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

Tuesday Top Five: Passes and Memberships to Consider

by Nicole Teed

May 26, 2009

I've just started to look at the summer ahead, trying to figure out how to enjoy all that Charleston has to offer with my children.  While there will be plenty of simple fun -- beaches, pools and parks, oh my! -- we also like to get out to the venues in town that promise fun and education wrapped into one.  While the upfront cost of some memberships seems expensive, they can really be a worthwhile investment if you use them regularly.

Recommended for consideration:

1. A South Carolina Aquarium membership gets you unlimited visits to the aquarium, access to special members-only events, discounts at the gift shop, and more.  

2. A membership to the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry will let you explore the museum year-round, with great discounts on summer camps and birthday parties too!

3. Water Park Splash Passes are great for guaranteed summer fun.  The Super Splash pass includes all three county water parks, and the basic Splash pass grants admission to Splash Zone and Splash Island only.  Groups buying passes get a discount, and you can also apply Greenbax toward the cost of passes for further savings.

4. County Park Gold Passes let you explore the eight county parks year round and give you free admission to some of the city's fun events.  All of the beach parks are included in this pass (Kiawah, IOP, Folly), so if you like the facilities offered by the parks, this pass could easily pay for itself in the summer season alone.  Gold passes are discounted when you buy a water park pass at the same time.

5. The South Carolina State Park Passport offers similar benefits for the state parks, which includes local favorites Charlestowne Landing, Givhans Ferry State Park, and Edisto Beach State Park.

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!

Weekend Round-Up: March 20-22

by Nicole Teed

March 19, 2009

Spring has sprung!  Tomorrow, Friday, March 20, marks the official beginning of spring!  The vernal equinox marks the date where sunlight and darkness are equal.  The change of season is definitely worth celebrating!  I'm considering an early morning trip to the beach to watch the sunrise.  How will you mark the transition to spring?
With the weather warming up, the calendar is getting busy too!  This weekend is packed with events for the whole family.

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 Round-Up: February 20-22

by Nicole Teed

February 19, 2009

It looks like it's going to be a great weekend to take it easy with the family.  The events calendar isn't crazy busy and the weather looks fair but not fabulous.  Enjoy!

The Isle of Palms Recreation Department in association with the Crabpot Players presents Alice in Wonderland, this Thursday, Friday and Saturday, February 19-21.  The curtain rises at 7:00 pm for all shows, with doors open 30 minutes prior.  $5 general admission.  24 28th Avenue, IOP. 

The Trident United Way is Counting Down to Kindergarten with free entertainment, backpack giveaways, and health screenings this Saturday, February 21 from 9 am - 12 noon at North Charleston Elementary School, near Park Circle.

As usual, Satruday brings a line-up of free events at Charleston County Public Libraries:

• Family Storytime at the John's Island Regional library at 11:00 am.
• African American "Tall Tales" presented in honor of Black History Month at the Otranto Road Regional library at 1:00 pm.
• Saturday Movie: Lion King at the Dorchester Road Regional library at 3:00 pm.

The Children's Museum of the Lowcountry is celebrating Mardi Gras this weekend (family-friendly style, of course!) with a party on Sunday from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm.  Free with admission ($7 for ages 1 and up).

Sea and Save discounted admission continues through February 28 at the South Carolina Aquarium.  $10 flat rate entry for South Carolina residents!  Go see some fishies.

[Photo credit: SXC/Shannon Pifko]

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...

tuesday top five: best spots for indoor play

by Nicole

January 20, 2009

Like a good part of the nation, we're in the midst of a cold snap. In fact, the prediction for this morning is SNOW! In Charleston?! Crazy. Of course, it won't be cold enough for it to stick around, but the temperatures outside will be too cold for the next few days to have the kiddos outside. What is a parent to do when the little ones start getting cabin fever? Find somewhere to play indoors!  Read more...

Weekend round-up: January 9-11

by Nicole

January 09, 2009

Are you breathing again, recovered from the holidays and ready to enjoy the new year? Here are some ways to make this weekend special with the whole family. TODAY, Friday, January 9, 2009 Get your splash on at the R.L. Jones pool in Mt. Pleasant during Family Fun Night, from 6:30-8:30 pm. This free event will include swimming (of course) and games. Dig your swimsuit out from the back of  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...

A weekend of holiday fun!

by Nicole

December 05, 2008

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...

Free friday family fest at the children's museum of the lowcountry

by Nicole

November 19, 2008

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...

Be a tourist in town

by Nicole

November 06, 2008

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...

Homeschool programs at the Charleston Museum

by Nicole

August 28, 2008

If you're homeschooling this year, you'll want to take note of this offering from the Charleston Museum ! On the second Tuesday of every month, the Charleston Museum will host a special themed program with guided education, a trip through the museum, and an activity. The program is free with museum entry ($10 adults, $5 children, under 3 free) and free for members. The program kicks off in  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...

How To Be A Princess for a Day

by Nicole

May 20, 2008

Step 1: Put on your tiaras. If you're going to be a prince or princess, you need some bling. Pull out your favorite tiara and place it proudly upon your head. If you don't have a tiara, make one! A simple combination of construction paper and glitter will do. Getting into costume, even in a small way, helps with getting into character. Step 2: Head to the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry .  Read more...