The Holy City is known for its deep history, natural beauty, and elevated Southern cuisine, among many other distinctions, and year after year Charleston tops national lists as one of the best cities to visit and live. Home to the South Carolina Aquarium and The Charleston Riverdogs baseball team, it’s also a city full of fun for the whole family, with activities and attractions the little ones (and little ones at heart) are sure to enjoy.
Just north of Charleston, Magnolia Planation offers an afternoon to spend outdoors with history, learning, and interactive activities. The historic plantation features several original structures, acres of marsh and farm land, and most notably its expansive manicured gardens. Tour the grounds in style when you take a ride on the Nature Train or River Boat. Have lunch at the Peacock Cafe, and don’t forget to visit the wildlife petting zoo, a hit with travelers of all ages!
In downtown Charleston, the “museum mile” is a one-mile stretch along Meeting Street that’s home to SIX museums, including the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry. With a focus on learning through play, the Children’s Museum offers space for kids to climb, stack, swing, and run! To make an afternoon out of it, just around the corner is popular local baker, Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit, which serves up a wide variety of finger sandwiches on their signature made-from-scratch biscuits. Callie’s is sure to please even the pickiest eater. You can even take your biscuits to-go and head over to nearby Wragg Mall for a picnic in the park.
Explore Market Street! Peruse a selection of local, handcrafted and artisanal items at the open air Charleston City Market, where kids will love picking out a souvenir as a reminder all the fun they’ve had in Charleston. Don’t forget to stop by Savannah’s Candy Kitchen on the corner of Market Street for a fresh praline sample and mix-your-own jellybean wall!
With Charleston’s beautiful weather, the family may want to get on the water – away from the sand and beach. Chartering a boat for a fishing adventure is a great way for the whole group to spend some time learning and exploring the aquatic animals that inhabit Charleston’s harbor. Inshore charters are available through Charleston Charter Company where kids can enjoy reeling in a big one, watching dolphins swim around, or even searching for shark teeth at one of the area’s secret spots.
The littlest travelers can often have the biggest needs. If you’re traveling with baby in tow, our concierge team is happy to arrange for a crib, highchair and other necessities to be delivered to your rental upon your arrival so you can pack light and feel at ease knowing you’re still prepared!
From carriage tours to bike rentals, ropes courses and beach days, there’s no shortage of family activities in Charleston. With luxurious retreats downtown and on Folly Beach, able to accommodate up to 32 guests, we have enough room for the whole family, even the fur-babies! Start planning a your family-friendly trip to Charleston today and make memories that will last a lifetime!
