Charleston has a way of making everyone slow down a little—and that's exactly what makes it such a great destination with young kids. Between colorful streets, waterfront parks, delicious food, and plenty of space to explore, it's a city that's just as enjoyable for toddlers and preschoolers as it is for adults.

If you're planning a family getaway, here's everything you need to know about where to stay, what to do, and where to eat with little ones in tow.

When you're traveling with little kids, location matters. Being able to walk back for naps, pop into your hotel for a break, or grab dinner without buckling everyone into the car is a huge win.

If it's your first visit, I recommend staying in or near the Historic District. You'll be within walking distance of parks, restaurants, Rainbow Row, and the waterfront, making it much easier when little legs get tired.

We wanted to use our Hyatt points, so we booked The Lowline Hotel. It offered a great points value and is located in Charleston's lively Upper King neighborhood, surrounded by restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques.

What we liked:

Things to consider:

Overall, The Lowline was a solid choice for the value, but if your budget allows, staying a little farther south in the Historic District would make sightseeing with young kids even easier.

The best part about Charleston? You don't have to pack every minute with activities. Some of our favorite memories came from simply wandering and letting the kids explore.

Spend Time at Waterfront Park: The famous pineapple fountain is a must. On warm days, kids love splashing around while parents enjoy the harbor views. There are plenty of benches, shade, and room to run.

Walk Along Rainbow Row: The colorful homes are iconic—and surprisingly entertaining for little ones. Challenge them to pick their favorite color or count all the different front doors along the way.

Visit the South Carolina Aquarium: This is one of the best kid-friendly attractions in Charleston. Touch tanks, sea turtles, sharks, and interactive exhibits make it fun for toddlers through elementary-aged kids.

Explore the Childrens Museum of Lowcountry: This museum was one of the biggest hits of our trip because every one of our kids—from our almost 1-year-old to our 7-year-old—found something they loved. With hands-on exhibits, imaginative play areas, and plenty of opportunities to climb, build, and explore, it was the perfect place to let them burn off energy while taking a break from sightseeing.

Sit in a horse-drawn carriage: This was on my list! But it ended up being so hot, we opted to head out early - but the kids were disappointed to miss this so will definitely do it next time.

Head to the Beach: If you have time, spend half a day at one of Charleston's nearby beaches. Sullivan's Island is great for a relaxed family beach day, while Isle of Palms offers gentle waves and plenty of room to spread out. We had really wanted to do this, but it ended up being very hot + a flat tire later, we had to skip it. Next time!

Charleston is known for tasty cuisine! We tried a few spots, and and our favorites were below:

If you're visiting Charleston with kids, I'd recommend skipping Mario's Italian Grill based on our experience. After traveling to more than 35 countries as a family, we've certainly visited restaurants that weren't especially kid-focused, but we've almost always been met with kindness and respect. Unfortunately, that wasn't our experience here. Before we even had a chance to order, an interaction with a staff member left us feeling so unwelcome that we chose to leave. With so many fantastic, family-friendly restaurants nearby that serve great food and treat guests warmly, I'd encourage families to spend their dining dollars elsewhere.