🌴 Charleston’s Epic Game Show, Southern Grits, and more!

Welcome to Palmetto Parents Charleston!

🎉 Welcome, Charleston families—it’s official! 🎉 Palmetto Parents has officially launched our Charleston newsletter, and we couldn’t be more excited to share it with you. Just like you’ve come to love with our Summerville edition, you can expect that same warm, community-focused feel—packed with local events, family-friendly activities, and tips to make life here even more fun.

Each week, we’ll deliver a curated roundup of things to do, places to go, and hidden gems to explore, along with helpful resources for parents and caregivers. The adventure starts now—let’s discover Charleston together!

This week’s Charleston newsletter highlights a fun local game show experience, the Stingrays’ free indoor Fan Fest, a post-event brunch spot at The Grit Counter, and a personal reflection on simple end-of-summer family traditions.

Did you know?

We also have a weekly newsletter for parents in Summerville. If you’re interested in subscribing to that one as well, simply click the link below!

TO DO

Epic Game Show Experience

If your family loves the excitement of game shows and a little friendly competition, this is the perfect event for you. Step into a real-life game show set where you’ll face off in fun, fast-paced challenges just like you see on TV.

Located at 85 S Market Street in the French Quarter of downtown Charleston, this unique attraction is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11am to 11pm (closed on Mondays).

Tickets start at $35 per person, and the show is welcoming to all ages—from kids to adults—making it a perfect family outing. We can’t wait to try it soon!

EVENT

Stingray’s Fan Fest

Getting outside during the summer sounds great in theory, but Charleston’s heat and humidity often make it a challenge. This Saturday, August 10th, the South Carolina Stingrays are offering a perfect indoor alternative: Fan Fest at the North Charleston Coliseum from 10:00am to 1:00pm—and it’s completely free to attend.

Families can enjoy complimentary food samples from venue vendors, a special message from the coach at 11:00am, interactive games and kid-friendly activities, and even a first look at the team’s new jerseys for the upcoming season. It’s a fun, low-key way to stay cool, entertain the kids, and show support for Charleston’s own professional hockey team.

Parking is available onsite for $10 per vehicle, payable by cash or card at entry. Doors open at 10:00am, and activities run through 1:00pm.

Whether you're a longtime fan or just looking for something fun to do with the family, Fan Fest is a great way to kick off the season and feel a little pride in our local sports community.

RESTAURANT

The Grit Counter

We recently checked out The Grit Counter in North Charleston—and we absolutely loved it. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed, flavorful meal with the family after a morning at Stingrays Fan Fest. The best part? You only have to park once. It’s just a short walk from the North Charleston Coliseum, so after you’ve cheered on the team, you can head over easily for brunch without hopping back in the car.

The Grit Counter serves up creative twist‑on‑Southern dishes like hearty grit bowls, shrimp & grits, breakfast sandwiches and fresh sides. Reviewers rave about the quality and portion size, and the staff are consistently friendly and prompt. They offer plenty of parking, counter service, and a welcoming atmosphere that's great for kids and adults alike.

Open late Friday and Saturday through 8pm (weekend brunch hours: Sat until 8pm, Sun until 3pm. So whether you stick around after Fan Fest or swing by afterward, it’s a convenient, delicious way to refuel and extend the fun.

PALMETTO PIECE

Celebrating End of Summer

I cannot believe summer is already wrapping up—and I’ve barely done half the things I planned. Honestly, we haven’t even made it to the beach yet... and I love the beach!

This summer has looked a little different for us. My youngest (baby #3) has had some minor health stuff going on—most foods cause a skin reaction, and unlike his older siblings who were sleeping through the night by four months, this guy is still up most nights… and he turns one in a few weeks! So most days have revolved around baby naps, and my big kids have spent a lot of time playing at home. (And yes, there’s been plenty of afternoon TV so both baby and I can sneak in a nap—survival mode!)

Even though I haven’t had the energy to pack up all the beach gear or plan big outings, one thing we are doing right is celebrating the end of summer and the start of the school year.

The night before school starts, we go outside after dinner and light sparklers. Is it chaotic to mix fire and small children? Of course. Please be safe! But the way their faces light up is pure magic—and each stick only lasts about 30 seconds. It’s an easy, feel-good family tradition that makes our kids feel special and gives us that rare “we’re doing it!” parenting win.

Do you have any end-of-summer or back-to-school traditions? If school already started for you, pick a night this week or weekend to do something fun. And if lighting things on fire isn’t your thing, try one of these:

• Have a backyard popsicle picnic

• Go out for donuts in pajamas

• Make a “summer slideshow” together from your photos

• Let the kids stay up late and watch a movie outside

• Bake cookies and write a note to your future school-year self
  

Whatever you choose—celebrate it. You made it through summer in one piece, and school is starting. I just know this is going to be your best year yet.