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

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 >

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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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Staying Cool this Summer: Free and low-cost family movies

by Nicole

There's something about seeing a movie on the big screen -- munching on popcorn and watching larger-than-life images -- with the benefit of air-conditioned comfort on hot summer days. But it can be hard to find current movies appropriate for the preschool crowd, and even when you do find them, a single trip can cost a pretty penny if you're paying full price. But there's no reason to fret! ... Read more >

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weekend events for the whole family: August 16-17, 2008

by Nicole

It's the last weekend before school starts! Time to get out and enjoy! Why leave Fido out of the family fun? The Animal Planet Expo is coming to town on Saturday, bringing with it exotic species, Frisbee-catching dogs, pet adoptions, a kids' zone, and water and misting stations (misting stations!) for your pet. Trot on over to the Ladson Exchange Park Fairgrounds from 10 am - 4pm for some ... Read more >

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field trip: angel oak, johns island

by Nicole

Picnics in the park are great. Picnics in the park under a tree older than the United States are awesome and provide a kickin' backdrop to talk about ecology, reflect on history and play hide-and-seek in the branches! The Angel Oak Tree sits in a humble park set off the road near the intersection of Maybank Highway and Main Road on Johns Island, about 40 minutes from downtown Charleston. There ... 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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money-saving ideas for parents

by Nicole

I don't know much about finance, but I can tell you this: we're tightening our belts a little and sticking to a budget while trying not to freak out about the latest news regarding the U.S. economy. I'm sure we're not the only ones feeling it, so here are some of the ideas I've had for spending less without compromising family fun! Stay home more. I have a tendency to get a little ... 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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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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free friday family fest at the children's museum of the lowcountry

by Nicole

Key words here: "free" and "family"! The Junior League of Charleston is sponsoring FREE admission for everyone, young and old, at the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry this Friday, November 21, from 5 - 8 p.m. Here's a chance to explore the medieval castle, play with water, and send golf balls flying through chutes and loops -- all in the name of fun and learning! What's that you say? It's ... Read more >

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weekend events: November 22-23

by Nicole

As is our savvy tradition, this post is brought to you by the letters T G I and F. I hope you'll find some inspiration for your weekend plans in this round-up. First, how about some awesome kid-friendly performances? The Charleston Ballet Theatre performs its second round of How the Grinch Stole Christmas this weekend. Showtimes are Saturday at 11:00 am and 1:30 pm, and Sunday at 3:00 pm. ... 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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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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weekend winter holiday round-up: Dec 19-21

by Nicole

It's the last weekend before Christmas and the beginning of Hanukkah this weekend! I hope you are experiencing more joy and less stress this holiday season, and that you've left space in your family's schedule to enjoy some of the great activities happening in the community! Dancing and singing our way into the holidays... Back due to popular demand! The Charleston Ballet is adding some ... Read more >

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