Sunday Family Fun Day: Cypress Gardens in Charleston
Welcome to the Sunday Family Fun Day series! Each Sunday I will be highlighting a family friendly (and budget friendly) attraction or site in North or South Carolina! I will include the official site for each recommended place, as well as how to get discounts if they are available, and if you have any questions or comments, please leave them below!
Today’s Family Fun Day location is: Cypress Gardens in Charleston, SC
In a small town just north of Charleston is Moncks Corner, where Cypress Gardens lays hidden by a long road into a wooded area. Not to be confused with the themepark, this secluded treasure has a “swamparium”, a butterfly house, a birdhouse, walking trails, and yes, gardens. Most excitedly, Cypress offers boat rides in their swamp in small boats, where you can row the boat yourself and follow the signs around the lake, or have a guide tell you the history behind the alligators in the swamp (and where to see them if the alligators aren’t in their usual spot catching a tan on a log), the spot where “The Patriot” was filmed, and anything else you ask! The guide also rows for the group. The self-guided boat tour is free, and the guided boat tour is an additional $5.00 on top of admission. I have done both, and recommend both (if you have a strong rower for the self-guided). On my self-guided tour, an alligator actually swam directly under my boat. Sign up for the guided tour in the gift shop – the self-guided is first come, first serve. You can bring your leased pet with you, but keep them on the paths – as well as yourself – because of the alligators in the swamp.
There’s a ton of special events all year round. Here is the list for 2012:
- February 11, 2012 – Valentine Dinner & Dance
- February 18, 2012 – Fossil Show
- March 1-4, 2012 – Flower Show and Art Show
- March 24, 2012 – Breath of Spring Music Festival
- April 21, 2012 – Cultural Dance Festival
- August 18, 2012 – Safari Day
- October 13, 2012 – Blackwater Ukelele Festival
- October 18-20, 2012 – Halloween in the Swamp
- December 1, 2012 – Santa in the Swamp
Recommended ages: All ages will find something of interest here. The boat ride is great for families, and the walking trails are easy.
Where to find discounts: Military & AAA discounts are available. Check the official Facebook page for specials. Volunteer there or at any partner museums for free admission to any reciprocal attraction.
Hours:
Note – for every day, last admission is at 4 pm.
Sunday: 9-5
Monday: 9-5
Tuesday: 9-5
Wednesday: 9-5
Thursday: 9-5
Friday: 9-5
Saturday: 9-5
Prices:
$10.00 for Adults
$9.00 for Seniors
$5.00 Children age 6-12
Free Children 5 and under
Official site: http://www.cypressgardens.info/
Facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cypress-Gardens/124926530905797?sk=wall
I have visited Cypress Gardens, and I am affiliated with an employee, but my views are my own and I receive nothing for my review.
