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.)
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
Use the map below to find the perfect place to stay in Isle of Palms. Kidding Around earns when you book through these links through an affiliate relationship with Stay 22.
What’s your favorite thing to do when visiting the Isle of Palms?
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,
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 2025 season kicks off May 3, 2025 at 6 pm. 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 us fast. While everything, even face painting, is free, there are tip jars out there if you want to leave something for a job well done.
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 have loved 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 and agile and just so amazing. We all love watching them.
Parking Fee
Due to rising costs, the TIEC is now charging a $10 parking fee after 4 pm for Saturday Night Lights. If you arrive before 4 pm, there is no charge. They take cash or credit cards.
WNC Main Street
After Hurricane Helene hit in September 2024, the Tryon Equestrian Center invited all the shops that were destroyed along the main street in Chimney Rock to set up shop at the center. So they did! This is a fantastic way to support these small businesses that were destroyed.
WNC Main Street has small businesses from Chimney Rock, Lake Lure, Hendersonville, and Asheville and is located at the second floor of the International Pavilion.
WNC Main Street
2025 Schedule
All the free events happen 6-8 pm and then the competition goes from 7 pm to around 9:30 pm. Most nights are themed.
Here is the 2025 schedule:
May 3rd – Derby Week
May 10th – Bluegrass Celebration
May 17th – Touch-A-Truck
May 24th – Military Appreciation
May 31st
June 7th – Art Expo
June 28th
July 5th – Beach Week
July 12th
July 19th
September 20th
September 27th
October 4th
October 11th
October 18th
October 25th
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.
Have you been to Linky Stone Park: Children’s Garden in Greenville, SC, yet? The best way to describe it is a magical, whimsical wonderland where you and your little ones can explore, learn, and play to your heart’s content! This charming garden that’s nestled and tucked away in the heart of downtown Greenville is a must-visit for families looking for a fun-filled day out.
A Little Linky Stone Park History
Linky Stone Park: Children’s Garden opened in 1994. This storybook park was named after Allene Lawton Wyman “Linky” Stone. The park was dedicated to her by her children and grandchildren.
Discover a World of Wonders at Linky Stone Park
From the moment you step into the garden, you’re greeted with a sensory feast of sights, sounds, and smells. With colorful flowers, towering trees, and chirping birds all around, your little ones will be captivated by the garden’s natural beauty. Even in early spring, we could see hints of colorful flowers starting to bloom. I’ve made note to return in a month or two once all the greenery is fully revived… I’m sure it looks even more lush and magical.
But that’s just the beginning – countless surprises and delights are waiting to be discovered! From secret pathways and hidden nooks to bubbling creeks and whimsical sculptures, the garden is a treasure trove of wonders waiting to be explored.
Learn as You Play
The Children’s Garden is not just a place for play – it’s also an outdoor classroom where your kids can learn about nature and the environment in a fun and engaging way. Throughout the garden, you’ll find interactive exhibits and educational displays that teach kids about different plant species.
Various plants have plaques with QR codes that you can scan for more information about each species. There’s even an area where flowers are planted in a rainbow shape in rainbow colors.
Whether your kids are budding botanists or just love to explore, the garden offers endless opportunities for discovery and learning.
Create Lasting Memories
Most of all, the parks Children’s Garden allows families to connect, laugh, and make memories together. With a few benches and picnic tables, the garden is the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch or snack break.
Where is Linky Stone Park
The park sits quietly under the Academy Street bridge at River Street and Reedy View Drive, just off the Swamp Rabbit Trail. Unity Park is a short 0.4 miles away.
24 Reedy View Drive, Greenville
Parking at Linky Stone Park
There’s a public pay-to-park parking lot right across the street from the park. You can also try parking across River Street at the River Street Garage or Riverplace Garage, or toss your luck at finding an empty spot on the street.
So what are you waiting for? Pack a picnic and head to the Linky Stone Park Children’s Garden today. Your little ones will thank you for it!
Editor’s Note: The Children’s Garden at Linky Stone Park is in a semi-secluded setting. Some mothers may prefer visiting during the busier hours on the weekend or with a group.
Are you looking for a park in Taylors, SC and thinking about visiting Lincoln Park? With spring weather here (finally) and summer on the horizon, it’s time to start planning activities to occupy little minds and bodies. And it doesn’t hurt for mom’s mind to be occupied too! Lincoln Park in Taylors offers a fun playground, paved path, basketbll courts, and more.
Are you a single mom? Valentine’s Day takes on new meaning when you are a single mom at the holiday. If you are looking for ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your kids, Kidding Around contributor Andrea is telling readers how she has handled the love-filled holiday in this new season.
Planning a birthday party for a baby and searching through the first birthday party venues in Greenville, SC? What are the perfect spots in Greenville for a baby’s birthday party? What places can I take one-year-olds for a birthday? Babies are a little tricky. They need a lot of supervision and a safe space. Many times, they need an indoor playground or indoor play area. That’s why we came up with this list full of first-birthday party venues, parks, and other creative spots that would be perfect for babies and toddlers in Greenville, SC.
Birthdays are supposed to be fun. But let’s be honest – sometimes they’re not. I am usually so stressed out on the day of my kid’s party, I find myself counting down the minutes until it’s over.
It doesn’t have to be that way. I’ve compiled a list of (what I feel are) the best party ideas for your baby (for babies and toddlers) that won’t break your budget. These ideas include easy DIY birthday ideas for home and birthday party venues specializing in parties for babies.
Local Parks that Are Perfect for Baby Birthday Parties
Herdklotz Park
Assuming you live in the Greenville area, you’ve probably been to Herdklotz Park. Or, you’ve at least heard of it. Located off Rutherford Road, it’s the perfect party destination. I would gear this one more towards your toddler child.
There are two ways to do it:
1. Call Greenville Rec and reserve the large shelter at the top of the hill or the smaller shelter at the toddler playground.
Or 2. pick a time that is less crowded and set up at one of the tables between both playgrounds. Personally, I am in favor of the latter. When my son turned three we packed up picnic table covers, sidewalk chalk, balls and cars. He had a blast! The best part? It doesn’t cost a dime!
For more great parks, visit our Ultimate Guide to Parks in Greenville. You’ll find parks by location and amenities like basketball courts, swings, and more.
But, if you ask me (and you did, right?), for a baby’s birthday, I would stroll through the zoo with my friends and finish up with cake and ice cream under the picnic shelters in Cleveland Park. Then, let the kids have some free play on the playground. Children 2 and under can visit the Greenville Zoo for free and several of the membership packages come with extra tickets for friends and family.
Falls Park
Falls Park is the perfect idea for an infant party. I say infant, because if you carry a group of toddlers, the likelihood of your blood pressure sky-rocketing into the danger zone is high. And that would defeat the purpose of this list. I’m not signing up to chase two-year-olds around in an attempt to keep them out of the creek. No, thank you.
But count me in for a picnic lunch and playing on a blanket with other mommies and their babies. Stop by the Dollar Store, grab a few bottles of bubbles, and head downtown. Don’t forget the cupcakes! Also, remember to pack paper products, juice boxes, and lots of wet wipes. The only downside is you’ll need a backup plan if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Get Together at Greenville Main Library
This may sound a little unconventional. You wouldn’t want to invite twenty friends, but if you are willing to keep it small (up to 3 friends & their babies), the library could be a really cool place for a party! There are computers and an entire room for your babies and toddlers. Be sure to check the Play-And-Learn (PAL) schedule to be sure it’s open during your party time. If the weather is nice, pack your blanket and serve up cupcakes (or cookies) on the front lawn.
Birthday Venues for 1st Birthdays: Greenville, SC
The Little Gym
The Little Gym in Greenville, SC offers birthday party packages for babies and toddlers. There are a couple of different packages you can choose from, as well as some add-ons. But what a great way to let your tiny human play with friends while getting some major energy out!
The Children’s Museum of the Upstate
If you haven’t visited the Children’s Museum of the Upstate yet, be sure to add it to your calendar. The Spartanburg location is GREAT for kids under 6 years old! And you guessed it—you can host your child’s birthday party at either location! The TCMU staff party hosts will set up, decorate, and clean up in the party room, keeping the party stress-free and very kid-friendly, of course. There are a couple of birthday party packages to choose from to make sure your needs are met. But if you’re looking for a birthday party venue for your baby or toddler, definitely consider hosting it at TCMU.
First Birthday Party Venues in Spartanburg, SC
Inflatable Fun in Your Backyard
There are several companies near Spartanburg that rent inflatables, such as bounce houses. Children, even babies, love playing in bounce houses! Adding an inflatable to the backyard birthday party is a perfect choice for a first birthday. Just make sure the inflatable is properly secured before allowing any children to play.
Picnic at the Park
If you would rather head outside of your house, consider celebrating at one of Spartanburg’s Parks. Many of the local parks, such as Anchor Park at Lake Bowen, have covered picnic areas that you can rent and reserve. Other parks offer picnic tables on a first-come basis. Choose your child’s favorite playground, invite their friends, and serve goldfish, cupcakes, and juice boxes.
Stroll Through Hatcher Garden
Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve is beautiful all year long, and children love the chance to explore nature up close. With several different seating areas and picnic tables, you can find the ideal spot to sing “Happy Birthday” to your baby.
Get Wet in the Summer at Shipwreck Cove
If your baby has a summer birthday, consider celebrating at Shipwreck Cove. Children will get to splash around and enjoy the birthday festivities.
DIY Home Birthday Party for Babies
Bring Your Own Book
This party takes place in the comfort of your own home. Invite your guests to wrap their favorite children’s book. Have a special guest or “storyteller” read a handful of the books to your tiny audience. If you’re feeling really energetic and creative, have a few friends lined up to perform a puppet show. Your baby will have a fresh new library at the end of this party!
Kidz Bop Dance Party
Obviously, this one is more suitable for kids who are walking or toddling around. Who doesn’t love music?! Kidz Bop is awesome because it allows you to enjoy all the current tunes without being exposed to inappropriate lyrics. Toddlers LOVE to move! Music and dancing is always a crowd-pleaser.
Water Table Fun
Splish! Splash! You might suggest that your friends pack a towel and an extra pair of clothes. Put out a large tarp in the middle of your living room floor. Fill the table with lukewarm water. Add a drop of baby soap for bubbles or bath colors for a more exciting look. On the invitations, you can ask that each friend bring a bath toy as their gift. Your child will have fun opening their new toys before playtime. *This can also be done outdoors on a deck or patio.
Paint & Play-Doh Party
Let’s get creative! This is sure to be a hit with your two (maybe 3) year olds. Crayola makes paint that is completely safe for little hands. Spread a LARGE white piece of paint paper on the kitchen floor or table. (I would tape it down if I were you). Squirt a few different colors onto the paper and watch them (closely) as they go to town!
After about 30 minutes, clean them up and transition to the table for Play-Doh fun. Like with the other parties, you can ask your guests to bring their own Play-Doh and/or Play-Doh accessories and leave them for the birthday girl or boy.
At the very least, I hope this list will alleviate some of your birthday party anxieties. All that really matters is that our children feel loved and celebrated on their special day.
Where has your child’s favorite birthday party been held?
Looking for some other things to do with your babies and toddlers? Be sure to read our entire Baby/Toddler Guide in Greenville with things to do, places to eat, and more.
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, we paid $25 for them to ride a horse for fifteen minutes. That may not sound like a long time, but for a child fifteen minutes on the back of a horse is an eternity. Or, if you’re looking for something a little longer, they offer hour and 1.5-hour-long trail rides that start at $70. 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.
