The Ultimate Charleston Family Guide: Fun, Fancy, and Full of Southern Charm

2nd Sunday on King Street

Picture this: King Street closed to cars and totally taken over by pedestrians. You’ve got live music, boutique pop-ups, random street performers doing cartwheels, people walking dogs, and restaurant patios spilling into the street like it’s Mardi Gras… but make it Charleston. Grab a lemonade or lunch, pop into a few shops, and just wander. It’s free and honestly one of the best ways to feel like you live here for a day.

Charleston Farmers Market

Fresh flowers, handmade crafts, local produce, food trucks, and so many samples. Kids will love the kettle corn and mini donuts, parents, you will love the live music and artisan goods. Located in the heart of Marion Square, it’s a fun way to start your Saturday like a local.

James Island County Park

This one’s a “bring a change of clothes” situation, trust me. There’s a splash zone, zip lines, rock walls, paddle boats, and playgrounds built like mini adventure parks. In the summer, the water park becomes a must, and the shade trees will save your life. Bring a portable hand fan!

Angel Oak Tree (Johns Island)

Located on Johns Island, it’s a tree...but it’s a magic tree. Over 400 years old, with branches that stretch like they’re trying to hug the whole island. It’speaceful, majestic, and perfect for teaching “wow” without screens.

International African American Museum

Right at Gadsden’s Wharf, where so many enslaved Africans arrived in America, this museum has to be on your itinerary. It’s stunning, emotional, and incredibly well-done, with exhibits even younger kids can connect to. The outdoor memorial garden? Powerful. You will leave feeling humbled and inspired.

South Carolina Aquarium

Sea turtles, jellyfish, and a two-story tank that looks like Finding Nemo IRL. They’ve got touch tanks, educational demos, and loads of kid-friendly exhibits. Bonus: it’s air-conditioned.

Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry

When the weather melts you or it rains sideways (because Charleston), this place saves the day. It’s like a giant indoor play zone with water features, build zones, and pretend towns. Your kids will burn off every bite of those pancakes you had for breakfast.

Charleston water taxi

It’s basically a harbor cruise, but you pay around $14 round trip. Watch for dolphins, enjoy the breeze, and hop between downtown and Patriots Point without dealing with parking. Super fun, super easy.

Folly Beach

Folly’s not fancy, but that’s the whole point. It’s chill, friendly, and full of sandcastle energy. You can grab tacos in your swimsuit, and nobody blinks. Shallow surf for kids, cool beach shops, and the kind of place where your day just flows.

Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park

Bring a towel and let them go for it. This is Charleston’s unofficial splash pad, and it’s right by the harbor. Grab an iced lavender latte nearby and just enjoy a few moments of peace while they get soaked.

Charleston City Market

So much more than a tourist trap, the market is buzzing with energy, from handmade sweetgrass baskets to quirky crafts and street snacks. Kids love the energy. You’ll probably end up buying something you didn’t know you needed or something that you’ll cherish forever.

Kid-friendly ghost tours

They’re more giggles than gasps—think costumed guides, lanterns, and just enough spooky to keep them interested without the nightmares.

Family-friendly

• Magnolias: A Charleston classic—and surprisingly kid-friendly for a fine dining spot. Fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, and buttery biscuits hit all the Southern staples.

• Benny Ravello’s: Giant New York-style slices, grab-and-go counter service, and open late for post-ghost-tour snacking. Bonus: one slice = a full meal.

• Oak Steakhouse: Yes, it’s a steakhouse. Yes, they welcome kids—especially for early dinners. It’s fancy, but not stuffy.

• Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit: Perfect for breakfast on the go or a mid-morning biscuit break. Flaky, buttery, handheld, and beloved by locals and tiny humans alike. Grab a biscuit flight and a seat outside for minimal mess, maximum charm.

• Fleet Landing: Right on the water and always a hit with families. The seafood is fresh, the views are gorgeous, and the kids can watch boats drift by while munching on hushpuppies. Book ahead—it’s popular!

• Bartaco: Fun spot that offers a coastal-inspired setting with a menu full of flavorful tacos, rice bowls, and kid-friendly options.

• 82 Queen: Charming courtyard, classic Charleston dishes, and a more relaxed vibe during the day. It feels elevated without being fussy.

Desserts

• Carmella's Café and Dessert Bar: After-dinner spot alert. Think gelato, towering cakes, cookies, all served in a Euro-chic café with comfy couches and café tables. A family favorite, especially if you promised the kids dessert for “good behavior.”

• Peace Pie: Forget plain ice cream—these pie-filled ice cream sandwiches are a sweet reward for all-day adventuring.

Lounges & bars for the parents

Because parents deserve a little “grown-up time” too, preferably with a cocktail in hand and no goldfish crackers in sight. Here’s a curated list of bars and lounges near your accommodations:

• Thoroughbred Club: An elegant lounge within The Charleston Place, featuring handcrafted cocktails, refined small plates, and live music in a sophisticated atmosphere

• The Living Room at The Dewberry: This mid-century-modern cocktail lounge is a vibe. Plush velvet, moody lighting, and a menu of handcrafted drinks make it perfect for a nightcap.

• The Citrus Club at The Dewberry: Charleston’s highest rooftop bar offers sweeping skyline views and tropical-inspired drinks. Go for the sunset, stay for the rum punch.

• Camellias at Hotel Bennett: This glamorous champagne bar serves bubbly in a blush-hued setting inspired by a Fabergé egg. Yes, it’s as fabulous as it sounds.

• The Gin Joint: Tucked away on East Bay Street, this speakeasy-style spot is all about precision cocktails. Try the “Bartender’s Choice” for a fun surprise based on your vibe.

• Fiat Lux: Hotel Bennett’s rooftop bar provides specialty cocktails and panoramic views of Charleston’s skyline, making it a perfect spot for sunset sips.

• The Cocktail Club: An upscale lounge with a rooftop terrace and a menu of handcrafted cocktails, ideal for a sophisticated night out. You’ll feel like a local.