Kids Activities in Charleston, South Carolina

Museums and Aquariums

• The Charleston Museum (charlestonmuseum.org) is also known as America̵7;s First Museum and features a variety of permanent exhibits that kids will enjoy. From seeing historic weapons used in wars to learning about birds, mammals and reptiles native to South Carolina, the educational exhibits at the museum are interesting and fun. There̵7;s also a hands-on exhibit called Kidstory with interactive items to spark children̵7;s interest in history. The Children̵7;s Museum of the Lowcountry (explorecml.org) provides fun for kids of all ages. They can watch bugs and butterflies in the CML Kid̵7;s Garden, play in the 1939 fire truck, be creative in the CML Art Room and play grocer in the pretend market. There are several exhibits, all of which are designed for kids to have a hands-on educational experience. For animal lovers, consider a trip to the South Carolina Aquarium (scaquarium.org). Here, kids can see a variety of marine life like sea turtles, sharks, alligators and snakes. The aquarium also has a 4-D theater, a touch tank and a Kid Zone with a play boat and fun activities for kids.

Water Parks and Pools

• Beat the summer heat in Charleston by cooling off in the water.
  
  Whirlin' Waters Adventure Waterpark (no website; 8888 University Blvd., Charleston; 843-572-7275) encompasses more than 15 acres and has slides, sprayers, a lazy river and a wave pool. Splash Zone Waterpark (no website; 871 Riverland Dr., Charleston; 843-795-7275) features a Carribean play structure equipped with wheels, sprayers and slides, as well as a lazy river, leisure pool and 200-foot open slide. If you just want to relax with the kids and lounge in the sun, consider heading to one of Charleston̵7;s public pools. Martin Luther King Pool (no website; 155 Jackson St., Charleston; 843-724-7346) and W.L. Stephens Aquatic Center (no website; 780 W. Oak Forest Dr., Charleston; 843-769-8261) both have a pool for public swimming and offer swimming lessons.

Indoor Sports and Recreation

• If you̵7;re looking for a way for the kids to burn off some energy, head to the Gymnastics Academy of Charleston (gacgym.com). The facility has a variety of gymnastics equipment, such as balance beams, low bars and high bars, for kids to practice their skills. Gymnastics classes are offered for children six and up, or you can stop in for open gym -- children must be at least six years old -- where kids can tumble, jump and play on their own. The Carolina Ice Palace (carolinaicepalace.com) is an indoor ice rink in Charleston. Here, kids can learn to skate, play ice hockey or try their skills at broomball. The Ice Palace offers recreational public skating, as well as structured classes and lessons for kids of all ages.

Nature Activities

• The beauty of Charleston makes for plenty of nature activities for kids. Magnolia Plantation & Gardens (magnoliaplantation.com) is a historic place where children can see beautiful flowers, go on a nature boat tour, visit the animals in the zoo and nature center, hike through the forest or take a ride on the Nature Train. With so much natural beauty and wildlife on the grounds, a visit to Magnolia Plantation & Gardens gives children the chance to explore nature and see animals and plants native to South Carolina. If your kids are horse lovers, head over to Middleton Equestrian Center (middletonstables.com). With more than 6,000 acres of riding trails, this huge horse farm offers riding lessons and guided tours for children and adults. Whether they have never been on a horse before or are seasoned riders, Middleton Equestrian Center will provide plenty of equestrian entertainment for children of all ages.