What to Do with Kids in Charleston, South Carolina

There’s no hiding the fact that I’m a darn Yankee. Grew up in Chicago; I love snow and have a hard time being patient.

I’ve lived in Texas for four years and I still can’t remember to say “Ma’am” and “Sir”. Though I must say, the “ya’ll” has its addictive appeal.

But even before I lived in the south, I always found the idea of southern living slightly appealing and romantic. And in my head, the heart of all things charming and southern was Charleston, South Carolina. This spring I had the distinct joy to stroll the streets of Charleston with my kiddos in tow. There are so many unique things to do with kids in Charleston!

A big THANK YOU to Patriot’s Point for supplying my family with complimentary tickets to visit the USS Yorktown!

Things to do with Kids in Charleston, SC

1. Sullivan Island: This area north of the main harbor is the perfect place for a family beach day! We went on a weekday and had the place practically to ourselves. There’s a lovely natural grasslands area between the beach and the houses, so you feel less industrialized. The sand was pristine and folks clearly loved the spot enough to keep it clean. Oh, and it was free! It was the highlight of our trip to splash in the waves and explore the seashells. 
2. The French Quarter: Located right in the heart of downtown, this gorgeous area of town will take you back, WAY BACK! Walk cobblestoned streets, see homes that have housed incredible people who shaped our country. My son loves all things revolutionary war and his favorite hero is Marquis de Lafayette. His eyes about bulged out of their sockets when we found not one, but TWO places he stayed at during his visit to Charleston. We even saw a home that had entertained George Washington. Just take a stroll, read the historical marker signs, and find yourself in a whole new (old) world. 
3. Charleston City Market: Also right downtown is the unique shopping experience. Vendors show off their locally made wares in a historic building dating back to 1804! (Thankfully there’s air conditioning.) Need souvenirs that are a notch above? This is the place to go. Jewelry, toys, food, art, it’s all here!
4. USS Yorktown and Patriot’s Point: If you really want to impress your kids, take them on a real life aircraft carrier. Patriot’s Point boasts the USS Yorktown (carrier), the USS Laffey (destroyer), the USS Clamagore (submarine), and tons of aircraft! It was amazing to explore the corridors of the ship and see how the sailors lived. So much interactive history! We spent the whole afternoon there and barely scratched the surface. Not only was there ample boats, submarines, and airplanes, we even got to go inside the Apollo 8 space capsule that was picked up in the Pacific by the Yorktown.

It’s been two weeks and my son has drawn an aircraft carrier every day since! It was his highlight for sure!

Charleston is rich in history, beauty and fun things for kids to do! We can’t wait to go back and check out the aquarium, children’s museum and maybe a plantation or two!

 

PS I’ve been to Fort Sumter on a previous visit before I had kids. If my memory serves me rightly, my boys would have loved being there too! Cannons, history and imagination. Perfect combo!