100+ Things to Do Over Spring Break in Spartanburg, SC

Spring Break is the perfect time to have some fun and explore Spartanburg. We’ve rounded up over 100 family-friendly things to do in Spartanburg this spring break. Spring Break for Spartanburg school districts is April 3-7, 2023. With this list, your kids will have no reason to say they are bored!

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On the Hunt for the Blue Ghost- DuPont State Recreational Forest

Every year, around the middle/end of May, a rare phenomenon appears in the southern Appalachians. Blue-ish lights hover above the floor of the forest, appearing by the thousands in undisturbed, high-moisture areas. The annual return of the blue ghost fireflies is a very special occasion; loss of pristine forest has shrunk the suitable habitat for the blue ghost down to just a small area around DuPont State Recreational Forest in North Carolina, and on top of that, the fireflies only appear for about a month each year!

🔵What to Expect When Exploring DuPont for Blue Ghost Fireflies:

A few weeks in late spring, blue ghost fireflies turn the southern Appalachian forests into a forest of blue lights hovering silently above the forest floor.
They come out late, after the other fireflies have faded – find a moist, sheltered trail near water, get there before sunset, and be patient.
Go carefully – crowds are already threatening this fragile habitat, and the forest service has had to close trails to protect it.

What’s a blue ghost firefly anyway?

Although DuPont has become synonymous with blue ghost fireflies, there are many public lands in nearby counties where this night marvel can also be seen, including the Nantahala & Pisgah National Forests (NC) and the Mountain Bridge Wilderness right here in the Upstate. And it’s actually not so very difficult to see the blue ghost; you won’t need special night vision equipment, nor do you have to venture far from your car to see them.

Prime Viewing Time for the Blue Ghost

Mid-May through mid-June is prime viewing time. Choose a high-moisture destination in or near DuPont (a trail that is close to a river, a sheltered cove…), and head out before sunset to scout. (Tip: this is the perfect time to visit one of the dozens of waterfalls along the Blue Ridge Escarpment and enjoy a popular destination without the crowds!) Finally, once the sun sets, use the last bit of light to hike a short distance out on your pre-selected trail, and then wait… and wait a little more. Be patient! The blue ghosts come out late, after sunset, and not at twilight like all the other fireflies.

Our Experience Searching through DuPont for Fireflies

One May, we headed to DuPont on our annual blue ghost excursion. We took along a picnic, and enjoyed dinner outdoors while we waited for the sun to set. Other species of fireflies appeared around dusk, fireworks against the dark forest that had the boys standing still in silent awe. We had just about given up on seeing the ghosts and were set to begin the journey home when we walked out one last time – and there they were!

As our eyes adjusted, we saw more and more of them, glowing for up to a minute at a time, hovering above the forest floor in an eerie scene that had us all captivated. The blue ghosts are notoriously hard to photograph, and I didn’t even try – we just soaked in the scene before us, marveling at the rather spooky scene.

Protect the Fireflies! NC Forest Service Boundaries

As thousands flock to DuPont to search for the elusive lightning bug, the NC Forest Service has had to take steps to protect the blue ghost populations within park boundaries. We have seen temporary trail closures in response to an overwhelming number of visitors during blue ghost season, and forest officials observed a high level of habitat disturbance and disruption by the large nighttime crowds, which could have long-term impacts on local populations of fireflies. Forest officials ask that the public observe trail closure signs and stay out of closed areas.

Double-check to see what trails are closed before your visit. Over the past year, especially, Dupont Forest has seen an explosion of visitors, and they’ve had to close trails more often for maintenance.

Plan Your Trip to See the Blue Ghost Fireflies in DuPont

In your quest to find the blue ghost firefly, I hope you’ll respect the work that forest service employees and other public servants are doing in preserving the habitat of this seldom-seen insect.

Please stay on the trail, visit during official hours, park in designated areas, and obey posted signs & trail closures (and make sure to pack a flashlight!). The fireflies are a wonderful opportunity to instill in our children an awe of the beauty of nature, but if we’re not careful, their light will blink out forever.

If you’d like to take a guided tour to see the blue ghosts, we’d recommend this incredible experience in Pisgah Forest.

You can see what the blue ghost fireflies look like in this photo. Find more information about DuPont State Recreation Forest’s blue ghost fireflies from the Friends of DuPont.

This article was originally published on Femme au foyer.

Has your family ever visited the blue ghost fireflies?

3 Ways to Have Fun with Your Toddler in Greenville for $5 or less!

Exploring Greenville with your toddler on a budget? Local mom Lauren has put together a list of fun things to do in Greenville for $5 or less. This list includes indoor and outdoor activities your little one will love!

(Prices are based on one adult and one toddler age 3 or under.)

While we strive to include up to date information, sometimes information changes. Please check with the original source to ensure correct dates and times and of course let us know if you notice something that needs to be fixed.

1. Acrosmith Gymnastics

If your toddler has lots of energy, Acrosmith is the perfect way to spend an hour of your time! Miss Jackie developed Tot Time when she saw the need for her own toddler and his friends to get their energy out on those days when they’d rather be inside. Your toddler will love running, jumping, climbing, and swinging all around the gym! There is no commitment to join the gym, just pick a class to try for only $5 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 10 am or 11:15 am, or Fridays only at 10 am.

Acrosmith Gym

2. Paris Mountain State Park

Located at 2401 State Park Road, you and your toddler can spend the entire day here and find nature at it’s finest! Choose to spend your time in the shade or in the sunshine, eating lunch at picnic tables or under picnic shelters, on trails or at the playground, bird watching or geo caching. Spend the day? You may want to spend a week!

$5 adults; $3.25 SC seniors (age 65 & older); $3/ child age 6-15; Free for children 5 and younger.

Paris Mountain State Park

3. Tell Me a Story Theatre

Ms. Traysie is a joy to watch as she brings to life various characters from children’s picture books. Although this is advertised to a “Pre-K” audience, my active toddler always loves going! I think it’s a great opportunity for my toddler to be in comfortable and forgiving environment where she can observe older children sitting, listening, and participating. Every time we’ve been, the crowd of children have been so excited, and many younger siblings are in tow. Stories are told at 9:30 am and 11:00 am on scheduled Tuesdays. At $1 per person, it is hard to beat this price!

Tell Me a Story Theatre

If you try out one of these places, don’t forget to tell them that you saw them on Kidding Around Greenville! And, come back and let us know what you think.

Note: This post features several KAG partners and advertisers but they were chosen by independently by Lauren with no influence by KAG. Proof again that our advertisers come reader-recommended!

Plan the Ultimate Greenville Staycation this Summer

This summer seems to have flown by faster than any other, and with only a few weeks left before school, you might want to plan a vacation. Stumped on where to go? Look no further than your own city. We’ll give you lots of ideas on what to do and where to stay so you can create your very own perfect staycation!

Right here in Greenville are some exciting places to stay in town, and complete a day trip that will make this summer stand out from all the others. The hotels and suites around town and the surrounding areas with all of the lakes, parks, and amusement activities will make you feel like a tourist in your own town. So why travel when you can vacation in Greenville?

Start with the perfect hotel

While there are tons of hotels to pick from in Greenville, we’re highlighting a few in different parts of town.

Embassy Suites on Verdae or Downtown on the Reedy both offer free hot buffet breakfast, happy hour, and indoor pools. Book Verdae or Downtown.

Off of Pelham Road, hotels on The Parkway and Beacon Drive are close to restaurants and the Interstate! Choose from The Marriott on the Parkway, Home2U Suites or Fairfield Inn and Suites.

In the middle of all the action, along Woodruff Road, options include Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton Inn.

And to book the Westin Poinsett in smack dab Downtown Greenville, click here.

Plan your day

Whether you stay in town or drive for about an hour, here are some ways to make your stay-cation the best.

Carowinds

In Charlotte, only about an hour and a half away, Carowinds is an amusement park with tons of roller coasters, attractions, and rides for all ages! Purchase tickets here. Find out why KAG Contributor Jennifer’s family loves Carowinds so much!

Discovery Island Water Park

In Greenville, this awesome water park is barely a drive away! For all ages, tickets can be purchased at the gate, and season passes are available here. Also, be sure to read our review of Discovery Island.

Bike the Swamp Rabbit Trail

If you don’t have your own bike, Reedy Rides bike rentals is affordable and reliable for renting bikes by the half day, day, weekend, or full week! Right off Main Street Downtown, Reedy Rides is close to the trail and hotels and restaurants! We have a handy Swamp Rabbit Trail itinerary and a Family Guide to the Trail that you’ll want to check out before you go.

Dollar Movies

On Tuesdays during the summer, Regal Theaters host dollar movies! You may even be able to find a free movie this summer. After all, doesn’t everyone love going to the movies?

US National Whitewater Center

It may be a bit of a drive as it’s in Charlotte, but for a day’s worth of fun and exercise, it is well worth it! No reservations need to be made, but you can check out prices here.

The Greenville Zoo

Check out the fish, reptiles, and elephants right downtown Greenville at the Greenville Zoo! Tickets can be purchased at the time of arrival, but here’s the calendar of events planned this summer.

Greenville stay-cations are the route to take when you’re in a bind for time but still want to get one last vacation in before school starts back up in August. In the blink of an eye, we’ll all be back into the full swing of things, so before gearing up and getting back in routines, look no further than your own wonderful city to squeeze in one last vacation. After all, Greenville is the best place to be, so why go anywhere else?

What’s your favorite thing to do on a staycation?

25 Things Your Child Should Do in Greenville Before They Grow Up

In a city chock full of play, it’s easy to find dozens upon dozens of things to do with your children over the years. But what about the absolutely MUST-do activities? Some things are simply not to be missed before your kiddos reach adulthood, and if you’ve got #familygoal ambitions, we’ve got you covered! Read on to find a bucket list unique to growing up in Greenville, where you can check off what you’ve already experienced and discover what must be added to your future line-up.

Growing Up Greenville Bucket List

Plunge down a Sliding Rock

With several to choose from and just a scenic drive away, the thrill is waiting!

Have a Picnic at Falls Park

Grab a blanket and pick a pretty spot on the lawn.

Survive a local Haunted House

Scream alongside your teen and laugh about it for years to come. We survived Denver Downs’ Harvest of Horror!

Check out the Greenville Zoo

Lions, leopards, and giraffes! Oh my!

Catch a show at the South Carolina Children’s Theatre

Don’t miss this venue created just for them.

Visit The Children’s Museum of the Upstate

If it isn’t already, it’s sure to be their favorite place.

Shop at O.P. Taylors Toy Store

Let ‘em bring their birthday money to the coolest toy store around.

Complete a Park Hop Scavenger Hunt

Hunt for clues in parks all around Greenville County. Now offered year-round!

Experience the Greenville Drive

Take them out to the ballgame!

Let your kids pick their own Fresh Fruit

The Upstate is home to orchards and farms aplenty – peaches and berries are a favorite.

picking blackberries near Greenville, SC

Cut down your own Christmas tree in the mountains

Greenville has the luxury of tree farms just a scenic mountain drive away. Here’s our list of reader recommended Christmas tree farms.

Find all of the Mice on Main

Visit Mast General Store on Main St. to grab a map and join in the iconic hunt.

Splash at the Greenville Rec Water Parks

Discover a favorite or visit them all.

Visit the Roper Mountain Science Center

Explore the Upstate’s very own planetarium.

Check out the Upcountry History Museum

Let your kids delve into the local history of the Upstate at the Upcountry History Museum.

Upcountry History Museum in Greenville, SC

Skate the Ice on Main

A winter treat in the heart of the city.

Enjoy a Swamp Rabbit Hockey Game

Take them to see a hockey game on the big ice!

Experience the Greenville Symphony Orchestra

Their rendition of Star Wars is sure to steal the hearts of kids everywhere.

Explore all the trails of Paris Mountain

Local hiking, fishing, camping, swimming, geocaching, biking, and more. Ranger led hikes are just one of the fun hikes your kids will love.

Bike all of the Swamp Rabbit Trail

Miles and miles of paved trails to explore, and yummy stops to boot! Adventure awaits for your family on the trail!

Climb to the top of Table Rock

A feat for the troopers, but with great reward of accomplishment and views.

Find all of the downtown Geocaches

Geocaching in the city is more difficult than on the trail. Attempt this with the big kids.

Lake Jocassee

Don’t miss one of National Geographic’s “50 of the World’s Last Great Places.” Be sure to read our Guide to Visiting Lake Jocassee with Kids before you go!

Break Out of an Escape Room

Test the will and cunning of your older kids as you all race the clock to break free.

Take the Tour

Do you have something to add to our bucket list for kids in Greenville?

The Ultimate Guide to How to Get Your Groceries Easier

Raise your hands if you think your friendly neighborhood delivery service was heaven sent. This is how I first felt when I experienced by first grocery delivery in Greenville, SC. Hubby was out of town and we just had come back from a big trip. Chores had piled up and kids were off from school because of storm warnings. How to do everything when your hands are already full? Thankfully, Publix online shopping and same day delivery came to the rescue. It was so easy and free, thanks to a special offer for new customers. It was like having elves show up in your house. Probably the easiest supermarket trip ever.

Where to find the magical grocery delivery service

With the coming of two big app-based delivery companies, Instacart and Shipt, more supermarkets are able to offer the same-day delivery service, some within as little as one hour! I’ve noticed that Publix works with both companies which probably explains why they have great delivery coverage.

Before you proceed, bear in mind that there are pros and cons to online ordering. For instance, online prices are sometimes higher than found in the store. Costco, in fact, readily states that prices are higher online, right on their website. Online shopping also takes away the option to pick your own produce and the social interaction that comes with shopping in stores. That being said, online shopping also helps you manage your grocery shopping better and lowers the chances of impulse buying. Whether it’s curbside pick-up or same-day delivery you choose, on-line grocery services like Instacart and Shipt, are definitely a big win for parents when it comes to convenience and time saved. Please note that alcohol is not available for online deliveries.

grocery delivery services greenville, sc

Grocery Stores with Curbside Pick Up

Before the same-day delivery service, we were already thrilled with the idea of curbside pick-up. For those not familiar, it’s grocery shopping online with the option to pick-up your groceries at a designated time of your choosing. How does it work? You create a shopping list through your grocery app or website. Upon checkout, you select a time to pick them up. Your receipt should give you a designated number which the store will use to identify your items. Typically, the store you choose will have a reserved parking area for pick-ups. Usually the order is free but depending on your store, there might be a minimum order of $30. Please see your preferred supermarket for more detailed guidelines, such as a time cut-off for same-day orders, pricing and procedures. Fortunately, there are quite a few stores offering curbside pick up.

Lowes Foods of Greer
850 East Suber Road Suite 200
Greer, SC 29650

Lowes Foods of Simpsonville
2815 Woodruff Road
Simpsonville, SC 29681

Lowes Foods off Pelham
3619 Pelham Road
Greenville, SC 29615

Multiple Publix and Walmart locations – please see their website for the complete list.

Grocery Delivery Services

Instacart

An Instacart membership offers a free 14-day trial and after that charges $99 per year. Stores that they work with are listed below.

Note: Check your own location – stores vary by location.

Current Store Locations

Sam’s Club
Publix
Harris Teeter
Costco
Aldi
CVS
Lowe’s
Petco
Food Lion
Party City
Lowe’s Foods
Ingles
The Fresh Market
Sprouts
Target
Big Lots
Walgreens
The Home Depot
Kohl’s
Sephora
Family Dollar
Chef’s Store
Restaurant Depot
KJ’s Market

Shipt

A Shipt membership also offers a 2-week free trial, a recurring membership of $99 after trial, plus $15 off on first order, with the option to cancel anytime. Shipt also has a Monthly plan of $10.99 and free delivery on orders over $35. Read local mom Jackie Vest’s review of Shipt.

Tip: Check out their facebook page for deals and digital coupons.