5 Family-Fun Activities to Do in Charleston
Just a few hours north of Savannah, the Holy City is bursting with family fun. Known for its beauty and history, there’s also no shortage of activities that will keep everyone in your party engaged. Here are some of our favorite summer stops in Charleston.
With a balance between modern and historic Southern charm, Charleston has a new adventure around every corner. On your next trip to the Holy City, be sure to check out these unique activities the whole family can enjoy.
1. Wild Dunes Resort
This extraordinary place has repeatedly snagged the top spot as one of the best beach destinations in the country. Two words: activities galore. The nature excursions offered here are top-notch. Don’t miss the Capers Island Wildlife Exploration day trip, which will take your family on a boat ride through tidal creeks and salt marshes and over to one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier islands. Once you arrive at Capers Island, you’ll have an hour and a half of free time to collect seashells, go bird watching or explore Boneyard Beach and freshwater ponds. Back at the resort, join in adrenaline-pumping water sports like parasailing and jet skiing, take a few dance lessons at the Grand Pavilion or play a leisurely game of golf or tennis. If you have any time to break away from the awesome onsite activities, enjoy a nice night out on the town with the fam: Historic downtown Charleston is just a hop, skip and jump away. For more information on this Isle of Palms resort, visit wilddunes.com.
2. Jack's Cosmic Dogs
Close to Wild Dunes Resort in nearby Mount Pleasant, Jack’s Cosmic Dogs will ship your family off to another galaxy with its out-of-this-world menu and atmosphere. The giant rockets and spacey décor will put a smile on your kids’ faces long before the waiter even takes their order. The kid’s meals are as affordable as they are delicious: For only $4.99, your little cadets will get a hot dog, mini moon pie, fruit cup and juice box. As captains of the ship, mom and pop can enjoy any one of Jack’s many astronomical delicacies. You’ll practically go into orbit while devouring the Cosmic Dog (topped with a house special blue cheese slaw and sweet potato mustard) or the Galactic Dog (piled high with homemade chili, cheddar cheese, creamy coleslaw and spicy mustard). For hours and menu, visit jackscosmicdogs.com.
3. Nature Adventure Outfitters
Give your kids a little outdoor adventure with a kayaking experience unlike any other. There are two types of kayak tours your group can choose from. On a Blackwater Tour you’ll journey through a flooded forest in a protected wilderness area in the National Forest. Wildlife can include the elusive alligator, turtles, wetland wading birds, woodpeckers and sometimes river otters. Saltwater tours can get you up close and personal with dolphins and maybe even manatees and sea turtles. For more information visit kayakcharlestonsc.com.
4. Fort Sumter
After exploring Patriots Point, hop on a ferry to Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired on April 12, 1861. Once you arrive on the island, hike up to the top of Sumter to catch the breathtaking views of Charleston Harbor once seen by the soldiers of yore. You can also take an up-close look at the powerful, real-life cannons that you thought you could only see in textbooks. Feeling inspired and want to play your own important part in history? Kids under the age of 12 can join the Junior Ranger Program, where they’ll learn more about national parks and earn a cool badge that they can proudly wear! For more information on park hours and activities, visit nps.gov/fosu.
5. Patriot's Point
Your day-long history lesson begins at Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant, where you and the youngsters can tour the massive USS Yorktown aircraft carrier. The 10th aircraft carrier to serve the United States Navy, the USS Yorktown has since been converted into an incredible museum experience. This is the only aircraft carrier museum in the nation to house the 10 most significant aircraft in U.S. carrier aviation history. After you tour the carrier, head to the USS Laffey to learn about the “ship that would not die.” Next, squeeze into the USS Clamagore submarine, which is the only GUPPY III submarine preserved in the country. For more information, visit patriotspoint.org.
To read more about visiting Charleston, pick up the June/July issue of South magazine.
