alligators, snakes, and turtles in natural settings. Kids can watch feeding demonstrations and learn about reptiles. It’s a thrilling and educational stop for families looking for wildlife-related things for kids in the Charleston area.

13. The Gibbes Museum of Art

The Gibbes Museum offers kid-friendly art programs, interactive exhibits, and family workshops. Young artists can explore Charleston’s history through paintings and sculptures. This museum is one of the best things for kids who love art and want to unleash their creativity.

14. Sullivan’s Island Beach & Fort Moultrie

Sullivan’s Island offers beautiful beaches for playing and a historic fort for exploring. Kids can learn about Revolutionary War history while enjoying the outdoors. It’s one of the best things for kids who love a mix of adventure, history, and relaxation by the ocean.

15. Charleston Tea Garden

Take a tour of the only tea plantation in North America. Kids can see how tea is grown and processed, ride a trolley through the fields, and sample fresh-brewed tea. This is a unique and educational experience, making it one of the most interesting things for kids in Charleston.

With so many fun and educational activities, Charleston is the perfect destination for families. Whether exploring history, science, or nature, these things for kids will create lasting memories while making learning enjoyable.