If you’re looking for your next family vacation, consider stopping by North Charleston, SC. Our city offers experiences for the whole family, including a variety of kid-friendly activities from playground games to interactive education. Visit North Charleston is your guide to attractions and accommodations in our beautiful city. Here, we highlight some of our favorite things to do with kids.
Key Takeaways
- Have fun outdoors at Park Circle Inclusive Playground, which offers an experience for all ability levels, or set up a picnic or Frisbee game at Riverfront Park.
- Northwoods Mall, North Charleston Fire Museum, and the H. L. Hunley Museum offer fun and education for a rainy day.
- Grab a bite to eat at one of North Charleston’s many family-friendly casual dining sites.
Park Circle Inclusive Playground
Growing kids need room to run, and what kid would say no to a playground? Park Circle Inclusive Playground is the world’s largest inclusive playground. Designed to create fun experiences for kids of all ages and ability levels, it features classic playground equipment like slides, swings, and zip lines alongside a sensory tunnel and communication board for nonverbal children. Exercise equipment and obstacle courses provide active opportunities for older kids and adults.
The playground is also built with safety in mind. Rubberized surfaces allow for easy access, and the equipment is covered by generous shades to protect sensitive skin against burns. Wheelchair ramps and swing harnesses accommodate kids with different levels of ability.
Riverfront Park
Riverfront Park is another popular family destination. Constructed on what used to be the Greater Charleston Naval Base, the park offers green spaces, walking trails shaded by grand oaks, and spectacular river views. It’s the perfect space to get active or to set up a picnic for some quality, low-key family time in the fresh air.
The park is also home to several restored buildings and memorials. Take a look at The Gatekeeper’s Inn, Eternal Father of the Sea Chapel, or The Admiral’s House, or honor almost 100 years of military service at the Greater Charleston Naval Base Memorial. These provide a valuable and exciting educational opportunity while exploring the park’s pathways and boardwalks.
Indoor and Weather-Proof Entertainment
Fresh air fun is wonderful, but what do you do when the weather turns gray? Waiting out the rain leads to restless kids begging for something to do. Fortunately, there’s plenty of fun to be had indoors in North Charleston.
Get out of the rain at Northwoods Mall, the second largest indoor shopping center in the Tri-County area. Browse over 100 different stores, including some of your favorite brands, then grab a bite at one of the several restaurants. Northwoods Mall is also home to a movie theater, a make-your-own pottery studio, and a gym, helping you keep the kids engaged during a rainy day.
Interactive Education
Your kids’ bodies are growing, and so are their minds. They may be out of school, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to stop learning. North Charleston features two excellent museums with interactive exhibits, providing a fun and immersive experience that can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike. Check out these North Charleston museums below:
- North Charleston Fire Museum: Perfect for your future firefighter, this museum honors the history of firefighting and prevention. Tons of interactive exhibits let kids get hands-on with the equipment or slide down a real fire pole.
- H.L. Hunley Museum: Explore a life-sized model of a real Civil War submarine. Dedicated to the world’s first combat submarine, the museum also features artifacts, recreations of the crew, and the Hunley herself, carefully recovered and on display.
Neither museum is large, making them the perfect addition to a longer itinerary. Pay a visit when it’s raining or when your kids need some quiet time before playtime picks up again.
Family-Friendly Dining
In between all the fun, don’t forget to grab a bite to eat. A delicious meal keeps the whole family fueled for more adventures to come. North Charleston’s dining scene is home to tastes from around the globe, from international eats to authentic Southern cuisine and all-time favorites like pizza or burgers. Finish off the meal with a sweet treat from Park Circle Creamery, which specializes in handcrafted ice cream with classic Southern flavors like banana chips or candied pecans.
Discover More Things to Do with Kids in North Charleston, SC
Include the whole family in the fun when you travel to North Charleston. The city welcomes travelers of all ages, providing a variety of entertainment opportunities from fresh-air fun to interactive museum exhibits. Discover more attractions in North Charleston with Visit North Charleston, your guide to travel in the area. Contact us today for more information.
