Brookgreen Gardens

Brookgreen Gardens offers families an incredible multi-sensory experience that combines art, nature, and wildlife across 750 beautifully maintained acres. Kids can explore outdoor sculpture galleries featuring hundreds of American figurative sculptures, get up close with native animals at the Lowcountry Zoo, and discover the natural beauty of the South Carolina coast through butterfly gardens, walking trails, and wetland exhibits.

• ✓Lowcountry Zoo featuring alligators, otters, foxes, and birds of prey in natural habitats
• ✓Over 2,000 outdoor sculptures scattered throughout gardens - turns art appreciation into a treasure hunt
• ✓Enchanted Storybook Forest with sculptures depicting children's fairy tales and stories
• ✓Butterfly garden and nature center with hands-on learning opportunities
• ✓Pontoon boat tours through the historic rice field waterways (seasonal)

1. 1.Download the garden map or grab one at entry - with 750 acres, it's easy to miss hidden gems like the Enchanted Storybook Forest designed especially for young children
2. 2.Visit the Lowcountry Zoo first thing in the morning when animals are most active, then explore the cooler sculpture gardens during midday heat
3. 3.Bring a wagon or stroller even for older kids - there's a LOT of walking and little legs tire quickly on the extensive trails
4. 4.Pack bug spray and sunscreen as much of the experience is outdoors with limited shade in sculpture areas
5. 5.Check the daily schedule for animal feeding times and guided tours that make the experience more interactive for kids

Spring (March-May) offers the most comfortable weather and peak blooming flowers, making it magical for families. Visit on weekday mornings for smaller crowds, and aim for cooler months (October-April) to avoid South Carolina's summer heat and humidity.

Admission includes access to all gardens, zoo, and exhibits. The grounds are mostly stroller and wheelchair accessible with paved pathways, though some nature trails are unpaved. A café on-site offers lunch options, but many families pack picnics to enjoy in designated areas.

Open year-round with different seasonal experiences. Spring features spectacular azalea blooms and baby animals. Summer offers extended hours and special programs but can be very hot. Fall and winter provide comfortable temperatures for exploring. Holiday Lights of Brookgreen (November-January) transforms the gardens into a nighttime wonderland.

Head to Wicked Tuna in Murrells Inlet (5 minutes away) for fresh seafood with a kids menu and waterfront views, or Dead Dog Saloon for casual burgers and fish tacos in a family-friendly atmosphere overlooking the marsh.