Life is always an adventure, especially with kids. If you’re looking for some fun-filled places to visit in South Carolina, you’ve come to the right place.
The Best Places to Visit in South Carolina
As a family, some of the most cherished memories you will ever have are those with the kids. The look of excitement in their eyes and the sound of laughter in the air will always make up for the bad days. But, a big part of ensuring a successful trip is planning the right activities. And, in South Carolina, there are plenty of choices.
Here are the best places to take kids in SC.
1. Congaree National Park
Located 18 miles southeast of Columbia, Congaree National Park boasts lush forests and a flowing river. It is a UNESCO biosphere reserve, but it is so much more than just a natural landmark.
Here, families can participate in a number of activities, from canoeing and kayaking to hiking and bird watching. If you happen to be going in the summer, make sure you stay until the evening – you can reserve one of their campsites – to witness the majestic fireflies. If you’re on the hunt for things to do with kids in SC, there’s no better place than the great outdoors.
2. Brookgreen Gardens
Sitting just outside of Murrells Inlet, Brookgreen Gardens is a wildlife preserve that offers no shortage of activities. Art meets nature at the Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington Sculpture Garden, where approximately 1,445 sculptures are featured.
You can also find the Lowcountry Zoo as well as the Lowcountry Center on the premises. If you time your visit right, you might even catch a glimpse of the mesmerizing Nights of a Thousand Candles, a display of sparkling lights that runs from late November to December.
3. Falls Park on the Reedy
Have you ever wanted to view a waterfall right in the middle of a city? In downtown Greenville, you can.
Falls Park on the Reedy is a 32-acre park that’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The park’s defining feature, of course, is the Liberty Bridge, a pedestrian bridge over the Reedy River that overlooks a cascading waterfall. One thing about this bridge is that it only has cables on one side, so visitors can take in a view of the magnificent falls without any obstructions. If you’re looking for fun places to visit in South Carolina, it’s hard to beat Falls Park.
4. Greenville Zoo
You can’t have a list of kid-friendly attractions in SC without including the Greenville Zoo. Here, kids and adults alike can observe and learn about different animals. There are lions, giraffes, primates, and various reptiles. Plus, the zoo also boasts a farm exhibit that houses domestic animals.
5. The Center for Birds of Prey
The Center for Birds of Prey in Charleston is definitely one of the best places to visit in South Carolina. Kids can attend a flight demonstration at the outdoor amphitheater before joining a virtually guided walking tour of the campus. If your kids are interested in birds, such as owls, falcons, hawks, eagles, and vultures, this is the destination for you.
6. Huntington Beach State Park
Huntington Beach State Park is a coastal preserve that boasts 2,500 acres of space. Here, you can stroll along the causeway while observing wildlife, go boating or fishing, take a bike ride or a hike, and even set up camp for the night.
There’s also a beach spanning 3 miles where you can relax while listening to the calming sound of the waves hitting the shore. And who could forget the historic landmark of Atalaya Castle? With countless activities in store, this state park is definitely one of the best kid friendly vacations South Carolina has to offer.
7. South Carolina State Museum
The South Carolina State Museum is four floors of absolute fun and education. It is home to multiple exhibits, a 4D interactive theater, a digital dome planetarium, and an observatory. The exhibits feature a wide range of focuses, including art, science, and history. If you want your kids to learn while having fun, this museum is a good place to start.
8. South Carolina Aquarium
Located in Charleston, the South Carolina Aquarium is every aquatic lover’s dream. The aquarium boasts plenty of exhibits, each one featuring a variety of animals. There’s a touch tank where kids can get a little more personal with invertebrates such as sea urchins, crabs, and starfish. There are even land animals from the mountains and foothills. Don’t forget to add the South Carolina Aquarium to your list of places to visit in SC!
9. Broadway at the Beach
Down in Myrtle Beach, there is a place for a more relaxed vacation where you can take everything in at your own pace. Broadway at the Beach is a large shopping and entertainment complex that’s divided further into themed spaces, including the New England Fishing Village, the Charleston Boardwalk, and Celebrity Square.
There are tons of shops to visit, restaurants and bars to sample, and theaters to explore. Broadway at the Beach also hosts several events throughout the year, including a regular fireworks display. There’s always something happening here, which makes it one of the fun things to do in South Carolina.
10. Fort Sumter National Monument
Fort Sumter National Monument is a sea fort situated on an artificial island. It was meant to shield Charleston from a naval invasion but was never really completed. Today, its ruins remain and continue to stand as a national monument. If you find yourself in the area, go take a look at Fort Moultrie while you’re at it. These two forts are truly some of the historic places to go in South Carolina.
A South Carolina Adventure
South Carolina is a beautiful and historic state, which is why many families flock to it every year. Whether you call it home or a vacation destination, there are always amazing places to visit in South Carolina with your kids.
