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 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 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...

Weekend round-up: October 25-26

by Nicole

October 24, 2008

As you might expect, there are quite a few Halloween-related events going on this weekend! The Halloween Extravaganza at St. Paul's Academy in Hollywood and the Summerville Ghost Walk and Harvest Moon Hayride are both this Saturday! Get details at the Halloween calendar posted earlier this week. The Charleston County Public Library is getting it's spook on! Tour a haunted house, hear scary  Read more...

Tuesday top five: inspire imagination at North Charleston's Riverfront Park

by Nicole

October 14, 2008

For a long time, I had this misconception that Riverfront Park in North Charleston was far, far away from my house. Turns out that it's not, and it's a good thing, because this park is a pretty awesome place. Not only does the park have everything you could want in a park -- a playground, spray play for the warmer months, a fishing pier, lighted sidewalks, and dog park -- but the elements of the  Read more...

The Budding Artist/Art Critic: Photography by Kids

by Nicole

June 02, 2008

Of all forms of visual arts, photography is one of my favorites because it feels so accessible. Lots of people take photos, after all -- some just do it better than others. And if there is anything that your toddler or preschooler will want to handle, it's your new digital camera, especially once they learn how to use the playback function. Why not use their attraction to expensive electronics  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...