As I sit here, looking back on our weekend, I can’t help but wish it hadn’t ended so soon. Hubby took the day Thursday to celebrate his 29th, and boy does he wear it well!
On a last minute whim, we tossed the boys in the car and hit the road for a 5 hour road trip to visit a South Carolinian city we’ve never seen. Charleston is beautiful, had we not had so much awesomeness waiting for us back at home, we probably would have stayed longer. The historic buildings were straight out of a story book and the cutest little Tacos & Tequila bar we ate at was fantastic! Our trip there wouldn’t have been complete without catching an ocean breeze from the Atlantic and letting the littles run through White Point Garden! On our way back we saw the most amazing pink shot-gun house!
Do you have plans to visit one of the oldest cities in America with your littles?! Check off this list of things to do with Kids in Charleston for a trip your family is sure to never forget!
Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry This one hits the top of our list for good reason! What I loved most about the museum is that unlike most childrens’ museums, the CML is all one level. When you walk in, to your right is a remarkable two-story kids’ castle built into the walls with realistic cupboards, a kids sized kings bed, cauldrons, and dress up! Under the castle is a pretend horse stable with stick horses and a pail to feed. Just past the castle is an art room full of supplies, easels, magnetic walls, and tables to fill your little one’s crafting heart for days! The best part about the art room? Anything you paint or create can be left to dry, and you can come back later in the day for free to pick it up and continue playing as long as you keep your sticker to re-enter!
At the other end of the museum is a recreation of a Publix Market and great play area for kids 3 and under with toys, cubbies, and ride alongs. As you head to the play area, you’l pass through a building zone with LEGOs, big blocks, funky bricks, and more. After the building room is a water zone with a volcano built out of a wall, maneuvers to make the sun shine and rain pour down, and the benches?! They’re large coolers! Cutest thing ever! One of our favorite rooms however, was just past the water zone. As you finish playing with water, you’ll enter into a room with a Pirate’s crashed ship! Cling onboard to find a real life touch on a kids pirate ship play area with a rocking floor in the captain’s room, a sink, cubbies, and windows in the on board kitchen, a huge deck finished with a real telescope, and a fish net that drops down to catch realistic looking fish! If you’re feeling extra daring, throw on a pirate costume and head into the pirate’s jail cell-one of Col’s faves!
If that isn’t enough, there’s a sensory garden outside with a real firetruck to steer, outdoor games, and a spot for basketball!
The staff was all polite and willing to help tag along with the kids! We read books as they played and chased after them through the castle playing hide and seek!
Best Friend of Charleston Train Museum Once we wrapped up our explorations at the children’s museum, we hopped across the railroad tracks to the Best Friend Train Museum! It was free and the boys loved the friendly elder greeters and the green and red train!
See the Old Fire Station There’s not many things the boys love more than an old Fire Station! We took the boys walking through the city shortly after we checked into our hotel and the sweet firemen in the corridors popped out to give each of the boys a sticker and a quick tour of the facility!
South Carolina Aquarium This spot sits on the beautiful Charleston harbor which makes for beautiful views before entering! The boys LOVED the huge ocean tank that was home to tons of fish, sharks , and even a loggerhead sea turtle (Col’s FAV!). It’s rare that we skip an aquarium or sea life museum when we’re traveling if there’s one close in proximity to where we’re staying but, this one is at the top of our favorite’s list to date!
The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge FREE, beautiful views, and an awesome breeze during the spring and summer months! Definitely bring your stroller along for this one but, taking a stroll on the bridge is totally worth it! Don’t miss the park at the bottom of the bridge (Mt. Pleasant side)! Pack a picnic lunch and make it a day trip!
Charleston Water Taxi Once finishing your stroll along the bridge and having a picnic lunch in the park, head back to the other side via water taxi! For only 10 bucks you can ride ALL DAY and for the kids, make sure to keep a lookout for dolphins swimming nearby!
This is so awesome! I think our family is going to do it! Any hotel suggestions?