🌴 Wrapping Up Halloween & Welcoming Fall Fun in Charleston

Hey there, Palmetto Parents!

We’re excited to wrap up Halloween season this week and dive into all the cozy fall fun Charleston has to offer. Whether you’re looking for indoor play, local food favorites, or a classic Lowcountry tradition, this week’s picks are packed with family fun. Plus, we have got a great article on how to do trick or treating in a way that makes everyone happy in the family!

If you’ve ever driven past the Citadel Mall and thought it looked a little run down, don’t count it out just yet. Hidden inside is one of our favorite family gems OutSlide In. It’s the perfect weekend spot when the weather doesn’t cooperate, and honestly, the convenience can’t be beat.

We park once, spend the morning letting the kids burn off energy at OutSlide In, then grab lunch from Chick-fil-A or another food court favorite before a quick Target run. The staff is always so kind and welcoming, and the play space is affordable for how much fun your kids will have.

There’s even a calm, enclosed toddler area that’s perfect for my 14-month-old, while my two big kids live their best wild lives in the main play zone. OutSlide In is open Monday through Thursday from 10am to 6pm, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 7pm, and Sunday from 1am to 6pm Admission is $14.99 for kids ages 3 and up, $11.99 for toddlers 1–2 years old, and adults are free. Socks are required for everyone.

Outslide In has a special deal on Tuesdays and Thursdays where you toddler can enjoy for only $10! They also offers monthly memberships and birthday packages that are both very affordable!

Outslide In has been a fun safe haven for my kids and mommy friends to hang out and burn off some time and energy. Trust me, this is one place you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for a rainy (or too-hot) Charleston day.

Halloween might be behind us, but I’m still fully in fall mode — especially now that the cooler temps have finally made their way to Charleston. The Coastal Carolina Fair is one of our favorite ways to soak up all the fall fun before the season slips away. From the classic rides and games to live music, food, and local vendors, there is truly something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

The fair has been a Lowcountry tradition since 1957 and is run by the Exchange Club of Charleston, which gives back to hundreds of local charities every year. It is one of those events that feels special no matter how many times you go. Kids under 5 get in free, and there are some great deals this year if you plan ahead.

The Coastal Carolina Fair runs from Thursday, October 30 through Sunday, November 9, with gates opening as early as 10am on weekends and staying open until 10pm on select nights. There’s even a special Seniors Day (55+) on Wednesday, November 5, from 10am to 2pm before the fair reopens to the public later that afternoon. Click here to see the hours each day for the fair.

If you buy your tickets before October 29, adult admission (ages 13 and up) is $13, and kids (ages 6–12) are $6. Wristbands for unlimited rides are $25 online and at Circle K. Starting October 30, tickets go up a few dollars, with wristbands ranging from $30 to $35 depending on the day, so it is worth buying early.

There are also special days to take advantage of, like Military and First Responders Appreciation Day on Friday, October 31 and Friday Nov. 7, where active duty, retired, veterans, reservists, and first responders (including 911 dispatchers) get in free with one guest. A valid ID is required. On Tuesday, November 4, you can enjoy “2-fer Tuesday,” where you purchase one wristband at the gate or midway booth and get another free, which is perfect for families or friends heading out together.

If you want to avoid the larger crowds, the least crowded day is the first day, this Thursday! You can also go during the week to avoid the weekend crowd. Grab your tickets early, bring the whole crew, and make the most of the season with this Charleston tradition that gives back to the community and guarantees a good time.

I’ll admit it… I’m a bit of a Mexican restaurant snob. There are a few things I look for when judging a good spot, and Santi’s checks every box. First, will I feel slightly embarrassed if I mispronounce what I’m ordering to the waiter? If yes, that’s a sure sign I’m in the right place. Second, are there random decorations on the walls that make it feel like the restaurant has been there forever? A modern vibe is a no-go for me. Third, does the menu come bound like a small novel, with big plates and even bigger portions? That’s the sweet spot. And finally, am I shocked when the bill comes because it’s so affordable? Always.

I went here with the founder of Palmetto Parents (Hey, Courtney Berk!) and a few other moms for a moms’ night out, and it was everything we needed. Their patio is adorable and perfect for a sundress, but it’s also totally acceptable to show up in sweatpants straight from the gym. We had the freshest guac, lots of tacos, and the house margarita was amazing. I promised I wouldn’t post the blurry parking lot photo, but here you go!

They have three locations: Downtown(1302 Meeting Street Rd), Mount Pleasant (1471 Ben Sawyer Blvd) and West Ashley (1660 Savannah Hwy). They are open from 11am-10pm. Although I have been here a few times for mom’s nights, it is perfect casual spot for a family looking to enjoy an early dinner out without breaking the bank!

Halloween is magical for kids and slightly exhausting for parents. Between the costumes, the candy, and the chaos, it can feel like you need your own game plan just to survive the night. The goal is simple: keep the kids happy, keep your sanity, and make it to bedtime in one piece.

When it comes to candy, try to set clear expectations early. Let your kids know how many pieces they can enjoy on Halloween night. A good rule of thumb is to let them have a few pieces after trick or treating and then put the rest away. You can keep it light and fun by saying something like, “Pick your top three favorites tonight, and we’ll save the rest for later.” Once they go to bed, yes, it’s completely acceptable to stash some of the candy in the freezer or quietly thin out the pile. The candy fairy can even make a visit if you’re feeling creative.

It’s also important to remind your kids to be polite when they’re trick or treating. Even if they don’t love a certain candy, they should always say thank you and smile. Later, when you are alone, it’s fine to explain that it’s okay not to eat everything they receive and that homemade treats should be avoided for safety reasons.

As for complaints about costumes, walking, or candy limits, remember that tired, overstimulated kids are not at their best. Keep snacks and water on hand, take breaks, and remind yourself that these moments are fleeting. If your child melts down in the middle of the sidewalk, just take a deep breath and know that every other parent has been there too.

Once the kids are finally asleep, take a few minutes for yourself. Make some tea, light a candle, or scroll through the photos of their chocolate-covered faces. Halloween only comes once a year, and while it might feel like chaos in the moment, it is also one of those nights you will look back on and smile, especially when the candy stash in the freezer lasts until Thanksgiving.

We have a lot of fun and insightful topics coming up in November. Is there anything you want to see?

Love, Jenna