Charleston is full of places to eat, hang out, and enjoy for people with or without children in tow. When planning an outing, it is wonderful to want to accommodate both parties. So where are some go-to places around the holy city offering space for children to play while simultaneously allowing adults to chat and have a good time too? Here are some ideas that may work for everyone . . .
Holiday Fun for Young Families and Single Adults to Enjoy Together
Places to Eat
- Taco Boy (217 Huger Street, Charleston) in downtown Charleston is a great spot for adults and children to enjoy. They offer food that everyone will appreciate, plus they have a large, fenced-in outdoor area for the kids to play.
- Coastal Crust (979 Harbor View Road, Charleston) on James Island is another spot for delicious pizza, an outdoor area for dining, and a field where the kids can play soccer, or run around until the food arrives.
- Brown Dog Deli (225 Calhoun Street, Charleston) has all kinds of games inside that you can play while you wait for your food. Tabletop games, board games, arcade games — they have a little bit of everything. This makes for a fun spot to eat for everybody.
- Edmund’s Oast (1081 Morrison Drive, Charleston) has indoor and outdoor seating. If the weather is nice, snag a spot in their outdoor covered area and enjoy a great meal with family and friends.
- Vintage Coffee Café (219 Simmons Street, Mount Pleasant) not only serves amazing coffee and food, but it also has an outdoor area for the kids to play while you chat.
- Hobcaw Brewing Company (496 Long Point Road, Mount Pleasant) is a great spot for adults and children alike. Tons of outdoor space for the kids to enjoy while the adults try some holiday drinks. Check out their food truck schedule online, and plan what date works best for your group.
Places to Shop
- The Charleston City Market (188 Meeting Street, Charleston) not only has great vendors and shopping for adults, but it also has a Wonder Works toy store inside. My kids never complain about coming here now that they know they will have the chance to check out the latest toys!
- The Tanger Outlets (4840 Tanger Outlet Boulevard, North Charleston) is a great spot as there is truly something for everyone here. And during the holidays, the large Christmas tree here is spectacular!
- Park Circle (4800 Park Circle, North Charleston) not only has great restaurants and shops, but a massive new playground. Once the kids see it on their way there, they may be too excited to eat, so maybe eat first. Check out Black Octopus Mercantile (1061 East Montague Ave, Ste. A, North Charleston), a very cool kids and adult clothing shop!
- Mount Pleasant Town Centre (1218 Belk Drive, Charleston) is offering photos with Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides on the weekends, and all the holiday shopping and décor. There is something for everyone to enjoy here!
Activities
- The South Carolina Aquarium (24 Calhoun Street, Charleston) is a perfect place to go, especially during the holidays. Enjoy learning about all the local marine life right here in downtown Charleston. And if you want to see the aquarium’s holiday lights, check out Aquarium Aglow happening in the evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. now until the end of the year.
- Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park (871 Riverland Drive, Charleston) is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. My family went last year, and we all enjoyed it immensely.
- Visit Hotel Bennett (404 King Street, Charleston) for some delicious hot cocoa served from a gingerbread house in the lobby! You do not have to be a guest to purchase some yummy goodness here. Check out all their holiday happenings online.
- Visit The Charleston Place (205 Meeting Street, Charleston) has an array of holiday events happening all throughout the month. They also have a lobby with an amazing holiday train display and more. Check out all their holiday offerings online.
- Holidays on Hutson (Hutson Alley, Charleston) is a great spot to come and see “snow” and enjoy a good meal now through December 23rd. It is free to walk down the street and enjoy the décor. Or make a reservation at one of the many restaurants here and enjoy it even longer.
- Marion Square (329 Meeting Street, Charleston) hosts several events during the holidays such as the Holiday Market, and Chanukah in the Square. Visit in the evenings for the lovely Christmas tree and other holiday lights.
- Skate the Stadium at the Credit One stadium (161 Seven Farms Drive, Charleston) now through December 29th. Whether you want to ice skate or enjoy the cozy firepits and holiday treats, everyone can have fun here.
