The Ultimate Staycation Guide: 5 Stops for a Fun Day Adventure at Haywood Mall!
Have you ever considered heading to Haywood Mall for a fun Staycation day with your kids? It’s the one spot in town where you can enjoy multiple fun activities without even having to leave the indoors! Here’s our list of 5 fun things to do at Haywood Mall with your kids this summer.
Fun Stop #1: Build-A-Bear Workshop
Location: Upper Level between Macy’s and Aldo, near the Cheesecake Factory entrance
Build-A-Bear Workshop is the perfect place to start your staycation by putting together a special buddy to tag along on your adventures. You start by picking out the perfect friend to stuff. We were amazed by the choices from favorite characters to all sorts of animals.
The store has a giant stuffing machine where your kid can insert a special heart into their animal, stuff it, and even create a birth certificate with the animal’s name. You can then accessorize your stuffed animal with almost any type of clothing or specialty item you can imagine. Your new stuffed animal will truly be one-of-a-kind and the perfect new friend.
One cool feature you should check out is the ability to record a voice message or insert a sound in the heart of your stuffed animal. A recording of a parent or close relative telling your child that they love them would be a beautiful way to make the memento even more special.
Pay-Your-Age Birthday Bear
One tip for a great deal at Build-a-Bear is to visit during the month of your child’s birthday. A special birthday bear is available at the price of your kids’ age if you are a member of the free Bonus Club. So, if your kid is five, you would only need to pay $5 for the bear! You can either get the bear alone or purchase additional customized accessories to go with it. See our complete article for more information.
Build-a-Bear also offers birthday party packages starting at just $14/person! They even have an option where you can set your own budget limit and the party leader will help your guests stay within it.
Fun Stop #2: LEGO© Store
Location: Lower level near Macy’s, across from Bath & Body Works
Next on our list is a stop in the Greenville LEGO© store. This store is full of interactive displays and fascinating LEGO© sets. Before you enter the store, be sure to check out the large interactive video screen where you can press your hand to get a personalized LEGO© recommendation.
Free LEGO© passport
Once inside, head to the back counter to request a free LEGO© passport. This passport will allow your kids to collect special stamps from the Haywood Mall store as well as LEGO© stores across the US. Each LEGO© store has a special location stamp, as well as additional special stamps for occasions or interests such as birthdays.
You never know what else they might be handing out. We also got free posters for the kids just by asking!
Free Make and Take Event at the LEGO© Store
On select Saturdays, the LEGO© Store also has free Make-and-Take events where kids (first come, first serve) can make a special build and take it home. It’s all completely free, but you need to come early as the supplies are limited and it’s first come, first serve. You can find upcoming events on the Haywood Mall website.
The LEGO© Store also offers other special deals from time to time including special builds and unique sets for those that join the LEGO© insider program.
One idea for a trip to the LEGO© store is to let your kid build their own special minifigure. The store has a bin with different heads, hair, outfits, and accessories!
Fun Stop #3: Indoor Play Area
Location: Lower Level between Belk & Dillards, near the lower level parking garage entrance
Sometimes your kids just need to burn off energy and Haywood Mall has the perfect space to move and have fun. The indoor playground has fun, bright play structures for kids to climb and play on. It’s perfect for rainy or hot days.
Fun Stop #4: Greenville Gemstone Mine
Location: Lower Level near Dillards, near the lower level parking garage entrance
Round out your staycation adventure by mining for gems at Greenville Gemstone Mine in Haywood Mall. Not only can you browse a large assortment of rocks and minerals but you can purchase a bucket of rocks to mine for gems.
Our kids had so much fun sifting the rocks in the water and identifying the gems. The buckets were full of amazing rocks and Greenville Gemstone Mine guarantees that every bucket will have at least one gem in it. After the kids found their treasures, they identified them using special cards and with the help of the staff.
Greenville Gemstone Mine also offers birthday parties and even has a small reserved area for your party.
Fun Stop #5: End with a Sweet Treat
Before leaving for the day, be sure to end your trip with a treat. We headed to Haagen-Daz for an amazing milkshake. They had a ton of great flavors to choose from.
Other great options would be a pretzel at Auntie Anne’s Pretzels or a cookie at Great American Cookies.
If you want a dessert that’s a memory in of itself, check out the Freak Shakes at Grill Marks or the amazing choices at The Cheesecake Factory.
Whether you try our whole list or just pick a couple options, Haywood Mall is a great spot for indoor staycation fun this summer. Be sure to have fun and let us know what you decide to try!
Are you looking for more staycation ideas in Greenville this summer? Here are our other posts about staycations in Greenville!
