Family-Friendly Adventures in !

The Battery and White Point Garden

Why Visit?

Embark on a delightful family outing to Charleston"s historic The Battery and White Point Garden, where history, beauty, and ocean breezes blend for a perfect day out.

Morning Arrival

Start your day early to enjoy cooler temperatures and lighter crowds. Parking can be found along the nearby streets or in designated parking areas. Begin at The Battery, located at the southern tip of the Charleston peninsula, offering panoramic views of Fort Sumter and Charleston Harbor. This picturesque promenade is lined with antebellum homes that tell tales of the old South. As you stroll, share with the kids how this defensive seawall and promenade was essential in both the American Revolutionary War and the Civil War.

Mid-Morning Exploration

Next, walk to the adjacent White Point Garden. This public park spreads across 5.7 acres and is shaded by grand oak trees, perfect for a leisurely walk or a family picnic. Inform the kids about the park"s collection of historic cannons and statues, including the impressive Fort Sumter cannon. These artifacts serve as a lesson in American history, right under the open sky.

Lunch and Learn

Pack a picnic to enjoy under the shade in the garden, or opt for one of Charleston’s charming eateries nearby. After lunch, engage with one of the local tour guides found around the park, who can offer deeper insights into the historical significance of the area with stories that bring the past to life.

Afternoon Fun

Wrap up your visit by exploring the surrounding neighborhood. The charming cobblestone streets and colorful row houses are perfect for family photos. Don’t miss Rainbow Row, just a short walk from The Battery, known for its vibrant and historic homes.

Before heading home, grab some ice cream from a local vendor as a sweet end to your historical and scenic day in Charleston!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum

Why Visit?

Morning Arrival at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum

Start your family adventure at Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, by exploring the impressive USS Yorktown. Arrive early to beat the crowd and secure a parking spot ($5 fee). Once there, head straight to the massive aircraft carrier USS Yorktown (CV-10), the centerpiece of the museum. Begin your tour with the Medal of Honor Museum located on the hangar deck, which offers an insightful and inspirational introduction to the valor of America"s heroes.

Mid-Morning Exploration

Next, delve into the engine rooms and the flight deck where children can marvel at the vintage aircraft and imagine life as a pilot. Don"t miss the interactive exhibits where kids can try their hand at the flight simulators. Engaging facts: The USS Yorktown played a significant role during WWII and was also used to recover the Apollo 8 astronauts and capsule.

Lunch Break

Around noon, enjoy a picnic at the nearby waterfront park, offering stunning views of Charleston Harbor. There are also several eateries available on-site for a quick and convenient meal.

Afternoon Adventure

Post lunch, board the USS Laffey, a destroyer known as "The Ship That Would Not Die” due to its remarkable survival in WWII despite multiple attacks. Explore the ship"s deck and control rooms where interactive displays bring history to life.

Late Afternoon

Wrap up your visit at the Cold War Submarine Memorial and the Vietnam Experience Exhibit, which offers a powerful re-creation of a "Brown Water Navy" support base and a glimpse into the life of service members during the Vietnam War.

Departure

Finish your tour by 4 PM to avoid the late afternoon crowds, making your exit smooth and reflecting on a day filled with educational exploration and historical wonders.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Children"s Museum of the Lowcountry (CML)

Why Visit?

Title: Family Fun Day at the Children"s Museum of the Lowcountry (CML)

Morning Arrival

Kickstart your adventure at the Children"s Museum of the Lowcountry, located conveniently in downtown Charleston at 25 Ann Street. Parking is available onsite, and the museum is also easily accessible via the DASH trolley for those opting for public transport. Begin your visit right when doors open at 9 AM to make the most of your day.

Exploring the Exhibits

Upon entry, dive into the world of creativity and learning. Start with the Medieval Creativity Castle, where kids can dress up as knights or princesses and explore a castle right from a fairyt her favorite exhibits, like the WaterWise! exhibit where kids learn the science behind water in a hands-on environment, or Art Room, where the family can get crafty with recycled materials.

Lunch Break

Around noon, take a break at the museum"s picnic area with snacks from the nearby Harris Teeter, just a short walk away. It"s perfect for refueling before the afternoon activities.

Afternoon Activities

Post-lunch, explore the Pirate Ship - a hit among young adventurers. Kids can climb aboard, steer the ship, or hunt for hidden treasure, learning about Charleston’s rich maritime history in the process. Don"t miss the Garden exhibit, where children can learn about plants and dig into the basics of gardening.

Wrapping Up

Conclude your visit by 5 PM, possibly with a stroll through the gift shop for educational toys or books as a souvenir from an unforgettable day.

Quick Tip

Buy tickets online in advance to ensure entry, especially during busy times like weekends or holidays.

Enjoy a day filled with learning, play, and family bonding at CML, where every corner is an opportunity for children to ignite their curiosity and foster creativity!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Charleston City Market

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Charleston City Market

Morning

Start your day at the historic Charleston City Market, located in the heart of downtown Charleston at 188 Meeting Street. Easily accessible by public transport, the free DASH trolley stops right at the market. If you"re driving, parking is available at nearby public garages like the one at 85 Cumberland Street.

Begin exploring the Great Hall, which houses a variety of artisan vendors. Enjoy discovering local crafts, perfect for souvenirs, from sweetgrass baskets, a craft brought by West African slaves, to local jewelry and pottery. Engaging for kids, many vendors offer live demonstrations, particularly of the traditional basket weaving.

Lunch

Grab lunch at one of the nearby casual eateries offering classic Southern dishes. Try po"boys or shrimp and grits to savor the local flavor.

Afternoon

After lunch, join one of the family-friendly carriage tours that start near the market. These guided tours offer fascinating insights into Charleston"s rich history and architecture while keeping it light and fun for the kids.

Post-tour, stroll to Waterfront Park, just a 10-minute walk from the market. Here, the kids can play in the famous Pineapple Fountain and you can enjoy the stunning views of Charleston Harbor.

Evening

Return to the vicinity of the City Market for dinner. Choose one of the family-friendly restaurants close-by, where you can enjoy Southern hospitality and delicious cuisine.

Wrap up your day by revisiting the City Market for its Night Market. Operating from 6:30 to 10:30 PM on weekends, it features live music and a different atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely evening stroll before heading back to your accommodation.

Each step of this itinerary offers a blend of fun, learning, and relaxation, ensuring that your family experiences the best of Charleston"s charm and culture.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Rainbow Row

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary for Visiting Rainbow Row, Charleston

Morning: Explore Rainbow Row

Start your day early to enjoy the charm of Rainbow Row in cooler temperatures and softer light, perfect for photos. Located on East Bay Street, this iconic stretch is famous for its 13 historic houses painted in pastel colors. To reach Rainbow Row, consider renting bikes from a nearby shop; it’s a fun and easy way to traverse the picturesque streets of Charleston.

Interesting Fact: Rainbow Row"s vibrant colors were added during their restoration in the 1930s and 1940s to help revitalize the area after it had fallen into disrepair.

Mid-Morning: Waterfront Park

Just a short walk north from Rainbow Row, visit Waterfront Park. This park offers stunning views of Charleston Harbor and is known for its famous Pineapple Fountain. The kids can cool off by splashing in the fountain, while parents enjoy a peaceful moment under the shade of oak trees.

Lunch: Picnic at the Battery

Grab some takeout from one of the local eateries near Market Street and head to the Battery for a picnic. This picturesque promenade features antebellum homes and cannons from the Civil War, offering a mix of history and stunning ocean views.

Afternoon: Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon

After lunch, take a leisurely walk to the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, located about a 10-minute walk from the Battery on East Bay Street. This colonial building has a fascinating history, having served as a customs house, mercantile exchange, and military prison. The guided tour, which is both educational and slightly eerie, will captivate the entire family.

Interesting Fact: The Old Exchange building is considered one of the most important colonial public buildings in the United States.

End your day by exploring the nearby local shops and perhaps grabbing a sweet treat from a King Street bakery before heading back to your accommodation. This itinerary offers a blend of activities that merge Charleston’s rich history with enjoyable family experiences.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.