Activities and Programs to Beat the Summer Heat

South Carolina summers bring sunshine, long days, and high temperatures. While the heat may be intense, there are still plenty of ways to safely enjoy the outdoors at South Carolina State Parks. Whether you prefer to be in the water, indoors, or out after sunset, our parks offer a variety of activities and programs designed to help you stay cool while making the most of your visit.

Below are a few options for keeping your adventures going, even during a heat wave!

Cool Off in the Water

Several South Carolina State Parks offer designated swimming areas, splash pads, or river access. These locations provide an excellent way to cool off and enjoy a fun, low-impact experience with family or friends.

Splash Pad:

• Sesquicentennial State Park

Swimming Areas:

• Aiken State Park

• Poinsett State Park

• Little Pee Dee State Park

• Lee State Park

• Table Rock State Park

• Paris Mountain State Park

Tubing:

• Givhans Ferry State Park 

Water-Based Educational Programs

Many parks offer guided, water-focused programs throughout the summer. These programs allow visitors to explore aquatic ecosystems, paddle local waterways, and engage in environmental education—all while staying active and cool.

Some of our water-based programs include:

• Salt Marsh Seining at Huntington Beach State Park
• Stream Study and Morning Floats at Table Rock State Park
• Seine-sational Fun at Myrtle Beach State Park
• Kids in Kayaks at Oconee State Park
• Sunset Float at Croft State Park

Indoor Opportunities

If you prefer to avoid the midday heat altogether, several South Carolina State Parks feature indoor exhibits, historic homes, and nature centers. These facilities offer interactive displays and opportunities to learn about the park's natural and cultural resources in a temperature-controlled environment.

Indoor facilities and museums can be found at:

• Battle of Musgrove Mill State Historic Site

• Caesars Head State Park

• Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site

• Edisto Beach State Park

• Hunting Island State Park

• Huntington Beach State Park

• Lake Greenwood State Park

• Myrtle Beach State Park

• Paris Mountain State Park

• Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site

• Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site

Indoor programs include:

• Creature Feature at Hunting Island State Park

• Sizing Up Turtles at Myrtle Beach State Park

• Ravenous Reptiles at Edisto Beach State Park
  

Early Morning and Evening Programs

When the sun is low, South Carolina State Parks offer unique programming and access to cooler temperatures. Morning and evening hours are ideal for wildlife viewing and guided experiences.

Highlighted programs include:

• Sea Turtle Patrol at Myrtle Beach State Park

• Sea Turtle Night Walks at Edisto Beach State Park

• Park After Dark at Hunting Island State Park

• Bat Watch at Table Rock State Park

Safety Tips for Visiting in Hot Weather

To make the most of your visit during warmer weather, consider the following recommendations:

• Stay hydrated and bring extra water

• Wear sunscreen, light clothing, and a hat

• Take breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas

• Schedule hikes and activities during early morning or late evening hours

• Monitor weather conditions and park alerts before you go

From paddling and swimming to indoor learning and after-dark exploration, South Carolina State Parks offer a variety of ways to stay cool while enjoying the outdoors. Plan your next adventure today by visiting our Park Finder!

Click here to browse upcoming programs

Click here for more tips on how to Stay Cool and Safe during summer