When the weather is beautiful, it’s a piece of cake to get the kids out and about, running around until the sun goes down. Beach days and park playdates are a dream for parents and sitters. But do you ever feel like there are just more rainy days than you bargained for? Spring and Summer roll around, and so do those afternoon showers. We know how important it is to keep kids active and moving - not only for their health, but also for developing their imagination, and socialization with other kids.
How to Encourage Imaginative Play
There is a lot of beauty in technology, and there are a million ways to use it wisely with kids. We certainly don’t believe it should be avoided entirely - however there is such a thing as too much of a good thing! So we’re unplugging, getting our hands dirty, and getting in touch with a little imagination!
7 Travel Hacks Every Parent Should Know
Any type of travel needs a good plan, but especially travel that includes children. Don’t let the inevitable stress of travel dissuade you from taking that family trip you’ve been wanting to take for years. You deserve it! And with proper planning and few of our tips, you might just have the trip of a lifetime with lasting family memories.
Don't Miss this Event! Teddy Bear Picnic at Hampton Park
The Teddy Bear Picnic is one of the cutest events of the year. The event features live music, a teddy bear fashion show, face painting, seed planting, cookie decorating, crafts, and games.
Top 5 Charleston Birthday Party Locations
From mermaids to pirates, painting to rock climbing - you never know what will peak your kid's interest each passing year. Birthday Parties can cost loads of money, and can take weeks of exhaustive planning. Fortunately, Charleston has plenty of affordable options for parties with a variety of fun activities and locations. Let the experts handle the nitty gritty details, so we can just enjoy and watch the kids have a blast.
1. Teacups and Trucks (Mt. Pleasant)
This is truly your one-stop-shop for crafting the perfect birthday party. Teacups and Trucks specializes in children's birthdays, and they've got it down to a science! There are dozens of fun themes to choose from (girls, boys, and co-ed), and you can have the party at their store location (no clean up!), or at a location of your choosing. Teacups and Trucks will make sure your child has the best day ever.
2. Wild Blue Ropes Adventure Park (James Island)
The perfect birthday party for the adventurous type, Wild Blue Ropes Adventure Park is a park with rope courses and obstacles. The park offers birthday party packages, specifically for kids (one for ages 12 and under and one for ages 12 and over), meant to bring out their "inner Tarzan." The package can include pizza, so no need to plan for food at another location. This is a great option to keep the kids active and to give them a new and fun experience, different from the average party!
3. Charleston RUSH Laser Tag (North Charleston)
Laser Tag, GoKarts, arcade Games, pizza and cake? This will be a birthday party they'll never forget. Charleston Laser Tag offers different birthday packages that allow you to pick and choose what games and food are included. This place is designed for events for kids, so it's a great less-stress option that allows parents to just hang out and enjoy, while the kids have the time of their lives.
4. The Art Place Studio (Mt. Pleasant)
It's hard to think of a better place for a birthday party than this. A safe and fun environment that kids absolutely love, The Art Place Studio offers a variety of fun birthday party options. Canvas painting, birdhouse painting, pottery painting, and more - there is plenty for your little Picasso to choose from! The packages are super affordable, and you also don't have to worry about goody bags - since the kids will have a fun piece of artwork to take home!
5. Songs for Seeds (Mt. Pleasant)
Songs for Seeds is an interactive music class, that is both fun and educational. This is a great idea for your younger kids, as they specialize in classes and parties for children aged newborn to 6. There is a three-piece band (guitar, drums, keyboard), and the kids can learn how to play instruments, use props, and explore all sorts of fun musical activities.
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NannyPod provides babysitters, nannies, and night nurse infant care on demand, at an affordable price. Our service is convenient, safe and secure for families and our staff. Parents can request childcare instantly online or by using the MindBody Connect app. Get started with NannyPod today and find babysitters or nannies for your childcare needs!
Fun Scouting: Top 5 Charleston Playgrounds You Might Not Know About
If there's one thing Charleston does really well for kids, its playgrounds. Whatever you're looking for - new equipment, shaded picnic tables, or just a change of scenery to shake things up - you're going to want to check out some of these top NannyPod spots.
1. "Big Toy" Playground at Palmetto Islands County Park (Mount Pleasant)
This playground is nestled in Palmetto Islands County Park, giving it a fun and natural feel. The play area is HUGE with new equipment and a separate area for younger and older kids. Additionally, this park offers picnic tables, public bathrooms - and best of all... SHADE, which makes this playground one of our favorites.
2. Smythe Park - Pirate Cove (Daniel Island)
Smythe Park is situated around a beautiful lake with scenic bike paths and picnic tables. There are swings, climbing structures, monkey bars, and soft sandy areas. Oh, and the whole playground structure is shaped like a Pirate Ship. Need we say more?
3. Plymouth Park (James Island)
This quaint playground is all about location. Plymouth Park Playground is right on the water, so it's the perfect place if you're bringing a picnic or your pet. To top it off, it's right next to a fire station - so you're sure to delight your little ones when the big red trucks roll by.
4. Wannamaker Park (North Charleston)
There are 2 playgrounds in Wannamaker County Park (Tot-Lot and Fun-Lot), a seasonal water park, picnic tables, a snack bar, dog park, bathrooms, and hiking trails. Our favorite part - there's a big hill that's a ton of fun for kids and a great pre-nap option for parents.
5. Pirate Cove Playground (Folly Beach)
There's something about pirates and big ships that really bring the magic. We love that this playground is in downtown Folly, right near the beach - so you can make it a part of your beach day, or grab some ice cream as a special treat. This playground is fun for older kids but also has some toddler-friendly equipment (smaller slides, toddler swings, and seahorse bouncies).
Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more great tips, hints, and quick reads on all things parenting in Charleston SC!
NannyPod provides babysitters, nannies, and night nurse infant care on demand, at an affordable price. Our service is convenient, safe and secure for families and our staff. Parents can request childcare instantly online or by using the MindBody Connect app. Get started with NannyPod today and find babysitters or nannies for your childcare needs!
Our Top 5 Kid-Friendly Ways to Beat the Charleston Heat
Charleston is HOT...and hot kids get cranky! Here's a few of our favorite nearby activities that your kids will love, and won't leave you or your little ones begging for air conditioning.
1. Fire Museum (North Charleston)
Free for kids 12 and under, the Fire Museum is the perfect "something new" your family-time schedule needs. The museum is educational, with an extensive collection of firetrucks dating back to 1780! Its also a relaxing and fun environment, with an indoor playground and interactive exhibits. Afterwards, swing by Mellow Mushroom next door for lunch and you've got yourself a cool afternoon with the family.
2. Sky Zone (Mount Pleasant)
If you've never been to Sky Zone, say hello to your child's new favorite place. Sky Zone is an indoor trampoline park with a foam pit and wall-to-wall trampolines for bouncing and playing. Toddler Hour is Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9-10:00am, so your little ones can jump around with parental supervision without "big kid interference." Sky Zone is fun for ALL ages... and while the kids get hot playing, you'll stay nice and cool.
3. WonderWorks (Mount Pleasant)
Escape the heat for an hour with a trip to WonderWorks. More than just a toy store, this interactive, magical place features a train set, kitchen play area, jumping station, and loads of toys out of the package for "testing." There's always plenty of other kids exploring for your little ones to interact with and the staff are always friendly and welcoming.
4. Splash Zone (James Island County Park)
James Island County Park will quickly become one of your family's favorite stay-cool spots. The park has a 200-foot tube slide, open slide, lazy river with water-walls and sprays, a leisure pool, and a "Jake and the Neverland Pirates"-like play structure. There are showers, restrooms, concessions, and picnic space as well. Kids under 2 are free, and over 2 it is only $9.99 - so you can enjoy the adventure without breaking the bank.
5. Waterfront Park (The Battery)
Beat the beach traffic and head to the Waterfront Park fountain and "swimmable" Pineapple Fountain. Bring your kid's swimsuits (they will get soaked!), towels, and sunscreen, for an afternoon splashing in the fountains along the scenic Charleston Battery. Afterwards, you're just a few steps away from swinging benches on the pier and an ice cream shop nearby. (Local hint: the Vendue Hotel has a clean bathroom and doesn't seem to discourage parents from bringing their kids in for a quick bathroom break!)
Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more great tips, hints, and quick reads on all things parenting in Charleston SC!
NannyPod provides babysitters, nannies, and night nurse infant care on demand, at an affordable price. Our service is convenient, safe and secure for families and our staff. Parents can request childcare instantly online or by using the MindBody Connect app. Get started with NannyPod today and find babysitters or nannies for your childcare needs!