Planning a family vacation can be daunting, especially when it comes to finding activities that will keep everyone entertained and engaged. It can be a struggle to find destinations that cater to both adult interests and children’s needs, leading to stress and frustration. Fear not! This comprehensive guide to visiting Charleston, SC with kids is here to save the day. I’ve curated a list of family-friendly attractions, activities, and dining spots in the city, ensuring that your vacation is stress-free and filled with unforgettable experiences for the whole family. Say goodbye to uncertainty and hello to the perfect family adventure in Charleston!
Table of Contents
- Parking and Transportation
- Carriage Tours
- City Market
- Dining
- Public Restrooms
- Historic District
- Churches
- South Carolina Aquarium
- The USS Yorktown and Patriot’s Point
- Folly Beach
Parking and Transportation
There are so many wonderful things to see and do in the historic district! The area is beautiful, and we were pleasantly surprised by its cleanliness. Your first task will be planning how to navigate the area for the day. We opted to park close to the attractions we wanted to explore to avoid tiring out our little ones too early in the day. Parking in the city typically involves using city meters for street parking or utilizing parking lots/garages. Fortunately, the rates are quite reasonable, averaging around $2 per hour with a daily rate cap. We chose to park at the “Church & Carriage Lot” located at 182 Church St., where the all-day parking fee was capped at $32. After parking, we set out on foot to explore the district. Additionally, once you’ve parked, you can take advantage of Charleston’s complimentary transportation system within the historic district.
Carriage Tours
Our first stop was a horse-drawn carriage ride through the city. It was a great choice for our family as it offered valuable insights into the areas we wanted to explore further. We opted for Palmetto Carriage Works, and they were excellent, although there are multiple carriage tours available to choose from. You should plan to purchase tickets online ahead of time as tours tend to fill up quickly, but fortunately, there are plenty of time slots to choose from.
Our tour started at the Palmetto Carriage Works barn. Make sure to check in at the office where air conditioning is available if you need a break from the heat. Before boarding the carriage, there are also restroom facilities available at the platform.
The tour lasts about 60 minutes, so parents should be aware that younger children might become restless. However, youngest enjoyed the ride and only grew a bit antsy towards the end. Charleston operates its carriage tours using a lottery system, meaning the route is assigned randomly upon arrival at the lotto ball machine. Fortunately, luck was on our side, and we were assigned a route that took us past many historic mansions, “Rainbow Row,” and the Battery. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable, not only about the area’s history but also about the care of the horses used for the tours. She was also able to offer great tips on navigating the sites in the city.
This experience left us excited to try again for a different tour route in the future. While carriage tours can be pricey, for our family, it was absolutely worth it.
City Market
City Market is much larger than I had ever expected! The market sprawls across four city blocks along Market Street, offering a treasure trove of artisanal crafts and unique finds. We sampled freeze dried candy, browsed handmade jewelry, checked out new toys, and admired the beautiful sweet grass baskets!
Amidst our browsing, we couldn’t resist indulging in some treats. We opted for Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit, a spot hailed by many visitors. Choosing the “bakers dozen,” we sampled flavors like buttermilk, country ham, cheese & chive, cinnamon, and blackberry. While I must confess that biscuits aren’t my personal favorite, the kids thoroughly enjoyed the cinnamon and blackberry varieties. Despite not being my cup of tea, they did the trick for the kids, keeping hunger at bay as we continued our adventure through the city.
the City Market buildings.
Dining
Charleston is bursting with incredible dining options just waiting to be explored. Many of these spots use apps like OpenTable or Resy for reservations, so it’s a good idea to download them before your visit and book ahead, especially since some places fill up weeks in advance. Now, here’s a little heads-up: we found that some of these apps only allow reservations for parties of up to four, which can be tricky for larger families like ours. But don’t worry – some restaurants offer “walk-up” seating for bigger groups, though it can be a bit of a hassle, especially with young children in tow.
We had called around to a few places to inquire about wait times and then ultimately tried the Charleston Crab House (41 S. Market Street). We lucked out with just a short wait and snagged a table on the covered rooftop – talk about a perfect setting! The food was absolutely incredible! The calamari was some of the best I’ve ever had, and the she-crab soup was a delightful first-time experience for me, even if my husband wasn’t quite as keen. My grilled sea scallops were cooked to perfection, and while I’m still not sold on grits (sorry, Southerners!), my husband couldn’t get enough of his lowcountry shrimp boil. Plus, I loved the sweet tea – a taste of the South we don’t often get up north.
And the best part? Even our super picky kids found something they loved on the menu, so everyone left happy and satisfied. Charleston Crab House definitely earned a spot on our list of top dining spots in the city, and we’re already planning to return – maybe even for a few nights of dining because it was just that good!
Public Restrooms
With three kids in tow, our family is no stranger to impromptu bathroom breaks while sightseeing. Charleston does have access to public restrooms, but none below Broad Street as that area is mostly residential. While restaurants and hotels usually offer facilities, finding a restroom as a non-patron can be a challenge. Fortunately, my husband spotted a solution on Google Maps: a public restroom at City Hall on Broad Street.
Approaching City Hall, I braced myself for the typical city restroom experience. However, what we found beneath its grand white marble staircase was a pleasant surprise. The hallway leading to the bathrooms had pristine white walls with a marble like finish.
Inside, the facilities were not only modern but also spotlessly clean and well-maintained. I was so impressed that I almost snapped a photo – but missed the chance when others entered. For anyone in downtown Charleston needing a restroom break, City Hall’s facilities are a surprisingly clean hidden gem worth seeking out.
Historic District
One of our first stops was Waterfront Park. Here, you’ll discover a couple of charming fountains, including the iconic “Pineapple Fountain,” along with beautiful views of Charleston Harbor. The park was busy with activity as families were enjoying the warm day, and kids were splashing in the waters of the fountains. Did you know? You’re invited to dip your toes or even wade in the fountains! If your kids are anything like mine, they wont be happy with just getting in up to their ankles and they will be thoroughly soaked! Fortunately, the sunny day meant they dried off in no time, eager for more family adventures on our Charleston itinerary.
street in Waterfront Park
“Rainbow Row”, a row of well known pastel painted houses is an iconic site in Charleston and it’s just a short walk from Waterfront Park. You can take a leisurely stroll, admiring the charming architecture and snapping tons of Instagram-worthy photos. It’s a fun and picturesque spot that perfectly captures the whimsical charm of Charleston.
Just down the street you’ll find a fenced in public playground, The Hazel Parker Playground. Tucked away, it’s easy to miss, but once you find it, your kids will be thrilled! Though small and vintage, this city playground offers ample shade and plenty of room for running and climbing. Plus, there’s a handy parking lot nearby for families traveling by car. Our kids enjoyed the break from the sun and loved climbing on all of the structures.
Keep moving south along East Bay St. and you will arrive at The Battery. Named for the historical defensive artillery batteries that once lined the seawall, this iconic waterfront area offers a glimpse into the city’s rich past. Back in the day, it was a favorite spot where Charleston’s elite families would promenade, showcasing their wealth and enjoying the views of the harbor and the beautiful southern mansions that line the streets. Adjacent to the Battery lies White Point Garden, a picturesque park filled with centuries-old oak trees and historic monuments. Today, the Battery and White Point Garden are must-visit destinations for families exploring Charleston, offering a perfect blend of history, breathtaking scenery, and plenty of space for kids to run and play along the scenic waterfront.
Churches
Charleston is brimming with stunning churches just waiting to be explored. Here’s a fun fact: if a church’s doors are open, you’re welcome to step inside and take a look around! One church you won’t want to miss is St. Michael’s on Broad Street, the oldest standing church in Charleston. Back in 1791, even George Washington worshipped in pew 43 there! It’s dubbed the “Governor’s Pew” and has hosted some pretty famous guests, like Robert E. Lee, Princess Diana, and even Oprah! While we didn’t get to visit this time, it’s definitely on our list for next time we’re in the historic district.
South Carolina Aquarium
The South Carolina Aquarium, nestled near Charleston’s historic district, may be small, but it’s a delightful spot to visit, especially on a rainy day. Just a heads-up: they still use timed tickets, so make sure to snag yours online in advance to avoid missing out. When we arrived one rainy morning, they were already at capacity, but we grabbed tickets for the afternoon session and found other activities to pass the time.
Upon our return, we enjoyed a program at the stingray touch tank, which was a favorite among the kids. Set in an open-air room overlooking Charleston Harbor, we even spotted dolphins swimming below! The aquarium focuses on native South Carolina species, with small tanks showcasing local marine life and a captivating two-story centerpiece tank. However, the highlight for us was the Sea Turtle Care Center, where we followed the journey of rescued turtles. With a glimpse into their rehab and release process, it was both educational and heartwarming. Though our visit was brief, it offered a fun and educational escape on a rainy day, leaving us with a deeper appreciation for animal conservation efforts.
The USS Yorktown and Patriot’s Point
Don’t miss out on Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant, just a quick drive over the bridge from downtown. Here you’ll find the USS Yorktown, a legendary aircraft carrier that served in WWII and Vietnam, even recovering Apollo 8 astronauts and their capsule!
Our tour of the Yorktown was a truly unique and educational experience. Just a heads-up though: it’s not stroller-friendly, and those narrow hallways and staircases can feel a bit tight. On our visit, the weather was pretty rough, so we couldn’t explore the flight deck much, but we did take a self-guided tour up to the bridge. The ready room, where pilots prepped for their missions, was fascinating!
Inside the hangar, you’ll find a treasure trove of old planes to marvel at, plus a cool simulation experience for an extra fee. Our kids had a blast trying it out! And there’s more to see at Patriots Point too – my husband and a couple of our kids checked out the USS Laffey and loved it. Just a tip: if it’s pouring rain like it was for us, grab a poncho from the gift shop before you head out. Despite the weather, we all had a blast and would definitely go back for another visit!
Folly Beach
On our first evening in Charleston, we decided to kick off our trip with a visit to Folly Beach. Despite the warm April weather, the ocean breeze made the air feel cool. The water was a bit chilly too, but that didn’t deter our kids from splashing around. Eager to hunt for treasures, we headed towards the pier where we hoped to find some shark’s teeth. Only one tooth was found, but the kids were thrilled to collect lots of shells to share with their classmates upon their return to school. The discovery of a half sand dollar was the cherry on top of their beach adventure!
As the sun began to set, we strolled along the street in search of a restaurant for dinner. However, with spring break crowds in full swing, even the ice cream cart had a line stretching down the street. Most restaurants at this point had at least an hour wait. It was a valuable reminder to plan ahead and try to make reservations for our next visit to Charleston’s beach areas!
As we wrap up this guide to visiting Charleston with kids, I hope these tips have equipped you with everything you need to plan an unforgettable family adventure in the Holy City. From exploring historic landmarks to indulging in local cuisine and soaking up the sun on the beaches, Charleston offers endless opportunities for fun and exploration. Remember to pack your sense of adventure, embrace the city’s charm, and create lasting memories with your loved ones.
Feel free to add your “must visits” for Charleston in the comment section below! Be sure to check out my other posts for more family friendly vacation tips! Need ideas on what to pack for your stress free beach vacation? Check out my post on essential beach gear!
