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

Urban Wildlife: Bee City

by Nicole Teed

April 13, 2009

Take a family with a good-sized piece of land and a thing for honeybees, mix in some domestic and exotic animals in a petting zoo, and throw in a restaurant and gift shop for good measure -- that should give you a good idea of what to anticipate for a day trip to Bee City.

Getting There: Follow the directions on the website and it's surprisingly easy to find. If you're leaving from West Ashley or downtown Charleston and want a nice drive in the country, you can take Hwy 61 (Ashley River Rd) the whole way there.  They're only open to the general public on Fridays and Saturdays most of the year.  Parking can be a bit of a bear if it's a busy day. Get there early to avoid crowds.

Main Attractions: While a name like "Bee City" might make you believe that bees will be the focus of your visit, the observable hive and bee-related education classroom actually sit off from the main building.  Be sure to go there, though -- it's a great window into bee life.  If your children are like mine, however, you'll spend most of your time in the petting zoo.  There are the usual suspects, to be sure: goats, bunnies, donkeys, even llamas and alpacas.  But my daughter loved the monkeys and lemurs the best, with their gentle little hands that steal "Monkey-Os" and (occasionally) shiny objects from your hand. There were also wallabies, the largest hares I've ever seen, a collection of gorgeous pheasants, and a koi pond. The petting zoo costs $3 admission for everyone ages 3 and up, plus you'll probably want some animal food for the tour ($3 as well).  I can honestly say that our outing there last Friday was the most fun my children and I have had for under $10 in a long time!

Food and Drink: You are welcome to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy it at the tables outside.  There is also a cafe inside the main building that serves up delicious home cooking.  We ate at the cafe during our visit, and I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the food and absolutely thrilled with the family-friendly service.

Groups:  If you are a member of a playgroup (or you just have a lot of friends), plan ahead for a group program.  Costs range from $3 (petting zoo and talk only) to $10 (petting zoo, program, plus honey and beeswax crafts to make and take).  You'll need 15 kids minimum to pre-schedule, but if you can make it happen your group can have the place to itself during the week.

Making Spring (Break) Special: Day Trips and Activities

by Nicole Teed

March 30, 2009

Most of the local preschools and all of the Charleston County Public schools have spring break coming up this month. I look forward to spending those extra hours with my kids, but know that I need to plan some special outings in order for all of us to maintain some excitement and prevent the cries of, "I'm boooooored." Here are a few of the half-day trips and activities I'm considering for that week. (If you don't have a spring break to plan, consider these ideas for spring weekends!)

Tuesday Top Five: Five Ways to Teach Your Child About Life Cycles

by Nicole Teed

March 17, 2009

The season is shifting again. Winter into spring, and -- sooner than we might be ready! -- spring into summer. Your children are noticing, too, even if they can't express it: coats and jackets can be left home some warm mornings, the later sunset might be pushing back bedtimes a bit. We saw a pair of cardinals in our yard the other day, and both kids watched them carefully until they flew away. 

The cycle of the seasons is just one pattern of change and renewal. Learning about the life cycles of the earth helps build a connection between us, other living things, and our planet. Here are five ideas for sharing life cycles with your children.

Tuesday Top Five: Local Ways to Get Your Farm On

by Nicole Teed

March 10, 2009

I really wanted the farmer's market to be open last Saturday.  The weather was perfect to head downtown Saturday morning and pick up some fresh produce while enjoying lemonade and boiled peanuts.  Sigh.  Soon, though, the markets will be returning and the produce will be flowing from local farms.  Here are some great ways to bring the farm home to your family, and to get your family out to the farm!

It's time to go to the fair!

by Nicole

October 08, 2008

Fried dough, spinning rides and blue-ribbon pigs -- it must be time for the fair! The South Carolina State Fair opens today in Columbia, running from October 8 through Sunday, October 19. Opening day hosts a special price on admission -- just $1 gate entry for everyone! After that, regular admission is $8 for ages 6 & up and $2 for kids ages 2-5 (with kids under 2 free). There are daily  Read more...

What's Up this Weekend: Savvy Picks for Family Fun

by Nicole

June 13, 2008

Here are three events that look like a great way to spend Saturday! Legare Farms is hosting their sixth annual Sweet Corn Festival at their farm on John's Island. We *heart* Legare Farms for pumpkin picking and we had my daughter's last birthday party at their place as well. The Sweet Corn Festival promises pony rides, a jump castle, face painting and a corn shucking contest at 12 noon. (Who  Read more...