Did you know we have a FREE place to play mini-golf right in the middle of downtown Spartanburg, SC? Yes, you read that right – it is totally free! Plus, there are more fun things to do downtown in Spartanburg.
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Five Playgrounds in Spartanburg, SC Your Kids Will Beg Not to Leave
Ready to get outside and play? Spring has been taking its time making its debut in the upstate, but the warmer weather is finally creeping its way in. You’ve read about the wonderful playgrounds that Spartanburg and the surrounding area has, 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.
(more…)Hatcher Garden & Woodland Preserve: Take A Garden Walk in Spartanburg, SC
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.
Roller Skating Rinks Near Greenville, SC
Are you looking for local roller skating rinks near Greenville and Spartanburg, SC? For those of us that were born in a year starting with a “1”, chances are you have some kind of childhood memories involving a skating rink. Tik Tok is making the art of rolling around on skates cool again, and luckily there are roller skating rinks in Upstate, SC where you can show the young ‘uns how it’s done.
This article includes:
Roller Skating Rinks Near Greenville, SC
Roller Skating Rinks Near Spartanburg, SC
Saturday Mornings at the Hub City Farmers’ Market
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE – The Hub City Farmers Market will continue to operate Saturday Mornings from 9 am – 12 pm.
Changes you can expect at the farmers market, per their website –
-
Farmers Market
The Saturday Farmers Market is continuing to operate every Saturday beginning April 4th at Northside Harvest Park from 9 AM-12 PM. We are taking extra precautions to make the market as healthy as possible for our customers, vendors, and staff. -
Mobile Market
The Mobile Market is operating six multi-hour long stops in Spartanburg neighborhoods beginning April 6th. The weekly schedule can be found online. -
Urban Farm
Because students are not able to visit the farm for their Seed to Table activities, we are filming nutrition education videos every Tuesday and Thursday and will post them on our Facebook page and website. -
Healthy Hero Vouchers
We are distributing $10 Healthy Hero Vouchers at our Farmers Market and Mobile Market for individuals and families that are struggling because of COVID-19.
Students who watch the Seed to Table videos on our Facebook page are also eligible for a Healthy Hero Voucher. Please visit our booth at the Farmers Market or at a Mobile Market stop to receive the voucher.
Go Fly a Kite at Spartanburg Soaring!
Do you love free fun outdoor festivals? Spartanburg Soaring is the perfect event for the whole family. You’ll find kites of all shapes and sizes, live music, free activities, vendors, food and so much more! We can’t wait to see all the kites at Spartanburg Soaring this year!
(more…)Family Friendly Festivals You Don’t Want to Miss in Spartanburg, SC
What better way to spend the day with the kids than at a local festival? Here’s a list of Spartanburg’s favorite kid-friendly festivals to check out with the family this year.
Check out the Kidding Around Event Calendar for all the dates and details for these festivals in 2021, and other family-friendly things happening in the Upstate!
(more…)Stewart Park in Spartanburg Has a Fun Playground and Splash Pad
Have you been looking for new parks to explore in Spartanburg? 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.
For even more park reviews, see our Things to Do Outside in Spartanburg page.
Where is Stewart Park?
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 even to know it is back there.
What you will find at Stewart Park
Stewart Park is a wonderful product of 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 does lie between two streets. However, the actual playground is located at the bottom of 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 does border the playground).
Plan a trip to Stewart Park
Stewart Park
Beacon St, Spartanburg
Visit the Stewart Park website.
Splash Pad is open Memorial Day through Labor Day (9 am – 7 pm)
We list additional parks with splash pads on our list of splash pads & water parks near Spartanburg.
Have you taken your kids to Stewart Park yet? What other parks in Spartanburg should parents know about? Let us know in the comments!
Splash Into Summer at the Barnet Park Splash Pad
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.
Location and Hours of Operation
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.
Don’t forget your towels and snacks!
If you’re on the opposite side of Spartanburg or want the convenience of a playground and a splash pad within walking distance of one another, make sure to check out this great review of Spartanburg’s other splash pad located at Tyger River Park.
Have you ventured out to the splash pad at Barnet Park yet?
For even more ideas of things to do in downtown Spartanburg see our itinerary – A Day in Downtown Spartanburg!
Don’t Miss Spartanburg Philharmonic’s Kid-Friendly Performance
Thank you to Spartanburg Philharmonic for sponsoring this giveaway (note: giveaway over).
This performance by Spartanburg Philharmonic is the perfect way to introduce your kids to the orchestra.
Imagine the flash of light sabers as they clash together while the triumphant sound of the iconic Star Wars theme plays on. Now, are you thinking you’re at the movies? You would be wrong. You’re actually at the Spartanburg Philharmonic’s The Music of John Williams Concert.
Lightsabers at an orchestra?
Yes, you got it. The Spartanburg Philharmonic is performing the music of John Williams, from Indiana Jones, to Star Wars and Harry Potter. Better yet, they are performing it in a super kid-friendly concert where costumes, lightsabers, wands, lassos and the like are not only welcome, they are encouraged!
What could be better, you ask? We have an exclusive discount code to help you get your tickets for an even better price. Use discount code Kid20 for 20% of tickets, Sunday only.
The Music of John Williams
The Spartanburg Philharmonic will perform The Music of John Williams on April 14th and 15th at Twichell Auditorium on the beautiful campus of Converse College. The program will consist of some of John William’s most memorable music, including music from Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, Indiana Jones and Star Wars.
The Music of John Williams
Saturday, April 14th at 7pm
OR
Sunday, April 15th at 2pm
Twichell Auditorium, Converse College
www.SpartanburgPhilharmonic.org/Tickets
A 5 time Academy Award winner, John Williams has composed more than 100 film scores. He is known for the use of the full symphony orchestra in his scores, bringing the sounds of the symphony well beyond the concert hall and into theaters, cinemas and homes around the world.
Wear Your Costumes and Take a Selfie with Star Wars Characters
The Spartanburg Philharmonic will be selling, red, green and blue lightsabers in the lobby before the performance. They’ll be pre-loaded with fresh batteries and ready for adventure when the program begins. Yes, the lightsabers are welcome IN the auditorium, throughout the performance. Harry Potter glasses will also be available for purchase.
Bonus: Musicians will also be dressed up and Star Wars characters will be hanging out in the lobby for high-fives and pictures.
5 Tips and Tricks
- Performances are April 14 at 7 pm and April 15 at 2 pm. The 2 pm performance was added especially with the nap times of young children in mind.
- It can be hard to judge when a child is old enough to attend something like an orchestra concert. This performance will have an intermission, so children will have an opportunity to get up and stretch their legs. And due to the nature of the event, seat wiggling (and light saber dancing) is completely acceptable. So, if your child can sit for a movie, they’ll probably be just fine here.
- One little thing to think about is how your child does with costumed characters. Will he or she be frightened if they catch a glimpse of Darth Vador? Maybe a little talk about characters and costumes before you hop into the car will set your child’s mind at ease.
- Shorter children may prefer a seat in the balcony where they can get more of a birds-eye view of the performance, rather than trying to peek around the backs of heads on the bottom level. However, you should note that the auditorium does not have an elevator going to the balcony. So if stairs are a problem, you’ll need a ground floor seat.
- Please note that food and drinks are not allowed in the auditorium. If your child is thirsty you may offer them a drink in the lobby area of the auditorium.
- You can pre-order tickets online. Tickets for youth under 22 are 50% off, making tickets for youth $13-23 and adults $26-46. Groups of 10 or more can receive 10% off when booking advance. Tickets will also be available at the door.
The Giveaway – Closed
One lucky Kidding Around reader will win 4 tickets to see Spartanburg Philharmonic’s The Music of John Williams. Valid on the April 15, 2018, 2 pm performance.
This giveaway starts now and ends on April 4, 2018 at midnight.
- You must be 18 or older and live in the USA to enter this giveaway.
- You must use a valid email address to enter this giveaway.
- One entry per person per day.
- We will contact the winner via the email address provided within three [3] days of the giveaway ending. The winner will have three [3] days (72 hours) to respond via email. If the winner does not respond within the three [3] days (72 hours), the prize will be forfeited and another winner chosen. Directions for claiming the prize will be given via email. A valid photo ID and/or mailing address may be required.
- For a complete list of Kidding Around Greenville SC’s giveaway policies and terms and conditions, see the Kidding Around Greenville SC policy page. By entering this giveaway, you agree to comply with Kidding Around Greenville SC’s terms and conditions.
Have your kids ever attended an orchestra concert before?
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