7 Best Family Activities Near Isle of Palms Beach

Looking for fun family activities near Isle of Palms Beach? Here’s a quick guide to the top 7 activities that cater to all ages, whether you’re traveling with toddlers, teens, or grandparents:

1. Isle of Palms County Park: Relax on pristine beaches with lifeguards, a playground, and picnic areas. Arrive early to secure parking!
2. Charleston Fun Park: Enjoy go-karts, mini-golf, bumper cars, and VR games. Great for indoor and outdoor fun.
3. Splash Island Waterpark: Cool off with water slides, pools, and interactive features. Perfect for kids under 12.
4. Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry: Hands-on exhibits like a pirate ship, art studio, and science lab for curious minds.
5. South Carolina Aquarium: Explore marine life, touch tanks, and the famous Great Ocean Tank with sharks and sea turtles.
6. Charleston Zipline Course: Thrilling zipline adventures for all ages, with courses for kids and adults.
7. Dolphin Watching Tours: Spot wild dolphins and enjoy scenic boat rides near Isle of Palms.

Quick Comparison

These activities offer a mix of beach relaxation, educational fun, and thrilling adventures, ensuring your family getaway is packed with memories. Ready to start planning?

Charleston’s BEST indoor activities for families

1. Isle of Palms County Park Beach Day

Kick off your day at Isle of Palms County Park, where pristine beaches and modern amenities come together to create the ultimate family beach outing.

The park offers a designated swimming area, with lifeguards ensuring safety during the season. Lifeguard services are available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., starting on weekends from May 17 and transitioning to daily coverage by Memorial Day.

If you need beach gear, rentals are available:

Beyond lounging on the sand, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained. The park features a sand volleyball court, a children’s playground with a sandy surface, and a shaded picnic area complete with grills and accessible tables – perfect for a mid-day break.

The park also boasts convenient facilities, including clean restrooms, outdoor showers, and changing rooms. Accessibility is a priority, with beach wheelchairs available on a first-come, first-served basis, as well as boardwalks and ramps designed for easy access.

Parking Tips You Should Know:

• The park has 445 parking spaces, but they fill up fast – often by 10:30 a.m. on weekends and holidays.
• Parking fees vary by season:
  • May through Labor Day: $15 Monday–Friday; $25 on weekends and holidays.
• Walk-ins and cyclists can enter for free.

To secure your spot, consider arriving early or carpooling. Once the lot is full, about 20 vehicles can queue for entry.

2. Charleston Fun Park Games and Rides

Just a short drive from Isle of Palms Beach, Charleston Fun Park in Mount Pleasant is packed with indoor and outdoor attractions, making it a great spot to visit no matter the weather. It’s a perfect addition to the outdoor fun you’ll find at Isle of Palms.

Attractions & Pricing

Here’s a quick look at what you can enjoy at Charleston Fun Park:

If you have the Charleston Tour Pass, you can redeem two Premium Attraction tickets per person (a $20 value) for go-karts, mini-golf, or bumper cars.

Additional Perks

The park runs several promotions to make the experience even better. Some of the deals include:

• Buy five go-kart races, pay for only four.
• Two-for-one mini-golf games.
• Buy three OMNI VR battles, get one free.

Need a snack? The concession stand serves up tasty treats like hot dogs, warm pretzels, and Dippin’ Dots ice cream. If you’re planning a celebration, the park also offers party packages with private spaces and customized attraction options.

Hours & Location

Charleston Fun Park’s operating hours are:

• Monday–Thursday: 2–9 PM
• Friday: 2–11 PM
• Saturday: 10 AM–11 PM
• Sunday: 11 AM–8 PM.

You’ll find the park at 3255 N Hwy 17, Mount Pleasant, making it a convenient stop for families exploring the area.

3. Splash Island Water Activities

Splash Island Waterpark, nestled in Palmetto Islands County Park, is the perfect spot for families looking to beat the heat. This seasonal waterpark is packed with fun features designed for toddlers through pre-teens, offering a little something for everyone.

Water Attractions

With a variety of attractions, Splash Island ensures kids of all ages have a blast:

2025 Season Schedule

Mark your calendars! Splash Island operates on a seasonal schedule, offering plenty of opportunities for summer fun:

• May 17–25 (Weekends Only)
  • Saturday: 10 AM – 6 PM
  • Sunday: 1 PM – 6 PM
• Memorial Day (May 26)
  • 10 AM – 6 PM
• May 30–August 3 (Daily Operation)
  • Monday–Friday: 10 AM – 5 PM
  • Saturday: 10 AM – 6 PM
  • Sunday: 1 PM – 6 PM
  • Holidays: 10 AM – 6 PM

Admission & Amenities

Entry to the waterpark is affordable, with a range of pricing options to suit your needs:

• General admission: $9.99 per person
• After 3 PM (Monday–Friday, non-holidays): $7.99
• Children under 48": $8.99
• Seniors (60+): $6.99
• Children 2 and under: Free
• Groups of 20 or more: $8.99 per person

Additionally, there’s a $2 per person park entrance fee for Palmetto Islands County Park. The park also offers convenient amenities like restrooms, shower facilities, and locker rentals.

Safety Measures

Safety is a top priority at Splash Island. Professional lifeguards, trained by Jeff Ellis and Associates International Pool and Waterpark Program, are always on duty to keep an eye on all water activities. To ensure a safe experience:

• Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Kids 8 and under should remain within arm’s reach of their guardian.

"Wonderful place to take your children to cool off on a hot summer day." – Stookie, Mount Pleasant, SC

Visitor Tips

To make the most of your visit, here are a few helpful tips:

• Pack a lunch! The park allows visitors to enjoy their meals in designated picnic areas outside the gate.
• Take advantage of the shaded areas and seating spread throughout the park.
• Reviewers on TripAdvisor often highlight the attentive lifeguards and family-friendly setup, making it a great choice even for short trips.

Whether you’re planning a full day or just a quick outing, Splash Island Waterpark promises a refreshing and memorable experience for the whole family!

4. Lowcountry Children’s Museum Exhibits

Just a short drive from Isle of Palms, the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry (CML) is a treasure trove of hands-on exploration. With seven indoor exhibits and an outdoor area, this museum combines education and fun, making it a fantastic indoor option to balance out the beach and other open-air activities nearby.

Featured Exhibits

Special Programs

The museum offers engaging activities for different age groups:

• Early Connections: Designed for children aged 0–3, this program runs on Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:00 AM.
• Full STEAM Ahead: Perfect for kids aged 5–8, this program dives into science, technology, engineering, art, and math. It’s held on Thursdays and Sundays at 1:00 PM. Both programs are included with admission.

Visiting Hours & Admission

Hours of Operation:

• Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Members enjoy early access from 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM.

Admission Prices:

• General admission: $15
• Advance online tickets: $13
• South Carolina residents: $13
• SNAP, WIC, or Foster Family: $3 per person
• Children under 1 year: Free
• Annual family membership: $160

Accessibility Features

To ensure every family has a comfortable visit, the museum offers accessibility kits. These include noise-reducing headphones, weighted lap mats, fidget toys, and visual schedulers.

"Engage young children’s potential by inviting families of all backgrounds to explore environments and experiences that spark imagination and stimulate curiosity through the power of PLAY." – Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry

Visitor Tips

For the best experience, plan to arrive at opening time to avoid crowds. Start your visit in the art studio for some uninterrupted creativity, and take advantage of the quieter spaces for calm moments, like a relaxing reading session. Don’t forget to pack snacks for the outdoor picnic areas.

With early-2025 renovations adding a splash pad and a mini-putt course, the museum is set to deliver even more family fun in the near future!

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5. South Carolina Aquarium Marine Life

Add an exciting twist to your family outing with a trip to the South Carolina Aquarium, just a short 30-minute drive from Isle of Palms. Home to over 5,000 animals representing local ecosystems, this destination offers a fascinating glimpse into marine life. At its heart is the Great Ocean Tank, the deepest of its kind in North America, holding an impressive 385,000 gallons of water and housing more than 500 marine creatures, including sharks, sea turtles, and stingrays.

Must-See Exhibits

The aquarium boasts several standout exhibits that will captivate visitors of all ages:

These exhibits are complemented by daily interactive programs that bring the aquarium’s mission to life.

Daily Programs and Shows

Be sure to check the schedule when you arrive to catch live dive shows and up-close animal encounters. These interactive experiences are perfect for kids and adults alike.

Admission and Hours

Admission prices depend on the day of your visit:

• Adults: $28.95 – $35.15
• Children (ages 3–12): $23.15 – $25.80
• Toddlers (under 3): Free

The aquarium also offers special discounts and memberships:

• Families qualifying through SNAP/EBT, WIC, or the SC Voucher program can join the Angelfish Family membership for just $40 annually.
• Active military members and veterans receive a 15% discount.
• K–12 South Carolina teachers with valid credentials enjoy free admission.

Getting There

To make your trip stress-free, follow these directions: From Isle of Palms, take the Isle of Palms Connector to US-17, then head south toward downtown Charleston. Park conveniently at the Aquarium Garage, located at 24 Calhoun Street.

Visitor Tips

For the best experience, plan your visit on a weekday morning when it’s quieter, and set aside 2–3 hours to explore. The Zucker Family Sea Turtle Recovery center is a must-see, offering a rare chance to witness sea turtle conservation in action. Hundreds of turtles have been rehabilitated and released back into the wild, making this an inspiring and educational stop for families.

6. Charleston Zipline Course

Get ready for an adrenaline-packed adventure at Charleston Adventure Forest, located at 1152 Guerins Bridge Rd in Awendaw – just a short drive from Isle of Palms. This high-flying experience is a fantastic addition to your family outing, offering excitement for all ages.

You can choose between two zipline courses tailored to different age groups and skill levels:

The Zipline Canopy Tour is a thrilling adventure that includes a 65-foot tower launch, multiple platforms, sky bridges, and a 750-foot final zip. For younger adventurers, the Kids Zip Koala Course offers a beginner-friendly introduction to ziplining in a safe and controlled setting.

Safety First

Safety is a top priority at Charleston Adventure Forest. The park adheres to ACCT safety standards, and all guides undergo 40–50 hours of technical training. While the park operates rain or shine, extreme weather conditions may cause temporary closures.

What to Know

To ensure your spot, it’s best to book in advance since capacity is limited. Plan to arrive 15 minutes early for check-in. For an extra challenge, you can add the Climbing Wall experience for $15.

Guidelines for Visitors

• Children 12 and under must have adult supervision on the Zipline Canopy Tour.
• Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes.
• Group discounts require a single-card payment at the time of booking.
• All participants must sign a waiver before starting their adventure.

Booking your zipline adventure online is highly recommended, especially during peak times or for group events. With professional guidance and courses designed for varying skill levels, this experience is sure to create unforgettable family memories while pushing everyone just a little out of their comfort zone.

7. Local Dolphin Watching Trips

Get up close with wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphins on family-friendly boat tours departing near Isle of Palms. With over 300 dolphins calling the Charleston area home, your chances of spotting these playful creatures are incredibly high during your trip. Below, explore some of the top tour options to plan an unforgettable outing for your family.

Popular Tour Options

Barrier Island Eco Tours Sunset Experience

The Sunset Dolphin Cruise, offered by Barrier Island Eco Tours, is a 2.5-hour journey departing from Isle of Palms Marina. Along the way, you’ll not only spot dolphins but also visit Capers Island’s stunning "bone-yard beach". Kids aged 2 and under can join the adventure for free.

"Spend time with and learn about Dolphins, crab trap pulled, and time spent on Capers Beach on our Sunset Dolphin Cruise!"
– Barrier Island Eco Tours

Wildlife Viewing Opportunities

While dolphins are the star of the show, these tours also provide the chance to see a variety of other fascinating wildlife, including:

• Ospreys and bald eagles
• Pelicans and egrets
• Marshland herons
• Occasionally, loggerhead sea turtles

With knowledgeable guides leading the way, every trip becomes a rich and unforgettable learning experience.

Booking Tips

To secure your spot, book early during busy summer months. Essentials like sunscreen, water, and a camera are must-haves for the trip. For the best chance to see active marine life, consider booking a morning or sunset tour.

Charleston Outdoor Adventures stands out for its family-friendly focus and expert guides who share insights into unique dolphin behaviors, like the "strand feeding" technique observed in this region.

"Our area is a hotspot for dolphin breeding and activity, and we commonly see them several times during a dolphin boat tour."
– Charleston Outdoor Adventures

Visitors frequently rave about the educational and engaging nature of these tours. A review from May 2025 highlighted the fun beach walk and abundant wildlife sightings, making it a hit with families.

Conclusion

Isle of Palms and the surrounding area promise a treasure trove of family-friendly activities that cater to all ages. Whether it’s soaking up the sun on over 600 feet of pristine oceanfront at Isle of Palms County Park or diving into thrilling adventures, there’s something for everyone.

For those seeking a mix of fun and learning, the South Carolina Aquarium and the Lowcountry Children’s Museum provide engaging indoor experiences, perfect for rainy days or when you need a break from the sun. Outdoor enthusiasts, on the other hand, can embrace the excitement of Charleston Zipline Course or enjoy unforgettable dolphin-watching excursions.

Here are some highlights to help you plan your visit:

After a day packed with activities, unwind at a cozy retreat just steps from the beach. Aerie at 715 Ocean offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience, with direct access to Isle of Palms’ attractions and family-friendly amenities.

"715 Ocean is where your dream beach vacation becomes a reality. Located on the scenic Isle of Palms, South Carolina, Aerie at 715 Ocean offers luxury accommodation with everything you need for an unforgettable beach getaway." – Aerie at 715 Ocean

Guests rave about the property’s appeal for families. Debbie P., a recent guest, shared:

"Our family of 15 had a great week at Aerie. The grandkids enjoyed the pool and the short walk to the beach. Best kitchen we’ve experienced in a rental!"

With space for up to 16 guests and a private pool, Aerie at 715 Ocean is an ideal base for exploring nearby Sullivan’s Island, Mount Pleasant, and Charleston. Whatever your plans, this retreat ensures your Isle of Palms family adventure is as memorable as it is relaxing.

FAQs

When is the best time to visit Isle of Palms County Park to find parking easily?

To grab a parking spot at Isle of Palms County Park, it’s best to get there before 10:30 a.m. on weekends and holidays. The lot fills up fast during these times. If an early arrival isn’t possible, you’ll likely find more open spaces in the late afternoon as crowds begin to thin out.

To make your visit hassle-free, check local traffic and weather updates beforehand. Showing up early not only makes parking easier but also lets you enjoy the park while it’s still quieter!

Are there affordable passes or discounts for families visiting attractions near Isle of Palms Beach?

Families have plenty of budget-friendly ways to enjoy attractions near Isle of Palms Beach. One standout option is the Gold Pass from Charleston County Parks and Recreation. This pass grants unlimited access to several county parks, including Isle of Palms County Park, and covers up to 15 people per vehicle. The cost? $90 for residents and $105 for non-residents. Plus, it comes with discounts on select special events – perfect for families looking to get the most out of their visit.

Another smart choice is exploring family vacation packages offered by local tourism groups. These packages often combine deals on accommodations and activities, helping families stretch their budget while enjoying more of what the area has to offer. Planning ahead with these options can make your trip both enjoyable and easy on the wallet.

What safety features are in place at the Charleston Zipline Course for kids and first-timers?

The Charleston Zipline Course places a strong emphasis on safety, ensuring everyone, from kids to first-timers, can enjoy their adventure with peace of mind. For children, the courses are equipped with a continuous belay system, which keeps them securely connected from start to finish. On other courses, a self-hooking system ensures participants remain safely tethered throughout their journey.

Each guest is outfitted with a properly adjusted harness and helmet, and the highly trained staff is always on hand to guide and oversee the experience. With courses designed to offer varying levels of difficulty, beginners can start with simpler circuits to build their confidence. It’s a well-thought-out setup that guarantees a safe and enjoyable outing for families and thrill-seekers alike!