Now What? Things to Do: Children and Families
Swim Lessons, Area Pools, Water Parks and Beaches
Swim lessons are not only a fun activity in which to participate, but they are also a mandatory part of life in the Lowcountry. The American Red Cross partners with many Charleston-area pools to offer swim lessons for all levels of learners, including adults. And after you’ve practiced your swimming techniques, you might as well relax poolside enjoy the water, soak up the sun, salt and sand at one of Charleston’s many area beaches or spend the day at an area water park. All of these beat-the-heat attractions are readily available to families living and vacationing in the Lowcountry. Jump to SWIMMING POOLS, WATER PARKS or BEACHES.
Here’s a list of area swimming pools that offer Red Cross classes and/or public swimming access. Jump to WATER PARKS or BEACHES.
Berkeley County Family YMCA
YMCA Pool: Year-round swim lessons, indoor heated pool.
Located at 210 Rembert C. Dennis Blvd., Moncks Corner, SC 29461. Call (843) 761-9622.
Lions Beach: No swim lessons but camping, kids day camp and lifeguarded swimming on the shores of Lake Moultrie.
Located at 923 Broughton Rd., Moncks Corner, SC 29461. Call (843) 761-9622.
City of Charleston Recreation Department Aquatics
W.L. Stephens Aquatic Center: Indoor facility open year round.
Located at 780 West Oak Forest Drive, Charleston, 29407. Call (843) 769-8261.
Martin Luther King Jr. Pool: Open year round.
Located at 155 Jackson Street, Charleston, 29403. Call (843) 724-7346.
Herbert Hasell Pool: Open summers only.
Located at 265 Fishburne St., Charleston, SC 29403. Call (843) 724-7344.
James Island Pool: Open summers only.
Located at 1088 Quail Dr., Charleston, SC 29412. Call (843)795-5678.
City of North Charleston Recreation Department Aquatics
Northwood Park Pool: Open summers only.
Located at 8348 Greenridge Rd., North Charleston, SC 29406. Call (843) 572-5410.
Danny Jones Pool: Open summers only.
Located at 5000 Lackawanna Blvd., North Charleston, SC 29405. Call (843) 745-1063.
Felix Pinckney Pool: Open summers only.
Located at 4764 Hassell Ave., North Charleston, SC 29405. Call (843) 745-1036.
Collins Park Pool: Open summers only.
Located at 4155 Fellowship Rd., North Charleston, SC 29418. Call (843) 552-9446.
Jewish Community Center
Pearlstine Pool: Open summers only with wading pool for small children.
Located at 1645 Wallenberg Blvd., Charleston, SC 29407. Call (843) 571-6565.
Naval Weapons Station
New Wave Aquatic Center: Open to military personnel Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Located at 2316 Redbank Rd., Goose Creek, SC 29445. Call (843) 764-7033.
Summerville Family YMCA
Downtown Facility: Features heated indoor aerobics pool.
Located at 208 W. Doty Ave., Summerville, SC 29483. Call (843) 871-9622.
Oakbrook Facility: Outdoor pool open summers only.
Located at 900 Crosscreek Dr., Summerville, SC 29485. Call (843) 871-5011.
Town of Mt. Pleasant Recreation Department Aquatics
Park West Pool: Open summers only.
Located at 1251 Park West Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464. Call (843) 856-2536.
R.L. Jones Center Pool: Features 25-yard indoor heated pool.
Located at 391 Egypt Rd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464. Call (843) 884-2528.
Charleston-area water parks offer more than just swimming and are an exciting way to cool off during the summer months. Charleston has three water parks run by the Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission. These parks have attractions suitable for kids of all ages, and each park is absolutely unique. Die-hard water-parkers will want to take advantage of the seasonal Splash Passes, which give unlimited summer-long access to Charleston County water parks for one low price. Jump to SWIMMING POOLS or BEACHES.
Splash Island Waterpark
444 Needlebrush Pkwy., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464. Call (843) 884-0832.
Splash Zone
871 Riverland Dr., Charleston, SC 29412. Call (843) 795-7275.
Whirlin’ Waters Adventure
8888 University Blvd., North Charleston, SC 29406. Call (843) 572-7275.
Here is a list of Charleston-area beaches for a more natural summertime swimming experience. Jump to SWIMMING POOLS or WATER PARKS.
Please check out our beach safety guides if you’re planning a Charleston beach trip.
Charleston-Area Beach Safety Guide Part I: Lifeguards and Emergency Numbers
Charleston-Area Beach Safety Guide Part II: Sun and Water Quality
Charleston-Area Beach Safety Guide Part III: Water Conditions & Sea Life
Edisto Beach State Park
8377 State Cabin Rd., Edisto Island, SC 29438. Call (843) 869-2756.
**Edisto Beach is a rural summer haven that offers camping and quiet. Perfect for a day trip or weeklong getaway from it all.
Folly Beach County Park
1100 W Ashley Ave., Folly Beach, SC 29439. Call (843) 588-2426.
**Remember, Folly Beach County Park is closed for the 2012 season, but there are plenty of other places to go for a day at the beach on Folly. Here is an article describing all the other Folly Beach hotspots: Alternatives to Folly Beach County Park. While families do visit Folly Beach, the island is known more for its surfing and its party atmosphere, especially now that the county park is closed for the season. It is one of the only beaches in the area that allows alcoholic beverages.
Isle of Palms County Park
1 14th Ave., Isle of Palms, SC 29451. Call (843) 886-3863
**The Isle of Palms beaches have plenty of amenities, including showers and public bathrooms. IOP is very popular with families, and alcohol is not allowed on the beach.
Kiawah Beachwalker Park
Beachwalker Dr., Kiawah Island, SC 29455. Call (843) 768-2395.
**Kiawah has a very wide beach and shallow, calm waters. Summertime amenities include showers, restrooms, a snack bar and chair and umbrella rentals. Another family-friendly beach that is quite unique with gorgeous river views in addition to the ocean.
Sullivan’s Island Beach
100 Station 19th St., Sullivans Island, SC 29482. Call (843) 883-3198.
**Sullivan’s Island is completely undeveloped, so it is absolutely gorgeous. But the lack of amenities might be a bit inconvenient for families with kids unless you have a nearby beach house for pit stops!
More activities info coming soon!
