South Carolina’s Lowcountry is the perfect place for the ultimate family getaway. Between the beach and downtown Charleston, there are tons of kid-friendly activities on Isle of Palms. So, pack those bags and get ready for the family beach trip of a lifetime! Don’t forget to request our free IOP Vacation Guide! It’s full of more activities, attractions, and restaurants in our area!
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Isle of Palms Kid-Friendly Activities You Need to Check Out
Visit the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry
Head to the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry and watch your child’s eyes light up. Here, children can learn through hands on fun and creative problem solving. This is a great activity on a rainy, too hot, or too cold day! It is a place where kids can be engaged and inspired in a safe and fun environment.
Have a Zipline Adventure
Take your vacation fun to new heights at The Charleston Adventure Forest (previously Charleston Zipline Adventures). This thrilling attraction is just 15 minutes from downtown Charleston in Awendaw, SC. They offer family-friendly fun including: ziplining, a climbing wall, kid camps, and animal encounters. Score bonus cool point with your kids when you add ziplining to your Isle of Palms vacation itinerary.
Jump at SkyZone
There are a plethora of indoor activities on Isle of Palm and beyond. SkyZone. is one of these thrilling destination. Visitors can jump to their heart’s content in a sea of interconnected trampolines. There is also the SkySlam court and a Parkour Course. SkyZone offer thrill-seeking fun for kids and adults.
Splash into Fun at a Waterpark
Did you know that Charleston County Parks has three different waterparks for visitors and locals to enjoy? Whirlin’ Waters is located within North Charleston Wannamaker County Park and offers island-style splash and exhilarating fun packed into over 15-acres. Splash Zone, a summer playground located within James Island County Park, provides hours of fun. Lastly, Splash Island is tucked within the tropical vegetation of Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park and provides recreation for toddlers, preteens, and beyond.
Spending Time on the Beach
The best kid-friendly activities on Isle of Palms revolve around the beach. There’s nothing quite like spending a day building sand castles, flying kites, relaxing under an umbrella, playing in the ocean, and reveling in the beautiful open space. Rent some beach equipment and spend quality time with your family creating lasting memories!
Head to the IOP Public Dock
The Isle of Palms Public Dock may be an overlooked spot for kids to enjoy. But who doesn’t love walking out on a dock, watching wildlife, eating a snack, fishing, launch a kayak, and more. Discover why this city amenity is something you and your kiddos should check out.
Explore the South Carolina Aquarium
The South Carolina Aquarium, located in Charleston, is a fun and education place for children and adults. Watch an incredible array of fish species in beautiful displays. You can also expect to see sharks, sting rays, and sea turtles. In addition to your self-guided tour, you can also enjoy education programs throughout the day.
Go Crabbing in the Area
Crabbing is a great kid-friendly activity that adults can have fun with as well! Rent equipment from a bait and tackle shop and head out to several of the prime crabbing spots across the bridge in Mount Pleasant.
Learn How to Surf
The relatively small waves on Isle of Palms make it the perfect place for your kids to learn how to surf. The swells here reach about a maximum of five to six feet on a rough day but typically stay between three to four feet. This allows kids (and adults) who want to ‘hang ten’ to safely test their skills without the intimidating waves at other beaches.
Rent a Paddleboard or Kayak
There are several places where can rent a paddleboard or kayak in the Charleston area. They offer lessons, tours, and regular rentals for on the island. It’s a fantastic kid-friendly activity on Isle of Palms that allows you to explore the beautiful inlets and waterways on the west coast of the island.
Explore Downtown Charleston
If you’re ready to take a break from the beach, historic and lively downtown Charleston is an incredible place to explore one day during your trip. The beautiful homes lining the Battery combined with the bustling Charleston City Market make for a memorable experience. There are plenty of kid-friendly activities here; especially the carriage rides through the historic districts. Kids will also love exploring Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum, Fort Sumter, and Boone Hall Plantation (all of which are in the Charleston Harbor and Mount Pleasant).
Cast a Line Out
Another one of the top kid-friendly activities on Isle of Palms is fishing. You can rent or bring your fishing gear and head out to the IOP fishing pier for a day of fun in the sun. Surf fishing from the beach is also an option! Just make sure that you purchase your South Carolina fishing license before you visit!
Book an Eco Tour
Kids will love embarking on an eco tour on Isle of Palms. Barrier Island Eco Tours and Coastal Expeditions are the two primary tour companies on the island and provide a variety of excursions, including dolphin cruises, wildlife expeditions, and shark fishing.
Book Your East Islands Rentals Home
Here at East Islands Rentals, we treat our guests like family. And that’s why we offer a collection of premium beach homes with excellent locations on Isle of Palms. Our oceanfront homes provide you with breathtaking views of the beach every morning you wake up. Spend your afternoon relaxing on your deck relaxing with your favorite drink and taking in the stunning views. Make sure you check out our guest services for babysitters, grocery delivery, and more!
Plan your beach trip by booking one of our homes today! We look forward to welcoming you to the East Islands Rentals family!