Are you looking for local rinks to go roller skating? Greenville, SC and Spartanburg, SC are lucky enough to have a couple of skating rinks! For those of us who were born in a year starting with a “1”, chances are you have some kind of childhood memories involving a skating rink. The art of rolling around on skates is cool again. So, go and show the young ‘uns how it’s done.
When I was in high school, I could almost always be found at the skating rink. I was friends with the owner’s son, and the staff consisted mostly of my classmates.
As with everything else lately, TikTok is making the old new again. Some things, we wish would stay gone. (Mom jeans? Really? Ok.) Other things, we enjoyed and now get to watch a whole new generation discover (like roller skating). Search #Shuffleskate on any platform and you will see grown folks having fun and zipping around skating rinks across the country! So, dust off the skates; we are going to re-live our youth at a local rink!
The Roller Sports Rink has been around longer than most reading this have been alive, and they are still around for new memories to be made. Parents who are only there to watch are allowed in for free with their children. The monthly schedule of sessions can be found on the Roller Sports Rink website. They have Homeschool Skate every third Friday of the month.
Roller Sports has drop-off events on Friday and Saturday nights from 7-11 pm for kids 10 and over.
Both a bowling alley and skating rink. Skating is only open on weekends. Current hours for skating are Friday night 7-11 pm ($12), Saturday 1-4 pm ($7) and 7-11 pm ($12), and Sunday 2-5 pm ($6).
For the weekly event and session schedule, call Skateland USA. They update the voicemail message with the week’s info. Most sessions are very affordable, and they are not open on Wednesdays.
Family Skate Night is every Tuesday from 6:30-8:30 pm and it costs $6/person. Open sessions on other days range from $9-$12/person. Check their Facebook page to see their latest schedule.
Looking for a scenic spot the whole family will enjoy? Cleveland Park in Spartanburg, SC is one of the area’s most beautiful outdoor spaces—perfect for nature walks, playdates, picnics, and even family photos. With its charming pond, imaginative playgrounds, and miles of paved trails, this park has something for everyone—and it’s open year-round!
Cleveland Park in Spartanburg, SC
Quick Look at Cleveland Park 🛝 2 Playgrounds: Tot Lot (ages 2-5) & Great Adventure (ages 5-12) 👟 3 Trail Options: 0.3-mile playground loop, 0.5-mile pond loop, or 2-mile fitness trail 🚻 Amenities: Restrooms, water fountains, picnic tables, shaded seating, and multiple event spaces available for reservation 🤝 Tip: Visiting with a buddy or group makes it easier to stay safe and supervise children 📍 Address: 141 North Cleveland Park Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29303
If you’ve never been to Cleveland Park in Spartanburg, SC, now is the perfect time to go! This park is gorgeous in every season, from the blossoming trees in spring to the vibrant colors in autumn. The pond casts beautiful reflections in the sunlight, and the playground practically begs for imaginative adventures. This is not your average city park—it’s one of the most visually stunning in the county, and it’s packed with features families will love.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful walk, a full afternoon of play, or the perfect place for a family photo, Cleveland Park delivers on beauty, accessibility, and fun. I’ve visited many times with my family and friends, and once you’ve been, you’ll want to return again and again.
Visit the Prettiest Pond in Spartanburg
A large pond sits at the heart of Cleveland Park, and an easy, paved walking trail wraps all the way around it. The path is wide enough for two people to walk side by side, and it is shaded by mature trees on most sides of the water.
The view from this trail is striking, like something out of a wedding book. While it is only about a half-mile around and takes less than 30 minutes to walk, you will find yourself stopping over and over! At least half a dozen spots could provide the perfect backdrop for your next round of family photos!
An attractive bridge stretches into the middle of the pond, where it meets a little island with a picturesque white gazebo at its center. Venture across it, and you can also enjoy two bench swings on the island—the perfect place to relax and take in the sights around you.
It’s also a delight to encounter the wildlife along the pond trail. You’ll find turtles sunbathing on almost every rock, and we see so many geese on every visit that we’ve started to wonder whether they even migrate! This place is a bird’s paradise, and you’ll often find ducks, herons, and other feathered friends swimming in the shallows and dozing on the banks.
Trail Safety Tips:
Stay with a buddy or a group. Cleveland Park sees a lot of foot traffic from the surrounding areas, and having more than one adult along helps everyone stay aware and safe while enjoying the grounds.
Enjoy the scenery, but be vigilant on the trail. With the water on one side and the road on the other, children can get away from you quickly into dangerous territory.
Remind kids not to mess with the wildlife, as any animals can turn aggressive when they feel threatened. Geese, in particular, may be more inclined to stand their ground against humans.
Grand Adventure Playground at Cleveland Park
Unleash Imagination at the Great Adventure Playground
Cleveland Park is also home to one of Spartanburg’s most incredible playgrounds! There are two play areas: The Great Adventure Zone for children ages 5 to 12 years old, and the Tot Lot for children ages 2 to 5 years old. Both have awesome architecture that invites exploration—with hidey holes, climbing structures, swing sets, and imaginative spaces like castles, country stores, and even a Viking ship!
Designed with accessibility in mind, you’ll find ramps to access the main play structures, a range of swing options, a merry-go-all, and an artificial surface that is easy to navigate with wheelchairs or strollers. There are also three different seating areas which are largely shaded and feature several picnic tables, perfect for grabbing some quiet time or hosting a casual meet-up with friends!
You can enter the playground area through several different gates, two of which have ramps wide enough for wheelchairs or strollers to navigate. The entire play area is fenced, but with multiple gates and water features inside, it’s important to supervise children closely. The Tot Lot does have only one entry/exit point, which will make supervising your littlest family members a bit easier!
Tot Lot Playground at Cleveland Park
There are also two paved loops around the playground, perfect for sidewalk chalk, trikes and bikes, or walking as a family. The shorter trail is less than a quarter mile in length and wraps tightly around the play equipment, making it ideal for those who want to stay close to kids who may be running back and forth.
The longer trail is about 0.3 miles and hugs the perimeter fence, providing a more scenic experience. On this trail, you will cross a short boardwalk overlooking the small stream which runs through the play area, get a close-up look at the dam which lets water down from the park’s central pond, and pass by the tunnel which runs under Asheville Highway.
Playground Safety Tips:
Corral kids into their age-appropriate play areas, and consider encouraging them to stick together. There are many nooks and crannies where people can hide, so supervision can be a challenge when the kids spread out.
Keep a sharp eye on the stream running through the playground. It is at a lower elevation than the rest of the area, so it can be harder to see children playing down near the water.
Be mindful of the multiple exits around the play area, especially the gate leading to the tunnel under Asheville Highway. While the other gates are all near each other, this one can be more difficult to see.
Explore More on the Fitness Trail
For those who want to mix a bit of exercise with their visit, Cleveland Park offers a charming 2-mile paved fitness trail that winds through the natural beauty of the grounds. Whether you’re walking, jogging, or cycling, the trail is wide and smooth enough for all skill levels and ages. Along the route, you’ll find thoughtfully placed outdoor fitness stations—perfect for stretching, strength training, or a quick workout break surrounded by peaceful greenery.
The trail is well-maintained and includes convenient restroom facilities, making it ideal for families planning a longer visit or fitness enthusiasts looking for a safe, pleasant spot to stay active. The mix of shaded stretches and open areas provides variety, so you can enjoy the fresh air while soaking in the sights.
Plan Your Trip to Cleveland Park
Address: 141 North Cleveland Park Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29303 Hours: 7 am-9 pm in summer, 7 am-7 pm in winter Contact: 864.562.4150
Has your family visited Cleveland Park in Spartanburg?
Ever been to Stewart Park in Spartanburg? If you’re looking for new parks to explore in the Upstate, this is one to put on your list. I recently visited a new-to-me park, Stewart Park, and I have everything parents need to know! This Eastside Spartanburg park offers both a fun playground and a splash pad.
Stewart Park is located around the corner from the iconic Beacon Restaurant on Beacon Street in the Highland area of town. Since it is nestled in an area with houses and apartments, it is possible not to even know it is back there.
What you will find at Stewart Park
Stewart Park is a wonderful product of the City of Spartanburg Parks and Recreation. The city renovated this park in 2012, and now our children get to reap the benefits! The park has a great playground, as well as a swing set with baby swings, and a splash pad! Given that I visited during one of the hottest days of the summer, I was thrilled to see the splash pad was up and working.
Additionally, this park is home to a baseball field, basketball courts, a paved walking trail, and a covered picnic pavilion. When we checked out this park, every area was in use by someone, which showed us this local park is well-loved by the community.
What parents need to know about Stewart Park
We visited Stewart Park on a very hot Tuesday afternoon around 4:00 pm, and it was packed! There were tons of children playing on the playground and enjoying the splash pad. However, there is plenty of room, so no one was running into one another. With its location, many locals simply walk to the park, so I imagine this is why it appeared to be busier than other parks we have visited.
The park does not have an actual restroom facility, but it does have portable toilets (aka porta-potties). Fortunately, they are located pretty close to the playground, so if your kid has a potty emergency, you can get there quickly. But, you will not find a diaper changing area.
The playground area of the park is not fenced in, and the park lies between two streets. However, the actual playground is located at the bottom of a steep hill, so little ones are still protected from running from the playground to the street.
On our visit, my kids, who are 4 and 7 years old, fit right in with the ages of the kids playing. Plus, there were older kids (pre-teens and teenagers) hanging out at the basketball court and walking the paved track. The park serves all ages.
The most exciting feature is definitely the splash pad! The splash pad is activated by the touch of a button. You may have to wait a minute or two for the water to come up after you push it, but once it does, the kids will have a blast! The splash pad is a great feature, especially because Stewart Park is not a shaded park. If you want shade, you will have to sit at the pavilion (which borders the playground).
Did you know we have a FREE place to play mini-golf right in the middle of downtown Spartanburg, SC? Sparkle City Mini Putt is totally free! Plus, there are more fun things to do downtown in Spartanburg.
The Cottonwood Trail is the perfect space for your children to experience the seasons in the Upstate. In the summer, lush and green in the summer, crackling with autumnal colors in the fall, sparse and atmospheric in the winter, and brimming with new life in the spring, your children can observe the seasonal changes while exploring the great outdoors.
Quick Summary: Cottonwood Trail
📍Located on Spartanburg’s Eastside, this 3.6-mile unpaved trail is great for walking, jogging, biking—and yes, all-terrain strollers and wagons can handle it!
🐶 Pet-friendly (just keep pups leashed!) 👀 Don’t miss the Wetlands Trail with its boardwalk, beaver dams, reptiles, and birds!
📍Trail access at Sydnor Road (across from Spartan High tennis courts) and Beechwood Drive. Open daily, dawn to dusk.
Pack a picnic and make a day of it!
The Cottonwood Trail in Spartanburg, SC
Named after the majestic Cottonwood trees dot the landscape, The Cottonwood Trail Preserve is maintained by the Spartanburg Area Conservancy.
Located on the Eastside of Spartanburg, the 3.6-mile trail is perfect for walking, jogging, or biking with the family. The trails are unpaved, but all-terrain strollers and bikes, and even wagons can easily navigate most of the paths.
The Cottonwood Trail is the longest in the preserve and follows along Lawson’s Ford Creek, providing a scenic water view that is still a safe distance from the walking trail.
The trail is pet-friendly so that the family dog can get in his steps for the day, too! (Dogs are expected to remain on a leash and under the control of their owners at all times.)
Cottonwood Trail Access
Parking and entrances to the trail are found off Sydnor Road (across from the Spartan High tennis courts) and Beechwood Drive (off of Fernwood Drive). The trail is open every day from dawn to dusk.
Find Beaver Dams & See Reptiles & Water Birds on the Boardwalk and Wetlands Trail
An offshoot of the Cottonwood Trail, the Boardwalk, and Wetlands Trails offer a first-hand experience of South Carolina’s famed wetlands. The Boardwalk Trail is marked by a sign pointing to the beaver dams and quickly turns from a dirt trail into a boardwalk. Take a break on the benches and observation deck to check out the reptiles and water birds. If you’re lucky, you might spot the heron that calls this particular wetland his home.
Don’t Forget Your Picnic
A picnic area lies across the main bridge, crossing Lawson’s Fork Creek, so pack a snack and pause to play in the woods!
Looking for a quick and inexpensive way for kids to beat the heat this summer? Forget expensive pool memberships or dedicating an entire day to navigating a waterpark, Spartanburg’s conveniently located FREE splash pad at Barnet Park is sure to be your go-to water activity this summer.
Located at the front entrance to Barnet Park at 248 E. Main Street, the Splash Pad is Open Memorial Day – Labor Day (9am – 7pm)
Splash pad visitors can park in the church parking lot across the street from the splash pad and use the crosswalk. Please do not use the Chapman Cultural Center parking lot (even though it’s tempting!), as it for Chapman Cultural Center employees and visitors/guests only.
Splash pad 411
Make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen. The splash pad is NOT shaded!
It’s a good idea to wear water shoes or have flip flops nearby. While the water fountains keep the play area cool, the surrounding sidewalk is very hot for uncovered little feet. Additionally, little ones might like the extra protection while navigating the splash pad.
Bathroom facilities are available, but they are located at the opposite end of the park. Expect a short walk.
Bring along containers, cups, or buckets for water play. Kids love filling these with water and it adds an extra element of fun to the splash pad.
If you’re searching for the perfect place to find local produce in Spartanburg, SC, then you’ll be delighted by the Hub City Farmers’ Market. You’ll find all kinds of local goodness, from produce to plants, from lovely vendors and makers from our community!
Ready to get outside and play? These playgrounds in Spartanburg, SC are perfect for playtime! You’ve read about the wonderful playgrounds that Spartanburg and the surrounding area have, but after a long winter of planning indoor activities, here is a reminder of some of the best playgrounds in Spartanburg you can revisit, or check out for the first time.
One of Spartanburg’s lesser known parks, is also one of its best. Tucked away in the historic neighborhood of Converse Heights, Happy Hollow Park spans one block at the corners of S. Fairview and Glendalyn Avenue. Small and secure, Happy Hollow Park provides a safe and shady place for children of all ages to play.
Have you enjoyed Hatcher Garden in Spartanburg, SC? Just a couple miles off of I-26 in Spartanburg, among shopping and restaurants on the busy main thoroughfare of John D. White, Sr. Blvd, is a 10-acre botanical garden and woodland preserve.
The beautiful space is full of ponds, waterfalls, wildlife, trees and gardens with a wide variety of leafy and flowering plants. Hatcher Garden is open free to the public and should definitely be on your list of places to visit in Spartanburg.
