Chelsea Johnson
- May 1, 2019
- 3 min read

The Best Parks & Playgrounds in Downtown Charleston, South Carolina

One of the things I love most about Charleston is how family-friendly it is. We have been so impressed with the number of parks and playgrounds here. It seems like no matter where you are in the city, there is sure to be one nearby.

As a mom, I know how important it is to let the kids run free for a bit, especially if you are doing a lot of sightseeing or before sitting down for a nice meal in a restaurant!

Here is a list of some of our favorite parks and playgrounds in the Downtown Charleston area. You’re also sure to get a great history lesson as you make your way through these!

Waterfront Park: Vendue Range & Concord St., Charleston, SC 29401

Bordering the Charleston Harbor, this impressive park is a great place for a scenic stroll, picnic, or to cool off in one of the fountains on one of Charleston’s sultry summer days!

Waterfront Park

taking a dip in the Pineapple Fountain in Charleston, South Carolina

Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park

Hazel Parker Playground: 70 E. Bay St., Charleston, SC 29401

This is a great park to stop and play right near the Battery and Rainbow Row. There is a playground, picnic area, tennis and basketball courts, a soccer field, dog park, and a restroom.

Hazel Parker Playground

White Point Garden: (“Battery Park”): 2 Murray Blvd., Charleston, SC 29401

This shady oak and monument-filled park offers up gorgeous views of the Charleston Harbor and Fort Sumter. Stroll the oyster-shell-laden paths, and during certain months of the year, you may spot some nests and baby birds as the park is also a rookery for black-crowned night herons.

White Point Garden

Washington Square: 80 Broad St., Charleston, SC 29401

Step through the iron gates enjoy the shade of the majestic oaks as you relax on a bench or stroll among the flowers and historic statues.

Washington Square

Colonial Lake Park: Broad St., Charleston, SC 29401

A picturesque spot for a stroll around the lake or a break from touring in the heart of Charleston’s historic district.

Moultrie Playground: 41 Ashley Ave., Charleston, SC 29401

Right next to Colonial Lake, this huge park has a playground, tennis and basketball courts and plenty of room for kids to roam.

Moultrie Playground

Cannon Park: 131 Rutledge Ave., Charleston, SC 29401

Large columns mark this lovely park and are all that remain of the former Thomas Auditorium and home of the Charleston Museum which burned in a fire in 1981. Bordering Rutledge & Calhoun Streets this park has a great green space for kids and dogs and a playground.

columns in Cannon Park in Charleston, South Carolina

Cannon Park, Image by ProfReader via WIkiCommons

Marion Square: 329 Meeting St., Charleston, SC 29403

This beautiful and central park has a Saturday morning farmer’s market and hosts all sorts of events throughout the year. It is a great place for a picnic or to let the kids run around, and is home to the John C. Calhoun statue and the Holocaust Memorial.

farmer's market produce strawberries and cherry tomatoes

Charleston Farmer’s Market at Marion Square

Tiedemann Park: 38 Elizabeth St., Charleston, South Carolina 29403

This great neighborhood park, hidden between Meeting St. and E. Bay St. has a playground, picnic table, basketball court, and a large field for kids and dogs to run around in. There’s a nature center here also, but hours are not regular.

Tiedemann Park

Brittlebank Park: 181 Lockwood Blvd., Charleston, South Carolina 29403

This riverfront park has a playground, picnic tables, walking and bike paths, a fishing pier and a boat dock. My kids love to look at the boats while they play!

Brittlebank Park

Hampton Park: 30 Mary Murray Drive, Charleston, South Carolina 29403

One of the largest parks in Charleston. Kids can safely roam or ride bikes or scooters through the tree-lined, car-free trails. There are beautiful plants and flowers throughout, a gazebo, pond, picnic tables, playing fields, and restrooms.