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

Savvy Reviews and Giveaways: Dan Zanes and Friends!

by Nicole Teed

June 22, 2009

Dan Zanes and Friends rocked into playrooms everywhere a few years ago, with spots on Playhouse Disney and awesome success with a number of previous albums, including the Grammy-Award winning Catch that Train and Parents' Choice Gold winner House Party.  

Very soon, you'll be able to enjoy the folk family rock of this fun group in person!  DZAF are packing up their mandolins and harmonicas and heading to Charleston, taking the stage at the Music Farm on Sunday, July 19 at 3 pm.  For details and to buy tickets, click here for their tour calendar!

My daughter and I saw their show in Asheville, NC almost two years ago, and we danced our fool heads off.  (I also ordered a juice box and a beer at the bar, thereby securing this concert the coolest ever for parents of young children!)  We can't wait to see them again in a few weeks!

The band is touring now with the release of their latest CD, The Welcome Table.  They were kind enough to forward a copy so I could take a listen.  They were also kind enough to offer a FREE family four pack of concert tickets to one lucky reader, so read on to see how you can enter to win!

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 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!

Savvy Reviews: Lunch Money Gets DIZZY!

by Nicole Teed

February 09, 2009

The newest album from our Columbia-based friends, Lunch Money, arrived just as I was heading out the door for preschool pick-up. I got my daughter and her friend settled into booster seats, popped the CD into the stereo without any introduction, and waited for their reaction.

"What's this CD?" Claire asked, as soon as the first chords of I Love My Library started.

"It's the new Lunch Money CD," I replied, trying not to sound too excited, as I wanted an honest reaction from the two of them.

"This is cool!" she said. "Yeah, way cool!" echoed her buddy.

Way cool indeed. Molly, Jay, and J.P. are the trio of musicians behind Lunch Money, and they've just released another great album of music for kids that grown-ups love, too.

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...

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...

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...

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...

Weekend events for the whole family: August 16-17, 2008

by Nicole

August 15, 2008

It's the last weekend before school starts! Time to get out and enjoy! Why leave Fido out of the family fun? The Animal Planet Expo is coming to town on Saturday, bringing with it exotic species, Frisbee-catching dogs, pet adoptions, a kids' zone, and water and misting stations (misting stations!) for your pet. Trot on over to the Ladson Exchange Park Fairgrounds from 10 am - 4pm for some  Read more...

Lunch money!

by Nicole

August 06, 2008

If, like me, you're really freaking tired of the High School Musical soundtrack and desperate for some children's music that is fun AND smart, have I got a recommendation for you! Lunch Money makes music for kids, but parents might just find themselves listening to it in the car even after the kids are at preschool. Based in Columbia, band members Molly, JP and Jay turn childhood experiences  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...