03 September . 2026
Things to Do with Grandkids in Summerville, SC: A Grandparent’s Guide to Nexton
There’s something pretty great about being a grandparent. You get a front-row seat to all the growing up, with a little more freedom to say yes to dessert, stay at the park longer than planned and occasionally ignore bedtime.
And at Nexton in Summerville, SC, there are plenty of ways to turn an ordinary afternoon with the grandkids into the kind of day everyone talks about later.
Whether your crew includes stroller-sized sidekicks, energetic elementary schoolers or teenagers who are suddenly taller than you, here are a few ways to make the most of your time together.
Take the long way around
A walk is rarely just a walk when kids are involved.
With miles of trails throughout Nexton, you can turn an afternoon stroll into a scavenger hunt, nature walk or wildlife-spotting expedition. Count butterflies. Look for birds. Collect interesting leaves. Let little legs determine the pace and see where you end up.
Older grandkids? Grab bikes and cover a little more ground together.
The destination matters less than having nowhere else you need to be.
Pack the towels
On a warm Lowcountry day - which happens more often than not - water is almost always a winning strategy.
For the littlest swimmers, Brighton Park Village’s splash pad is made for running through fountains, getting completely soaked and doing it all over again. Over in Midtown, the resort-style pool has a zero-entry area that makes easing into the water easy, plus a shallow area where little ones can splash and play.
Older kids can make a day of the pool, while grandparents can join the fun or assume the very important role of towel-holder, snack distributor and designated “watch this!” audience.
Pro tip: Bring more towels than you think you need.
Follow the water
The pools aren’t the only way to make a splash. Living in the Lowcountry means water is never too far away.
Pack the beach bag for a day on the South Carolina coast, where sandcastles, wave jumping and long walks along the shore can fill an entire day. Or explore the creeks, rivers and marshes that wind through the Lowcountry by kayak, paddleboard or boat.
For something a little slower, find a spot along the water and look for dolphins, watch for shorebirds or introduce the grandkids to the fine art of crabbing off a dock.
From salty beach days to quiet afternoons along the marsh, there’s a whole watery world to explore beyond Nexton.
Make it a park-hopping day
With more than 50 parks throughout Nexton, you could make park-hopping with the grandkids a tradition all its own. And no two are quite alike.
Some are little pocket parks, perfect for following a wobbly toddler through the grass or settling in for a snack in the shade. Others have playgrounds built for climbing, swinging and sliding. Then there are big, wide-open lawns with plenty of room to toss a football, kick a soccer ball, play tag or spread out a blanket and simply enjoy being outside.
Have older kids or a competitive crew? Challenge them to a round of disc golf, teach them your pickleball skills or shoot some hoops together. Keep score if your family is competitive. Conveniently forget to keep score if Grandpa is losing.
Either way, bragging rights are absolutely encouraged.
Pick a favorite park or make it your mission to explore them all.
Let Them pick lunch
One of the perks of a day with the grandparents? Getting a vote on where to eat. And with so many restaurants around Nexton, there are plenty of kid-approved options.
Pizza is always a safe bet. Head to Rotolo’s Craft & Crust or D’Allesandro’s Pizza for a pie the whole table can agree on. The Co-Op is an especially good pick when little legs need room to move, with a big lawn out front where they can run around while the grown-ups linger a little longer. And Dog & Duck is an easy crowd-pleaser with a casual menu that works for kids and grandparents alike.
Of course, grandparent rules say lunch doesn’t necessarily have to end with lunch. Blow their minds with the epic milkshakes at Dulce Churros, Ice Cream, and Cocktails.
Check the calendars
Some weekends come with the entertainment already planned.
Nexton’s community events bring everything from live music and outdoor fun to seasonal celebrations and activities for all ages. Check the calendar before the grandkids visit and you might find the perfect excuse for a day together.
And when you’re ready to venture a little farther, the greater Charleston area keeps the calendar pretty full, too. Festivals, farmers markets, sporting events, concerts, museum programs, holiday happenings and family-friendly events mean there’s almost always something new to put on the agenda.
Even better? Start a tradition around a favorite event and make it something everyone looks forward to year after year.
Make Nexton their place, too
The best part about having the grandkids visiting isn’t planning one spectacular day. It’s all the ordinary ones you get to collect along the way.
The trail where you always look for butterflies. The playground they request by name. The restaurant where they already know what they’re ordering. The park bench where you stop for a snack. The pool day that somehow stretches until dinner.
At Nexton, there’s always somewhere to go, something to do and another reason to spend a little more time together.
Because childhood moves fast. Grandparent time doesn’t have to.