If you have visited Gatlinburg, Tennessee, you have probably walked by with curiosity about what may be inside the Ripley’s Moving Theater. Reviews of this 5D theater, including our own mom review, find that the ride is a great experience for big kids and tweens looking to have fun while exploring downtown Gatlinburg.
What is the Ripley’s Moving Theater anyway?
Ripley’s 5D Moving Theater is exactly what you think it is – one of those moving roller coaster-esque experiences where you are seated in one chair the entire time, but through the magic of 3D and moving chairs and giant screens, you feel exactly as if you have been on a roller coaster or a jet plane or a parachute or a log flume or a helicopter or a sinking ship or all of the above.
Find a place to stay in Gatlinburg, TN. This article contains Stay22 affiliate links.
Our Ripley’s attendee was rather enthusiastic and very kind and quite chatty as we prepped ourselves for the “ride”. For my kids, this was their first moving theatre experience to their recollection. (Seems to me I have vague memories of riding one at some museum with them, but as not one of them said they could remember that and my memory is rather hazy on it, we’re calling it the first.) The theatre was small, but more than adequate for a large number of guests. During our ride, there was only our family and two other couples.
London and Mosely decided rapidly and emphatically that they were not interested in the seats that moved a lot and anxiously sat together in the first row – a row of seats that were completely stationary. Provided for those guests who were pregnant, suffering from heart conditions, suffering from back pain, prone to motion sickness, or otherwise unable to actually enjoy the experience for which they had just forked over some cash.
I knew the girls would be missing the real gist of the ride, but I wasn’t willing to force the motion on them if they truly were not interested. They still both received their 3D glasses and they seemed content with their choice.
What Happens During the Ride?
During our ride – where we faced landslides and avalanches and swept through both the jungle and the tundra, also the Arctic and the ocean (we were really time and space traveling) – we were jolted and raised and shaken in our seats. The kids (the ones in moving seats with me) laughed and sighed and screamed at all the appropriate places. I felt a lot like I was just in a car accident and suffering through some serious whiplash, but I wanted to be a team player and not an old person prone to motion sickness (which is what I actually am, in fact) so I endured the shifting and the shaking and the jolting and the jarring. I endured. They enjoyed. (That seems par for the parenting course sometimes, does it not?)
We never did count all the “Ds” but there was the movement of the chairs of course and the 3D glasses and screen and another was also water that sprayed on us as we went down the waterfall and snow that fell from the “sky” as we hung out with the penguins.
London and Mosely, as one might expect, did not report their enjoyment levels to be as high as say, Otto and Piper, and Bergen did. However, Mosely also did not suffer from an upset stomach, to which she is prone, so – that’s a win.
It was fun to see the younger kids, especially Otto and Piper, really get a kick out of the moving seats and the snow coming down (I actually really liked the snow effect too). I can’t say the movies are high quality – they are definitely more about falling coasters and moving fast than any semblance of a plot or characters. But – hey, that’s not why we were there. We were there for 3D glasses, falling snow inside a building, and jumping off virtual waterfalls in a virtual boat!
Table Rock State Park is one of our area’s premier hiking destinations and not a far drive from Greenville, SC. Offering beautiful waterfalls, swimming holes, and trails from the leisure to the strenuous, all nestled in an incredible mountain forest setting. At just 30 miles from downtown Greenville, this park would make a great day trip for your next family adventure.
What to expect at Table Rock
There are many wonderful trails at Table Rock State Park in Pickens, SC. Located right off Highway 11, if you’re coming from Greenville, you’ll likely spot the giant rock looming as you approach the park that the park derives its name from. From trails to swimming holes, this park is rightly one of the most popular in the state.
Especially during peak seasons of late spring, summer, and early fall, you’ll need to plan to get to the park early in the morning to get a parking spot. If you’ve got a SC State Park All Park Passport, your entire carload gets in free but it doesn’t mean you’ll get into the park if it’s full so plan accordingly.
The trails at the park range from easy to strenuous. There are two lakes, a Visitors Center, a Nature Center, a playground, lakeside beach, camping, and cabins.
Of the many offerings, the park boasts, my favorite trail for hiking with little ones is the Carrick Creek Trail. This was the first trail I hiked when I first moved here to South Carolina and it’s been a favorite ever since. Beginning at the Nature Center, this trail starts out paved and immediately opens up to the beautiful Carrick Creek Falls where your kiddos can wade around in a cool, shallow lagoon fed by a cascading waterfall. There is a wooden platform where people can sit or leave their shoes before they wade into the water.
Beyond the waterfalls, the pavement ends and the trail becomes a bit more moderate as it follows the creek for a while and then loops around back to the falls for a grand total of two miles. It’s generally an easy trail but some parts are hilly. If the water is high, you may get your feet wet during the water crossings.
The lakeside trail is the easiest one at the park as is meanders around the lake for just under two miles. The Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) started this trail in the 1930s but it wasn’t finished till many years later in 2011. Table Rock is one of several Upstate parks created by the CCC.
There are a few other trails in the park you can venture off on but be sure to always carry enough water and food with you, especially during the hotter months. It gets very hot and humid there.
Table Rock Trail to the Summit
If easy or moderate trails aren’t enough of an adventure for your crew, there are plenty of other longer and more difficult trails to choose from with overlooks and waterfalls to seek. Namely, the Pinnacle Mountain Trail which leads to Mill Creek Falls and Bald Rock Overlook. I have not done those, although they are on my list. However, I have completed the Table Rock Trail to the summit of the large granite dome multiple times (and each time I wonder why I wanted to do it….joking, kind of).
The park does ask visitors to fill out a little card at the Nature Center or kiosk at the start of the trail with their name, how many people are in their party, an emergency contact, what trail(s) they are doing, and what their car looks like. I always do this for safety reasons and I advise not skipping it.
The Table Rock Trail is one of the most strenuous trails in the Upstate. It’s a little over seven miles round trip and involves a lot of stairs and steep treks up rock hewn steps. Think going on a stair stepper for a few hours. The trail splits from Carrick Creek about a mile in and you start really ascending the mountain. You’ll climb through boulders and up steep inclines and then more steep inclines. About halfway up, you will reach a little shelter where you can grab some water before really getting into the toughest part of the trail. When you reach Governor’s Rock, you can rest again and enjoy the sweeping views.
Then you’ll need to huff and puff up to the summit. The parts of the trail right before Governor’s Rock and then right before the summit are the toughest spots. Once you reach the summit, you’ll see a sign that literally says “Table Rock Mountain Summit” but don’t stop there (sorry). Keep going for another quarter mile to reach the truly awesome views you just worked so hard for. You’ll be looking out over the Table Rock reservoir and directly at Caesars Head State Park. Wave to them since they’ve got binoculars over there.
The park says to allow at least 5-6 hours to do this trail. I’ve completed it anywhere between 4-5 hours with some time spent at the top to enjoy the view and eat lunch.
Taking Kids up to the Summit
First of all, the Table Rock Trail is not a beginner trail. It is very, very difficult. I make it a point to hike hard trails and this is easily one of the hardest I’ve ever done. One big thing is that you absolutely need to do is to carry enough water and make sure you have enough time to complete it before the park closes.
That said, if you have kids that hike often, they will likely be fine. Just carry enough snacks and water and stop when you need to. I’ve hiked this with my kids, ages 11 and 8, and they did great. I know families who have hiked this with their kids who were much, much younger, and they also did really well. This really depends on your kids but if you all are up for a challenge, this is it.
As with any trails and time spent outdoors, leave no trace and pack out what you pack in.
The Beach and Playground
Table Rock SP also has a small beach with plenty of sand. You can also rent boats to paddle around the lake for a fee. Entrance to the lake is included in your entrance fee and no dogs are allowed on the beach.
There is an admission charge to enter the park, which you can find updated on the park’s website. If you have an All Park Passport, there is no admission charge.
There are bathrooms and changing rooms near the beach and picnic area but don’t expect a five star resort experience. Especially during the summer, there are bugs and spiders but you’re outdoors so it’s expected.
The playground is across from the beach and consists of monkey bars, swings, and slides. You can also camp at the park and there are cabins to rent for those of you who need something softer than a blowup pad on the ground.
Beach at Table Rock State Park
Things to do Near Table Rock
Table Rock is located in one of the prettiest areas of South Carolina with lots of lakes and hiking trails nearby.
Caesars Head State Park
Right across the valley from Table Rock is Caesars Head State Park, where you can enjoy miles and miles of hiking trails and waterfalls. You can also check out the view from the summit at Caesars Head without any hiking at all and look directly at Table Rock. During the fall, falcons are often seen from here as they migrate.
Bald Rock Heritage Preserve
Just minutes from Caesars Head is Bald Rock Heritage Preserve, a huge outcrop where you can hang out and enjoy the views. On a clear day, you can see the Greenville skyline. My kids and I love to take our hammocks up here on a nice day, string them up, and read and relax.
Wildcat Wayside
Located right on Highway 11 about 15 minutes from Table Rock is Wildcat Wayside, a mile long loop trail that also has a roadside waterfall. This spot is hugely popular in the summer as parents bring their kids to wade in the shallow pool at the bottom of the falls.
Table Rock Tea
The Upstate’s only tea farm is quite literally in the shadow of Table Rock. It’s a really neat place where you can tour the farm (by appointment) and learn all about how tea is grown and made and, of course, purchase your own tea right from the farm.
Pretty Place
This famous open air chapel is located on the property of YMCA Camp Greenville and is just stunning. If you go, be sure you check the schedule beforehand since it may be closed for private events.
Where to Eat Nearby
There are not a lot of restaurants in the area but here are a few places to grab a bite near Table Rock.
Pumpkintown Mountain Opry
The Pumpkintown Mountain Opry serves a deli style lunch Thursday – Monday from 11 am – 5 pm. They also have coffee and a market on Saturday mornings. They are a seasonal business and not open in the winter.
3414 Hwy 11, Pickens, SC
Mountain House
Mountain House is only open Saturdays and Sundays (definitely check their social media pages before going) and serve fudge, ice cream, and some breakfast and lunch fare. They are only a minute down the road from Caesars Head State Park.
8101 Geer Highway , Cleveland, SC
Tropical Burger
Tropical Burger is about 25 minutes from Table Rock and if you hiked the summit trail, this will be your reward, I promise. They have some of the very best burgers I’ve ever had and the owner is the kindest guy. I love, love, love eating here.
207 NE Main Street, Easley, SC
See our guide to Pickens County for more fun things to do!
Are you heading to the movies in Greenville, SC? Fun for the family, fun with friends, or a great date night, whatever the reason, a movie at the theater is great entertainment. For the next time you are wanting to head to the theater, we have a list of the movie theaters in Greenville to help you find the best place to watch a movie.
Looking for service hours for teens? So you have a child in high school and it’s time to start thinking about volunteer hours. While most public schools do not require volunteer hours, most private and charter schools do have a quarterly requirement. Whether your child attends public school, private school, or is homeschooled, volunteering looks very good on college and job applications, demonstrating a well-rounded and outward-looking individual. Ultimately though, we volunteer because there are people who need us, and it’s a wonderful way to give back when we have been given so much.
Be sure your teen keeps a notebook dedicated just about volunteering. Make sure to document hours and even have supervisors sign off on their hours. I have looked into local opportunities and have put these ideas together for you. If you have anything to add, please let us know and we’ll incorporate it into our list!
The Lake Jocassee Gorges have been featured as National Geographic’s “50 of the World’s Last Great Places – Destinations of a Lifetime” and it’s only an hour from Greenville, SC. Devil’s Fork State Park and its Lake Jocassee are an easy and beautiful spot to explore this local wonder.
For more destinations within a couple hours of Greenville, see our popular day trip page.
I love the outdoors and grew up hiking, biking, camping, and doing all kinds of great activities outside. Hoping to instill that same love in my young children and searching around for outdoorsy things to do, I’m continually amazed at the Upstate and all that it offers for not only outdoor enthusiasts, but for those same outdoor lovers who have kids.
Lake Jocassee has been on my South Carolina bucket list since I heard of it last year. I then saw that the Lake Jocassee Gorges were featured as one of National Geographic’s “50 of the World’s Last Great Places – Destinations of a Lifetime.” Um – I live really close to this destination of a lifetime. I needed to go, like now.
About Lake Jocassee
Lake Jocassee was created in 1973 through a partnership with the state and Duke Power. The dam at the Jocassee Gorges is 385 feet high and 1,750 feet long. The lake itself fills 9,000 acres with water that reaches depths of over 385 feet deep. There are even companies that take scuba divers out on the lake!
Lake Jocassee is known for its crystal clear waters that are fed with cool Appalachian waters that fall from dozens of gorgeous waterfalls that are only accessible by boat. Areas of the lake are also part of the only temperate rain forest east of the Rockies. The shoreline is undeveloped, which makes you feel like you are deep in the wild.
The lake is incredible, breath-taking, and stunning. I had seen photos but really, they just don’t do it justice. Being there, breathing that mountain air, swimming in the water, listening to the silence of nature, and just being awed by the entire environment is a wonderful feeling.
What to do at Lake Jocassee with Kids: Kayaking
There’s plenty to do with kids at Lake Jocassee but the first time I ventured out to the lake, I chose to rent a tandem kayak and take my two kids out on a little boating adventure. A tandem kayak – specifically a sit on-top one like the one we had – normally fits two adults, each of whom are paddling. In my instance, I sat in the back seat, my nearly-three-year-old in the middle, and my six-year-old in the front seat. I did all the paddling (of course).
We rented the tandem for four hours, which included life vests for each of us plus a waterproof case for my phone and keys, an emergency whistle, and a map of the lake.
I really wanted to see at least one magical waterfall so we started out on our adventure. I also brought along a bag of snacks, water, and sunscreen, plus we all wore hats. Being out of the water can be brutally sunny and the last thing I wanted was for anyone to get sunburned (spoiler: I got some sunburn because apparently I failed to reapply the sunscreen when I should have).
It was really easy paddling in the kayak. I’ve kayaked before – not tandem with kids along though – but it is easy to learn if you have never done it. The water was so clear and we could see little fish and rocks. My girls loved the new experience.
Since the water level was low enough, we stopped a bunch of times in different coves, secluded beaches, and sandbars to jump into the water, take photos, and have snacks. I’ve since gone back to the lake several times and now have my own kayak so I can drop it in further up the shoreline from the rental place, which cuts down on the time to get to the waterfalls. I made it last time but it’s pretty far, especially in a kayak.
There is also a little island near one of the waterfalls to dock the kayak and swim around. That place was really fun.
For an awesome kid kayaking clinic, check out our review of doing one with Jocassee Wild Child.
If you have your own kayak or SUP
I’ve since gotten my own tandem kayak, pretty much for the purposes of kayaking at Lake Jocassee, and the best way to see the waterfalls is to drop the boat in the furthest parking lots at Devils Fork State Park. A handy map of the waterfalls is here. It’s a FAR paddle, about an hour to Wright’s Creek Falls. It’s worth it but be prepared, especially for the intense storms that pop up on the lake.
When you get into the park (go early, it gets crowded), make a left and pass the first parking lot on your right. Drive past the campgrounds and to the unmanned gate where you pay your entrance fee. Keep going down the curvy road until you come to a fork where there are two signs: “non-motorized boats/motorized boats” and “non-motorized boats only.” Go left to the non-motorized/motorized boats drive.
You’ll come to a parking lot and boat ramp where you can drop the boat in. Then head directly across the lake. Here is a map of the waterfall locations.
Devils Fork opened a new boat ramp in 2020 that is right past the campgrounds on the right. If you choose to drop in here, the paddle to the waterfalls will be even further. But you can just paddle around the area and still have a blast if you don’t want to go that far.
The lake is also an awesome place to go stand up paddleboarding. You can use your own off any boat ramp or rent them.
What to do at Lake Jocassee: The Beach
Really, there’s a beach. It’s surrounded by rocks that you need to climb down but it truly is a beach, albeit a small one. I wasn’t prepared with chairs and an umbrella so we used towels and rocks and it worked fine. I saw later that could have rented chairs, umbrellas and tubes from Eclectic Sun though, since they are set up right next to the beach. The lower the water level, the bigger the sandy beach. If the water level is high, you may only have rocks to sit on.
There are no lifeguards, just a yellow flotation line in the water, which is probably more for the boats than swimmers. The water felt great and we ended up having our lunch there on the beach.
There is also a small playground near the front of the parking lot near the Pavilion, plus picnic benches and grills.
Be sure to note that the lake is inside of Devil’s State Park, which means you have to pay the entrance fee, which is $8/adults, $4/ages 6-15, free for kids six and under. It is also free entry every Tuesday all year round. During the busy summer months and holiday weekends, you need to get to the park early (no later than 8:30 am) in order to park. Capacity is always reached during summer weekends early in the day.
If the lot fills up, you’ll have to wait to get in. Check the website and SC State Parks Facebook page or Devils Fork on Twitter since they will update it when the parking lot is full. You could choose to reserve a parking spot ($50, which includes admission for two guests and a paved parking spot).
What else to do at Lake Jocassee with Kids
Jocassee Wild Child
Take your kids on an awesome nature expedition around the lake with Jocassee Wild Child. The tour is around four hours and includes waterfalls, nature exploration, and really cool history lessons. Read our review here.
Boat Tours
Since many of the waterfalls are only accessible by boat, enterprising companies offer boating tours. Jocassee Lake Tours was the one that I was leaning towards for this excursion. They have tours where they take you to the waterfalls and let you jump in the water and swim around before going to the next waterfall.
Fishing
I don’t know anything about fishing. I do know that we saw some fish in the lake and that, according to Google, there are tons of great fish in the lake just asking to be hooked. We saw some people in canoes fishing so if you want to teach your kid the right way to do things, this could be the lake to do it in.
There are also fishing tours available to choose from. Be sure to purchase your SC Fishing license before casting a line.
Vacation Rentals
Jocassee Outdoor Center features several different rental properties on their website for guests to browse through if they are looking for the right place to take their family for a vacation.
You can also look through the SC State Park website to find cabins and villas.
Camping
Camping at Lake Jocassee is awesome. Primitive tent sites line the lake and there is a short path to a private beach behind tent site #1. There is a bath house on site and bathrooms. You need to reserve sites far enough in advance, usually a year, especially the ones that are right next to the lake. You may get lucky if you keep an eye on the state park website or by calling the Ranger station. You can also camp at an island at the lake that is accessible by boat only. I totally want to do this!
You can hike an easy one-mile loop at Lake Jocassee named after the rare wildflower that blooms there in the spring: Oconee Bells Nature Trail. More info here on the trails at Devils Fork State Park. This is the only hiking trail inside Devils Fork. There are miles and miles of trails within 30-40 minutes of the park though like at Gorges State Park, Twin Falls, Kings Creek Falls, and other waterfalls on the Foothills Trail.
But don’t forget…
Sunscreen
More sunscreen
Bug spray
Hats
Towels
Water shoes or shoes that you don’t mind getting soaked
Water
Food/lunch/snacks – the food options at the park are very limited. If you can bring your own, do it.
Any personal tube or water toy you would want to relax with in the lake by the beach
Beach chair and umbrella
Sunglasses
Change of clothes and extra diapers
Places to rent boats, kayaks, canoes
*Make sure to call ahead and reserve your boat. Some days, especially the weekends and holidays, are crowded.
Eclectic Sun LLC This outfitter is located at the Pavilion right when you enter Devil’s Fork State Park. They will drop your kayak/canoe/paddleboard right in the water for you. They also have a small concession stand. This is what they have available to rent:
Single kayak
Tandem kayak
Stand up paddleboards
Canoes
Pontoon boats
Beach umbrella
Beach chair
Lake floats
238 Buckeye Drive, Salem, SC 864.944.1191
Jocassee Outdoor Center They aren’t directly on the lake but only a few minutes away and will drop your rental at various points in the lake. This is what they have available:
Pontoon boat rentals Four-hour Waterfall Tours by boat (call for pricing)
Jocassee Keowee Rentals Stephanie, the owner, is consider the Jocassee Lake Lady. She knows her stuff and is a wealth of useful information. She rents out canoes and pontoon boats.
864.704.0004
Jocassee Lake Tours This company offers boat tours, kayak tours, full moon rising tours, senior tours, and adventure tours. They also have a kids kayak camp and rent kayaks by the day.
Jocassee Dive Shop When the kids are big enough to SCUBA dive, this company will help make it happen. They offer charters to the lake and have lots of rentals available like masks, fins, snorkels, wetsuits, etc.
710 Dive Buddy Lane, Salem 864.944.9255
Jocassee Charters These people are ones the go to for an awesome fishing experience at Lake Jocassee.
Here are some summer fun things to do in Greenville, SC before you leave for college! Greenville has so much to offer young adults, and you want to be sure to experience all of them before you pack your bags. Gather some friends and go have fun this summer in Greenville, SC.
Looking for a place to make some art in Travelers Rest, SC? TR Makers Co offers art activities for both children and adults. You can plan a birthday party or girls’ night here, or take advantage of summer sessions, playdates and even homeschool classes.
Did you know the Nature Connects LEGO brick scultpture exhibit is back at the North Carolina Arboretum? The nature themed exhibit features 16 sculptures made out of Lego bricks by artist Sean Kenney. In total, the exhibit utilizes nearly 500,000 LEGO bricks in sculptures displayed throughout the arboretum’s gorgeous gardens.
This is a fabulous day trip from Greenville and there’s plenty of space to spread out and safely enjoy the arboretum! We have some things you should know about the exhibit, plus ideas to turn this day trip adventure in to an educational field trip. Homeschoolers, we’re looking at you.
Are you looking for a magical, holiday weekend trip just under two hours from Greenville? Great Wolf Lodge in Concord should be at the top of your list. It’s an easy drive from Greenville, it’s a great destination for families with all ages from toddlers to teenagers, and your stay includes an indoor waterpark that’s nice and warm even in the winter. The lodge is packed full of activities for making family memories.
Thank you to Great Wolf Lodge for hosting Kidding Around. Note: Prices and information are included for your convenience but may change. Please check the Great Wolf Lodge website or call before making plans.
The lazy days of summer are right around the corner. That means lots of time at the neighborhood pool, heading to the beach, or checking out local swimming holes. But as a parent, the fun times around water are a little more stressful because accidents in the water are more common than need to be.
This post is sponsored by YMCA of Greenville.
Every year during warmer months, we hear tragic stories about accidental drownings involving children. Drowning is the second leading cause of death for children 1-14, but formal swimming lessons can reduce that risk by 88%. The YMCA of Greenville is committed to reducing the rates of drowning by providing water safety and swimming lessons to as many members of our community as possible.
With that commitment in mind, the YMCA of Greenville has partnered with Upstate Pool Management and Clarity Pool Management to offer a week of free water safety classes over spring break to help kids learn to swim and be more comfortable in the water. Water Safety Week, which runs April 13-17, 2020, also teaches parents what to do to prevent drowning accidents and how to keep a careful eye on the little ones around water.
Trained and certified instructors teach participants basic comfort and survival swimming skills while working toward building confidence around water. While lessons focus on safety, they are also a great time for children to have fun and be active.
Classes will be held at:
Caine Halter Family YMCA in downtown Greenville
Eastside Family YMCA in Taylors
YPC Program Center in Simpsonville
Morning and afternoon sessions are available, but spaces are limited for the free classes so be sure to register online. You don’t even have to be a member of the YMCA.
