Visiting Charleston with Kids

Katie G.:  Charleston is known for their many plantations. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is a favorite for families with kids. A walk through the historic garden offers beauty and tranquility. On the grounds of the plantation you can take a boat ride along the Ashley River to an old flooded ricefield while searching the water for gators. Take a tour of cabins where slaves used to live or visit the Zoo and Nature Center where you can pet and feed the animals. Stop by the cafe for lunch or a tasty treat.

Cost: $20/Adults, $10/Kids (6-12), Free/Kids (5 and under)

* Additional fees apply for some activities.

Katie G.:  If you're looking for an activity for a rainy day or looking to get out of the heat then head to the North Charleston Fire Museum. The museum will teach visitors everything they need to know about being a firefighter. Explore the hands-on, interactive exhibits or take a tour of the museum. Don't miss out on the "Home Fire Hazard Theater" where you will learn how to escape from a simulated fire.

Cost: $6/Adult, Free/Child (12 and under with paying adult)

Katie G.:  A trip to the South would not be complete without some wood-smoked barbecue. On our recent vacation, my family enjoyed dining at Swig & Swine. The casual atmosphere and outdoor picnic table seating was great for the kids. We enjoyed the family platter, which is a perfect sampling of all things barbecue on the menu and even my pickiest eater decided to give it a try. Be sure to try the "burnt ends" and the corn pudding, a definite favorite of my family.

Katie G.:  The Center for Birds of Prey is a conservation center aimed at protecting and preserving the bird population. Visitors can tour the facility through guided walking tours while learning about almost 50 species of birds of prey. Kids will love the exciting flight demonstrations as falcons, eagles, vultures and more fly overhead. The exhibit area features a walking path with aviaries filled with many species of birds of prey.

Insider Note: food is not allowed in the center so plan ahead.

Cost: $18/Adults, $12/Child (6-12), Free/6 and under

Katie G.:  Kids will love playing and exploring at Children's Museum of the Lowcountry. There are nine hands-on, interactive areas to enjoy, including a Medieval Castle, Pirate Ship and Art Room for kids to get creative. Shop around the Publix Market or splash in the Waterwise exhibit, a mini replica of the Charleston Harbor. Purchase a snack at the museum or pack a lunch and enjoy it outside in the garden.

Ages: Recommended 10 and under

Cost: $12 (Free for under 12 months)

Sarah Calamita:  There is an abundance of ready to eat foods (as you may not be produce shopping in a hotel), crafts and local vendors. A fun place to stop in the morning and get a donut, enjoy the sun and let the kids run wild. Kids are everywhere!

Katie G.:  Located on the historic Charleston Harbor, the South Carolina Aquarium is home to over 10,000 plants and animals. There are many exhibits at the aquarium that feature birds, reptiles, fish, turtles and more. Enjoy the touch tank where you can touch and feel several different kinds of invertebrates or visit the two-story ocean exhibit where sharks will swim right over you. Head to the "backyard" where you can see and learn about plants and animals native to South Carolina.

Cost: $29.95/Adult, $22.95/Child (3-12), Free/2 and under

Katie G.:  One of the most popular and fun ways to tour historic downtown Charleston is on a horse drawn carriage ride. Kids will love the "clipity-clop" of the horse and adults will love learning about the history of the city as you travel though the cobblestone streets. Per city mandate, each horse drawn carriage is assigned one of four different routes at the visitor check-in to avoid overcrowding the streets. Not matter which route you take, you are sure to learn a lot while having fun.

Cost: $25/Adult, $16/Child (3-11), Free/2 and under

Katie G.:  As one of the most popular parks in the Charleston area, Joe Riley Waterfront Park provides stunning views of the Charleston Harbor. There are plenty of park benches to sit back and relax along with family swings for those looking to have a little fun. Pack a picnic lunch and blanket to enjoy in the green space. Perhaps the highlight of the park for kids are the two large fountains where kids can splash and play on a hot South Carolina day.

Katie G.:  Charleston City Market is one of the oldest public markets in the country and sits in the center of the city. The open-air market houses over 300 vendors selling anything from artwork to clothing to food items. It's the perfect place to stop for a Charleston souvenir to take home with you. Enjoy traditional Southern eats, like shrimp and grits, hushpuppies and pimento cheese, while dining in the Great Hall. The Night Market is open Friday and Saturday nights seasonally (Apr-Dec) and features music from local artists in a fun and lively atmosphere.

Katie G.:  A must-see stop for kids in Charleston is Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum. Here you can see and tour three naval ships - USS Yorktown, USS Laffey and USS Clamagore. There is plenty to touch and see on these gigantic ships, but stick together or you could get lost. Check out one of the 29 aircrafts, enjoy a flight simulator or even take a helicopter ride. There are two snack bars at the museum and a sit down restaurant, The Fighting Lady Cafe, aboard the USS Yorktown.

Cost: Tickets range from $16 - $24

Katie G.:  A trip to Charleston would not be complete without a visit to Fort Sumter, the site of the beginning of the Civil War. Learn how the North and the South fought during the Civil War while taking a 2 hour 15 minute tour of the base. Now owned by the National Park Service, the fort is only accessible by boat as it sits on an island in the Charleston Harbor. There are restrooms, a bookstore and museum on site. Book your tickets in advance as the tours fill up quickly.

Cost: $22/Adults, $14/Kids, Free/3 and under

Katie G.:  Looking to indulge in a sweet treat while on vacation? Make sure you stop by Savannah's Candy Kitchen serving Southern Candy and sweet treats you won't want to miss. Knows for their pecan pralines and caramel apples, the candy shop has something for everyone. Enjoy chocolates, cakes, pies, popcorn and nuts. Kids will love the barrels of hard candy available to purchase by the pound. Sample treats in-store and grab a catalog to take home. Savannah's Candy Kitchen will ship to your home so you can enjoy them all year long.

Katie G.:  Arrrggghhh! Grab yer mateys and embark on a Pirate Adventure Tour. Families with older kids will enjoy the Charleston Pirate Tour, which is a walking tour with a pirate guide (and his/her parrot) throughout the streets of historic Charleston. Those a little braver may like the evening Pirate and Ghost Tour where you'll learn about the haunted city of Charleston. Little kids can still have fun with the one-hour Children's Treasure Hunt tour where kids will receive a sword, make a pirate flag and head out to hunt for treasures.

Cost: $12 - $20/tour

Katie G.:  If you're looking for a little adventure and a lot of fun, enjoy a family outing at Wild Blue Ropes Adventure Park. This high climbing ropes and challenge course features 72 suspended obstacles that are 35 feet up in the air. With four difficulty levels from beginner to expert, there is a course for everyone. During your one to two-hour adventure you will face your fears, work together and have fun.

Ages: 4+

Cost: $19 - $45