McLeod by Night
Friday, March 1, 6:30 - 7:45 p.m.
McLeod Plantation Historic Site
For enslaved residents, night was time for burials, worship, family visits, or an opportunity to seize freedom. Tour McLeod after dark to discover how they commandeered the night and the risks they took doing so. Fee: $15 Admission
Where the Wild Things Run/Walk 5K
Saturday, March 2, 8:30 a.m. race start
Caw Caw Interpretive Center
Walkers, joggers and runners are invited to explore their wild side on the scenic nature trails at Caw Caw Interpretive Center. Caw Caw is actively managed for a variety of wildlife and a favored habitat for rare wildlife, so there is also the chance to see a "wild thing" or two! An award ceremony with local food and beverages will be held after the 5K trail run and walk. Fee: $32; on-site registration $38.
The Reckoning in the Park
Sunday, March 10, The Reckoning Set Times Set times: 2:00pm - 3:30pm and 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Dog Park at James Island County Park
Bring your favorite furry friend to the James Island County Park Dog Park to enjoy live music from local Grateful Dead cover band, The Reckoning! Fee: $2 park entrance.
Pet Fest 2019
Saturday, March 30, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park
Charleston's premier pet festival offers exhibits, demonstrations, experts, contests, entertainment, and more! Pets are encouraged to bring their owners! Annual Gold Passes will be honored. For a full schedule of activities each day, visit CharlestonCountyParks.com. Pets must be restrained/leashed at all times. No outside food or beverages permitted. Fee: $8/Free: Ages 12 & under and Gold Pass Holders. (Save $3 per person with pet food or pet supply donation.)
Wine Down Wednesday
March 27, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Old Towne Creek County Park
Come Wine Down your Wednesday and explore Old Towne Creek County Park, one of West Ashley's hidden gems. Guests will enjoy wine and live music while experiencing the beauty of this natural site. A commemorative wine glass is included with your admission. Food truck fare will be available for purchase on-site. Fee: $20, or $15 in advance.
Spring Break Camps
Spring Break Explorers Camp at James Island
Monday, March 25 - Friday, March 29, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
James Island County Park
Enjoy spring break at your county parks. Kids will spend their days having a blast doing arts and crafts, cooperative games, canoeing, and playing in the dirt...just like you used to do.
Fee: $225
Ages: 6-10
Spring Break Explorers Camp at Palmetto Islands
Monday, March 25 - Friday, March 29, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park
Enjoy spring break at your county parks. Kids will spend their days having a blast doing arts and crafts, cooperative games, canoeing, and playing in the dirt...just like you used to do.
Fee: $225
Ages: 6-10
Ongoing Programs
Early Morning Bird Walks at Caw Caw
Caw Caw Interpretive Center
Ongoing – Wednesdays and Saturdays, March 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30
8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Join us on one or more of our regular bird walks. Our trek through many distinct habitats will allow us to view and discuss a variety of birds, butterflies, and other organisms. A paid chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under. Every Wednesday and Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Free for Gold Pass Holders. Registration is not required.
Fee: $10; free for Gold Pass holders
Adult Archery
Archery Range at Johns Island County Park
4 Week Session, Saturdays, March 9, 16, 23, 30
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Learn about the basics of archery including use of equipment, course protocols, and safety. You will receive coaching to improve skills and shoot in fun and game-style formats.
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Fee: $15
Ages: 16 and up
ACA L-2 Essentials of Canoe Touring IDW/ICE
Destination at Off-Site Location
2 Week Session - Fri, March 8 - Sun, March 10
Mar 8, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM at JICP - Boardroom
Mar 8, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM at JICP - Large Lake
Mar 9, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM at JICP - Boardroom
Mar 9, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM at JICP - Large Lake
Mar 10, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM at Off-Site - Destination
Mar 10, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM at JICP - Boardroom
Mar 10, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM at JICP - Large Lake
The ACA Instructor Certification program polishes the paddling and teaching skills of already-competent paddlers aspiring to become instructors or trip leaders. Certification is based upon successful demonstration of technical competency and teaching skills. This workshop (IDW) with the certification exam (ICE) is for the ACA's L-2 Canoe Touring Instructors. This certification is for those teaching students in flat water. It emphasizes safety, efficiency, and self-reliance for those traveling by canoe in controlled conditions.
Fee: $405
Ages: 18 and up
Signature Research Training L1 or L2
Challenge Course at Outdoor Zone at James Island County Park
1 Week Session - Mon, March 18 - Fri, March 22
8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Training will be led by Signature Research instructor(s), and participants will receive a syllabus and training manual at the start of the course. Minimum enrollment required by March 12, 2018. Signature Research Inc. is Professional Vendor Member of Association for Challenge Course Technology. ACCT is a non-profit professional trade organization of challenge course builders. ACCT has established the standards for challenge course installation, operational training, and inspections. Signature Research Inc. has provided installation, operational training, and inspections in the United States and internationally since 1997 and is widely recognized as an industry leader. Please note Level 2 course requirements: Participants must be over 18 years of age, have a Level 1 certification by provider ACCT vendor and/or provide documentation of 40 to 80 hours of challenge course training by a qualified trainer, and have a current portfolio documenting 200 to 400 hours of facilitation experience. The Challenge Course at James Island County Park is simply a tool that offers unique adventure learning opportunities for groups to develop as team.
Fee: $650
Ages: 18 and up
Daily Programs
Homeschool in the Parks: Flower Friends
Caw Caw Interpretive Center
Fri, March 1
10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Explore the many connections between flowers and their animal pollinators.
Fee: $5
Ages: 7-13
Beginner Birding
Park Center at Palmetto Islands County Park
Sat, March 2
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Even the best birders were “fledglings” at one time. Join a naturalist to learn birding essentials, like proper gear and basic terminology. We’ll then take a walk to spot and identify some feathered friends.
Fee: $12
Ages: 12 and up
Intro to Climbing
Climbing Wall at Outdoor Zone at James Island County Park
Sun. March 3
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
There's a lot to learn about climbing; getting your footing, learning the lingo, and starting out can be intimidating. But it doesn't have to be. In our Intro to Climbing class, you’ll receive expert instruction on the basics of climbing, the opportunity to meet and learn with other new climbers, and an overview of our facility. This 90-minute class will help kick off your new adventure with a 1:9 instructor to
student ratio and lots of small group and partner work. Instruction takes place on both ropes and boulders, and the class will include your gear rental, too!
Fee: $25
Ages: 14 and up
Lighthouse Inlet Bird Walk
Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve
Fri, March 8
8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
This walk focuses on the incredibly diverse northeast end of Folly Island. Once the home of a Coast Guard station, this Heritage Preserve protects maritime forest, beach, dune, and marsh habitats for wildlife. This site is a leader in number of bird species seen in South Carolina. At this time of year, we hope to see spring arrivals such as Painted Bunting and Wilson's Plover, plus much more.
Fee: $7
Ages: 12 and up
Homeschool in the Parks: Reptile Wonders
Caw Caw Interpretive Center
Fri, March 8
10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
The wetlands at Caw Caw are the perfect home for reptiles. Become familiar with these critters through an investigation of bones, skulls, and a search for live animals.
Fee: $5
Ages: 7-13
Beginner Skateboarding
SK8 Charleston
Sat, March 9
8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Learn the basics of skateboarding in a safe and fun environment! Little to no experience skateboarding is necessary. Students will be taught the components of a skateboard, proper safety equipment, skate park etiquette, determining stance: Regular or Goofy, foot placement on the board, pushing, carving, keeping your momentum, turning, and how to properly fall. Helmets are required and pads are recommended. SK8 Charleston has skateboards, helmets, and pads (wrist guards, elbow pads, and knee pads) available for use at no additional cost during scheduled lessons. Skaters may use their own industry standard equipment. Includes free admission into the skate park on the day of the lesson as well as 1 courtesy pass for a return visit.
Fee: $65
Ages: 8-12
Beginner Skateboarding
SK8 Charleston
Sat, March 9
8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Learn the basics of skateboarding in a safe and fun environment! Little to no experience skateboarding is necessary. Students will be taught the components of a skateboard, proper safety equipment, skate park etiquette, determining stance: Regular or Goofy, foot placement on the board, pushing, carving, keeping your momentum, turning, and how to properly fall. Helmets are required and pads are recommended. SK8 Charleston has skateboards, helmets, and pads (wrist guards, elbow pads, and knee pads) available for use at no additional cost during scheduled lessons. Skaters may use their own industry standard equipment. Includes free admission into the skate park on the day of the lesson as well as 1 courtesy pass for a return visit.
Fee: $65
Ages: 13-17
Master Naturalist Sampler
James Island County Park
Thu, March 14
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Would you like to take our Master Naturalist course, but don't have the time? We offer half-day sessions for the naturalists at heart with busy schedules. The forested areas and salt marshes of this park provide a superb outdoor classroom for learning how to read landscapes. Walk away with a greater understanding of the natural world and your place in it!
Fee: $12
Ages: 16 and up
Tones at Twilight
Caw Caw Interpretive Center
Fri, March 15
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Have you ever wondered about sounds from the natural world? Join a Master Naturalist instructor to figure some of them out. We will listen for owls, frogs, and other creatures awake during the twilight hours.
Fee: $7
Ages: 12 and up
Intro to Sport Lead Climbing
Climbing Wall at Outdoor Zone at James Island County Park
Sun, March 17
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Our lead course is for those that have been top rope climbing and are ready to take things to the next level. Learning to lead climb gives you access to more walls as well as better prepares you for outdoor climbing. In this course you will learn about the risks involved in
lead climbing, risk management, lead climbing equipment, clipping techniques, lead belaying, and falling skills. Pre-requisites: Lead climbing is not a beginner skill set. We require a base of experience to take our lead course. You need to have been climbing regularly
for several months. You need to be top rope certified in our gym prior to registering for the course. You need to be able to climb 5.8 routes in our facility numerous times in a row.
Fee: $30
Ages: 14 and up
Johns Island March Madness Basketball Tournament
St John's - Basketball Gymnasium at St John's High School
Fri, March 22 – Sun, March 24
Mar 22 from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Mar 23 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Mar 24 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Come join the March madness fever! This is a three-day competitive double elimination tournament play for ages 20 and over.
Fee: $25
Ages: 20 and up
Beginner Skateboarding
SK8 Charleston
Sat, March 23
8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Learn the basics of skateboarding in a safe and fun environment! Little to no experience skateboarding is necessary. Students will be taught the components of a skateboard, proper safety equipment, skate park etiquette, determining stance: Regular or Goofy, foot placement on the board, pushing, carving, keeping your momentum, turning, and how to properly fall. Helmets are required and pads are recommended. SK8 Charleston has skateboards, helmets, and pads (wrist guards, elbow pads, and knee pads) available for use at no additional cost during scheduled lessons. Skaters may use their own industry standard equipment. Includes free admission into the skate park on the day of the lesson as well as 1 courtesy pass for a return visit.
Fee: $65
Ages: 8-12
Beginner Skateboarding
SK8 Charleston
Sat, March 23
8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Learn the basics of skateboarding in a safe and fun environment! Little to no experience skateboarding is necessary. Students will be taught the components of a skateboard, proper safety equipment, skate park etiquette, determining stance: Regular or Goofy, foot placement on the board, pushing, carving, keeping your momentum, turning, and how to properly fall. Helmets are required and pads are recommended. SK8 Charleston has skateboards, helmets, and pads (wrist guards, elbow pads, and knee pads) available for use at no additional cost during scheduled lessons. Skaters may use their own industry standard equipment. Includes free admission into the skate park on the day of the lesson as well as 1 courtesy pass for a return visit.
Fee: $65
Ages: 13-17
Little Groms - Beginner Skateboarding
SK8 Charleston
Sat, March 23
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Learn the basics of skateboarding in a safe and fun environment! Little to no experience skateboarding is necessary. This course is designed for young participants (groms) potentially having their first experience with skateboarding. Students will be taught the components of a skateboard, proper safety equipment, skate park etiquette, determining stance: Regular or Goofy, and foot placement on the board. Students will begin practicing pushing, carving, keeping momentum, turning, and how to properly fall. Helmets are required and pads are recommended. SK8 Charleston has skateboards, helmets, and pads (wrist guards, elbow pads, and knee pads) available for use at no additional cost during scheduled lessons. Skaters may use their own industry standard equipment. Includes free admission into the skate park on the day of the lesson as well as 1 courtesy pass for a return visit.
Fee: $25
Ages: 5-7
Heritage to Habitat Canoe Tour
Caw Caw Interpretive Center
Sat, March 23
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Glide silently past feeding herons and witness features hidden to trail-bound visitors by canoeing Caw Caw's waterways. These interpretive paddles offer a unique look into the ecology of the Lowcountry. Trained naturalists will enlighten you to the cultural and natural history of the area, citing important connections to the past, present, and future.
Fee: $28
Ages: 9 and up
Gym to Crag
Destination at Off-Site Location
2 Week Session – Saturday March 23 – Sunday March 24
6:16 a.m. – 11:50 p.m. and 12 a.m. – 5:43 p.m.
Perfect for the climber with limited experience looking for the skills to climb outdoors. The high-friction routes of North Carolina offer a unique and aesthetic setting for learning outdoor movement skills and top rope anchoring techniques. Belay skills are a pre-requisite.
Fee: $215
Ages: 16 and up
Wee Wild Ones: Spring Sprouts
Caw Caw Interpretive Center
Fri, March 29
10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Young children ages 1-5 will channel their inner explorers while enjoying nature through hands-on activities, games, music, and art.
Bring your little sprout to the park and learn about springtime plants. We will have fun figuring out why plants are an important part of
our world.
Fee: $10
Ages: 1-5
Advance registration required for many programs. Call 843-795-4386 or visit www.charlestoncountyparks.com to register.
Many programs require that a minimum number of participants be met.
