When the rain pours down in Charleston, SC, don't let it dampen your spirits or the delightful smiles on your kids' faces. There are plenty of indoor attractions in this vibrant city that will keep both children and adults entertained for hours. From thrilling adventures to mind-bending puzzles, Charleston has a treasure trove of indoor gems that will make any rainy day an unforgettable experience.
In this article, we will unveil the top 10 indoor activities for kids, ensuring a day full of excitement, laughter, and happy memories. Whether your little ones dream of being pirates, crave high-flying thrills, or have a knack for solving puzzles, Charleston's indoor attractions have something for every child's imagination to run wild.
Let's dive into our list of the best rainy day activities in Charleston, where adventure and fun await at every turn.
Jump to places
- Children's Museum of the Lowcountry
- OutSlide In
- South Carolina Aquarium
- Summit Adventure Park Charleston
- Joe Riley Waterfront Park
- Escape in 60
- Wild Blue Ropes Adventure Park
- Pirates of Charleston
- Aiken-Rhett House Museum
- The Best Friend Train Museum
When rain threatens to put a damper on a family outing, the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry provides the perfect escape for young ones. With a range of hands-on exhibits designed for children under 10 years old, this attraction offers an abundance of activities to keep kids entertained for hours.
Visitors can expect an array of programs, camps, and classes, including yoga and dance, adding an extra dimension of fun and creativity. According to guests, this museum is a hit, with one mentioning that there are "lots of things to do" and that they and their children thoroughly enjoyed their visit.
Another visitor, whose 7-year-old child had a blast, dismissed concerns about the museum's size, noting that it was plenty spacious for their entire family to explore. So, when the rainclouds gather, head to the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry for a day of excitement and exploration.
Located in Charleston, OutSlide In is a fun-filled destination that is definitely worth visiting on a rainy day. People say that this point_of_interest offers an all-inclusive experience, where guests pay to enter and can stay all day or just for a few hours.
One unique feature that visitors appreciate is the option to take a wristband, allowing them to leave and come back later to play again as part of their entrance fee. With so many play options available, guests can enjoy hours of fun and entertainment.
The gated playgrounds provide a safe environment for children to explore, while the kid-friendly bathrooms ensure convenience for families. Visitors also appreciate the thoughtfulness of the staff, who are constantly walking around, resetting equipment, and monitoring the safety of the kids at play.
Additionally, the staff's attentiveness is evident through their regular cleaning of the playground area throughout their shift. With a requirement for socks (which can be purchased for $3.25 a pair), OutSlide In ensures cleanliness and hygiene for everyone.
Moreover, the presence of a "build a bear"-like section adds an extra touch of excitement and creativity to the overall experience. Parents can also indulge in their own inner child, making OutSlide In a perfect place for the entire family to enjoy and create lasting memories.
The South Carolina Aquarium is a massive aquarium that offers an overall experience filled with interactive exhibits and hundreds of creatures, including many native species. Visitors say that the employees at this place are simply wonderful, providing exceptional service to all guests.
Additionally, there are several interactive experiences available for both kids and adults, ensuring that everyone has a great time. One guest recommends purchasing tickets online at least one day in advance to save some money, and visiting on a nicer day for the best experience.
The aquarium has a great focus on teaching about the local species and conservation, which is highly appreciated by visitors. Guests also love the variety of exhibits, including the sting rays, turtle area, and the fascinating large tank. Not to mention, the adorable otters are a favorite among visitors.
With so much to see and do, guests typically spend about an hour exploring the South Carolina Aquarium and feel like they have seen everything.
Summit Adventure Park Charleston is a place worth visiting for families with kids on a rainy day. According to guests, this adventure park provides a wide range of activities that are perfect for children. Visitors say that the staff at Summit Adventure Park are not only helpful but also attentive, ensuring that everyone has a great time.
Additionally, one reviewer mentioned that the massage chairs provided great relief for their aching back. Another guest stated that their daughter had a blast playing for an hour and a half, and they were considering getting a membership to visit more often.
And while there may not be many options in the area, this reviewer found Summit Adventure Park and praised the reasonable price and cleanliness of the building. Visitors should note that socks are required for entry.
Summit Adventure Park Charleston Full Review
Located on the waterfront, Joe Riley Waterfront Park offers stunning views of the Cooper River, according to people who have visited this well-known park. With its large, open spaces, families have plenty of room to walk, run, or bike. Kids can have a blast at the park's several playgrounds and splash pads, while picnic areas with grills and tables provide the perfect spot for a family lunch.
The park also offers public restrooms and free parking, making it convenient for families with little ones. Some guests have mentioned that during peak times, the park can get crowded and there may be limited shade for picnicking. However, the park's beautiful waterfront location, trees, and benches provide some shady areas to cool off.
Moreover, visitors have praised the fountains, such as the pineapple fountain, and recommend wearing bathing suits for kids to fully enjoy the experience. Nearby, there are a few restaurants and an ice cream shop to satisfy those hunger cravings. Overall, Joe Riley Waterfront Park is a must-visit destination for families seeking outdoor fun, breathtaking views, and a chance for kids to cool off and have a fantastic time.
Joe Riley Waterfront Park Full Review
Escape in 60 is a perfect place to visit on a rainy day in Charleston SC. Visitors can enjoy an exciting bonding experience while exploring the challenging escape rooms. Specifically, people rave about "The Witch's Attic" room, where guests had an absolutely blast.
The game master not only provided helpful hints but also added an element of humor to the experience. Another guest mentioned that their gamemaster, Brooke, was super fun and friendly, creating a spooky and thrilling atmosphere in the scary kidnapping themed room.
With just 21 seconds to spare, the adrenaline rush felt upon escaping was incredibly satisfying. Overall, Escape in 60 is highly recommended for those seeking an entertaining and memorable time with their loved ones.
Located at Wild Blue Ropes Adventure Park, this is a place worth visiting on a rainy day in Charleston SC. Guests rave about the easy parking and the accommodating staff who make sure to meet your needs. With courses suitable for both kids and adults, visitors say that everyone in the group, including adults and children, can enjoy their adventure.
One reviewer mentioned that the explorer course, which is designed for kids and adults, is good for all ages. It's important to note, however, that this particular course is relatively short and doesn't last a full hour. For those seeking more of a challenge, there is also an advanced level course labeled with different complexity levels.
According to one guest, even experienced spelunkers found it challenging. Overall, the park is described as both child and adult-friendly, offering a great experience for the whole family. Plus, visitors appreciate the friendly and attentive staff, making their experience even better.
If you're looking for a fun and exciting rainy day activity, Wild Blue Ropes Adventure Park comes highly recommended by those who have visited.
Located in Charleston, Pirates of Charleston is worth visiting for families looking for a unique and exciting activity to do with their kids on a rainy day. According to visitors, this pirate adventure cruise is described as the highlight of their day.
With a crew that has it all down pat, everyone on board had a blast, from toddlers to teenagers. People say that the crew goes above and beyond to make sure every child feels included without being pushy. This is particularly important for shy kids who may be hesitant to participate initially.
Parents also appreciate that this is not just a sightseeing cruise, but a fun and engaging experience that immerses children in the pirate theme. So, if you're seeking a really great time out on the water with your kids, Pirates of Charleston is the place to go.
Pirates of Charleston Full Review
Tours of the Aiken-Rhett House Museum include a back lot where slaves lived. Visitors find it very informative and love that it’s preserved and hasn’t been restored. It is eye-opening to see how the enslaved people lived and what they went through in order to maintain the lifestyle of the Aikens and the home.
People really loved the self-guided audio tour and highly recommend it. They say it is worth the $15 fee, as it allows you to take your time and take it all in with no need to rush. The museum gives you a good idea of what life was like back then and takes you back into history.
The audio is interesting, informative, and necessary for a great experience. The whole experience is immersive and wonderful, leaving families loving it.
Looking for something quick, unique, and educational to do with your kids on a rainy day? The Best Friend Train Museum is a fantastic stop that both kids and adults will enjoy. Located just down from the children's museum, this cute little museum is full of knowledge about the history of the railroad industry and the impact that this little train had on the city.
Visitors say that it's not a huge area to cover, so you could just hop on here and explore. It is easily accessible as you leave the visitors center on your walk through downtown. People particularly appreciate the great information provided and the friendly and knowledgeable staff, as one guest mentioned, "John (or Jon) was knowledgeable and helpful.
I really enjoyed learning about this piece of Charleston history." Spend about 30 minutes learning about the train and Charleston's beautiful city and railroad at this kid-friendly museum.
