Outdoor Family Events & Park Activities in Charleston, SC

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.

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...

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 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...

Learn the basics of skateboarding in a safe and fun environment! Little to no experience skateboarding is necessary. Students will be taught the components of a skateboard, proper safety equipment, skate park etiquette, determining stance: Regular or Goofy, foot placement on the board, pushing, carving, keeping...

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,...

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,...

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,...

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,...

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...

Enhance your archery skills on our six-target archery range and 3D course at Johns Island County Park. Bring the kids, enjoy basic instruction, and we'll explore both ranges. Equipment will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. A registered and paid chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under. ...

Presented in honor of Native American Heritage observances, this McLeod Plantation foodways program explores the Indigenous food traditions of eastern South Carolina's coastal and river communities. Through storytelling, food history, and tasting, participants will learn how fish, corn, seasonal plants, and wild...

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,...

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,...

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,...

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,...

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...

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,...

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,...

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...

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,...

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...

A local holiday market at Johns Island County Park with area makers and vendors - a good spot for handmade gifts.

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: Lincoln Rec Ctr

Celebrate the holiday season at our one-day Art in the Park program, where participants will create festive crafts, play fun reindeer-themed games, and enjoy holiday music. Join us for a day filled with creativity, laughter, and tasty treats as we make lasting holiday memories together! Registration required to...

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...

Meet Santa Claus on the Great Lawn in front of Magnolia House, with holiday crafts and warm treats for the whole family.

The City of Charleston's annual Holiday Parade steps off at Broad and Rutledge, travels Broad Street to Meeting Street and ends at Marion Square, followed by the city tree lighting around 5 PM. Details may be updated by the city closer to the date.

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,...

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,...

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,...

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

While you're chatting with jolly old St. Nick, our professional photographer will take photos of your group of up to 5 people with Santa. If your group has more than 5 people, please book multiple spots. You'll receive the full digital package with all images of your visit. No personal photography will be allowed....

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...

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,...