School's Out for Summer | 15 Kid Friendly Activities in Charleston

It’s hard to believe that the school year is almost over! While we have so many wonderful beaches and parks, we know that the days are long and those can get old after a while. So we’ve compiled a list of activities to help keep the kiddos entertained this summer. 

City Scavenger Hunt
Create a city scavenger hunt! You could do this throughout each of the areas in town – from historic downtown to Sullivan’s Island to West Ashley to Folly Beach. Research some fun or historic facts and compile them for the kids to look for. When they’ve completed the hunt, enjoy a frozen lemonade or ice cream! 

Historic Charleston Foundation
The Historic Charleston Foundation has a number of engaging educational programs for K-12 students. Check out more on their website.

Access Test Prep*
Ensure your students’ minds stay sharp by working with Access Test Prep! Their instructors provide academic tutoring in a range of elementary, high school, college, and professional subjects. 

Charleston Candle Co.*
Make a seasonal candle together at Charleston Candle Co! Create unique candles and memories with a private class or join one of their upcoming ticketed classes.

Art Gallery Tour
We have a plethora of unique and talented artists – be sure to take time to visit their galleries! If you’re looking for a place to start, head to Volume 8 of The Scout Guide!

Fort Sumter Monument
Visit this historic site at the entrance of Charleston Harbor where patriots inside a palmetto log fort, later named Fort Moultrie, defeated the Royal Navy in 1776 and later, where the Civil War began. 

Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon
Completed in 1771, the Old Exchange Building is a Charleston landmark and the site of some of the most important events in South Carolina history. Over the last two and a half centuries, the building has been a commercial exchange, custom house, post office, city hall, military headquarters, and museum.

Charleston Museum
Founded in 1773, The Charleston Museum, America’s First Museum, has been discovering, preserving, interpreting, celebrating, and sharing ever since. Their collections, exhibitions, educational programs, and events are designed to inspire curiosity and conversation – about the South Carolina Lowcountry – and the stories that make us who we are.

South Carolina Aquarium
Sea the difference at the South Carolina Aquarium! From their over 5,000 animals to their award-winning education team, from the Sea Turtle Care Center™ to their conservation programs protecting local species, you’ll be struck with awe and inspiration as you journey through all of the exhibits.

The Children’s Museum of the Low Country
The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to engage young children’s potential by inviting families of all backgrounds to explore environments and experiences that spark imagination and stimulate curiosity through the power of  PLAY. Plus, they have summer camp opportunities!

Patriot’s Point
Patriots Point Development Authority was established in the 1970s to develop a naval & maritime museum on Charleston Harbor with the World War II aircraft carrier, USS YORKTOWN as its centerpiece. It’s also home to the Patriots Point Museum and a fleet of National Historic Landmark ships, the Cold War Memorial and the only Vietnam Experience Exhibit in the U.S., the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, and the agency’s official Medal of Honor Museum.

Dock Street Theater
Take in a show or engage in a class or other educational opportunity at the Dock Street Theater! The Historic Dock Street Theatre (soon to enter its fourth century as the heart of Charleston’s artistic life) is home to many of the City’s finest cultural institutions including Spoleto Festival USA.

Charleston RiverDogs
Take us out to the ballpark! Enjoy a fun day or evening taking in a Charleston RiverDogs game!

North Charleston Fire Museum
Have a firetruck obsessed kiddo? Then, the North Charleston Fire Museum is a must!
Bonus: Children 12 and under are free with adult admission!

Sweet Summertime at OMG! Candy Store*
When you need an extra pick me up (or bribery tool!), head to OMG! Candy Store. OMG Candy Store is a modern, dreamy, dipped in nostalgia candy store located in the heart of Charleston, on King Street. 192 custom candy drawers and thousands of candy selections are joyfully curated to tickle the soul of every age and palate. 

*Denotes a Scout Guide Charleston Member.
Tell us where we can scout you and the family this summer!