Summer is getting close, and I know you are wondering, “Where can we find my kid’s free lunch near me?”. This summer, free lunch and breakfast will be provided to kids throughout Greenville, Spartanburg, and Pickens Counties. Many families rely on the school system to assist with meals for their children with the significant increase in grocery prices. Local school districts are helping kids by eliminating the cost of school lunches and breakfast from parents’ worries.
Things to Know about 2025 Free School Summer Meals for Kids
All kids 18 and under in Greenville, Spartanburg, and Pickens Counties qualify for free summer school meals, including breakfast and lunch, no questions asked.
Some districts in Spartanburg County require the student to be enrolled at that school, and we have notated this restriction if the information was provided.
Your child does not have to participate in the free and reduced price program throughout the school year to be able to obtain meals, summer meals are for all kids.
GCS times for lunch and breakfast do vary, but we have noted that below.
Children will be required to eat their meals on-site, unless specified below. In very limited circumstances are takeaway meals allowed.
GCS will have three locations that will offer meal kit pickup two days per week, with dates and times noted below.
Pickens County will also have take-away meal kits, with dates and times below.
Each district in Spartanburg County has different plans for summer meals. We have noted what we know (as of May 27th, 2025) below; however, checking the district website directly is best.
Pickens County will also offer free meals for anyone enrolled in school-age 21 and older with mental or physical disabilities.
Inside: A detailed list of the splash pads in Spartanburg, SC.
Looking for a splash pad in Spartanburg, SC? Once it gets to be summer in the Upstate, it’s time to find the nearest place to cool off. That’s why we have created this list of Spartanburg splash pads, plus a few bonus spots (water parks in Spartanburg!) to head to this summer.
Splash pads are usually open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Please confirm they are in working order before heading out, as splash pads are high maintenance features.
453 Beacon Street, Spartanburg Open Memorial Day-Labor Day (9 am – 7 pm) This park not only includes a splash pad, but also has two outdoor basketball courts, a walking trail, a covered picnic area, a walking trail, and a playground.
248 East Saint John Street, Spartanburg Open Memorial Day-Labor Day (9 am – 7 pm) Located in the heart of downtown Spartanburg, this park with a splash pad is an ideal location for grabbing a bite to eat or playing a round of free mini-golf while you’re in Downtown Spartanburg.
195 Dillard Road, Duncan Open May 1, 2025 – Labor Day This massive park boasts several play structures, ball fields, tennis courts, and disc golf- this list keeps going! The important piece of information you need to know for this summer: they have a splash pad! Be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen, as the splash pad is not in a shaded area.
231 E. Hayne Street, Woodruff Open Memorial Day-Labor Day This is another great park to check out that has a splash pad. Covered picnic areas, a brand new playground, and ball fields make for a fun day out in the sun, with the benefit of water play! Be sure to read our review of the new play equipment!
500 Ammons Road, Spartanburg Open Memorial Day-Labor Day (9 am – 7 pm) This park is aviation-themed, making it even more fun. It includes a walking trail, athletic fields, a playground, a picnic area, and a splash pad! Be sure to read a local mom’s review of this great park!
591 McMillin Blvd, Boiling Springs, SC Open May 1, 2025 – Labor Day This park has a big playground for all ages and a splash pad. Both the playground and splash pad are new – updated within the past year or so – and it’s definitely one to visit if you’re in Spartanburg. Be sure to read a local mom’s review of this great park!
119 S. Spencer Street, Duncan Opening for the season on Memorial Weekend 2025! Shipwreck Cove is a great place to cool off and have fun this summer. A water slide, a huge pool, a lazy river, and a splash pad area for the little ones make up this fun water park. Park hours and admission prices can be found on their website.
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!
Quick Links to Find Kids Eat Free Offers For The Day You Need!
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!
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
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!
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!
Inside: A list of the best things to do in summer in Greenville, SC. Loaded up with lots of seriously fun ideas (we’ve tried them all!) use this as your summer bucket list checklist.
Planning your summer in Greenville? As the weather heats up our thoughts turn to summer. Summertime in Greenville, SC is full of swimming holes to discover, day trips to enjoy, ice cream cones, waterslides, and outdoor events.
In this summer guide, you’ll find places where you can swim, wade, and creek stomp in Greenville, SC! We also have our best frozen treat recommendations so you can find that perfect ice cream cone and stellar milkshake. You’ll also find free and cheap things to do, plus movies, summer camps, and date nights.
We’ll be updating all summer long, so bookmark this page and check back for more summertime fun opportunities.
Looking for things to do this summer in Spartanburg, SC? The sun is shining and the kids are ready to play. No need to fear! We have compiled all you need to enjoy summer from start to finish.
Looking for summer-only events? We’ve got them! Want to find ways to entertain your kids outdoors or indoors? We’ve got them! Need ideas for day trips or summer vacations? We’ve got them! Want to save money while having fun? We have tons of ideas!
Here’s your guide to summer in Spartanburg! Wear sunscreen! Stay safe! And, have fun!
If you prefer to do your swimming in a natural setting, check out our Guide to Swimming Holes in the Upstate! You’ll find lakes, creeks, and waterfall pools that are great for wading and swimming!
Also, kids bowl free through theKids Bowl Freeprogram at participating bowling alleys. Don’t miss the free fun!
Summer Camps in Spartanburg
Kids can learn about almost any topic in Spartanburg area summer camps. For great free fun, check out the VBS programs offered by local Spartanburg churches.
The Ultimate Upstate Summer Camp Guide – Here’s a huge list of summer camps in Spartanburg. Sort them by topic, age and more to find the perfect camp for your kiddos!
VBS programs– Area churches open their doors for Vacation Bible School Programs to local children for free (or really cheap). We’ll be updating our list of VBS programs soon!
Summer Events
In addition to Memorial Day and 4th of July, there are plenty of exciting events that only happen during the summer. The following are things you can only enjoy while school is out for summer:
Watch free Outdoor Movies in Greer City Park this summer!
Embrace the sunshine by heading outdoors this summer! We are so lucky to live in such a beautiful location that makes exploring outdoors a reality. To help you get started on your outdoor ventures, here are some ideas:
Summer is also a great time to visit new parks! By checking out the following reviews from our team, you will find out which parks offer shade (or splash pads) from the blistering heat and which ones to avoid in the middle of a hot summer day.
Discover all of Spartanburg’s Parks in our Upstate, SC Park Guide. Use the guide to sort parks by location and features to find the perfect place to play!
If you need even more ideas for summer fun, we’ve got you covered! These last ideas are sure to fill up the days and keep you and your kids busy between May and September.
Inside: A curated list of great summer date ideas in Greenville, SC. We think they are great, anyway. Tell us what you think.
Planning a date night and looking for date ideas in the summer? Greenville, SC makes date nights easy, there are so many options! If you are tired of going on the same old dates, use this list to spice things up this summer. Whether you are looking for indoor or outdoor date ideas, we’ve got you covered!
Summer is the perfect time to get back into date night with your significant other. There are so many more options for having fun together over the summer than other times of year because you can get outside. Although you totally don’t have to be outside – sometimes the air conditioning feels divine.
So get planning on that date night, or date day as we have those ideas as well. Can you try for three dates this summer – one for June, July and August? We have plenty of options for you, just pick a few!
An hour or two browsing the farmers markets on a Saturday morning is an easy way to squeeze in some alone time. Grab a coffee and pastry and check out all the local produce, fruit, and freshly made bread and pasta that Greenville has to offer. This list has the farmers markets in and around Greenville.
Go Hiking
If you and your significant other love nature, take a hike together. There are plenty of hiking trails in and around Greenville, from an easy hike at Lake Conestee to the summit at Table Rock.
Go Tubing
This is one of those activities perfect for a lazy, hot day. If the grandparents can watch the kids, go on a date with your bathing suit, some snacks, and expectations of doing absolutely nothing with your love other than chilling in a giant tube on a lake. Our giant list of river tubing spots has several places to choose from.
Tubing down the river makes an excellent, relaxing date day. We’ll help you find a river tubing spot for your next date!
Take in a Ballgame
This would be a longer date night but a chill one for sure. Take in a Greenville Drive baseball game at Fluor Field any time this summer. Tickets start at $11 and you can see the schedule here.
Grab Ice Cream
A cone piled high with your favorite ice cream flavors and toppings is hard to beat in summer heat. This is a cheap date too – you can grab ice cream and pay the sitter for about $20 total. Here is where we love to grab ice cream in Greenville.
While you can most certainly stargaze outside on a clear night, you can also take advantage of the state-of-the-art planetarium (air-conditioned as well) at the Roper Mountain Science Center. They have new shows at the planetarium every few months and take place every Friday night. Go to the 7:30 pm show and be sure to get tickets online, which are $8 for adults. Afterwards, head over to the Daniel Observatory right next door to look at Saturn’s rings!
Culinary Tour
We recommend the At the Chef’s Table culinary tour in pretty much every date night article we write because it’s just that good. Led by local historian and foodie John Nolan, the culinary tour is a treat for the senses. You get VIP treatment at four restaurants in Greenville within walking distance with specially-made dishes just for the tour group. Drinks are included at each stop as well. This is by far one of the best date night ideas in all of Greenville. Tickets start at $79/person and you can reserve them online here.
Get on the Water: Go Kayaking
There are several amazing lakes in the Greenville area that offer kayak rentals. My personal favorite is Lake Jocassee, a pristine lake about an hour and twenty minutes from Greenville where you can paddle all day, sneaking into little coves, seeing waterfalls, and picnicking on islands. This is a great date to get away from everything for a bit. You can rent a tandem kayak (a two-seater) all day for around $85. Bring a lunch and snacks, and have a fun and romantic time.
See a Concert
Many towns in and around Greenville offer free concerts, which is ideal for date nights because who doesn’t like free? Here’s the list of free live music around town. You will also find concerts and Broadway shows at the Peace Center in Downtown Greenville, and you can plan ahead so you have something to look forward to.
These local breweries are a great option for a relaxed date night!
Visit a Winery
Relax with your loved one at City Scape Winery over a glass of wine and a locally sourced cheese plate.
Head to a Pottery Studio
There is something special about doing a hobby together, so why not make it a date night! Hollowed Earth Pottery is a great place at Hampton Station to try your hand at throwing pottery on the wheel in their Beginner Pottery Class. Classes are $75 per person, and after class, you can grab some food from one of the dining spots at Hampton Station.
Glow Golf
Go to Takeoff Mini Golf for Glow Golf. You’ll play with glowing golf balls to a DJ cranking out some seriously good music. You must purchase tickets in advance at $15 per person.
2025 Summer Glow Golf Dates: July 26th, 2025 August 30th, 2025 Septeber 13th, 2025
Watch!
Do you have any date ideas in the summer in Greenville, SC that are special to you? Share it in the comments!
Are you looking for VBS near Greenville, SC? There are dozens of Vacation Bible Schools to choose from in Greenville and Spartanburg. Maybe you’re looking for the VBS closest to home, or maybe you’re looking to visit a VBS that fits your vacation schedule! Either way, we’ve got the list of the 2025 VBS Greenville, SC, and Spartanburg, SC programs from June through August. All of these have a link to the church so you can get all their contact information, directions, and details!
NOTE: This list is currently being updated for 2025, so check back regularly for the latest updates!
For accuracy and to ensure that the programs were open to the public, we only listed VBS programs that were publicly listed online or submitted by the coordinator of the event. If you would like your church’s VBS program added or modified, please email erin@kiddingaroundgreenville.com.
While we try our best to provide accurate information, we always encourage our readers to check original sources before making plans. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement.
Are you ready for one of the summer’s best annual events? Park Hop, Greenville, SC, and Spartanburg, SC’s scavenger hunt for clues through Upstate parks, is the summer-long scavenger hunt event that’s perfect for your family. The Park Hop is free, you can enjoy the event on your own schedule and your kids can earn fabulous prizes. Plus, you participate by exploring Upstate parks (isn’t that exactly what you already wanted to do this summer?).
Kidding Around Greenville is an official partner of the 2025 Park Hop. Watch Kidding Around Greenville for an exciting Park Hop series this summer. We are going to hop right along with you and give you the inside track on what you can expect when visiting this year.
Inside: Lots of options for swimming and splashing in the Upstate area. Use the orange buttons below to jump to the activities you are more interested in.
The best way to beat the humid, summer heat is at a splash pad in Greenville, SC or by finding somewhere to go swimming! Greenville, SC, and the surrounding Upstate area have plenty of options.
This guide is your one-stop shop to find all the best local pools, splash pads, creek stomping places, and swimming holes. We have all the details when it comes to places to swim in Greenville, SC! If we missed any places to swim, let us know in the comments!
Also, if you plan to visit a park for swimming, check with the location before you head out as some places may close for various reasons throughout the summer. We also advocate following the Leave No Trace principles and recreating responsibly.
South Cove County Beach
Lakes and Swimming Holes: Greenville, SC
Sandy Beaches in the Upstate
The ocean is a bit of a drive, but there are many places where you can find a sandy beach within a significantly shorter drive. These Sandy Beaches near Upstate, SC are open for swimming and are all located in the mountains and foothills.
Riley Moore Falls
Swimming Holes Near Greenville
Looking for an old-fashioned swimming hole? To see more lakes and waterfall basins where you can take a dip, see this list of Swimming Holes Near Greenville!
Lake Jocassee
Recreational Lakes for Swimming: Greenville, SC
It’s hard not to love lake swimming. Greenville, SC and the Upstate area offer a number of lakes that have recreational swimming and other watersports. We have gathered a list of the best recreational lakes near Greenville, SC!
If you’re looking for fishing, boating, kayaking, and places for other water adventures, check out this list of recreational lakes near Greenville.
Creek & Waterfall Hikes Near Greenville
Creeks
Creek stomping is a great way to make hiking fun even in the summer heat. These 8 places are some of our favorite spots for playing in creeks.
One great way to enjoy the water in the summer is by tubing down a river. This list includes some of our favorite places to tube and also has tips for how to enjoy your adventure. Due to Hurricane Helene damage, there are no tubing outfitters opening this summer on the Green River. Our story linked above has all the details on places that are open.
Green River Tubing
Water Parks Near Greenville
Greenville County Waterparks
Opening May 24th, 2025:Greenville County Waterparks: Swim classes for older toddlers on up – be aware, many summer day camps visit these parks midweek so those times can be busier, call ahead if this is a concern for you. Pets are not allowed.
7th Inning Splash – various water slides including bowl, baseball-themed splash pad, full pool, check it out here. 1500 Piedmont Highway, Piedmont
Otter Creek – multiple water slides, splash pad, zero-entry pool, check it out here. 101 W Darby Road, Greenville
Discovery Island– lazy river, water slides (including tube sliders that my tall three-year-old could go on with us), aquatic playground, “FlowRider” wave surfing (great for older kids), nearby Southside Park playground (near parking lot exit) 417 Baldwin Road, Simpsonville
Discovery Island
Shipwreck Cove
Opening Memorial Day Weekend, 2025:Shipwreck Cove – This waterpark is in Duncan for those a bit east of Greenville. There is a lazy river, two water play areas – one for younger kids and one for older kids, slides, and more! Pets are not allowed. 119 S Spencer Street, Duncan
Shipwreck Cove
Water Parks within Driving Distance
Pets are not allowed at these places unless stated otherwise.
Dollywood Splash Country, Pigeon Forge, TN: This waterpark is only open during the summer and is a lot of fun for families.
Soaky Mountain, Sevierville, TN: This waterpark is a blast and close to Gatlinburg.
Wilderness at the Smokies, Sevierville, TN: This houses the largest indoor waterpark in Tennessee plus has two other outdoor waterparks open in the summer. It is directly across the street from Soaky Mountain and they offer discounted passes there.
Fins Up Water Park, Lanier Islands, GA: This awesome water park has lots of water slides, a water coaster, beach, aqua course, splash pad, and wave pool.
The Great Wolf Lodge in Concord, NC: Our families really enjoy this indoor waterpark option in nearby Charlotte.
Wild Bear Falls Water Park at the Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort in Gatlinburg, TN: This is an indoor water park at a fantastic resort in Gatlinburg, about three hours from Greenville. It’s open year-round.
Splash pads in our area are usually open by Memorial Day weekend unless otherwise noted.Pets are not allowed inside splash pads.
Splash Pad: Greenville, SC
The Fountain Inn Splash Pad – This splash pad is open on Main Street in Fountain Inn. There is plenty of shade and they are open 8 am – 11 pm daily. 104 N Main Street, Fountain Inn
Opens May 1, 2025: The huge Unity Park in Greenville includes a large playground and splash pad that is open on Monday from 1 pm – sunset and Tuesdays – Sundays from 9 am – sunset. 320 S Hudson Street, Greenville.
Children’s Fountain at RiverPlace is a free train-themed splash pad along the Reedy River in Falls Park. Maintenance problems usually plague this splash pad, so they will close unexpectedly at times as well.
Unity Park Splash Pad
Splash Pad: Spartanburg, SC
Open May 1, 2025 – Labor Day(9 am – 8 pm)Tyger River Park Splash Pad– This public splash pad is located in Moore at the large impressive Tyger River Park. The park also has fields, green space, walking trails, and a large playground. It’s not very shady though so wear your sunscreen and hats and be sure to check the temperature of play equipment. 179 Dillard Road, Duncan
Open Memorial Day – Labor Day (9 am – 7 pm)Barnet Park Splash Pad – This beautiful green space in downtown Spartanburg features an interactive water fountain that children can play in. It’s also within walking distance of the free Sparkle City mini putt. 248 E St John Street, Spartanburg
Open Memorial Day – Labor Day (9 am – 7 pm)Airport Park in Spartanburg – This playground features an aviation-themed splash pad. 500 Ammons Road, Spartanburg
Open Memorial Day – Labor Day (8 am – 8 pm)McKinney Park in Woodruff- This is another great park to check out that has a splash pad. Covered picnic areas, a playground, and ball fields make for a fun day out in the sun, with the benefit of water play E Pine Street, Woodruff
Open Memorial Day – Labor Day (9 am – 7 pm)Stewart Park– This park not only includes a splash pad, but also has two outdoor basketball courts, a walking trail, a covered picnic area, a walking trail, and a playground. 453 Beacon Street, Spartanburg
Open May 1, 2025 – Labor Day(9 am – 8 pm)–Va-Du-Mar McMillan Park – The park includes a newer playground and splash pad. 591 McMillin Blvd, Boiling Springs, SC
2025 Opening Date TBD: Carolina Wren Park in Anderson – Situated right in downtown Anderson. 111 E Whitner Street, Anderson
Opens May 25, 2025 (May 25 – July 23 and July 31 & 31: 9 am – 8 pm daily; August 3 – September 2: Saturday and Sunday only plus Labor Day): Kid Venture 2.0 – splash pad + playground. 7 Jim Ed, Rice Circle, Anderson
Kid Venture Splash Pad
More Splash Pads in South Carolina
Sesquicentennial State Park in Columbia, SC has an amazing splash pad, as well as a playground, a lake for paddling, and lots more. The splash pad is free with park admission. It’s fenced, has attached restrooms and changing areas, vending machines, and is conveniently located beside the parking lot.
Pools Where You Can Go Swimming: Greenville, SC
Greenville has a number of pools that offer public access either through a day pass or through membership. And if you need to sign your kid(s) up for swim lessons, we’ve got a round-up of some of our readers’ favorite swim lessons near Greenville, SC.
Gyms that Offer Pools
A gym membership can be a great way to have pool access all summer.
YMCA of Greenville Pool – The Caine Halter Family Y, the Eastside Family Y, and the Prisma Health Family Y all offer pools with certified lifeguards and cool water to keep you and the kids happy during the hot summer months. Learn more about Y locations and amenities.
The Caine Halter YMCA features an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, and a splash pad.
Greenville County Aquatic Complex – The Greenville County Aquatic Complex is an indoor pool at Westside Park that has both a competition pool and a therapy pool. You can purchase day passes, monthly, or yearly memberships. 2700 W Blue Ridge Drive, Greenville
Kroc Center – Our readers love this zero-entry indoor pool due to its fun pool playground/splash zone. Day passes are available in addition to memberships. 424 Westfield Street, Greenville
Buncombe County, North Carolina is not a far drive and the county offers several pools to choose from for public swimming. Passes are $4/per person per day. Information for opening day for 2025 has not been released, but is typically Memorial Day Weekend. Pools will be open 7 days a week starting June 7th.
North Buncombe Pool | 734 Clarks Chapel Road, Weaverville, NC
Cane Creek Pool | 590 Lower Brush Creek Road, Fletcher, NC
Owen Pool | 117 Stone Drive, Swannanoa, NC
Erwin Pool | 58 Lees Creek Road, Asheville, NC
Hominy Valley Pool | 25 Twin Lakes Road, Candler, NC
Nearby Coastal Beaches
Driving to the ocean can be only around 3.5-5 hours from Greenville. We have a complete list of our favorite southeast beaches to travel to.
Myrtle BeachHuntington Beach State ParkFolly Beach
You’ve been reading our list of places to splash and swim near Greenville, SC.
We have lots more summer fun and things to check out for your family.
