Our Recommendations For Families Heading To South Carolina
Family vacations in South Carolina can be rewarding experiences or absolute disasters -- it all depends on pre-trip homework. To make planning easier, we've done all the preparation.As part of a Huffington Post Travel serieson traveling with children, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about South Carolina family vacations.
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
The Riverbanks Zoo and GardenAfrican PlainsLemur IslandShade Garden
Address:500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210
Phone:803-779-8717
Hours:Daily park hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Extended spring/summer weekend hours: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays (effective April 2 - Oct. 9, 2011) Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas days. Special closings may be announced.
Price:Adults, $11.75; children (3-12 years), $9.25; children (2 and under), free; military (with military ID), $10.75; senior citizens (ages 62 and up), $10.75
South of the Border
Address:3346 Highway 301 North, Dillon, SC 29547
Phone:800-845-6011
Hours:Some part of South of the Border is always open. The Reptile Lagoon is open Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday from 9 a.m.to 8 p.m.
Price:Free to enter the park; approximately $8 for a pass to ride attractions
Harbour Town
Harbour TownHarbour Town Lighthouse and Museumshoppingwater activities
Address:149 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone:866-305-9814
Hours:Open daily 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Price:N/A
Fort Sumter National Monument
The national monument atFort Sumtermarks the location where the Civil War began in 1861. Families will be able to experience an important part of American history, while children 12 and under can participate in theJunior Ranger Program.
Address:Fort Sumter Visitor Center, Liberty Square, 340 Concord St., Charleston, SC 29401
Phone:843-882-3123 ext. 23
Hours:Fort Sumter is open year round except for New Year's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hours of operation are: Jan. 2 - Feb. 29, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; March 1 - March 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; March 15 - Aug. 20, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Aug. 21 - Aug. 28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Labor Day weekend (Fri-Sat-Sun), 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Labor Day - Nov. 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Dec. 1 - 24, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Dec. 26 - 31, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Price:There is no fee for those arriving by private boat. For those arriving by ferry, the Fort Sumter tour rates: Adults, $17; seniors, $15; children (6-11), $10; infants (5 & under), free
The Charleston Museum
Address:360 Meeting St., Charleston, SC 29403
Phone:843-722-2996
Hours:Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. The museum is closed on New Year's Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve afternoon and Christmas Day.
Price:Adults, $10; children (3-12), $5; children under 3, free
EdVenture
Address:211 Gervais St., Columbia, SC 29201
Phone:803-779-3100
Hours:Monday – Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m. Closed on Mondays from Labor Day through Memorial Day except for winter and spring breaks and all federal holidays.
Price:Children and adults, $9.50; seniors (62+), $8.50; military (with ID), $8.50; members, free; children under 1, free
Myrtle Beach, SC
Offering so much more than sand and water,Myrtle Beach, SCis a family vacation destination that has something for everyone. Amazing live shows, multitudes of mini-golf courses, shopping and exciting excursions create a vacation that families won't soon forget.
Address:Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Phone:843-626-7444
Hours:N/A
Price:N/A
What's your favorite vacation spot in South Carolina?
Mid photo:horaceko; Flickr
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This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
