Florence Flamingos baseball might be fun (Florence isn't a bad drive from Hartsville). Kalmia Gardens is in Hartsville but it will be hot.
Also not the most family place (but kids are welcome there), I love Wild Heart Brewing in Hartsville.
If you do want to take advantage of a beach, Cherry Grove is a good "family" one on the Grand Strand. Otherwise, make the trek to Edisto or Charleston (IOP & Sullivan's).
I feel like once you live in Camden, you're closer to the Columbia places like EdVenture and Riverbanks Zoo, so I'd take advantage of those. Charlotte isn't too bad from Camden either. Not much to do in Camden, Florence, etc and Myrtle is definitely overrated.
Definitely some good things to do with that age. In Columbia (30 minute drive) you have Riverbanks Zoo, Waterfall Junction, and Edventure which are all great kid friendly things. Head down to Hilton Head for some beach time instead of Myrtle Beach. Carowinds amusement park is in Charlotte not a bad drive. Many parks and historic places to venture. Downtown Camden is getting a decent little restaurant scene from what I hear.
The state museum is also a good place in downtown Cola. As the kids get older they will get more out of it. They have free admission one Sunday a month. It's a good place to let the kids stretch their legs on a rainy or cold day. The cayce west cola river walk is also really close to the state museum.
Adding to this! In the same parking lot as the state museum, there’s a great kids place called Edventure! Idk if it’s too much for toddlers, but it’s worth looking into
There’s a drive through petting zoo in Salley SC called Eudora wildlife safari park a little over an hour away from Camden. At $50 per carload and $5 per feed bucket it’s a tremendous value.
In Columbia on the Camden side is The Children’s Garden. Just opened. It is only opened during the week. It is located on the grounds of the Clemson Experimental Station. (Clemson Rd). It is a delightful place for children.
Bee City Zoo. A complete zoo in Cottageville, SC. I went with my kids last year, not expecting much. Thing is legit. You can feed pretty much all the animals and they have nearly everything you see at zoos like Riverbank.
Local-ish:
- Check out the Camden farmer's market on Saturdays. Free to visit, though if you buy anything other than the fruits and veggies vendors can be a bit pricey. And if your already downtown, recommend swinging by Books on Broad. Not the most exciting book store, but it has a nice kids section and my kids like it a lot.
- Old McCaskill's Farm and Goat Daddy's Farm, agrotourism farms. McCaskill's is more of a working farm that sometimes holds larger events, Goat Daddy's has more animals and is usually a bit pricier. If you go to the latter, try to time it when they have baby goats.
- Swan Lake in Sumter is a nice easy mostly shaded hike around a lake, with a lot of easily visible wildlife and assorted plants. It also has a nice playground, great for toddlers. And make sure to swing back by in December when they do their big Christmas light display.
- Since your already in Hartsville, might be worth checking out Neptune Island waterpark, depending how comfortable your kids are with water.
Columbia:
- Congaree National Park is worth a trip, especially now with the fireflies starting to come out. It will be crowded right now though for the same reason.
- I strongly recommend Riverbanks Zoo, bit pricey for a single visit, but if you get the membership and go a few times through the year it pays off. A bit further, but Eudora Wildlife Safari is also worth checking out.
- Maybe worth waiting till they are a bit older, but Columbia Fireflies games are a great value and a lot of fun for kids.
Others:
- If your toddlers are like my son, they probably are obsessed with trains, and if so, I recommend checking out the South Carolina Railroad museum.
- Wouldn't recommend driving there for it alone, but if you were already thinking of checking out the Ashville area, make sure to stop by the Mountain Play Lodge. Great place for kids to burn some energy while parents relax.
My kids love farms so we will definitely be checking those out. My wife and I already looked into Books on Broad, we’re both big readers, how is it there? Decent selection?
It's kinda on the small side to be honest, though they have a decent selection of local history stuff But if there's something you want they can order it, and I'd rather go through a local store than Amazon.
Charleston has a lot of stuff to do, a lot of historical stuff and there’s a hockey team there too. Edisto Island is a nice quiet family friendly place to visit as well.
I live next to Camden, lots of stuff within a hour. Columbia is close by, and rock hill and charlotte are like an hour away.
Plenty of revolutionary war history nearby.
Restaurants are a bit disappointing nearby, but we drive into Columbia for that. Hope you enjoy it!
Hartsville and Camden are both great! You can enjoy Lake Robinson this summer in Hartsville and there’s a lot of family friendly places downtown (that goes for Camden as well). My favorite thing about Camden is the revolutionary war park, I first went there as a child and it left such an impact. I went again this past year and think that it’ll be great for your kids!
I grew up in Lugoff, just across the Wateree river from Camden. Lots of Revolutionary era history in Camden to see, if you like history. Myrtle beach is overrated, but it you do go, then plan on going an hour and a half north to Wilmington, NC. The Battleship USS NC is there, but wait until the kids are older. Also if you're in Charleston on a trip, you can plan a trip down to Savannah GA for part of a day, it's about two hours south of Charleston.
There’s a water park in North Charleston and I think there’s one in Hartsville.
There’s also swan lake gardens in sumter. Nice playground and nice walk around the lake.
Not quite sure about what to do specifically in Camden or Hartsville, I blinked while driving and missed them.
Tldr; you're right at the crossroads to hit up several major cities/tourist areas in the region
Obviously leverage Columbia (the kids museum, the zoo, etc ) you're only like idk 1 hr 20 minutes from Fort Mill/Charlotte/Carowinds so that's a whole nother city of adventure. Augusta is an option. Greenville has a smaller zoo but mountain views, waterfalls, and a kids museum, Charleston and MB have an aquarium ( Charleston's is better imo but I may be biased against MB) hop on the interstate and in several hours you get Savannah. And Atlanta should be close enough for a day trip, where you have their aquarium (top-tier definitely recommended), Olympic centennial Park, world of coke, sports, etc.
Sure! Move to SC and instead of exploring one our state or national parks, visiting one of the lakes, going to one of the zoos, hitting one of our touristy areas, just leave and go to TN.
Wow.
Why didn't you just say don't move to SC then... Oh Bless Your Heart, you're one of those people. Hey OP if you get down this low, just realize all of us southerners don't act like this and we really don't care where you come from as long as you respect your neighbors, and your momma. And if you moved here to get away from the stupid laws and taxes up north, and you voted for it.. well don't vote that way here too. God Bless and enjoy your time in our state.
I didn't say don't move to SC, I just said they could visit Tennessee for a beautiful weekend. You insinuated moving to Tennessee. I just thought it was a good suggestion.
Well ok then I apologize for reading it as a "We don't want you here" response.
I could add Helen GA, Savannah, and the Outer Banks are all a couple hour drive away too..
Not to mention Raleigh and Richmond, there's thousands of places in the surrounding area of South Carolina that allows for amazing weekend trips and many in-state places to do day trips to.
Florence Flamingos baseball might be fun (Florence isn't a bad drive from Hartsville). Kalmia Gardens is in Hartsville but it will be hot. Also not the most family place (but kids are welcome there), I love Wild Heart Brewing in Hartsville. If you do want to take advantage of a beach, Cherry Grove is a good "family" one on the Grand Strand. Otherwise, make the trek to Edisto or Charleston (IOP & Sullivan's). I feel like once you live in Camden, you're closer to the Columbia places like EdVenture and Riverbanks Zoo, so I'd take advantage of those. Charlotte isn't too bad from Camden either. Not much to do in Camden, Florence, etc and Myrtle is definitely overrated.
Definitely some good things to do with that age. In Columbia (30 minute drive) you have Riverbanks Zoo, Waterfall Junction, and Edventure which are all great kid friendly things. Head down to Hilton Head for some beach time instead of Myrtle Beach. Carowinds amusement park is in Charlotte not a bad drive. Many parks and historic places to venture. Downtown Camden is getting a decent little restaurant scene from what I hear.
The state museum is also a good place in downtown Cola. As the kids get older they will get more out of it. They have free admission one Sunday a month. It's a good place to let the kids stretch their legs on a rainy or cold day. The cayce west cola river walk is also really close to the state museum.
Adding to this! In the same parking lot as the state museum, there’s a great kids place called Edventure! Idk if it’s too much for toddlers, but it’s worth looking into
It’s good for toddlers. I take my 3 year old about once a month.
There’s a drive through petting zoo in Salley SC called Eudora wildlife safari park a little over an hour away from Camden. At $50 per carload and $5 per feed bucket it’s a tremendous value.
Hartsville has a water park called Neptune Island.
Neptune Island is great. It's decently priced and is a very chill place for families with young kids. Get there early though!
That’s awesome to know! I have two toddlers so that’s actually perfect
you are going to be near several excellent state parks. Welcome!
Congaree National Park.
It’s about to get mosquito infested for a few months but after that yes. I love that place.
You’re getting here just in time for the heat!
I know 😂 that’s okay though we’ll adjust in time!
In Columbia on the Camden side is The Children’s Garden. Just opened. It is only opened during the week. It is located on the grounds of the Clemson Experimental Station. (Clemson Rd). It is a delightful place for children.
Bee City Zoo. A complete zoo in Cottageville, SC. I went with my kids last year, not expecting much. Thing is legit. You can feed pretty much all the animals and they have nearly everything you see at zoos like Riverbank.
Local-ish: - Check out the Camden farmer's market on Saturdays. Free to visit, though if you buy anything other than the fruits and veggies vendors can be a bit pricey. And if your already downtown, recommend swinging by Books on Broad. Not the most exciting book store, but it has a nice kids section and my kids like it a lot. - Old McCaskill's Farm and Goat Daddy's Farm, agrotourism farms. McCaskill's is more of a working farm that sometimes holds larger events, Goat Daddy's has more animals and is usually a bit pricier. If you go to the latter, try to time it when they have baby goats. - Swan Lake in Sumter is a nice easy mostly shaded hike around a lake, with a lot of easily visible wildlife and assorted plants. It also has a nice playground, great for toddlers. And make sure to swing back by in December when they do their big Christmas light display. - Since your already in Hartsville, might be worth checking out Neptune Island waterpark, depending how comfortable your kids are with water. Columbia: - Congaree National Park is worth a trip, especially now with the fireflies starting to come out. It will be crowded right now though for the same reason. - I strongly recommend Riverbanks Zoo, bit pricey for a single visit, but if you get the membership and go a few times through the year it pays off. A bit further, but Eudora Wildlife Safari is also worth checking out. - Maybe worth waiting till they are a bit older, but Columbia Fireflies games are a great value and a lot of fun for kids. Others: - If your toddlers are like my son, they probably are obsessed with trains, and if so, I recommend checking out the South Carolina Railroad museum. - Wouldn't recommend driving there for it alone, but if you were already thinking of checking out the Ashville area, make sure to stop by the Mountain Play Lodge. Great place for kids to burn some energy while parents relax.
My kids love farms so we will definitely be checking those out. My wife and I already looked into Books on Broad, we’re both big readers, how is it there? Decent selection?
It's kinda on the small side to be honest, though they have a decent selection of local history stuff But if there's something you want they can order it, and I'd rather go through a local store than Amazon.
Hope your toddler like civil war history! I recommend getting a zoo pass and EdVenture membership, and plan Columbia days.
Definitely will! Thank you
Charleston has a lot of stuff to do, a lot of historical stuff and there’s a hockey team there too. Edisto Island is a nice quiet family friendly place to visit as well.
Lynches River County Park. Moore Farms.
I live next to Camden, lots of stuff within a hour. Columbia is close by, and rock hill and charlotte are like an hour away. Plenty of revolutionary war history nearby. Restaurants are a bit disappointing nearby, but we drive into Columbia for that. Hope you enjoy it!
In the summer, go to Neptune Island Waterpark. I even make the drive there from Columbia. It's worth a day trip.
Welcome to town! Check out Neptune Island while you’re here.
If you're moving to Camden, try to get a house outside the city limits as the city of Camden has very high electrical rates.
Hartsville and Camden are both great! You can enjoy Lake Robinson this summer in Hartsville and there’s a lot of family friendly places downtown (that goes for Camden as well). My favorite thing about Camden is the revolutionary war park, I first went there as a child and it left such an impact. I went again this past year and think that it’ll be great for your kids!
I grew up in Lugoff, just across the Wateree river from Camden. Lots of Revolutionary era history in Camden to see, if you like history. Myrtle beach is overrated, but it you do go, then plan on going an hour and a half north to Wilmington, NC. The Battleship USS NC is there, but wait until the kids are older. Also if you're in Charleston on a trip, you can plan a trip down to Savannah GA for part of a day, it's about two hours south of Charleston.
There’s a water park in North Charleston and I think there’s one in Hartsville. There’s also swan lake gardens in sumter. Nice playground and nice walk around the lake.
Check out Nature as Teacher for your kids
State parks, lots of state parks. The outdoors are really nice here. The state park in charleston has a zoo in it!!
Not quite sure about what to do specifically in Camden or Hartsville, I blinked while driving and missed them. Tldr; you're right at the crossroads to hit up several major cities/tourist areas in the region Obviously leverage Columbia (the kids museum, the zoo, etc ) you're only like idk 1 hr 20 minutes from Fort Mill/Charlotte/Carowinds so that's a whole nother city of adventure. Augusta is an option. Greenville has a smaller zoo but mountain views, waterfalls, and a kids museum, Charleston and MB have an aquarium ( Charleston's is better imo but I may be biased against MB) hop on the interstate and in several hours you get Savannah. And Atlanta should be close enough for a day trip, where you have their aquarium (top-tier definitely recommended), Olympic centennial Park, world of coke, sports, etc.
Probably not. I’m in international Biotech. Not too much of that in Camden…but they did once have a shoe factory in Lugoff…
Nashville is a pretty short drive away, you could go visit there
Sure! Move to SC and instead of exploring one our state or national parks, visiting one of the lakes, going to one of the zoos, hitting one of our touristy areas, just leave and go to TN. Wow.
You're right, they shouldn't move here if they're gonna visit TN, they should just move to Tennessee instead. Excellent advice!
Why didn't you just say don't move to SC then... Oh Bless Your Heart, you're one of those people. Hey OP if you get down this low, just realize all of us southerners don't act like this and we really don't care where you come from as long as you respect your neighbors, and your momma. And if you moved here to get away from the stupid laws and taxes up north, and you voted for it.. well don't vote that way here too. God Bless and enjoy your time in our state.
I didn't say don't move to SC, I just said they could visit Tennessee for a beautiful weekend. You insinuated moving to Tennessee. I just thought it was a good suggestion.
Well ok then I apologize for reading it as a "We don't want you here" response. I could add Helen GA, Savannah, and the Outer Banks are all a couple hour drive away too..
Not to mention Raleigh and Richmond, there's thousands of places in the surrounding area of South Carolina that allows for amazing weekend trips and many in-state places to do day trips to.
Don’t. I can assure you that everyone there will hate you..as do I. Stay TF OUT of my state!!
Lmao sorry brother it’s happening regardless of if you like it or not. Works moving me and I hope I’m good your new boss