In short
- Strictly no children under 10 years old allowed
- Kids aged 10 to 12 pay approximately $29 for tour tickets
- Tours take place at night in dim, unrestored rooms
In this article
The Old Charleston Jail operates evening ghost tours that cover grim historical events and paranormal activity. Because of the mature content and physical environment, families must follow strict entry rules. Before booking a tour for your family, review the age restrictions and decide if the experience suits your older children.
Are children under 10 allowed at the Old Charleston Jail?
No. Children under 10 years old are strictly prohibited from joining the interior jail tours.
Tour operators enforce a hard age limit for all visitors. The ground floor remains an unrestored historic site. The environment is not safe or suitable for young children. You cannot carry infants or toddlers on the tour under any circumstances.
How much are Old Charleston Jail tickets for kids?
Tickets for children aged 10 to 12 cost approximately $29.
Adult tickets run from $37 to $39. Prices vary slightly depending on the booking platform. All visitors, including older children and teens, must have a reserved ticket before arriving. There is no walk-in access to the building.
Is the Old Charleston Jail ghost tour too scary for kids?
The tour covers dark historical themes, including executions and reputed serial killers, which may upset some children.
Guides discuss grim details about 19th-century pirates, Civil War prisoners, and Lavinia Fisher. The property also sits on a former potter's field where over 10,000 deaths allegedly occurred. Parents should decide if their 10- to 12-year-olds can handle stories about primitive punishments and hauntings.
Is the jail safe for kids to walk through?
The 45-minute tour navigates dim, unrestored basement spaces with uneven ground and stairs.
The lighting is very low. You will need a flashlight or your phone light to see clearly. Visitors cannot touch the artifacts or climb on the unrestored cell walls. Ensure your children wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes to safely navigate the ground floor.
What should families bring on the tour?
Pack a water bottle, a light jacket, and bug spray.
The jail interior can feel cold or drafty, so a sweater is useful. Venues can also get warm in the summer, and you cannot buy food or drinks inside. If you wait outside for your tour on summer evenings, bug spray will help protect against mosquitoes.
Can kids access the upper floors?
No. The upper floors are private event spaces and off-limits to all tour groups.
A recent $15 million renovation transformed the top floors into a private venue called Twenty-One Magazine. All ghost tours stay strictly on the unrestored ground floor. Visitors must not trespass on the upper levels.
Questions travellers ask
How long is the haunted jail tour for kids?
The guided tour lasts exactly 45 minutes and focuses on the unrestored ground floor of the Old City Jail.
Where do families park for the Old Charleston Jail?
Street parking near 21 Magazine Street is residential and scarce. Families should walk or take a ride-share from downtown parking garages.
Do I need to book my family's tickets in advance?
Yes. There is no walk-in interior access. You must book a guided evening tour to enter the jail.