The Rocheleau family of Goose Creek visits Kiawah Island at least 10 times a year.

"We're always going to the beach," says Mark Rocheleau. He says they love the shops and the privacy of the beaches. And

2-year-old Travis loves the water.

"He never wants to get out."

On a recent trip home from Kiawah, Rocheleau and his wife Cindy took a break and stopped by Rosebank Farms on Johns Island to let Travis visit with the animals at the free petting zoo.

Rocheleau loves living in Charleston because there are so many fun things for his family to do. He works a lot, so he treasures time spent with his wife and son.

Families can get out and explore the city and remember all that Charleston has to offer, says Pat Kennedy, spokesperson for the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.

"There's just so much to do. : It's not just all history. That's a big part of it, but we've got the beaches, kayaking, boat rides, nature hikes, horseback riding."

Following are six local attractions Lowcountry Parent recommends for families.

Fort Sumter

Fort Sumter in the Charleston Harbor is a military fort best known as the location where the first shots were fired during the Civil War.

The fort is accessible only by boat. Admission is free.

Located within the fort are a bookstore and a museum that displays original cannonballs, photographs and the original flag that was lowered when soldiers surrendered. Visitors can tour the fort and see cannons, original brickwork and a view of the harbor.

Bob Dodson, park superintendent at Fort Sumter, says the fort is accessible by personal boat.

"Be prepared with suntan lotion, hats and sunglasses because it's quite bright out there," he says.

If you don't own a boat, SpiritLine Cruises provides a 35-minute ferry ride and charges $16 per adult and $10 for children ages 611 (free for kids 5 and younger). The stop at the fort is one hour.

"Once out there, we recommend visitors take the 10-minute history talk from the park ranger and move quickly. You don't have a lot of time."

Get out on the water

Why not experience Charleston from a new viewpoint?

Charleston Harbor Tours offers boat tours of the Charleston Harbor from February to November.

It's a 90-minute, live-narrated harbor tour covering about 300 years of history. It starts at the Charleston Maritime Center and takes visitors by the forts, Battery Park, Castle Pinckney, Rainbow Row and the Morris Island and Sullivan's Island lighthouses.

"The kids usually don't get a whole lot of the historical information out of it," says Drew Yochum, sales manager of Charleston Harbor Tours and Schooner Pride. "But it's great for the parents and the kids like being out on the water."

Tours are $16.25 per adult and $11.50 for children ages 411. Children younger than 4 are free.

Take in a game

If you haven't been to a Riverdogs game, you are really missing out.

The atmosphere at the baseball park is exciting and energetic, says Danny Reed, the Charleston Riverdogs radio sales manager and play-by-play broadcaster.

"You really can't beat it. Riverdogs baseball philosophy is that fun is good. It's only as good as the amount of fun you can inject into it."

The Riverdogs' season runs April thro-ugh September. General admission tickets are $5.

The Angel Oak

The Angel Oak is a live oak tree that is estimated to be 300 to 400 years old. It's located on Johns Island off of Maybank Highway.

The tree is 65 feet tall and has a circumference of 25.5 feet. It provides 17,000 square feet of shade. Its largest limb is 89 feet long.

"It's a Lowcountry treasure. For kids to have the firsthand opportunity to learn about the value of conservation and nature is priceless," says Cam Patterson, director of special facilities for the city of Charleston.

The park features picnic tables and a gift shop that sells unique Charleston items.

There aren't many restrictions, only that people aren't allowed to climb on the tree and high-heeled shoes aren't permitted around its root system. Hours are MondaySaturday 9 a.m.5 p.m. and Sunday 15 p.m. Admission to the park is free.

Large groups are welcome, but call ahead to let the park administration know a large group will be arriving. For more information, call 559-3496.

Rosebank Farms

Want to visit one of the last working farms on Johns Island and meet a few animals up close? If so, visit Rosebank Farms.

There are many barnyard friends, including pot bellied pigs, a mule and miniature horse and a friendly Macaw named Babaloo who courteously greets and says goodbye to visitors.

Also on-site is Walnut Hill School Museum, a one-room schoolhouse that was built in 1868. Inside there is information about and artifacts from the Civil War is available.

Louise Bennett, co-operator of the farm, says fresh strawberries are a summer favorite. Fresh produce, flowers, local artwork and homemade goodies are also for sale.

The farm is located at 4455 Betsy Kerrison Parkway on Johns Island, just before the traffic circle to Kiawah, Seabrook and Bohicket.

Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum

Patriots Point is a destination within a destination, says Charlie Hall, Patriots Point communications manager.

"It's perfect for kids, especially young boys."

Four historic ships are located on site: the USS Yorktown, the USS Laffey, the USS Ingram and the USS Clamagore.

In addition to the ships, there is an authentic Vietnam support base with helicopters, medical facilities and living quarters visitors can explore, Hall says.

The crown jewel of Patriots Point, according to Hall, is the Congressional Medal of Honor Museum located on board the USS Yorktown.

"Volunteer veterans who served on board some of these ships are more than glad to talk to a visitor and take them on a tour."

There are also self-guided tours throughout the site.