Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in charleston, SC

Tuesday Top Five(ish): 2009 Piccolo Spoleto Picks

by Nicole Teed

May 19, 2009

The Spoletians are coming!  The Spoleto and Piccolo Spoleto festivals kick-off this weekend, turning Charleston into an art lover's paradise.  The more formal Spoleto Festival hosts fabulous opera, theatre, dance and music performances -- perfect for date nights, but not so friendly to the short crowd.  In contrast, there are a number of Piccolo events that are not only family-friendly, they're also FREE.  Put some events on your calendar for the next couple of weeks!

Weekend Round-Up: May 15-17

by Nicole Teed

May 14, 2009

It's time again for the FREE Friday Family Fest at the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry.  Friday, May 15 from 5 pm - 8 pm, families will get free admission to the museum, dinner provided by Sticky Fingers, and a free book and complimentary pass for a return visit to the first 150 guests.  Get there early and expect a crowd.

With FREE iced tea, FREE admission for kids under 10, and great musical entertainment in a gorgeous lowcountry setting, there's nothing not to like about the Charleston Tea Plantations First Flush Festival, held this Saturday from 10 am - 5 pm.  Adult admission is $10 in advance, $15 at the event.

Head to Daniel Island's Smythe Park for an outdoor concert by the Charleston Symphony Orchestra.  Saturday, May 16 at 7:30 pm. FREE.

The Gibbes Museum of Art opens its doors on Saturday for Art Discoveries, sponsored by the Charleston Jr. League.  The celebration includes complimentary admission to the gallery, hands-on activities for families, and musical performances for everyone to enjoy. 10 am - 1 pm.  FREE.

Looking for used children's items or other household deals? (Of course you are!) The Olde North Charleston Village Neighborhood Council and Merchants Association has organized their first annual Street Sale on Saturday from 8 am - 2 pm.  Residents will be selling the usual yard sale fare, so bring your eye for bargains and plenty of small bills. Parking and admission are free.

Enjoy the weekend!

Tuesday Top Five: Five Savvy Ways to Entertain Your Child on a Roadtrip

by Nicole Teed

March 03, 2009

We're heading out of town this weekend for a little beach-to-mountain family vacation, which means we'll be spending hours on the road with two small children.  I'm one of those rare people that looks forward to roadtrips, probably because they satisfy a greater wanderlust.  While I'd be happy to chat with my husband, listen to CDs or read a book during the time on the road, my children are not quite so easily entertained.  While we do indulge in some DVD-watching (on the iPod -- lightweight and easy to manage), you can't do that the whole time.  Here are a few roadtrip hacks collected over the years that might inspire you next time you strap them into carseats and head out of town!

Sing, Dance, Act: Classic Musicals Your Kids Will Love

by Nicole Teed

March 02, 2009

Let's face it: Disney Channel may be good for turning out theatrical musical performances from the latest tween and teen stars, but they didn't invent the musical.  Some of my favorite classic movies are musicals, and there is nothing I like better than seeing people break into song in the middle of everyday life.  In fact, my daughter and I sing so much throughout the course of the day, I've wondered if my toddler son thinks that he actually lives a musical!

Here are a few of my recommendations of old school musicals to share with your kids.

Tuesday Top Five: Places to See Live Music with Kids in Charleston

by Nicole Teed

February 24, 2009

There is something innate about children's love for music. Clapping is one of the earliest skills that develops in little ones, meaning that most of them are playing percussion even before they can walk! Family dance parties at home are a favorite activity, but sometimes it's nice to get out and about town to hear some tunes. Here are five places in Charleston where you can listen and learn with live musical performances.

Weekend Preview: Spend Time with All of Your Valentines!

by Nicole Teed

February 13, 2009

In case you've been under a rock, the big event this weekend is the South Eastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE).  The festival will be taking over much of downtown Charleston, centered in Marion Square but with events at multiple other venues as well.  It's quite the spectacle, with great people-watching and plenty to choose from.

Family-friendly highlights:

• The DockDogs were a huge hit last year, jumping off the dock at Brittlebank Park, and they're back this time, with even more opportunities to see them.  
• Family dog favorites, the retrievers, will be showing off their stuff at demonstrations at both Brittlebank Park and Marion Square.
• The Expo at Marion Square will host a large children's area, where kids can experience reptiles from the Edisto Serpentarium, and exotic petting zoo, and rock-climbing.

Tickets are $20 for Fri, $20 for Sat, and $10 for Sunday, or $40 for the weekend.  Kids under 10 are free with a ticketed adult.  There is something for everyone, from artwork to conservation lectures to benefit oyster roasts.  Check out the complete calendar of events for more information.

Elsewhere around town:

Savvy Reviews: Lunch Money Gets DIZZY!

by Nicole Teed

February 09, 2009

The newest album from our Columbia-based friends, Lunch Money, arrived just as I was heading out the door for preschool pick-up. I got my daughter and her friend settled into booster seats, popped the CD into the stereo without any introduction, and waited for their reaction.

"What's this CD?" Claire asked, as soon as the first chords of I Love My Library started.

"It's the new Lunch Money CD," I replied, trying not to sound too excited, as I wanted an honest reaction from the two of them.

"This is cool!" she said. "Yeah, way cool!" echoed her buddy.

Way cool indeed. Molly, Jay, and J.P. are the trio of musicians behind Lunch Money, and they've just released another great album of music for kids that grown-ups love, too.

Weekend round-up: January 16-18, 2009

by Nicole

January 16, 2009

Jazz hands! Tonight, Wynton Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra take the stage at 7:30 pm at the Charleston Music Hall (37 John Street). This man and his music are living legends, and this is a rare opportunity to see them live in town. If you have a budding jazz musician whose bedtime isn't too early, this show is worth the high ticket price. If a tale of "some pig" is more your  Read more...

Happy Hanukkah!

by Nicole

December 22, 2008

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...

Weekend winter holiday round-up: Dec 19-21

by Nicole

December 19, 2008

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...

Give a gift of Charleston!

by Nicole

December 16, 2008

I don't know about you, but my kids have more than enough stuff. We've got old stuff, new stuff, even stuff to try and contain the stuff. While toys and books certainly have their place in holiday gift giving, I also like to give gifts that will keep giving throughout the year with enriching, fun experiences for the whole family. There are quite a number of options for giving the gift of  Read more...

Weekend calendar: December 12-14

by Nicole

December 12, 2008

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...

Lowcountry holiday traditions

by Nicole

December 02, 2008

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...

Weekend events: November 22-23

by Nicole

November 21, 2008

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...

Weekend round-up: October 25-26

by Nicole

October 24, 2008

As you might expect, there are quite a few Halloween-related events going on this weekend! The Halloween Extravaganza at St. Paul's Academy in Hollywood and the Summerville Ghost Walk and Harvest Moon Hayride are both this Saturday! Get details at the Halloween calendar posted earlier this week. The Charleston County Public Library is getting it's spook on! Tour a haunted house, hear scary  Read more...

Savvy reviews: Leapfrog SingAlong Read-Along

by Nicole

September 29, 2008

I have not failed to notice that my preschool daughter can memorize all the words to a favorite song, yet somehow I doubt that knowing the lyrics to Hannah Montana's latest hit has much educational value. But what if you could capture that natural sing-along ability for the power of good? Good like learning to read good? Leapfrog's new Sing Along Read-Along set is designed to do just that.  Read more...

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

by Nicole

September 24, 2008

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...

Ukuleles and tap shoes -- must be the V Tones!

by Nicole

September 11, 2008

The band that calls themselves the V Tones doesn't fit into one category. Their MySpace profile says "Jazz/Swing/Hawaiian," which kind of supports my point. It's old-timey. It's upbeat. It's creative and a touch crazy. In other words, it's something the kids totally dig. Anchored by ukulele player and man about town Noodle and singer/tap dancer Eden, the band can contract or expand  Read more...

Family capoeira!

by Nicole

August 18, 2008

I love the idea of exercising WITH my children, though it's honestly not something that I manage as often as I like. Either I'm at the gym (and they're in the gym childcare) or they're at classes and I'm sitting on my butt watching. We go for family walks, sure, but have you ever walked with a preschooler? It's fun, but hardly exercise . Christopher of Fit Club Charleston wants to make it  Read more...

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

by Nicole

August 15, 2008

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...

Lunch money!

by Nicole

August 06, 2008

If, like me, you're really freaking tired of the High School Musical soundtrack and desperate for some children's music that is fun AND smart, have I got a recommendation for you! Lunch Money makes music for kids, but parents might just find themselves listening to it in the car even after the kids are at preschool. Based in Columbia, band members Molly, JP and Jay turn childhood experiences  Read more...

Expert voices: move, groove and learn in a preschool dance class

by Nicole

July 03, 2008

Every so often, Being Savvy Charleston will feature guest articles from experts in the community. Today's post was written by Jessica Beran, founder and owner of Dance Moves of Charleston . Jessica has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance from the University of South Carolina and has been teaching dance to children for over 16 years. Her traveling dance studio brings dance instruction to a number  Read more...

Top summer sounds for your little surfer dudes

by Nicole

July 01, 2008

There is a surfboard in my laundry room. I'm not kidding. It's my husband's purchase from last year, after we moved to Charleston and he decided it was time to be cool again. Now we spend weekends at Folly, where he alternates between practicing his pop-up and building sand castles with the kids. If surfer dude equals hot, then what can you say about a surfer dad? I say totally smokin'. My  Read more...

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

by Nicole

May 30, 2008

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...