Established back in 1676 by the Drayton family, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is widely acknowledged to be one of America’s oldest and most beautiful public gardens. Children will enjoy visiting the on-site Zoo and Nature Center where they can meet and pet a variety of animals native to South Carolina. When everyone needs a break from walking you can board the Nature Train for a 40-min guided tour of the 600-acre gardens and wildlife habitats, or hop aboard for a Rice Field Boat Tour (to look for alligators and water birds). There are several other attractions which older children will enjoy including the Audubon Swamp Garden and Sunday morning guided bird walks.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, 3550 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, SC 29414, Phone: 843-571-1266

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