Charleston, SC family weekend: Friday, November 20 – Sunday, November 22

40 events for the weekend of Nov 20–22, with 18 free and 20 indoors.

Updated Monday, October 26, 2026

Top picks this weekend

Big outings first: festivals, farms, shows and attractions, mixing free and paid, for a range of ages.

Fri, Nov 20 · 5:30pm–10pm

Holiday Festival of Lights

James Island County Park — Charleston · Charleston Co. · Charleston & islands

Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the gate.

Ages 0-2
Ages 3-5
Ages 6-10
11+
Big outing
Paid: $15

Details at Charleston County Parks ↗

More big outings

Sat, Nov 21 · 5:30pm–10pm

Holiday Festival of Lights

James Island County Park — Charleston · Charleston Co. · Charleston & islands

Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the gate.

Ages 0-2
Ages 3-5
Ages 6-10
11+
Big outing
Paid: $25

Details at Charleston County Parks ↗

Sun, Nov 22 · 5:30pm–10pm

Holiday Festival of Lights

James Island County Park — Charleston · Charleston Co. · Charleston & islands

Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the gate.

Ages 0-2
Ages 3-5
Ages 6-10
11+
Big outing
Paid: $15

Details at Charleston County Parks ↗

Nov 13 – Dec 31 · 5:30pm–10pm

Holiday Festival of Lights

James Island County Park — Charleston · Charleston Co. · Charleston & islands

A Beloved Lowcountry Tradition Since 1990 The Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park features more than 750 illuminated displays, millions of twinkling…

Ages 0-2
Ages 3-5
Ages 6-10
11+
Big outing
Cost not listed

Details at Charleston County Parks ↗

Museums, gardens & more

Fri, Nov 20

2026 Charleston Classic

TD Arena — Charleston · Charleston Co. · Charleston & islands

ESPN Events has officially announced the six teams participating in the 2026 Shriners Children’s Charleston Classic, set to return for its 18 th year at TD Arena in…

Ages 0-2
Ages 3-5
Ages 6-10
11+
Cost not listed

Details at Explore Charleston (Charleston Area CVB) ↗

Fri, Nov 20

South Carolina Stingrays Hockey

North Charleston Coliseum — North Charleston · Charleston Co. · North Charleston

The South Carolina Stingrays are a professional hockey team based in North Charleston, South Carolina, and a proud member of the ECHL and affiliate of the Washington…

Ages 0-2
Ages 3-5
Ages 6-10
11+
Cost not listed

Details at Explore Charleston (Charleston Area CVB) ↗

Fri, Nov 20 · 9am–11am

Shark Tooth Sleuthing

Folly Beach County Park — Folly Beach · Charleston Co. · Charleston & islands

Let's explore the beach! Join an experienced naturalist to search for shark teeth and other beach artifacts. We'll discuss shark adaptations and biology while learning…

Ages 6-10
11+
Cost not listed

Details at Charleston County Parks ↗

Fri, Nov 20 · 10am

Early Connections (birth-3)

Children's Museum of the Lowcountry — Charleston · Charleston Co. · Charleston & islands

Our youngest visitors (ages birth – 3 years) and their grown-ups are invited to join us for special programming each week designed to strengthen connections between the…

Ages 0-2
Ages 3-5
Paid: Included with museum admission
Indoors

Details at Children's Museum of the Lowcountry ↗

Fri, Nov 20 · 1pm–2pm

Check-Out Challenge

Children's Museum of the Lowcountry — Charleston · Charleston Co. · Charleston & islands

Embark on an exciting shopping adventure with our Check-Out Challenge program at Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry.

Ages 0-2
Ages 3-5
Ages 6-10
Paid: Included with museum admission
Indoors

Details at Children's Museum of the Lowcountry ↗

Fri, Nov 20 · 3:30pm–4:30pm

Fossil Friday

The Charleston Museum — Charleston · Charleston Co. · Charleston & islands

Join Curator of Natural History Matthew Gibson on Fridays from 3:30 – 4:30 PM in the Bunting Natural History Gallery lab.

Ages 0-2
Ages 3-5
Ages 6-10
11+
Cost not listed

Details at Charleston Moms ↗

Sat, Nov 21

Early Morning Bird Walk – Melton Peter Demetre Park

changes monthly. — Charleston · Charleston Co. · Charleston & islands

Join us for the Early Morning Bird Walk presented by Charleston Parks Conservancy and Holy City Birding.

Ages 0-2
Ages 3-5
Ages 6-10
11+
Cost not listed

Details at Explore Charleston (Charleston Area CVB) ↗

Sat, Nov 21

Field Day Presented by SEWE & Dorchester County Parks

Ashley River Park — Summerville · Dorchester Co. · Summerville & inland

The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) and Dorchester County Parks will host the first-ever Field Day on Saturday, November 21, from 11 a.m.

Ages 0-2
Ages 3-5
Ages 6-10
11+
Cost not listed

Details at Explore Charleston (Charleston Area CVB) ↗

Sat, Nov 21 · 10am–4pm

Autumn on the Island

Charleston Tea Garden — Wadmalaw Island · Charleston Co. · Charleston & islands

Come out and join us for some fall fun at the Charleston Tea Garden’s newest event… Autumn on the Island.

Ages 0-2
Ages 3-5
Ages 6-10
11+
Free

Details at Charleston Moms ↗

Sat, Nov 21 · 10am–12pm

Intro to Archery

Johns Island County Park — Johns Island · Charleston Co. · Charleston & islands

Enhance your archery skills on our six-target archery range and 3D course at Johns Island County Park.

Ages 6-10
11+
Free

Details at Charleston County Parks ↗

Sat, Nov 21 · 11am–12pm

Building Buddies

Children's Museum of the Lowcountry — Charleston · Charleston Co. · Charleston & islands

Get ready to build, play, and make new friends!

Ages 0-2
Ages 3-5
Ages 6-10
Paid: Included with museum admission
Indoors

Details at Children's Museum of the Lowcountry ↗

Sat, Nov 21 · 1pm–2pm

Art Room Surprise (3+)

Children's Museum of the Lowcountry — Charleston · Charleston Co. · Charleston & islands

Join CML staff for a guided exploration of a new artistic media or process each week.

Ages 3-5
Ages 6-10
Paid: Included with museum admission
Indoors

Details at Children's Museum of the Lowcountry ↗

Sat, Nov 21 · 1pm–2:30pm

Family Archery

Johns Island County Park — Johns Island · Charleston Co. · Charleston & islands

Get your bull's-eye! Bring the family, get a brief orientation, and fling some arrows at Johns Island County Park's target archery range. Equipment will be provided.…

Ages 0-2
Ages 3-5
Ages 6-10
11+
Cost not listed

Details at Charleston County Parks ↗

Sat, Nov 21 · 2pm–5pm

THE BODYGUARD

North Charleston Performing Arts Center — North Charleston · Charleston Co. · North Charleston

Based on the 1992 film starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, THE BODYGUARD is a thrilling, romantic musical that combines high-stakes suspense with unforgettable…

Ages 0-2
Ages 3-5
Ages 6-10
11+
Cost not listed

Details at Charleston Moms ↗

Sat, Nov 21 · 7:30pm–10:30pm

THE BODYGUARD

North Charleston Performing Arts Center — North Charleston · Charleston Co. · North Charleston

Based on the 1992 film starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, THE BODYGUARD is a thrilling, romantic musical that combines high-stakes suspense with unforgettable…

Ages 0-2
Ages 3-5
Ages 6-10
11+
Cost not listed

Details at Charleston Moms ↗

Sun, Nov 22

2026 Charleston Classic

TD Arena — Charleston · Charleston Co. · Charleston & islands

ESPN Events has officially announced the six teams participating in the 2026 Shriners Children’s Charleston Classic, set to return for its 18 th year at TD Arena in…

Ages 0-2
Ages 3-5
Ages 6-10
11+
Cost not listed

Details at Explore Charleston (Charleston Area CVB) ↗

Sun, Nov 22

Charleston Wing Fest

Hanahan Amphitheater — Hanahan · Berkeley Co. · Summerville & inland

The Charleston Wing Fest was born out of a simple idea: bring together the best wings in the Lowcountry and let the people decide who reigns supreme.

Ages 0-2
Ages 3-5
Ages 6-10
11+
Cost not listed

Details at Explore Charleston (Charleston Area CVB) ↗

Sun, Nov 22

Merry Makers Market

Park West Recreation Complex — Mount Pleasant · Charleston Co. · Mount Pleasant & East Cooper

New for 2026! The Merry Makers Market is a new holiday-season market coming to the Park West Recreation Complex on November 22. Separate from the Town’s annual Holiday…

Ages 0-2
Ages 3-5
Ages 6-10
11+
Cost not listed

Details at Explore Charleston (Charleston Area CVB) ↗

Sun, Nov 22 · 1:30pm–4:30pm

THE BODYGUARD

North Charleston Performing Arts Center — North Charleston · Charleston Co. · North Charleston

Based on the 1992 film starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, THE BODYGUARD is a thrilling, romantic musical that combines high-stakes suspense with unforgettable…

Ages 0-2
Ages 3-5
Ages 6-10
11+
Cost not listed

Details at Charleston Moms ↗

Sun, Nov 22 · 6:30pm–9:30pm

THE BODYGUARD

North Charleston Performing Arts Center — North Charleston · Charleston Co. · North Charleston

Based on the 1992 film starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, THE BODYGUARD is a thrilling, romantic musical that combines high-stakes suspense with unforgettable…

Ages 0-2
Ages 3-5
Ages 6-10
11+
Cost not listed

Details at Charleston Moms ↗

Library storytimes & programs (16, free)

From Charleston County Public Library and Dorchester County Library branches. Some need registration; check the library page.

Friday, Nov 20

Time variesHoliday Food Drive · Mt. Pleasant (Charleston County Public Library), Mount Pleasant 0-2 · 3-5 · 6-10 · 11+ · Free

10:30amPlay-Doh Pals · Ashley River Branch (Dorchester County Library), Summerville 6-10 · Free

11amEarly Literacy Playtime At Village · Village (Charleston County Public Library), Mount Pleasant 0-2 · 3-5 · 6-10 · 11+ · Free

2:30pmKids Makerspace Studio Hours · Ashley River Branch (Dorchester County Library), Summerville 6-10 · Free

3:30pmTalent Show Practice · Baxter-Patrick James Island (Charleston County Public Library), James Island 0-2 · 3-5 · 6-10 · 11+ · Free

4pmSTEM Challenge: Parking Lot Problem · St. George Branch (Dorchester County Library), St. George 6-10 · Free

9amListening Booth: SC250 Stories · Wando Mount Pleasant (Charleston County Public Library), Mount Pleasant 0-2 · 3-5 · 6-10 · 11+ · Free

Saturday, Nov 21

Time variesHoliday Food Drive · Mt. Pleasant (Charleston County Public Library), Mount Pleasant 0-2 · 3-5 · 6-10 · 11+ · Free

9amSensory Bin Saturday · Mt. Pleasant (Charleston County Public Library), Mount Pleasant 0-2 · 3-5 · 6-10 · 11+ · Free

9:30amSprout Society Garden Program @ St. Paul's/Hollywood Library · St. Paul's Hollywood (Charleston County Public Library), Hollywood 0-2 · 3-5 · 6-10 · 11+ · Free

10amFamily Art Studio · St. George Branch (Dorchester County Library), St. George 0-2 · 3-5 · 6-10 · 11+ · Free

11amFamily Storytime · Edisto Island (Charleston County Public Library), Edisto Island 0-2 · 3-5 · 6-10 · 11+ · Free

11amKSNC Thrift Giveaway · Keith Summey North Charleston (Charleston County Public Library), North Charleston 0-2 · 3-5 · 6-10 · 11+ · Free

11amSTAR Therapy Dogs · Wando Mount Pleasant (Charleston County Public Library), Mount Pleasant 0-2 · 3-5 · 6-10 · 11+ · Free

1pmMeteor Showers and Giant Impacts: the Solar System at our Front Door · Main at Morrison (Charleston County Public Library), Charleston 0-2 · 3-5 · 6-10 · 11+ · Free

2pmCreative Hour: Hot Air Balloon Night Light · St. Paul's Hollywood (Charleston County Public Library), Hollywood 0-2 · 3-5 · 6-10 · 11+ · Free