Being Savvy: Activities, things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Charleston, SC

birthday parties: simple is good

by Nicole

With the landfall of Hurricane Hanna anticipated later today, I hope that all of you are prepared. If you’re scrambling, take a look at my post on hurricane preparedness earlier this week for some helpful links. Be smart, be safe! If we just get rain and wind, but it's safe to get out, I've got some rainy day ideas for you. The Savvy Source national site also has a great list of indoor fun ... Read more >

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weekend getaway: Santee State Park

by Nicole

Santee State Park sits on Lake Marion about an hour from Charleston just north of the junction of I-26 and I-95. It has everything one could hope for in a state park: boating and fishing, hiking and biking trails, with everything you need and nothing you don’t.We spent the weekend at Santee State Park last month with the kids and two other families with kids. While there is RV and tent ... Read more >

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hurricane preparation for your family

by Nicole

Earlier this week, all eyes were on the Gulf Coast as Hurricane Gustav made landfall. Now our attention turns to Hurricane Hannah, which is predicted to hit the coast somewhere between Georgia and South Carolina. In other words, HERE. While this particular storm might not be too bad, the fact is that it's hurricane season and we're vulnerable. Now is the time to get prepared.The National ... Read more >

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tuesday top five: the back-to-preschool lowdown

by Nicole

My daughter started back to preschool this morning, much like many of her friends and kids across the Lowcountry. Summer fun has been awesome, and now it's time for preschool fun! (Because preschool SHOULD be fun, not work, yo.) If you are seeing your child off to preschool for the first or fourth time this year, here are some tips for making the transition smooth!1. Plan ahead. Make sure ... Read more >

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stargazing at the College of Charleston Observatory

by Nicole

We tell our children to reach for the stars, make wishes on streaks of light falling through the sky and lull them to sleep with a chorus (or 10!) of Twinkle,Twinkle Little Star. While there is much to be said for the romance of star-gazing, those glittering lights are even more awesome when you experience their magnificence through a telescope.The College of Charleston Observatory opens its ... Read more >

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three day weekend! here's what's up

by Nicole

Aaaaah, Labor Day weekend. The signal of the end of summer, no matter what the temperature says. School days return, the beach towels get put away, and we enjoy some deep breaths before the holidays come sooner than we think they should.If you're in town this weekend, here are some happenings that will help you get out and enjoy Charleston.The Charleston Battery play tonight against the Puerto ... Read more >

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homeschool programs at the Charleston Museum

by Nicole

If you're homeschooling this year, you'll want to take note of this offering from the Charleston Museum! On the second Tuesday of every month, the Charleston Museum will host a special themed program with guided education, a trip through the museum, and an activity. The program is free with museum entry ($10 adults, $5 children, under 3 free) and free for members.The program kicks off in ... Read more >

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children's books about Charleston

by Nicole

A number of fantastic local authors have written children's books about places to see and adventures to be had in and around Charleston. Check out these titles and delight in your child's recognition of their home city in the pages of friendly tales!Hermy the Hermit Crab now has three stories to tell from the shores of Charleston. Join him as he learns early lessons about growing up crab in ... Read more >

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tuesday top five: best ways to cool off

by Nicole

It's August in Charleston, and I have two words for you: muggy and buggy. The temperatures are cooling a bit, though, and we spent the afternoon today outside at a neighbor's house playing in the yard. If the kids are looking for something beyond the kiddie pool or the slip and slide, try out some of these ideas for backyard fun!1. Have a water balloon fight (or at least a water balloon ... Read more >

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daytrip adventure: bear island wildlife management area

by Nicole

My husband has a remarkable wanderlust -- one that has taken him to several continents and that seems to take our family in search of hidden corners of the Lowcountry. This weekend we headed south to the Bear Island Wildlife Management Area.What a gem! This place is a beautiful wetland refuge low on facilities but full of wildlife spotting opportunities. We drove back into the marsh along the ... Read more >

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