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Top 5 Things To Do in Charleston with Kids


a turtle swimming under water

Heading to Charleston for a quick summer getaway? Charleston is a beautiful historic city in the South that’s perfect for families. Fortunately, that means there are plenty of kids’ activities in Charleston, SC to keep you busy during your stay. 

Here are our top suggestions for things to do in Charleston with kids. 

  1. South Carolina Aquarium
  2. Patriots Point
  3. Republic Ice Cream
  4. Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry
  5. Speed Boat Adventures

1. South Carolina Aquarium

a turtle swimming under water

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who doesn’t love the aquarium? The South Carolina Aquarium is easily one of the best things to do in Charleston with kids. The aquarium first opened on May 19, 2000, so it just celebrated its 20th anniversary. One of the coolest parts of this aquarium is that it uses its facilities to operate a sea turtle hospital. Once the turtles are rehabilitated and clear for release, they are taken to a local beach and allowed to return to the ocean. 

2. Patriots Point

a large long train on a dock next to a body of water

Photo Credit: Mike Kalasnik

 

 

 

 

 

 

Patriots Point is a Naval & Maritime Museum located across the harbor from historic Charleston, SC. There are three museum ships part of the museum. These include: 

  • USS Yorktown, an aircraft carrier
  • USS Laffey, a destroyer
  • USS Clamagore, a submarine 

If you have any ship fans in your family, this is the perfect thing to do in Charleston with kids. 

3. Republic Ice Cream

a bowl of food on a plate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This ice cream place is centrally located on King St in downtown Charleston. They’re loved for their tasty treats and fresh ingredients. And what kid will ever say no to ice cream? Add this to your itinerary when you’re looking for kids’ activities in Charleston, SC. 

4. Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry

a group of people looking at a birthday party

 

 

 

 

 

 

Did you know that the low country refers to a geographic and cultural region along South Carolina’s coast, including the Sea Islands? It has been known in history for its slave-based agricultural wealth in rice and indigo dye. 

This children’s museum is all about families of different backgrounds exploring environments and experiences that spark the imagination. Go see what this museum has to offer. It always tops the list of best things to do in Charleston with kids. 

5. Charleston Speed Boat Adventures

Charleston Harbor tour on a speedboat

 

 

 

 

 

 

Looking for fun for the whole family? One of the best things to do in Charleston with kids is to tour the world-famous Charleston Harbor on your very own speedboat! Our Charleston boat tours are a great activity that includes everyone. 

During this activity, you’ll see the USS Yorktown in a whole new light as well as attractions like the waterfront park. This is a one-of-a-kind adventure where you’ll learn so much about the area. The entire 13-mile tour is entirely narrated and guided, so you’ll walk away with more knowledge about the area than you’ve ever had before. 

Final thoughts

Get ready for an awesome trip to Charleston! These 5 attractions are top things to do in Charleston with kids, so you can guarantee a fun trip for your family this summer. Looking for more ideas? Check out Bridges & Ballons blog for creative ways to enjoy your Charleston adventure with the family! Don’t forget to come to visit Speed Boat Adventures and drive a speedboat on a Charleston Harbor tour

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