🌴 All the best March Events in CHS

Hi Palmetto Parents,

It seems like winter is over and spring is almost here! My family is back to hanging outside, staying up later and making sure we take in the warm sunshine.

This week we have been doing our research and have some fun places to visit and things to do. For a fun, short, and free kid-friendly activity, check out the Tree House on Daniel Island. It’s one of those ‘only in Charleston’ places to visit.

For the parents who love to plan ahead, we have a special treat for you! Read ahead in the events section to get more details on whats going on in Charleston this month.

We have a great date night or special occasion restaurant recommendation for you and your loved ones. Check out our insider scoop on the legendary The Establishment.

We finish up this week’s newsletter with a closer look at how I kept my daughter’s 5th birthday party fun, exciting and budget friendly. I am no expert, but I have learned a thing or two on how to keep birthday parties low stress and budget friendly.

Enjoy and let me know which events you are most excited about!

If Palmetto Parents has helped you discover a new park, restaurant, or family event, consider becoming a Supporter. For only $5/month, you can help us keep creating and sharing this content — all while keeping it free for local families.

Tucked away at the end of Wando Landing Street, the Daniel Island Treehouse is one of those hidden treasures that makes for a simple but special family outing. Overlooking the beautiful Wando River, this two story wooden treehouse offers peaceful views of the river and surrounding marsh. It feels like a little adventure without ever leaving town.

Located at 1428 Smythe Street in Charleston, the treehouse sits within a quiet residential neighborhood, so be sure to park respectfully on the street and keep noise to a minimum. It’s the kind of spot that feels like you’ve stumbled upon a secret lookout, but it’s important to be mindful of the families who live nearby.

The treehouse itself has two levels, connected by a fairly steep set of stairs. While older kids will love climbing to the top for an even better view, the stairs may be tricky for little ones. I would skip the stroller and opt for a baby carrier if you have a younger child. The climb is worth it though, especially when you reach the second floor and catch that sweeping marsh and river view.

What we loved about this spot is how quick but memorable it feels. I literally never bothered putting shoes on my youngest since our visit felt so in and out. You could spend 15 minutes here, or an hour. There are no bathrooms so plan accordingly!

If you’re looking for a quick outdoor adventure with a little wow factor, this Daniel Island Treehouse is a fun stop to add to your Charleston bucket list. It’s simple, scenic, and just adventurous enough to make your kids feel like they discovered something magical.

3pm crashes. Unexpected weight gain. Unpredictable cycles. When symptoms pile up, your hormones and metabolic health are often part of the story. Allara provides virtual care from expert medical and nutrition providers to help you understand what's really going on. Whether you're managing PCOS, thyroid conditions, perimenopause, or unexplained symptoms, get a personalized care plan that addresses root causes instead of chasing quick fixes. All accessible virtually and covered by insurance for as little as $0.

Get started with Allara

At Palmetto Parents, we are always learning and growing right alongside our families. One thing I’ve found that really helps our home run smoothly is planning our weekends with intention. I love choosing one “busy” weekend filled with fun outings and community events, followed by a calmer weekend where we stay home more, protect our family time, and I intentionally carve out a little alone time to recharge. That rhythm has been a game changer for us.

On our busier weekends, I want to make sure we’re truly taking advantage of the very best local happenings, especially the many amazing free events around Charleston. So we’re adding a new feature to the newsletter. At the beginning of each month, we’ll share a curated list of can’t-miss events across the Lowcountry so you can plan ahead with ease.

March is packed with fun, and with both St. Patrick’s Day and Easter around the corner, there is so much to celebrate. Even if these holidays feel low key to adults, they are pure magic for our kids. Here’s your roundup of major events happening around the Charleston area this month:

• March 4 to 8: Charleston Wine + Food Festival
• March 7: Front Beach Fest on Isle of Palms
• March 7: Charleston Battery Home Opener
• March 14: Kids Are Cool Family Fest at Woodland Nature Preserve in West Ashley
• March 14 and 15: The Little Mermaid with Palmetto City Ballet at Sottile Theatre
• March 14: St. Patrick’s Block Party in Park Circle
• March 21: Legare Farms Egg Drop
• March 27 to 29: Bulls Bay Rodeo in Awendaw (SOLD OUT)
• March 28: Cooper River Bridge Run
• March 28: Credit One Charleston Open MUSC Family Weekend

We hope this new monthly event guide helps you plan with more confidence and less stress. Whether you’re filling your calendar or protecting a quiet weekend at home, we’re here to help you make the most of this sweet season with your family.

If you are looking for the perfect spot for a fancy date night or a special celebration for mom and dad, The Establishment delivers. Tucked along Broad Street in the heart of downtown Charleston, this elevated seafood restaurant feels refined without being stuffy. It’s the kind of place where you can linger over conversation, enjoy beautifully plated dishes, and truly savor a night out.

Now recommended by the Michelin Guide to the American South, everything at The Establishment begins with fresh, sustainably sourced seafood. Their menu reflects a clean, non complex, and balanced approach to cooking, offering thoughtful, refined cuisine that lets high quality ingredients shine. They also change their menu daily depending on what freshest foods are available and in season. From delicate crudos to perfectly prepared fish and rich, seasonal accompaniments, every dish feels intentional and expertly crafted.

One of the best parts for busy parents is that finding reservations for a party of two seems surprisingly easy, even for a last minute sitter situation. And if you want to make the evening even more memorable, join them every Saturday night from 6 to 10pm for live jazz featuring some of Charleston’s finest musicians. The atmosphere is warm and romantic, making it ideal for anniversaries, birthdays, or simply reconnecting after a full week of parenting.

One special detail is how open and spacious the dinning room feels. In other words, your table will have plenty of space between the next table. Since become parents, eating out is a way to enjoy silence. Sounds crazy, but IYKYK. I don’t love when we are paying for an expensive meal and I am forced to listen to the loud couple next to us. I like my space!

The restaurant’s name is deeply rooted in Charleston’s history. Located between Church Street and State Street near the famed Four Corners of the Law, where federal, state, city, and ecclesiastical law have intersected since the earliest days of our Union, The Establishment pays homage to the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause and the historic legacy surrounding the very ground it stands on. It’s a meaningful nod to the past, fitting for a restaurant that honors tradition while delivering a truly modern dining experience.

We made my daughter’s fifth birthday a Gabby’s Dollhouse themed celebration, and although I was very busy prepping all Saturday, it felt manageable and even joyful. After a two year hiatus from hosting due to a baby who did not sleep and a tough pregnancy, it was sweet to be back in the rhythm of throwing a party. I gave myself three extra hours before guests arrived just to “hang out,” and I ended up using every minute to organize, decorate, and finish last minute details. That margin made all the difference.

One of the biggest ways I kept the party simple was by thinking carefully about timing. If you host during a typical snack window rather than lunch or dinner, your workload drops dramatically. Fewer hungry guests means fewer food expectations and less prep. We also skipped renting a moon bounce. Instead, I had my oldest grab his flag football gear, cleared the driveway and front yard, and the boys played football almost the entire two hours. It cost nothing extra and kept them completely entertained. Keeping the guest list small helped too. I invited only my daughter’s close girlfriends along with their siblings and parents, which made the whole gathering feel calm and personal.

For food, I chose a mix of meaningful and practical. It was important to me to bake homemade cupcakes for the kids and adults. Cupcakes are quick to bake, easy to serve, and feel extra special when made from scratch. To simplify everything else, I stuck with individually wrapped snacks: chewy bars, applesauce pouches that worked well for allergy families, and prepackaged Pirate’s Booty. The kids grabbed their snacks and walked around freely. I provided plates and napkins, which hardly anyone used, but I still stand by having them available just in case.

The main activity was an art project that worked beautifully for different personalities and attention spans. The girls painted inexpensive jewelry boxes I had ordered ahead of time, using washable paints and brushes we already owned. I bought large bottles of paint and sticker jewels so they could decorate and make them sparkle. For boys or anyone who wanted a quicker option, I included smaller items like wooden butterflies and paw prints to paint. Some kids spent the full two hours creating, others were done in fifteen minutes and headed back outside. As a party favor, each child chose a ring, necklace, or bracelet to place inside their new jewelry box. It was simple, mostly outdoors, budget conscious, and full of joy. Best of all, it did not interrupt Saturday morning sports or evening plans, and the kids left happy, tired, and proud of what they made. Kids’ parties do not have to be extravagant or feel like a neighborhood block party to be magical. You can keep things small and simple and still hear your child say it was the “bestest party ever.”

Let me know if there are any events in Charleston for this month that I missed!

Love,

Jenna