FOCUS: Frugal ways to have some summertime fun at county parks

By Charleston County Parks  |  The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission is making it easy to find affordable fun for the whole family. The Frugal Fun campaign highlights more a dozen affordable recreational activities at various Charleston County Park locations this summer.

Visitors to the county parks can choose from a wide range of activities that are available for five dollars per person or less (park admission fees sometimes apply). Many activities are also offered free with park admission.

Low-cost Frugal Fun activities at Charleston County Parks include:

• Spectating ($1) or skating ($3) at SK8 Charleston skate park
• Renting bicycles at James Island County Park (JICP), Wannamaker County Park (WCP) or Palmetto Islands County Park (PICP) ($4 per hour, plus refundable deposit)*
• Renting a two-person pedal boat at JICP, WCP or PICP, or a kayak at JICP ($4 per half hour, plus refundable deposit)*
• Fishing at the Mount Pleasant or Folly Beach Pier ($3 for kids and seniors, $4 for active military, $5 for adults; equipment not included)
• Enjoying the kid-friendly Summer Entertainment Series, select dates through August, at James Island and Wannamaker County Parks ($5 per child or $4 in advance; chaperone free)
• Trying the archery range at Johns Island County Park ($1 admission per person; equipment not included)
• Exploring the equestrian and walking trails at Johns Island County Park ($1 per person or $5 with horse)
• Riding the mountain bike trails at the Wannamaker North Trail ($1 per person)

*Plus $2 park admission fee

Frugal Fun activities FREE with $2 per person park admission fee:

• Playing disc golf at JICP or WCP (equipment rental available for $5 fee)
• Taking Fido to enjoy running off leash at the dog parks at JICP, WCP or PICP
• Watching outdoor movies at Wannamaker County Park on Aug. 11
• Enjoying Yappy Hour and live music with your dog at James Island County Park on Sept. 13 or Oct. 11
• Cooling down at James Island County Park’s Spray Play and Wannamaker County Park’s Sprinkler
• Enjoying the playgrounds at JICP, WCP or PICP

For details on these activities, visit CharlestonCountyParks.com/FrugalFun or call 843-795-4386.

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