Puddles. Truly one of the simplest joys of childhood. On rainy days, my kids love to put on their rain boots and raincoats and take on the great outdoors. But unfortunately, puddle-jumping can’t last all day, and in my house neither can peaceful playtime. It’s only a matter of time before every square inch of the house is covered in toys and/or everyone (including momma) is crying.
But, I come with good news: a crowdsourced list of kid-friendly places to explore during less favorable weather.
Kid-Friendly Activities for Rainy Days
Charleston
South Carolina Aquarium (CHS)
- Want to pet a stingray or say hi to the turtles, otters, and jellyfish? Head downtown to the South Carolina Aquarium.
Charleston County Public Libraries (Countywide)
- Find your local library for programming information on the CCPL website. Interested in what else the library has to offer? Learn more about the experience of a local mom (a Charleston Moms contributor) here!
Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry (CHS)
- There are so many hands-on, interactive activities for kids of all ages. From gardening to grocery shopping and from painting to building with blocks, children are immersed in science, art, history, engineering, and more.
The Alley (CHS)
- Located in downtown Charleston, The Alley is a bowling alley and arcade. Note: there are three full-service bars inside, so be aware it is not catered specifically to children.
Mace Brown Museum of Natural History (CHS)
- Does your child like dinosaurs? This free museum displays almost 1,000 fossils, including dinosaur bones, crinoids, Oligocene mammals of North America, mosasaurs, cave bears, Pleistocene mammals of the Carolinas, ocean life through time, and fossil plants.
Redux Contemporary Art Center (CHS)
- It’s time for an art walk! Redux Contemporary Art Center provides contemporary art through diverse exhibitions.
Charleston Museum (CHS)
- Learn about the history of South Carolina’s Lowcountry at this remarkable museum. Children will especially enjoy Kidstory, a fun, hands-on exhibit that brings the history of Lowcountry to life.
West Ashley
OutSlide In (W. Ashley)
- Located in the Citadel Mall, OutSlide In is home to a giant indoor play structure with five slides, a toddler area, and a miniature city (a vet, a pizza shop, a grocery store, etc.) for imaginative play! There is a cafe with coffee, beer, and snacks for kids and adults.
Summit Adventure Park (W. Ashley)
- This indoor trampoline park offers regular jumping, dodgeball, basketball dunking, fitness classes, birthday parties, group events, and more.
Ashley Lanes (W. Ashley)
- This family-friendly bowling alley has a full-service kitchen and bar.
Mount Pleasant
Skyzone (Mount Pleasant)
- Wall-to-wall trampolines, a climbing wall, and foam pits galore. Have a young child? Little Leapers offers special time slots and prices for kids five and under.
A and R Workshop (Mount Pleasant)
- A and R workshop is a kid-friendly craft studio. From DIY-To-Go-Kits to in-person workshops, there’s something for everyone. Check their calendar for details, but most Saturdays offer workshops beginning at 10 am and Sundays at 2 pm. While they love reservations, they’re happy to have you pop in whenever!
Charleston Fun Park (Mount Pleasant)
- This amusement park has Go-Karts, a 36 Hole Mini-Golf Course, an Axe Throwing Arena, a Virtual Reality Roller Coaster, Bumper Cars, and a Full Arcade with Prizes and the all-new OMNI VR Battle Arena!
The Art Place (Mount Pleasant)
- Ready to paint? There’s pottery, canvases, glassware, birdhouses, and more. No reservations are needed at this walk-in studio.
Contender eSports (Mount Pleasant)
- Located in Mount Pleasant Towne Center, Contender eSports is a store with tons of gaming consoles for playing video games. This is a very popular option for middle school-aged children.
Patriots Point (Mount Pleasant)
- The naval and maritime museum on Charleston Harbor is home to the World War II aircraft carrier USS YORKTOWN. The YORKTOWN is one of the largest education and overnight camping programs in the nation, with more than 40,000 school-age children attending these programs each year.
Little Gym (Mount Pleasant)
- Little Gym is a children’s gym offering many types of classes and activities. Check out their website for detailed information about monthly drop-in event opportunities.
North Charleston
- Equipped with a toddler area designed specifically for children four and under, your young kids will be safe to explore and play. Bigger kids will enjoy the multi-level climbing structure. Everyone will enjoy the refreshment stand.
North Charleston Fire Museum (N. Charleston)
- Tours and exhibits provide a glimpse of the life of a firefighter and teach about the advancements in firefighting throughout time. Kids of all ages will love the interactive displays and hands-on equipment.
North Charleston Aquatics Center (N. Charleston)
- Let’s go for a swim! Check their website’s monthly calendar for a current open swim schedule. They offer monthly and daily rates that are less than $5 a person. Kids under two swim free.
Flight Adventure Park (N. Charleston)
- Have a little one? The Kidz Zone is perfect for energetic little ones. Have big kids? Flight Adventure Park has aerial silks, tightrope walking, a ninja warrior course, inflatables, an arcade, and more.
Palmetto Clayground (N. Charleston)
- Come relax and unwind in a place made for artists, by artists. Palmetto Clayground offers pottery and canvas painting, clay sculpting, and glass fusion. Walk-ins welcome.
Carolina Ice Palace (N. Charleston)
- The Carolina Ice Palace is a state-of-the-art facility featuring two NHL-sized ice rinks, a concession stand, and more. Check out their website for public skate times.
Summerville
Stars and Strikes (Summerville)
- The 55,000-square-foot facility houses 24 bowling lanes, a huge arcade and prize store, a multi-story laser tag arena, and bumper cars!
Bold Academy of Ninja and Gymnastics (Summerville)
- From gymnastics classes to martial arts, there is a little something for everyone. Sign up for a weekday class or visit the open gym on the weekend.
PepperJack Pottery (Summerville)
- Grab a paintbrush, it’s time to paint pottery at this fun art studio!
James Island
Terrace Theater (James Island)
- It’s movie time! Want to skip the concessions line? Order online!
Sea Star Nails (James Island)
- In need of a manicure or pedicure? This nail salon has three adorable kids’ chairs next to the adult chairs.
Goose Creek
Royal Lanes (Goose Creek)
- This 36-lane bowling alley features automatic scoring and bumpers for children, cosmic glow bowling, and parties!
Ladson
Mellow and Play Cafe (Ladson)
- Need a little adult time? Come to Mellow and Play Cafe and let your little one explore, play, learn, and interact with other children while you read, chat with friends, or just sit back and relax.
John’s Island
Red Barn Art Studio (John’s Island)
- Art classes at this studio are offered as drop-ins or as a monthly package. Follow their Instagram page.
