Georgetown with Kids: A Family Day on the Harbor

A historic district sounds like a hard sell to a seven-year-old. Georgetown gets away with it because almost everything here involves water, boats, or something you’re allowed to touch.

Start on the Harborwalk. Kids who won’t sit through a museum will happily spend forty minutes watching boats work. The boardwalk runs behind Front Street along the Sampit River, it’s flat, it’s stroller-friendly, and there is always something moving on the water.

The Maritime Museum is the kid museum. Model ships, shipwreck stories and a 100-year-old Fresnel lens from the North Island lighthouse. It’s the collection that translates best to a short attention span. Be sure your child participates in the treasure hunt. If they find every item on the list, they can claim a prize at the front desk!

Lunch where you can see the water. Several Front Street restaurants back onto the harbor, so outdoor tables come with built-in entertainment.

The parks. Cool off and make memories at the Ben Cooper Splash Park! When the Lowcountry heat rolls in, Ben Cooper Splash Park is the perfect place for kids to cool off and families to enjoy some time outdoors. The splash pad offers plenty of water-filled fun for little ones, while nearby benches provide a comfortable place for parents to relax and watch the action.

If you have a second day, go to the beach. Several unspoiled Hammock Coast beaches sit within about half an hour of downtown, and they’re far quieter than what you’ll find north of here.

One piece of advice. Georgetown is compact enough that you can park once and walk everything. With kids, that’s worth more than any single attraction on this list.