Heading to the Holy City? These are the best things to do in Charleston SC with kids (that are also fun for grownups)!
We just returned to San Diego from a weeklong trip to South Carolina (my husband's home state) after four long years. This was our longest trip to Charleston, and it was a LOVELY time of year to travel (we have done summer, spring and winter in the city and I have to say, Spring is my favorite).
The weather was mild, which allowed us to do a ton of fun things outdoors and to visit some of the top things on our must do list.
Over the years, we've visited Charleston a number of times (my husband grew up in Columbia, South Carolina but we have friends and family in Charleston). We definitely have some favorite activities that I would put on our list of the best things to do in Charleston SC with kids.
Now, some of these are probably predictable, but some may be a little more off the beaten path. But for our family? These are absolutely the best places to take kids under the age of 10 if you are visiting Charleston.
The Best Things to do in Charleston Sc With Kids
Charleston is a smaller city, and if you have a car you can definitely do multiple areas in a day. Most of what I'm sharing is in the downtown area…….but I'll note where you'll be venturing further out or may need a car.
Charleston with Kids: Carriage Tours and Walking Tours Worth the Money
Let's start with tours. There are MANY options for tours from a carriage tour to a pedi cab to a ghost tour (maybe leave that one for the grown ups and older kids) to some great walking tour options…..whichever you choose, these are great ways to learn a TON about the city.
In fact, we JUST did a tour for the first time on our last trip and I'm so glad we did. Most tour guides have been in the industry in Charleston for YEARS and they're a wealth of knowledge. Our tour guide was celebrating his 25th year and wow did he teach us a ton.
We chose to do a carriage ride through downtown Charleston, we saw all the historic homes, churches, and historic sites, and the whole family had a blast, it was like we saw our history lessons coming alive.
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Best Places to Go In Charleston with Kids: Don't Miss Museums
Charleston is home to some amazing museums. If you are visiting during more extreme weather months (hello humidity), these are some of the best ways to head inside for a bit of a break from the elements. The children’s museum of low country is a great place if you are still in the imaginative play stages, the north charleston fire museum is SUPER cool, and so is the charleston museum (one of the oldest museums in the country). I also love the gibbes museum of art (they've got some VERY cool rotating exhibits as well as great permanent exhibits).
Top things to Do in Charleston Beyond Downtown
Best Places to Go In Charleston with Kids: Must Try Food Spots
- Queen Street Grocery: founded in 1922, this little cafe is way more than a grocery store. They serve AMAZING crepes, breakfast and sandwiches (yes they have gluten free options), and are a great casual lunch stop in the main city of charleston
- Black Magic Cafe: this small cafe on James Island (en route to Folly Beach) has the best ambiance and decor, amazing fun coffee drinks and is SUPER kid friendly.
- Poe’s Tavern: Poe's Tavern on Sullivan's Island is a fun gastropub with great food (perfect for lunch or a casual dinner).
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