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Things to Do in Charleston with Kids
Charleston packs a lot of family fun into a small, walkable peninsula: a fountain kids are allowed to splash in, a big aquarium on the harbor, a boat ride to a real island fort, and beaches just over the bridges. This guide is organized by area, with parent tips from our local guides and free picks flagged.
Our Historic Downtown Donuts and Sweet Treats Tour walks the heart of the peninsula, with beignets, pralines, benne wafers and more. It's an easy, delicious way to get oriented on your first morning.
By the Underground Donut Tour team · Updated November 2026
At a glance
- Free favorites: Waterfront Park's Pineapple Fountain, the City Market, the Battery, Marion Square, Hampton Park, Angel Oak and the beaches
- Rainy day picks: South Carolina Aquarium, Children's Museum of the Lowcountry, The Charleston Museum
- Sweet treat: Our Charleston sweet treats tour welcomes kids 2 and up, with kids' tickets from $65
Kid-friendly things to do in Charleston, by neighborhood
Downtown and the waterfront
Waterfront Park
FreeThe Pineapple Fountain, where kids are welcome to wade, plus swings on the pier and harbor views.
Charleston City Market
FreeFour blocks of vendors, free to browse, with sweetgrass baskets woven right in front of you.
The Battery and White Point Garden
FreeCannons, oak trees and harbor views.
Horse-drawn carriage tours
A classic Charleston ride for kids who love animals.
Parent tip: The Pineapple Fountain is the best free stop downtown on a hot day. Pack a towel and a change of clothes.
Aquarium Wharf and Liberty Square
South Carolina Aquarium
Rainy day pickA two-story Great Ocean Tank, river otters and a sea turtle care center.
Fort Sumter National Monument
A ferry across the harbor to the fort where the Civil War began. The boat ride alone is a hit.
Parent tip: Ferries leave from Liberty Square, right next to the aquarium, so it's easy to do both in one day.
Upper King and Marion Square
Children's Museum of the Lowcountry
Rainy day pickNine interactive rooms, including an art studio, a pirate ship and a water room, at 25 Ann St. Admission is $13 in advance or $15 at the door, and kids under 1 are free.
The Charleston Museum
Rainy day pickAmerica's first museum, with a hands-on Kidstory exhibit about growing up in early Charleston.
Marion Square
FreeGreen space with seasonal farmers markets and holiday markets.
Hampton Park
FreeA big loop path, duck pond and gardens a short drive north.
Parent tip: The Children's Museum is next to the Visitor Center garage. Start in the art studio so paintings can dry before you leave.
Mount Pleasant, James Island and the beaches
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site
A replica tall ship and an animal forest with bison and black bears.
James Island County Park
A climbing wall, a spray play area and the Holiday Festival of Lights each winter.
Folly Beach and Isle of Palms
FreeFamily beaches with fishing piers.
Angel Oak
FreeA massive live oak on Johns Island that kids love exploring around (not climbing on).
Sweet treats and kid-friendly eats
Underground Donut Tour (kids' tickets from $65, ages 2 and up). Our Historic Downtown Donuts and Sweet Treats Tour starts on Meeting Street and visits six or seven sweet stops, from beignets and custard-filled donuts to pralines, benne wafers and Dutch pancakes, with Charleston history between bites.
Taste Charleston's best donuts on one walk
Kids 2 and up are welcome. Guides set an easy pace for little legs.
Parent tip: Let us know about allergies or dietary needs when you book, and download our free Kids' Activity Book for the trip.
What families say about our Charleston tours
"This is a wonderful option for families with kids as well as couples looking for a unique and memorable outing. You leave feeling full, happy, and like you truly experienced the city."
Sarah, GetYourGuide, December 2025
"In addition to a wonderful 'treat', my kids and I made a new friend with Crystin."
Judith B., TripAdvisor, December 2025
"I went on this tour with my family last Thursday. Charleston is a beautiful city and the sweets were all delicious! But the real highlight was our tour guide, Crystin!"
Kaitlin G., TripAdvisor, November 2025
"It was a fun way to get oriented on our first day in the city."
Elizabeth H., TripAdvisor, April 2026
All 5-star guest reviews.
Exploring on your own? Our Best Donut Shops and Bakeries in Charleston guide lists the city's best sweet spots by neighborhood, and Best Holiday Donuts in Charleston covers the festive specials.
Sample days
Day 1: Downtown
- Morning: sweet treats tour.
- Splash time at the Pineapple Fountain.
- Browse the City Market.
- A carriage ride through the historic district.
Day 2: Harbor
- South Carolina Aquarium when it opens.
- Lunch near Liberty Square.
- Ferry to Fort Sumter.
- Sunset at the Battery.
Day 3: Play and beach
- Children's Museum of the Lowcountry in the morning.
- Lunch on Upper King.
- Folly Beach or Patriots Point in the afternoon.
- Ice cream on the way home.
Charleston with kids by season
Holidays
- Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park: nightly Nov 13 to Dec 31, 2026, 5:30pm to 10pm. A three-mile drive through more than 750 light displays, plus Santa.
- City of Charleston Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting in Marion Square: early December.
- Holiday Parade of Boats in Charleston Harbor: mid-December.
- For seasonal treats, see Best Holiday Donuts in Charleston.
The rest of the year
- Spring: azaleas, mild weather and the Saturday farmers market in Marion Square.
- Summer: hot and humid. Do mornings downtown and afternoons at the beach or the aquarium.
- Fall: warm water, fewer crowds and great walking weather.
- Winter: cool, quiet days that are perfect for museums and walking tours.
Charleston with kids FAQ
Is the Charleston sweet treats tour good for kids?
Yes. Kids 2 and up are welcome, it's a relaxed walk with time to enjoy each stop, and there's something for picky eaters at every one. Kids' tickets start at $65.
What are free things to do in Charleston with kids?
Waterfront Park's Pineapple Fountain, the City Market, the Battery, Marion Square, Hampton Park, Angel Oak and the beaches.
What's a good rainy-day plan?
The South Carolina Aquarium, the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry and the Charleston Museum.
Where should families stay?
Downtown keeps you walkable to the tour, the waterfront and the aquarium. Mount Pleasant and James Island are closer to beaches and Patriots Point.