Great experience for kids to see big fire trucks. Museum is geared toward teaching about fire history. There is also a playhouse with slide that is a big hit. Also get to design fire badge to print out activity. The American LaFrance trucks span from centuries ago. They are on loan so the museum might close soon as the trucks are returned. Hurry to check it out! read more

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Was such an amazing experience for our class field trip. The staff were great! Admission is $6. Accessible restrooms outside and inside the exhibition. There is a small gift shop outside the exhibition area as well. Highly recommend a visit! read more

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I have had a visit to the North Charleston Fire Museum on my radar for awhile. I knew my three boys would love it and I was absolutely correct. We were able to visit and had a great time. Truly a gem for all ages! The history of the firetrucks was interesting for my teenager, my nine year old loved the simulator firetruck and small show, and of course my toddler loved the slide. They had many interactive exhibits that we enjoyed and the biggest hit was creating their own badges when we entered. Overall, this is a great place. The workers were extremely friendly and gave us fire hats as we left. Everything was great and when we left my toddler asked when we would be going back. I'd say that's a hit! Super affordable as well at $6 for adults and children are free. read more

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Stopped in here with the kids today, had some time before an event so I figured we could come here. We were there about 30 minutes. It was fine. I like that it was very unique, I love specialty museums, and it had a really good collection of old fire trucks. As an adult I thought it was neat to learn about the history and evolution of fire trucks. Also an assortment of firefighting gear and equipment from different eras. But to me, this should be a museum mostly for kids, and there just wasn't much for kids here. There was some sort of playset in the middle of the room which was covered in kids while their parents looked at the fire trucks, and an incredibly long line at some sort of machine to make badges or patches or something. Like I said I enjoyed it, but it's just confused because the subject matter is something I usually associate with little kids but the material is mostly aimed at adults. J.Ja read more

It's Only a $6 entrance fee, and if you read every placard and visit every exhibit, it lasts about an hour. There's some history of Firefighting and some old/foreign fire outfits and whatnot, but the bulk of the museum is the 20 or so antique fire trucks dating back to the 1800s. Very cool looking trucks!!! Downside, although there were lots of kids there, there was not much for them. There's a small indoor slide-type thing and a 'virtual firetruck they can drive' but not much else. None of the ones I saw were very much interested in the antique fire trucks, and many of them were yelling and being disruptive, making the talking exhibits hard to hear. Still, overall, definitely worth the entrance fee and worth a visit!!! read more

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The North Charleston Fire Museum is a fire department museum and historical preservation society that opened in North Charleston, South Carolina in April 2007. It was founded by the city of North Charleston. Retired and active firefighters from the area provide tours for groups and area available to answer questions about the equipment and fire safety. The 20,000-square-foot facility features more than 20 restored vehicles from the American LaFrance Company: a vehicle manufacturing company which focused primarily on fire trucks. The company was headquartered in nearby Summerville for several years until it closed down in 2014. The museum also features interactive exhibits, simulators, a 4-D film on the history of firefighting, a robotic presentation on fire dangers in the home, and a small playground area with a fire pole and slide. The museum is a popular rainy day activity for tourists. My family and I visited the North Charleston Fire Museum this past summer while we were visiting family in the area. My wife and I were interested in taking our sons to some sort of children's museum in the area. After looking on a list online, we decided on the fire museum. We were so glad that we did because this place is awesome! We've taken our sons to number of fire museums, but this one was easily the best that we've ever seen. For starters, it had the nicest collection of restored historic fire apparatus that we've ever seen. We especially liked the fire truck simulator where you feel like you're actually driving a fire truck to the scene of an emergency. The animatronic fire presentations were very realistic. In fact they were a little too realistic. Our two boys were a little frightened because they thought that the exhibits were actually on fire. The highlight of the entire museum for our sons was the firehouse playground, complete with a fire pole and a slide for children to slide down. We had so much fun at the museum; we were there for over two hours! We highly recommend it to any families visiting the Charleston area! read more

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Well done by the city of North Charleston! This exhibit is interactive, informative, clean, organized and all around wonderful! There were activities for the kids that kept them climbing, sliding and going down a fire pole. My 5 year olds and 2.5 year old wanted to stay all day and be firefighters. They completed the 10 Question True or False exhibit which was cool to have your card punched! It was well done and I learned a few things along the way. The interactive videos were both captivating and well curated as well. They show on the top of the hour and bottom and run for less than 15 minutes in a stadium seating fashion. Each fire truck was meticulously cleaned and rehabilitated to show their shine and splendor. All around great exhibit! Give yourself 2-4 hours there to enjoy each display! read more

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Friendly people who work in the museum and totally educational. I even made a video about my experience there. https://youtu.be/96m2FnM5b5Y?si=J-rqPGO6yASq9vju read more

This is a gorgeous museum and has very cute things for kiddos to do. However I'm giving it five stars bc my 2 year old son wandered off from me today and took a while to find. This has never happened to me before and it was pretty traumatic... and whatever gentleman was working in the gift shop did such a great job at trying to help and being so kind after we found my boy. PSA to mamas... this is well worth the stop but it's a darker space so do a better job than I did at keeping track of little ones. read more

This is a great rainy day or "omg, it's so hot outside" place to visit. They have a great collection of antique fire trucks. I enjoyed flipping though all the fire patches and finding ones for places I've lived. The day we came the fire truck simulator wasn't working which was a bummer. They have a slide which the kids really enjoy and a pole for bigger kids to go down. They also have a little scavenger hunt you can do around the facility. Admission is $6 for adults and free for kids. This was my second trip here and I'd definitely return in the future. read more

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My son and I had a fantastic time at the Fire Museum. There is a lot to do and see. We loved all of the old fire trucks and interactive exhibits. Kids can climb a fire truck ladder and go down the pole. The fire video was actually really entertaining and informative. There is a quiz you complete as you go through the museum. My son's favorite part was the fire truck simulator. They also give the kids a fire hat on the way out. read more

Absolutely must see. Very cool fire engines and interactive stuff for adults and kids read more

North Charleston Fire Museum - Interactive firetruck - Museums Near Me - North Charleston, South Carolina

Awesome experience! Great place for kids to learn and explore. The museum was interactive. The building was super clean and all the employees were friendly - you could tell that they really enjoyed working there. Great place to visit with kids of all ages! read more

Great, inexpensive museum near the outlet malls. Killed a rainy morning and not the pocket book. Not a ton to do inside but the kids love it none the less. A slide is the star of this place and is constantly bombarded by kids. There's a fire truck simulator that had a long line of eager parents and kiddos for the drivers seat. The real gem is the fire video, every 30 mins. My toddler really enjoyed it. I'd suggest this place as an inexpensive alternative to the downtown museums. read more

Last time we were in Charleston we visited The Fire Museum and it was a wonderful experience. My 3 year old loved it; especially the firetruck simulator. The museum is filled full of history about fire departments in North Charleston as well as the world. I was impressed by the patch collection and even found a fire department patches from a few towns that I have lived in. Not only is the museum for the history buff such as myself, but the also offer exhibits that teach lessons to children (and adults) about fires and what to do if they are put in a situation. They also have a slide and fire pole for the kids to play on; I would have tried it too if nobody had have been around. Overall, it's a great experience for the whole family. read more

Kids rule at the Fire Museum in North Charleston! Best of all it's FREE for them to get in (just $6 for adults). Come play around with over 20 American LaFrance antique fire engines and pumpers, slide down a fire pole and see live house fire demos. The Fire Truck Simulator is by far the biggest attraction. Kids literally line up to drive it. Inside you feel just like you're in the middle of a fire emergency response. Here's a video, although it doesn't do complete justice: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCfGXRHvGwI Those of you passionate about ALF fire truck you're in for a real treat. The museum features the country's largest collection! Here are some of the finest: http://shoutaboutcarolina.com/index.php/2009/04/charleston-amazing-things-to-do-and-see-with-kids/ The museum is open Monday to Saturday, 10 to 5 and is conveniently located by the Tanger Outlet entrance, off of I-26. read more

North Charleston Fire Museum - Inside a real fire truck - Museums Near Me - North Charleston, South Carolina

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Great learning experience for the children. Staff was super friendly. I expected a bit more but the kids ages 4 and 7 had a great time. It was more so an opportunity for them to play and there is a slide section for younger kids. I think they would have benefited from the experience more of they were older since there are fire trucks displayed from the 1700's etc. There is also an interactive fire truck that we sat in with a large screen that simulates the experience, and there is another interactive section where it shows things that can occur inside of a home which is also simulated. The experience overall was okay. read more

The North Charleston and American LaFrance Fire Museum and Educational Center is a great place to visit and learn about firefighting and fire safety. The museum has a lot of cool exhibits, place to play, and things to climb on. This is a awesome place for kids and adult kids to have fun and do something that will teach important lessons that could one day save many lives. I have had a great experience every time I have been here and look forward for the chance to come back again. read more

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What a cool place! I went there with my nephew. We both thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. It was free for him... age 4. And only six bucks for me. They have a playground area with a fire poll, simulation fire truck and a slide that even I went down. Adults like to have fun too, ya know. I really enjoyed the lesson about the history of fire trucks. They have trucks displayed there from the early 1900's. I was so glad that this place has all activities inside because this particular day was a HOT one for Charleston. Children are able to create their own fireman's badge by using a machine and as they leave, each child receives a plastic fireman's hat. This is a must do in Charleston. It is fun and educational. read more

North Charleston Fire Museum - Museums Near Me - North Charleston, South Carolina

An amazing place to being your children especially if they are interested in anything about fire fighting. Interactive exhibits bring fire fighting to life. Climb a ladder, slide down a pole, drive in the fire truck simulator, explore the gear, and watch movies. Start your visit by creating your own fire fighting/emergency patch. Children under age 12 are free, you can't ask for a better price. Great way to spend the afternoon! read more

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What a great collection of vintage fire trucks. My little granddaughter gets excited about the example of a fire and the little girl that needs rescuing. She loves running around, especially the free fire hat that kids get. Everyone is real nice and worth the price. Please attend this museum, you'll have a good time. Frank G read more

Such a cool and fun place! We had the best time exploring and seeing all the different fire engines and watching the movie on how to escape a fire. The simulator was so cool and our 4 and 6 y/o enjoyed it so much! The best part for them was the play area which had a fire pole, ladder and slide to go down! It's extremely affordable at $6 per adult and kids are free! read more

This is a fun and educational place! And the price is just right. The boys enjoyed the exhibits and displays. The simulator is a fun exhibit. Even grownups get a chance to hit the buttons and switches that trigger the horns and lights. read more

North Charleston Fire Museum - Patches from around the world! - Museums Near Me - North Charleston, South Carolina

I love the interactive exhibits. No charge for children under 12 with adult admission makes this excursion affordable for everyone. My daughter and nephew were enthralled with the 7 minute show and loved sliding down the fire pole. read more

North Charleston Fire Museum - This is where EG wanted to go for her birthday! I can't believe she is 9 years old. - Museums Near Me - North Charleston, South Carolina

This is a wonderful little place, so many vintage fire engines which were so fun to see. Also a couple of really interesting interactive things the kids loved. A great little slide/ladder/pole area. read more

This place is so awesome, so much history and every aspect of the fire service is covered. Plus, things for kids to do and see. Highly recommend. read more

Great museum...mostly geared towards children. We brought our 3 year old here because it was raining and have passed by multiple times, but never stopped. Totally not what we expected it to be. This place is VERY interesting. For Adults: Dozens of old fire trucks ranging from the late 19th century to present. Lots of interactive exhibits and learning about fireman history and fire safety. However, some of the cool exhibits were out of order (patch machine, fire hose pressure simulator). For Kids: The fire truck simulator is a hit. It was cool, even as an adult to get in and ride along. In the middle, they have a play area with a slide and pole. The kids seemed to gravitate towards this area. Our kid wore herself out playing on the slide and ladder. Overall, this place exceeded our expectations. Very nice staff, clean facilities, and great museum. MILITARY: Free for military and spouses until September 1st. Kids under 12 are free. read more

Very fun place for both kids and adults. Conveniently located next to the Tanger Outlet, this great museum features lots of historical firetrucks as well as educational, interactive exhibits. Definitely worth the time and money! read more

Closes about an hour earlier than it says online or when you call. If they close at 4:00 or 4:30, they should just say that, not wait until people drive all the way there with kids then send them away at the door. #rude read more

The fire Museum was much larger, much more interactive, and much more interesting than I had imagined it would be. There is a lot of history & culture displayed in the different trucks from different countries and eras. It was fascinating to see how that industry has evolved over time and what they used and found appropriate. I especially liked the giant play station equipped with a large slide, game, escape window, & fireman pole. There also was a fire truck that you could get inside & it was very realistic with the sounds and screen cast on the windshield. It truly felt as if you were driving to a fire. My favorite part above all was the story scene in the back that had actual smoke and animated objects displaying stories of how fires can happen in one's home. Beware if you have children under five as the place is not brightly lit and can come off as a little scary. I think this is partly because fire trucks are associated with trauma and a lot of the noises in the museum are very loud, such as smoke detectors and sirens. This has been a struggle for both children that I have brought to the museum independently under the age of five. They also do not have an area for you to hold belongings or coats. This is certainly an attraction you don't want to miss if you have children or are interested in firefighting! read more

Great rainy day escape - or hot humidity day escape for the kids. They have a mini-playground inside with a fire pole and slide. There are a lot of beautiful fire trucks. Two educational movies - both involving "4D" side effects. The 3 year olds get kind of scared with both movies but I think it's good to instill a fear/respect for fire. Close to Chick-fil-A too for afterward eating! read more

My son has always loved coming to the "Fire Truck Museum". As a military family I have enjoyed the Blue Star Museum pass during the summer. Online the date starts on Armed Forces Day, however I went today and was told that the Fire Museum only honors it after Memorial Day. While it is not an expensive museum to visit, I wish they would be more forthcoming on the website that they abide by different dates. read more

I was impressed by the quality of this museum. It is well worth the $6 admission! There are several meticulously restored fire trucks spanning decades. There is a very professionally done video that plays in a small theater. The video is aimed at children; however it was interesting. The theater screen rotates to show different sets. There is a big slide and fire pole in the middle of the museum. There are many interesting artifacts to view and a firetruck ride simulator. There is also a machine where you can create a custom fire badge/sticker with your name on it. Everything was super clean and well done. I think it would be best experienced with young children; however, my wife and I enjoyed it! read more

Friendly employees, great for families and kids who love fire trucks and anything fire related. Will come back again!

Highly recommend this museum! The staff are so friendly and helpful. The exhibit is family oriented and so well done.

Perfect afternoon activity, especially when it's too hot to be outside! There was just enough to hold my attention, but not too much to overwhelm me. Geared for both adults and kids. They had some really neat trucks and it was great to see they were educating kids about fire safety. read more

Good for a hot Charleston day to get out of the heat. This is fun for the kids to run around, see cool firetrucks, and drive a simulator firetruck. The interactive movie is fun for kids and adults, with smoke and water raining. I wish it had a more interactive playground area, with a firetruck to climb on. The play area is limited for kids 3 or younger, with just a long slide and fire pole. Once the kids see the trucks and the movie, there's not much more to see. read more

Nice visitor center but the lady at the desk was extremely rude next to the gift shop for the Fire Museum, defiantly lacking skills. We visited at 3pm on 4/30 read more

My children and I had a wonderful time. Wishing there was more for younger children to do but I understand why there isn't. My 3 year old absolutely love the old fire trucks. read more

Great fire museum with lots of great information and activities for children. Adults should find it interesting too. Very informative, fun, and clean. Very well run and even firefighters on staff. Great family activity! read more