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

Weekend Round-Up: May 1-3

by Nicole Teed

April 30, 2009

Is it really May already?  Wow!  A third of the year is already gone, but don't be sad -- there's lots of fun to be had from here on out, starting with this weekend!

Creative Spark Center for the Arts in Mt. Pleasant hosts a special musical performance by Alborada, with authentic Andean music sung in a number of languages.  Audience participation is encouraged!  Friday, May 1 at 10:00 am.  Call for information on cost and reservations: 843-881-3780.

Spaces are still available for the Rockin' Thru the Ages performance by the Columbia Marionette Theatre, hosted by the Mt. Pleasant Recreation Department.  The show will feature a musical medley performed with marionettes and targeted at chidlren ages 2-6 years old.  Cost is $3 per child, and accompanying adults are free, but reservations are strongly encouraged.  Friday, May 1, 10:00 am.  Reservations: 843-849-2061.

The Charleston Riverdogs take on the Greenville Drive at 7:05 pm on Saturday and 5:05 pm on Sunday. Every Sunday is Family Sunday, with extra kid-friendly promotions and activities sponsored by Charleston County Parks and Rec. Tickets for the game start at just $5!

Speaking of dogs, the Charleston Dog Show happens Saturday, May 2 in Marion Square from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm.  This family- and canine-friendly event features a friendly canine competition, microchipping, dog vendors, obedience demonstrations, and more! General admission is free. Proceeds from the event benefit pet-related charities in Charleston.

If dragons are more your speed, check out the Dragon Boat Festival at Brittlebank Park, Saturday, May 2 from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.  Corporate and community teams will race down the Ashley River every five minutes, competing for glory and fundraising for the Roper St. Francis Cancer Center. Admission for spectators is free, so bring a picnic and enjoy the races!

The North Charleston Arts Festival begins Friday, May 1 and continues through May 9.  The Main Event runs from 10 am - 4 pm on Saturday and 2 pm - 5 pm on Sunday at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center.  Parking and admission are FREE.   Concerts, theater and dance performances, children's programs, literary events, and multi-cultural block parties are just some of the offerings during the festival week. Check out the complete schedule for details, including a listing of children's events.

Arrrrrgh! The Isle of Palms Marina is hosting a pirate-themed celebration in honor of their 10th anniversary on Sunday, May 3 from 2-6 pm.  There will be a scavenger hunt, face painting, a jumpcastle and banana boat rides, all free of charge.  (If you want to enjoy some barbeque with the usual fixings, it'll set you back $10.)

Welcome to May in Charleston!

Weekend Round-Up: March 6-8

by Nicole Teed

March 05, 2009

The weekend forecast looks JUST GORGEOUS, so my first suggestion is that you head outside and enjoy the warmth and sunshine!

What? You want more than a comment on the weather? Ok, then. Here are some happenings around town over the next few days!

The Children's Museum of the Lowcountry is holding a very special storytime with local children's authoe, Jonathan Miller.  Mr. Miller will read his book, The Adventures of Sammy the Wonder Dauschund, and then join kids in the art room to make paper collages.  Saturday, 11:30 am, free with admission.

The Charleston County Public Libraries have a line-up of free events for Saturday:

• Do It Yourself Arts and Crafts with Grace Dunbar, 10:30 am, Poe-Sullivan's Island branch
• Family Storytime, 11:00 am, John's Island Regional branch
• Saturday Movie: Open Season 2, 3:00 pm, Dorchester Road Regional branch

The South Carolina Stingrays take on Trenton Devils, Friday, March 6 at 7:05 pm and the Charlotte Checkers, Saturday, March 7 at 5 pm. Tickets range from $14-$19.

The Gullah Heritage Program continues at Charles Pinckney National Historic Site, Saturday, March 6 at 2 pm.  FREE.

Here Be Books in Summerville hosts a Game Night at 6 pm on Saturday.

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...

The Budding Artist/Art Critic: Photography by Kids

by Nicole

June 02, 2008

Of all forms of visual arts, photography is one of my favorites because it feels so accessible. Lots of people take photos, after all -- some just do it better than others. And if there is anything that your toddler or preschooler will want to handle, it's your new digital camera, especially once they learn how to use the playback function. Why not use their attraction to expensive electronics  Read more...

The Littlest Picasso: Art Supplies for Kids

by Nicole

May 22, 2008

With summer right in front of us, it was clear to me that I needed to find a place that would offer creative options for crafting with my daughter. For months, her preschool teacher has been sending home simple but adorable projects. The least I can do for the summer is get stocked up and look for ideas, right? Especially if I want to keep that Mother of the Year award. Thank goodness I didn't  Read more...