11 Best Things to Do in Charleston, SC with Kids

Most family trips to Charleston follow the same script with the aquarium in the morning, the historic district after lunch, and a beach day somewhere in between. None of that is bad, because Charleston genuinely delivers on all of it. But if you ask kids what they remember most when they get home, it is rarely the museum exhibit or the harbor view. It is the moment they stepped off a zip line platform forty feet up in the trees and could not stop screaming with excitement the whole way down. This guide covers the best things to do in Charleston, SC with kids, including the outdoor adventure park just 25 minutes from downtown that most families only discover when a local finally tips them off.

1. Charleston Adventure Forest: The Outdoor Adventure Most Families Miss

If you want your kids to talk about this trip for years, this is the one. Charleston Adventure Forest is an outdoor adventure park in Awendaw, SC, just 25 minutes from downtown Charleston. The park sits inside a real Lowcountry forest and it is unlike anything else in the area. There is no screen time here, no long lines, just fresh air, tall trees, and kids who cannot stop smiling. The park has ziplining, a kids-only zip course, a 65-foot climbing wall, animal encounters, and blacksmithing classes, all in one place.

Here is a look at what Charleston Adventure Forest offers:

Zipline Canopy Tour: For Ages 10 and Up

This is the main event at Charleston Adventure Forest. You fly through the tops of tall Lowcountry pine trees on 7 zip lines connected by 3 swinging bridges. The whole tour takes up to 2 hours and ends with a 750-foot grand finale zip that gives you a view of the forest you will not forget.

Trained guides walk you through every step. They check all the gear, explain what to expect, and make sure everyone feels comfortable before they zip, including first-timers and nervous kids. The guides genuinely care about making it fun and safe for the whole group.

This is also the only forest canopy zipline in the entire Charleston area. You will not find anything like it anywhere else nearby.

The details:

• Price: $89 per person, or $75 per person for groups of 6 or more
• Ages: 10 and older
• Weight: Between 70 lbs and 250 lbs
• Duration: Up to 2 hours
• Shoes: Closed-toe shoes required. No flip flops or sandals
• Open rain or shine

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Kids Zip Koala Course: For Ages 5 to 12

Have younger kids? The Koala Course was built just for them. This is not a scaled-down version of the adult tour. It is its own full experience designed from the ground up for children ages 5 to 12. Kids get two full zip circuits, a beginner level and an advanced level, and once they are in, they can zip as many times as they want for 90 minutes.

One of the best parts is that the Koala Course sits right below the adult canopy tour. So if you have older kids or adults on the big zipline at the same time, you can actually see each other and wave from different heights in the trees. Many families split the group here, with older kids and adults on the canopy tour and younger ones on the Koala Course, and everyone ends up having just as much fun.

The details:

• Price: $50 per person, or $44 per person for groups of 8 or more
• Ages: 5 to 12
• Weight: Between 40 lbs and 180 lbs
• Duration: 90 minutes of unlimited zipping
• Shoes: Closed-toe shoes required

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Climbing Wall: Tallest Outdoor Climbing Wall in the Charleston Area

Standing at 65 feet tall, this is the tallest outdoor climbing wall in the entire Charleston region. There are three different routes so kids and adults can pick the level that feels right for them. A staff member watches every climb and the automatic belay system keeps it safe for beginners and experienced climbers alike.

For a lot of kids, reaching the top of that wall is one of the proudest moments of the whole trip. It is a real challenge and the feeling when they get there is hard to beat.

The details:

• Price: $25 as a standalone activity, or $15 when added with ziplining or another activity
• Ages: 5 and older
• Weight: Between 40 lbs and 300 lbs

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Animal Encounters: Meet Alpacas, Horses, Goats and More

This one is a big hit with younger kids. In a 30-minute animal encounter, you get to feed and pet a mix of animals including alpacas, miniature horses, goats, pigs, sheep, and sometimes reptiles. The animals are friendly, the setting is beautiful, and kids who are not quite ready for the zipline love having something like this to enjoy.

It also works great as an add-on for mixed-age groups. If you have little ones who are too young for the zip lines, they can meet the animals while the older kids zip, so everyone gets something great to do.

The details:

• Price: $25 as a standalone activity, or $15 when added with another activity
• Ages: 3 and older
• Duration: 30 minutes

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Blacksmithing Classes: Make Something With Your Own Hands

This is the surprise activity that people never expect to love as much as they do. You work at a real forge with an expert blacksmith and leave with something you actually made, an oyster shucker, a hook, or a custom decorative piece. It is hands-on, it is memorable, and it is unlike anything else you can do in Charleston.

It is recommended for ages 12 and up. You can choose from a 1, 2, or 3-hour blacksmithing class, and it works well on its own or paired with a zipline tour for a full day of adventure.

The details:

• Price: Starting at $65 per person
• Ages: 12 and older
• By appointment only. Book in advance
• Wear cotton clothing and pants that fully cover your shoes

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Kids Adventure Camps: Summer, Spring Break and Holiday Sessions

Planning a trip during school break? Charleston Adventure Forest runs two-day camps for kids ages 5 to 12. Each session is three hours per day and covers ziplining, rock climbing, and animal encounters. It is one of the most fun and unique camp experiences near Charleston, and kids love every minute of it.

The details:

• Price: $150 per camper for the full two-day session
• Ages: 5 to 12, must be 5 feet 6 inches or under
• Available for summer, spring break, Thanksgiving, and Christmas breaks

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How to Visit Charleston Adventure Forest

• Address: 1152 Guerins Bridge Rd, Awendaw, SC 29429 (25 minutes from downtown Charleston)
• Phone: 843-928-3947
• School year hours: Tue to Thu 3:00pm to 5:30pm | Fri to Sat 8:30am to 5:00pm | Sun 12:30pm to 5:00pm | Mon: Closed
• Summer hours: Mon to Sat 8:30am to 5:00pm | Sun 12:30pm to 5:00pm
• Current deal: Get $10 off a photo package. Use code Picture10 at checkout

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Other Great Things to Do in Charleston with Kids

Charleston has plenty of other fantastic spots for families. Here is a quick look at the most popular ones:

2. South Carolina Aquarium

Located on Charleston Harbor with over 5,000 animals including sharks, otters, sea turtles, and alligators. The two-story Great Ocean Tank is the highlight, along with touch pools, dolphin watching, and daily dive shows. Great for all ages.

3. Children's Museum of the Lowcountry

Best for kids ages 2 to 10, featuring a pirate ship, kid-sized grocery store, art room, STEM lab, and a water play area. Recently renovated and located in the heart of downtown Charleston. Plan at least 2 hours.

4. Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum

Explore a real WWII aircraft carrier called the USS Yorktown where kids can run, touch things, and explore the ship and aircraft up close. Best for ages 7 and up, located in Mount Pleasant just across the bridge from downtown.

5. Waterfront Park and Pineapple Fountain

A free, easy stop in downtown Charleston where the Pineapple Fountain is an iconic photo spot. Open green space where little ones can run around and kids splash in the fountain during summer. A nice break between busier attractions.

6. Fort Sumter National Monument

Take a boat ride out to the fort where the Civil War began. The ferry ride is part of the fun and kids love the cannons and harbor views. Good for ages 7 and up who are starting to learn about American history.

7. Cypress Gardens

A 170-acre nature preserve about 30 minutes from Charleston featuring swamp boat rides through scenic wetlands, a butterfly house, nature trails, and alligators. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids, and free for children under 6.

8. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

Beautiful gardens, a petting zoo, and train or boat tours make this great for mixed-age groups because you can pick and choose what to do. Skip the house tour for younger kids and stick to the gardens and animals. Open daily 9am to 5pm.

9. Rainbow Row and the Historic District

A free walk past the colorful Georgian homes on East Bay Street is a must in Charleston, with the Hazel Parker playground right nearby. A lovely morning walk before the city gets busy.

10. Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon

Kids love the dungeon where pirates and Revolutionary War prisoners were held. Children under 6 get in free and it is located in the heart of the historic district downtown.

11. Folly Beach and Sullivan's Island

Beautiful beaches within easy driving distance of the city. Folly Beach is lively and popular while Sullivan's Island is quieter with a local feel and a short nature trail. Both are perfect for a beach day with kids in the warmer months.

Tips for Visiting Charleston with Kids

The best time of year to visit: Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are the most comfortable times to visit with nice weather and smaller crowds. Summer is hot and humid but is the peak season for beaches and outdoor adventures. Winter is mild and crowd-free, which is great if you want short wait times at popular spots.

How many days do you need: Plan for 2 to 3 days in the city itself and add a fourth day if you want to visit Charleston Adventure Forest, Cypress Gardens, or spend a full day at the beach. That gives you enough time to enjoy everything without feeling rushed.

Getting around: Downtown Charleston is very walkable and you can easily get between the aquarium, the children's museum, Waterfront Park, and Rainbow Row on foot. You will need a car for Charleston Adventure Forest (25 minutes), Cypress Gardens (30 minutes), Magnolia Plantation (20 minutes), and the beaches (20 to 30 minutes), but all are easy drives from downtown.

Book ahead for outdoor activities: Zipline tours and adventure activities at Charleston Adventure Forest fill up fast, especially on weekends and during school breaks. Book online in advance to get the time and date you want.

Conclusion

Charleston has plenty of great things to do with kids, and you could easily fill a trip visiting the aquarium, historic sites, and the beach. But the experiences kids remember most are the ones where they get to climb, explore, and push themselves a little. That is exactly why Charleston Adventure Forest stands out. It gives your family something different from the usual Charleston itinerary, with ziplining, climbing, and hands-on activities all in one place.

If you are planning your trip, keep the classic stops, but make sure you include at least one day for something more active and memorable. Book your Charleston Adventure Forest visit in advance and give your kids a highlight they will not stop talking about.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to visit Charleston, SC with kids?

Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather with smaller crowds, making them the ideal seasons for families. Summer is hot but works well for beach days and outdoor adventures like ziplining.

How many days do you need in Charleston with kids?

Two to three days is enough to cover the main downtown attractions comfortably. Adding a fourth day gives your family time for outdoor spots like Charleston Adventure Forest, Cypress Gardens, or the beaches.

Is Charleston good for young kids and toddlers?

Charleston is very family friendly with plenty of options for little ones, including the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry, Waterfront Park, and animal encounters for ages 3 and up. Most attractions in the city are stroller friendly and welcoming to young children.

What outdoor activities are available for kids in Charleston?

Families can enjoy beach days at Isle of Palms or Folly Beach, swamp boat rides at Cypress Gardens, and nature trails across the Lowcountry. For a full adventure day, Charleston Adventure Forest offers ziplining, a kids zip course, a climbing wall, and animal encounters all in one place.

Do you need a car to visit Charleston with kids?

Downtown Charleston is very walkable and most city attractions are easy to reach on foot. A car is needed for spots like Charleston Adventure Forest, Cypress Gardens, and the beaches, all within a 20 to 30 minute drive from downtown.