Are you looking for a park in Taylors, SC and thinking about visiting Lincoln Park? With spring weather here (finally) and summer on the horizon, it’s time to start planning activities to occupy little minds and bodies. And it doesn’t hurt for mom’s mind to be occupied too! Lincoln Park in Taylors offers a fun playground, paved path, basketbll courts, and more.
Spending some time in northern Taylors and looking for a place to play? David Jackson Park just might fit the bill. This large park features a great playground, plus several baseball fields, a paved walking path, and a nice mountain view. It’s a playground I often take my children to this park when we are in the area with time to spare and it’s one they often request.
Quick Summary: David Jackson Park
Looking for a great park in northern Taylors? 🌳 David Jackson Park is a hidden gem you might easily miss—but you won’t want to!
Here’s why families love it: • Two playgrounds—one for littles and one for big kids • Rope bridges, monkey bars & swings • Shaded picnic shelter + restrooms • Flat, paved walking path (.65 miles!) • Beautiful mountain views
📍25 Fowler Road, Taylors Turn off Highway 101 onto Fowler Road, then look for the entrance on the left—you won’t see the park from the road!
Where is David Jackson Park?
The park is located off of Fowler Road in northern Taylors. If you are heading north along Highway 101, you’ll find Fowler Road on your left, and shortly thereafter you’ll turn into the park entrance, also on the left. You cannot see the park from the road, only the entrance.
It is, in my opinion, quite easy to drive past the entrance. So, make sure you are looking for a double drive and park sign on the left. Once you turn into the driveway, the tree open into a large greenspace that you can’t see from the road.
The Playground
There are
two playgrounds at this park. They are in the same mulched area with a swing
set containing both regular wings and baby swings between them. According to my
children the rope and bouncy bridges on the big kid playground are superior to
other locations in Greenville, as are the circular monkey bars. The playground
for younger kids is significantly smaller but still has some interesting
features. These playgrounds are not in any kind of fence.
There is a shaded shelter right beside the playground, and benches in the sun for mom and dad to watch. The restrooms are at the back of that shelter. Picnic tables are located under the shelter.
Walking Trail and More
Around the
playground are multiple baseball fields, and along those is a long paved path
for walking. It’s .65 miles, quite flat and perfect for strollers. You can see
Paris Mountain through the trees on one side of the park and you can see more
mountains if you look back towards the entrance.
This is not a park where you can walk the trail and clearly see your kids at the playground. Walking this path takes you quite a distance from the playground. When my kids play I like to try to get a little brisk walking in for myself. At this park, I end up walking the straight part of the path near the playground and then circling up by the shelter and back down to the path. It’s a nice, if small, loop around the playground, but that loop is not all paved and wouldn’t work for a mom with a stroller who wanted to exercise a bit while watching the kids play.
Mom Review
David Jackson Park 25 Fowler Road, Taylors
Favorites:
Two playgrounds close to each other
Pretty views
Sunny
Walking Path
Drawbacks:
Much of the walking path is far from the playground
This large park is a great place for families to spend a few minutes or several hours. Pack a lunch, enjoy the sun, a walk, and some time to play. Little ones will love the small climbing structure and the swings, while older children play nearby on the larger structure. This park may be a little out of the way if you don’t live in the area, but if you haven’t visited this park, it’s worth the drive to check it out!
Have you visited David Jackson Park?
More to Explore Nearby
Enjoy the creek, trail, and covered bridge at Campbell’s Covered Bridge. It’s just a short drive from David Jackson Park.
Does your little one love trains? A great addition to Greenville’s list of indoor kid spaces is the Model Trains Station at Taylors Mill. Our KAG writer Anna Artz was fortunate to get a one-on-one tour with chief Engineer aka Model Train Station Chairman, Bob Rayle.
For a list of even more train related things to do in the Upstate see our list Trains in Greenville.
About the Model Trains Station
Mr. Rayle is the quintessential train hobbyist whose eyes sparkle when talking about the new Model Trains Station, “It’s run by train enthusiasts and made for families to have fun. We enjoy seeing smiling kids and see them getting excited when they see the trains and of course, to promote the hobby.”
The Model Trains Station is run by volunteers. It is a registered 501 (c) 3 and charges a minimal admission fee. They also have a donor program and family membership for avid fans of trains. Bob also talked about phase 2 of their plans for future education programs. The Station plans to “…teach electricity to little kids, all about light bulbs, circuits and switches.” They are also open to hosting birthday parties, corporate events and meetings.
Where Is the Model Trains Station
Housed in Taylors Mill Development, an upcycled old mill building complex, the Model Trains Station occupies about 16,000 square feet of space alongside artist studios. Visiting the Model Trains Station is like going to a giant train workshop. The building itself is fascinating, a former textile bleachery, the space is raw and full of history.
The Model Trains Station joins the rest of the creative Taylors Mill group in making historic buildings an alternative venue for the community. The mill gets busy when the weather gets warmer.
The Model Trains Station opened in December 2017 with their fantastic O-scale Christmas village set-up. Presently, the holiday decor has long been removed but several running train lines continue to be a source of fun especially with a scavenger hunt designed for the kiddies to explore and enjoy the train village. My kids enjoyed running around hunting for the hidden figures. They were also delighted that they could play engineer themselves and operate a Thomas the Train railroad within the village.
Also featured in the exhibition space is a donated model of the city of Baltimore (HO train). Beautiful and professionally done cityscape, children will have fun viewing the trains running thru an urban landscape. On the other side of the room, is an HO scale model of Waynesville. Beautifully done by a master artist, the mountains surrounding the realistic lake are a labor of love. Lots of little scenes to spot in this scene, but you may have to lift your child to get a closer look or bring a step stool.
When you and your tots are tired of looking at trains on the move, MTS has a play corner where toddlers can tinker with wooden toy trains. The play area is located right beside a structure which will house their train repair depot. MTS plans for the office to have glass windows so visitors can see trains being repaired. Currently also in the works is a G scale railroad German Village donated to MTS, in pristine condition. There’s also the really cute railroad set-up by the children’s play area.
Our visit ended with soft rumble of the Norfolk Southern Line in the background. Yes, the mill is situated right next to a train track! Meanwhile, railroad enthusiasts can view the dispatcher ATCS display of train locations along the NS, in real-time. Little details like this combined with the knowledge and enthusiasm of its volunteers is what makes this place truly special. We’re so glad they’re here to stay!
How to enjoy the Model Trains Station
Play the scavenger hunt which can be found at the Lobby. Submit your completed form for a chance to win a raffle.
Play engineer and run Thomas the train track in the Lionel O display.
Talk to the resident volunteer engineer and ask them about how the models were made.
Check out the dispatcher ATCS display.
Learn about the different types of model train scales: G, O, HO, N, while examining the display cases filled with trains and model villages.
For tots, play with toy trains in the children’s area.
A few things to know
If you’ve never been to Taylors Mill, be prepared to drive thru a seemingly group of old buildings. Look for a red sign.
To view some of the exhibits, you will need to carry your child to see some of the details. Our visit lasted about 2 hours.
Inside the development, there is a big parking lot across the former bleachery buildings or Dock 2. Model Trains Station is in the building called Print Works 1, to the right of Southern Bleachery. You’ll have to climb a few steps to get to a glass door entrance. There is no ramp for strollers. Upon entry, the first thing you’ll see is a multipurpose hall, keep on walking till the next set of doors that leads to the artist warehouses and the train museum.
Public restrooms available.
Visit the Model Trains Station
Hours: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 11 am – 5 pm Sunday, 1 pm – 5 pm
Children (2- 12) $6, Children under 2 are FREE Adults $10, Seniors $8, Military $8
Inside: A curated list of excellent playgrounds in Greenville, SC written by area parents.
If you are looking for a fun park day, then here are the best parks with playgrounds in Greenville, SC! They are free, offer kids a chance to run and play, and also provide great lunch or play-date locations.
We have tried to visit as many playgrounds in the Greater Greenville area as possible, and these are our Top park playgrounds in Greenville. These park playgrounds are based on unique play structures, imaginative themes, and scenic surroundings.
❗Have you seen our Park Guide? If your family loves parks you do not want to miss our Ultimate Guide to Parks in the Upstate. In this guide, you can look up parks by location and desired amenities, like swings, basketball courts, and more.
Best Playgrounds: Greenville, SC
1. Century Park: Kids Planet
Century Park and its accompanying playground, known as Kids Planet is often listed as a local favorite.
There are some amazing play features at the new playground like a zip line, hillside slides, and ground-level trampoline. Parents will love the two age-appropriate play areas that are enclosed with a fence.
Kids of all ages will enjoy the musical instrument station between the playgrounds and a butterfly misting station that I can not keep my kids out of in the summertime.
IMPORTANT: The playground will be closed for maintenance every Wednesday from 7 am – Noon.
Learn why Kids Planet is one of the best parks in the Greenville Area in our review!
Kids’ Planet at Century Park – 3605 Brushy Creek Road, Greer
2. Herdklotz Park
Herdklotz has two playgrounds separated by a fence and a walking path. The smaller playground is one of the best playgrounds in our area for young children with not just a fun set of play equipment but also an overlook with a sidewalk area perfect for chalk drawings. This playground area also contains a small picnic shelter within the fencing making it easy to eat lunch while watching your child.
The larger playground is one of the largest play structures in Greenville with tall slides and climbing structures.
Perhaps my favorite reason to list Herdklotz is the play area is shady and cool. The elevation is also a little bit higher than most of Greenville allowing you to have a great view of the city. The shaded benches and natural-styled landscaping also add to the natural beauty of this park.
Nearby to the playground are also a volleyball court, horseshoe court, open walking trail, and large fields.
If you have both older children and young children, note that it is difficult to see the upper playground from the lower one. You may want to go with a friend, or prepare your children ahead of time to split times on the two playgrounds.
And, by the way, did you know that Herdklotz is also known for being a historic ghost-sighting spot?
Cleveland Park is not just one of Greenville’s best playgrounds but also is conveniently located downtown beside the Greenville Zoo. The playground is hot in the summertime with its black soft surface but has two shade tents that help deflect the heat.
My kids love the unique play structures that incorporate balance, arm strength, and climbing skills, into play.
This playground does a great job of encouraging active hard-working play and is advanced enough for older children while still providing plenty of fun for younger kids.
Also, Cleveland Park adjoins several nice sections of the Swamp Rabbit Trail. You can walk just a little bit down the trail to see an additional small train replica playground and the Vietnam War Memorial. The trail also connects to the scenic area of downtown Greenville, making this park a great starting place for an afternoon walk or bike ride. You will also find tennis courts near the park and other park features that you can explore by bike or walking.
Cleveland Park –East Washington and Cleveland Park Drive, Greenville
We’ve watched this park grow into a popular play space, known for being one of the most unusual and fun playgrounds in Greenville.
Located right beside the Greenville Downtown Airport, kids love watching the planes fly in and out while playing on aviation-themed equipment. My kids also love running down the small runway in the center of the park while pretending to be planes.
Currently, the park has two playgrounds inside a fenced-in area with play spaces for both small and older children. A plane-hanger-styled picnic shelter sits to the side, and a real Cessna 310 aircraft flies over the park positioned on a pole to the side.
We’ve noticed on visits that kids also walk and ride more at this park due to the runway-themed walkways being positioned inside the fence where parents can easily watch from a distance. At the edge of the fence, kids can sit at a small amphitheater where they can get a front-row view of the planes taking off and landing.
The park has a restroom and benches with a little shade, but don’t forget the sunscreen as the play spaces of this park are not shaded.
You’ll find the Runway Cafe and Takeoff Mini Golf course in the vicinity, so you can make a day of it!
Note: While the entrance to the park is a super neat fuselage of an actual plane, the gate doesn’t latch and opens directly to a parking lot. Your kiddos might require an extra level of supervision to ensure they don’t run out into the parking lot.
Runway Park – 21 Airport Road Extension, Greenville
The Runway Park (is our favorite) because it is fenced in and has a younger and an older section. It also has a track and a case next to it. And of course you get to watch the airplanes!
Sarah A.
It’s a battle every time we need to leave. They love it there
We love the playground at Conestee Park. But, if you have never been to the adjacent Lake Conestee Nature Park then you are really missing out. Its nature walk trails are amazing and perfect for the whole family. Plus, the park is known for its wide variety of wildlife, especially birds.
Beyond the amazing nature trails and large ball fields, Conestee Park also has one of the best outdoor-themed playgrounds, featuring imaginative elements such as “trees” to climb and a toadstool table and benches. The playgrounds are hot with little shade but do provide large safe spaces for running and play.
I love this playground for its scenic location and wide-open spaces. If you are looking for the perfect place to enjoy both a view of the blue sky and a shady exploration of nature, this is the park for you.
The City of Simpsonville spent around $200,000 of dedicated recreation funds to revamp the playground, and it has become a reader favorite. The new city park is now called Graceley Park.
There are several climbing structures and balancing equipment, which lend themselves to kids who are practicing to be little ninja warriors.
The brand-new park currently offers a great shade/sun playground that features woodland themes throughout. You’ll have a blast exploring and finding hidden forest creatures built into the play structures.
One of the newest parks in Greenville, SC, Unity Park is situated just outside of the downtown Greenville skyline. It is considered one of the best parks in Greenville County! It is connected to the Swamp Rabbit Trail, making it an excellent choice when looking for an extended plan for the day.
You can ride your bikes from Falls Park through downtown to Unity, and then enjoy the vast playground. There is a humongous green space for kite flying or lazing in the sun, bridges over rivers to explore, a wetland preserve, an awesome splash pad in the warmer months, and playgrounds for both little kids and big kids to enjoy.
The park is designed with a nature theme in mind, so there are tall hills connected with wood structures that remind me of exploring a winter forest. There are swings, climbing structures, slides, and something for kids of all ages to enjoy.
Unity Park- 320 S Hudson Street, Greenville
Learn why we love Unity Park in our Kidding Around review!
8. Trailblazer Park
Nestled on the outskirts of the Swamp Rabbit Trail in Downtown Travelers Rest is Trailblazer Park. The park has a lot of open space to play, but the playground is a gem! It is compact but has a lot to offer, including a large rope web to climb, zip lines, a merry-go-round, and an adorable play structure that younger kids will love. Don’t worry, the Park has swings too for when your toddler inevitably wants to spend 90% of your visit in them. There is a lot a long paved walking trail to enjoy.
We loved the uniqueness of the ropes course, it isn’t found very often in most parks, and makes a great challenge for kids to accomplish! The park is only a 10-15 minute walk from the restaurants on Main Street, which is what we did after a visit to TReehouse Cafe.
Have you heard about Junto Coffee? The coffee shop and roaster recently opened in Taylors Mill. They offer a selection of coffee roasts and drinks in a gorgeous space at Taylors Mill. So get some friends together and meet up for a cup of coffee this week. You’ll be glad you did!
I’m frequently in the Taylors area running errands or bringing kids to and from activities. When the former local coffee shop in Taylors Mill, Due South, left for its’ new location in Hampton Station, there was a bit of a hole in my heart. It was nearby to many of my kids’ activities and was great for a short date with one of my kids for a little special time with mom.
So while Due South is still a good place to grab a cup of coffee in Greenville, they left a void for excellent coffee in Taylors. Which is why when my good friend suggested we grab a cup of coffee at Junto Coffee in Taylors Mill, my reaction was something like this: “There’s A NEW COFFEE SHOP AT TAYLORS MILL?!?” Now, several years later, we still enjoy popping in to grab a cup of coffee at Junto.
Junto Coffee Shop’s Atmosphere
Junto Coffee is located in an amazing space. Its huge windows let in an abundance of light reflecting off the lightly painted walls and ceiling. Some of the windows look to be original and really add to the charm of the space.
And let’s talk about the plants. I love green, growing things. Each window is decorated with a hanging plant and there are large, mature potted plants throughout the comfortable seating. There are a multitude of living room-type sets of furniture as well as benches and more traditional chairs and tables spread throughout the large space. There is also a grassy outdoor space with tables that would be a perfect spot for moms with a couple of little kids to meet up.
The Coffee at Junto Coffee
I’m a fan of coffee. But I prefer it without cream or sugar. What can I say, I like the way coffee tastes! So I ordered just a drip coffee. I don’t remember which coffee it was particularly, my friend had just handed me her adorable baby and I was distracted. But I can say this was a truly fantastic cup of coffee, full of flavor and not the slightest bit bitter.
They also offer pour-overs if you want to be a little more specific, along with lattes and a plethora of other coffee beverages both iced and hot. My friend ordered a latte and also enjoyed it. They had a wide variety of flavor options for their lattes. The menu also included a few baked goods in case you want something sweet to go with your coffee.
Mom Review: Kids at Junto Coffee
We chose one of the living room sets at the far side of the room to enjoy our coffee. While it might be possible that I enjoyed the coffee an extra dose because of the sweet, chubby-cheeked little baby I got to snuggle with while I was drinking it, I think it is equally likely it was just really great coffee in a relaxed and beautiful space. She did help me get some good pictures though.
While snuggling babies is not required for enjoying coffee, the coffee shop is definitely a space that can accommodate children. When we first arrived it was nearly empty, but filled in as we chatted. However because everything is so spread out, it never really got loud. And when the baby got a little fussy, it was clear no one was the least bit bothered.
Where is Junto Coffee?
Taylors Mill, which used to be a textile mill but has been undergoing all kinds of renovations, is home to restaurants, artists’ studios, Model Train Station, reclaimed lumber, and now Junto Coffee. When you drive toward the Mill you’ll see a sign for Junto Coffee at the first of the Mill’s parking lots. You’ll turn right into that first lot. Junto Coffee is in the building straight ahead once you have turned into the lot, but all the way to the left. “Junto Coffee” is clearly printed on the glass doors of the coffee shop.
Are you wondering what gyms in Greenville and Spartanburg are the most family-friendly? Or maybe you’re searching “gyms with childcare near me”? Being able to access a gym with a quality daycare that your kids could check into while you are exercising, a gym with a pool, or a gym that has exercise programs for the whole family is an amazing thing to have. Here’s what other local parents in Greenville and Spartanburg recommended when we asked them where their favorite family-friendly gyms are!
About this list: These recommended gyms are based on recommendations from our readers. We have updated information as we are able to but we always recommend checking the websites and/or calling to get the latest information. If you know of a gym that’s kid-friendly that didn’t make our list (or have a review to add), just add a comment at the bottom of this post.
Reader Recommended Gyms For Families in Greenville
864.963.3605 | 550 Brookwood Point Place, Simpsonville Childcare: Membership includes up to 2 hours of free childcare each day. They also offer Parents’ Night Out; call to check for upcoming dates. Facilities: group exercise classes, two pools, wellness equipment, and more Children’s Fitness and Health: After School Program, Adventure Guides, Aquatics, Summer Day Camp, Dance, Overnight Camp, and more
GHS Family YMCA definitely! They are very sweet and kind to the kids. My kids love going there. They have fitness classes for them almost every day.
Erika
Prisma Health Family YMCA all the way! They have childcare, kids classes (fit kids, sports performance, dance, swim) and have summer camps and after school programs
Natalie
Prisma YMCA in Simpsonville is good. They have a 2 hour limit each day for child watch. If you are one who enjoys a good workout and showering before leaving,you do have to be very strategic in your arrival time. I have yet to find the sauna they advertise, but they do have a steam room. The pool is outdoors and under a dome in the winter. High winds will shut it down. The waters been 72-74 so far. All instructors have been amazing.
864.527.5948 | 424 Westfield Street, Greenville Childcare: Child watch services are limited to 2 hours at no additional cost. Facilities: Fitness facility, gymnasium, swimming pool, group fitness, and tennis Children’s Fitness and Health: Family fitness classes, aquatics, and children’s fitness classes
Multiple Upstate Locations Childcare: Up to 2 hours for children 8 weeks-14 years at no additional cost with membership; otherwise, it’s $5 per day Facilities: Racquetball, Fitness Studios, Pickleball, Training Area, Women’s Only Fitness Area, and more Offers: Children’s Fitness Class
864.679.9622 | 721 Cleveland Street, Greenville Childcare: Up to 2 hours of free child care each day and a Parents’ Night Out included with membership, on a first come first serve basis. Facilities: Cardio equipment, indoor pool, sauna, whirlpool, wellness center, walking track, express fitness, strength equipment, and more Children’s Fitness and Health: Afterschool program, aquatics and swim lessons, summer day camp, dance, Overnight Camp, and more
I love the Caine halter y. Lots of classes, access to the swamp rabbit trail and childcare is included. I will say though that I lived in simpsonville for a while and the prisma family y out there is amazing! Fantastic childcare staff!!!
Rebecca
YMCA offers similar great family programming at their other Greenville locations, and we also love that membership at many of the branches comes with a free parent’s night out each month. Find all of the YMCA locations via their website, and consider an Upstate membership for access to all of the branches.
The YMCA memberships now include access to all locations with the location you attend most often designated your home location.
864.582.5050 | 2420 Andrews Road, Spartanburg The nursery is for members’ children ages 6 weeks through 9 years (no exceptions)
Spartanburg atheltic club is the best!!❤we love the weight room. They have an indoor and outdoor pool. The daycare and workers are wonderful. They have zone training which is similar to crossfit. They have unlimited classes. The managers are awesome and genuinely care about you. The locker rooms are roomy and each have a sauna in them. There’s tons of lockers. Also for tennis lovers they have tons of courts!!
864.715.2267 | 1802 Drayton Road – Unit 110, Spartanburg
Burn Boot Camp – Spartanburg, SC hands down! Best gym I have ever been a part of. I love it and my kids love it! The childcare is the best and so clean!
Whitney
Burn Boot Camp at Drayton Mill is the place to go!!! My girls love going with me. They treat you like family. We won’t go anywhere else.
Candace
YMCA Locations in Spartanburg
Like the Greenville YMCA locations, the Spartanburg YMCA locations also offer childcare, child/parent classes, and the ever-so-popular “Parents Night Out”. Membership prices vary, but income-based scholarships and other discounts are available. Reciprocity benefits with some memberships allow you to visit any YMCA location nationwide!
864.433.9623 | 720 Shoals Road, Duncan Parent’s night out is offered every 3rd Saturday night from 5:30 – 9:30 pm.
YMCA for our family is the best deal around. Child care. Great classes. Two locations close by. The pool!!! My big kids love the downtown location with the water slide. I love the hot tub! My almost 2 year old loves to play with his friends while I workout giving me some nice me time.
864.585.0306 | 151 Ribault Street, Spartanburg Parent’s night out is offered every 1st Saturday night from 5:30 – 9:30 pm.
Currently the YMCA is the best fit for us – a family membership provides childcare while parents work out; indoor heated swimming pools for fun and for lessons; discounts on their sports programs; and the money we save on babysitters by using Parents Night Out (date night childcare on Saturday evenings) is amazing
Kristie
The YMCA on Pine Street. They have childcare, sports for kids are half off with membership, they are really nice, and my kids love the pool with splashpark.
Christina
Pine street YMCA has a great program and you can watch your child on a camera from your treadmill. Not to mention the water park that you can enjoy with your kids
Total Fitness in Powdersville is awesome. Childcare included. Christian gym and atmosphere is awesome.
Alison
Burn Boot Camp – Greenville, SC has child care and enthusiastic women working out! We all cheer each other on! The only competition is with yourself. Our trainer does a great job of helping with techniques and form while celebrating your growth!
Lauren
Burn Boot Camp Five Forks! I have worked out a lot of places in this is by far the best! Child care is full of friendly ladies who also workout at the gym. My kids love it ,and have made lots of friends. They also do fun family camps, outside events, etc. We are a HUGE family there, and it so welcoming!
Lindsay
Burn Bootcamp Five Forks! I love it and my children do. Awesome ladies in childcare and the best community of people. You won’t find better trainers or more support anywhere else.
Jeni
Hiking in the Upstate
Hiking is an excellent physical fitness activity you can do as a family for very little money. Check out our Hiking Guide to Upstate, SC to find some gorgeous trails to explore. We have ideas for all ages and abilities!