Your Family Day at Steeplechase Starts Here
The Steeplechase of Charleston presented by Lexus is known for exciting horse racing, but ask any family who spends the day with us and they’ll tell you there’s a whole lot more happening around the racetrack.
From cheering on the corgis and visiting the Paddock to letting the kids have some fun in the Family Fun Zone, exploring the Merchant Market, grabbing something delicious from a food truck and spending the day outside together, Steeplechase has plenty to keep the entire family entertained.
And here’s something parents will love: children 12 and under receive free General Admission! Every guest does need a ticket to enter, including children, so be sure to add a free child GA ticket when purchasing yours.
Start Your Family Adventure Early
Race day is a full day, so come early and make the most of it! Gates open at 8 a.m., giving families plenty of time to get settled, explore the grounds and find their favorite spots before the racing action begins.
If you’re tailgating, set up your space and make it family headquarters for the day. Bring chairs, favorite snacks and drinks, and give everyone a place to come back to when they’re ready for a little break.
Then it’s time to explore!
Get Up Close at the Paddock
Before the horses head to the racetrack, make a stop at the Huntington Bank Paddock.
For kids who have never seen a racehorse up close, this can be one of the coolest parts of the day. Watch the horses and jockeys prepare before the races and get a completely different view of what goes into race day.
After the race, head toward the Winner’s Circle and join the excitement as the winning horse is celebrated.
Little Legs, Big Competition
There’s horse racing—and then there’s the Corgi Cup!
The Peper Law Firm Corgi Cup brings a completely different kind of racing action to the day. Pick a favorite, cheer from the sidelines and prepare to laugh as some very determined corgis race their little legs toward the finish line.
It’s become a favorite Steeplechase tradition for kids and grown-ups alike.
Let the Kids Have Some Fun of Their Own
The Family Fun Zone gives our younger guests a place to enjoy activities created just for them.
It’s the perfect stop between races and gives kids a chance to play, move around and enjoy another side of Steeplechase. When they’re ready for the next adventure, there’s still plenty more to explore around the grounds.
Shop, Snack and Explore
A family day out requires snacks—and we’ve got you covered.
With plenty of merchants and food trucks joining us on race day, families can wander through the Merchant Market, discover local businesses and find lots of options when everyone starts asking, “What can we eat?”
Between shopping and snacking, keep an eye out for everything else happening around the racetrack, including Opening Ceremonies, live music and the Horse of Many Feathers.
Pack Smart for a Full Day Outside
November in Charleston can give us a little bit of everything, so check the forecast before you leave home and dress accordingly. Layers are always a good idea, and comfortable shoes are especially helpful when you’ll be exploring the grounds with kids.
Bring sunscreen, water, chairs or a blanket and whatever your family needs to stay comfortable throughout the day. Just remember to leave umbrellas, pets and grills or open flames at home.
And don’t forget to download or screenshot your tickets before arriving so they’re ready to go at the gate.
Make a Day of It
School, sports, practices and busy weekends can make it surprisingly hard to find an entire day just to have fun together.
That’s part of what makes Steeplechase such a great family tradition. You can cheer along the rail, watch the corgis race, visit the horses at the Paddock, find a new favorite food truck, shop the Merchant Market and simply enjoy being outside together.
Take the pictures. Let the kids pick their favorite horse. Meet up with another family. Start a tradition they’ll be asking about again next fall.
The Steeplechase of Charleston presented by Lexus returns November 15. Grab your tickets, bring the family and come see why race day is about so much more than horse racing.