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!

Weekend Round-Up: May 8-10

by Nicole Teed

May 07, 2009

Happy Mother's Day this weekend to all of those who are mothers or who have mothers.  I hope you'll use the holiday to spend some quality time with the people in your life who nurture you, whatever name they might go by. Here are some activities to enjoy with mom (or to take the kids to while mom enjoys a massage!).

Take them out to the ballgame!  The Charleston Riverdogs play those Tourists from Asheville this weekend, with tickets starting at just $5.  Games are Friday and Saturday at 7:05 pm.

The Charleston Greek Festival starts Friday, May 8 adn continues through teh weekend, with a celebration of Greek culture at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.  Enjoy some kebobs, listen to live Greek music, and enjoy folk dance performances.  Admission is just $3 for adults, $1 for seniors/students, and free for kids under 12 and for mothers on Mother's Day!

The North Charleston Arts Festival has hosted events all week and will wrap up with some additional activity this weekend, with a finale on Saturday.  Family-friendly picks for Friday include a Block Party that starts with classic beach music and moves later to reggae from 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm in the Olde North Charleston Business District on East Montague.  On Saturday, enjoy fabulous multicultural storytelling from 2-3 pm at the Dorchester Regional Library, the Cooper River Memorial Library, and the Otranto Rd. Regional Library.  Finally, finish with a party in the park, as the finale takes over Riverfront Park with music, storytelling, poetry, children's activities, and fireworks!  The Finale runs from 6 pm - 9 pm and is FREE.

The first of the Reggae Nights Summer Concert Series sponsored by Charleston County Parks and Recreation is this Saturday, 8 pm, at Wannamaker Park.  The De Lions of Jah will take the stage to entertain all ages with their reggae soul.  Cost is $8 for adults/free for children under 12 and Gold Pass holders.

If you're heading to the South Carolina Aquarium on Sunday, all mothers get free aquarium admission on Mother's Day. 

Enjoy!

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: April 17-19

by Nicole Teed

April 16, 2009

Do you believe that child abuse is a grown-up problem? Because it most certainly is. Come and show your support for the Dee Norton Lowcountry Children's Center at it's annual child safety and child abuse prevention event.  There will be face painting, art projects, fingerprinting and fire safety information.  Saturday, April 18 from 8 am - 12 pm in Marion Square.  (The downtown farmer's market will be happening at the same time, so yay!)  FREE.

Weekend Round-Up: April 11-12

by Nicole Teed

April 10, 2009

It's Easter weekend, and the bunny has brought all sorts of activity to Charleston.  There's the return of the farmers market, more egg hunts than I can count, Hat Ladies on parade, and gorgeous weather to boot!  Put on your bonnets, grab your baskets and head out to enjoy!

Weekend Round-Up: April 3-5

by Nicole Teed

April 02, 2009

Like daffodils in the garden, the Charleston calendar has events popping up all over the place these days.  Here is some of the family-friendly fun to be had in town this weekend!

In case you haven't heard, the Cooper River Bridge Run is this Saturday. Grown-ups will have their chance to conquer the bridge then, but kids get their chance to race on Friday, April 3, at Hampton Park. The Kids Run Expo starts at 12 noon, with plenty of fun activities and treats.  Registration and packet pick-up happens until 3:30 pm, and the races start at 4 pm, with children grouped by age and kid-friendly distances. Pre-registrations is $8 with a T-shirt, or you can register and get a T for $10 on Friday.

The Summerville Flowertown Festival starts this Friday, April 3 and continues through Sunday, April 5 in beautiful downtown Summerville. This event is FREE for the whole family, and includes games, rides and crafts at the Children's Jubille on South Main.  Hours are 9 am - 5 pm Friday and Saturday and 9 am - 4 pm Sunday.

Did you build you family by adoption?  If so, this Easter celebration and egg hunt are for you!  The Chosen Child Adoption services is hosting this special event at Wannamaker Park in North Charleston on Saturday, April 4, from 10 am - 12 noon. Families with adopted children, parents waiting to adopt, and others interested in adoption are invited to attend. The event is free, but there is a $1 admission to the park.  Bring baskets for the egg hunt!

If you're bargain-hunting for spring and summer kids' clothes (and who isn't), The KidShop Consignment sale is happening this Friday and Saturday at Fort Johnson Baptist Church on James Island.  Doors will be open from 9 am - 7 pm on Friday, with many items half-price Saturday from 8 am - 12 noon.  [If you missed the opportunity to consign with this sale, Charleston Repeats and Lowcountry Tot Swap are happening later this month.]

Finally, satisfy your craving for po' boys and with the Lowcountry Cajun Festival at James Island County Park on Sunday, April 5 from 12 noon - 6 pm.  Get down to some Zydeco, indulge in some Cajun and Creole food, and enjoy children's activities.  Admission is $10 for adults, kids 12 and under are free.  No outside food or beverage allowed.

Weekend Round-Up: March 27-29

by Nicole Teed

March 26, 2009

Charleston is going WILD this weekend with animals! Take your pick of these grrrrrrreat events!

The Cole Bros. Circus is in town! See clowns, elephants, and daredevils perform under the big top this weekend at the Exchange Park Fairgrounds. Showtimes are 4:30 pm and 7:30 pm on Friday; 1:30 pm, 4:30 pm and 7:30 pm on Saturday; and 1:30 and 4:30 pm Sunday. Tickets are $12 general admission higher for reserved and VIP seating.

If fuzzy bunnies are more your style, why not enjoy the performance of the Velveteen Rabbit, offered this weekend by the Flowertown Players at the James F. Dean Community Theatre in Summerville. Shows are Friday at 7:00 pm and Saturday at 3:00 pm. $5 general admission.

Have kids and dogs? Or at least kids who like dogs? The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission is hosting a Pet Fest this weekend at Palmetto Islands County Park in Mt. Pleasant. There will be booths from local pet organizations and businesses, dogs diving off docks, and plenty of children's activities. Saturday from 10 am - 4 pm and Sunday from 12 - 4 pm. Admission is $5, but kids 12 and under are free.

Calling all early-birds! If you're a member of the South Carolina Aquarium, rally early Saturday to catch their opening from 8 am - 9 am. This is a nice chance to meet the new penguins before the weekend crowd hits.

Volunteer this weekend to help the coast and the coastal wildlife at Folly Beach. Charleston Waterkeeper has joined forces with Starbucks Coffee to host a morning beach sweep from 9 am - 12 noon on Saturday. This is a great opportunity for the whole family to volunteer together, so bring the kids and put them to work!

Finally, the end of the hockey season is nigh. The South Carolina Stingrays play their last season home game vs. the Mississippi Sea Wolves on Sunday at 5:00 pm at the North Charleston Coliseum. There will be a free family festival before the game from 3:00 - 5:00 pm.  Come out and cheer for the home team!

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:

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...

Weekend round-up: January 23-25, 2009

by Nicole

January 23, 2009

The Fabulous Chinese Acrobats will twist and balance this morning, Friday, January 23 at 10 am at the North Charleston Cultural and Civic Center Auditorium. Tickets are $5 per child with adult chaperones admitted free. Reservations required, and seating is first-come, first-served, so get there early! The Park West Pool in Mt. Pleasant hosts Family Fun Night tonight from 7-8:30 pm. Charlotte's  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...

Midnight (or so) with the munchkins!: new year's ideas

by Nicole

December 29, 2008

The usual New Year's Eve agenda, complete with disco balls and champagne toasts, isn't exactly child-friendly. After all, the preschool crowd generally has a bedtime well before midnight and sips apple juice rather than martinis. But ringing in the new year can be a fun celebration as a family -- you just have to be creative! If you want to get out and about, the best bet for family fun on New  Read more...

Kwanzaa celebration in Charleston

by Nicole

December 26, 2008

Kwanzaa begins today and continues through January 1. This celebration of family, community and culture was founded in 1966 to honor African heritage in the United States and throughout the world. This year's theme for Kwanzaa is "Repairing and Renewing the World," a lesson from which you can draw, regardless of your own cultural heritage. Celebrations throughout the week revolve around the  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 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: holiday events for Charleston's children

by Nicole

December 09, 2008

There are plenty of special events to choose from in Charleston this month, but there are a few that are truly great times for families with kids! Here are my picks for the best of the season. 1. The Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park. This might be the tenth or so time I've mentioned this spectacular show of lights and fun at Santa's Village. I don't know how else to make  Read more...

Here comes Hanukkah!

by Nicole

December 08, 2008

Charleston's Jewish population is nearly as old as the city, with the first Jewish settlers coming here in 1695 and the formation of Congregation Beth Elohim just over 50 years later. In fact, by 1800, there were about 2,000 Jews in South Carolina, most of them in Charleston. This was more than any other city in North America! ( Source ) Today, Charleston continues to have a thriving, active  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...

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...

Pumpkin Parties and Spooky Soirees: Halloween events around town

by Nicole

October 21, 2008

Here are some of the Halloween festivities happening around town. Get out with your favorite ghouls and boys and enjoy! Halloween Extravaganza at St. Paul's Academy Head out to Hollywood (South Carolina, not California!) to enjoy a homegrown Halloween festival at St. Paul's Academy. There will be kiddie hayrides for those too young for the haunted variety, plenty of games, a petting zoo, and  Read more...

Children's day festival in mt. pleasant

by Nicole

October 18, 2008

If you're looking for a way to spend Sunday afternoon, why not take the opportunity to celebrate the children in your life! The Mt. Pleasant Children's Day Festival happens tomorrow from 12 - 5 p.m. at the Park West Recreation Complex. This year celebrates the role of children as ambassadors of the environment. This theme will be carried through the puppet shows and musical performances. (I  Read more...

It's friday, so what are you doing this weekend?

by Nicole

October 10, 2008

You want ideas? I've got ideas. Confession: I rarely go to Daniel Island. I live in West Ashley, so the only reason for me to drive way out there is for a Battery match. That said, the park there is very cute, and this weekend is the Daniel Island Park Day . There will be live music, jumpcastles, arts and crafts, pony rides, and even a mechanical bull. Yeeee-haaaaw! This event runs Saturday,  Read more...

Fall fun on the farm!

by Nicole

October 02, 2008

If you want to pick your own pumpkins, get lost in a corn maze, or just enjoy good clean (or dirty, as the case may be) fun at a farm, then fall is going to be YOUR SEASON. Here's a round-up of the local farms offering ways to enjoy some beautiful fall weekends. Legare Farms -- The ninth generation of the Legare family still operates this working farm on Johns Island. In October, they open the  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...

TGIF: what's up this weekend?

by Nicole

September 12, 2008

Another sea turtle will soon be on the loose! join the South Carolina Aquarium and the Sea Turtle Hospital for the release of Little Jetty, a juvenile Kemp's ridley turtle who has been recuperating at the hospital since June. The release is scheduled for Saturday, September 13 at 10:30 am at Isle of Palms County Park. Go Little Jetty, go! If you or someone you love has ever suffered from  Read more...

Three day weekend! here's what's up

by Nicole

August 29, 2008

Aaaaah, Labor Day weekend. The signal of the end of summer, no matter what the temperature says. School days return, the beach towels get put away, and we enjoy some deep breaths before the holidays come sooner than we think they should. If you're in town this weekend, here are some happenings that will help you get out and enjoy Charleston. The Charleston Battery play tonight against the  Read more...

Pirates!: swashbuckling adventure on land and sea

by Nicole

August 07, 2008

The pirate history here is rich: Blackbeard himself once parked four ships in the Charleston Harbor, took hostages, and came ashore with demands for medicine, and a number of other famous sea outlaws claimed Charleston as home. (In fact, there's even a website called Charleston Pirates !) If your little pirate is looking for some adventure, strap on your boots, adjust your eyepatch, and set sail  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...

Weekend Fun for the Whole Family

by Nicole

June 06, 2008

If you're like me, weekends are a time to enjoy life together as a family. There's something to be said for some quiet time at home, just hanging out. There's also something to be said for getting out of the house so that you don't go crazy with cabin fever. Here are my picks for this weekend, all free for the whole family. Local Blend concerts at the Charleston County Public Library Yes, I'm  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...

10 Things You Must Do with Your Children Before They Grow Up

by Nicole

May 29, 2008

1. Walk the Cooper River Bridge . Park on the peninsula side, walk up to the midpoint in the late afternoon, and then watch the spectacular sunset as you descend back into Charleston. Perfect! 2. Conquer Ft. Sumter . No matter which side of the War Between the States you take, Ft. Sumter offers a unique opportunity to introduce a defining moment in American history. 3. Canoe the Edisto River.  Read more...