Having moved here close to 9 years ago with a 2 year old, I quickly learned that Charleston and our surrounding areas have some awesome kids activities! 

1. Children's Museum

One of my favorite places I took my daughter when she was younger was the Children's Museum in downtown Charleston. There are 8 different interactive play areas, each with it’s own activities! Who didn’t love to scan items in the grocery store when they were little? Well, the Children's Museum will allow your kids to shop, scan and bag produce, boxed goods and even frozen foods!

When you’re done shopping, you can climb aboard the pirate ship and step back in time to the golden age of pirates! From sea monster attacks to searching for buried treasure to battles at sea… see where your child’s imagination will take them!

Next, hop on over to the art room where color and creativity welcome you! Whether your little one constructs knight’s armor from recycled egg cartons in the “Creation Station” or tries a splatter painting à la Jackson Pollock in the “Painting Place” –  every child will find the artist within!

Other special areas include the Speak Loud Studio, Kids Garden, Air Air Everywhere and they even have an infant and toddler play space. Some of their installations change from time to time so be sure to check out the Children's Museum again and again! 

2. Splash Zone Waterpark

Next on our list is Splash Zone Waterpark on James Island. When the temperature starts rising, people of all ages enjoy this favorite summertime getaway located in James Island County Park. This seasonal attraction provides hours of fun and recreation for the entire family.

It features a 200-foot tube slide, a 200-foot open slide, a rainforest play structure with slides, buckets, sprays, and more, a 500-foot lazy river with an adventure channel of sprays and waterwalls, a leisure pool, concessions, showers/changing areas, locker rentals, lounge chairs and group/party packages. So if you’d like to wear out your little one while beating the heat, be sure to check out Splash Zone Waterpark! 

3. Charleston Fun Park

Third to make our list, and one of my personal favorites is Charleston Fun Park located in north Mt. Pleasant. Get your fun on with go-karts, 36 holes of mini-golf, an outdoor axe throwing arena, a virtual reality roller coaster, bumper cars, a full arcade with prizes and the all new OMNI VR Battle Arena!

And if all that makes you hungry or thirsty, they have snacks like Dippin’ Dots, F’Real Milkshakes, chips and drinks - including adult beverages like beer and wine. And speaking of beer and wine, every Thursday you can be treated to Live music and a rotating line-up of the areas most sought after food trucks (including some sweets trucks!), incredible drink specials and an axe throwing competition with prizes. Sounds like a great Thursday evening for me and the kids! 

Watch our Lively Charleston episode on the best places to bring your kids in Charleston!