Keeping everyone in the family entertained throughout the year can be a bit of a challenge when it comes down to finding excursions the whole group will enjoy, but it doesn't have to be. We've put together a handy list of suggestions for things to do and places to explore in the coming months. Discover a world of family fun when you visit any (or all) of the following kid-friendly places in South Carolina:
1. Cypress Gardens' Butterfly House
Renewed and revived from years of closure after hurricane damage, Cypress Gardens is open once again and thriving! Head here for a day of outdoor exploration in the gardens including a boat tour. Also be sure to carve out enough time to enjoy the enormous 2,500-square-foot butterfly house. We're all aflutter over this awesome attraction within the gardens, and you will be, too. Learn more about it here.
2. Bee City Honey Bee Farm and Petting Zoo
Make a day of meeting adorable creatures and learning all about the art of cultivating honey with a swarm of bees at the little-known Bee City petting zoo. Come prepared to be wowed by this charming attraction and walk away feeling as if you've just discovered one of the best hidden secrets in the Palmetto State. Find out more in this previous article!
3. Sassafras Mountain Observation Tower
Head to border and the highest peak in South Carolina to visit the brand new (2019) observation tower at the tippy top of Sassafras Mountain. The kiddos will love planting one foot in North Carolina and the other in South Carolina while standing on the observation deck overlooking three states at once. Learn more and get a peek at the view at this link.
4. Devils Fork State Park
Get back to nature with some quality time together on one of the most beautiful lakes in the state. Everyone's summer should include some time on or in the crystal clear waters of Lake Jocassee at Devils Fork State Park. Camp, rent a cabin, picnic and swim, rent kayaks and canoes, and more. The possibilities are endless. Find out more about this awesome state park here.
5. Fishers Peach Orchard
Take a sweet little road trip over to Greer to pick your own peaches right from the orchard. Enjoy the fresh fruit and all the other kid-friendly activities you'll find at this family farm. Fill up on the details at this link.
6. Poinsett Bridge
Discover the beauty and wonder of the oldest bridge in the state, and possibly the entire southeast. The park that surrounds the old stone bridge is a lovely place to explore, and viewing the bridge from every angle will be a highlight of the day. See more photos and find out more at this link.
7. Congaree National Park
Adventure inside of South Carolina's only national park to discover miles of trails, including a boardwalk that leads past some of the tallest trees in America. The whole family will love visiting this underrated national park for the day... and it's free! Find out more in this previous article.
8. Richardson's Lake Water Park
Travel back in time to an old-fashioned water park perfect for a day of family fun. Richardson's Lake has been around for generations and offers endless fun throughout the summer. Discover more about this fun spot here.
9. Hunting Island State Park
South Carolina's most visited state park has plenty for the entire family to enjoy for the day, a weekend, or longer. Explore the lighthouse, take a hike through a maritime forest, camp, picnic, and swim on a pristine beach measuring nearly five miles long. Get the full scoop here.
10. Forty Acre Rock
Take a hike on a granite outcropping that's 14 acres in size. If the sheer size of Forty Acre Rock isn't enough to impress, the many sprite pools filled with colorful blooms will surely do the trick! The biodiversity found at this one spot in South Carolina is remarkable. Learn more at this link and then start planning your next adventure with the kiddos!
11. Ripley's Aquarium
Kids and kids at heart will love a visit to this fun attraction that features a 380-foot underwater trail where sharks swim within inches of your body. The aquarium's many attractions, hands-on exhibits, and more are plenty to keep everyone entertained for the entire day. Find out all about it here.
12. Chau Ram County Park
Take a hike on one of the many trails at this hidden county park in the upstate of South Carolina. The park's many activities and trails are ideal for any length excursion from an hour to all day. Explore waterfalls and even spend the night in the campground for an extended stay.Find out more at this link.
13. Kiawah's Beachwalker County Park
Most people don't realize Kiawah Island even has a public park, not to mention an amazing beach AT the park. Not only is it a hidden gem among the Charleston County Parks properties, it's also been named one of the BEST county parks in the country. Discover ten reasons why this park belongs on your bucket list this year.
How many of these wholesome family outings will go on your must-visit list in the coming months? Have another place you'd love to suggest for kid-friendly fun? Feel free to add it to this list in our comments!
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