Charleston with Kids: 30 Best Things To Do in Charleston, SC

Take advantage of the warm weather and gorgeous beaches in Charleston. Photo courtesy of Wild Dunes Resort

It's easy to see why Charleston, SC, regularly tops the lists of America’s most visit-worthy cities. Beautiful beaches and waterways, leafy streets and parks, gorgeous architecture, and a thriving cultural scene mean there are always things to do in Charleston, SC. And it certainly doesn’t hurt that Charleston is one of the best food cities in the country.

Best of all, Charleston is especially fun to visit with kids. It’s easy to get around, the weather is almost always nice (even though summer can be sticky and humid), and the overall vibe is incredibly welcoming to families. Plus, there are so many things to do in Charleston, SC with kids that our family has been vacationing there and the neighboring barrier islands for over a decade.

Here are the 30 best things to do in Charleston, SC with kids, including great Charleston hotels and the best restaurants in Charleston, SC for families. For more family adventures in the south, check out our Southern US Family Travel Guide.

Healthy Restaurants in Atlanta That Kids Will Love

Every bowl combination at Gusto is delicious, as well as the kids' Cheese Foldies with choice of protein (not pictured here). Photo courtesy Gusto

As the new year begins, many families work to make better, healthy food choices. And Atlanta healthy restaurants offer a variety of options that not only taste good, but are also good for you. Sure we at Mommy Poppins love the occasional frozen treat and slice of cake, but for everyday nutrition, we prefer our kids to eat a wholesome meal that hits all the food groups. Whether your kids are snackers, pickers, dessertaholics, anti-green eaters, or something in between, we've rounded up our favorite healthy restaurants in Atlanta sure to please the entire fam!

It's important to note that these healthy restaurants aren't focused on weight loss, low sugar, etc.; they offer fresh ingredients, wholesome recipes, customizable options, vegetarian-friendly meals, and a welcome space for all eaters.

Dinosaurs Roar into Orlando with the Jurassic World Live Tour in January

Don't be fooled by those tiny arms--the dinosaurs at Jurassic World Live Tour are terrifying! Photo courtesy Feld Entertainment

Get your budding paleontologists and little dinosaur fanatics ready! The Jurassic World Live Tour returns to the Amway Center January 13-16, bringing the thrills of Jurassic World to audiences of all ages. Watch as your favorite dinosaurs from the hit film franchise take center stage in this live arena production. Fans can see Blue, everyone’s favorite Velociraptor, as well as a 40-foot-long Tyrannosaurus Rex and dozens more life-size dinosaurs operated by animatronics and performers.

Igloos, Carhops, and Greenhouses: Fun Chicago Outdoor Restaurants for Winter Family Dining

Try outdoor winter dining in an igloo. Photo courtesy of the Lakefront Restaurant's Facebook page

One idea that became extremely popular during the pandemic is outdoor dining and private dining experiences. From igloos to greenhouses, and heated outdoor patios, we've rounded up some of our favorite outdoor dining experiences. When you're in need of a fun outdoor gathering without freezing in the cold, these restaurants have you covered. 

For more family-friendly restaurants check out our picks for the best family-friendly restaurants in Chicago. Any of these spots pair nicely with one of our kid-friendly winter activities.

Long Island City Waterfront with Kids: 20 Fun Things To Do

Gantry Plaza State Park has plenty of eye candy for parents to enjoy while kids climb and play. Photo by Sydney Ng

When I first moved to Long Island City, Queens, back in 2008, it was the perfect place for a bachelor living it up in the city in his mid-20s. It was up-and-coming with indie comedy clubs, late-night hangs, and 2am eggs at the Court Square Diner. Back then, I couldn't fathom that 15 years and 2 kids later, I would return to Long Island City and find it an equally ideal place to raise my kids.

The neighborhood's family-friendly vibes are not unique to those of us who live here. Long Island City has become the ideal hot spot full of things to do morning, noon, and night, thanks in large part to its beautiful waterfront. Hunters Point South Park, known as The Gantry to locals—and instantly recognizable by its iconic Pepsi sign—has grown into New York City kid heaven. Read on for 20 fun things to do on the Long Island City waterfront with kids, and find more fun local neighborhoods and haunts to explore in our NYC Kids Neighborhood Guide.

Mission Trips for Teens: 7 Summer Service Programs That Help Kids Give Back

Visions Service Adventures leads mission trips for teens to a variety of locations.

If your teen is looking for an enriching summer experience but has aged out of summer camp, embarking on one of these mission trips or service projects for teens could be a good fit. While teens can stick around and enjoy a summer internship in NYC or try to nail down a summer job, these summer service projects offer a different kind of real-world experience that allows kids to travel while giving back.

Each of these summer programs offers a service-oriented experience allowing teens to immerse themselves in a foreign culture while helping local communities and assisting in conservation projects, teaching teens empathy, leadership skills, and cultural appreciation in the process. On many of these mission trips, there's an opportunity to enjoy recreational activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, sightseeing, hiking, and cultural exploration, too.

Ready to explore? Read on for seven orgs offering mission trips for teens and find more teen-approved things to do in our NYC Teens Guide.

Visiting the Long Island Children's Museum with Kids

A collaborative effort takes place in LICM's TotSpot. Photo courtesy of the museum

Visiting the Long Island Children's Museum in Garden City is a must-do activity for Long Island kids. The museum is home to more than 10 regular exhibits and also has rotating, seasonal shows throughout the year. 

The museum's facilities range from a play space geared toward toddlers to climbing structures for older kids. The institution also hosts regular classes and is a popular spot for birthday parties. Read on for a rundown of all its features. 

Find out more about Long Island's many cultural institutions in our Museums and Art Guide for Long Island Kids

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