Top 5 Summer Activities for Families in the Charleston Area

Are your kids already complaining about being bored this summer? We’ve got you covered! Check out our short and sweet list of activities around Charleston that your family and kids are bound to love this summer. We created this list in 2024, but even if you're reading in another year, these activities and programs are usually repeated each summer. Don’t miss the last one – it’s an amazing free program that every resident of Summerville should know about!

1. Free Bowling at Stars and Strikes

What better way to kick off our family-friendly summer activity list than with something free? First on our list is Stars and Strikes, a bowling and arcade center off Ladson Rd in Summerville. They are repeating their kids bowl free program this summer. Here are the details:

• Dates: April 22, 2024, to August 16, 2024

• Availability: Two free games every day except Sundays

• Time Restrictions: Before 5 pm on weekdays and before noon on Saturdays

• Cost: Only pay for shoe rental

In addition to free bowling, they offer weekly specials for program participants. For example, during the week of June 24th, the promotion is buy one arcade card, get one free – perfect for families with multiple kids. And since it’s indoors, it’s a great option for rainy days or escaping the summer heat!

2. Visit Local Water Parks

Next on our list is visiting local water parks. The tri-county area boasts four water parks with activities ranging from large water slides to splash zones, wave pools, and lazy rivers. Three parks are within the Charleston County Park system, and one is privately owned:

• Whirlin’ Waters: North Charleston, Wannamaker Park

• Splash Island: Mount Pleasant, Palmetto Island County Park

• Splash Zone: James Island County Park

• Charleston Aqua Park: Trophy Lakes on Johns Island (includes water skiing, kayaking, frisbee golf, and more)

For the water parks associated with Charleston County, you can pay a daily admission or purchase a season pass for unlimited visits. For Charleston Aqua Park, reserve 45-minute sessions for $18.

• Info on Charleston County Water Parks: https://ccprc.com/1657/Waterparks

• Info on Charleston Aqua Park: https://www.charlestonaquapark.com/

3. Berry Picking

Berry picking is a classic summer activity, and we just had to include it! While strawberries are a springtime favorite, summer brings blackberries and blueberries. Our top pick is Hickory Bluff Farm in Holly Hill, just a 30-minute drive from Summerville. Their blackberry slushy is the perfect refreshing summertime beverage.

• Hickory Bluff Berry Farm: https://www.facebook.com/myberryfarm

• Myers Blueberries: https://www.facebook.com/Myersblueberries/

4. Attend a Charleston RiverDogs Game

Summertime and baseball go hand-in-hand, so you must visit “The Joe” – Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park, home of the Charleston RiverDogs. Enjoy America’s favorite pastime with regular games throughout the summer and special promotions like Dog Day Tuesdays, Thirsty Thursdays, and Fireworks Fridays. Take your kids out to the ballgame for an unforgettable experience!

5. Utilize Your Library Card for Free Attractions

This one is a game-changer! If you don’t have a library card yet, you’re missing out. Join your local library in Dorchester or Berkeley County and take advantage of reciprocal cards – show your ID at the other county’s library to get a free card for their system as well.

Dorchester County library system offers passes to local attractions, including:

• South Carolina State Parks

• Dorchester County Parks

• The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry

• The South Carolina Aquarium

Passes are checked out individually, with loan periods ranging from 1 to 2 weeks. For instance, an aquarium pass is good for a full week of unlimited visits, and state park passes are valid for two weeks – perfect for a summertime road trip. Berkeley County residents can use these passes with their reciprocal library cards too!

Conclusion

Now that you have a solid list of family-friendly summertime activities in Summerville, go out and have some fun! With scorching temperatures soon, outdoor daytime fun might be challenging. Stay tuned for our next monthly blog, where we’ll cover perfect evening activities in Charleston, focusing on date night ideas with a few family-friendly options.

If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about the Charleston area or considering moving here, please reach out! We’re here to be your community and real estate experts.

Happy Summer!