4 Days Exploring Charleston with the Kids

Fuel up for a day of history and exploration at Big Bad Breakfast. From staples like omelets and biscuit sandwiches to skillet dishes loaded with scrambled eggs and french toasted topped with fresh berries and whipped cream, Big Bad Breakfast takes breakfast seriously—and your stomach will be glad they do.

The first stop after breakfast is Fort Sumter. Located in the middle of Charleston harbor, this fort is where the Civil War began. Boats ferry visitors to the fort, and knowledgeable guides lead you around the site. 

Fort Sumter Tours is the only company authorized by the National Park Service to provide boat transportation to Fort Sumter. You can depart from either the Fort Sumter Visitor Center at Liberty Square, which is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or from the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum.

Kids usually enjoy the 30-minute boat ride across the harbor. If possible, sit on the outer deck for a better chance to see dolphins during the trip.

During the ferry ride to Fort Sumter, you’ll hear some interesting history to prep you for your visit. When you arrive, National Park Service rangers offer a brief, optional talk about the fort’s history and how to explore it. Check out the museum to see artifacts and learn how the fort was built. Walk around the grounds, look at the old cannons and markers, and enjoy the great views of the city from the top of the fort.

When it’s time for lunch, visit Jack's Cosmic Dogs. The menu is simple and fun, and the outdoor area lets kids play before heading back inside. The Tattooed Moose also offers great options for kids, such as Basket 'o' Corn Dogs and the Super Melty Grilled Cheese.

After lunch, visit Fort Moultrie. The now-silent sentinel of Charleston Harbor, Fort Moultrie was the site of the first major Revolutionary War battle on South Carolina’s coast, when the British attempted to seize Charleston in June 1776. Fort Moultrie’s construction from palmetto logs and sand caused the cannonballs fired at it to be absorbed or bounce back, helping to repel the British and earning the state its nickname.

After learning about the pivotal naval battle for the city of Charleston, find the black metal bench on the grounds of the visitor’s center. The "Bench by the Road" was placed there by Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Toni Morrison in memory of the thousands of slaves brought through Sullivan's Island—the entry point for nearly half of all captive Africans shipped to North America.

Before you end the day, spend some time at the beach. The shoreline on Sullivan’s Island is a relaxing spot where kids can collect seashells and splash in the water. For dinner, try Poe's Tavern, just two blocks from the beach. It’s named after Edgar Allan Poe, who spent thirteen months at Fort Moultrie during his time in the army. Poe’s Tavern has something for everyone, from chili cheese fries and quesadillas to burgers, salads and tacos.

Start your day with breakfast at Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit, famous for its piping hot, award-winning buttermilk biscuit sandwiches, or relax at Another Broken Egg Cafe, where the menu is large, portions are generous and there’s something for even the most selective eaters.

Next up is a Charleston favorite for families: the South Carolina Aquarium. Inside, you’ll find sea turtles, touch tanks and interactive exhibits that engage kids right away. Be sure to check the daily schedule before your visit—special programs and behind-the-scenes tours add an extra touch of wonder to the experience.

When lunchtime arrives, keep things relaxed and family-friendly at Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar. Their kids’ menu ensures there’s something for everyone, and their bar bites are perfect shareable dishes for adventurous eaters. Of course, a trip to Charleston isn’t complete without having some barbecue. With a fenced-in chalkboard garden, coloring sheets and pulled pork—or brisket—tacos on the menu, Home Team BBQ is perfect for stress-free family dining. 

Save room for something sweet from Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar. With tiramisu dessert cups, chocolate mousse tarts, gelato and even “drunken shakes,” Carmella’s is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

With something sweet in hand, continue the fun with a horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic district. You’ll find them near Charleston City Market, offering a fun way to see the city while giving little legs a rest. The guides keep things lively, and the horses are always a highlight.

If your crew still has energy to spare, go on a swashbuckling adventure exploring Charleston’s pirate history. Charleston Pirate Tours will take you to all the pirate hotspots while sharing captivating tales of pirates like the “Gentleman Pirate” Stede Bonnet, who was simply going through a midlife crisis, and Mary Read, whose bold escapades could make any teenager’s rebellion seem mild. Expect pirate lingo, lore and plenty of myth-busting along the way.

Ever wonder who sat at the same dinner table as you? Then head to Hyman's for dinner. A mainstay in Charleston for decades, the restaurant has placards at each table listing guests who have eaten there before, including celebrities like Kevin Costner, Sandra Bullock, Steve Harvey and Anthony Hopkins. The staff does a great job catering to children, and the menu is as deep and wide as the harbor.

At Rancho Lewis, pitmaster John Lewis shares his take on the food he grew up eating in El Paso. With street tacos, smoked brisket enchiladas and rancho fajitas for adults and burritos, cheese quesadillas and chicken tenders for kids, the menu is sure to please everyone.

Fuel up for your day with breakfast sandwiches from Holey City Bagels. Choose from a variety of bagels, including asiago, blueberry, egg, everything and rosemary salt, and select your spread—from butter to cream cheese to Nutella to strawberry jam. 

Today’s adventure starts with a walk across the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. It feels like a mini expedition for kids—wide paths, boats gliding underneath and plenty of spots to stop for photos. If little legs aren’t up for the walk, biking the span or driving across offer a simple way to enjoy those sweeping harbor views.

Once you cross the bridge, you'll arrive at Mount Pleasant Waterfront Park, a true gem near Charleston. The long pier extending under the bridge is ideal for spotting dolphins and boats, and the nearby playground gives kids a place to climb, swing and burn off some energy.

When it’s time to eat, keep things simple and family-friendly by the water. Pick up lunch from River Watch Cafe at the end of the pier—casual, quick and easy with plenty of kid-friendly options. If you’re up for a short ride, Page’s Okra Grill is a local favorite, offering generous portions and a menu that embraces Southern comfort in a way that appeals to everyone at the table.

From there, it’s just around the corner to an afternoon that feels larger than life at Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum. Kids can step aboard the massive USS Yorktown, explore tight submarine corridors and imagine life at sea. The hands-on exhibits and wide-open flight deck make it easy to turn history into something they can see and touch. Plan to take your time here—there’s plenty to explore.

When you’re ready to return, swap the road for the water. The Charleston Water Taxi makes the return trip part of the day’s adventure, with salty air, skyline views and perhaps even a dolphin sighting along the way. 

As the day comes to an end, relax at Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar, where the menu is diverse enough for everyone—from fresh seafood to kid-friendly favorites—and the setting, perched above the marsh, offers another chance to enjoy that Charleston light.