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

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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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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Father's Day Ideas: Show Dad Some Love

by Nicole

Dads spend a lot of time and effort supporting their kids in countless ways, it's only fair that they should get one day a year to bask in the accomplishment of fatherhood. Here are some ideas for gifts to make the day special for your Lowcountry dad. Most dads I know don't want or need any more stuff , so these selections focus on gifting dad with experiences to be remembered. 1. Take him out ... Read more >

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That's Entertainment: Summer Series at CCPRC

by Nicole

Sometimes it's fun to simply watch talented folks do amazing things. Over the next two weeks, the Charleston County Parks and Recreation Center presents two shows that will do just that! This week, unicyclist and juggler Wade Henry performs his "ability show" on Wednesday, June 25 at Cypress Hall/Wannamaker County Park and on Thursday, June 26 at Edisto Hall/James Island County Park. Though ... Read more >

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a walk on the wild side: sea turtle release

by Nicole

If your child thinks she might want to be an animal doctor, this experience will make her want to specialize and become a sea turtle doctor. For the rest of us, it'll just be really cool. The South Carolina Aquarium has a sea turtle hospital designed to rehabilitate injured turtles and, when possible, return them to their natural home. A loggerhead turtle named "North Litchfield" has been fixed ... 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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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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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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reflections on the election: the preschool perspective

by Nicole

Carpooling yesterday morning, my daughter Claire and her friend Maddy were talking about the election. I told them that we were choosing either John McCain or Barack Obama to be the next president. "Which one is John McCain?" Maddy asked. Claire responded, frankly, "The old one." "How old?" asked Maddy. "Seventy-two years old." I said. "How many is that?" "Well, it's more than thirty and forty ... Read more >

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be a tourist in town

by Nicole

If you've always wanted to visit or return to some of your favorite Charleston attractions but didn't want to break the budget, then January is going to be your month! Passes are on sale now to encourage local residents of Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester counties to "Be a Tourist" for the first month of the new year. Passes offer free admission to 37 Charleston destinations and discounts at ... Read more >

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welcome to your weekend!

by Nicole

There is plenty to keep you busy this weekend in Charleston (like most weekends in our great city, I suppose!). Let's take a look at what's happening around town. The Holiday Festival of Lights is now open in James Island County Park! If you're ready to jump into the holiday spirit, take a drive this weekend through a gorgeous and wonder-filled park filled with over 600 light displays. Check out ... 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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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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let the holidays begin!

by Nicole

I know, I know. The turkey leftovers haven't cleared out of your refrigerator yet, but Thanksgiving already seems like history. It's December 1st, and that means that the month of holidays, gift-giving and celebration has begun. While this time of year can be stressful for the whole family, we can take a lesson from our kids in how to chill out and enjoy the party that December can become. You ... 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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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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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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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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the first weekend of 2009: resolve to enjoy time together!

by Nicole

I think everyone is in recovery mode from the holidays, because the weekend calendar is pretty sparse. Me, I'm headed out of town to visit some friends in North Carolina. Well, me, a four-year-old, and a one-year-old. I always dread the drive but know that the journey can be part of the fun if I let it! (And yes, I resolved to be more in-the-moment. How did you guess?) Anyway, you want to know ... Read more >

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