Rainy Day with Kids

Because a little rain just means a new kind of adventure

So the sun decided to take a break—no problem! A rainy day is just another opportunity to explore, relax, and create unforgettable family memories. Here are a few of our favorite ways to keep the kids entertained and the good vibes flowing, even when the weather’s wet.

Joe’s Arcade Room is an Electrified Playground

Hours of inside fun await right on Center Street. Joe’s Arcade Room is full of bell ringing, light blinking, high-fiving action and you don’t even have to leave the island.

The arcade is located right on the corner of Center Street and West Ashley Ave. Bonus: They have amazing food and drinks for the whole crew.

📍 Location: Folly Beach

Explore the Underwater World at the South Carolina Aquarium

One of Charleston’s top attractions for families! From the mountains to the ocean, sea the difference in all of South Carolina’s habitats as you journey through the Aquarium and encounter thousands of native animals and plants!

Get up close with sea turtles, stingrays, alligators, and hundreds of fish. The touch tanks and interactive exhibits keep kids engaged while they learn about South Carolina’s aquatic ecosystems.

📍 Location: Downtown Waterfront
🕒 Plan to spend: 2–4 hours

Go Ice Skating at The Carolina Ice Palace

Yes, we have ice skating in the south, and it’s a great way to beat the summer heat. The Carolina Ice Palace is a premier indoor ice skating facility offering a variety of activities suitable for all ages and skill levels.  

📍 Location: North Charleston

Go Bowling at Ashley Lanes Tavern

Since 1959, Ashley Lanes has been the place where Charlestonians bowl! With 24 state-of-the-art bowling lanes, a fully equipped restaurant, and an inviting bar, this bowling center is the go-to destination for families and groups.

📍 Location: West Ashley, Charleston

Visit a Museum the Kids Will Love

Several museums in the Charleston area are designed specifically for kids!

Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry

This hands-on museum is made just for kids! With exhibits like a pirate ship, medieval castle, water play area, and art room, it’s an imaginative, educational escape from the rain.

📍 Location: Downtown Charleston
🎟️ Ages: Best for kids 10 and under

North Charleston Fire Museum

Vintage fire trucks & gear, plus hands-on exhibits to bring the world of firefighting to life! Education meets fun in this museum, unlike any other. 

📍 Location: North Charleston
🎟️ Ages: Best for kids 3-12 (although older kids and parents will enjoy it too!)

Stay on Folly and Watch the Storm

View The Pier & Ocean from The Tides Hotel

Safely soak in the drama of the sea from the covered porch or beachfront restaurant at Tides Hotel. Grab a bite to eat, and parents can sample some of the tasty libations available at the indoor or outdoor bars. The waves are bold, the skies are moody, and the moment feels magical. Kids love watching nature’s power—and you’ll love the peaceful pause.

Pro tip: Give them a journal or sketchpad to draw what they see or write a little story about “The Day It Rained at the Beach.”

As Soon As the Rain Slows Down … Look for Rainbows

The beach after a rainstorm is a beautiful experience. It’s quiet and often pretty misty. New shells may have washed up from the storm. Make a game of looking for things you didn’t see when the beach was packed with people. 

And splash around as much as you want! Folly’s laid-back spirit means nobody will mind if you get a little muddy.

And keep an eye on the sky—Folly’s rainbows over the ocean are something truly special. Capture a family photo or just take a quiet moment to appreciate the view.

Because a little rain just means a new kind of adventure

So the sun decided to take a break—no problem! A rainy day is just another opportunity to explore, relax, and create unforgettable family memories. Here are a few of our favorite ways to keep the kids entertained and the good vibes flowing, even when the weather’s wet.

Joe’s Arcade Room is an Electrified Playground

Hours of inside fun await right on Center Street. Joe’s Arcade Room is full of bell ringing, light blinking, high-fiving action and you don’t even have to leave the island.

The arcade is located right on the corner of Center Street and West Ashley Ave. Bonus: They have amazing food and drinks for the whole crew.

📍 Location: Folly Beach

Explore the Underwater World at the South Carolina Aquarium

One of Charleston’s top attractions for families! From the mountains to the ocean, sea the difference in all of South Carolina’s habitats as you journey through the Aquarium and encounter thousands of native animals and plants!

Get up close with sea turtles, stingrays, alligators, and hundreds of fish. The touch tanks and interactive exhibits keep kids engaged while they learn about South Carolina’s aquatic ecosystems.

📍 Location: Downtown Waterfront
🕒 Plan to spend: 2–4 hours

Go Ice Skating at The Carolina Ice Palace

Yes, we have ice skating in the south, and it’s a great way to beat the summer heat. The Carolina Ice Palace is a premier indoor ice skating facility offering a variety of activities suitable for all ages and skill levels.
📍 Location: North Charleston

Go Bowling at Ashley Lanes Tavern

Since 1959, Ashley Lanes has been the place where Charlestonians bowl! With 24 state-of-the-art bowling lanes, a fully equipped restaurant, and an inviting bar, this bowling center is the go-to destination for families and groups.

📍 Location: West Ashley, Charleston

Visit a Museum the Kids Will Love

Several museums in the Charleston area are designed specifically for kids!

Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry

This hands-on museum is made just for kids! With exhibits like a pirate ship, medieval castle, water play area, and art room, it’s an imaginative, educational escape from the rain.

📍 Location: Downtown Charleston
🎟️ Ages: Best for kids 10 and under

North Charleston Fire Museum

Vintage fire trucks & gear, plus hands-on exhibits to bring the world of firefighting to life! Education meets fun in this museum, unlike any other.

📍 Location: North Charleston
🎟️ Ages: Best for kids 3-12 (although older kids and parents will enjoy it too!)

Stay on Folly and Watch the Storm

View The Pier & Ocean from The Tides Hotel

Safely soak in the drama of the sea from the covered porch or beachfront restaurant at Tides Hotel. Grab a bite to eat, and parents can sample some of the tasty libations available at the indoor or outdoor bars. The waves are bold, the skies are moody, and the moment feels magical. Kids love watching nature’s power—and you’ll love the peaceful pause.

Pro tip: Give them a journal or sketchpad to draw what they see or write a little story about “The Day It Rained at the Beach.”

As Soon As the Rain Slows Down … Look for Rainbows

The beach after a rainstorm is a beautiful experience. It’s quiet and often pretty misty. New shells may have washed up from the storm. Make a game of looking for things you didn’t see when the beach was packed with people.

And splash around as much as you want! Folly’s laid-back spirit means nobody will mind if you get a little muddy.

And keep an eye on the sky—Folly’s rainbows over the ocean are something truly special. Capture a family photo or just take a quiet moment to appreciate the view.