Family-Friendly Movie Night Ideas

It’s now been several months since school has let out for the summer, and you may be scratching your head wondering what you can do to entertain your kids between now and when school starts.

Fret not! We took an office poll and would like to suggest hosting a family movie night.

Think about it…it’s the perfect way to spend an evening after a long day at the beach or the pool while also getting in some much-needed family chill time. With the variety of child-friendly movies available that are also fun for parents and older children to enjoy, you’re guaranteed to find something perfect for the entire family.

Here are some of our favorites for a family movie night…

The Secret Life of Pets

If y0u’re a pet lover that enjoys a good laugh, you’ll definitely want to add The Secret Life of Pets to your movie list.

This film follows the story of a dog named Max whose life suddenly gets flipped upside down when his owner adopts a new dog into the family. It also documents the lives of several other house pets and the shenanigans they get into while their owners are away.

Ever wonder what your pets are doing when you leave for work or school? Watch this movie to find out!

Beauty and the Beast

Beauty and the Beast is a classic Disney film that all ages will enjoy.

If you’re old-school, watching an old VHS of the animated Beauty and the Beast is a great way to take a step back in time and bring yourself back to the good old days.

If you prefer movies with a more modern look, you’ll want to check out the new live-action Beauty and the Beast that has received nothing but wonderful reviews from Disney fans across the country.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Years ago, JK Rowling captured the hearts of children and adults with her Harry Potter books. Today, she is making even more magic as her book Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them hits the big screen.

This whimsical movie, packed with fun, adventure, and plenty of laughs is perfect for the entire family.

Tip: After you watch this film, schedule one movie night per week to watch the Harry Potter films with your family.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales

A beach vacation is one of the most fun things you can do during the summer. But, if your schedule doesn’t allow for a beach vacation, the second-best thing to do is sail the 7 seas while watching the movie Dead Men Tell No Tales.

This movie is the final movie in the well-loved Pirates of the Caribbean series.

While this film is fun for the whole family, it does have a few moments that may be deemed too dark or scary for really young children, so please exercise caution when watching.

The BFG

The BFG is a beloved children’s book written by Ronald Dahl that follows ten-year-old Sophie’s as she meets and forms a relationship with a Big Friendly Giant.

Since the book, popular movie director Steven Spielberg has turned this classic into a film the whole family can enjoy.

Will The BFG be able to convince the rest of the giant community that humans are friends, not food? Rent the movie to find out!

Do you and your family have a favorite movie for movie night? Share it in the comments below!

Charleston Summer Checklist

Battery Park in Charleston, SC

I know we’re a little biased, but Charleston really IS the best city ever! With beautiful beaches, some of the best restaurants in the world, a happening nightlife, and a rich history, The Holy City has something for everyone.

Our team at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction decided to make this summer the best yet and enjoy all our city has to offer. We got together and came up with our ultimate Charleston summer checklist. Here’s to sunshine, good food, and great memories!

Enjoy the Battery

This one is a Charleston staple. Walk or bike the scenic Battery, and take in the beautiful view of the harbor. Battery Park, otherwise known as White Point Gardens, is lined with beautiful antebellum homes and historic statues and cannons, and is the perfect place to cool off in the hot summer months.

Beach Hop

We are lucky to have 5 beautiful beaches—why just pick one? Make it a mission this summer to go to each at least once. Pack a cooler, set up the umbrella, and make sure to drop by Poe’s on Sullivan’s Island to take a break from the sun and have a burger!

Golf at Muni

The City of Charleston Golf Course, also referred to as “The Muni,”  is an area favorite for golfers. With over 60,000 rounds played annually, its reputation as a golf destination is growing quickly!

Visit the Aquarium

Our city is lucky enough to be the home to the South Carolina Aquarium. It’s the home to South Carolina’s only hospital for sick and injured sea turtles. Tour the sea turtle hospital, and find out more about the incredible care that goes into rehabilitating these endangered species. Make sure to check out the fun, new exhibits, such as the Shark Shallows, as well!

Tour the Charleston Tea Plantation

The Charleston Tea Plantation is one of the few places in America to grow its own tea. Take a tour of the tea factory, and learn about the history behind the 127 acres on Wadmalaw Island, and taste different teas. The plantation also offers an educational trolley tour so guests can explore the scenic grounds.

Also on site is the Irvin House Vineyards, which produces wine and Firefly vodka. Stop in for a tasting!

Explore the Gardens at Middleton Place

A National Historic Landmark, Middleton Place is the home to America’s Oldest Landscaped Gardens—and it is b-e-a-utiful! Take a tour of the grounds, dine at the restaurant, explore the house museum, or even stay at the inn.

Dine at HUSK Restaurant

There are so many amazing restaurants in Charleston, but this one is hands-down one of our favorites. HUSK Restaurant lives by the motto “If it doesn’t come from the South, it’s not coming through the door.” The restaurant takes a modern, playful approach to Southern cooking. The menu changes daily to be able to incorporate local food, but let us tell you—everything is to die for.

Want to add your Charleston favorites to this list? Share below!

A Good Lowcountry Read: A Spotlight on Charleston’s Most Beloved Bookstores

Image Above Taken From: www.bluebicyclebooks.com

At The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction, we know a good read is a powerful experience. Fortunately, Charleston is full of charming bookstores that are just as inspiring as the books they house. Here are a few of our favorite booksellers where you can pick up the next book on your summer reading list:

  • Blue Bicycle Books: Boasting 1565 feet of stacked books, this local bookstore is anything but plain. Owned and operated by local writer Jonathan Sanchez and his wife Lauren, they offer over 50,000 volumes, including the most complete collection anywhere of used, rare, and new Charleston material. Other popular sections include history, architecture, military history, Civil War, eastern religion, science, philosophy, gardening, poetry, hardback classics, and literary fiction. Come see why they’ve been voted Charleston’s best used-bookstore for the past five years, and don’t forget to pet the store cat!
  • Heirloom Book Company: On lower King Street, you’ll find this gem of a bookstore dedicated to the literature of food. The store offers an extensive selection of rare, out-of-print, and new books, alongside photographs, heirloom plants, and even seeds. Additionally, you’ll find thousands of publications, from the perfect Southern cookbook, to literature about gourmet cuisine, international eats, cooking vegan and gluten-free, the art of wine pairing, and cocktail recipe guides. It’s enough to stoke your hunger and your thirst for knowledge!
  • Books-A-Million: For the book-lover who wants it all, this bookstore doesn’t disappoint. From the latest bestselling titles and new releases to movies and magazines, you could lose a whole day browsing their endless stacks. Try as you might, you won’t want to leave here empty-handed, and you will surely be happier for the visit!

What is your favorite bookstore to visit in Charleston?