Tots Around Town: Where to Take Babies and Toddlers in South Carolina

What Tots Around Town offers and where to find it

Tots Around Town is a membership program run by the South Carolina Children's Theatre that gives families with young children access to special performances, early-bird showtimes, and sensory-friendly events designed for babies and toddlers. The program operates primarily through the South Carolina Children's Theatre's main venue in Columbia, though some performances travel to other locations around the state. Members receive discounted tickets to age-appropriate shows, advance notice of new programming, and invitations to exclusive member events.

The program is built around the reality that taking a baby or toddler to a traditional theatre can be stressful—the dark, the noise, the length of a full show. Tots Around Town shortens that experience and removes some of the pressure. Shows are typically 30 to 45 minutes long, designed to hold the attention of children ages newborn through four, and the theatre staff expects movement, noise, and the occasional fussy moment. You do not have to leave if your child needs a break.

Membership costs vary depending on the tier you choose and whether you want access to just Tots Around Town events or a broader package that includes other South Carolina Children's Theatre programming. The theatre's website lists current membership options and pricing, which can change seasonally.

Key Takeaways

• Tots Around Town shows run 30 to 45 minutes and are designed for children newborn through age four, with performances in Columbia and occasionally at other South Carolina venues.
• Membership includes discounted tickets, early access to showtimes, and invitations to member-only events and sensory-friendly performances.
• The theatre expects babies and toddlers to move, vocalize, and fuss—you will not be asked to leave, and other families understand the reality of attending with young children.
• You can purchase individual show tickets without membership, though members pay less per ticket and receive additional perks.
• The South Carolina Children's Theatre website shows the current season schedule, membership tiers, and pricing for both members and non-members.

How membership works and what it includes

When you join Tots Around Town as a member, you receive a membership card or digital access that you present when purchasing tickets. Member discounts typically range from 20 to 30 percent off ticket prices, though the exact discount depends on your membership tier and the specific show. Some memberships also bundle in access to other South Carolina Children's Theatre productions for older children, so compare the tiers on their website to see which fits your family's needs.

Members also get early notification of new show dates and times, which matters because sensory-friendly performances and weekend morning showtimes fill quickly. The theatre sends email updates to members before tickets go on sale to the general public, giving you a window to book before popular times sell out. Some membership levels include a set number of free or deeply discounted tickets per season, which can offset the membership cost if you plan to attend multiple shows.

Non-members can still purchase individual tickets to Tots Around Town performances at the full ticket price. This option works well if you want to try one show before committing to membership, or if you only plan to attend once or twice a year.

What to expect at a Tots Around Town performance

A typical Tots Around Town show takes place in a smaller, more intimate theatre space than the main auditorium. The lights stay brighter than a traditional theatre production, and the sound levels are calibrated to be engaging without being overwhelming. Stories are simple and visual—think puppet shows, interactive storytelling, or movement-based performances that hold a toddler's attention through action rather than dialogue.

The audience is almost entirely other families with babies and toddlers, so the room has a different energy than a regular theatre. You will hear babies babble, toddlers narrate what they see, and occasionally a child who needs to leave for a few minutes. Theatre staff are trained to work with young children and understand that some performances will include unexpected moments. Seating is usually flexible—you can sit, stand, hold your child, or let them move around in a designated area depending on the show's setup.

Most performances include a brief pre-show orientation where staff explain what will happen, introduce any loud sounds or sudden movements, and answer questions. This is especially helpful if your child is sensitive to surprises or unfamiliar environments. After the show, there is often time for children to explore the stage or meet performers, which many toddlers find exciting.

Sensory-friendly performances and special events

Beyond the regular Tots Around Town lineup, the South Carolina Children's Theatre offers sensory-friendly performances designed specifically for children with autism, sensory processing differences, or anxiety around traditional theatre settings. These performances have dimmed (but not dark) lighting, lower sound levels, and staff members positioned throughout the theatre who understand sensory needs. Families can move freely, take breaks in a quiet space, and return to the show without judgment.

Sensory-friendly shows are often scheduled on weekday mornings or early afternoons, when the theatre is quieter overall. Tickets for sensory-friendly performances are the same price as regular Tots Around Town tickets, and members receive the same discount. The theatre publishes the sensory-friendly schedule on its website and sends advance notice to members.

Members also receive invitations to special events—sometimes a "meet the performers" gathering, a backstage tour, or a seasonal celebration. These events are usually free or low-cost for members and offer a chance to connect with other families in the program.

How to register and purchase tickets

You can join Tots Around Town or purchase individual tickets through the South Carolina Children's Theatre website. The site has a dedicated section for Tots Around Town with the current season schedule, show descriptions, membership options, and a ticket purchase button. You will need to create an online account to buy tickets or join the membership program—this takes a few minutes and requires basic contact information.

Membership can usually be purchased online and activated immediately, giving you access to member pricing and early ticket sales right away. If you prefer to speak with someone, the theatre's box office phone number is listed on the website and staff can walk you through membership options or answer questions about specific shows.

Tickets for individual shows go on sale on a schedule posted on the website. Member early access typically opens a week or two before general public sales. Popular times—weekend mornings and sensory-friendly performances—often sell out, so registering for member notifications helps you catch tickets before they are gone.

Other baby and toddler programming in South Carolina

Tots Around Town is one option for structured entertainment with young children, but South Carolina has other venues and programs worth exploring. Many public libraries across the state offer baby storytimes, music classes, and sensory play sessions, often at no cost. The South Carolina Department of Libraries, Information and Public Affairs maintains a directory of library programs by county, which you can search to find what is available near you.

Children's museums in Charleston and Columbia offer exhibits designed for babies and toddlers, with water tables, soft play areas, and age-appropriate interactive displays. Some museums have dedicated "baby hours" with lower crowds and adjusted lighting. Zoos and botanical gardens in the state also run toddler-focused programs and have quieter times of day that work better for young children.

Community recreation departments in cities like Columbia, Charleston, and Greenville offer parent-and-child classes—music, movement, art—that combine structured activity with the chance to meet other families. These programs are usually inexpensive and run in short sessions, so you can try one without a long commitment.

Planning your visit and what to bring

Before you head to a Tots Around Town performance, check the show description on the theatre's website to understand what your child will see. Some shows are very quiet and visual; others involve music or movement. Knowing what to expect helps you prepare your child and decide whether the timing works for your family's schedule—a show at 10 a.m. might work better than one at 2 p.m. if your toddler naps in the afternoon.

Bring what you would normally bring to keep your child comfortable: a diaper bag with supplies, a snack or bottle if the theatre allows it (check their policy), and a change of clothes if your child is prone to spills. The theatre is climate-controlled, but layers are always a good idea. If your child uses a stroller, you can usually bring it into the theatre, though staff can tell you about parking and accessibility when you arrive.

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early so your child can acclimate to the space and you can ask staff any last-minute questions. If your child becomes overwhelmed during the show, you can step out to a lobby area or quiet space without missing the entire experience—staff will not make you feel rushed or unwelcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is Tots Around Town for?

Tots Around Town is designed for children newborn through age four. Shows are short, visual, and paced for toddler attention spans. Children older than four may find the shows too simple, though the theatre's other programming serves older children.

Can I bring a baby who is not yet mobile?

Yes. Babies who are not yet sitting up or crawling are welcome. Many parents bring infants in carriers or strollers, and the theatre accommodates this. The sensory environment is designed to be engaging without being overwhelming for very young babies.

What if my child gets upset during the show?

You can leave the theatre at any time without judgment. Staff understand that young children have unpredictable moments. Some families step into a lobby area for a few minutes and return; others decide to leave and try again another time. There is no penalty for leaving early.

Do I need to buy a membership to attend a show?

No. You can purchase individual tickets at full price without membership. Membership is worth it if you plan to attend multiple shows in a season, because the discount and member perks offset the membership cost.

How far in advance should I book tickets?

Popular times—weekend mornings and sensory-friendly performances—can sell out weeks in advance. If you have flexible scheduling, booking as soon as member early access opens gives you the best selection. Weekday afternoon shows often have availability closer to the date.