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

Savvy Savings: Summer Movie Specials!

by Nicole Teed

May 25, 2009

There's nothing like a cool movie theater on a hot summer day, with cartoons on the big screen and popcorn butter on little fingers!  Here are a few ways to get out to the movies with your little ones this season!

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: 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: Simple Ideas for Backyard Fun

by Nicole Teed

March 24, 2009

I'm telling you, I am FEELING spring. The garden is (mostly) in, daylight is lasting until after dinner, and I'm just about ready to pack up the sweaters and shop for swimsuits! We're starting to spend more time outside, and that means finding ways to enjoy the backyard. Whether you've got a small patch of grass, acres to run, or a borrowed park, here are some ideas for making the most of the sunshine.

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.

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 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]

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:

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.

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 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...

...like an elephant: favorite memory games for kids

by Nicole

January 12, 2009

My daughter's best friend Madeleine has a mind like a steel trap: she can tell you about the places she's gone and what she did there at a level of detail that is sometimes startlingly accurate. (She does, however, still have trouble remembering where she put her shoes!) For kids to whom memory-building might not come quite as naturally, there are some fun toys and activities for teaching those  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...

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...

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...

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: November 22-23

by Nicole

November 21, 2008

As is our savvy tradition, this post is brought to you by the letters T G I and F. I hope you'll find some inspiration for your weekend plans in this round-up. First, how about some awesome kid-friendly performances? The Charleston Ballet Theatre performs its second round of How the Grinch Stole Christmas this weekend. Showtimes are Saturday at 11:00 am and 1:30 pm, and Sunday at 3:00 pm.  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...

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...

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...

Money-saving ideas for parents

by Nicole

September 18, 2008

I don't know much about finance, but I can tell you this: we're tightening our belts a little and sticking to a budget while trying not to freak out about the latest news regarding the U.S. economy. I'm sure we're not the only ones feeling it, so here are some of the ideas I've had for spending less without compromising family fun! Stay home more. I have a tendency to get a little  Read more...

Daytrip adventure: bear island wildlife management area

by Nicole

August 25, 2008

My husband has a remarkable wanderlust -- one that has taken him to several continents and that seems to take our family in search of hidden corners of the Lowcountry. This weekend we headed south to the Bear Island Wildlife Management Area . What a gem! This place is a beautiful wetland refuge low on facilities but full of wildlife spotting opportunities. We drove back into the marsh along the  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...

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...

Staying Cool this Summer: Free and low-cost family movies

by Nicole

June 11, 2008

There's something about seeing a movie on the big screen -- munching on popcorn and watching larger-than-life images -- with the benefit of air-conditioned comfort on hot summer days. But it can be hard to find current movies appropriate for the preschool crowd, and even when you do find them, a single trip can cost a pretty penny if you're paying full price. But there's no reason to fret!  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...

Five Best Ways to Enjoy Downtown Charleston on the Cheap

by Nicole

May 19, 2008

Here's a half-day walking tour of downtown Charleston designed for kids that is low on cash investment but high on fun. To keep the trip cheap, be sure to pack drinks and snacks from home. There's a fair bit of walking, so keep in mind that even bigger kids may want the option to ride in a stroller off and on. 1. Start at the Market (near the corner of North Market and East Bay Street). The  Read more...