30+ Free (or Cheap) Things to Do This Summer Near Spartanburg

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Looking for free summer things to do in Spartanburg? Or cheap summer activities? Thank goodness we live in Sparkle City! There are tons of free or super cheap things to do during the summer when kids are out of school. Bookmark this list of 30+ free things to do this summer in Spartanburg to have the best summer ever.

Free and cheap things to do in summer near Spartanburg, South Carolina

We love summer break! Between the sun staying out later and no homework, it might be our favorite time of the year. But, let’s talk about the hardest part of summer – keeping your kids occupied and entertained all summer long! Eventually, they will get tired of sidewalk chalk, bubbles, and even tv. Fortunately, there are tons of things to do in and around Spartanburg this summer that are perfect for families. Best of all? We have come up with over 30 things to do in the Upstate that are free (or pretty cheap).

P.S. Our definition of “cheap” is approximately $5 or less per person. For fun activities that cost more but are still fun see our calendar and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter to get our email each week.

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10 Things to Do Near Greenville When It’s Too Hot to Do Anything

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Too hot to enjoy the outdoors? If you’re searching for things to do on a hot day near me in Greenville, SC, we’ve got you covered. Kidding Around’s Kristina rounded up the best ways to stay cool, from indoor play and splash pads to sweet treats like ice cream. Whether you’re trying to beat the heat or just need fresh ideas for steamy summer days, this list is packed with fun!

Things to do on a hot day near Greenville, SC

The Ultimate Summer in Greenville, SC Guide

For more things to do in the summer see our Ultimate Guide to Summer in Greenville.

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Best Ice Cream in Greenville, SC: Rolled, Scooped & Everything in Between

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Craving something sweet and wondering where to find the best ice cream near me? If you’re searching for a delicious scoop (or two!) of Greenville, SC ice cream, you’re in luck! Local mom Kristina Hernandez has the inside scoop on all the best spots in Greenville and Spartanburg Counties. From an ice cream shop tucked inside a peach stand to a retro soda fountain in a local pharmacy and a downtown parlor serving up trendy rolled ice cream, this list is full of cool, creamy adventures your whole family will love. Info on vegan and dairy-free options included.

Best ice cream shops in Greenville and Spartanburg, SC.
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30+ Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free or Cheap in Greenville, SC

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Are you looking for discounted kids’ meal deals at restaurants where kids eat free? Greenville, SC has some options to fit what your kids are craving. You may be wondering, “What about deals where kids eat free near me”?

We have all the location information you need! Finding meals that your kid will enjoy is made easy at these local restaurants that offer meal deals throughout the week. Grab your calendar and add these restaurants to your meal plan routine for a cheap and stress-free dining experience with the family! We do attempt to keep this list accurate. Also, specific locations may not participate in deals. Call or check with a restaurant before ordering to be sure that the deals listed here are still current.

kids eat free greenville
Quick Links to Find Kids Eat Free Offers For The Day You Need!
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10 Spartanburg, SC Nail Salons: When Your Nails Need Some TLC

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Are you looking for the best Spartanburg, SC nail salons? Our readers have told us about their favorite nail salons to get some nail TLC in Spartanburg, SC.

Look over the list and find your new favorite place in Spartanburg to get pampered!

Spartanburg, SC Nail Salons

Nail Salons in Spartanburg, SC

We asked our Kidding Around Spartanburg readers and friends for their favorite Spartanburg nail salons, and we got recommendations for places all around the county. Next time you want some time on your own, consider one of these spots.

Places To Go With Your Child To Get A Mani-Pedi

Want to get your nails done with your child? There’s nothing like a mommy and me mani-pedi day for a little one-on-one time. Here are a couple of places you can do for a mani-pedi with kids.

5 Sisters Nails and Spa
914 E Main Street-Suite A, Spartanburg | 864.381.8109
*Readers tell us 5 Sisters Nails and Spa is a great choice for a mother-daughter mani-pedi.

Venetian Nails
99 Garner Road F, Spartanburg| 864.596.8828
*Readers tell us Venetian Nails is a great choice for a mother-daughter mani-pedi.

Miss Nails
1989 E Main Street, Spartanburg | 864.948.9779
*Readers tell us Miss Nails and Spa is a great choice for a mother-daughter mani-pedi.

Places To Go And Get Your Nails Done Without The Kids

There is nothing better than having someone else take care of you for a change! All moms need a little pampering from time to time. One of the easiest ways to get a little time to yourself is to head to one of our local nail salons for a manicure or pedicure.

Lovely Nails & Spa
246 E Blackstock Road – #D, Spartanburg | 864.574.3445

Sky Nails & Spa
2528 Boiling Springs Rd, Boiling Springs | 864.707.5667

Dorman Nails
131 Dorman Center Drive, Spartanburg | 864.587.7887

International School Of Beauty
7704 Asheville Highway, Spartanburg | 864.587.7764

I love International School of Beauty! They are students so the nails may not be perfect, but it was only $35 for this set and they are always so sweet!

Emily

Ang’s Nail Salon- formerly Linda’s Nails
1000 N Pine Street #36, Spartanburg | 864.327.9540

They have always been prompt and courteous

Ava

Nail District
10471 Asheville Highway, Inman | 864.909.2080

Nail District in Inman! They do an amazing job and the cutest designs!

Savannah

Shear’N Dippity Color Salon
197 Spartanburg Highway – Suite 229, Lyman | 864.439.0606

Definitely going with Courtney Lewis at Shear’N Dipity Color Salon in Lyman. She is so incredibly talented and creative – I love seeing her work! Plus, she gives ah-MAZING pedicures (it’s been way too long). I just love the Frozen one!

Brittany

Where to Throw a Great Outdoor Birthday Party in Greenville, SC

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Inside: A quick list of our favorite places to have a birthday party outdoors in Greenville, SC.

Thinking about hosting an outdoor birthday party in Greenville? Searching for “outdoor birthday party venues near me”? You’re in the right spot. One of the great things about Greenville is our moderate weather. This means birthday parties outside are often a reasonable option. We recently compiled your ideas about indoor birthday party spots but for those who like fun in the sun (or just being outdoors as long as it’s not pouring and/or freezing!), here’s a list of fabulous outdoor birthday party spots.

Outdoor Birthday Party Venues Near Greenville

Outdoor Parties at Parks in Greenville

Depending on the location, you can reserve a gazebo at one of the many local parks. If you’d rather skip the fee, you can press your luck or just plan on picnic blankets at one of the parks that doesn’t take reservations. This tends to be a popular option for young kids and can be as easy as sending out a few e-invites and grabbing some cupcakes. Also great for your sports fans as you can do a soccer party or basketball, etc.

Paris Mountain State Park– you can simply rent a shelter in the park or with so many spots throughout the park, you have many options including camping.

Tables under a pavilion at the Greenville Airport park

Venues for Outside Birthday Parties

The Greenville Zoo has birthday party packages for children. You can also reserve a shelter at the nearby Cleveland Park or look into group rates for admission. This, of course, lends itself to lots of fun themes of lions, tigers, and bears as well as safari or jungle adventure!

Pools or splash pads – Pool parties in Greenville have various fees, though your local community/neighborhood/apartment pool maybe an inexpensive option (see their specific rules for guest limits and so forth). The Greenville Recreation Department has party packages for their waterparks and aquatic center (which technically is indoors so nice weatherproof option).

Don’t forget Shipwreck Cove – they offer birthday party packages too! You could also check out the splash pad downtown near the Reedy River or the Duncan splash pad.

Takeoff Mini-Golf– Airplane-themed mini golf beside the Greenville Airport Park. This birthday package allows kids to take a birthday plane ride!

Restaurant patio options

The Runway Cafe at the Greenville Airport Park has a patio right next to the playground. We’ve done two birthdays there. Reserve a few patio tables and order drinks and food for your guests (we do a bunch of appetizers and then guests can order additional items depending on their needs and dietary restrictions). Bigger groups can even reserve a hanger! Airplanes are an obvious theme but we also did Rainbow Dash!

O-Cha Tea Bar– They offer birthday party packages; call for your custom package. With windows all around you get a good view of the Reedy River or you can go on the patio, the grass or even the nearby splash pad as mentioned above. Perhaps a standard tea party, Alice in Wonderland, or Mulan theme are all a given but maybe a modern Tokyo theme for preteens? Lots of fun concepts here! Maybe a trip to the nearby splash pad if it’s sunny!

Edible painting outdoors party

Farms

Happy Cow Creamery– This looks like the ultimate dairy party! See the animals, tour the farm, and play some old fashion games!

Hidden Pasture Farm– Birthday parties with a unicorn? Is there anything better?

Birthday Party Guide, Upstate, SC

Throwing a birthday party?

Be sure to check out our Ultimate Birthday Party Guide to help you.


Throwing an indoor birthday party? We’ve got the lowdown on the best indoor birthday parties in Greenville.

birthday gifts

What’s your favorite outdoor party spot? Let us know in the comments!

10+ Family-Friendly Paved and Off Road Bike Trails: Greenville, SC

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Are you looking for family-friendly bike trails in Greenville, SC? Maybe you’re looking for scenic bike trails? We’ve got some great places to ride near Greenville!

Greenville, SC has quickly grown into a bicyclist haven since the creation of the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail. With that, more natural and paved biking trails have emerged. Below, you will find a list of some of the best bike trails Greenville and the surrounding area have to offer. Don’t have your own bike? Don’t worry! You will also find places to rent bikes if you don’t have your own.

Summary:

🔧 Bicycle tune-ups and bike rentals in Greenville, SC.
🚲 Info on the 7 BEST bike trails in Greenville/Spartanburg/Pickens (paved & mountain bike trails).
👧 Have little ones? Find local paved paths at parks for them to practice bike riding.

biking trails greenville sc

Biking can involve the whole family – whether the kids are old enough to ride on their own or ride in a trailer or on a bike seat. Here’s our list of family-friendly bike trails in and near Greenville, SC. 

Get Outdoors with your kids

Looking for more things to do outdoors? Check out our guide of the Best Things to do Outdoors Near Greenville.

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Plan an Inexpensive Birthday Party for Your Child for Under $100 in Spartanburg, SC

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Looking for how to plan inexpensive birthday parties in Spartanburg, SC? Birthdays are special. Do you want to celebrate your child’s big day in style but can’t spend a fortune on a party venue in Spartanburg? Believe it or not, you can throw a birthday party for your child for $100 or less! Here’s our list of inexpensive birthday parties in Spartanburg.

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The BEST List of 2026 Easter Egg Hunts: Greenville, SC

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Are you looking for the perfect Easter Egg hunt in Greenville, Spartanburg, or Upstate, SC? We have an amazing list of egg hunts, Easter bunny photos, Easter farm events, crafts, and all sorts of kid-friendly 2026 Easter events in the Upstate SC area. Bookmark this list!

Easter egg hunts in Greenville, SC and the Upstate


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9 Cheap Family Valentines Ideas for a Memorable Day

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Looking for fun and inexpensive ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day as a family? We’ve got you covered with these cheap family Valentine’s ideas that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re looking to stay in or head out on an adventure, these affordable activities will help you create lasting memories without spending a lot.

cheap valentine's day ideas for your family

#1 Have a Valentine’s party

Inspired by my 4-year-old, we’re going all in this year. My husband and I are planning a simple, fun celebration with cupcakes, balloons, and plenty of music. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy to be a hit—just gather your family, add a few decorations, and enjoy a low-key yet special time together. Whether it’s playing games, dancing, or just enjoying some sweet treats, hosting your own family Valentine’s Day party is a perfect way to make the day memorable without the fuss!

#2 Make Valentine’s cards

Skip the generic store-bought cards and get creative this year! Homemade cards are a fun way to show love, and you can go wild with all the glitter, glue, and markers. The kids will have a blast making personalized cards for their grandparents, classmates, and other special people in their lives. Not only does it make the cards extra meaningful, but it’s a great opportunity for the whole family to get crafty together!

#3 Have a Family Movie Night

Cozy up on the couch with blankets and pillows. Pop popcorn and watch a classic movie like, A Charlie Brown Valentine, or a family favorite. We will definitely have Lady & the Tramp in our rotation.

Want to actually go to the movies? Here are the movie theaters in Greenville, SC.

#4 – Family Dinner Date

Include the kids in your dinner plans! Dress everyone in their Sunday best and head out to an amazing restaurant. Just make sure your children are old enough to conduct themselves accordingly in a “fine dining” establishment. If not, dine at a kid-friendly eatery.

Eat & Play in Greenville, SC

Check out these Kid-Friendly Spots: Best Places to Eat & Play in Greenville, SC

Here are Great Restaurants to Take Your Kids (That Aren’t Fast Food).

Don’t forget about our Kids Eat Free Directory.

Groupon offers a list of local restaurants that currently have discount deals that would be perfect for a family on Valentine’s Day!

#5 Bake Valentine’s Day Treats Together

Bake heart-shaped cookies, cupcakes, or even a Valentine’s Day cake as a family. This is a fun, affordable way to celebrate, and the best part is enjoying your creations afterward! 

#6 DIY Valentine’s Day Crafts

Get creative with a DIY craft session! Gather some basic supplies and make fun Valentine’s Day crafts with your kids. From homemade cards to heart-shaped decorations, the possibilities are endless. For inspiration, check out our list of where kids can make art in Greenville to make this Valentine’s Day extra special.

#7 Picnic at a Local Park

Nothing beats a good old-fashioned picnic, and it’s one of the cheapest ways to enjoy Valentine’s Day together as a family. Pack a simple meal and head to one of Greenville’s lovely parks, such as Falls Park on the Reedy, where you can enjoy each other’s company and the beautiful surroundings. It’s a great way to spend quality time while being outdoors. Need other picnic spots? Here are the best places to have a picnic in Greenville.

#8 Family Game Night with a Valentine’s Twist

Who says Valentine’s Day has to be just for couples? Turn your game night into a festive Valentine’s celebration with themed games. You can create your own “Valentine’s Bingo” or “Cupid’s Scavenger Hunt” with simple materials from around the house. Want more family fun ideas? Check out our ultimate guide to the best family board games.

#9 Go on a Family Hike

For a fun and free adventure, why not head out for a family hike? Hiking is a perfect way to enjoy nature and spend quality time together, and Greenville has some fantastic trails to explore. Whether it’s a winter hike to see the peaceful beauty of the season or a stroll through one of the area’s scenic parks, it’s a great way to bond as a family. Check out our list of winter hikes around Greenville for some great options to enjoy the outdoors this Valentine’s Day.

Finally, make this a month of love. Find creative and fun was to share love with your family all month long. Whatever you decide to do, have fun!

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