🌴 $1 Summer Movies in MTP, Repticon And The Ultimate 90's Summer

Hey fellow parents!

We are officially in the thick of summer, and honestly, it has been a lot of fun so far. Between the surprisingly mild temperatures, afternoons at the pool, and what has to be a record-breaking amount of ice cream consumed by my family, we're soaking up every bit of the season.

Of course, summer also comes with the daily challenge of figuring out what to do with the kids. That's where we come in.

Last week, we highlighted the Terrace Theater's summer movie lineup. This week, we're taking a look at the Summer Movie Express at Regal Palmetto Grande in Mount Pleasant, where families can catch kid-friendly movies for just $1 per ticket.

This week, we're sharing a roundup of family-friendly events happening around the Lowcountry this weekend. If you don't mind a short drive to Ladson, the annual Repticon returns to Charleston with plenty of fascinating reptiles and hands-on learning opportunities. History-loving families can also check out George Washington's Revolutionary War tent as part of America's 250th anniversary celebration. And, as always, Second Sunday on King Street returns to downtown Charleston for an afternoon of shopping, dining, and people-watching.

We're also stopping by Lewis Barbecue, one of Charleston's favorite family-friendly dining spots, and taking a nostalgic trip back in time with ideas for creating the ultimate 90s-style summer for your kids.

Grab a popsicle, find some sunscreen, and let's make the most of another summer weekend in the Lowcountry!

Have a great week!

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Last week, we shared a list of kid-friendly movies showing during the week at The Terrace Theater on James Island. This week, we're heading across the bridge to Mount Pleasant with another budget-friendly summer activity for families.

We know, we know. As parents, we're constantly trying to limit screen time and encourage our kids to play outside, build forts, ride bikes, and discover new hobbies. But let's be honest: by the middle of a South Carolina summer, everyone could use a little break from the heat. Sometimes that break comes in the form of air conditioning, popcorn, and a movie that keeps everyone entertained for a couple of hours.

From June 1 through August 13, Regal Palmetto Grande is bringing back its popular Summer Movie Express program. For eleven weeks, families can enjoy two PG-rated movies every Monday through Thursday at 11:00am for just $1 per ticket. It's an affordable option for families, summer camps, grandparents, and anyone looking for an easy outing that won't break the budget.

As an added bonus, moviegoers can receive $3 off a Snack Pack, which includes a junior-sized drink, popcorn, and fruit gummies, or cool off with a cup of Dippin' Dots ice cream.

Summer Movie Express Schedule

Week 1 (June 1–4)
Sing (2016) and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023)

Week 2 (June 8–11)
Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024) and David (2025)

Week 3 (June 15–18)
KPop Demon Hunters Sing-Along (2025) and The Wild Robot (2024)

Week 4 (June 22–25)
The Bad Guys 2 (2025) and The Garfield Movie (2024)

Week 5 (June 29–July 2)
A Minecraft Movie (2025) and Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022)

Week 6 (July 6–9)
How to Train Your Dragon (2025) and Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024)

Week 7 (July 13–16)
Title TBA and Scoob! (2020)

Week 8 (July 20–23)
The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants (2025) and Animal Farm (2026)

Week 9 (July 27–30)
Paddington in Peru (2025) and Dog Man (2025)

Week 10 (August 3–6)
Charlie the Wonderdog (2026) and Despicable Me 4 (2024)

Week 11 (August 10–13)
The Sandlot (1993) and Muppets Treasure Island (1996)

Advance tickets are available now for just $1 each. Whether you're looking for a midweek outing, a way to entertain the kids during summer break, or simply a chance to sit in glorious air conditioning for a couple of hours, the Summer Movie Express is a fun and affordable option for Charleston-area families.

There are a few fun events this weekend that I can’t wait to tell you about! Whether your family loves animals, history, or simply strolling around downtown Charleston, there are several events happening around the Lowcountry that are worth adding to your calendar.

If you have a child who can't get enough of snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs, or all things creepy and crawly, Repticon is back in the Charleston area this weekend. Families can browse exhibits, meet breeders, learn about exotic animals, and see live reptiles up close. Repticon will be held Saturday and Sunday at the Exchange Park Cultural Arts Building in Ladson.

Even if you don't plan on bringing home a new pet, kids usually love seeing all of the unusual animals on display. This will be an indoors event, so it will be a perfect break from the heat! I will not be there, but I am sure my kids would love this.

History-loving families can experience a unique piece of America's past with a full-scale replica of George Washington's Revolutionary War tent. The exhibit is part of South Carolina's America 250 celebrations and offers children a chance to learn about the Revolutionary War in an interactive way.

Located on the College of Charlstons’s Addlestone Library at 205 Calhoun Street, the tent will be available for viewing at 10am - 6pm. Best of all, it's free and makes for a great educational outing during the summer months.

Second Sunday returns to downtown Charleston this weekend, with King Street closing to traffic and filling up with local vendors, musicians, restaurants, and shoppers. The popular event runs from noon to 5pm and stretches from Calhoun Street to Queen Street.

As usual, it can be a little tricky navigating Second Sunday with kids or strollers, especially when the crowds get heavy, but it's definitely worth a shot! There is always plenty to see, lots of snacks to grab, and enough entertainment to keep little ones occupied while parents enjoy a slower-paced afternoon downtown. Thousands of visitors attend the monthly event throughout the year.

No matter which adventure you choose, this weekend offers plenty of ways to make memories with your family without leaving the Lowcountry. Happy exploring!

If you're looking for a Charleston restaurant that works just as well for a family dinner as it does for a night out with friends, Lewis Barbecue should be on your list. Known for its award-winning Central Texas-style barbecue, Lewis has earned recognition from the Michelin Guide for its culinary excellence and value. The first thing you'll notice when you pull into the parking lot are the massive custom-made smokers, welded by pitmaster John Lewis himself. Inside, guests order cafeteria-style at the counter while the brisket is sliced fresh to order right in front of them.

Parents should know that Lewis Barbecue doesn't take reservations, and there is almost always a line. We recently visited on a Saturday night, and the wait to order was around 20 minutes, which honestly wasn't bad for a weekend dinner rush. If you're bringing kids, plan accordingly. The good news is that the setup makes waiting much easier. There are plenty of indoor and outdoor spaces to spread out, a large backyard-style patio, and a separate bar where adults can grab a cocktail or local beer while waiting in line. Lewis opens daily at 11am and closes when the food sells out, so arriving earlier in the day can sometimes mean shorter waits.

The menu is centered around smoked meats sold by the pound, with favorites including the famous USDA Prime brisket, pulled pork, turkey breast, pork spare ribs, and house-made sausages. Families will find plenty of kid-friendly options, including creamy mac and cheese, fries, potato salad, and the wildly popular green chile corn pudding. Sandwiches, nachos, and house-made icebox pies make it easy to satisfy every appetite at the table. Whether you're bringing the whole family, meeting friends for lunch, or sneaking away for an adults-only barbecue date, Lewis Barbecue delivers a Charleston dining experience that lives up to the hype.

If you've heard people talking about having a "90s summer" and wondered what exactly that means, you're not alone. A 90s summer is basically recreating the kind of childhood many parents remember before tablets, endless notifications, and the phrase "skip ad." It means long days outside, simple fun, and letting kids experience a little boredom so they can discover their own adventures. Think popsicles dripping down elbows, catching lightning bugs, and hearing "Mom, can we stay outside a little longer?" instead of "What's the Wi-Fi password?"

One way to embrace a 90s summer is to send everyone outside as much as possible. Water balloons, sprinklers, sidewalk chalk, bikes, and neighborhood scavenger hunts all count. Bonus points if someone accidentally drinks from the garden hose and declares it "the best water ever made." Another tip is to say yes to spontaneous fun. Head to the pool, stop for ice cream after dinner, or have a movie night with blankets piled in the living room. The less over-scheduled the calendar, the more room there is for memories.

Finally, don't underestimate the magic of simple traditions. Make homemade lemonade, visit the library, catch fireflies, or let the kids run through the backyard until the streetlights come on. Last evening some (older, it was pretty cute!) neighbors were having a cookout with a dance party. After I put my kids to bed, I went outside to hear where this loud music was coming from. My kids were peaking through the window in their bedroom and asked to come down. I let them outside and we all enjoyed a dance party in our pj’s. A 90’s summer win!

A true 90s summer isn't about perfection or expensive activities. It's about slowing down, making memories, and realizing that sometimes the greatest luxury is hearing your kids complain that they're bored. After all, boredom in the 90s usually lasted about five minutes before someone invented a game that somehow involved a stick, a bucket, and at least one minor argument with a sibling.

Love,

Jenna