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Family Reunion Ideas in Charleston, SC: 8 Best Ideas
The best family reunion ideas in Charleston, SC give every age something to do and leave time to talk, whether that means a zipline for the teens, a kid-sized course for the little ones, or a porch cookout for everyone in between. This guide covers eight ideas, from a beach day on Isle of Palms to a 65-foot climbing tower at Charleston Adventure Forest in Awendaw, with costs, ages, and times so you can match each one to your group.
A reunion puts toddlers, teens, parents, and grandparents in one place, and they rarely want the same thing. These eight ideas are sorted by who they suit. Six are at Charleston Adventure Forest, about 25 minutes from downtown Charleston, where the zipline, climbing tower, animals, and forge all sit on one property. Two are nearby options for a beach day or a rainy day.
Quick Take
| Row | Details |
|---|---|
| Best For | Family reunions with kids, teens, adults, and grandparents |
| Prices | Zipline $98 ($83 each for groups of 6+), Koala Course $55 ($49 each for groups of 8+), climbing or animals $28 ($17 as add-ons), blacksmithing from $65 |
| Ages | Animals: all ages. Koala Course: 5 to 12. Climbing: 5+. Zipline: 10+. Forge: 12+ |
| Catering | None in-house. Use a partner caterer or bring your own |
| Location | 1152 Guerins Bridge Rd, Awendaw, SC, about 25 minutes from downtown Charleston |
| Hours | Tue to Thu 3 to 5:30 PM, Fri and Sat 8:30 AM to 5 PM, Sun 12:30 to 5 PM, closed Mon |
| Booking | Call 843-928-3947 or use the group request form |
Table of Contents
- How Do These 8 Family Reunion Ideas Compare
- Adventure Ideas for Mixed Ages
- Ideas for the Whole Family
- Ideas Away From the Park
- How Much Does a Reunion Day Cost
- What a Saturday Reunion Schedule Looks Like
- Related Articles
- Plan Your Reunion
- Frequently Asked Questions
How Do These 8 Family Reunion Ideas Compare?
Six of these ideas are at Charleston Adventure Forest, and two are nearby. Ages and prices differ, so pick one activity per age group. The table shows each idea's best ages, cost, and time so you can match them to your group.
| Idea | Best ages | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zipline canopy tour | 10+ | $98 ($83 each, 6+) | Up to 2 hours |
| Kids Zip Koala Course | 5 to 12 | $55 ($49 each, 8+) | About 90 minutes |
| Climbing tower | 5+ | $28 ($17 as add-on) | About 30 minutes |
| Animal encounters | All ages | $28 ($17 as add-on) | 30 minutes |
| Blacksmithing | 12+ | From $65 | 1 to 3 hours |
| Porch and picnic cookout | All ages | Set by your caterer | Call to plan |
| Isle of Palms beach day | All ages | Free beach, paid parking | Flexible |
| South Carolina Aquarium | All ages | Priced by date | At least 90 minutes |
What Are the Best Adventure Ideas for a Family Reunion With Mixed Ages?
The best mix has one activity for older kids and adults, one for younger kids, and one most of the family can do together. At Charleston Adventure Forest in Awendaw, that means the zipline for ages 10 and up, the Koala Course for ages 5 to 12, and a 65-foot climbing tower for ages 5 and up.
1. Zip Through the Forest Canopy Together
The Zipline Canopy Tour is a ride of up to two hours on seven zip lines and three swinging bridges, ending with a 750-foot finale. It costs $98 per person, or $83 each for groups of 6 or more. Riders must be 10 or older and weigh 70 to 250 lbs, so check every rider's weight before you book. Closed-toe shoes are required.
2. Send the Kids to the Koala Course
The Kids Zip Koala Course is a zipline course for ages 5 to 12. Kids get 90 minutes of unlimited runs on both circuits for $55 each, or $49 each for groups of 8 or more. Riders weigh 40 to 180 lbs. The canopy tour overlooks much of the Koala Course, so parents can watch. One TripAdvisor guest wrote in April 2023 that "we could watch them zip and even talk to them."
3. Hold a Family Climbing Contest
The climbing tower is 65 feet tall, with three climbing lanes and a vertical face, so first-timers and kids can reach the top. An auto belay backs up each climber, and staff watch every climb. It is built into the same tower the zipline canopy tour launches from. Climbers must be 5 or older and weigh 40 to 300 lbs. It costs $28 alone, or $17 added to another activity.
What Can Everyone Do Together Between Rides?
Animal encounters, a blacksmithing class, and a cookout give the whole family something to do between rides, and none of them need a harness. Animals suit all ages, the forge suits ages 12 and up, and the porches suit everyone.
4. Meet the Animals
Animal Encounters last 30 minutes and suit all ages. Guests feed, pet, and learn about animals that may include ponies, goats, pigs, alpacas, sheep, and reptiles. The price is $28, or $17 when added to another activity. It works well for toddlers and for grandparents who would rather skip a harness.
5. Forge a Family Keepsake
Blacksmithing at The Forge is taught by an instructor trained at the American College of the Building Arts. Guests heat and hammer steel to make a piece such as an oyster shucker or a hook. Classes start at $65 per person, last 1, 2, or 3 hours, and suit ages 12 and up. Each family branch could make one as a keepsake. It is by appointment only, so book early. Wear cotton clothing, pants that fully cover your shoes, and closed-toe shoes.
6. Cook Out on the Porches and Picnic Areas
The Adventure Center is a converted house with wide wraparound porches, accessible bathrooms, and open picnic areas set in Lowcountry pine forest. There is no in-house catering. The park works with trusted third-party caterers, and you can bring your own. Read more on the Celebrations & Event Rental page.
Good to Know: Weekday hours are shorter. The park is open Tuesday to Thursday from 3 to 5:30 PM and closed on Monday. Saturday, from 8:30 AM to 5 PM, fits a full family day best.
What Are Good Reunion Ideas Away From the Park?
Pair the park with one outing nearby. A beach day suits sunny weather, and the South Carolina Aquarium is a solid rain plan. Book either for a different day so your park schedule stays relaxed.
7. Spend a Day at Isle of Palms
Isle of Palms has about seven miles of public beach with 57 access points. The Isle of Palms County Park at 14th Avenue has restrooms, outdoor showers, and a seasonal snack bar. Paid parking is enforced from March 1 through October 31, 8 AM to 8 PM, and rates change by season and day, so check current rates before you go. From the park, head down US-17 and across the Isle of Palms Connector.
8. Visit the South Carolina Aquarium
The South Carolina Aquarium is at 100 Aquarium Wharf in downtown Charleston, about 25 minutes from the park. Plan at least 90 minutes. Tickets use a dynamic ticket calendar: prices change by date, a posted price never drops, and tickets go on sale up to 60 days ahead. The aquarium closes at 5 PM.
How Much Does a Reunion Day Cost at Charleston Adventure Forest?
Reunions pay the standard rates. For a group of 16, a full day with the zipline, Koala Course, climbing tower, and animals comes to $1,600, or $100 per person. This example has 8 adults and teens plus 8 kids.
| Activity | People | Rate | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zipline Canopy Tour | 8 | $83 (groups of 6+) | $664 |
| Kids Zip Koala Course | 8 | $49 (groups of 8+) | $392 |
| Climbing tower add-on | 16 | $17 | $272 |
| Animal Encounters add-on | 16 | $17 | $272 |
| Total | 16 | $1,600 |
What Does a Saturday Reunion Schedule Look Like?
A Saturday reunion at Charleston Adventure Forest can fit rides, lunch, and a hands-on class between 8:30 AM and 5 PM. Start with the rides, eat at midday, and save lower-energy activities for the afternoon. This is a sample, so adjust it to your group.
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 9:00 AM | Arrive and gather on the porches |
| 9:30 AM | Adults and teens zip (up to 2 hours) while kids run the Koala Course (about 90 minutes) |
| 11:45 AM | Lunch on the porches and picnic areas |
| 12:45 PM | Climbing contest (about 30 minutes) and animal encounters (30 minutes) |
| 2:00 PM | Forge session for ages 12+ (1 hour, booked ahead) while younger kids relax on the porches |
| 3:30 PM | Group photo and wrap up |
Related Articles
- What to Wear for Ziplining: A Complete Guide
- Is There a Weight Limit for Ziplining?
- What Should Kids Expect During an Animal Encounter?
- What Can Kids Do at the Koala Course in Charleston?
Plan Your Reunion
Call 843-928-3947 and share your event type, guest count, and preferred date. The team can help you choose activities that fit your group, or plan a reunion with no activities at all.
- Book the Zipline Canopy Tour
- Book the Kids Zip Koala Course
- Book the Climbing Wall
- Book Animal Encounters
- Book Blacksmithing at The Forge
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about hosting a reunion at Charleston Adventure Forest.
Does Charleston Adventure Forest provide catering?
No. There is no in-house catering. Charleston Adventure Forest works with trusted third-party caterers, and you can also bring your own. Outside planners, photographers, and rental companies are welcome as part of your event setup. Call 843-928-3947 to talk through your plans.
Can family members who don't ride still join the reunion?
Yes. Animal Encounters are open to all ages, and the porches and picnic areas give guests a place to sit while others ride. The Adventure Center has accessible bathrooms. If anyone has specific accessibility needs, call 843-928-3947 before booking so the team can plan with you.
What happens if it rains?
Outdoor activities may continue in light rain. Extreme wind or lightning can affect whether a tour runs, and the course manager on duty makes the final safety call. If rain is in the forecast, the South Carolina Aquarium in downtown Charleston is a good indoor backup for a separate day.
How far ahead should we book?
Booking and deposit requirements vary by event and activities, so call 843-928-3947 to confirm them. Blacksmithing is by appointment only and should be planned ahead. Share your guest count and date on the call, and the team can help you decide which activities fit.
Can we see the space before we book?
Yes. Call 843-928-3947 to schedule a walkthrough of the Adventure Center before you book. You can see the porches, picnic areas, and bathrooms, and talk through how your group would use the space.