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Keep ’em busy, right? Here’s where to take the kids for outdoor fun in Charleston.
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site: It’s on the original 1670 site of Charleston, just west of the Ashley River. The 12-room exhibit center tells the city’s story through interactive exhibits; outside there are archaeological digs in progress during spring and winter. Check the website for interpretive/re-enactment programs. Walk the History Trail or seven miles of nature trails. The Animal Forest Trail holds animals that were here when the settlers arrived: bison, bear, elk, puma and more. $7.50; $3.50 for kids. (www.southcarolinaparks.com/clt)
Caw Caw Interpretive Center: County park 15 miles south of Charleston, near Ravenel, S.C., showcases the region’s natural, historical and cultural heritage. Nine habitats are there; you can see four of them in just a three-mile hike. More than 220 species of birds live there year-round. Explore eight miles of nature trails and boardwalks through a cypress swamp, oak forest and marshes. $1. There are programs for kids. Extra charge for individual programs; closed Monday-Tuesday. (www.ccprc.com/cawcaw.htm)
James Island County Park: Head 8 miles southwest of downtown to this amazing place on the Stono River. The $1 admission allows you to fish the tidal creek (no license required), walk, bicycle or skate on paved trails, use picnic facilities and enjoy the Funyard playground. For a fee, you can also use the 50-foot climbing wall or lease bikes or paddleboats. (www.ccprc.com; type “James” in the search window)
Rosebank Farms: This working farm on Johns Island grows veggies and flowers, and sells them onsite at an outdoor market. There’s no admission charge, and kids love to see the farm animals.
Area info: www.charlestoncvb.org.
