🌴 Halloween Events, Chicken Sandwiches, & Where to Smash Things

Hey There Palmetto Parents!

It finally feels a little more like fall here in the Lowcountry, but with our warm Charleston temps still hanging on, it’s the best time to get out and enjoy it. This week we’ve got a fun mix of new things to try and local favorites to revisit. From letting the kids burn off some energy at the brand new iSmash on James Island to celebrating all things pumpkins and Halloween at a few of our favorite parks, there’s plenty to do before trick-or-treating arrives. Grab your coffee, scroll through, and start planning your next family adventure!

The wait is over. iSmash has officially opened on James Island and it’s already a hit with local families. Known for its high energy mix of Rage Rooms, Splatter Paint, and Axe Throwing, iSmash offers something for everyone. Adults can blow off some steam while kids create colorful chaos. It is perfect for date nights and parents night out as well!

My oldest had the best time smashing away and letting out all that extra energy while my daughter was sweet and careful with her splatter painting. It’s such a fun balance for families who love something hands on and different. The kids are both so excited to hang their pieces of artwork! They even offer some calm coloring papers and crayons for wee ones while they wait for big siblings to finish smashing!

Pro Tip: The paint is washable! But if you don’t want to get soaked in splatter be sure to grab a poncho. You must wear close toed shoes and unfortunately crocks don’t count! If you are smashing, wear long sleeves and long pants for protection, too.

Located at 1291 Folly Road in the Island Plaza shopping center, iSmash is the first of its kind in South Carolina. Activities start at age three for Splatter Paint and age eight for the Rage Room. Saturdays and Sundays are walk-in welcome, but you should book an appointment for the weekdays. They are open from 12-8pm Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, Fridays from 12-10pm, Saturdays from 11am-10pm, and Sundays 12-7pm. They are closed on Tuesdays.

They’re currently offering 15% percent off your booking with code PALMETTO15 and a chance to win a year of free Rage Room sessions, so it’s the perfect time to check them out. Learn more or book your spot at ismashusa.com/locations/sc-charleston.

If you haven’t been to Summit Coffee yet, consider this your official sign. Summit is a vibe — the perfect blend of cozy, modern, and community-driven. It’s rare to find a coffee shop that feels equally right for catching up with friends, grabbing a family coffee date with the kids, or setting up your laptop for a productive work session — but Summit nails all three (trust me, I’ve done them all!).

The space is warm, inviting, and filled with natural light, and the staff? Genuinely some of the friendliest around. It’s welcoming to everyone — adults, kids, and even dogs on their sunny patios. When I went for a girls’ morning recently, the tea presentation alone made us squeal with delight.

The easiest (and most rewarding) way to get your Summit fix is through their loyalty program — order ahead, earn points, start as a Secret Admirer and work your way up to Super Fan. Perks include free birthday drinks, complimentary coffee bags, and insider access.

P.S. Summit is also on DoorDash, so you can get your favorite latte without leaving home.

📍 Locations:

A few weeks ago we gave you tips and tricks on how to make your pumpkins last longer in the Charleston heat. In case your pumpkins don’t make it until Halloween, here’s the best thing you can do with them. Put them on display at the Daniel Island Pumpkin Walk and Halloween Bash on Sunday, October 26 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at Smythe Park.

This annual community event is a fall favorite with glowing pumpkins lighting up the path around the lake. Drop off your decorated pumpkins between 1:00 and 3:00 pm to be part of the display, then come back for a night full of costumes, music, food, and family fun. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate Halloween surrounded by friends and neighbors.

Pro Tip: One of the spooky and scariest things is being caught in a park with no restroom in sight. Make sure to use the restroom beforehand since there is no public restrooms at either park!

After the festivities, take a walk over to Pirates Park at 1443 Smythe Street. It’s one of our favorite playgrounds with climbing structures, swings, and wide open green space perfect for a post-celebration playtime.

My kids have always loved cooling off at the splash pad at Wannamaker Park, but this fall there’s even more reason to visit. The park is hosting the Trick, Treat & Trail Family Fun Run and Festival on Saturday, October 25 from 10am to 1pm The run starts at 10am and ends at 10:45. The Festival will be held all day.

Families can enjoy trick or treating, face painting, jump castles, local vendors, and a festive fun run to kick things off. There will also be costume contests for all ages and even prizes for pets and groups.

Food and drinks will be from Donut Daddy, Sweet But Not So Sweet, King of Pops and Miracles Tasty Express. Dogs are welcome, but make sure they are on a leash!

Admission is $20 per vehicle with up to 15 passengers if you register in advance, or $25 at the gate. Grab your costumes, bring the kids, and enjoy one of the most spirited fall events in Charleston at Wannamaker County Park.

If you have little ones in tow, Boxcar Betty’s might just be your new favorite spot. You order and pay upfront, which means when the kids start getting antsy, you can scoop them up and head out without waiting for the check. It is quick, easy, and always delicious. Our kids ask for Boxcar Betty’s every single week, and honestly, we do not blame them.

The fried chicken sandwiches are next level good with just the right amount of crunch and plenty of fun topping combinations. The sweet potato fries are basically a superfood, so that totally offsets the fried part, right? And if you are in the mood for something fresh, their salad is surprisingly crisp and flavorful. It is one I actually craved while pregnant, which says a lot.

Boxcar Betty’s has locations in West Ashley at 1922 Savannah Highway, North Charleston at 7800 Rivers Avenue, and Mount Pleasant at 1722 Savannah Highway, so there is always one nearby when the family is hungry. They are open Monday through Sunday from 11am to 8pm, making it the perfect stop for a quick lunch or early dinner.

Whether you are wrangling toddlers or just need a meal that hits the spot fast, Boxcar Betty’s is our go to for an easy, family friendly bite.

As a minivan mom, I can honestly say there’s nothing better than a car your toddlers can climb in and out of on their own, one with a DVD player that keeps them quiet for longer car rides, and seats you don’t panic over when someone spills cheddar bunnies or squeezes a juice box too hard. My only rule? If you make the mess, you help clean it up.

A few months ago, I was listening to a podcast and someone asked Kris Jenner how she managed to raise seven successful kids while balancing motherhood and everything else. Her answer? It all started with a clean car. Now, she might live in a different world than the rest of us, but she has a point. A clean, well-stocked car really can make life a little easier.

Over the years, I’ve learned that keeping certain things in the car can make or break a chaotic day. My friend, who has triplet three-year-olds and a six-month-old, keeps a stash of plastic cups in her car so she can pass out snacks without having to share one by one or have her kids drop their snack through there tiny hands. I always keep band-aids, wipes, and a few extra plastic bags for dirty shoes or surprise messes. Even gum or mints can help a kid who suddenly claims they are car sick!

Other smart things to keep on hand? A spare outfit for each child, a small first aid kit, sunscreen, bug spray, hand sanitizer, and an old towel that is perfect for drying off a wet slide at the park. A blanket can double as a picnic mat, and an extra pack of water bottles is always a good idea.

Your car doesn’t have to be spotless, but it helps to make it functional. Because sometimes, it’s the little things, like having snacks, wipes, or a band-aid ready to go, that keep the day running smoothly!

Thank you for trusting my tips and recommendations for families in Charleston. Your support means the world!

Love, Jenna