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Local Mom Guide to the Low Country - Charleston, Summerville, Goose Creek,
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items Your go-to list of underrated family and mom-friendly spots in Charleston’s suburbs — from playgrounds for the kids to coffee shops worth a solo escape. Perfect for locals looking to get out of the routine without venturing too far.
Map
Sections
4
Coffee & Bakeries
Parks & Rec
Breweries
Restaurants
Coffee & Bakeries
Cozy cafés and small-batch bakeries tucked into strip malls and town corners that are ideal for solo sips, stroller meetups, and post-errand treats.
The best coffee shop in my life. Not only is the cold brew delicious, with a monthly rotating menu, but the staff is so fricken nice. They are the nicest staff literally ever. So kind. The reward program is top tier.
Lodi Coffee
Coastal Coffee is hidden on Main Street, but totally worth it. Super cute, with big tables, and surprisingly delicious food (bagel with lox? What)
Coastal Coffee Roasters, Inc.
Cuppa Manna is the coffee shop most folks think of when we think of downtown Summerville, but tbh the coffee is average. We like the boba. The live music is fun. They sometimes play Christian music, which isn’t my fave. The windows are seasonally dec...
Cuppa Manna
Square donuts and a plant shop? I never thought I wanted donuts and plants in the same shop, but I love it. This donut shop is an IG creator’s wet dream- is so aesthetic! I absolutely love the cereal donuts.
BKeDSHoP
Huge fan of this Black owned business. They are known for their macarons (don’t call them macaroons!), but have so many other treats too. The branding is 100% on point.
Swank Desserts
Parks & Rec
From castle playgrounds to peaceful trails, these suburban green spaces are local gems for fresh air, scooter time, and picnic-style playdates.
A beautiful playground with a fully fenced area (though there is no gate). It’s a traditional wooden playground with picnic tables and bathrooms.
Parking does get tough during football and baseball season.
Gahagan Park
Heavily underrated walk-in/running trail in Summerville. There aren’t many amenities, but the distance is nice with multiple entry points.
Rumor has it there are shark teeth in the water.
Facilities • Sawmill Branch Trail
Go ahead and grab a gold card membership now, because you will want to go to the park all summer long. There are trails for running, stroller walking, or casual toddler/kid walks. The water has paddle boat rentals (with gators- beware). The splash pa...
North Charleston Wannamaker County Park
Runners can join this group for evening runs- stroller friendly!
Park Circle Pacers
You might be disappointed when you see this tree, but I love it. You can feel the magic as you walk under the branches. They are very strict with no climbing, tripods, etc. There is a cute little shop in site.
Angel Oak Tree
The kids will love it. Even if you leave early to beat the crowd, they’ll have. A blast watching the game. Be sure to grab some dipping dots.
South Carolina Stingrays
Breweries
Low-key, family-friendly breweries with wide patios, board games, and community vibes that make day drinking with a toddler in tow surprisingly doable.
I don’t think I’ve actually gone inside Common Works, but I’ve been there so many times. The best part is all the outdoor seating! There’s a public parking lot across the street, so don’t stress parking. The vibes are perfect and they always have lov...
Commonhouse Aleworks
A fabulous family friendly brewery with a large assortment of fruity sours (if beer isn’t your choice). There are board games, and occasionally vendors come to set up and food trucks outside.
Snafu Brewing Company
Alcoholic root beer? The soda is such a fun twist from cider or beer. Theres a huge yard for kids or dogs, and periodically have vendor markets and music too.
Holy City Brewing
Restaurants
Skip the tourist traps and chain restaurants. These neighborhood favorites serve up comfort food, kid-approved menus, and mom-worthy bevvys.
Scratch made Biscuits make my heart putty patter. The line to get in is usually out the door. It’s delicious. Totally worth it and amazing. So good.
Vicious Biscuit Summerville
Adorable southern kitchen! Being in the south, the expectations are high. The ambiance is cute. Food is good. The wait isn’t always quick, but people like it here.
Poogan's Southern Kitchen -- Nexton
Possibly the best barbecue place in the country- literally. We are huge bbq fans; lord knows I can throw back some pulled pork and mac and cheese. The Summerville location of swig and swine is where we always take friends and family from out of town.
Swig & Swine