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

Tuesday Top Five: Ways to Ring in a New Hour in Charleston

by Nicole Teed

February 17, 2009

Tick, tock... Ding, dong... Click!  There are plenty of ways to mark the passage of time, but none are more concrete than the clock itself!  Here are five ways to see the way time passes (always so quickly!) in Charleston.

Presidents Day Reflections for Charleston

by Nicole Teed

February 16, 2009

On this day that we honor two of our great leaders, George Washington and Abe Lincoln, why not talk about the local connections Charleston has to both of these men?

George Washington visited Charleston in 1791, and his stay was quite a big deal. This article posted by the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon details Washington's time here, from his arrival by twelve-oared barge across the Cooper River to the celebratory balls held in his honor. There was a parade down Broad Street, a stay at the Heyward-Washington House,and a banquet at the Old Exchange Building. Talk to your children today about our local connections, or just go take a walk in the footsteps of our first president!

The connections to Abraham Lincoln aren't quite so concrete. After all, the country was in the middle of a civil war, and Charleston was the center of the Confederacy -- South Carolina was the first state to secede, and the first shots of the war were exchanged in the Charleston Harbor. So while Lincoln, might not have been parading down Broad Street and dancing at balls like his predecessor did, there is still plenty of rich history that ties Charleston to his presidency.

Feeling crafty? How about this edible log cabin made from pretzel rods? Or maybe a cotton-ball powdered wig is more your kid's style?!

Happy Presidents Day!

[Image: Heyward-Washington House, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.] 

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:

What's Up for the Weekend: February 6-8

by Nicole

February 06, 2009

Free library events on Saturday! Sing and Learn Chinese with Wei, 10:30 -11:30 a.m. at the West Ashley branch. Valentine's Day Craft Make-and-Take with Grace Dunbar, 10:30 a.m., Poe-Sullivan's Island branch. Saturday Family Storytime, 11:00 a.m. at the John's Island branch. African American Read-In Celebration, 2 p.m., Main Library. Saturday Movie: Igor, 3 p.m. at the Dorechester  Read more...

celebrating martin luther king, jr. day in charleston

by Nicole

January 19, 2009

Today we honor Martin Luther King, Jr., the man who led the civil rights movement, inspiring a country and catalyzing change. Tomorrow we'll watch as Barack Obama takes the oath of President of the United States. It's history in the making, and It's time to celebrate! The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Parade begins this morning at 11 am. The parade begins at Hagood Stadium and  Read more...

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...

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...

Tuesday top five: bookshelf essentials for Lowcountry kids!

by Nicole

November 25, 2008

There are some books that you simply need to have around if you are a member of the Charleston short crowd. Here are some ideas for exploring -- and adding to! -- the Lowcountry charm. Seashells of the World (A Golden Guide) by R. Tucker Abbott While your preschooler will probably need some help to use this guide, this book is the perfect way to turn that trip to the beach into a  Read more...

Field trip: angel oak, johns island

by Nicole

August 21, 2008

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...

History lesson: Independence Day

by Nicole

June 30, 2008

In just a few days, Americans everywhere will be celebrating the Fourth of July with cookouts, sprinklers in the yard, and fireworks shows after dark. As we were discussing our own plans for Friday (which are undecided, and will probably remain that way, as we are professional procrastinators), my preschooler asked, "What's the Fourth of July?" I think that's what you call a cue for a  Read more...

Top 5 Places to Explore Revolutionary War History in Charleston

by Nicole

June 24, 2008

If you ask most adults about Charleston and war, they'll probably go first to the role this city played in the American Civil War (or War Between the States, depending on your perspective!). However, Charleston also played a key role in an even earlier war -- the war for American Independence. My expertise does not extend to Revolutionary War history, so I'm afraid you're just going to have to  Read more...

What's in a name?: Getting to know Charleston

by Nicole

June 05, 2008

I didn't grow up in South Carolina, so I never took the state history course and know very little about Charleston's rich history. (I can, however, tell you all about Arizona, if you're interested. Takers?) I'm definitely looking forward to learning more about Charleston's past with my children, and what better place to begin than with the name. Kids are naturally curious about their own  Read more...

History lessons: Rainbow Row

by Nicole

May 15, 2008

Images of the houses along Rainbow Row grace T-shirts and postcards and serve as one of the landmark sights of Charleston. While architecture and urban restoration may be a bit too much for a preschooler, a walk down Rainbow Row presents an opportunity to talk about the history of Charleston through multiple eras. The row of houses sits on East Bay Street between Tradd and Eliot. The buildings  Read more...