Greenville County Schools start on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 — are you ready? We’ve put together a great list of back to school tips to ensure your kids’ school year gets off to a great start! We hope these tips from a teacher help your family get off on the right foot this year!
Are you ready for the first day of school? It’s that time!! I know, I know, you’re a hot mess of super sad to see them go back but very glad for a little extra quiet time. Here are a few tips to make sure everyone in the family is ready. ~Andrea Beam, KAG Contributor
The best way to be sure you and they feel comfortable is to have the necessary supplies. Supplies are easy to check off the list as you get them and you know just how awesome it feels to check things off the to do list! Be sure to think of the things the teacher doesn’t have down- lunchbox, bookbag, Kleenex (for you), extras for your house (you’ll need notebook paper for homework)…things like that.
Give it time
You and your child will both need time to adjust to the new schedule, teacher, and routines. Be patient with them and give yourself room for mistakes (theirs and yours). Build in a few extra minutes if you’re at a new school because, inevitably, you’ll start driving the same direction you’ve gone before and have to turn around. (Not that I’ve done anything like this before…)
Touch base with the teacher
Your child’s teacher wants to hear from you! Not all the time, naturally, but trust me- I love when a parent checks in to be sure there aren’t things on my wish list that I need or checks to see if there’s anything I need prayed over. Letting the teacher know you care about more than just the grade she’ll give will warm her heart!
Be sure you’ve signed up
Sign up for everything as early as possible. Join PTA, even if you can’t volunteer time. (It helps your child’s class win a prize.) Sign up to volunteer if you can- we need help! Get your kids registered for any programs you’d like them to participate in, such as Good News Club, after school, etc.
Take pictures for just you
Yes- post away with the first-day pictures, but be sure to take some personal ones just for you, like the kids brushing teeth and hair while getting ready or the oatmeal faces that laugh at breakfast. Those are really the memories we love anyway, right?!
Enjoy the school year. You’ll do great and they’ll be fine! (I say that to you as well as to myself!) Happy new year!!!
What’s your best tip for being ready for the new school year?
Looking for more parenting tips, tricks, and content to help you? Check out our Parenting Hub.
Have you heard about Dillard House? Everybody loves a good day trip, and local mom Andrea Beam took her children to Dillard House just for that purpose! Find out what her family loved about the grounds, the family-friendly horseback riding, farm animals, and beautiful scenery.
Today I am going to talk with you about The Dillard House in Dillard, GA. Have you been? I went for the first time last year and loved it. Every minute of it. So did my boys.
Located on 768 Franklin Street in Dillard, Georgia, The Dillard House has a lot to offer you and your family.
First, let’s talk about the scenery
Breathtaking would be an appropriate adjective. As you near the property, you feel like you’re driving through the mountains of Tennessee. I don’t know about you, but I love to feel like I’m a million miles away from home. (Because Tennessee is exactly one million miles from my house).
Though you may feel like you are far away, it’s actually only about a two-hour drive from Greenville. Unless you drive like me – then you are looking at an hour and a half, maybe less.
What You’ll Find on the Dillard House Grounds
I have friends who make the trip just to eat at their family-style restaurant. It is open seven days a week and serves a mean breakfast!
Although yummy, the food is not the reason we go. On the gorgeous grounds you can enjoy horseback riding, fishing, and a small petting zoo. The prices are also reasonable and the kiddos will also enjoy feeding the animals. Please check their website for a list of activities offered. It is very informative.
Horseback Riding
When we took our boys, they loved every moment on horseback! Dillard House Stables currently offers several guided trail rides: the Scenic Farm Ride runs approximately 50–60 minutes ($70/person, minimum age 7); the River Ride is approximately 1 hour ($75/person, minimum age 10); and the 1.5-Hour River Ride is $90/person (minimum age 10). Prices are subject to change — call the stables at (706) 746-2038 or visit dillardhousestables.com for current rates before you go. The staff is friendly and very helpful. You are able to take pictures, so make sure to have your camera on hand.
There are guided trails for longer periods of time available for adults and older children. I certainly plan to take my son back in the future.
The Dillard House is one of my favorite day trip destinations. I strongly encourage you to pack up your car and go.
Have you visited Oconee State Park in Mountain Rest, SC? This state park has everything from mini-golf to wooden checker tables, great hiking, and boating on the lake. Local mom Andrea Beam visited with her family and is sharing her experience!
Looking for other things to do in Oconee County? Check out our Guide to Oconee County to plan the perfect day trip throughout this gorgeous Upstate county!
We set out on an overcast (misting rain, which is so much worse, if you ask me) day to visit two parks. Our first stop, Oconee State Park, made a mess of our well-laid plans. There’s so much to do, even in the rain!
Driving through the park, I felt like we were adventuring through the Blue Ridge Parkway. There was so much foliage, it didn’t matter that it was raining.
Searching for indoor activities for preschoolers near Greenville, SC? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up some of the best things to do with preschoolers inside in the Upstate. Let the indoor fun begin!
I love kids. I especially love my kid. Want to know what I don’t love? I do not love sitting at home for hours trying to come up with a variety of activities that both entertain and accommodate his non-existent attention span.
Enter Kidding Around Greenville.
We have compiled a list of 25 things to do inside to keep you and your preschooler busy!
Things to Do with Preschoolers Inside
Quick Facts: Indoor Activities for Preschoolers in Greenville, SC
Best For
Preschoolers ages 2–5
Season
Year-round; especially great during cold or rainy weather
Admission Range
Free (Greenville County Libraries, M. Judson Storytime) to $20/person (TCMU general admission)
Top Indoor Picks
TCMU, Play Café at Judson Mill, Kangaroo Jax, Roper Mountain Science Center, SC Children’s Theatre
Area
Greenville, SC and Upstate South Carolina (plus day trips to Asheville/Hendersonville area)
More Info
Check individual venue websites for current hours and pricing before visiting
This gym is located on Rocky Creek Road and offers gymnastic classes for kids of all ages. Plus they offer Family Gym Time for your little ones at various times throughout the week. These times are split into two sessions depending on the age of your kid: walking through 6 years old and for kids up to age 12. Pre-registration is required.
Does an hour of running, bouncing, climbing & maybe even flipping sound like something your preschooler would love? Most of the local trampoline parks in the Upstate offer kids’ jump periods just for the littlest jumpers.
Grab lunch and coffee while your preschooler colors, paints, plays, and attempts to hula hoop at this cool cafe and art studio in downtown Travelers Rest. See our Kidding Around Review of TReehouse Cafe & Art Studio.
Chick-Fil-A restaurants usually have indoor play areas for the kids. Check the Chick-Fil-A calendars for information on weekly programs. Also try Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery . Bring a friend, order a coffee and put together a puzzle on the table while you chat. And if it happens to be a nice day, there is a great little outdoor play area for the kids!
Roper Mountain Science Center is full of fun things for kids to do! You’ll want to check out the Nature Exchange and interactive exhibits in the newer building. When Harrison Hall is open, children will enjoy a chance to pet stingrays in the Marine Lab, check out turtles in the Ecology Lab, and visit the Rainforest. Kids can also visit the Living History Farm (when opened to the public) to experience the animals and gardens, explore the Butterfly Garden, and play in the Wildwood outdoor play area. And don’t forget to take a walk on the Dino-Trail, where you will encounter life-sized dinosaur replicas. Tickets are best purchased in advance on-line.
TCMU is the perfect rainy day spot. Your kids will climb, play, create and enjoy three floors of interactive activities. Admission is $15/person for SC residents or $20/person for general admission; children under 1 are always free, and educators, military, and seniors pay $12. Be sure to also check out their programming for preschool children.
This is one of my favorites. In addition to the rows and rows of children’s books (and computers), each branch includes an awesome play area specifically designed for toddlers and preschoolers. The Main Library also offers a light table, wooden castles, and the PAL Center. And the Five Forks library is amazing – it even has an outdoor play porch. The Greenville County Library calendar is loaded with storytime and events perfect for preschoolers.
Bounce Houses
Rain or shine, bounce houses are a favorite for many kids! Who doesn’t love to jump? Well, I don’t, but I DO love the afternoon nap that follows! Here is a list of bounce houses in the area. Local favorites include Pump It Up and The Pavilion. Kangaroo Jax, located on Laurens Road, is a great option as well.
When it doesn’t look like the weather is going to cooperate with your plans, Greenville offers a handful of indoor places to play. Haywood Mall, the Play Cafe at Judson Mill, Kids Play & Cafe in Easley, and Village Play in Fountain Inn are some of our readers’ favorite indoor playgrounds! They sometimes host specific “toddler times” during the week for younger children only. Check out our list of more Indoor Playgrounds in Greenville. And, more details on each of our favorites are below.
Play Café at Judson Mill is Greenville’s inclusive indoor playground and coffee shop, located inside the vibrant Judson Mill district. Kids enjoy soft play structures, climbing areas, and imaginative play zones — all designed for kids of all abilities — while parents relax with specialty coffee and snacks. Toddler time for kids ages 5 & under runs on Wednesday mornings 8-11am. Admission: $12/child on weekdays, $18/child on weekends; children age 2 and under are free with a paid admission. Located at 701 Easley Bridge Rd, Unit 6040, Greenville, SC 29611.
Just a short drive from Greenville in Easley, SC, Kids Play & Café offers a multi-level soft play structure with tunnels, slides, climbing obstacles, and imaginative “Tiny Town” play areas — perfect for preschoolers. Parents can enjoy on-site coffee and snacks. Dedicated Toddler Time for ages 4 and under: Tuesdays 8–10 am, Fridays 10 am–noon. Weekday admission: ages 2–3 $10.95, ages 4–10 $12.95; weekend admission: ages 2–3 $15.95, ages 4–10 $17.95; children under 1 free with a paid sibling. Located at 210 Fern Street, Easley, SC 29640.
Fountain Inn’s indoor play venue is very much geared toward younger kiddos. It is designed with little kids and their caregivers in mind. Adults can enjoy a cup of coffee in a relaxing space while little ones play and explore together. Bonus: Check out BloomHouse Studio art space in the same Village Play building. Open studio hours are located on the BloomHouse website.
Don’t forget to stop by Starbucks on your way to the children’s section. Grab a book or magazine and sip away while the kids look at books and play with trains. Make sure to check their website because you don’t want to miss storytime during the week! Generally Barnes and Noble on Woodruff Road offers storytime on Saturday mornings. Check their website for details.
Another place perfect for your little gymnast! The Little Gym offers dance, gymnastics, sports skills and parent/child classes – for kiddos as young as 4 months old.
This charming pottery shop waives the studio fee ($6/person) for kids ages 3–12 on Wednesdays (an adult must also paint in order to be eligible). Paint your own unique piece and then leave it to be glazed and fired. Pottery prices range from $18–$45.
You’ll have plenty of time to check out the unique toys while your little loves are playing with the Thomas the Train table at the back of the store. The fact that it’s located on Main Street in the heart of downtown is an added bonus.
This beautiful bookstore offers free “Storytime on the Steps” every Wednesday and Saturday at 10:30 am — kids get a treat afterward. Miss Debi is a pro at telling stories and your kids will love it. Being downtown is nice as well. Take a ride on the free trolley afterward.
Indoor Play and Party Center is located in Arden, NC, just a short drive from Asheville! It is ideal for children aged 10 and younger. They are a sock facility, meaning no shoes or bare feet are permitted in the play area. Mountain Play Lodge hosts birthday parties in well-appointed themed party rooms. The party rooms are approximately 1000 square feet, have real wood furniture, and are themed as a Castle and Pirate Ship. For more about this play place see our Kidding Around Dad Review: Mountain Play Lodge
Each Friday night, our local planetarium show is a must-see. You will enjoy this one as much (if not more) than your children do. Read our mom review of Starry Nights. In addition to the feature show, the show includes a Live Sky Talk and a chance to view the stars from the Daniel Observatory (weather permitting).
Three shows are offered each Friday, but the two earlier shows are better suited for children. Reservations need to be made ahead of time online. Note: Members need to be sure they are logged into their accounts to receive their free tickets. Shows aren’t recommended for kids under 4.
This fun (and educational!) children’s museum is tucked in the mountains of Hendersonville, NC, making it a perfect day trip. Admission is $10 per person.
The South Carolina Children’s Theatre (on Augusta Street in Greenville) presents wiggle-friendly, interactive live shows designed especially for preschoolers and early elementary kids — think productions like Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!” and Click, Clack, Boo! Check the 2026–2027 show schedule for upcoming family performances. SCCT also partners with M. Judson Booksellers for free Summer Storytime events and offers drama classes for kids.
All kids love music! I don’t know about you, but I love a place that both entertains and educates my child through song. Kindermusik is also offered by the South Carolina Children’s Theatre.
Select Saturday mornings are a perfect time to grab a hammer and build as a family. You’ll love these age-appropriate crafts. And you get to keep the apron! Free, but be sure to register.
Did we leave out your favorite spot to play with your Preschooler indoors? If we did, please share it in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions: Indoor Activities for Preschoolers in Greenville
How much does it cost to visit the Children’s Museum of the Upstate (TCMU)?
As of 2026, TCMU admission is $20/person for general (out-of-state) visitors and $15/person for SC residents. Children under 1 are always free; educators, military, and seniors pay $12; and Museums for All (EBT/SNAP) admission is $5. Members always get in free. Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 9 am–4:30 pm, Sunday 11 am–4:30 pm, closed Mondays. Source: tcmupstate.org/greenville/tickets/ (verified July 2026).
Are there free indoor activities for preschoolers in Greenville, SC?
Yes! Several options are completely free. The Greenville County Library branches — including the Five Forks Branch with its outdoor play porch for toddlers and preschoolers — are always free. M. Judson Booksellers offers free “Storytime on the Steps” every Wednesday and Saturday at 10:30 am. Home Depot Kids Workshops (select Saturday mornings) are also free with registration.
What are the best indoor play cafes for preschoolers near Greenville?
Top picks include Play Café at Judson Mill (Greenville; $12/child weekdays, inclusive playground + coffee shop), Kids Play & Café (Easley; $10.95–$12.95/child weekdays, multi-level soft play with Toddler Time), and Village Play (Fountain Inn) for younger toddlers.
What’s your favorite place to bring your preschooler?
Local mom Andrea Beam reviews College Street Park in Simpsonville, SC. This small city park has a feature that you rarely see anymore — seesaws!
Until a few weeks ago, I had not heard of College Street Park. I had no idea what to expect. I googled the address and found that it was located in the middle of an older neighborhood in Simpsonville. “This won’t take long,” I thought to myself. How big could the park be?
The boys and I hopped in the van and headed down the road. I was impressed with Simpsonville’s Main Street, lined with small-town restaurants and shops. Our destination was only a few blocks off Main.
The park is pretty small, but there are several things I really liked about it.
What I loved about College Street Park
There is a basketball court. While this may not appeal to the younger crowd, it’s perfect if you have older kids who may have outgrown the monkey bars (or maybe you have a child like mine who just doesn’t like monkey bars). Obviously, you’d have to bring your own ball.
There are also 4 pickle ball courts for all of you pickle ball loving fans!
There are two blue see-saws. I was most excited about this! I can’t tell you the last time I saw one of these. In fact, I had to teach the kids how to use it because they had no idea what it was.
There’s also a swing set, jungle gym, slide, and merry-go-round.
The grass is perfection. This may not be a big deal to anyone except me, but it was one of the first things I noticed when I got out of the car. The entire park is well manicured. It would be a beautiful spot for a picnic, but keep in mind there is very little shade.
In addition to the see-saws and basketball court, you’ll find swings, different types of monkey bars and a slide. College Street Park was a hit with the boys. The neighborhood was older and the playground isn’t fancy, but both had character and charm.
The equipment will get very hot on a sunny summer day, so we will make plans to return in the fall after the cooler weather rolls in.
Up for a cheap new adventure, only a short drive from Greenville, SC, that the whole family will love? Tryon International Equestrian Center is only an hour or so from Greenville, and a unique experience you will look forward to visiting again and again!
We’ll fill you in on where this hidden secret is, what they offer, and why you should visit!
When we first heard of the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), it sounded cool, and we knew we had to go. A beautiful oasis of horses, a carousel, and fun (and cheap) events? Um, yes! So we went and checked out Saturday Night Lights. Total gamechanger. We’ve been so many times now, and it really never gets old.
We’ll tell you all about why you should head over the border to the TIEC in 2026!
The forty-five-minute ride to Tryon was like driving across the picture on a postcard. Please note: as you drive up Highway 26, drive the speed limit. Troopers literally tuck themselves along the side of the road in an attempt to catch you speeding. The only reason I know this is because a friend told me. Really, it is. (Wink).
I perked up the moment we arrived. There is a security guard stationed at the gate to answer all your questions. Having never been, we had a lot. Although the festivities didn’t begin until the evening, the kind officer encouraged us to “have a look around.” So we did.
Four words came to mind: Who needs Churchill Downs? As soon as you enter the grounds, there is so much see. We went when there was nothing going on. I can only imagine what it looks like during events! The first thing our little one spotted was the carousel. There were restaurants and food/drink vendors galore. I won’t go as far as to compare it to Disney World but, during an event, Tryon International Equestrian Center could easily be the happiest place in North Carolina.
Before I go any further, allow me to share with you the best part of our journey. It wasn’t the shops, food or horses; nope, my favorite thing was the freshly squeezed lemonade. The real-life lemonade stand was parked right up front (at least it was the day we went) and they squeeze your drink right in front of you. It cost more than a quarter, but was well worth it.
But let me tell you about an event at the TIEC that just may rival some time at Disney – and it’s free except for parking.
Saturday Night Lights at Tryon International Equestrian Center
One of the coolest things about the TIEC is their free Saturday Night Lights program that starts in early summer and runs through October. The 2026 season kicked off on May 2nd, with summer dates through July 18th, 2026. Fall dates from September 19th to October 24th, 2026. You really won’t believe it’s free once you get there and find all the stuff they have for you to do.
Venetian Carousel
The Venetian carousel is a fan favorite, and anyone can see why – it’s so pretty. And it’s not just for kids. I’ve ridden it many times, and it’s just as fun for me as for my kids. You can ride it as many times as you like at Saturday Night Lights. For free. Yup, just keep riding.
Pony Rides
Saturday Night Lights has had pony rides in the past, but not every time we’ve come. It’s pretty hit or miss. So if your kid really, really loves pony rides, maybe just don’t tell them anything about it until you get there and see if they have them that night.
These are wildly popular, and they are the first things you’ll see when you enter the facility, so get in line right away if you want to do it. You’ll have to sign a waiver, and your kid will get fitted for a helmet and get a ride around once or twice in a circle. The horses we saw were really pretty, and the staff was great.
Face Painting
Most evenings at Saturday Night Lights, they do have face painting, but get in line early as they tend to fill up fast. For the past several years, face painting has been free, but a reader informed us that it is no longer free this year (2026), so if you’d like it done, be prepared to pay for it.
Mechanical Horse, Bounce House & Live Music
Saturday Night Lights really has things for every age. There is a horse bounce house, a mechanical horse (like a mechanical bull you may have seen in a country western bar, but for any age!), and a great band. We loved listening to the band while we ate dinner, and the kids played with hula hoops and ran and jumped over kid-size horse jumping obstacles.
Food & Drinks
There are vendors with fresh-squeezed lemonade and adult beverages, plus places to grab dinner. There are different food trucks every time, plus a sushi restaurant, a taco and nachos place (delicious by the way), an Italian restaurant, a diner, and an American grille.
You can sit anywhere you like, but we love to sit on the green hill on the west side of the stadium because kids can roll down it in between horse jumping. Or you can sit and listen to the band, or wherever else you want to sit and eat.
One pro tip during the cooler months of early fall: bring blankets! It gets chilly, and we saw so many people with blankets and considered them geniuses. They also looked very cozy. In the General Store, they sell coffee and hot chocolate, which I’d definitely recommend as well.
Horse Jumping Competition
While all the excitement of the free activities is a lot of fun, there is also a pretty incredible horse jumping competition that happens at 7 pm during Saturday Night Lights. You can sit anywhere you want in the stadium. I love sitting really close to the arena so I get a good look at the horses as they jump right in front of me.
Let me just say: I know nothing about this kind of competition. Like, zero. What I’ve gathered is that the rider loses points if the horse knocks down one of the bars they have to jump over or goes over the amount of time they have to complete the course. And the winner gets a lot of money. You also cannot be cheering and clapping while the horse is jumping the obstacles but you can cheer after they are done with their run.
All that to say, even though I have zero clue what is happening, I absolutely love it, as do my kids. The horses are stunningly beautiful, agile, and just so amazing. We all love watching them.
Parking Fee
There is a $10 parking fee starting at 3 pm for Saturday Night Lights. If you arrive before 3 pm, there is no charge. They take cash or credit cards.
2026 Schedule
All the free events happen from 5-7 pm, and then the competition goes from 7 pm to around 10 pm. Most nights are themed.
Here is the 2026 schedule: Spring
May 2nd
May 9th
May 16th
May 23rd
May 30th
June 6th
Summer
June 27th
July 4th
July 11th
July 18th
Fall
Oct 24th
Sept 19th
Oct 3rd
Oct 10th
Oct 17th
Plan your own trip to Tryon International Equestrian Center
In addition to Saturday Night Lights, TIEC hosts a wide array of events that are also open to the public. See the complete TIEC calendar of events. They also have lodgings right there at the equestrian center, which we imagine would be awesome to stay in.
Looking for something fun to do inside in downtown Greenville? KAG Contributor Andrea Beam is sharing a family favorite with us today, the Greenville Gemstone Mine, located right along Downtown Greenville’s Main Street, across from the Hyatt. This shop offers unique gifts and a place where kids can do a little gem mining for themselves.
We have an amazing time every time we hang out in downtown Greenville. However, if you ask my son to name his favorite activity, he would tell you it is “finding treasure” at Greenville Gemstone Mine on Main Street.
While I can’t say I share his love for “treasure,” I do appreciate the tables full of unique jewelry and cases of sparkly stones. The prices are just as appealing as the merchandise. It is definitely worth a visit (or two), even without little ones in tow!
I’ve never been in the store when it wasn’t packed. If there is one thing I am not completely crazy about, it’s the size of the place. It’s rather small. Having said that, we always manage to make our way through the crowd to the back (where the fun begins) with ease.
Now to our mining adventure! The first thing you’ll do is choose your bucket of rocks. They have many sizes, but the $9 kiddie bucket suits my budget just fine. If you happen to have extra cash burning a hole through your wallet, you can pay as much as $55 for a mega bucket. Once you’ve made your choice, the (extra friendly) associates will give you a ziplock bag, a Gemstone identification chart and turn you loose! My son likes to take his time in the magical waters and smiles as each stone turns into something shiny and new. This is the part where you, as the parent, can stand back and check your Facebook page – I mean, take pictures.
When you’re done, you’ll leave with a slightly damp bag of treasure and one happy customer!
Want to visit Greenville Gemstone Mine?
Greenville Gemstone Mine is open 7 days a week: Monday-Wednesday 10 am – 6 pm Thursday 10 am – 7 pm Friday-Saturday 10 am – 8 pm Sunday 11 am – 6 pm
Go ahead and plan your visit. Show up around 10 and you’ll be out in time for an early lunch!
Just a side note: walk out the door, turn left and walk a short distance to the Subway on the same side of the street. If the weather is nice, we like to take our sandwiches across the street and eat at the tables in the Hyatt courtyard.
A second Greenville location is open in Haywood Mall near Macy’s. Hours for the mall location are Monday-Thursday 10 am – 8 pm Friday-Saturday 10 am – 9 pm Sunday 12 pm – 7 pm
Have you ever taken your kids to Greenville’s Gemstone Mine?
Are you looking for festive ways to spend a Greenville, SC Christmas? Now that the holiday season has arrived, we’ve gathered up some ideas for a fun day packed with holiday things to do. Here, you will find suggestions for places to go in downtown Greenville using the free trolley, information on Greenville’s holiday events, and lots more.
If you have a kid who loves airplanes, then Runway Park near Downtown Greenville, SC is the best park ever! Please tell me you’ve been. There is a wonderful park, with swings, climbing structures, a paved trail for bike riding, and lots of different slides. But the best part is that you can watch small-engine planes take off while you play!
There is also a mini golf course in the same parking lot. What a win!
Quick Summary: Runway Park
If your kiddo is obsessed with airplanes, Runway Park near Downtown Greenville is the perfect spot for a playdate. The best part? You can watch real planes take off and land while the kids play! 🛫
Here’s why you’ll love it: ✅ Airplane-themed playground with swings, slides & climbing structures ✅ A paved track for bikes & scooters (trust us—bring their wheels!) ✅ A real Boeing 737 body to walk through! ✅ Fenced-in for easy supervision ✅ Picnic areas & a family-friendly restaurant nearby
The charm of the place catches you from the moment you arrive. To enter the play area, you walk through the body of an airplane – which is actually the real body of an old Boeing 737. On the left, there is a set of play equipment for the smaller kids. On the right, there is another (pretend) plane to climb/sit on (it’s perfect for pictures). The playset for the older children is closest to the runway.
A track surrounds the area. Make sure to throw bikes and scooters in the trunk of your car. Had I known ahead of time about the track, we might have avoided a meltdown or two (or three). So I repeat, TAKE THEIR WHEELS! (You can shoot me a “thank you” email whenever you have time).
Everything is fenced in. The whole place. It is super easy to keep up with your tribe. And aside from a small gate door that leads to the café, there’s only one way in and out.
While the bright and colorful bars, slides, and swings are nice, that’s not at all my favorite part. I love all the green grass. Thankfully, on this day, I had my blanket in the van. If stretching out on a blanket isn’t your cup ‘O tea, there are a couple of picnic tables – which, btw, the picnic hanger would be a nice place to host a birthday party. Nearby the picnic shelter is a small building with restrooms, making getting to those potty breaks quick and easy.
Clearly, I give the playground at Runway two thumbs up. I would give it three if I had an extra!
Incorporating The Park Into An Educational Opportunity
You can make great use of the fact that the park is located beside a bustling airstrip. Check out some of the ways we have found helpful in linking a fun day at Runway Park with an educational lesson about physics.
At the park, observe the planes taking off and discuss the forces at work. Why does the plane speed up to take off? Where is the air moving fast? Where is the air moving slowly? Where is the high pressure that pushes the plane up?
Use the park’s unique pretend runway to act out this idea of lift. Encourage students to use proper vocabulary (air speed, air pressure, lift, Bernoulli principle) as they pretend to take off.
When you get home, consider a writing assignment, vocabulary, journal entry, or labeled drawing for older students.
Oh, What Fun! A Scavenger Hunt!
Do your little ones love scavenger hunts or the game I-Spy? If so, they will love this unique photo scavenger park at Runway Park! Kids will have a blast using the photo scavenger hunt to find fun spots to play at Runway Park in Greenville.
Difficulty Level: Easy (This scavenger hunt is designed for small children 2-5.)
Plan Your Own Trip to The Runway Park
29 Airport Road Ext, Greenville, SC Open daily from dawn until dusk.
Let me know what your favorite part of The Runway Park is!
If you are planning a family vacation to the SC coast, a stellar beach to visit is Isle of Palms. Things to do at IOP near Charleston are endless. Isle of Palms is convenient, family-friendly, and fun. You can even make a fun day trip out of it! She shares all the information that you need, including things to do, where to eat, and how much parking costs if you’re just planning a quick day trip at this local South Carolina beach.
About Isle of Palms
Recently, my family traveled to Charleston to spend the day at Isle of Palms. Yes, you read that right – we went for the day. Isle of Palms is completely doable as a day trip. It’s perfect if you’re like me and live on a budget but long to breathe in the salt air.
Let me tell you, I was so impressed. There’s a quaint beachfront road lined with restaurants and shops. The shops are your typical beach shops filled with t-shirts, trinkets, and every size/shape boogie board to hit the market. You know, the kind of shops full of souvenirs found only on the coast.
There are also plenty of unique places to eat, a wonderful and clean beach, and fun shops to explore!
Isle of Palms: Things to Do With Your Family
Hang out at the Beach
One of the best things to do while in town is to head to the beach. The beach at IOP is flat, and there is plenty of room, even during high tide. The boys had a great time with boogie and skimboards. You can also spend the day looking for seashells, building sandcastles, or just enjoying the sounds of the Atlantic Ocean. You can occasionally catch live music right by the dunes!
South Carolina’s crazy weather pattern has created a more hazardous environment for swimmers, so always be cautious of rip tides. In the midst of your family fun, make sure to keep an eye on the colored flag at the lifeguard stand.
Big Family Day Trip Tip: Isle of Palms County Park
If you park at Isle of Palms County Park, you’ll have restrooms, outdoor showers, and changing rooms available to you. This is a big deal when you have a 3-hour-plus ride back home!
The beach can get pretty crowded, especially on Saturday, so plan to get there early in the day if you want a large space on the beach to set up camp. If you are in need of chair and umbrella rentals, there is a company for that! You can rent surfboards, bikes, chairs, and umbrellas from IOP Beach Chair Co. They even rent accessible beach wheelchairs.
You’ll also find rentals for chairs, umbrellas, and boogie boards available at a cart by the restrooms at Isle of Palms County Park.
⭐Bonus tip: There is a Harris Teeter across the street from Isle of Palms park. It’s a good place to stop before the beach to load up on snacks, fruit, or even some pre-made sandwiches. You’ll save some money here over restaurants and beach carts!
Grab Some Delicious Seafood
There’s certainly no shortage of food choices. Whether you enjoy live music and seafood, or you’re looking for some good ol’ American burgers and fries, you will find a delicious meal at Isle of Palms. One of the most popular places is Acme Lowcountry Kitchen. They have mostly seafood options and use fresh and local ingredients, which would make for a great dinner after a long day on the beach. They also have a pretty decent kids’ menu, which is always a plus.
If you are looking for something delicious right off Ocean Boulevard, then Smugglers Island Eats and Raw Bar will hit the spot. They pride themselves on a family-friendly atmosphere with a casual vibe. Smugglers, of course, offers seafood like fried shrimp baskets, but also has smash burgers and vegetarian options if you want something else. Their frozen daiquiris are delicious by the way!
One of the most popular beach restaurants in IOP is Coconut Joe’s Beach Grill. They have lots of seafood dishes like crab cakes and shrimp and grits that are delicious, but they also have burgers and sandwiches. The restaurant is located by the ocean on Ocean Boulevard and offers a rooftop bar for patrons to enjoy a delicious cocktail while taking in the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.
Take a Barrier Island Ecotour
If you are a nature lover, then going on an ecology tour of the waterways and marshes near IOP would be a perfect addition to your trip. Barrier Island Eco Tours has public tours that are guided by a naturalist and include boat excursions, dolphin tours, an exploration of Capers Island, and more. You are certain to see lots of sealife on your excursion, and it is a wonderful way to learn more about the SC coast while also having a blast. The company offers public trips, private charters, school trips, and special events throughout the year.
Isle of Palms Beach Parking
The beachfront Isle of Palms County Park offers great parking, snack bars, restrooms, and beach access. Admission prices vary depending on the season, but car prices do not exceed $15 during the week, and $25 on weekends. If Saturday is your only option for travel, you’ll want to get an early start. The County Park lot will fill up, I promise. I’m speaking from experience.
Parking on the street is an option, but the spaces are limited on the weekends. There are electronic pay-boxes along the sidewalk, so make sure to have a card handy (it’s inexpensive). We lucked out with a spot on the street directly in front of beach access with a clean bathhouse.
Between the County Park and plenty of public beach access, you can’t go wrong with a trip to the Isle of Palms. Whether you are renting a home, having a day trip, staying at Wild Dunes Resort, or vacationing at one of the few hotels in town, you are certain to find your Isle of Palms vacation worthwhile.
Visit the Isle of Palms website for more information on where to eat, what to do, and where to stay if you need more than a day trip.
Find a Place to Stay in Isle of Palms
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What’s your favorite thing to do when visiting the Isle of Palms?
