10 Best Educational Activities for Children in South Carolina!
Your child’s education comes from more than just textbooks. Their knowledge expands with every activity and every encounter with the world around them. If you want to make the most of each adventure they take outside the classroom, you might want to consider these best educational activities for children in South Carolina.
EdVenture, Columbia, SC
As the largest children’s museum in the Southeast, EdVenture always offers something new to learn and discover for children of all ages. From cooking and fire safety to learning about animals, gadgets and the great outdoors, you can expect plenty of educational adventures that make learning fun.
Roper Mountain Science Center, Greenville, SC
As one of the top spots for Upstate school field trips, children can delve into the fascinating world of science in an up-close-and-personal way. The center offers summer camps and weekly night sky observations, as well as historic adventures, a butterfly house, robotics classes, and a special holiday light display each year.
Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Columbia, SC
You can spend all day here and still not see and do everything. Aside from the amazing animal exhibits, you can wander a sprawling botanical gardens, and engage in other activities like zip-lining or the ropes course. Or attend one of their many events or camps throughout the year.
Columbia Marionette Theatre, Columbia, SC
You don’t see many marionette shows these days, but this little theatre in Columbia is keeping this niche of performance art alive. They host a variety of traveling puppet shows, as well as offer birthday parties and field trips to both entertain and educate children.
Explore Magnolia Plantation, Charleston, SC
Given the Holy City’s rich history, there aren’t many activities in Charleston that don’t count as educational. Magnolia Plantation offers children and adults a glimpse into Charleston’s distant past. You can explore the gardens, tour the slave quarters, or take a boat ride through the old flooded rice field.
South Carolina Railroad Museum, Winnsboro, SC
The railroad is a huge icon of American history, and the South Carolina Railroad Museum is dedicated to preserving it. Children can tour real rail cars, look at train models, learn about the railroad system, and even take a special excursion on a real honest-to-goodness train (special events only).
North Charleston Fire Museum, North Charleston, SC
As if fire weren’t fascinating enough, children can (safely) learn all about fighting fires and how fire trucks work at the North Charleston Fire Museum. They can explore the history of firefighting, look at vehicles and gear from days gone by, and even engage in some hands-on activities (no real fires, rest assured).
Hagood Mill Historic Site, Pickens, SC
What was once an 1820s grist mill is now a popular education destination that children and adults of all ages can enjoy. The site is still home to the mill, two restored log cabins, cotton gin, blacksmith shop, and nature trails. Kids can learn about what life was like before smartphones and Netflix, and perhaps leave with a better appreciation of life’s modern conveniences.
South Carolina Botanical Gardens, Clemson, SC
There’s quite a bit of variety within these botanical gardens. Start your journey at the rock walkway leading to the giant red caboose. From there, you can trek along shaded paths over bridges to the historic Hanover House. Make sure to stop by the butterfly garden, wildflower garden, and other specially crafted areas. Nature plaques line the area to give you information on the many beauties surrounding you. And make sure you stop by the pond before you leave and watch for ducks, turtles, fish, and geese.
Huntington Beach State Park, Murrells Inlet, SC
You don’t need a tour guide to learn about nature. Sometimes, you can learn more if you just sit back and watch. Take a trip through Huntington Beach State Park, where you can find a sweeping expanse of untouched, un-commercialized nature teeming with plant- and wildlife. The area also plays home to the historic Atalaya home, and holds an annual arts and crafts festival.
