It's the children's vacation, too! So why not take advantage of some of the exciting opportunities in the Charleston Lowcountry that await kids of all ages. Here are just a few things to do to get the whole family started on a day to remember in Charleston…
Fun in the Sun Are your kids up for a little outdoor fun? Why not get a great view of the city, and a little exercise, too? Today, one of the most popular pastimes for locals and visitors alike is a leisurely stroll across the Cooper River Bridge, the longest cable stay bridge in America. The eight lanes of north/south vehicular traffic are complemented by a shared pedestrian/bicycle lane overlooking the Charleston Harbor. With plenty of parking on the Mount Pleasant side of the bridge, a walk across the 2.5 miles expanse is sure to delight the entire family.
The Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission (CCPRC) offers one of the most diverse recreational systems in the Southeast featuring an endless variety of outdoor experiences. Take a stroll through a canopy of hardwoods, kayak through the still waters of a lagoon, tie bait to a string and catch a crab, build sandcastles and splash in the water at the beach, zoom down a 200-foot water slide, picnic under live oaks, or even scale South Carolina's tallest outdoor climbing wall. This 5,000-acre park system includes three land parks, three beach parks, a landmark fishing pier, three water parks, 19 boat landings, interpretive center, equestrian center, and marina. In addition, CCPRC offers many festivals, camps, classes, cottages, and campgrounds. 843-795-4FUN
Children love to wander through Charleston's only natural habitat zoo and discover all the animals native to South Carolina in 1670. The Animal Forest at the recently renovated Charles Towne Landing features puma, bison, alligators, black bears, wolves and more, all to the delight of young explorers. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Charles Towne Landing is the site of the first English settlement in South Carolina. It brings to life the experiences of the early settlers, and interprets the first years of the colony with hands-on activities. Kids love to climb aboard the full-scale reproduction 17th-century trading vessel Adventure, and parents enjoy leisurely strolls through 80 acres of gardens. Other amenities include miles of nature and walking trails, bike trails (rentals available), gift shop, snack bar, picnic areas, and playground equipment. 843-852-4200.
Explore and Discover If you're looking to get out of the afternoon sun, why not head to the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry (CML). Located in the Camden Tower Shed in downtown Charleston just off Meeting Street, CML is the area's first and only interactive museum designed especially for children. It features continuous hands-on exhibits and activities for children, ages three months to 12 years, and their families. In the Lowcountry Hall, kids discover a replica shrimp boat ready for action. Then they can walk into the world of medieval life in the Castle Stories Exhibit Hall. If painting, drawing and creating masterpieces is more your kids' style, they will want to venture into the Creativity Castle to work on art projects all their own. They won't want to miss the WaterWise exhibit where they can race boats down rapids, witness a rain storm, and watch rainbows appear, all from inside the museum. The youngest explorers are invited to discover the Infant Toddler Center, a soft cozy haven filled with activities especially designed for them. 843-853-8962
For kids who love history, a visit to America's first museum is in order. The Charleston Museum, located on Meeting Street, is easy to spot because of the replica of the H.L. Hunley, the first submarine in world history to successfully sink an enemy ship, located in front of the building. Founded in 1773, the museum offers a variety of history and cultural exhibits that appeal to young and old, alike. Highlights in the museum's permanent exhibitions include slave tags, artifacts from the eras of rice and cotton, and firearms and ordnance from the Civil War. 843-722-2996
A trip to Charleston would not be complete without spending the afternoon at the South Carolina Aquarium located on Charleston Harbor. A self-supporting educational institution, the aquarium is dedicated to excellence in its display and interpretation of the aquatic environments of South Carolina. In addition to the permanent exhibits that showcase all regions of the state, from the mountains to the sea, the South Carolina Aquarium is currently hosting a special Secrets of the Amazon exhibit. A remarkable experience awaits as guests trek through a researcher's hut discovering the wonders of this amazing watershed. Exhibits featuring the diversity of the Amazon are found throughout, showcasing animals such as a green anaconda, goliath bird-eating spider, piranha, electric eels, poison dart frogs and a green aracari. 843-720-1990
After the Aquarium, step next door to the Charleston IMAX® Theatre, the only 3D theater in South Carolina. The Charleston IMAX® offers films that entertain, educate and inspire on a screen five stories high and 77 feet wide. The 422-seat IMAX® Theatre features images of unsurpassed size, enhanced by a superb specially designed 12,000-watt sound system. The kids will be astounded by the visuals on a screen wider than a professional basketball court. 843-725-IMAX (4629)
Take Me Out to the Ballgame
Play ball! That's what your family will hear when you take in a game of Class A professional baseball. Affiliated with the New York Yankees, the Charleston RiverDogs delights residents and visitors alike with exciting action in the modern Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park located along the banks of the Ashley River. "The Joe," as it is fondly called by locals, is one of the finest minor league baseball facilities in the country. The season runs April-Sept. 843-577-3647
If your kids are soccer fans, they're in luck. While in the Lowcountry, plan an evening watching an exciting game of professional soccer cheering for the Charleston Battery, the area's own USL First Division soccer team. The action takes place at Blackbaud Stadium on Daniel Island. Styled after the classic English soccer experience, the stadium seats 5,100 and offers fans an unmatched environment with superb sight-lines, concessions, and even a children's interactive soccer theme park. The season runs April-Aug. 843-971-4625
Looking for a great way to cool off? Pull on your sweatshirts and catch some hot action on the ice. Since 1993, the ECHL South Carolina Stingrays has been winning fans in Charleston Lowcountry by offering the finest in minor league hockey. This Washington Capital-affiliated team plays at the modern North Charleston Coliseum, located just north of Charleston on I-526. The Stingrays season runs Oct.-April. 843-744-2248
While members dine at the Three Lion's Pub, all Battery patrons can enjoy pre and post-game dining at Queen Anne's Revenge, a renowned Steak & Seafood restaurant located on Daniel Island near Blackbaud Stadium. The restaurant, adorned with historic artifacts and collectibles, the only eatery dedicated to the legacy of pirates and piracy.
No trip to Charleston is complete without experiencing the great taste of Charleston’s only true Memphis style rib dinner house. Try their world-famous Memphis Dry or Memphis Wet or Carolina Sweet Ribs. Sticky Fingers also serves great rotisserie chicken, giant dinner salads, juicy burgers, tasty chicken sandwiches, and a children’s menu.
Where fun comes naturally! Charleston's three family waterparks; Splash Island, Splash Zone and Whirlin' Waters Water Park are the hottest spots in town during the summer months. Spend the day frolicking in the water, because you’re sure to find cool fun. Get a season-long Splash Pass. Tel: (843) 795-4386. www.splashparks.com
For more great vacation ideas look for the Discover Charleston book in your hotel room!
DiscoverCharleston.com Copyright 2001/08, HCP/Aboard Publishing, a division of Biscayne Bay Publishing, Inc., and subsidiary of The McClatchy Company.
Are your kids up for a little outdoor fun? Why not get a great view of the city, and a little exercise, too? Today, one of the most popular pastimes for locals and visitors alike is a leisurely stroll across the Cooper River Bridge, the longest cable stay bridge in America. The eight lanes of north/south vehicular traffic are complemented by a shared pedestrian/bicycle lane overlooking the Charleston Harbor. With plenty of parking on the Mount Pleasant side of the bridge, a walk across the 2.5 miles expanse is sure to delight the entire family.
Children love to wander through Charleston's only natural habitat zoo and discover all the animals native to South Carolina in 1670. The Animal Forest at the recently renovated Charles Towne Landing features puma, bison, alligators, black bears, wolves and more, all to the delight of young explorers. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Charles Towne Landing is the site of the first English settlement in South Carolina. It brings to life the experiences of the early settlers, and interprets the first years of the colony with hands-on activities. Kids love to climb aboard the full-scale reproduction 17th-century trading vessel Adventure, and parents enjoy leisurely strolls through 80 acres of gardens. Other amenities include miles of nature and walking trails, bike trails (rentals available), gift shop, snack bar, picnic areas, and playground equipment. 843-852-4200.
If you're looking to get out of the afternoon sun, why not head to the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry (CML). Located in the Camden Tower Shed in downtown Charleston just off Meeting Street, CML is the area's first and only interactive museum designed especially for children. It features continuous hands-on exhibits and activities for children, ages three months to 12 years, and their families. In the Lowcountry Hall, kids discover a replica shrimp boat ready for action. Then they can walk into the world of medieval life in the Castle Stories Exhibit Hall. If painting, drawing and creating masterpieces is more your kids' style, they will want to venture into the Creativity Castle to work on art projects all their own. They won't want to miss the WaterWise exhibit where they can race boats down rapids, witness a rain storm, and watch rainbows appear, all from inside the museum. The youngest explorers are invited to discover the Infant Toddler Center, a soft cozy haven filled with activities especially designed for them. 843-853-8962
A trip to Charleston would not be complete without spending the afternoon at the South Carolina Aquarium located on Charleston Harbor. A self-supporting educational institution, the aquarium is dedicated to excellence in its display and interpretation of the aquatic environments of South Carolina. In addition to the permanent exhibits that showcase all regions of the state, from the mountains to the sea, the South Carolina Aquarium is currently hosting a special Secrets of the Amazon exhibit. A remarkable experience awaits as guests trek through a researcher's hut discovering the wonders of this amazing watershed. Exhibits featuring the diversity of the Amazon are found throughout, showcasing animals such as a green anaconda, goliath bird-eating spider, piranha, electric eels, poison dart frogs and a green aracari. 843-720-1990
While members dine at the Three Lion's Pub, all Battery patrons can enjoy pre and post-game dining at Queen Anne's Revenge, a renowned Steak & Seafood restaurant located on Daniel Island near Blackbaud Stadium. The restaurant, adorned with historic artifacts and collectibles, the only eatery dedicated to the legacy of pirates and piracy.
No trip to Charleston is complete without experiencing the great taste of Charleston’s only true Memphis style rib dinner house. Try their world-famous Memphis Dry or Memphis Wet or Carolina Sweet Ribs. Sticky Fingers also serves great rotisserie chicken, giant dinner salads, juicy burgers, tasty chicken sandwiches, and a children’s menu.
Where fun comes naturally! Charleston's three family waterparks; Splash Island, Splash Zone and Whirlin' Waters Water Park are the hottest spots in town during the summer months. Spend the day frolicking in the water, because you’re sure to find cool fun. Get a season-long Splash Pass. Tel: (843) 795-4386. www.splashparks.com
