Bored kids. One of the inevitable circumstances that will most definitely occur while your children are out of school for the summer. Oh, how frustrating this situation can become as they rely on you, Super Mom, to entertain them all day — every day!
But we at Charleston Moms are here to save your kids from summer boredom (and you from the resulting aggravation) with some fabulous things to do around Charleston during the school holiday! Here are just a few awesome activities around town to check out this summer!
1. Bee City Zoo
Located just northwest of Charleston off of SC Highway 61, this interactive zoo features many animal exhibits for you and the kiddos to enjoy! You can purchase food at the zoo to feed some of the animals, and there is even a nature center where the kids can get hands-on experiences! Private animal encounters are also available to book in advance. You can even book birthday parties at Bee City! The zoo is open Wednesday through Sunday, and you can purchase tickets there or online prior to your visit. Check out their website for more info.
2. The Mace Brown Museum of Natural History at the College of Charleston
This hidden gem of a museum is located on the college campus in Downtown Charleston directly off Calhoun Street. Admission is free (donations are welcome) and it is open every day except Wednesdays. Here you can view hundreds of fossils, including dinosaur bones, ancient ocean and plant life, and megalodon teeth! There is even a small sandbox where kids can dig for their own fossils! Visit their website for more information, including parking options.
3. Charles Towne Landing
This historic site is considered the “birthplace of South Carolina” and is definitely a must-see! Inside the park, there is no shortage of things to do, including bird watching, geocaching, and nature trails, as well as an animal forest trail with species that were present at the time of the original settlement (that are now housed in a natural habitat zoo setting). Make sure you take the kids to see the Adventure, a 17th-century ship replica docked at the creek! Be sure to visit their website online for more information.
4. Charleston County Parks
There are numerous county parks in the Charleston area with so many activities for the kids this summer! Beat the summer heat at one of the incredible water parks housed inside select county parks, or take a bike ride on some of the fabulous nature trails that weave around the parks. Enjoy gorgeous landscapes and even encounter native wildlife as you explore the parks. You can even book a campground spot at some of the locations! There are also many festivals and events taking place in the parks throughout the summer. For a complete list of these events, all of the county’s parks and attractions, and other information, visit their website.
5. Waterfront Park
The iconic Charleston Pineapple Fountain isn’t the only reason to visit Downtown Charleston’s Waterfront Park! Visit this incredible stretch of the peninsula and enjoy the summer breeze and gorgeous views as you swing with the kids under the covered pier. Let the kids cool off in the water fountain and splash pad at the edge of the park. Enjoy over 10 beautiful acres of land (some areas shaded by ancient oaks) at this park. Have a picnic on the grass or throw a frisbee back and forth! More info about Waterfront Park can be found here.
We all know that Charleston is one of the United States’ top destinations for tourists, but there definitely is no shortage of fun, kid-friendly activities during the summer for the locals either! Take time to be a tourist in your own town. Explore some of these incredible places while curing summer boredom — and enjoy quality time with your kiddos while they’re on summer break!
