By Margaret Pilarski, Charleston editor for Where
Adventures abound for families and friends in South Carolina's Lowcountry. Whether you're looking for a wave pool or an ocean, to get up on ropes or down in alleys, we can tell you where to go.
Get Roped In
Wild Blue Ropes, a brand-new elevated ropes course, welcomes up to 135 thrill seekers every hour. Perfect for group getaways and families, Wild Blue Ropes offers four courses, each with a different difficulty level. Twenty-two tower poles and nearly 70 course elements support suspended steps, ladders, bridges and other challenges at either 15 or 25 feet in the air. 1595 Highland Ave., James Island
Ride the Waves
Three Charleston County Park and Recreation Waterparks mean three times the options for aquatic adventures: Whirlin' Waters, Splash Zone and Splash Island all have different features that appeal to kids of all ages. Seek out wave pools, lazy rivers and waterfalls. All three parks open May 3 and are weekends-only through May 25. Parks open daily May 26-Aug. 15. Whirlin' Waters at North Charleston Wannamaker County Park, Splash Zone at James Island County Park, Splash Island at Palmetto Islands County Park
Conquer the Water
Air & Earth is a one-stop-shop with everything you need to catch a wave or ride the tide: rentals range from surf, skim and body boards to stand-up paddle (SUP) boards -- the most beginner-friendly water sport. Rent by the day or book a lesson in kiteboarding, surfing or stand-up paddle boarding. The Air team has experts who can get you atop the water in no time. 843.388.9300, 1313 Long Grove Drive, Mount Pleasant
Bowled Over
Downtown's hip bowling alley, conveniently monikered The Alley, has a famed list of White Russian cocktails that could be a draw on its own, but the eight lanes of bowling and collection of retro arcade games keep kiddos big and small entertained and out of the sun. A full restaurant and ongoing specials make this bowling alley a cut above the rest. 843.818.4080, 131 Columbus St., Charleston
Journey With the Tide
Conquer the waterways thanks to Coastal Expeditions' three locations that offer kayak tours, lessons and rentals. They offer specialty outings like low-tide dolphin tours, monthly full-moon tours, and even daybreak and sunset tours. Wanna explore on your own? They'll teach you how and send you on your way with a rental for the afternoon. 843.884.7684, 514-B Mill St., Mount Pleasant; 843.406.0640, 2223 Folly Road, Folly Beach; 843.886.9590, 41st Ave., Isle of Palms
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Photo credits: Courtesy Palm Head Paddle Boards, Shutterstock.com, Gary Coleman, Courtesy Palm Head Paddle Boards, Jonathan Boncek, Courtesy Coastal Expeditions