Are you on a route to Charleston with the kids and looking for fun, easy, and inexpensive things to do to keep them entertained while enjoying some iconic spots along the way? Well, you’ve come to the right place. I was a little apprehensive about visiting the most tourist city in South Carolina with my kids. But shockingly, we truly enjoyed it and are already looking forward to another trip down the coast.
Charleston is a dream with pastel-colored historic buildings, blooming flower beds on the windows, cobblestone streets, and gas lanterns. All wrapped in old-world charm. It has been on our family bucket list for quite some time. But it wasn't until after we moved to the Upstate that we started actively planning a visit.
When the kids' first spring break came around, we'd known it would be a perfect time to hit the road toward a dreamy town along South Carolina's coastline. With summer getting painfully hot in the South, we couldn't think of any better time to take a walking tour through the colorful streets of the Charleston Historic District.
Read on to see what places we discovered to keep our littlest (and big kids alike) happy while also enjoying all the iconic sights.
1. Gadsdenboro Park
When we travel with the kids, we plan our vacations and things we want
to explore around the visits to playgrounds. Having 3 kids under 7 makes fun at a playground invaluable. Gadsdenboro Park in downtown Charleston was a lovely start to our adventure in town. This is where we started our self-guided tour toward the Rainbow Row.
This playground with two big play structures that look like pirate ships and a gigantic octopus reaching out to snag its next meal is super cute, compact, partly shaded, and great for imaginative play.
Gadsdenboro Park has a soccer field, a playground, walking trails framed by beautiful flowers, and street parking. It is within walking distance from South Carolina Aquarium, The Historic Charleston City Market, Waterfront Park, and Rainbow Row. Exactly the sights we set our eyes on visiting that day.
After working the kids' wiggles out at our first stop at the playground, we headed out on foot towards the Rainbow Row, soaking up the spring breeze and all the beauty of this historic corner.
2. Palmetto Carriage Works
Palmetto Carriage is the oldest carriage tour company in Charleston, well known for its guided carriage tours through the historic city's downtown since 1972. It touts plenty of sights to see in a short time as you explore the beautiful pre-Civil War architecture and the Battery Promenade in a horse-drawn carriage.
And it's hard to miss their big red barn that's wrapped in the flavor of a by-gone era and tucked away in the shade of towering trees.
We didn't plan on taking a carriage tour that day, but it was a lovely stop
nonetheless to spice up the walk and for the kids to get close up and personal with some local
residents.
3. The Historic Charleston City Market
Established in the 1790s, this is one of the oldest public markets in the U.S. Initially used as a gathering place for local farmers to sell their beef and produce, nowadays it carries all kinds of souvenirs, jewelry and little trinkets.
The entryway opens into an airy space of white-painted timber ceiling, humming fans, and tables with souvenirs of all shapes and sizes on both sides.
4. Waterfront Park Splash Fountain
Located a few blocks from the Charleston City Market, Waterfront Park boasts refreshing views of the Charleston Harbor with a pier and Cooper River Bridge in the distance. The park also has two fountains – the famous Pineapple Fountain and its less-known neighbor – a splash fountain. The latter is a great place to cool off on a hot Lowcountry summer day for kids and kids at heart.
5. Pineapple Fountain
Just a stone's throw away, there's that one landmark that made its way to every single travel guide about Charleston -– Pineapple Fountain. Easily one of the most visited locations on the East Coast, this place is sandwiched between the Charleston Harbor and the stunning architecture of the historic streets and alleys.
Opened in 1990, the fountain shaped like a giant pineapple with a voluminous crown represents hospitality and a warm welcome. Plus, this uniquely designed water feature really makes a splash as you can wade and play in its refreshing waters on a hot summer day.
6. Rainbow Row
No visit to Charleston is complete without visiting the rainbow row houses. This row of 13 pastel-colored historic houses along the waterfront is a stunning site and perhaps Charleston's most iconic landmark. The Rainbow Raw homes go from 79 to 107 East Bay Street. Each house has its own history and pastel color, which, according to city regulations, must remain unchanged.
Here you can see the bright yellow house #93 - James Cook's house. Built
around 1779, this Georgian house has a kitchen and gas fireplace on the
ground floor, and a dining room with balcony on the second floor.
7. Hazel Parker Playground
Hazel Parker playground is where we finished our 1-mile long walking tour with the kids. This secluded, inviting park is for anyone looking for a change of pace away from the main tourist draws. Located just a stone's throw away from Rainbow Row, this lush spot with multiple play structures and public restrooms nearby was a hit with the kids and a nice quiet reprieve in the middle of the day in the heart of the busiest part of the city.
We never once regretted exploring this part of the town on foot as the main street is too backed up with traffic and parking spaces are scarce under the best conditions. After a few hours of exploring the length and breadth of the historic district, we called it a day and made our way back to the car.
Full of precious memories and the hearts singing to Darius Rucker's country
beat, we headed further down the coast toward Savannah, GA, another
little town steeped in history and southern charm.
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