Charleston Summer Activities for Families! 23 Budget Things To Do

Last Updated on May 29, 2026 by PorchLightReading

Charleston summer activities for families! Keep the kids busy with these 23 free and affordable things to do in Charleston and nearby towns.

Charleston summer activities! Fun, affordable things to do.

We are always on the lookout for fun things to do in Charleston and nearby towns, but summer is extra special. No more school lunches to pack, bedtimes are extended, and bucket lists are made!

Although I’d love to be a taxi driver to all of their destination whims, we still need to keep things affordable and, honestly, spread out! But each day we do a little something and about once a week we do a bigger family trip.

So I hope this list helps you find some really great Charleston summer activities that are fun and budget friendly. A nice mix between sipping lemonade by the pool and exploring the lowcountry.

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Charleston Summer Family Activities

Summer in Charleston, SC, can get expensive, and fast! Especially when trying to keep kids entertained for weeks at a time.

Over the years we’ve found a mix of museums, parks, splash pads, beaches, free events, and local programs that help make summer feel fun without spending a fortune every week.

This guide includes some of our favorite Charleston summer activities including nearby towns like Mount Pleasant, Summerville, Moncks Corners and more. I hope you enjoy them as much as our family does!

Educational Museums and Forts To Explore

Oh I know! The kids do NOT want an educational activity right as they get out of school for the summer! But I’m driving soo…

Fort Mountrie bunker with view of the ocean.

Fort Moultrie National Historical Park

If you haven’t visited Fort Moultrie National Historical Park yet, then this is the perfect summer family activity for you! Learn about the Civil War and the importance of this Fort while visiting this historic location.

Tour the museum, watch the educational video (in the air condition), then head across the street to experience a walking tour of the fort. Explore bunkers, long tunnels, and different underground areas while taking in the history of why and how this fort came to be.

Arched doorway underground.

Mace Brown Museum of Natural History

Have a few dinosaur enthusiasts in the family? Head to downtown Charleston and visit the Mace Brown Museum of Natural History!

This free dinosaur museum is small but if you take your time you’re bound to have fun. Also, nearby is the Aquarium and the Fort Sumter Visitors Center.

  • Mace Brown Museum of Natural History (Dinosaur Museum)
    • Admission is free
    • Smaller museum
    • Downtown Charleston
Little kids looking at the fish at the South Carolina Aquarium.

Nearby- Since this is a smaller museum you might have some extra time to explore. Also nearby is the Hampton Park, Waterfront Park, The Battery, Charleston Aquarium, and the Fort Sumter Visitors Center.

The museum inside the Fort Sumter Visitors Center is free, along with walking around the building to view the harbor. Ferry rides to Fort Sumter are an extra charge.

  • Other museums you might like-

Best Gardens and Outdoor Adventures

Since it’s summer we should absolutely be outside enjoying the beautiful weather! However, it is a bit hot and humid. So I recommend starting early in the morning, overcast days, and bringing tons of cool water with every family outing.

Let’s try not to let the heat of the day discourage us from spending some time outdoors, and maybe visit during the cooler morning hours.

Alligator in the distance while on a flat bottom boat tour.

Cypress Gardens

Cypress Gardens in Moncks Corner is an absolutely amazing family adventure! Take a flat bottom boat tour through their black water swamp and experience a unique outdoor adventure while pointing out alligators and wildlife.

If alligators are a bit too much for you, skip the boat tour and head over to the butterfly and reptile house. Then let the kids splash around at the new splash pad, or pack a picnic and play at the park! They also have several miles of walking trails and a small gift shop for souvenirs.

Stairs and brick walkway at Mepkin Abbey.

Mepkin Abbey

Also up in Moncks Corner is Mepkin Abbey, an absolutely beautiful garden and private home to a community of Trappist Monks.

Here, visitors or welcome to visit the grounds and enjoy the beauty of the natural walkways, labyrinth, views of the Cooper River and more! Be sure to first stop by their gift shop and sign in before touring the gardens.

This is a wonderful and peaceful place to take the kids. It’s a slow and relaxed atmosphere that offers a sense of calm and peace. Somehow whenever we visit the kids know the rules; be respectful, use softer voices, and enjoy the nature surrounding you.

Beautiful blue pond with two girls looking out over the water.
Antique looking ship with tall sails.

Charles Towne Landing

I think I should highlight this first part so you hear me. -Start early!- Every time we’ve visited Charles Towne Landing we’ve always had a good time, however, there is so much to see that it can get hot fast!

This South Carolina State Park has a bit to offer everyone. Kids will love visiting animal forest; a small zoo where they can see a bald eagle, bison, bear, a bobcat and more!

History buffs will enjoy walking through the original settlement with landmarks, informational plaques, and cannons. Not to mention the ship Adventure, where they can climb aboard and take a look around (and below).

Boardwalk over the marsh.
  • Charles Towne Landing (Our family travel guide with photo gallery!)
    • Price per person, free for children 5 and under
    • Visit animal forest, original settlement, and ship Adventure
    • Miles of walking paths
    • Bikes and scooters welcome (no scooters inside animal forest, just park them by the animal forest entrance)
Baseball diamond at the RiverDogs game.

Charleston RiverDogs Game

Take them out to the ballgame! Enjoy family night Sundays for tickets less than 12$ a piece! Also on Sundays you’ll get free parking, kid themed activities, and a chance for the kids to run the bases after the game!

  • Charleston RiverDogs Game
    • Family Sunday night
    • Kid themed activities, chance to run the bases after the game
    • Discount tickets, free parking
    • RiverDogs offer a military discount (proof of eligibility, must enter discount code at checkout)

Other outdoor family activities- There are no short of outdoor family activities when it comes to the Charleston and the surrounding areas. A few of them are a bit of a quicker stop but can be paired with other things to do in the area. So I’m going to touch on them briefly because they are still fun Charleston summer activities.

Boardwalk over the river with two sister looking at the turtles below.
  • Old Santee Canal Park (Moncks Corner)
    • Small admission per person, $3 Military, free ages 6 and under
    • Walking trails
    • Museum
    • Boardwalks
Angel Oak Tree with massive branches.
  • Angel Oak Tree (Our Travel Guide)
    • Free admission
    • Beautiful Angle Oak Tree that is over 500 years old!
    • Massive branches
    • Small gift shop
    • Quick stop (near Costco and on the way to the beach)
Two story treehouse with Spanish moss.
  • Daniel Island Treehouse (Our Travel Guide)
  • Free, parking in residential neighborhood
  • Two story treehouse located on Daniel Island
  • Quick stop but you can also visit Governors Park and walk the trail and boardwalk along the Wando River.

Summer Programs For Families

These family activities are less Charleston and more along the lines of summer programs and things to do nearby. Most places will offer a similar programs so be sure to tell your friends and family in other parts of the country! Let’s get everyone out and about this summer!

Vacation Bible School

We’re starting off strong with Vacation Bible School, VBS. Have you signed your kids up yet? This elementary school aged program is absolutely wonderful! You can find this program throughout the area with several different churches.

Each VBS will go during different dates and times so be sure to pick the one (or several!) that works with your schedule. It’s a great way to get the kids out of the house for a few hours and worshiping Jesus through song, crafts, and play!

Little girl bowling at Starlifter Lanes.

Kids Bowl Free

Every year we sign up for the kids bowl free program. This summer activity allows school ages kids TWO free games of bowling each day! Simply sign up for the bowling alley nearest you and register your children for this summer program.

At checkout they will ask if you’d like a family pass for adults, also two free games per day. We always say yes and bowl the summer away! Bonus- The bowling alley is air conditioned AND rainy day proof.

  • Kids Bowl Free Program
    • Two free games each day
    • Pick the bowing alley nearest you
    • Can sign the entire family up with a family memebership
    • Shoes not included
    • Weather proof activity! Hot or rainy days!

Related Posts:

Best Family Beaches Near Charleston South Carolina

Explore Botany Bay! Family Travel Guide

Summer Discount Movies

Head to the movie theater to enjoy a summer discount movie. These movies are usually older movies but the kids still love it! We’re going for discount movies, getting out of the house, atmosphere, and movie popcorn.

Check to see if there is a movie theater participating in this program near you!

Toddler reading at the library.

Library Summer Reading Programs

Who doesn’t love bribing their children to read books for prizes?

Our local library did prizes a little differently last year and offered books! Really great books, and my kids read far beyond the reading requirements because they were excited to go “shopping” for more books!

10 Nature Walks and Splash Pads

If somehow the summer humidity doesn’t bother you, then we have a list of walks you will love! For everyone else, we have breezy boardwalks and splash pads to cool down.

These are going to be more easy walks. Although we do like to consider ourselves outdoor people, the heat zaps all the energy out of us in about 20 minutes. Best to take it easy and do a morning walk with afternoon movie with a big bowl of popcorn.

Also, close the shades and pretend it’s rainy out.

Marsh trail on Daniel Island, overlooking a bridge.

Charleston County Parks

All of the Charleston county parks are great but we have a few favorites as they offer different thing. You’ll also want to get yourself a Gold Member Pass to get the most for your money.

The pass includes all the Charleston county parks and several county beach parks for free parking. With the pass you also get into the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island, and $15 off of a South Carolina Aquarium membership.

Walking the sandy path to view the Morris Island Lighthouse.

Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve

Located on Folly Island, this short walk takes your down a graffiti path to view the Morris Island Lighthouse. Heading to the left you’ll find some really interesting skeleton trees and driftwood.

You can walk down this area quite a ways before having to turn back, but just beware that there is no swimming in this area until you walk all the way back to the front of the island. You’ll be able to see large, clear signs letting you know when swimming is again permitted.

Little girl drawing in the sand surrounded by driftwood.
  • Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve (Our Family Travel Guide)
    • Graffiti trail to view Morris Island Lighthouse
    • Driftwood beach
    • A couple of dollars entrance fee- Free to Gold Pass Members

James Island County Park

This park offers several miles of easy trails that are paved and mostly shaded. They also have a pond where you can rent paddle boats and kayaks.

Feeling extra adventurous? Head over to the Outdoor Adventure Center and see how you do at their giant rock wall! They also have a summer high course and zip line challenge.

Two kids scaling a rock wall.

Rock climbing note- I mentioned above that James Island County Park offers a giant rock wall you can climb, but if you’re military did you know there are rock climbing walls located at outdoor rec on base?

There are! We’ve really enjoyed trying our luck at scaling the rock walls on base, it’s a fun little activity that gets the kids moving and it’s affordable!

Wooden boardwalk over the marsh.

Palmetto Island County Park

We absolutely love the boardwalks at this park! The views over the marsh are breathtaking and you can even climb the observation tower for an even better view of the area.

The tower also has a tall slide and towards the offices you’ll find a great playground and another waterpark.

Tall overlook at the county park.
Wooden boardwalk surrounded by lush greenery.

Ashley River Park

Ashley River Park, in Summerville, is one of our favorite parks to spend the afternoon. They have a really nice shaded walking trail that follows along the Ashely River and then finds its way around the pond with long fishing pier.

The playground with zip line is a huge hit with all the kids and you can find picnic tables scattered under the trees for an easy snack or lunch outside. During the summer hours they have a nice little splash pad that is just enough to cool everyone down.

Be sure to follow them on facebook if you live nearby! They are always putting on a fun family activity, including movies overlooking the pond.

  • Ashley River Park
    • Small fee per person (resident park pass available)
    • Walking trails along river
    • Large pond with boardwalk and fishing pier
    • Playground with zipline
    • Seasonal splash pad
Two kids looking out over the water at Shem Creek Boardwalk.

Shem Creek Boardwalk

Shem Creek Boardwalk is our favorite place to take family visiting from out of town. The boardwalk is beautiful, but once you make your way to the creek, it’s just breathtaking.

Many times we’ve seen dolphins casually swimming in the stream and if you walk up the boardwalk in the other direction, you’ll see restaurants lining the river. It’s the perfect little stop on the way to visiting Fort Moultire, which is what we usually do since they are so close in proximity.

Family walking along Shem Creek Boardwalk.
  • Shem Creek Boardwalk
    • Free small parking area
    • Beautiful boardwalk
    • Dolphin sightings
    • Views of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
    • Tons of restaurants within walking distance
    • Close to Fort Moultire
Dad with two kids at the end of the Mount Pleasant Pier with tall bridge over them.

Mount Pleasant Pier and Playground

Did you know that right next to the Author Ravenel Jr. Bridge is a walking pier and playground? Although you might think it’s loud since it’s near the bridge, it’s not!

This pier is so gorgeous with benches lining the way and the views are wonderful. You can also grab a coffee and sandwich at the River Watch gift shop, and make an entire morning of it.

Right under the bridge you’ll find a great little playground and if you look closely, you’ll notice that it’s in the shape of the bridge! It’s a pretty neat spot and the perfect place for spend a couple of hours.

Playground under the bridge of a highway.
Old ruin tower in an open field.

Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site

Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site is part of the South Carolina State Parks. Located in Summerville, this small state park is a perfect little getaway from the busy everyday grind.

It has a couple of neat features and plaques for you and your family to stroll around and see, including an old military ruin made out of shells.

The trail system here is really more of a self guided walk and it might be better to think of it as a small grassy area to get the kids out in nature for a little while.

Fort ruins with surrounding wall.
  • Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site
    • SC State Park- Small fee per person to enter
    • Small walking area with several ruins to wander and view
    • Peaceful and quiet. A nice little spot to get away from the business

Other parks worth a visit! I could name every park in the area but that would get a little silly. So instead I’ll mention a few briefly that I think you’ll really enjoy.

  • Central Creek Park
    • For Goose Creek residents and surrounding neighborhoods
    • All inclusive playground
    • Basketball courts
    • Splash Creek splash pad
  • Park Circle Playground
    • Located in North Charleston (close to Hanahan)
    • Huge playground!
    • Well shaded with canopies
  • RiverFront Park
    • Located in North Charleston
    • Walking trails and boardwalks
    • Views of the Cooper River
    • Greater Charleston Naval Base Memorial
    • Playground

Charleston Summer Bucket List

Ok, we’ve gone over in depth each of these Charleston summer activities, but it might be helpful to have the kids write out a summer bucket list of their own!

Simply click on the printable and save for download or print right at home!

Summer bucket list free printable.
Summer Bucket List Printable

I’ve also added a quick Charleston bucket list image for easy referencing, but I would encourage you to read the info above to get all the tips and discounts!

Full list of Charleston summer activities.

Best Family Beaches In Charleston

Beach days are a must here in the lowcountry! The heat and humidity zap all the energy out of you by 11am, but the beautiful beaches with their constant breeze give a welcome relief!

I’ve gone in depth recently about our favorite Charleston, SC, beaches so if you’re interested in a full travel guide, I would encourage you to read Best Charleston Family Beaches.

In the full article we discuss everything you’ll want to know before you go! Parking, amenities, bathrooms, ect. But here is a simple list to get you started.

  • Best Family Beaches in Charleston
    • Isle of Palms (IOP)
    • Sullivan’s Island
    • Kiawah Beachwalker Park
    • Folly Beach County Park
    • Edisto Beach State Park

12 Charleston Indoor Activities For Rainy Days (or Air Conditioning!)

Whether you’re trying to stay in the air conditioner or perhaps it’s a rainy day, you’ll want to keep a few indoor activities in your back pocket.

A lot of the time we’re planning our Charleston summer activities around family visits that include grandparents. As adventurous as they are the heat can become too much very quickly. So we like to keep a list of air conditioned activities that everyone will enjoy.

  • Charleston Rainy Day Activities (or Air Conditioned!)
    • South Carolina Aquarium
    • Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry
    • The Charleston Museum
    • Mace Brown Museum of National History
    • Fort Mountrie National Historic Park (Museum, historic movie, and underground bunkers)
    • Kids bowl free program! (2 free games per kid each day!)
    • Summer discount movies (Regal, AMC, and Cinemark)
    • Library summer reading program (Pizza Hut pizza and Barns and Noble prizes)
    • Indoor rock climbing (few locations nearby, or if you have base access they have one at outdoor rec.)
    • Indoor trampoline parks
    • Bizzy Bee Indoor Play Center
    • Escape rooms
Large tree growing over the river.

Small Town Summer Events

I’d also like to mention briefly that many towns hold their own summer activities. Downtown Summerville offers tons of family events such as concerts on the square, movies in the park, and weekly farmers markets! So be sure to check your own town for community events! -Summerville Events-

We don’t always need a big activity planned, but picking out a few fun things to do gives us all something to look forward to. Some weeks we might plan a trip to the beach, museum, or splash pad, while other days are spent at the library or trying a new recipe together.

Young girl in a rocking chair looking out over the river.

Whatever the adventure, just remember what a beautiful blessing it is to spend some extra time with our kids enjoying all these Charleston summer activities!

Now let’s go make some waffles and come up with a summer they (and you) won’t forget. We’ll see you on our next adventure.

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