If you’re planning a family trip to Edisto, we have plenty of fun, kid-friendly activities that kids of all ages will enjoy! While there are the must-dos, like Edisto Beach and the State Park, we have created a list that includes some other favorites that you may not know about. We’ve also made sure to note which activities are indoors and outdoors because even in paradise we can have bad weather. Read more to plan out your next kid-friendly vacation to Edisto – lifelong memories included! And, if you’re wondering what events are happening on Edisto during your visit, check out our event calendar.
Outdoor Activities –
Serpentarium: The Edisto Island Serpentarium was first opened to the public in July of 1999 by brothers Ted and Heyward Clamp. This modern indoor facility and landscaped outdoor gardens are home to a wide variety of reptiles that are native to the southeastern United States. Instead of your usual reptile displays behind glass, the reptiles are viewed by visitors who can look over low-walled enclosures to observe the snakes climbing in trees, lounging in streams, or basking on stumps or logs exactly as they would be if encountered in the wild! Be sure to take your kiddos to discover the alligators, snakes, turtles, lizards, and even more exciting reptiles to see.
Edisto Beach & Edisto Beach State Park: Edisto Beach is one of the few beaches left that is not commercially developed and offers a family-friendly stay that your children are sure to enjoy. A beach day on Edisto is one you’ll always remember, and most likely make again! But we offer more than just the beach here. Don’t forget to explore Edisto Beach State Park, full of hiking and biking trails that anyone can use, Botany Bay, and more!
You can also rent bikes, kayaks, and even more for everyone in your family from several local businesses. Most offer children-sized bikes and pull carts so everyone can enjoy a day on the trails! Keep reading on to learn more about all the fun activities that kids (and adults!) can enjoy while visiting Edisto.
Jason’s Lake (at Botany Bay): Within the Botany Bay Wildlife Management Area is the perfect spot for kids to fish. Jason’s Lake is full of saltwater fish and provides a great chance to enjoy fishing, kayaking, or just sitting on the bank enjoying the views. Jason’s Lake is open for adult/youth fishing Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only, and is strictly catch and release. Saltwater fish. Children 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult, and adults cannot fish without a child fishing with them. Anyone 16 and above must have a South Carolina saltwater fishing license, and you can fish on the pond side only; not the marsh side. While you’re there be sure to check out the rest of Botany Bay, which features spectacular views of the beach, walking trails, and so much more.
Local Parks: If your family wants to have some quality time outdoors, consider one of the several town parks Edisto has to offer. Bay Creek Park has a fishing and crabbing dock, open space for picnics, an interpretive center, public restrooms, and a weekly market on Wednesdays that features local vendors and crafts. Read about the other parks in Edisto by visiting the Town’s website! If you don’t mind driving a few miles, Roxbury Park is another wonderful area to explore. You can fish (catch and release only!) and experience eight distinctively unique habitats that attract and support an amazing variety of wildlife!
Edisto Rocks: Try to find the many painted rocks that are hidden around Edisto! A fun activity that your kids will enjoy is discovering the cute hidden rocks that locals have lovingly placed around different areas of the island and beach. Join their Facebook group to post when you find one and join in on some community fun.
King’s Market: An Edisto favorite and must-stop destination is King’s Market, located on Highway 174 coming onto the island. This family-owned produce stand offers some of the best local vegetables, fruit, homemade pies, cakes, casseroles, and even more delicious goodies to enjoy on your next trip. In their market, you’ll also find local products from the area to purchase! During the summer months, you can take your kids to pick their own strawberries, a fun and yummy family memory for all to enjoy.
Dolphin Charters: We’re lucky to have several local businesses that offer fishing charters, kayak tours, shelling excursions, and a fan favorite – dolphin tours! Edisto Boat Tours offers an ACE Basin, Dolphin, and Sunset River Tours that allow visitors to enjoy a scenic two-hour cruise. You can book a tour with them through Edisto Watersports & Tackle, which offers other tours as well, such as fishing charters, Otter Island tours, and kayak tours. To view a complete list of businesses that offer these types of tours, visit our directory. Hoping to just catch some fish and enjoy the ocean views? We have you covered – check out options for fishing charters here.
Charleston Fossil Adventures: Discover pre-historic Edisto with a fossil hunting tour! Charleston Fossil Adventures has been running tours for six years, guaranteeing a safe experience for all ages and abilities while also educating tour-goers on South Carolina’s vast prehistory. While they offer a few different tour options (one even via kayaks) in and around Charleston, we encourage you to check out their Edisto Beach Adventure that meets at the State Park. You can view all of their tour options here. Happy (fossil) hunting!
Indoor Activities –
Environmental Learning Center: While you’re on Edisto Island, be sure to take your family to the Environmental Learning Center! Located within the State Park, the Center offers programs for youth and adults, so the entire family is sure to have fun and learn more about South Carolina’s natural and cultural resources. They also offer hands-on interactive exhibits, a touch tank, and a movie theater. Be sure to check out the hiking trails, which are easy for anyone to access, and visit the Bache Monument, a 4,000-year-old shell midden, that’s on the trail system. The Center hopes to encourage people to discover more of South Carolina’s state parks and highlight the natural history of Edisto Island and the surrounding ACE Basin. Their hours are Tuesday-Saturday from 9 am-4 pm. Admission to the Environmental Learning Center is free. Check out their Instagram to stay up to date on each month’s programs! For any questions, give them a call at 843-869-4430.
Simply Sand Creations: Looking for an indoor activity for your kids? Be sure to visit Simply Sand Creations, where your family can create sand art through one of their many fun shapes and treasures, or bring your own! The creativity is sure to flow, and your sand art will make your memories of Edisto Island last a lifetime. Your creations can also make great gifts for others! Simply Sand Creations also offers a large selection of local photography, hand-made jewelry, and more. To provide the best experience, reservations are required, and you can easily book through their website or give them a call at 843-252-0007.
Local libraries: Edisto is fortunate to have not just one, but TWO county libraries! The first is the Charleston County branch, located on 1589 Highway 174 in the Trinity Episcopal Hall. It’s a wonderful place to explore the local history, connect with the town, and check out your next beach read! Give them a call at 843-869-2355 to see if they’re offering an kids programs during your stay! The second library Edisto hosts is the Colleton County branch, which is at 71 Station Court, right in front of the Civic Center. They offer an exciting variety of books and DVDs, but be sure to check their hours before visiting. You can see what their hours are and any new programs at 843-869-2499.
Ice Cream Shops: You may have seen the Happie Truck driving around Edisto on your last adventure here, but if you aren’t familiar, they sell boiled peanuts, ice cream, and other frozen treats right from their own adorable little truck! And, if you miss their boiled peanuts when you’re back home you’re in luck – they ship worldwide. You and your family can also grab a cone or milkshake at 3 Gulls Creamery which serves the famous Hershey brand ice cream or stop by Sugartime and get your candy fix in, too!
Now all you have to do is get to planning your next trip! Don’t forget to check out our events calendar to stay up to date on what’s happening on Edisto.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with all things Edisto. Keep eye out for an exciting new project coming soon involving public art and loggerhead turtles!
