Outdoor Family Events & Park Activities in Charleston, Summerville & the Tri-County

Join us at Colonial Dorchester for a nighttime lantern tour of the park! Experiences this unique opportunity to see the park after hours and hear untold stories about the town. Ages 12 and up only. Preregistration is required!

The days are getting shorter and colder. The hardwoods are shedding their leaves and the growing season has reached its end. Will Charles Towne survive through the winter? Will there be enough food and resources? Come and see for yourself. This living history event will showcase some of the crafts and trades...

Step into the role of an archaeologist and uncover the stories hidden in broken dishes! In this hands-on activity, participants will piece together ceramic fragments to reconstruct vessels, just like researchers do in the lab. As you solve the puzzle, you’ll discover how archaeologists use these clues to understand...

Step inside the shelter at the Structure 2 excavation and discover what archaeologists have unearthed, thus far, at the site of one of Charles Towne’s most dynamic lots. Talk with a park educator about the intriguing finds that have been made here over the past decade and what the evidence tells us about the people...

Wee Warrior Time: a play session just for little ones and their grown-ups at Adrenaline Monkey. Kids climb, play and explore together with other kids their age. When: Sundays 10–11 AM and Saturdays 9–10 AM Who: kids 6 and under, with a parent Where: Adrenaline Monkey, 4950 Centre Pointe Dr, Suite 100, North...

Holiday market from the CHS Vegan Collective and Bangin' Vegan Eats at the Tupelo Shelter inside Wannamaker County Park: live music, food trucks and local vendors, all vegan. Wannamaker County Park charges a small per-person park entry fee.

The 35th annual Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park - a three-mile drive-through display with 750+ light scenes, the Festival Express train, a giant sand sculpture, marshmallow roasting, and the Enchanted Walking Trail. Open nightly mid-November through December 31; see ccprc.com for hours,...

Gear up for the Parking Lot Challenge, you will become master urban planners and civil engineers! Using physics, modeling and creative problem-solving participants will design, build and test their own miniature parking lots! Ages 6 to 11 Ashley River: Monday, November 16 from 4PM to 4:45PM (Register beginning...

The 35th annual Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park - a three-mile drive-through display with 750+ light scenes, the Festival Express train, a giant sand sculpture, marshmallow roasting, and the Enchanted Walking Trail. Open nightly mid-November through December 31; see ccprc.com for hours,...

Embrace Your Creativity in Nature! Prepare to unleash your artistic side in the park as you discover the marvels of the natural world with Eco-Explorers! Each week, we will present a new theme through an engaging story, explore the wonders of nature, and channel our creativity by crafting something inspired by...

The 35th annual Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park - a three-mile drive-through display with 750+ light scenes, the Festival Express train, a giant sand sculpture, marshmallow roasting, and the Enchanted Walking Trail. Open nightly mid-November through December 31; see ccprc.com for hours,...

Winter can be a challenge for our neighborhood wild birds and animals that do not hibernate. In this fun, hands on workshop, students will discover which local creatures stay active during the colder months and how we can help them thrive! Every child will create an easy bird feeder and a mini-water station to take...

Free all-ages play date hosted by The MomCo of Summerville with good old-fashioned outdoor recess games. Starts at noon - come when you can!

The 35th annual Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park - a three-mile drive-through display with 750+ light scenes, the Festival Express train, a giant sand sculpture, marshmallow roasting, and the Enchanted Walking Trail. Open nightly mid-November through December 31; see ccprc.com for hours,...

Fall is a great time to explore the beach. Join an experienced naturalist to familiarize yourself with many species that may be found there. We'll search for artifacts and living creatures along the beach such as molluscs, sponges, corals, and more. Share in the discovery by learning intriguing stories about...

The 35th annual Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park - a three-mile drive-through display with 750+ light scenes, the Festival Express train, a giant sand sculpture, marshmallow roasting, and the Enchanted Walking Trail. Open nightly mid-November through December 31; see ccprc.com for hours,...

Fall is a great time to explore the beach. Join an experienced naturalist to search for shark teeth and other beach artifacts. We'll discuss shark adaptations and biology while learning the secrets to searching for shark teeth. What to expect: Accessible parking, accessible restrooms, and accessible water...

Set-aside adventure time for homeschool students, with access to all the adventures. When: Fridays, 10 AM–3 PM Where: Adrenaline Monkey, 4950 Centre Pointe Dr, Suite 100, North Charleston Tickets: chs.adrenalinemonkeyfun.com

Live, local music in the gardens every Friday and Saturday afternoon, 3-6 PM. Free and open to the public - bring a picnic and find a seat.

Gear up for the Parking Lot Challenge, you will become master urban planners and civil engineers! Using physics, modeling and creative problem-solving participants will design, build and test their own miniature parking lots! Ages 6 to 11 Ashley River: Monday, November 16 from 4PM to 4:45PM (Register beginning...

The 35th annual Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park - a three-mile drive-through display with 750+ light scenes, the Festival Express train, a giant sand sculpture, marshmallow roasting, and the Enchanted Walking Trail. Open nightly mid-November through December 31; see ccprc.com for hours,...

It's artifact show and tell time! Artifacts help tell stories about a site, about the people that inhabited a place, and often about the interactions of those people with the broader world. Archaeological staff will have a table set up near the parking lot with a variety of artifacts from different excavation...

Ideas about what it means to be clean and how best to achieve it have changed dramatically over the centuries. Join a park educator to learn why the once-popular practice of bathing fell out of fashion in Europe during the early modern period. Discover the techniques that seventeenth-century Europeans and their...

Question: What technology do you use today that was used 5,000 years ago? Answer: Ink! Yes, people have been writing with ink since the ancient Egyptians and Greeks. To see how people made ink in the 1700s, stop by Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site and check out the process firsthand. You might be very...

Wee Warrior Time: a play session just for little ones and their grown-ups at Adrenaline Monkey. Kids climb, play and explore together with other kids their age. When: Sundays 10–11 AM and Saturdays 9–10 AM Who: kids 6 and under, with a parent Where: Adrenaline Monkey, 4950 Centre Pointe Dr, Suite 100, North...

Wee Warrior Time: a play session just for little ones and their grown-ups at Adrenaline Monkey. Kids climb, play and explore together with other kids their age. When: Sundays 10–11 AM and Saturdays 9–10 AM Who: kids 6 and under, with a parent Where: Adrenaline Monkey, 4950 Centre Pointe Dr, Suite 100, North...

The 35th annual Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park - a three-mile drive-through display with 750+ light scenes, the Festival Express train, a giant sand sculpture, marshmallow roasting, and the Enchanted Walking Trail. Open nightly mid-November through December 31; see ccprc.com for hours,...

Full-day adventure camp for ages 4–12: ninja warrior-style obstacle courses, climbing walls, and fun nutrition and science demos, with themes on teamwork, perseverance and leadership. When: Nov 23–25 & 27, 9 AM–5 PM Who: ages 4–12 Where: Adrenaline Monkey, 4950 Centre Pointe Dr, Suite 100, North Charleston...

The 35th annual Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park - a three-mile drive-through display with 750+ light scenes, the Festival Express train, a giant sand sculpture, marshmallow roasting, and the Enchanted Walking Trail. Open nightly mid-November through December 31; see ccprc.com for hours,...

Tiny Trekkers is back! Join us for a seasonal adventure as we explore the wonders of fall! Designed for ages 2-5, this Tiny Trekkers program will introduce young explorers to the changes happening all around us during autumn. We'll discover how leaves change color, learn how plants and animals prepare for the...

Join us as we explore how plants and animals prepare for the changing seasons! During this hands-on nature program, participants will discover why leaves change color in the fall, learn about incredible insect and animal migrations like the journey of the monarch butterfly, and investigate the different ways...

The 35th annual Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park - a three-mile drive-through display with 750+ light scenes, the Festival Express train, a giant sand sculpture, marshmallow roasting, and the Enchanted Walking Trail. Open nightly mid-November through December 31; see ccprc.com for hours,...

The 35th annual Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park - a three-mile drive-through display with 750+ light scenes, the Festival Express train, a giant sand sculpture, marshmallow roasting, and the Enchanted Walking Trail. Open nightly mid-November through December 31; see ccprc.com for hours,...

Charleston's 49th annual Thanksgiving morning race at Marion Square: a 5K at 9 AM and a Kids Fun Run at 10:30 AM. Register ahead; packet pickup is at the Marion Square expo the day before, with no race-day registration.

The 35th annual Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park - a three-mile drive-through display with 750+ light scenes, the Festival Express train, a giant sand sculpture, marshmallow roasting, and the Enchanted Walking Trail. Open nightly mid-November through December 31; see ccprc.com for hours,...

Set-aside adventure time for homeschool students, with access to all the adventures. When: Fridays, 10 AM–3 PM Where: Adrenaline Monkey, 4950 Centre Pointe Dr, Suite 100, North Charleston Tickets: chs.adrenalinemonkeyfun.com

Live, local music in the gardens every Friday and Saturday afternoon, 3-6 PM. Free and open to the public - bring a picnic and find a seat.

Skip the shopping and take in the fresh air at Colonial Dorchester for a special Black Friday hike! This ranger-led tour will take you on a walk throughout history as you enjoy the natural beauty of the park. Choose #OptOutsideSC!

The 35th annual Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park - a three-mile drive-through display with 750+ light scenes, the Festival Express train, a giant sand sculpture, marshmallow roasting, and the Enchanted Walking Trail. Open nightly mid-November through December 31; see ccprc.com for hours,...

Step inside the shelter at the Structure 2 excavation and discover what archaeologists have unearthed, thus far, at the site of one of Charles Towne’s most dynamic lots. Talk with a park educator about the intriguing finds that have been made here over the past decade and what the evidence tells us about the people...

Wee Warrior Time: a play session just for little ones and their grown-ups at Adrenaline Monkey. Kids climb, play and explore together with other kids their age. When: Sundays 10–11 AM and Saturdays 9–10 AM Who: kids 6 and under, with a parent Where: Adrenaline Monkey, 4950 Centre Pointe Dr, Suite 100, North...

Live, local music in the gardens every Friday and Saturday afternoon, 3-6 PM. Free and open to the public - bring a picnic and find a seat.

The 35th annual Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park - a three-mile drive-through display with 750+ light scenes, the Festival Express train, a giant sand sculpture, marshmallow roasting, and the Enchanted Walking Trail. Open nightly mid-November through December 31; see ccprc.com for hours,...

Wee Warrior Time: a play session just for little ones and their grown-ups at Adrenaline Monkey. Kids climb, play and explore together with other kids their age. When: Sundays 10–11 AM and Saturdays 9–10 AM Who: kids 6 and under, with a parent Where: Adrenaline Monkey, 4950 Centre Pointe Dr, Suite 100, North...

The 35th annual Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park - a three-mile drive-through display with 750+ light scenes, the Festival Express train, a giant sand sculpture, marshmallow roasting, and the Enchanted Walking Trail. Open nightly mid-November through December 31; see ccprc.com for hours,...

The 35th annual Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park - a three-mile drive-through display with 750+ light scenes, the Festival Express train, a giant sand sculpture, marshmallow roasting, and the Enchanted Walking Trail. Open nightly mid-November through December 31; see ccprc.com for hours,...

The 35th annual Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park - a three-mile drive-through display with 750+ light scenes, the Festival Express train, a giant sand sculpture, marshmallow roasting, and the Enchanted Walking Trail. Open nightly mid-November through December 31; see ccprc.com for hours,...

The 35th annual Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park - a three-mile drive-through display with 750+ light scenes, the Festival Express train, a giant sand sculpture, marshmallow roasting, and the Enchanted Walking Trail. Open nightly mid-November through December 31; see ccprc.com for hours,...

The 35th annual Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park - a three-mile drive-through display with 750+ light scenes, the Festival Express train, a giant sand sculpture, marshmallow roasting, and the Enchanted Walking Trail. Open nightly mid-November through December 31; see ccprc.com for hours,...

Winter is a great time to explore the beach. Join an experienced naturalist to search for shark teeth and other beach artifacts. We'll discuss shark adaptations and biology while learning the secrets to searching for shark teeth. What to expect: Accessible parking, accessible restrooms, and accessible water...

33rd annual Christmas Made in the South: hundreds of artists and makers demonstrating and selling handcrafted works - fine arts and crafts, handmade one-of-a-kind gifts, gourmet food and entertainment. Runs Fri-Sun Dec 4-6 (Friday 10am-5pm; check tickets page for weekend hours). Tickets via SimpleTix:...

Set-aside adventure time for homeschool students, with access to all the adventures. When: Fridays, 10 AM–3 PM Where: Adrenaline Monkey, 4950 Centre Pointe Dr, Suite 100, North Charleston Tickets: chs.adrenalinemonkeyfun.com

It's a bird! It's a plane! Nope, it's a rocket ship! Blast off with us as we travel beyond our planet Earth and explore outer space. We will discuss planets, stars, galaxies, and more during this special space study. What to expect: The program will begin and end under an open-air shelter. There are accessible...

Designed for children ages 6 to 9, this program introduces young learners to the history and nature at Colonial Dorchester. Have fun piecing together the crumbling past of the bell tower as it endured earthquakes and fires. Please bring water, snacks, and appropriate outdoor clothing.

The 35th annual Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park - a three-mile drive-through display with 750+ light scenes, the Festival Express train, a giant sand sculpture, marshmallow roasting, and the Enchanted Walking Trail. Open nightly mid-November through December 31; see ccprc.com for hours,...

Feel the ground shake beneath your feet and smell the brimstone as the Charles Towne Militia fires replica, 17th-century cannons. Charles Towne, established on the edge of England’s North American empire, faced many threats, especially from England’s longstanding rival: Spain. Wary of a Spanish attack, the English...

Guided bird walk.

Wee Warrior Time: a play session just for little ones and their grown-ups at Adrenaline Monkey. Kids climb, play and explore together with other kids their age. When: Sundays 10–11 AM and Saturdays 9–10 AM Who: kids 6 and under, with a parent Where: Adrenaline Monkey, 4950 Centre Pointe Dr, Suite 100, North...

Step into a winter wonderland and create your own magical snow globe scene! Young artists will use mixed media techniques to design a one-of-a-kind winter masterpiece. Come ready to create, get a little messy, and make some winter magic! — Location: Screened Porch Registration required (link above).

33rd annual Christmas Made in the South: hundreds of artists and makers demonstrating and selling handcrafted works - fine arts and crafts, handmade one-of-a-kind gifts, gourmet food and entertainment. Runs Fri-Sun Dec 4-6 (Friday 10am-5pm; check tickets page for weekend hours). Tickets via SimpleTix:...

A festive tour of the historic Magnolia house decked out in 1920s-style holiday decor - the evolution of Santa Claus, vintage ornaments, and Southern holiday traditions. Runs daily December 6 through January 6 ($12 plus regular garden admission).

He's making his list, and he's checking it twice - Santa Claus is most definitely coming to town. People with disabilities and their families are invited to a photo session with Santa at James Island County Park. Join us to experience the time-honored tradition of a visit with Santa Claus during dedicated hours in...

Wee Warrior Time: a play session just for little ones and their grown-ups at Adrenaline Monkey. Kids climb, play and explore together with other kids their age. When: Sundays 10–11 AM and Saturdays 9–10 AM Who: kids 6 and under, with a parent Where: Adrenaline Monkey, 4950 Centre Pointe Dr, Suite 100, North...

A festive tour of the historic Magnolia house decked out in 1920s-style holiday decor - the evolution of Santa Claus, vintage ornaments, and Southern holiday traditions. Runs daily December 6 through January 6 ($12 plus regular garden admission).

The 35th annual Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park - a three-mile drive-through display with 750+ light scenes, the Festival Express train, a giant sand sculpture, marshmallow roasting, and the Enchanted Walking Trail. Open nightly mid-November through December 31; see ccprc.com for hours,...

A festive tour of the historic Magnolia house decked out in 1920s-style holiday decor - the evolution of Santa Claus, vintage ornaments, and Southern holiday traditions. Runs daily December 6 through January 6 ($12 plus regular garden admission).

The 35th annual Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park - a three-mile drive-through display with 750+ light scenes, the Festival Express train, a giant sand sculpture, marshmallow roasting, and the Enchanted Walking Trail. Open nightly mid-November through December 31; see ccprc.com for hours,...

A festive tour of the historic Magnolia house decked out in 1920s-style holiday decor - the evolution of Santa Claus, vintage ornaments, and Southern holiday traditions. Runs daily December 6 through January 6 ($12 plus regular garden admission).

The 35th annual Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park - a three-mile drive-through display with 750+ light scenes, the Festival Express train, a giant sand sculpture, marshmallow roasting, and the Enchanted Walking Trail. Open nightly mid-November through December 31; see ccprc.com for hours,...

A festive tour of the historic Magnolia house decked out in 1920s-style holiday decor - the evolution of Santa Claus, vintage ornaments, and Southern holiday traditions. Runs daily December 6 through January 6 ($12 plus regular garden admission).

The 35th annual Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park - a three-mile drive-through display with 750+ light scenes, the Festival Express train, a giant sand sculpture, marshmallow roasting, and the Enchanted Walking Trail. Open nightly mid-November through December 31; see ccprc.com for hours,...

Calling all little trackers and detectives! We are on the hunt for animal evidence! Come help us explore animal tracks and see how we can tell where animals have been and where they might be going. Young children will channel their inner explorers as they enjoy nature through hands-on activities, games, music, and...

Set-aside adventure time for homeschool students, with access to all the adventures. When: Fridays, 10 AM–3 PM Where: Adrenaline Monkey, 4950 Centre Pointe Dr, Suite 100, North Charleston Tickets: chs.adrenalinemonkeyfun.com

Live, local music in the gardens every Friday and Saturday afternoon, 3-6 PM. Free and open to the public - bring a picnic and find a seat.

A festive tour of the historic Magnolia house decked out in 1920s-style holiday decor - the evolution of Santa Claus, vintage ornaments, and Southern holiday traditions. Runs daily December 6 through January 6 ($12 plus regular garden admission).

Children ages 8 and up are invited to a Silent Dance Party at Lincoln Recreation Center! This will be a unique party experience where all guests wear wireless glowing headphones. There will be two live DJs playing a variety of tunes, and attendees will have the ability to switch between two genres of music. — ...

The 35th annual Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park - a three-mile drive-through display with 750+ light scenes, the Festival Express train, a giant sand sculpture, marshmallow roasting, and the Enchanted Walking Trail. Open nightly mid-November through December 31; see ccprc.com for hours,...

Holiday lights and festivities at the park; runs on multiple evenings - check the park's page for all dates.

Step into 17th-century paintings and discover how artists captured daily life 350 years ago. In this hands-on program, you’ll become an artifact detective, searching for examples of real artifacts uncovered by archaeologists at Charles Towne Landing hidden in large, poster-sized Dutch masterpieces. As you explore,...

Wee Warrior Time: a play session just for little ones and their grown-ups at Adrenaline Monkey. Kids climb, play and explore together with other kids their age. When: Sundays 10–11 AM and Saturdays 9–10 AM Who: kids 6 and under, with a parent Where: Adrenaline Monkey, 4950 Centre Pointe Dr, Suite 100, North...

A festive tour of the historic Magnolia house decked out in 1920s-style holiday decor - the evolution of Santa Claus, vintage ornaments, and Southern holiday traditions. Runs daily December 6 through January 6 ($12 plus regular garden admission).

Enhance your archery skills with basic instruction and practice on our indoor range. Equipment will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. A registered and paid chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under. — Location: Schroder Rec Ctr

A festive tour of the historic Magnolia house decked out in 1920s-style holiday decor - the evolution of Santa Claus, vintage ornaments, and Southern holiday traditions. Runs daily December 6 through January 6 ($12 plus regular garden admission).

He's making his list, and he's checking it twice - Santa Claus is most definitely coming to town. People with disabilities and their families are invited to a photo session with Santa at James Island County Park. Join us to experience the time-honored tradition of a visit with Santa Claus during dedicated hours in...

Wee Warrior Time: a play session just for little ones and their grown-ups at Adrenaline Monkey. Kids climb, play and explore together with other kids their age. When: Sundays 10–11 AM and Saturdays 9–10 AM Who: kids 6 and under, with a parent Where: Adrenaline Monkey, 4950 Centre Pointe Dr, Suite 100, North...

The 35th annual Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park - a three-mile drive-through display with 750+ light scenes, the Festival Express train, a giant sand sculpture, marshmallow roasting, and the Enchanted Walking Trail. Open nightly mid-November through December 31; see ccprc.com for hours,...

A festive tour of the historic Magnolia house decked out in 1920s-style holiday decor - the evolution of Santa Claus, vintage ornaments, and Southern holiday traditions. Runs daily December 6 through January 6 ($12 plus regular garden admission).

The 35th annual Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park - a three-mile drive-through display with 750+ light scenes, the Festival Express train, a giant sand sculpture, marshmallow roasting, and the Enchanted Walking Trail. Open nightly mid-November through December 31; see ccprc.com for hours,...