Here are some favorite family-friendly outdoor activities in Charleston, SC — perfect for kids, parents, and even grandparents
Sections
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🌴 Nature & Parks
🐠 Animals & Adventure
🚣 Water Activities
🐴 Farm & Outdoor Fun
🛍️ Walkable Outdoor Spots
🌴 Nature & Parks
Charleston is full of breathtaking parks and outdoor spaces where kids can run free and families can soak in the Lowcountry beauty. Whether you’re swinging under the palmettos at Waterfront Park or hiking through the trails at James Island County Par...
Playground, splash pad, paddle boats, hiking trails, and seasonal events like the Holiday Festival of Lights.
James Island County Park
Relaxed beach day with gentle waves for little ones, shell collecting, and pier walks.
Folly Beach
• A magical, ancient live oak that’s fun and awe-inspiring for kids and adults alike.
Angel Oak Tree
• Splash fountains, swings, and riverfront views. Great for photos and picnics.
• Outdoor/indoor stalls with local vendors — just go early to beat the heat and crowds.
Charleston City Market
🐠 Animals & Adventure
For curious little ones (and fun-loving parents), Charleston has hands-on experiences that bring nature up close. Watch sea turtles and stingrays at the South Carolina Aquarium or zip through the trees with Charleston Zipline Adventures. These spots ...
• While technically indoors, there’s an outdoor touch tank and beautiful harborfront setting.
South Carolina Aquarium
• Family-friendly trolley tours of the only tea plantation in North America. Open fields, beautiful setting.
Charleston Tea Garden
They offer a “Kid Zip” course for ages 5–10. Great for active kids!
Charleston Adventure Forest
🚣 Water Activities
You can’t visit Charleston without getting out on the water! Whether you’re paddling on Shem Creek beside playful dolphins or taking a guided boat tour to a quiet island for shell collecting, the waterways are where the magic happens. These water-bas...
• Easy, family-friendly paddling with chances to spot dolphins and manatees.
• Boat tours to Capers Island with shelling, crabbing, dolphin watching, and beach fun.
Barrier Island Ecotours
🐴 Farm & Outdoor Fun
Get your boots a little muddy and head to the countryside for hands-on farm experiences. Charleston is home to seasonal family events like hayrides, corn mazes, strawberry picking, and even animal encounters. These activities are perfect for making s...
• Beautiful oak-lined drive, petting zoo area, butterfly pavilion (seasonal), and outdoor exploration. The Fall Festival is very kid-friendly.
Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens
• Seasonal events like pumpkin patches, hayrides, and strawberry picking.
Legare Farms Inc
🛍️ Walkable Outdoor Spots
Looking for something relaxed yet engaging? Charleston’s charming walkable areas like King Street, Marion Square, and the Mount Pleasant Pier offer shopping, snacks, open space, and plenty of room for a family stroll. Great for winding down after a d...
• Grab a snack and walk. Great for strollers and little legs.
King Street Shopping - 8 Local Stores to Visit | Charleston, SC
• A great playground, shaded pier walks, and picnic areas, and a new splash pad area and additional sports areas.
