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

What's Up this Weekend: Savvy Picks for Family Fun

by Nicole

Here are three events that look like a great way to spend Saturday! Legare Farms is hosting their sixth annual Sweet Corn Festival at their farm on John's Island. We *heart* Legare Farms for pumpkin picking and we had my daughter's last birthday party at their place as well. The Sweet Corn Festival promises pony rides, a jump castle, face painting and a corn shucking contest at 12 noon. (Who ... Read more >

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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 >

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Mozart, Moby or Miles: Enjoying the music of Piccolo Spoleto with your kids!

by Nicole

I can't even tell you how lucky I am that we decided to launch this site right in the midst of the Spoleto madness! With all of the options offered by Piccolo Spoleto, it can be hard to choose. Fear not! I've done the dirty work for you. (You're welcome.) There are four events this week that look like excellent choices for the short crowd, and three of them are totally free, so get your kids ... Read more >

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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 >

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pirates!: swashbuckling adventure on land and sea

by Nicole

The pirate history here is rich: Blackbeard himself once parked four ships in the Charleston Harbor, took hostages, and came ashore with demands for medicine, and a number of other famous sea outlaws claimed Charleston as home. (In fact, there's even a website called Charleston Pirates !) If your little pirate is looking for some adventure, strap on your boots, adjust your eyepatch, and set sail ... 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 ... Read more >

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TGIF: what's up this weekend?

by Nicole

Another sea turtle will soon be on the loose! join the South Carolina Aquarium and the Sea Turtle Hospital for the release of Little Jetty, a juvenile Kemp's ridley turtle who has been recuperating at the hospital since June. The release is scheduled for Saturday, September 13 at 10:30 am at Isle of Palms County Park. Go Little Jetty, go! If you or someone you love has ever suffered from ... Read more >

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MOJA! African and Caribbean cultural events to enjoy with the kids

by Nicole

The MOJA Festival 2008 opens tomorrow and continues through next weekend, offering you plenty of time and opportunity to explore this celebration of African and Caribbean art with your kids. Here are a few picks of events that seem family-friendly! The street parade begins at 6 pm Friday, September 26 and bangs, shouts, and claps its way down King Street showcasing African drummers, ... Read more >

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fall fun on the farm!

by Nicole

If you want to pick your own pumpkins, get lost in a corn maze, or just enjoy good clean (or dirty, as the case may be) fun at a farm, then fall is going to be YOUR SEASON. Here's a round-up of the local farms offering ways to enjoy some beautiful fall weekends. Legare Farms -- The ninth generation of the Legare family still operates this working farm on Johns Island. In October, they open the ... Read more >

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it's friday, so what are you doing this weekend?

by Nicole

You want ideas? I've got ideas. Confession: I rarely go to Daniel Island. I live in West Ashley, so the only reason for me to drive way out there is for a Battery match. That said, the park there is very cute, and this weekend is the Daniel Island Park Day . There will be live music, jumpcastles, arts and crafts, pony rides, and even a mechanical bull. Yeeee-haaaaw! This event runs Saturday, ... Read more >

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children's day festival in mt. pleasant

by Nicole

If you're looking for a way to spend Sunday afternoon, why not take the opportunity to celebrate the children in your life! The Mt. Pleasant Children's Day Festival happens tomorrow from 12 - 5 p.m. at the Park West Recreation Complex. This year celebrates the role of children as ambassadors of the environment. This theme will be carried through the puppet shows and musical performances. (I ... Read more >

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Pumpkin Parties and Spooky Soirees: Halloween events around town

by Nicole

Here are some of the Halloween festivities happening around town. Get out with your favorite ghouls and boys and enjoy! Halloween Extravaganza at St. Paul's Academy Head out to Hollywood (South Carolina, not California!) to enjoy a homegrown Halloween festival at St. Paul's Academy. There will be kiddie hayrides for those too young for the haunted variety, plenty of games, a petting zoo, and ... Read more >

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lowcountry holiday traditions

by Nicole

There's nothing like the holiday season in Charleston. I love this time of year -- the chill in the air (just enough to wear a scarf!), the shoppers on King Street, and the full line-up of holiday events for the whole family! This weekend officially kicks off the Christmas welcome in Charleston with a two days of family fun. Join Mayor Joe Riley this Saturday from 4:30 - 6 pm at Marion Square ... Read more >

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here comes Hanukkah!

by Nicole

Charleston's Jewish population is nearly as old as the city, with the first Jewish settlers coming here in 1695 and the formation of Congregation Beth Elohim just over 50 years later. In fact, by 1800, there were about 2,000 Jews in South Carolina, most of them in Charleston. This was more than any other city in North America! ( Source ) Today, Charleston continues to have a thriving, active ... Read more >

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tuesday top five: holiday events for Charleston's children

by Nicole

There are plenty of special events to choose from in Charleston this month, but there are a few that are truly great times for families with kids! Here are my picks for the best of the season. 1. The Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park. This might be the tenth or so time I've mentioned this spectacular show of lights and fun at Santa's Village. I don't know how else to make ... Read more >

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a weekend of holiday fun!

by Nicole

The holiday festivities are in full gear this weekend, so there is plenty to get out and enjoy! [Image credit: SXC/Julia Freeman-Woolpert] Saturday and Sunday bring Christmas to downtown Charleston. Christmas tree lighting and Parade of Boats Saturday evening, Christmas parade Sunday afternoon. Details here ! The annual Reindeer Run is also happening downtown this Saturday, December 6 at 9 ... Read more >

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weekend calendar: December 12-14

by Nicole

Lots of holiday happenings this weekend! The weather looks beautiful, so get out and enjoy! Saturday brings a unique holiday presentation to Charles Towne Landing ! The Ceremonies of the Cultures will explore the theme of traditions and celebrations from the perspective of Lowcountry people past and present. Hear Gullah storytelling, learn about Native American tales and songs, and learn ... Read more >

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Happy Hanukkah!

by Nicole

Hanukkah began yesterday at sunset and will continue for eight days in a festival of light! The Hanukkah (or Chanukah) celebration commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. There was only believed to be enough oil to fuel the altar flame for one day, but the flame miraculously burned for eight days. Jewish families celebrate the holiday by lighting the menorah each night, ... Read more >

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midnight (or so) with the munchkins!: new year's ideas

by Nicole

The usual New Year's Eve agenda, complete with disco balls and champagne toasts, isn't exactly child-friendly. After all, the preschool crowd generally has a bedtime well before midnight and sips apple juice rather than martinis. But ringing in the new year can be a fun celebration as a family -- you just have to be creative! If you want to get out and about, the best bet for family fun on New ... Read more >

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kwanzaa celebration in Charleston

by Nicole

Kwanzaa begins today and continues through January 1. This celebration of family, community and culture was founded in 1966 to honor African heritage in the United States and throughout the world. This year's theme for Kwanzaa is "Repairing and Renewing the World," a lesson from which you can draw, regardless of your own cultural heritage. Celebrations throughout the week revolve around the ... Read more >

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