Great tour, awesome guy!
This tour is a must do when in Charleston! He was the best tour guide and had the kids attention the whole time. We had such a great time and I loved that the kids could truly enjoy the tour too! So glad we found JWalk tours
Ages 5–11 · Family tour
Junior JWalkers: A Charleston Scavenger Hunt Tour for Kids
Charleston's history doesn't have to be quiet—and it definitely doesn't have to be boring.
The Junior JWalkers Tour is a Charleston scavenger hunt on foot, built specifically for families with children ages 5–11. Instead of standing and listening, kids become part of the story—solving challenges, spotting details, and collecting stickers as they explore Charleston’s historic streets.
Along the way, you’ll uncover real history, a few strange stories, and just enough mystery to keep everyone engaged—without making it too scary for younger guests.
This is a family experience, not a drop-off program. Parents are active participants throughout the tour, helping guide their Junior JWalker as you move from stop to stop.
At the end of the tour, your child will have completed their passport—and your family will have a fun follow-up activity to continue the adventure together after the tour is over.
How the scavenger hunt works
Every child starts the tour with their own Junior JWalker passport. It is the spine of the whole experience: at each stop, after the story, there is something to do, and completing it earns a sticker in the passport. By the end, the passport is full and it goes home with them.
The challenges vary from stop to stop, but they look like this:
- Solve clues that point to the next place on the route
- Spot hidden details on buildings, gates and streets that adults walk straight past
- Complete challenges tied to the story of the stop you are standing in
- Collect a sticker in the tour passport for each one finished
- Take part at every stop rather than listening to a lecture
It is educational—but it feels like a game. That is the entire design principle, and it is why it holds a five-year-old and a ten-year-old at the same time.
What parents actually do
Parents are not spectators, and this is worth being clear about before you book. You stay with the tour and you take part: helping your child work through a clue, reading a challenge out, placing the sticker in the passport. Families consistently tell us the adults get as much out of it as the kids do.
What it is not is childcare. Every child needs a participating adult with them for the whole tour.
Why ages 5 to 11?
Below five, the walking distance and the length of the tour start to work against the fun. Above eleven, the challenge design stops being pitched at the right level. Five to eleven is where the pacing, the activities and the stories all land together—so that is who the tour is built for. Younger and older siblings are often along for the ride, and that is fine; the passport activities are aimed at the 5–11 range.
Planning your visit
The tour is a walk through the historic district at an easy pace with frequent stops. Charleston’s historic streets are cobblestone and brick in places, so comfortable shoes matter more than anything else you bring. Tours run rain or shine—check the forecast and dress for the day.
If you are travelling with a stroller, or anyone in your group has a mobility or access requirement, message us or call 843-608-1911 before you book and we will tell you straight whether the route will work for you.
Junior JWalkers – parent questions
What age is the Junior JWalkers tour best for?
The tour is designed for kids ages 5 to 11. That is the sweet spot for the activities, the pacing and the engagement level.
How long is the tour, and is that too long for young kids?
The tour lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. It is structured to keep kids engaged throughout with regular activities and movement, rather than long stretches of standing and listening.
Do parents need to attend?
Yes — 100%. This is not a babysitting service. Parents are required to stay on the tour and actively participate. Think of it as a shared family experience, not a drop-off activity.
Is this a walking tour?
Yes. This is a family-friendly Charleston walking tour through the historic district. The pace is easy, with frequent stops, activities and breaks to keep kids moving and interested.
What will my child actually do on the tour?
Kids solve clues, spot hidden details, complete challenges, collect stickers in their tour passport, and participate at every stop. It is part history tour, part game.
Is this tour scary?
No. While we may touch on some of Charleston’s stranger stories, everything is presented in a fun, kid-friendly way. This is not a ghost tour — it is designed to be engaging, not frightening.
What happens if it rains?
Rain or shine, the show goes on. If the weather is going to change anything we will let you know, so check the forecast and dress for it.
What happens at the end of the tour?
Each child completes their passport, and your family gets a bonus activity to continue exploring Charleston together after the tour.
How is this different from other Charleston tours?
Most Charleston walking tours are designed for adults and adapted for kids. This one flips that. Kids lead the experience — solving clues, spotting details and participating at every stop.
More for families visiting Charleston
Planning the rest of the trip? Our guide to things to do in Charleston with kids covers what else is worth your time, and the Explore Charleston section has our recommendations on where to eat, where to stay and getting around.
Let's take a walk
-
-
Worth the time and money!
The Badass Broads tour is one of the most interesting tours we’ve taken in our many years of going to Charleston! Jonathan is an excellent and enthusiastic guide with in-depth knowledge of the Badass Broads of Charleston. Thoroughly enjoyable and worth the money!
-
Amazing Women, Amazing Tour
this was an amazing tour. Jonathon is a great story teller and was very knowledgable about the ladies, the city. on a side note the mango smoothie at the Bitts & Beau meeting place was very yummy
-
A Rare Gem of a Family-Friendly Experience in Charleston
-
Great for the whole family!!!
This was a great activity for the whole family. While it is a kid focused experience, the adults got so much out of the tour too! I highly recommend for Girl Scouts!
-
The best tour of Charleston history!!
Three of us took the Badass Broads of Charleston tour, a couple of us live near Charleston and have taken several different tours of the city over the years, this was by far the BEST Tour! Jonathon was SO knowledgeable an a great tour guide. This is a must do when everyone visiting Charleston! The best tour ever!!
-
Incredible Family Experience!
-
A MUST DO Family Experience in Charleston
-
Exceptional!
Jon is very knowledgeable about the history of charleston.
-
Amazing family fun!
Absolutely loved this tour. The story telling is top notch. Kept my son engaged and interested. This tour was so needed in Charleston, there isn’t much to do with little kids after dinner and this was the perfect way to end our day! We love JWalk Tours
-
If you only take one walking tour, make sure this is it!
-
Highly Recommend!!! Do it do it!
Such a wonderful experience!! We learned so much in only 2 hours and he kept it very entertaining! A big highlight to our trip- we will definitely recommend this to anyone who visits!