August 2020 Events and Programs at Charleston County Parks – Limited capacity; subject to change
Program capacity is limited and subject to cancellation. Extra safety measures will be in place specific to each event and program.
August Special Events
Inclusive Swim Night
West County Aquatic Center
Sat., Aug. 1, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
People with special needs and their families are invited to an unforgettable night at your waterpark! Enjoy the lazy river, race down the slides, and take a dip in the pool.
Fee: $2 (2 or under are free)
Ages: all ages
7557
Wine Down Wednesday
Old Towne Creek County Park
Wed., Aug. 5, 5 – 7 p.m.
Come Wine Down your Wednesday and explore Old Towne Creek County Park, one of West Ashley’s hidden gems. Guests will enjoy wine and live music while experiencing the beauty of this natural site. A commemorative wine glass is included with your admission. Food truck fare will be available for purchase on-site. Advanced registration is required as tickets will be limited to 150.
Fee: $15
Ages: 21+
7780
Wine Down Wednesday
Old Towne Creek County Park
Wed., Aug. 19, 5 – 7 p.m.
Come Wine Down your Wednesday and explore Old Towne Creek County Park, one of West Ashley’s hidden gems. Guests will enjoy wine and live music while experiencing the beauty of this natural site. A commemorative wine glass is included with your admission. Food truck fare will be available for purchase on-site. Advanced registration is required as tickets will be limited to 150.
Fee: $15
Ages: 21+
7781
[NOTE: Charleston County Parks has canceled several previously-scheduled August events, including Shaggin’ on the Cooper, the Moonlight Mixer, the Reggae Nights Summer Concert Series, and the Folly Beach Fishing Tournament. An updated list of our 2020 events calendar, denoting canceled events, is available here: https://ccprc.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/1091]
August Programs
Ongoing Programs
Early Morning Bird Walks
Caw Caw Interpretive Center
Wednesdays and Saturdays, Aug. 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, 29, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Join us on one or more of our regular bird walks. Our trek through many distinct habitats will allow us to view and discuss a variety of birds, butterflies, and other organisms. A paid chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under. Every Wednesday and Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Registration is not required. Participants are encouraged to bring your own binoculars. Maximum, 10 participants.
Fee: $9; free for Gold Pass holders
Ages: All, a paid chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under.
Caw Caw
Introduction to Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP)
James Island County Park
Saturdays, Aug. 1, 8, 15, 10 a.m. – Noon
This fun and relaxed class will get you started with instruction on safety and the proper paddling technique that will allow you to progress comfortably at your own pace. Maximum, 3 participants
Fee: $30
Ages: 16 and up
Learn to SUP
Daily Programs
Kayak Quickstart
James Island County Park
Sat., Aug. 1, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Learn about the fun-filled sport of kayaking. During this 2-hour hands-on informal program, our experienced instructors will show you how you can enjoy the local waterways and wildlife from a sea kayak.
Fee: $30
Ages: 16 and up
7584
Strokes and Maneuvers – Level 2
James Island County Park
Sat., Aug. 1, 1 – 3 p.m.
Focus on refining your skills in fun and challenging ways! Improve efficiency and understanding of fundamental strokes, and be introduced to more advanced techniques such as bracing for support, edging the kayak, side slips, and rudders.
Fee: $30
Ages: 16 and up
7585
Beginner Sprint Triathlon Swim Tune Up
James Island County Park
Mon., Aug. 3, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Train on the actual open water Charleston Sprint Triathlon swim course with a Blue Sky Endurance triathlon coach. Open to all levels, this beginner course will give participants in-depth knowledge of the swim course and insider tips to gain confidence, increase efficiency, and improve times.
Fee: $15
Ages: 12 and up
6991
Intermediate Sprint Triathlon Swim Tune Up
James Island County Park
Mon., Aug. 3, 6:30 – 7:30pm
Designed for intermediate to advanced swimmers, this program will sharpen your open water swimming skills. Held on the actual Charleston Sprint Triathlon swim course, each class is led by a Blue Sky Endurance triathlon coach. Leave with an in-depth knowledge of the swim course and insider tips to gain confidence, increase efficiency, and improve times.
Fee: $15
Ages: 12 and up
6997
H2O Balance & Flexibility – 4 Week Session
West County Aquatic Center
Mondays and Wednesdays, Aug. 3 through Aug. 26, 10 – 11 a.m.
This refreshing approach to aquatic fitness capitalizes on the supportive environment of the water to increase balance and flexibility while promoting increases in range of motion and joint stability. Participants must be comfortable in 4′ 6″ deep water.
Fee: $40
Ages: 16 and up
7457
H2O Moves – 3 Week Session
Splash Zone in James Island County Park
Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, Aug. 3 through Aug. 19, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Take your workout to the water with these total-body aerobics class that focuses on form, flexibility, strength, and balance. Offered after regular water park hours. Open to all fitness levels.
Fee: $72
Ages: 16 and up
7427
H2O Moves – 3 Week Session
Whirlin’ Waters at Wannamaker County Park
Mondays and Wednesdays, Aug. 3 through Aug. 19, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Take your workout to the water with these total-body aerobics class that focuses on form, flexibility, strength, and balance. Offered after regular water park hours. Open to all fitness levels.
Fee: $72
Ages: 16 and up
7438
Starfish Swim School® Baby/Tot: 2 Week Session
West County Aquatic Center
Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, Aug. 3 through Aug. 12, 5 – 5:45 p.m.
Designed to meet the needs of children ages 6-18 months (babies) and ages 18-36 months (tots) with an accompanying adult, this course will develop a high comfort level in the water and a readiness to swim while at the same time training adults in water safety and drowning prevention. Students work towards developing core swimming competencies and progress toward achieving benchmarks in a small group setting. This course does not teach children to become accomplished swimmers or to survive in the water; it does provide a confidence-building, fun, loving experience as a foundation for a lifetime of aquatic learning.
Fee: $25
Ages: 6 months to 3 years
7694
Starfish Swim School® Preschool: 2 Week Session
West County Aquatic Center
Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, Aug. 3 through Aug. 12, 2:30 – 3:15 p.m.
Designed to meet the needs of children ages 3 to 5, this course will develop a high comfort level in the water and a readiness to swim, and for those children who are developmentally ready, it will teach functional swim skills. This class approaches teaching swimming through creative, fun activities in the water. Students work toward developing core swimming competencies and progress toward achieving benchmarks in a small group setting.
Fee: $25
Ages: 3 to 5 years
8112
Starfish Swim School® Preschool: 2 Week Session
West County Aquatic Center
Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, Aug. 3 through Aug. 12, 5:45 – 6:30 p.m.
Designed to meet the needs of children ages 3 to 5, this course will develop a high comfort level in the water and a readiness to swim, and for those children who are developmentally ready, it will teach functional swim skills. This class approaches teaching swimming through creative, fun activities in the water. Students work toward developing core swimming competencies and progress toward achieving benchmarks in a small group setting.
Fee: $25
Ages: 3 to 5 years
7698
Starfish Swim School® Youth: 2 Week Session
West County Aquatic Center
Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, Aug. 3 through Aug. 12, 3:15 – 4 p.m.
Students ages 6-12 work toward development of core swimming competencies using age-appropriate learning activities. Learning is self-paced but challenging.
Fee: $25
Ages: 6 to 12 years
8115
Starfish Swim School® Youth: 2 Week Session
West County Aquatic Center
Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, Aug. 3 through Aug. 12, 6:30 – 7:15 p.m.
Students ages 6-12 work toward development of core swimming competencies using age-appropriate learning activities. Learning is self-paced but challenging.
Fee: $25
Ages: 6 to 12 years
7702
Starfish Swim School® Teen/Adult: 2 Week Session
West County Aquatic Center
Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, Aug. 3 through Aug. 12, 7:15 – 8 p.m.
This course is designed to improve comfort and skill in the water regardless of past swimming experience for ages 13+. Students work toward developing core swimming competencies using principles of adult learning.
Fee: $25
Ages: 13 and up
7709
H2O Moves – 4 Week Session
West County Aquatic Center
Tuesdays and Thursdays, Aug. 4 through Aug. 27, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Take your workout to the water with these total-body aerobics class that focuses on form, flexibility, strength, and balance. Participants must be comfortable in 4′ 6″ deep water.
Fee: $40
Ages: 16 and up
7454
Wee Wild Ones: Outstanding Oceans (Polliwogs)
Isle of Palms County Park
Fri., Aug. 7, 10 – 11 a.m.
Young children will channel their inner explorers while enjoying nature through hands-on activities, games, music, and art. Discover hidden clams and other creatures in the sand using supplied shovels and strainers. Come have fun with us while learning at one of your county beaches parks. Froglets group: Ages 4 to 6 years
Fee: $10
Ages: 1 ½ to 3
7477
Wee Wild Ones: Outstanding Oceans (Froglets)
Isle of Palms County Park
Fri., Aug. 7, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Young children will channel their inner explorers while enjoying nature through hands-on activities, games, music, and art. Discover hidden clams and other creatures in the sand using supplied shovels and strainers. Come have fun with us while learning at one of your county beaches parks. Froglets group: Ages 4 to 6 years
Fee: $10
Ages: 4 to 6
7476
Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series Race #5
James Island County Park
Sun., Aug. 9, 7 – 11 a.m.
Celebrating its 30th year, this five-race series includes a .3-mile swim, a 12-mile bike ride, and a 5K run. Participants are divided into: Open / Elite, Age Group and Masters, Clydesdale (men 220 pounds or greater under the age of 40), Masters Clydesdale (men 220 pounds or greater over the age of 40), and Athena (women 165 pounds or greater). Registration includes one t-shirt for the series.
Fee: $60
Ages: 12 and up
6586
Lighthouse Inlet Bird Walk
Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve
Fri, Aug. 14, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
This walk focuses on the incredibly diverse northeast end of Folly Island. Once the home of a Coast Guard station, this Heritage Preserve protects maritime forest, beach, dune, and marsh habitats for wildlife. This site is a leader in number of bird species seen in South Carolina. At this time of year, we hope to see songbirds, seabirds, and shorebirds such as Painted Bunting, Caspian Tern, Wilson’s Plover, and much more.
Fee: $9
Ages: 12 and up
7499
Homeschool in the Parks: The Struggle is Real
Palmetto Islands County Park
Fri., Aug. 14, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Did you know there’s a competition happening outside your window? Explore the world of competition in nature. Lean how and why animals compete and what happens when something new joins the neighborhood.
Fee: $5
Ages: 7 – 12
7470
Introduction to Kayaking
James Island County Park
Sat., Aug. 15, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Learn a new sport comfortably and enjoyably. Using a variety of boats, this entry-level course teaches you the basic strokes and skills to have fun on the water!
Fee: $55
Ages: 16 and up
7582
Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Level 2
James Island County Park
Sat., Aug. 15, 1 – 3 p.m.
Take the next steps in SUPing. We’ll practice balance drills, improve stroke technique, and learn more safety skills. This fun class is a great prep for paddling in more challenging conditions.
Fee: $30
Ages: 16 and up
7591
Intro to Coastal Kayaking – Level 3
Folly Beach County Park
Sun., Aug. 16, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
This course offers a progression of skill and knowledge development for paddling at the coast. We will begin in the calmer waters of Folly River and work towards introducing ourselves into the ocean environment.
Fee: $85
Ages: 16 and up
7576
Intro to Climbing
James Island County Park
Sun., Aug. 16, 2 – 3:30 p.m.
There’s a lot to learn about climbing. Getting your footing, learning the lingo, and starting out can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. In our Intro to Climbing class, you’ll receive expert instruction on the basics of climbing, the opportunity to meet and learn with other new climbers, and an overview of our facility. This 90-minute class will help kick off your new adventure with a 1 to 9 instructor to student ratio and small group and partner work. Instruction takes place on both ropes and boulders, and the class will include your gear rental, too!
Fee: $20
Ages: 14+
7650
Dawn Patrol Adult SUP Surf Camp
Folly Beach County Park
Tue., Aug. 18 through Fri., Aug. 21, 6:30 – 8 a.m.
Greet the mornings with a surf session led by a certified instructor. Hone your skills and appreciation for the sport and culture over the course of a week. But be careful, this could be habit forming!
Fee: $165
Ages: 16 and up
7575
Introduction to Surf Kayaking
Folly Beach County Park
Sun., Aug. 23, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Treat yourself to some fun by learning to ride the waves in a kayak. We’ll provide whitewater (short boats) and sit-on-top kayaks with a trained professional for you to learn fundamental surfing skills, important wave/ocean dynamics, etiquette, and safety. You’ll come away with a basic understanding of surfing that will give you the confidence to continue catching waves and grow as a kayak surfer.
Fee: $65
Ages: 16 and up
7587
SUP the Surf Zone
Folly Beach County Park
Sun., Aug. 23, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Surf SUP! Enjoy the sun, sand, and surf in this popular and historic pastime. Join a trained professional and learn fundamental surfing skills, important wave/ocean dynamics, board/paddle design, etiquette, and safety. You’ll come away with a basic understanding of surfing that will give you the confidence to continue catching waves and grow as a SUP surfer.
Fee: $65
Ages: 16 and up
7589
Advance registration required for many programs. Call 843-795-4386 or visit www.charlestoncountyparks.com to register.
Many programs require that a minimum number of participants be met.
