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

History lessons: Rainbow Row

by Nicole

Images of the houses along Rainbow Row grace T-shirts and postcards and serve as one of the landmark sights of Charleston. While architecture and urban restoration may be a bit too much for a preschooler, a walk down Rainbow Row presents an opportunity to talk about the history of Charleston through multiple eras. The row of houses sits on East Bay Street between Tradd and Eliot. The buildings ... Read more >

Continue reading "History lessons: Rainbow Row"

Five Best Ways to Enjoy Downtown Charleston on the Cheap

by Nicole

Here's a half-day walking tour of downtown Charleston designed for kids that is low on cash investment but high on fun. To keep the trip cheap, be sure to pack drinks and snacks from home. There's a fair bit of walking, so keep in mind that even bigger kids may want the option to ride in a stroller off and on. 1. Start at the Market (near the corner of North Market and East Bay Street). The ... Read more >

Continue reading "Five Best Ways to Enjoy Downtown Charleston on the Cheap"

10 Things You Must Do with Your Children Before They Grow Up

by Nicole

1. Walk the Cooper River Bridge . Park on the peninsula side, walk up to the midpoint in the late afternoon, and then watch the spectacular sunset as you descend back into Charleston. Perfect! 2. Conquer Ft. Sumter . No matter which side of the War Between the States you take, Ft. Sumter offers a unique opportunity to introduce a defining moment in American history. 3. Canoe the Edisto River. ... Read more >

Continue reading "10 Things You Must Do with Your Children Before They Grow Up"

What's in a name?: Getting to know Charleston

by Nicole

I didn't grow up in South Carolina, so I never took the state history course and know very little about Charleston's rich history. (I can, however, tell you all about Arizona, if you're interested. Takers?) I'm definitely looking forward to learning more about Charleston's past with my children, and what better place to begin than with the name. Kids are naturally curious about their own ... Read more >

Continue reading "What's in a name?: Getting to know Charleston"

Weekend Fun for the Whole Family

by Nicole

If you're like me, weekends are a time to enjoy life together as a family. There's something to be said for some quiet time at home, just hanging out. There's also something to be said for getting out of the house so that you don't go crazy with cabin fever. Here are my picks for this weekend, all free for the whole family. Local Blend concerts at the Charleston County Public Library Yes, I'm ... Read more >

Continue reading "Weekend Fun for the Whole Family"

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 >

Continue reading "children's books about Charleston"

tuesday top five: bookshelf essentials for Lowcountry kids!

by Nicole

There are some books that you simply need to have around if you are a member of the Charleston short crowd. Here are some ideas for exploring -- and adding to! -- the Lowcountry charm. Seashells of the World (A Golden Guide) by R. Tucker Abbott While your preschooler will probably need some help to use this guide, this book is the perfect way to turn that trip to the beach into a ... Read more >

Continue reading "tuesday top five: bookshelf essentials for Lowcountry kids!"

tuesday top five: places to see lights

by Nicole

With early sunsets and holiday spirit in abundance, there is no time like the present to strap everyone into the car for a drive to see light displays. Here are a few places to head for some twinkling delights. James Island County Park hosts the Holiday Festival of Lights nightly through January 4th. My friend who lives in nearby Riverland Terrace says that the line has been long lately, but ... Read more >

Continue reading "tuesday top five: places to see lights"