Welcome to beautiful Charleston, South Carolina – the perfect place for your next family reunion!

While you may think of Charleston as a historical city with an old-time feel, plenty of modern attractions and activities will make your family reunion a blast. 

Let’s break down 12 of the most insanely fun family reunion ideas for your group in Charleston Don’t be shocked if Charleston becomes your family’s favorite reunion destination!

1. Start Your Reunion At A Historic Charleston Locale

When it comes to family reunions, where you stay matters. (No one wants to be stuck in a cramped hotel room.) Luckily, Charleston has endless unique and historic vacation rentals that will make your family reunion feel like a home away from home.

Check out 22 Charlotte Bed and Breakfast for an idyllic setting with modern amenities. Located just minutes from Marion Square, this beautiful property provides the perfect backdrop for your family reunion. Or consider the historic 21 East Battery Bed and Breakfast – an 1840s townhouse that once served as a Civil War hospital (but no ghosts here!)

21 East Battery Bed and Breakfast

2. Discover Charleston’s Rich History

Charleston is rich in history, and there are a variety of ways to explore it. Immerse your family in American history by visiting Fort Sumter National Monument, the site of the battle that ignited the Civil War. This historic fort offers a unique and educational experience for all ages.

You can also step back in time and visit Drayton Hall Plantation, the oldest unrestored plantation house in America that remains publicly accessible. Surrounded by 125 acres of oak trees, ponds, and riverways, this beautiful property provides a fascinating glimpse into the past.

Fort Sumter

3. Celebrate Family Out in The Charleston Nature

Picnics, barbecues, and games are all great ways to celebrate family in the great outdoors. And what better way to celebrate the family outside than at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens? America’s oldest public garden features plenty of green space, a conservatory, café, and theater on site, it’s a perfect destination for the whole family!

Explore the exquisitely preserved gardens at Middleton Place, a former rice plantation with a 65-acre, 300-year-old landscape. The property also features a museum, live entertainment, farm animals, and a humbling tour into the former slave trade.

If the beach is more your family’s style, you won’t go wrong at Sullivan’s Island or Folly Beach. Rent bikes, build sandcastles, or simply relax and enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery. Any way you choose to celebrate the family, you won’t be disappointed!

Check out that grass!

4. Experience Fun-Filled Attractions

Unleash your inner child at Charleston Fun Park, where you can race go-karts, play mini-golf, try ax-throwing, or immerse yourself in virtual reality activities. This family-friendly attraction guarantees a day of excitement and laughter.

If the heat is on, take the family to cool off at one of Charleston’s waterparks, such as Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark or Splash Zone Waterpark. With exciting rides, slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Splish splash!

5. Learn Together in Charleston

Families that learn together, stay together! Let curiosity be your guide and discover Charleston’s historic charm with a visit to the South Carolina Aquarium. Here, you’ll learn about the area’s rich marine life while viewing sea turtles, otters, alligators, and more.

If your family has plenty of little ones, watch them be amazed at the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry, which offers interactive exhibits, play areas, and educational programs designed to inspire young minds.

There’s so much to learn!

6. Take to the Water in Charleston

While the beaches offer plenty to do, you can also have a blast with the family on the water itself!

Enjoy breathtaking views of Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter, the USS Yorktown, and the Ravenel Bridge aboard a sightseeing cruise. With live narration and stunning scenery, this is an experience you won’t want to miss.

If you want to get your adrenaline pumping, check out the water sports offered by HydroFly Watersports, such as tubing, wakeboarding, Flyboarding, or even booze cruising and boat charters. Just keep an eye out for that thrill-seeking uncle – he may not be able to resist!

It’s a fun way to see the land… off-land!

7. Indulge in Delicious Cuisine

Charleston is a food lover’s paradise, with over 200 restaurants offering everything from traditional shrimp and grits to mouth-watering Southern favorites, juicy burgers, pasta, pizza, and barbecue.

For an upscale experience, check out Magnolias on East Bay Street. This classic Southern restaurant has been serving up Lowcountry cuisine since 1990 and is sure to impress with its award-winning menu.

For a more casual atmosphere, head to Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar on Concord Street. This waterfront eatery offers stunning views of Charleston Harbor and features seafood dishes from local waters.

Eat like the locals!

8. Get Spooked on a Ghost Tour

Delve into Charleston’s mysterious past on a supernatural ghost tour, visiting haunted locations like the Old Exchange dungeon and hearing chilling tales of ghostly encounters.

For a unique twist, combine the ghost tour with a bar crawl or a haunted cruise. Your family will love uncovering the city’s hidden secrets!

It can be a bit chilling…

9. Explore Local Art Galleries

During your family vacation, be sure to check out some of Charleston’s art galleries and museums.

Catch a glimpse of the old-world South at the Gibbes Museum of Art, which houses paintings and sculptures from America’s colonial era. Or head to the City Gallery at Waterfront Park to explore the work of local artists.

If you’re looking for a unique experience, try a walking tour of Charleston’s street murals. Discover thought-provoking works of art and learn about their creators in this vibrant city!

Gibbes Museum of Art

10. Embrace Local Culture

One of the best parts of Charleston’s family vacation culture is how much local history and culture is packed into a small area. 

Meet local artists and vendors at the Charleston City Market, a vibrant and historic market featuring over 300 pop-up shops. Find unique souvenirs while supporting local artisans and bring home a piece of Charleston.

Plan your family reunion to coincide with the 2nd Sunday on King Street, Charleston’s monthly mini-festival with family-friendly vendors and activities – it’s one of the most popular events in the city!

Getting to know locals is one of the most fun aspects of travel!

11. Visit During A Festival

What’s better than having your family reunion’s timing coincide with a festival or event? Charleston has an abundance of festivals and events throughout the year.

Consider timing your reunion with a local festival, such as Spoleto Festival USA or Charleston Food + Wine, for an unforgettable cultural experience. No matter what time of the year, you’ll find something to celebrate in Charleston!

Food & Wine is a favorite!

12. Catch a Charleston Performance

Attend a live performance at one of Charleston’s theaters or music venues, showcasing everything from Broadway shows to jazz concerts. This entertaining outing is sure to please the entire family. 

Plus, you’ll get to explore some of the city’s iconic landmarks, like The Charleston Music Hall or the historic Dock Street Theatre.

Take the family to the theater!

Charleston Knows Family Reunions

When it comes to planning an unforgettable family reunion, nothing beats a trip to Charleston. 

With endless things to do and see, it’s the perfect place for your family to get together and make lasting memories! From historical sites to cultural events, you’ll find plenty of activities that will keep everyone entertained.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next family reunion in this vibrant city today!