By Cathy C. Hall
Charleston, South Carolina has always been one of the sparkling gems along the Atlantic coastline. This historic city is home to museums, gardens, aquariums, forts, sports teams and even a ghost or two. With all the exciting attractions, you may have to stay an extra day to fit in all the fun things for kids to do in Charleston!
The Carolina Aquarium
Kids are in for a treat at the Carolina Aquarium. Explore the Planet Penguin habitat, or see how a sea turtle is nursed back to health. Spot the river otters playing in the Mountain Forest falls, or spy a fiddler crab in the Saltwater Aviary. The Carolina Aquarium is open year-round, but check for seasonal hours and special discounts.
Contact: www.scaquarium.org
Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum
Drop anchor in the Charleston Harbor to visit the USS Yorktown, an aircraft carrier housing one of the largest museums of its kind. Along with this legendary ship, kids can get an up close look at a submarine, a destroyer, and a Coast Guard cutter. Look inside the hangar to see authentic planes from World War II and the Korean War. On the flight deck, check out Vietnam and Gulf War era aircraft. There's even a Navy Flight Simulator for those who dare to take off. The Museum is open daily, except Christmas, from 9:00 a.m. till 6:30 p.m.
Contact: www.patriotspoint.org
Cypress Gardens
The blackwater swamps of Cypress Gardens may be just a few miles from Charleston, but visitors will feel like they've traveled all the way back to the 1700's by day's end. Kids delight in the flat bottom boat rides, never tiring of spotting one of the famous swamp alligators. But keep a sharp eye out for deer, fox, bobcat, possum, snakes and butterflies. It's a day filled with wildlife surprises at Cypress Gardens. Gates are open from 9:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m. (except for some holidays).
Contact: www.cypressgardens.info
Cheering for the Home Teams
Baseball fans will find something to cheer about at "The Joe," home of the Charleston Riverdogs minor league baseball team. The Yankee-affiliated Dogs play ball from early spring till late summer. Another spring team to watch is Charleston's Battery, the city's very own soccer team at Blackbaud Stadium. Don't forget to let the kids loose in The Moe's Fun Zone, an interactive soccer theme park. For wintertime fun, catch the Stingrays, the city's pro hockey team that hits the ice at North Charleston Coliseum.
Fort Sumter National Monument
The Fort Sumter National Monument is a National Park located in the Charleston Harbor. Though the park is free to enter, it's only accessible by ferry service. But that's half the fun for kids when visiting this historic Civil War fort. Ferries are available at the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center at 340 Concord Street in Charleston, or at Patriots Point.
About the Author:
Cathy C. Hall is a freelance writer and humor columnist. When she’s not writing funny essays for publications like Modern Senior Living, she writes articles for websites like WOW! Women on Writing. Sometimes she just makes up wild stories; she's currently making up a young adult novel. Hall received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in broadcast journalism from Valdosta State University, graduating magna cum laude.
