South Carolina with Kids

Located in the north-central region of South Carolina, the Settlemyre Planetarium is housed within the Museum of York County. A totally digital, full-dome theater, the planetarium offers programs on a wide variety of scientific topics. Visitors will watch in awe, as they learn about how to find constellations, moon positions, planets, and even the Milky Way Galaxy. The Settlemyre hosts specialty productions such as, Carolina Skies, The Halloween Show, and Spooky Space. Admission is free with museum entry. Shows run daily, although the planetarium is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

4621 Mount Gallant Road, Rock Hill, SC, Phone: 803-329-2121

The Children's Museum of the Lowcountry is a non-profit organization with a mission to create an inclusive and empowered learning environment for children and families with diverse backgrounds. The museum’s unique experiences stimulate curiosity and spark children’s imaginations via an emphasis on play. A number of different programs are offered throughout the year. Small Scientists Society explores scientific concepts that are developmentally appropriate for children ages three to five years old via a 12-week program. Art Room Surprise offers kids the chance to explore and create using a variety of different artistic mediums. Full-day camps are offered during spring, summer, fall, and winter breaks.

25 Ann Street, Charleston, SC, Phone: 843-853-8962

South Carolina State Museum hosts four floors of displays featuring history, art, natural history, and science and technology. A variety of permanent and changing exhibits are offered at the museum, which also houses a planetarium and an observatory. The on-site Stringer Discovery Center is a family engagement space full of activities designed for children ages six and under. A kid’s construction workshop, reading nook, tree house and a stage with costumes are a few of the attractions. During a month-long Halloween event, the museum transforms into Oz. Guests enjoy a 4-D viewing of The Wizard of Oz, themed activities, and an adventure along the yellow brick road. The museum offers day camps and field trips for school-aged children.

301 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC, Phone: 803-898-4921

The museum and railroad center offer a number of exciting attractions. The Main Street exhibit gives guests an opportunity to experience the life and culture of Native American tribes and early settlers, as well as life at the turn of the century. A cinema, general store, and railroad depot provide an interactive learning experience. The Carolina Cave and Doc Rhodes Gems and Minerals exhibits feature information about mining, gems and fossils; while the Epic Journeys exhibit narrates the world’s greatest animal migration stories. At the railroad center, lively tours of restored 1900s locomotives and train cars allow visitors to experience early American travel. Hours to The Museum Greenwood vary. Special events and summer day camps are offered.

120 Main Street, Greenwood, SC, Phone: 864-388-7800

Located in North Myrtle Beach, next to Barefoot Landing, Alligator Adventure is one of South Carolina’s most outstanding tourist attractions. Recognized as one of the biggest reptile facilities in the world, guests to the park will get an up-close-and-personal view of alligators, frogs, lizards, snakes, and tortoises. The animal park features other unique animals such as bobcats, squirrel monkeys, flamingos, and more. Daily shows give the audience a chance to experience live alligator feedings and snake handling. Hours vary throughout the year. Kids three and under are free.

Hwy 17 at Barefoot Landing, North Myrtle Beach, S.C, Phone: 843-361-0789

The 1771 Old Exchange Building is a Charleston landmark and the site of some of the most important and tragic events in South Carolina history. In the 1700s, the Exchange hosted political leaders as they debated and approved portions of the U. S. Constitution. The venue also entertained President George Washington by hosting a series of lavish dinners and events. Most notably, however, the Exchange was Charleston’s center for public slave auctions, making it one of the most harrowing landmarks in American history. The Provost Dungeon, located within the Exchange, held captive prisoners of war, British soldiers, private citizens, and enslaved people. Self-guided tours of the exchange are supported by on-site docents.

Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, 122 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC, Phone: 843-727-2165

The Children’s Museum of the Upstate has two locations. At the Greenville location, children of all ages are invited to explore, discover, and imagine within several specialty exhibits. In Great Outdoors, kids go on a camping adventure complete with tents, sleeping bags, canoe rides, and campfires. During Blast Off, kids explore physics concepts and technology within a wind tunnel and spaceship. Other learning environments include Grandma Betty’s Farm, Construction Zone, Climber, and more. The museums’ Spartanburg location specializes in interactive exhibits geared towards children five years old and under. A giant water table, tree house, and children’s market are just a few of the offerings. TCMU programs include story time, open art studio, science projects, and sensory-friendly activities.

300 College Street, Greenville, SC, Phone: 864-233-7755

130 Magnolia Street, Spartanburg, SC, Phone: 864-553-7952

The Center for Birds of Prey offers visitors a unique insight into the lives and adaptations of nearly 50 powerful bird species. Educational programs engage both children and adults in an awe-inspiring experience, which first includes a guided walking tour of the grounds, followed by a flight demonstration. During the flight demonstration, guests watch and listen as the guide describes the hunting and flying techniques of hawks, falcons, owls, eagles, and vultures soaring overhead. The center’s outdoor exhibit area consists of several aviaries housing more than 30 species of birds of prey. A tranquil, two-acre area of the property named Owl Wood is home to owls from around the world. Tours run Thursdays through Saturdays.

4719 Highway 17N, Awendaw, SC, Phone: 843-971-7474

Ghost City Tours of Charleston take place in Charleston's Historic District, within a 10-minute circumference of the area’s most popular hotels. Considered one of the most haunted cities in America, visitors will learn about the Holy City’s not-so-holy past. A history teeming with early pirates, bloody battles, crimes, vices and sin lends itself to a salacious tour experience. During the tour, guides lead a stroll to the area’s most haunted locations and introduce ghosts of the past through storytelling. The Ghosts of Liberty Tour is a family-friendly tour. The Death and Depravity Tour is best suited for adults and teens ages 16 years old up.

Charleston, SC, Phone: 888-859-5375