Teenagers are notorious for trying to duck out of quality family time. Am I right? Time spent with friends seems to take precedence over time spent with anyone who shares the same address as them. It’s not a bad thing but an expected developmental milestone that most teens go through.
Our kids’ newfound desire for independence can feel strange and sad to us as parents, even though we know it’s normal. They’re not begging for our attention anymore and that’s both liberating and a little heartbreaking.
Even though it may not happen as often as when they were little, spending time together is still important for families. It’s an opportunity to check in on your kids’ mental well-being, to get to know them as older versions of themselves, and to laugh together.
Here are some fun activities to do with your teen in the Mount Pleasant and Awendaw area:
For the Crafty Teen
- AR Workshop (Coleman Boulevard, Mount Pleasant) – This craft studio offers a wide range of art projects to complete on-site or via their DIY-To-Go kits. Teens may be especially interested in the plank sign, jewelry organizer, and chunky knit blanket projects. They’ll love the freedom of choosing their own aesthetic through design elements and paint colors for their project. The studio offers regular hours as well as a calendar of workshops.
- PlantHouse (Coleman Boulevard, Mount Pleasant) – PlantHouse is a terrarium workshop meets houseplant store hybrid. They offer pop-in DIY terrarium building and scheduled specialty group classes led by an instructor. You will get to hand-pick your own succulents, air plants, glass container, and decor to incorporate into your project. And your teen will learn about responsibility with a new plant to keep alive.
- The Art Place Studio (Long Grove Drive, Mount Pleasant) – This studio offers a variety of different projects that will interest your teen: paint your own pottery, canvas painting, fused glass, and clay building. It’s open as a drop-in spot and also offers scheduled workshops. Choose their “Party To Go” option to work on a ceramic project at home. Bring it back to the studio where they’ll glaze and fire it for you.
For the Active Teen
- Go for a walk – There are so many beautiful places to explore in the Mount Pleasant and Awendaw area. Walking with your teen allows them to open up more easily than if you were talking face-to-face. There’s something about moving together while side by side that feels less threatening to kids. Walking helps teens connect with you, share their feelings, and discuss what’s on their minds. Go for a walk on the beach, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, the nature trails at Palmetto Islands County Park, or along the salt marsh of Awendaw Passage.
- Charleston Zipline Adventures (Guerin’s Bridge Road, Awendaw) – Bond over an adrenaline rush at Charleston’s only recreational zip line park. The park is set on ten acres with seven zip lines that take you flying through the treetops. The adventurous teen will love it; the cautious teen will feel a sense of accomplishment once they face their fears and make it through the course. They also have a 60-foot-high climbing wall on site. Advanced registration is required.
- Paddle the waterways of Mount Pleasant – There are so many beautiful spots to explore along the rivers, creeks, and marshes. Rent a kayak or paddleboard for the day or join a scheduled guided tour. Coastal Expeditions, Nature Adventures, and Sea Kayak Carolina have rental locations on Shem Creek and will teach beginners the basics of paddling. Enjoy a relaxing day on the water with your teen. You may even spot some dolphins or a gator!
For the Music Loving Teen
- Barn Jam at Awendaw Green (Route 17 North at Seewee Outpost, Awendaw) – Take your teen out for a laid-back Wednesday night of live music at this unique venue in the woods of Awendaw. The entry fee of $10 per person (cash only) gets you at least 3-4 hours of original music performed by local and out-of-town acts. You can bring your own food and drinks or purchase items on-site. This weekly community gathering has good vibes for all ages.
For the History Buff Teen
- Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum (Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant) – Patriots Point is South Carolina’s largest museum and home of the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier. You and your teen will have access to three Navy vessels, 28 historic aircraft, the Medal of Honor Museum, and a fantastic view of the Ravenel Bridge for selfies. Consider booking an overnight stay through their Operation Overnight program and live like a sailor on the Yorktown!
- Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens (Long Point Road, Mount Pleasant) – This working plantation offers a house tour, live presentation of Gullah culture, Black History in America exhibit, tractor tour of the grounds, and seasonal garden tour. As a plantation that once housed many slaves, Boone Hall embraces the responsibility of presenting its history of slavery in an honest and educational manner. Visiting this site may generate some important discussions with your teen about racism, prejudice, and South Carolina’s oppressive past.
For the Teen Gamer
- Contender eSports (Towne Center, Mount Pleasant) – Can’t rip your teen away from their video game? If you can’t beat them, join them at Contender eSports. This center offers gaming stations, tournaments, and all the hottest games on the market. You can pay by the hour or choose from a range of membership options. They frequently host special events and themed nights that your kid will be psyched to attend.
Additional Quality-Time-With-Your-Teen Ideas:
- Visit a local coffee shop for a beverage and conversation.
- Watch a Charleston Battery soccer game together.
- Go fishing or crabbing from the Mount Pleasant Pier.
- Take an art class together at Blair Center for the Arts.
- Visit The Center for Birds of Prey.
- Stroll around the Mount Pleasant Farmers Market on a Tuesday afternoon.
- Race go-carts or play mini-golf at Charleston Fun Park.
Please drop a comment below on local things you and your teenager like to do together. We’d love to hear from you!
