Here are the Best Daddy/Daughter Dates in the Upstate

Hey dads! If you’re looking for great daddy-daughter events in Greenville, SC and the Upstate, we’ve got the list here. Most of these ideas are seasonal and happen around Valentine’s Day.

Daddy Daughter dates nights for 2024 near Greenville, South Carolina

Valentine’s Day is approaching, which means mom and dad have a good chance to get away on their own, but it’s also a great reminder of the importance of dads and daughters having a special time together. Here are a few ideas for dads and daughters to hang out—no matter how old the daughters are.

(2024 dates are still being added so check back in a couple of weeks!)

For other times of the year, our list of 20 Parent/Kid Dates is full of a ton of ideas that are perfect for any season, budget, or family situation.

Upstate Daddy Daughter Events: Greenville, SC

Most daughters love spending time with their dads, and an activity together is a great way to do so. These are some local events for dads and their precious girls:

Daddy-Daughter Dance

Friday, February 2, 2024 from 6-8 pm

Head to the elegant Grand Holland Estate in Simpsonville for an evening of dancing and dinner. Tickets are $25/person and the event is geared for ages 3-13.

Grand Holland Estate
815 Holland Road, Simpsonville

Father/Daughter Date Night

Friday, February 2nd, 2024

The Annual Father/Daughter Date Night at Color Clay Cafe includes pottery painting, chocolate fondue, and beverages. RSVPs are required, and you can call the studio during business hours to reserve a table. The cost is a $12 studio fee that covers dad and daughter, and additional daughters are $3 plus the cost of their pottery.

Color Clay Cafe
2518 E. North Street, Greenville

Daddy Daughter Date Night at Tip Top Cake Shop

Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 5 pm

Dads can bring their daughters to Tip Top Cake Shop in Easley for a night of sweet treats and fun. Tickets are $45/each dad/daughter and $10/each additional daughters. All ages are welcome.

Tip Top Cake Shop
601 Williams Avenue, Easley
864.850.2807

Ties & Tiaras Sweetheart Dance

Friday, February 9, 2024 from 6:30-9 pm

The Sweetheart Dance promises to be a night of fun and memories for dads and their daughters (ages 5+). The event will have lots of food, music, and dancing. Tickets are $60/couple and $30/each additional child.

Cleveland Park Event Center
141 N Cleveland Park Drive, Spartanburg

Simpsonville Daddy Daughter Date Night Dance [SOLD OUT]

Friday, February 9, 2024 from 6:30-8:30 pm

Great opportunity for dads to have a special night with their daughter(s), enjoy dinner, and have fun. Children ages 3-13 are admitted. Tickets are $20 per person and must be purchased in advance at the Simpsonville Activity & Senior Center. Tickets cannot be purchased online or via phone and will not be sold at the door. If you have any questions, please email Special Events Coordinator Lisa Everidge at leveridge@simpsonville.com.

Simpsonville Activity Center
310 West Curtis Street, Simpsonville

Daddy-Daughter Date Day at Steam Coffee & Cream

February 9, 2024, at 6 and 7 pm and February 10, 2024, at 2 and 3 pm

Dads and Daughters can enjoy a special meal, beverage, and dessert along with activities at Steam Coffee & Cream. Reservations are required, and times can be reserved for an hour at the times above via this link. The cost is $30 for Dad/Daughter together and $10 for an additional daughter.

Steam Coffee & Cream
113 South Main Street, Fountain Inn

Daddy Daughter Date Night

Friday, February 9, 2024, and Friday, February 23, 2024, from 6-7:30 pm; $3/person plus the cost of pottery.

9th Annual Valentine’s Daddy-Daughter Date Night at Hearts of Clay with chocolate, candies, cookies soft drinks, and water. Call to reserve your seat.

Hearts of Clay
660 Spartan Boulevard, Suite 20, Spartanburg

Daddies, Daughters, and Donuts

Saturday, February 10, 2024 from 9-10 am

Join Once Upon a Dream Parties and Aiel, Rapunzel, and Aurora to celebrate the love between you and your daughter(s). The cost is $15/child and includes one adult. Please RSVP to attend by calling 864-421-2472.

Once Upon a Dream Parties
Greenville, SC

Daddy Daughter Dance

February 10, 2024, from 6-8 pm

This event in Fountain Inn will be held at the Fountain Inn Activity Center. The event will include dinner, dancing, a photo station, and more. All ages are welcome. Tickets are $25/person and include dinner and a photo and must be purchased in advance.

Fountain Inn Activity Center
600 Fairview Street, Fountain Inn

Swan Lake Children’s Ball

Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 6 pm

Join the International Ballet for the inaugural Swan Lake Children’s Ball, an evening dedicated to parents and their children that includes a DJ, raffles for prizes, hors d’oeuvres, and dancing. Tickets are $30/person.

Greenville Country Club
239 Byrd Boulevard. Greenville

Daddy-Daughter Dance & Play Date

Sunday, February 11, 2024, from 3-5 pm

This dad-daughter dance and play date is happening at Palmetto Proper in Travelers Rest. Tickets include a play pass, a catered meal, and photo opportunities. Tickets are $30/child and $10/adult.

Palmetto Proper
164 S Main Street, Suite B, Travelers Rest

Chic-Fil-A Taylors Daddy Daughter Date Night

Monday, February 12th, 2024 and Tuesday, February 13th, 2024 from 5 pm – 8 pm
*Night 1 for 2024 is sold out.

Dad-daughter date night at Chic-FIl-A in Taylors. The first night sold out quickly so reserve your spot soon. $15/person

2801 Wade Hampton Blvd, Suite C, Taylors

Light Up the Night Daddy Daughter Glow Dance

Saturday, February 17, 2024, from 6-8 pm

This fun event will be at the Lyman Event Center, 59 Groce Road, Lyman and guests are encouraged to wear white or neon to light up the night. Tickets are $40 per couple and $15 for each additional child. To purchase tickets, go to Lyman Town Hall at 81 Groce Road. The dance is open for all ages. Call 864.439.3453 for more info. Tickets include dinner, music, and dancing.

Lyman Event Center
59 Groce Road, Lyman

Daddy Daughter Date Night

Friday, February 23, 2024 at Pickens Branch YMCA from 6:30 pm- 8:30 pm
Friday, March 1, 2024 at Powdersville Branch YMCA from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Tickets are $25/member and $25/non-member

Sponsored by the YMCA of Easley, Pickens, and Powdersville, this event includes desserts, photo opportunities, and lots of dancing!

Powdersville YMCA (February 23, 2024)
9115 SC-81, Piedmont; 864.625.2060
Pickens YMCA (March 1, 2024)
2223 Gentry Memorial Highway, Pickens

Dad-Daughter & Mother-Son Dance

Friday, February 23, 2024 from 7-10 pm

Tickets include photo opportunities, dancing, and cupcakes. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased online.

Nara Hall
311 Spartanburg Highway, Wellford

Daddy Daughter Date Night: Barnyard Edition

Friday, March 1, 2024 from 6-8 pm

The Church at the Mill is hosting a dad-daughter date night barn yard with dancing, food, and activities for dads with daughters in 1st-5th grades. Tickets are $15/person.

The Church at the Mill
2589 Ballenger Road, Wellford

Daddy Daughter Date Night

Thursday, April 11, 2024 at 5:30 pm and 6:45 pm

Chic-Fil-A in Greer is hosting a Daddy-Daughter date night that is reservation only. There will be two seatings: one at 5:30 pm and 6:45 pm. Call for reservations: 864.848.5222.

Chic-Fil-A Greer
1379 W Wade Hampton Blvd, Greer

Family Date Nights

If you’re hoping to include the whole family or have a special mother-daughter or mother-son date, consider the following events.

Someone Special Dinner at Fork & Plough

February 13, 2024

Join Fork & Plough for a special dinner with your child. There will be a special kid-friendly menu alongside the restaurant’s normal menu. You can make reservations on the restaurant’s website.

Fork and Plough
1629 East North Street, Greenville
864.609.4249

Family Date Night at Abbott’s Custard

Monday, February 12, 2024 at 6 & 6:45 pm

Prepaid reservations are required at all times. Adult tickets (ages 12+ are $15.50) include two slices of pizza from Merrell’s Pizza, a sundae from our menu, or a create-your-own sundae with one sauce, one topping, whipped cream, and cherry, and your choice of a soft drink or bottled water. Child tickets (ages 1-11, $11.50) include one slice of pizza from Merrell’s Pizza, a kiddie scoop of custard with your choice of 1 topping, and your choice of a soft drink or bottled water. Children who do not need a seat or are not eating do not need a ticket. Tickets are not sold in the shop or by phone and are only available online.

Abbott’s Frozen Custard
119 E Poinsett Street, Greer

Other Activities for Daddy-Daughter Date Night: Greenville, SC

Theatre

If you’re looking for a fancy outing with a younger daughter, you might enjoy a SC Children’s Theatre performance of Pinkalicious: The Musical. And our Things to do with Teens in Greenville guide may help if you have a teen daughter.

Fun Playtime Together

Of course, the old standbys such as mini golf, bowling, and hiking can provide a lot of fun memories. Consider asking your daughter to pick an activity—she will likely have a great idea.

Dinner Date

Check out our Kids Eat Free options for a treat. If you’re looking for restaurants that are a little more upscale but still have kid-friendly fare, Southern Culture, and Tupelo Honey offer southern food that even picky eaters will enjoy. And Grill Marks’ combo of hamburgers and milkshakes is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

No matter what activity or dinner option you choose, you can create a priceless memory with your daughter by asking to spend time with her. It’s a tradition that can happen far more often than just around Valentine’s Day each year.

Do you know of a great Daddy Daughter Date idea that we should add to our list?

This article was originally written By Robert Neely and has been heavily updated by the Kidding Around Team.

Where to Find Boys’ Dance Classes Near Greenville, SC

Looking for boys dance classes near Greenville, SC? It can be hard to be the only boy in a dance class, and as a result, many boys don’t want to try a dance class. Kidding Around found a few studios in Spartanburg and Greenville that offer dance classes just for boys. Below you’ll find a list of places where boys will find dance classes just for them.

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14 Ideas for a Romantic Date Night: Greenville, SC

Looking for things to do for a romantic date night in Greenville, SC? Here’s our list of the 14 most romantic dates in Greenville! We’ve included date ideas that all couples will love. We also asked our readers for their thoughts and included reader-recommended ideas for great dates in Greenville.

Top Romantic Dates in Greenville, SC

Fun Date Time: Reader Recommended

Date Night Childcare Options in Greenville, SC

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The Most Romantic Dates in Spartanburg, SC

Are you looking for ideas for date nights in Spartanburg, SC? We’ve identified some of the most romantic dates in Spartanburg. The various date options on this list make it possible for Spartanburg couples to enjoy a variety of dates year-round.

Spartanburg’s Most Romantic Dates

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, and the pressure is on to make the day extra special. Have no fear! You can plan a romantic evening with your love right here in town – no matter your budget. And, even better, you can go on dates any time of year – not just Valentine’s Day.

Local Restaurants in Spartanburg are Perfect for Date Nights

Spartanburg has several amazing restaurants that offer delicious meals and date night atmospheres. Depending on your tastes and your budget, here are some of the most popular date night restaurants in Spartanburg:

If you’d like to find out a little more about some of the most romantic restaurants in Spartanburg, don’t miss our list!

There are so many [date night options]! City Range has a beautiful fireplace to help set the ambiance. The Kennedy provides a unique chef’s table experience. Longhorn has a killer steak with a fun atmosphere. Renato’s is fabulous for authentic Italian.

Dodi

The Peddler Steakhouse for a nice relaxed dinner.

Deysi

Take It to the Roof

In addition to the popular restaurants listed above, Spartanburg also has a few rooftop dining options for couples. At Bar 1884, you can enjoy a bite to eat, a beverage, and each other’s company under the stars.

Also, Level 10 on top of the AC Hotel has amazing food options and views of the city. Plus, if you want an ultra-romantic date, you can reserve the sunset deck for private dining.

Enjoy a Picnic

If you would rather avoid the restaurant scene and save some money, you can always pack a picnic and enjoy it at one of the lovely parks in the area. I suggest Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve or Milliken Arboretum.

Embrace the Arts

Fan of the movie Ghost? You can take a pottery wheel class date night at Hearts of Clay, which offers various pottery and adult painting classes all year long.

Have Some Drinks

For those wanting to skip a big meal, you can plan a romantic date with just drinks in downtown Spartanburg easily. Coffee fans will love the atmosphere of Little River Coffee Bar, where you can enjoy coffee and baked goods and then peruse the bookstore. (That sounds like a dream date to me!)

If you are a wine lover, Bond Street Wines downtown offers wine flights and serves wine by the glass. And if beer is more your style, downtown Spartanburg has several great options for you, such as RJ Rockers, Ciclops Cyderi & Brewery, and Holliday Brewing.

Get A Little Sporty

If your idea of romance involves more play and less googly eyes across a dinner table, then you will love playing Sparkle City Mini Putt (for free!) or bowling a few strikes at UnderPin Lanes ‘N Lounge. Another downtown hangout, Fr8 Yard, offers a huge screen for viewing sports, cornhole, ping pong, and fire pits. If you feel the need for speed, Speed Factory Indoor Karting is a great place to get an adrenaline rush together.

For my husband’s birthday, we ate lunch at Sidewall Pizza, then bowled at UnderPin Lanes & finished up with a beer at Growler Haus.

Tara

Underpin was really fun!

Rachel

Worth a Drive to Greenville

Greenville has a lot of great date night options, but many of the things you can travel to Greenville for, you can enjoy in Spartanburg. However, Spartanburg does not have The Chef’s Table Culinary Tour. For the foodies, this is a dream date option that takes couples on a walking tour to enjoy some of the best restaurants in Greenville.

Splurge Ideas

If you want to go all out and plan a super romantic date, you don’t have to travel far. Simply traveling to Landrum will open several romantic date possibilities. Landrum is home to the amazing Red Horse Inn, as well as the pick-up location for limousine wine tours that takes you to various wineries right over the North Carolina border.

Do you have a date night idea to add to our list? Share it in the comments.

Looking for more great date night ideas near Spartanburg? We’ve got your ultimate guide to date night near Greenville, SC.

Consignment Sales You Cannot Miss in the Upstate near Greenville, SC

Looking for Greenville, SC consignment sales? There is just no better bang for your buck on kid’s clothing and gear than local consignment sales. We have all the local consignment sale details for sales in Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson, SC so you won’t miss a thing!

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41 Things To Put On Your Family’s 2024 Greenville, SC Bucket List

Are you working to fill your 2024 bucket list with the very best things to do in and near Greenville, SC? Kidding Around is here with some fabulous ideas to get your started, including outdoor adventures, free things to do, and things everyone in Greenville should do at least once. Make 2024 a year full of fun and adventure.

I am always looking for the next adventure and best things to do in and near Greenville, SC and really, there aren’t any shortage of them. I’ve done several of these but I plan to do lots more in 2024 and make wonderful memories with my family this year!

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How Can You Help the Ronald McDonald House in Greenville, SC?

Are you interested in volunteering at the Ronald McDonald? Greenville, SC is home to the Ronald McDonald House of the Carolinas, and they are always looking for wonderful volunteers! Learn what types of volunteer opportunities are available to help support this important organization which helps families with children receiving care at local hospitals.

greenville ronald mcdonald house feature

There are many ways that you can help support the Ronald McDonald House through acts of kindness and volunteering. If you’re looking for a place your whole family can volunteer, consider helping out at our local Ronald McDonald House. RMHC has several opportunities for volunteers of any age!

What is Ronald McDonald House Charities?

RMHC provides a low-cost place for families to stay who have a critically ill or injured child in a nearby hospital. The houses offer private bedrooms, playrooms and home-cooked meals–all of which allow families to stay close to their hospitalized loved ones. There are over 350 Ronald McDonald Houses, in 63 countries and they serve more than 12,000 families each night.

Locally, Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Carolinas is across the street from Greenville Memorial Hospital on Grove Road. It features 12 private rooms, laundry services, a double kitchen, a playroom and an outdoor playground.

Volunteer Opportunities at the Ronald McDonald House: Greenville, SC

Volunteers are vital to the Ronald McDonald House in Greenville. Volunteers can help with simple chores, baking cookies, cooking meals, helping clean, and spending time with the families and siblings of children who are ill. These children are often saddled with an unbearable amount of stress. Spending time in a colorful playroom away from the hospital is the perfect place for them to set aside their grief and act their age.

RMHCC is always looking for volunteers, and there are several volunteer programs families can do together. There are lots of simple ways you and your children can become a small part of this amazing organization.

Volunteer by Baking Cookies

One of the most popular volunteering programs at RMHCC is Cookies from the Heart. This program bakes fresh cookies for the families in residence. Fresh-baked cookies help make staying at RMHCC feel more like home. Plus, it’s a fast treat they can grab on their way to the hospital.

Groups of up to 6 people can sign up for weekday morning hours to volunteer cooking and baking. You must bring all ingredients, while RMHCC will provide cookie sheets, bowls, spatulas, cooling racks, and individual baggies for packaging up the cookies. They have three ovens available for use. You can make any type of cookies, brownies, or blondies. They only ask that no nuts be used.

Children 8 and older can participate, and the rule is 2 children to one parent.

The Guest Chef Program at the Ronald McDonald House

RMHCC provides the families staying there with home-cooked meals every evening through the Guest Chef Program. Volunteers for this program are asked to make enough food for at least 20 people.

Food can be catered or prepared onsite using the kitchens and equipment at the House, which includes a gas grill, three ovens, and two stoves. Time slots for this program are every day from 4 to 6 p.m., with the mealtime around 6 p.m. Groups of 6 or less can help prepare the meals onsite.

Prepare Meals in the Weekend Meal Prep Program

Similar to the Guest Chef Program, families who’d like to help out on the weekends can sign up to make prepared meals for residents of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Carolinas.

Volunteers can prepare casseroles, soups, pasta bakes, and other meals that hold up well for the residents to cook and eat later in the week.

Families can volunteer from 11 am to 12:30 pm, both Saturday and Sunday. Meals should be cooked at RMHCC or be catered. Children 10 and older can help their parents during meal prep.

Help Keep the Ronald McDonald House Clean as a House Monitor

House Monitor volunteers can help out both during the week and on weekends to maintain the home and keep the Ronald McDonald House clean. Volunteers help families with laundry, removing trash and recycling from the home, sanitizing the common areas, and more.

They can also help with office tasks, yard work, housekeeping, and various household tasks. Volunteers must be 16 or older to participate as a House Monitor. Shifts are 2 hours long and are available from 9 am to 8 pm Monday through Friday. Saturday and Sunday volunteer hours are from 10 am to 8 pm.

Other Ways Families Can Help

The Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Carolinas wish list is an excellent way to help when you cannot be there in person to volunteer. The list includes cleaning supplies, paper goods, coffee cups, sugar packets, canned soups, and protein bars. They’d also love holiday toys for children and pre-teens.
Make decorations or write Christmas cards for the families in residence.
Collect pop tabs from cans to donate to the RMHCC. The center can then turn in the aluminum for money at a recycling center to fund the program.
RMHC donation boxes are located at McDonald’s restaurants and Walgreens. A donation box full of spare change can pay for a family to stay at the House for one night.
RMHCC also has additional volunteer opportunities for adults, individuals, and groups. For more information, questions, or to sign up for one of these volunteer opportunities, please visit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Carolinas website.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Carolinas
706 Grove Road, Greenville, SC
864.235.0506

Would volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House be the perfect way to give back for your family?

Reader Favorite Hot Chocolate in Greenville, SC

Looking for an amazing mug full of hot chocolate in Greenville, SC? Hot chocolate can be incredible – warm, chocolatey goodness and if you’re lucky, with a hefty helping of tiny marshmallows. Our Kidding Around Greenville readers recently revealed where their favorite places to find hot chocolate in Greenville.

Are you looking for those super trendy Hot Chocolate Bombs? Check out our Guide to Hot Chocolate Bombs in the Upstate!
Looking for more hot chocolate? Here’s our list of reader-favorite Hot Cocoa in Spartanburg, SC.

Complete Restaurant Guide to Greenville, SC

Looking for more great restaurants? We’ve got the list of best restaurants near Greenville, SC for you!

Delicious Hot Chocolate In Greenville

Kilwin’s Green ville

220 North Main St, Greenville
This cozy place is right next to the Hyatt on Main Street. They serve really good ice cream and make their own waffle cones. You should really treat yourself to some fresh chocolate fudge to go with that hot cocoa! You have our permission.

Kilwins Greenville has THE best hot chocolate I’ve ever had. The seaside caramel hot chocolate is my go to

Stefani P

STEAM Coffee and Cream

113 A South Main Street, Fountain Inn
Readers are recommending Steam Coffee and Cream in Fountain Inn for hot chocolate. They also offer a variety of kids arts and crafts events and games, so you really can’t go wrong.

113A S Main Street, Fountain Inn

Eggs Up Grill

1939 Woodruff Rd, Greenville | 31 August St, Greenville
You can’t really go wrong at a place where breakfast is served all day. For some extra pep in your step, try the mocha hot chocolate!

Swamp Rabbit Café & Grocery

205 Cedar Lane, Greenville
Everything that Swamp Rabbit Café bakes and brews and sells is amazing. No surprise their hot chocolate is any different. Go get some.

Coffee Underground

1 East Coffee St, Greenville
Located at the corner of Coffee and Main, this chill place is literally underground and serves up great coffee, hot chocolate, and sweet treats.

Barista Alley

101 Trade Street, Greer
This Greer coffee shop offers up grown-up looking hot cocoa with a lovely window to people-watch in Downtown Greer.

Enjoy more delicious warm beverages at these Coffee Shops in Greenville, SC

Where to Buy Local Hot Cocoa Bombs: Greenville, SC

Pick up Hot Cocoa Bombs from the brick-and-mortar locations. Make sure to order ahead closer to the holidays, as they will sell out and be hard to find unless you plan. *Prices subject to change

Chocolate Dreams Shop | Located inside of Shoppes Off Trade – 410 West Poinsett Street, Greer

Prices vary by design, character, and theme. Prices range from $5.50 and up for various chocolate bombs. Coffee, espresso, and traditional bombs are available as well.

Main Street Sweets – 119 Main Street. Woodruff

Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, and White Chocolate Bombs starting at $7

The Chocolate Bomb

$8 Each | Assorted Flavors
classic, mocha, peppermint bark, and salted caramel

Hot chocolate bombs are a fun twist on hot chocolate. I love creating flavors and making the bombs a fun surprise with different marshmallows. My husband and kids love trying my creations out. It is also fun watching customers watch my videos at the markets for the first time and seeing the marshmallows come out. We have been working hard this past month on our website and it is finally here! Check out www.thechocolatebomb.com!

Emily Lemieux Yeargin

*Photo Credit: White Elm Bakehouse, with permission*

New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day Celebrations in Greenville, SC {for kids}

Ready to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Greenville? We’ve compiled this list of great events to ring in the New Year and some fun things to do on New Year’s Day. You’ll find noon-time countdowns, free events, parties, special hikes, and more! Happy New Year from all of us at Kidding Around!

“We wish you a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!” You may have a plethora of ways to celebrate Christmas with your children, but do you have any ideas for celebrating the New Year in Greenville with your children? And, what do you do with your children on New Year’s Day? We have compiled a list of various options to celebrate New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day with your children.

Things to Do on New Year’s Eve With Kids

From parties to crafts and noon countdowns, here are several options to help your children celebrate New Years Eve!

Noon Years Eve on Saturday at TCMU-Greenville and Spartanburg from 9 am – 12:30 pm – Included with admission. There will be party hats, time capsules, and confetti poppers. Advance tickets are recommended.

Noon Years Eve Party at the Little Gym from 11:15 am – 12:15 pm – Members are $20/child and non-members are $20/child. Perfect for little kids that includes playtime and a balloon drop. MUST PRE-REGISTER.

Family Fun at Spare Time Entertainment starting at Noon. You can buy a “party” for your family that includes lane and shoe rental, a large pizza and soft drinks, noisemakers, and unlimited bowling. Lane rentals at Noon and the later the time, the most costly the lane rental. Rentals range from $119.99 – $209.99 for a 2.5 hour rental. Reservations are recommended.

Roller Sports NYE Skate in Taylors from 7 pm – 1 am. Price is $15/person and includes a slice of pizza and drink after 11 pm.

Upstate Holiday Light Show – 6 pm – 11 pm – New Years Eve is the last night to take the family to see this spectacular, drive-through light show.

Nights of Lights at Heritage Park on New Years Eve – 5-10 pm. Tickets are $10/age 16+ and $8/ages 6-15; ages 65+ are free on Sunday.

Swamp Rabbits New Year’s Eve & Glow Night – 6 pm – New Years Eve. Go watch and support the Swamp Rabbits for their New Year’s Eve game. There will be glow in the dark jerseys and prizes. And after the game there will be a fireworks show.

New Year’s Eve Early Bird Ball Drop at Magnetic South Brewery – 12 pm – 10 pm on New Year’s Eve. Head to Magnetic South Brewery in Anderson, SC to ring in 2024…early bird style. There will be live music and a ball drop at 9 pm with champagne toast.

Kids $5 Play at Group Therapy all day on New Years Day – Kids ages 12 and under pay just $5 per game at Group Therapy on New Years Day.

Hidden Pastures Unicorn Farm– 11 am to 9 pm on New Year’s Day. See the animals and enjoy the holiday lights. There will also be a food truck and a special move on New Year’s Eve! Tickets are $12-$14.

And if you need more lights in your life, several local light displays operate through the first of the year!

Things to Do on New Year’s Day in Greenville & Spartanburg

If your children did not stay up on New Year’s Eve, they will probably be ready to go on the first morning of the year. Pick up some breakfast from your favorite local restaurant. Then, go have some fun.

Go hiking!

Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site – 11 am – 1 pm – Take part in a First Day Hike with a self-guided 1.5-mile hike along the Tyger River Trail. Free park admission.

Musgrove Mill State Historic Site – 11 am – 11:45 am. 1 pm – 2:30 pm. Enjoy a self-guided, kid-friendly First Day Hike along the 1-mile British Camp Trail. Admission to the site is free.

Paris Mountain State Park – 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm and 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm – Take a self-guided hike for the First Day Hike at Paris Mountain. Signs at station posts provide activities along the way. Park admission is $6 an adult, $3.50 a child, and free for under 5.

Or create your own adventure using Kidding Around’s Hiking Guide!

Try one of these perfect winter hiking trails

Make Memories at an Amusement Park on New Year’s Day

What about spending the beginning of the New Year at an amusement park? That’s one way to make it memorable!

Dollywood – A favorite destination for the Kidding Around team, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in at Dollywood and in Pigeon Forge.

Carowinds – Conveniently located just over an hour from the Upstate, a visit doesn’t require an overnight stay.

Six Flags – This could be the year you overcome that fear of thrill-rides. The Pandemonium ride at Six Flags would be the amusement ride version of jumping into the deep end of the pool!

More Events and Things to Do For New Year’s

may

No Events

june

No Events

New Year’s in Columbia, SC: Head down toward the Midlands for a heap of additional New Year’s Events, including Capital City Fireworks at midnight.

25+ Free (or Inexpensive) Winter Things to Do in Greenville, SC

If you have experienced a Greenville, SC winter, free things to do are everywhere! We’ve gathered up our favorite free and inexpensive winter activities in Greenville. “Inexpensive” in this case means the total cost of the activity is less than $20 for a family of four to do.

Free and cheap winter things to do near Greenville, South Carolina

Winter can put a damper on outdoor activities because of the cold but do not fear, here’s a list of free and inexpensive things to do in the Upstate, South Carolina that will keep you and your kids from crying boredom and will help relieve that cabin fever.

Looking for more? If our winter list isn’t enough, check out our full list of Free and Inexpensive Things to Do in Greenville.

A quick tip: if you don’t have one already, we highly recommend purchasing a Greenville Attractions Dining & Value Guide ($25), which has great coupons to use at not only tons of restaurants in the area but also has vouchers for many entertainment venues and attractions and significant discounts off of admission to the Pavilion and Pump It Up bounce houses, water parks, and DEFY, among others. I saved over $200 last year using it.

Now to the fun part.

Greenville, SC: Winter Free Things to Do!

Outdoor Winter Fun

Go sledding if it snows!

Typically staying in your neighborhood is a good idea, especially if the roads are bad (and it’s free). Ideas for improvised sleds: tape up the seams of larger cardboard boxes with duct tape, use pool toys, a large cookie sheet, lunch tray, tops of garbage cans, an old car hood, laundry basket, or plastic kiddie pool. [disclaimer: don’t blame us if these ideas don’t work]

But if you’re looking for something more (that does cost money) KAG readers recommend Maggie Valley, Moonshine Mountain, and Jonas Ridge, which are all in North Carolina.

Go on a driving waterfall tour of North Carolina waterfalls that involve little to no hiking at all. Bonus is that you may get to see a frozen waterfall or two!

Winter Hikes are free (depending on your hiking location) and have lots of fun. Enjoy the crisp, fresh air and a hike without the sweltering summer heat! Caesars Head State Park has particularly stunning views year-round. We have 6 Upstate Winter Hike locations for you to try.

Explore Falls Park on the Reedy in Downtown Greenville to watch the ducks and geese swim around, they are usually there all year. Then you can stroll the streets of Downtown Greenville and window shop. Camperdown Plaza is also pretty fun to walk about, with art in every corner.

Spend an afternoon at one of Greenville’s Park with Sunny Spaces and Playgrounds.

When the weather cooperates, take a bike ride or walk on the Swamp Rabbit Trail.

Indoor Winter Activities

Sign up for a free trial toddler class: Piano Central Studios, and The Little Gym.

Eat for free using our Kids Eat Free list.

Library: Both the Spartanburg and Greenville County library systems are enormous and they have a ton of free stuff to do – virtual storytimes, craft kits, and special online events. Most branches have free parking but the ones downtown do charge anywhere from $1-$2.

Enjoy the fish at the small aquarium at Bass Pro Shops on Woodruff Road and have your kids pick out their favorite wild animal on display all around the massive store.

Looking at the aquarium of fish at Bass Pro Shops in Greenville, South Carolina

Visit small creatures at local Petco or PetSmart stores, the Greenville Humane Society, or Greenville County Animal Care.

Continue kindness! Just because the holiday season is coming to a close, shouldn’t mean the end of being kind and thoughtful. Write a nice note for a service member and send it with a care package, bake cookies for your local firefighters, volunteer for Meals on Wheels, and catch up on thank you notes for all those Christmas gifts.

Inexpensive Things to Do During the Winter in Greenville

Warm-up with hot chocolate at these places with great hot chocolate in Greenville.

On sunny days, take your young kids to play in the enclosed outdoor playspace at Swamp Rabbit Cafe after a bike ride on the Swamp Rabbit Trail. You can grab a hot chocolate or snack from the market to enjoy.

Splash in the fun indoor slide and play area at the Kroc Center Pool (daily passes available, $5-10). Reserve space online.

Kroc Center indoor waterpark, Greenville, SC

Family Fun Gym at Acrosmith Gymnastics is offered Monday – Thursday at 9:00 am and 10:15 am, and Fridays at 10:15 am. The 9 am time slot is for kids walking through six years old and the 10:15 am time slot is for kids up to age 12.

It is an open gym with parent participation, remaining within the arm’s reach of the child. Kids get to bounce around on trampolines, try the balance beams, and test their ninja skills on the obstacle course.
You must pre-register. Registration closes at the start of Tot Time. The cost is $6 per session, and sessions are limited to 50 children – winter schedule is available online.

Spend time at the TRee House Cafe & Art Studio in Travelers Rest where your kids can make art right at the table while you enjoy a warm cup of coffee.

Visit a Trampoline Park: Take children ages 6 and under to DEFY, for the KidsJump hour every Monday-Friday from 9 – noon. It’s $17.99/child and parents/caregivers jump for free.

If you buy a membership pass to Big Air, it works out to be inexpensive fun. They offer open jump as well as Toddler Time, Homeschool Jump, and Cosmic Nights! That coupon book we mentioned earlier can really save you a good bit at Big Air too.

Head to Kids Play & Cafe, where your kids can play dress up and make-believe, climb the indoor play structure, slide, and run around all within the safety of the indoor play place. Younger children and babies may enjoy Village Play in Fountain Inn as well.

Play structures indoors at Kids Play and Cafe in Easley, SC

If you live near Greenville, SC, what winter free things to do are you most excited about?

Check out our KA Guide to Winter near Greenville, SC, with tons of ideas to beat the winter blues!

Upstate Daddy Daughter Events: Greenville, SC

Simpsonville Daddy Daughter Date Night Dance [SOLD OUT]

Family Date Nights

Other Activities for Daddy-Daughter Date Night: Greenville, SC

Theatre

Fun Playtime Together

Dinner Date

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Take It to the Roof

Enjoy a Picnic

Embrace the Arts

Have Some Drinks

Get A Little Sporty

Worth a Drive to Greenville

Splurge Ideas

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Volunteer Opportunities at the Ronald McDonald House: Greenville, SC

Volunteer by Baking Cookies

The Guest Chef Program at the Ronald McDonald House

Prepare Meals in the Weekend Meal Prep Program

Help Keep the Ronald McDonald House Clean as a House Monitor

Other Ways Families Can Help

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Where to Buy Local Hot Cocoa Bombs: Greenville, SC

Things to Do on New Year’s Eve With Kids

Things to Do on New Year’s Day in Greenville & Spartanburg

Go hiking!

Make Memories at an Amusement Park on New Year’s Day

More Events and Things to Do For New Year’s

Greenville, SC: Winter Free Things to Do!

Outdoor Winter Fun

Indoor Winter Activities

Inexpensive Things to Do During the Winter in Greenville

More Free Things to Do!

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