Blue Crab Season in the Lowcountry – Family Fun by the Water (VIDEO)

What a blessing it is to live near the water! I constantly have to remind myself that the opportunity of coastal living has no limits — every day brings a chance for outdoor adventures and fresh food that’s easy to catch.

This past Saturday afternoon, we were invited to a neighbor’s dock to experience the full potential of Lowcountry living. It’s BLUE CRAB season, and this turned into the perfect activity for children — learning new skills, connecting with nature, and as a bonus, feeding sea eagles with the leftover chicken we used for blue crab bait.

Outdoor Play & Physical Activity

Active play helps kids build gross motor skills, coordination, and balance. Physical activity also helps children sleep better and learn more easily.

I’ve always been a big advocate for kids playing outside — getting dirty, climbing trees, using their imagination to create games from simple, natural things. Being barefoot outdoors is another big part of how I raise my children. Studies show that kids who are more physically active tend to focus better and have faster cognitive function than those who aren’t as active.

In the Lowcountry, the salty breeze, the quiet marshes, and the anticipation of a good catch make for the perfect weekend. This past weekend, my boys and I spent the afternoon crabbing right here in our neighborhood — one of those simple, joyful family experiences that remind me why I love coastal living so much.

Blue Crabs - a Sea Treasure

It’s blue crab season, and the waters are full of these beautiful local treasures. My boys were so excited to learn how to catch them, and their little sister Matrona jumped right in to help, making it even more fun. We didn’t need fancy traps or special gear — just patience, laughter, and a little guidance. Watching the boys cheer every time they reeled in a crab was truly the highlight of the day.

Crabbing in the Lowcountry isn’t just about the catch — it’s about tradition, community, and the slower pace of life that makes this region so special. Right here in our neighborhood, surrounded by familiar faces and marshy waterways, we experienced the best of that coastal lifestyle.

By the end of the afternoon, our bucket was full of beautiful blue crabs, and our hearts were full of memories. Whether you’re a local or visiting the area, crabbing is a simple and fun way to enjoy the outdoors, teach kids about nature, and connect with family.

We ended the day with a beautiful supper at a friend’s house — they had been crabbing off their dock too! Together, we shared a Lowcountry Boil (also known as Frogmore Stew) — the most traditional way to enjoy blue crabs here.

We also boiled some of our own crabs at home, and I managed to freeze a bit of crab meat for another delicious dish to come…

🦀 Have you tried crabbing in the Lowcountry? Share your stories and tips below — I’d love to hear them!

🦀 Big Flavor & Health Benefits of Blue Crabs

Blue crabs are prized for their sweet, delicate meat with a slightly briny, ocean-fresh flavor that perfectly captures the taste of the coast. The texture is tender yet flaky, making it ideal for crab cakes, boils, or simply steamed with Old Bay (check out my blog on how to make your own Old Bay Seasoning, free of additives).

Beyond taste, blue crab meat is nutrient-rich and lean, offering a healthy source of high-quality protein. It’s packed with vitamin B12, selenium, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential minerals that support brain, heart, and immune health. Eating blue crab isn’t just delicious—it’s a wholesome way to enjoy the best of the sea, naturally and locally.

More recipes are coming, in a future blog, using this amazing blue crab meat as an main ingredient...