Nestled along the eastern edge of South Carolina, the coastal community of Folly Beach welcomes visitors with charm and plenty of Southern hospitality. Folly Beach sits on the barrier island of the same name, just a short distance southeast of Charleston. Consequently, taking a day trip to this beloved Southern city from your Folly Beach vacation rental is a real and effortless possibility. At Folly Beach, wake up each morning and step outside for a breath of fresh air. Although a small community, Folly Beach offers plenty of activities to keep your kids engaged. Check out the top 10 things to do with kids while staying in Folly Beach.
1. Folly Beach Pier
There’s something kind of cool about walking down a pier that stretches out into the ocean. Grab your fishing rods, bait, and a picnic lunch, and spend an afternoon on Folly Beach Pier. Teach your kids how to fish off the pier, and take the fish back to your vacation rental for a sea-to-table meal. If you get hungry while fishing, walk over to one of the sheltered areas on the pier and enjoy a family lunch.
2. Kayaking
Rent kayaks from the Charleston Kayak Company, or bring them from home to store in the garage of your vacation rental. Use these watercrafts to explore the area around Folly Beach and James Island from a new angle. Charleston Kayak Company also offers guided kayak tours, where you and your family can learn more about the history of the area, the wildlife you’re seeing, and the efforts to protect the area’s natural beauty.
3. Folly Beach County Park
While staying in a coastal community, you’ll likely look forward to spending a day at the beach. At the Folly Beach County Park, you and your family can play in the surf, build sandcastles, and soak up some sun. Walk along the pristine white sand, and stop to gaze into the tidal pools. Inside these pools, you’ll find all sorts of sea creatures. This beach park is also a popular spot for bird watching, so pack your binoculars if you want to check out some of the shore birds.
4. Boating
Set sail on the ocean with your family for a day of fun. In the area, you can rent a boat or charter one from a local company. Several companies offer boat tours, including Water Music Charters and Sailing Charters At Folly Beach. While out on the water, enjoy the warm sun and breeze coming off the sea as you and your family get the chance to see dolphins playing in the wake of the boat. These companies offer tours that last a few hours or an entire day.
5. Eco-tour
Go on an eco-tour with your family to learn more about the fragile ecosystems of these beach communities and marshlands in the region. Charleston Outdoor Adventures explores the tidal estuaries and salt marshes. These areas are home to more than 70,000 life forms. On this tour, you and your family board a boat and explore the marshlands from the water. The knowledgeable guide points out important facts along the way in this protected area. The tour ends with a ride around the Morris Island Lighthouse.
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6. Fort Sumter
Load the kids in the car, and take a brief drive to the Fort Sumter National Monument. Once you arrive, board a boat out to the fort, where the first battle of the American Civil War waged. Visit the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center to learn more about the fort and its place in history. Join one of the park rangers lead tours to learn many interesting details and tidbits about Fort Sumter.
7. Paddle Boarding
Spend some time engaging in one of the hottest water sports — paddle boardings. Charleston Paddleboard Co. offers a paddle boarding tour of the backwoods waterways that lie on Folly Island. You and the kids will learn to balance on your boards and paddle through narrow canals as the guide points out interesting flora and fauna. Get a close up look at the ecosystem of the marshlands while your guide explains the steps taken to protect it.
8. Day Trip to Charleston
Hop in the car and take the family to Charleston for a day of fun and exploration. Visit the downtown area’s City Market, which runs for four blocks. There, you can gather up fresh ingredients to make a delicious meal back at your vacation rental. Stop by the Magnolia Plantation for a tour of the lovely grounds and visit the zoo while there.
9. Wave Watch Playground
Close to the beach is the Wave Watch Playground. This small playground is great for younger children who want to slide down the slides and enjoy playing on park equipment. You can settle in on a bench and enjoy a good book while the kids burn off excess energy.
10. Fishing
Fishing is a big thing in Folly Beach. One of the hot spots is the local pier, but many many creeks and narrow rivers snake their way through the area, so it’s easy to find a bank and fish from its shores. If you’ve ever dreamed of catching a big fish while enjoying a deep-sea fishing adventure, then make a date with Tide Down Sports Fishing. This company will take you to the best spots for catching marlin, wahoo, and tuna.
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