Charleston is the perfect place for anyone to spend Spring Break, no matter what age. From families with small children to college students, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. There’s a wealth of activities available all over the Lowcountry. Here are eight tried and true activities for Spring Breakers of all ages.
Go to the beach. Take advantage of the fact that you’re on the coast. There are multiple beaches, all beautiful in their own right. Choose from Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, and more. If it’s still a bit too chilly to swim, you can bask in the sun and enjoy looking for shells and wildlife on the beach. It’s easy to spot dolphins just off the shore! If you’re on the athletic side, check out surfing or kiteboarding lessons.
Do a culinary tour. Charleston is a culinary heaven for foodies. With new restaurants and bars opening all the time, it’ll be quite a while before you run out of options. If food’s your thing, it won’t be difficult to find a different place for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. From larger chains to locally owned specialty spots, you won’t be disappointed with the list of choices.
Visit the South Carolina Aquarium. Lovers of aquatic wildlife will have a field day at the South Carolina Aquarium. Situated downtown on the Charleston Harbor, this not-for-profit organization is all about inspiring conservation of the natural world through caring for animals and educating the public. Spend time watching sharks, turtles, and fish, and interact with divers at the two-story Great Ocean Tank. Learn about the rescue and rehab of sea turtles at the Zucker Family Sea Turtle Recovery. Watch otters swimming and playing in the Mountain Forest. Visit the Touch Tank to interact with starfish, hermit crabs, sea urchins, stingrays, and more. There’s even a brand new play area with climbing equipment and books for the younger crowd.
Challenge yourself. If you’re looking for adventure, plan a visit to Wild Blue Ropes Adventure Park. It’s Charleston’s premier high climbing ropes and outdoor adventure park, featuring 72 suspended obstacles up to 35 feet in the air. Channel your inner Tarzan by swinging among the trees and navigating the aerial obstacle course with three levels of difficulty. If you’re thinking it sounds dangerous for younger members of the family, don’t worry! The Explorer’s Gateway was designed for children ages 4 to 9 in mind. It’s less challenging at 15 feet high and is easy to navigate, balance, and climb.
Shop til you drop. We love a good retail therapy session, and Charleston is the perfect place for it! Visit Tanger Outlets to find an awesome deal, cross the bridge to Mount Pleasant and shop the Towne Center, or stroll along King Street to check out local shops, popular boutiques, and world-renowned brands like Apple, Lily Pulitzer, and Louis Vuitton to name a few.
Have a history lesson. Charleston is known for being rich in historical buildings and sites, so this is a must-do. Take one of many tours around the peninsula. Catch a boat to Fort Sumter. Stroll along the Battery and Waterfront Park and have a picnic. Check out the many plantations in the area. Explore Charles Towne Landing. Take a tour of historic homes. Visit the Charleston Museum. There are so many activities for history buffs that it can almost be overwhelming!
Discover the power of play. A visit to the Lowcountry Children’s Museum is an absolute must for families with small children. The museum’s 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.” Kids will have a blast in the new Hideaways exhibit, where they can dream up and build magical places using blankets, pillows, dowels, fasteners, hooks, and their brilliant imaginations! They can create masterpieces in the art room, live out a storybook fantasy in the Medieval Creativity Castle, explore the kids’ garden, delight in water play, climb aboard a pirate ship, shop and learn in the Publix Market, and more. The littlest visitors, ages birth to 3 years, will love the Infant & Toddler Playspace, designed to help grow motor skills.
Enjoy a day on the water. If you’re not a beach person, there are still tons of water activities to enjoy in the area. Kayaks, paddleboards, and boating are particularly fun and popular. Rent a boat or take a day cruise on a catamaran, then follow up your day on the water with dinner at one of Shem Creek’s delicious restaurants. Sip a cocktail and watch the dolphins play in the creek at sunset.