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

Weekend Round-Up: February 27 - March 1

by Nicole Teed

February 27, 2009

On Friday, February 27, Mother Goose and Friends will be presented by Becky's Box of Puppets hosted at the Mt. Pleasant Recreation Department Darby Building at 302 Pitt Street.  Shows start 11:15 am, 1:15 pm, and 3:15 pm.

This weekend, the Charleston Ballet Theatre will dance the Carnival of the Animals in their special children's series. Shows are 7 pm on Friday, 11 am and 1:30 pm on Saturday, and 3 pm on Sunday.  Cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children. 

Arrrrgh!  Join the new Buccaneer Restaurant for a course in Piracy 101 on Saturday from 11 am - 2 pm.  There will be pirate activities, history, and live entertainment with brunch and kid-friendly fun. 

The Charleston County Public Library will host two free events this Saturday.  The John's Island Regional Branch will have a Family Storytime with stories and songs at 11 am, and the Dorchester Road Regional Branch will show High School Musical 3: Senior Year at 3 pm. 

Saturday is the last day to take advantage of the Sea and Save discount at the South Carolina Aquarium.  $10 flat rate admission for South Carolina residents!

Gullah Heritage Program continues at Charles Pinckney National Historic Site on Saturday at 2 pm.  

The South Carolina Stingrays take the ice against the Mississippi Sea Wolves on Saturday at 7:05 pm, then take on the Gwinnett Gladiators Sunday at 5 pm.  There's a kids carnival from 3:30 - 5 pm prior to the Sunday game, with a jumpcastle and other activities for the whole family, all at the North Charleston Coliseum.

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:

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 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: 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...

Welcome to your weekend!

by Nicole

November 14, 2008

There is plenty to keep you busy this weekend in Charleston (like most weekends in our great city, I suppose!). Let's take a look at what's happening around town. The Holiday Festival of Lights is now open in James Island County Park! If you're ready to jump into the holiday spirit, take a drive this weekend through a gorgeous and wonder-filled park filled with over 600 light displays. Check out  Read more...

Children's series from the charleston ballet

by Nicole

October 16, 2008

Head's up, y'all. This is way cool. The Charleston Ballet Theatre has three performances coming up that you will want to share with your preschooler, and series subscriptions are on sale now ! First up: How the Grinch Stole Christmas takes the stage with the ballet theater's adaptation of this Dr. Seuss classic. Shows are November 14, 15, 16, 22 and 23. While the one Friday performance is late  Read more...

Ballet, (James) Island style

by Nicole

July 23, 2008

Looking for dance classes for your little one? There are a lot of great options in the Lowcountry, and now there is one more place to get your tutu on. The Charleston Ballet Theatre has just announced the opening of a satellite dance school on James Island, adding to the school's community reach. Classes are already offered at their downtown site and at a satellite in Mt. Pleasant. The James  Read more...

Expert voices: move, groove and learn in a preschool dance class

by Nicole

July 03, 2008

Every so often, Being Savvy Charleston will feature guest articles from experts in the community. Today's post was written by Jessica Beran, founder and owner of Dance Moves of Charleston . Jessica has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance from the University of South Carolina and has been teaching dance to children for over 16 years. Her traveling dance studio brings dance instruction to a number  Read more...