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.
Looking for a playground to visit? You may want to check out West Greenville Community Center’s playground in Greenville!
It’s winter and, yes, it can be cold. Really cold. However, we also get the occasional 60 degree day, in January. You know the kind. When you absolutely must spend as much time outside as possible, before it turns cold again. That’s the perfect day for one of the many awesome parks in Greenville!
Recently, I took the kids to a playground at the West Greenville Community Center. In case you haven’t noticed, Greenville’s West End is bursting with new life. The small, quaint streets are lined with art galleries, vintage shops and to-die-for restaurants. Tucked off the main road, away from all the activity, we found Greenville Rec’s newest addition to the community. It’s not very big, but the boys and I were impressed.
A little about West Greenville Community Center’s playground
There’s ample space to throw down your picnic blanket. The next time we go, I plan to park myself under the huge Oak Tree. If the ground doesn’t appeal to you, there are two really nice, new tables and benches. The park has two regular slides, one double slide, several climbing apparatus and monkey bars. In spite of the cold, we had a really nice time.
There’s good news and bad news for parents of younger children. The good news is, there’s mulch. The bad news is, there’s mulch. You’ll want to use the set of eyes in the back of your head for the little ones who put anything and everything in their mouths.
Honestly, there’s only so much a girl can write about a playground. So, here’s a short list of comments thrown at me from the back seat on our way home:
“Do we have to leave?”
“Even though there aren’t any swings, it was still fun.”
“Can we come back tomorrow?”
“I’m glad we didn’t have to drive far.”
“I really want to ride that spin around-thingy again!”
Visit West Greenville Community Center for yourself
Local mom Andrea Beam reviews the bowling alley at Rock Springs Baptist Church in Easley, SC. This bowling alley is open to the public and offers bowling, food, and even birthday parties at their Impact Center.
I’m about to be really honest with you guys. I HATE bowling. Like, I really hate it. Everything from the unsanitary ball and shoes to the smoky atmosphere makes me want to crawl into a bathtub full of hand sanitizer. It’s really sad because our boys love to bowl, but I just can’t muster up the will to carry them. Don’t worry, I’m not passing along my disdain, I just always happen to have another activity planned when they ask.
My nephew, Preston’s, birthday was in March, and guess what kind of party he asked for?
You got it.
“Great,” I thought to myself (or I may have said it out loud a few times, but that’s beside the point).
Clearly, I was less than excited about his choice of venue, but because I need all the brownie points I can get when it comes to child-rearing, I began to call around to various bowling alleys (I’m such a sacrificial aunt).
Bowling at Rock Springs
Enter my new best friend, Ashley. Ashley’s son is Preston’s best friend and they had just been to a bowling party at Rock Springs Baptist Church’s Impact Center. There’s a bowling alley there!
Say what??
“You really should give them a call, it was so nice,” she said. Faster than you could blow out a candle, we were on the phone.
The fact that it was at a church made me feel better. If nothing else, I knew the atmosphere would be family-friendly. Alcohol, tobacco, and offensive language are all prohibited in the bowling alley.
A bowling birthday party at Rock Springs
Needless to say, we booked his party. It was a win, win for everyone.
I was impressed the moment we walked through the door. To say that it was clean would be an understatement. There are twelve lanes for you and your family/friends to enjoy. And maybe it was just me, but the lanes seemed a lot roomier than your average bowling alley. Believe it or not, I ended up having a blast. Preston and all of his little friends did too, but you probably guessed that already!
A few things you should know when thinking about booking your party at Rock Springs’ Impact Center
You purchase a 2 hour time slot – I’ve found this to be true of most party venues, so no surprise here.
Pizza/Drinks are part of the package – They encourage you to have a headcount ready and pre-order your pizzas so they are ‘hot and ready’ by a certain time the night of the party. When you arrive, you’ll be given a “menu” type sheet of paper with a list of drinks. Once you turn your sheet in, you’ll be given a specific time that your order will be ready. Of course, you’ll want to plan the bowling portion of the party around the food.
Outside food and drinks (even water) are not permitted. But, you can bring cupcakes!
Bring extra cash – Even though you pay for the pizza and drinks together, you’ll want to have extra cash for the snack bar. Again, take it from me. They have nacho chips, popcorn, and other over-the-counter snack foods for a VERY minimal price. Depending on what time you have your party, the kiddos may want to snack before the pizza is ready. Who doesn’t want popcorn once the smell fills the room? Maybe you’re more disciplined than me, and if so, my hats off to you!
Party packages begin at $225 for 12 bowlers. That includes the 2 hour party with 2 pizzas, soda and more. They have other party packages as well.
Plan a visit to the Rock Springs Bowling Alley soon
Regular Admission:
$5/per game and that includes shoe rental, or $18 per lane (up to 6 people, includes shoes)
On Tuesdays, Seniors bowl for $2/game from 10 am to 12 pm
Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 pm to 9 pm everyone pays $3 per game, including shoes
Lanes host up to six bowlers.
No reservations – Lanes are first come, first serve unless you’ve booked a party. Children ages 14 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
As with any other bowling alley, socks are required and available for purchase.
Hours of operation:
Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 5-9 p.m., Wednesday and Sunday CLOSED, Friday 5-11 p.m. and Saturday 12-9 pm.
The Impact Center also offers gym facilities and group fitness for an affordable cost.
I think I’ve covered everything, but if you’ve been and there’s something I’ve missed, please let us know in the comments! Rock Springs Bowling Alley is the perfect alternative for someone, like me, who isn’t a fan of traditional venues.
Have you been to a Storytime on the Steps at M. Judson Booksellers in Downtown Greenville? This fun event takes on front steps M. Judson Booksellers, and you can catch it each Wednesday and Saturday. Your toddlers and preschoolers will LOVE it!
M. Judson Storytime on the Steps
My mom and I took our preschooler to M. Judson’s Story Time. Believe it or not, I had not been. I’ve been to the bookstore many times. In fact, it’s one of our favorite places to relax. The atmosphere is appealing with its high ceilings and homey décor. Free Wifi accompanied by coffee and a small snack from the quaint café, Camilla Kitchen, is also a plus. You’ll want to check out the children’s nook in the back of the store. Our kids love to chill by themselves while we stroll through the adult titles.
Although the event does not begin until 10:30 am, we arrived downtown around 9:30 am. The TD Saturday Market on Main Street every Saturday morning starting in May, so parking can be tricky. Personally, I am partial to the garages. There are several located within close proximity to the bookstore, although walking is part of the charm of a cool morning on Main.
There is a garage directly behind the Poinsett Hotel (beside M. Judson). Most of the parking garages have free weekend parking but (even though the cost is minimal) this is not one of them. The garages that offer free parking have a sign at the entrance – if there is no sign, only the first hour is free.
Okay, on to the Storytime
As the group gathered for Storytime, the first thing I noticed was the age range of the children. This is one thing you want to keep in mind when planning your visit. It is definitely geared to a preschool audience. The majority, and by majority I mean all, of the crowd was under 5 years old.
I encourage you to check the M. Judson Booksellers & Storytellers website for a list of really cool activities for older children. They have plenty!
A employee of the store set up on the front steps to begin reading promptly at 10:30 am and wrapped up after three books. I imagine I’m not the only parent who appreciated their respect of time. The storyteller was sensitive to the attention span of all the little wiggle worms.
Storytime on the Steps was a nice addition to our Wednesday or Saturday morning in town. The best part is, it’s thirty minutes that someone else is reading to your child!
After story time a sweet treat is often provided for all the little ones, the perfect end to our visit!
Have you taken your kids to story time on the steps at M. Judson yet?
Thank you to Theresa Case from our sponsor Piano Central Studios for contributing this article.
Thankfully we live in a community that is very aware and supportive of the arts and all of the benefits that come with early and sustained exposure to the arts. Parents will enroll their very young children in Kindermusik®, for example, because they want their children to develop a love for and interest in music in the hopes that they will continue on with music lessons. But in case the thought of becoming a music lesson parent feels a little daunting to you, or even if you’re perfectly confident about having your child taking music lessons, here are some things you didn’t know you needed to know about music lessons.
Things You Need to Know About Music Lessons
Even “non-musical” parents can have significant influence in helping their children succeed at music lessons.
Whether you have a musical background or not, what your child needs most from you is your support, your interest, and your encouragement. Making sure your child practices, gets to lessons regularly and on time, and knows that you love hearing him play or sing makes all the difference in how far – and how long – your child will keep up with playing the piano or learning to sing.
Music lessons require work and dedication, but there’s big payoff.
Though the effort is a bit different, music lessons are as much a labor of love and dedication for the parents as they are for the student. But the payoff comes when you see the joy in their eyes, the self-confidence that is blossoming, the creativity that begins to inspire every area of their thinking – all because of a developing skill that they can literally enjoy for the rest of their lives.
Your child’s music lesson teacher will eagerly welcome your involvement.
In fact, your child is guaranteed to succeed more quickly, more easily, and more enjoyably if you as the parent take an active role in maintaining an open line of communication with your child’s music teacher and insisting on practice at home throughout the week. You know your child best, and your child’s music lesson teacher loves nothing more than being able to work closely with you.
Just because your child tells you they want to quit doesn’t mean it’s true.
Many times “I want to quit” is because the student is on the edge of breaking through to a new level of musical skill and development, something that always spurs a student on to even greater enjoyment and progress.
If you feel like your child isn’t making much progress, look first at his or her practice habits and routine….
After you look at practice habits and routine, then take some time to talk to his/her teacher. There’s one main thing that results in progress – consistent quality practice. “Quality” being defined as practicing what the teacher asks and how the teacher asks. Chances are that you and the teacher will be able to identify the stumbling block and find a way through it so that your child gets right back on the path to progress.
Your music teacher loves for you to read the notes – and not just the ones on the music you’re learning.
Though the method may vary, every good teacher will have some kind of written assignments plus helpful tips for the week of practice that’s ahead. It’s extremely beneficial to keep the Assignment Notebook open to the page for the week so that you and your child can easily refer to it every practice session.
Taking music lessons in the summer will save you at least two months’ worth of tuition in the Fall.
The intentions are always good, but it’s hard to keep up with practicing and maintaining the skill that’s been gained without the consistency and accountability of summer lessons. It can take 2 – 3 months to regain the momentum, skill, and understanding that will be lost over the summer.
If your child thinks that he doesn’t have the option to quit, he might surprise you with just how long he’ll stick with taking lessons.
You might be thinking that you’re not sure how this “lesson thing” is going to work out, but don’t let on to your child that there’s an option to quit anytime soon – if ever at all. It does something positive to a child’s psyche if he understands that music lessons are an expected part of the routine and something that you are committed to as well. So buy the quality instrument, and then invest the time, money, and care into your child’s musical success right from the very beginning.
It takes three people plus a great program to equal music lesson success – the teacher, the parent, and the student.
You’ve heard it said that it takes a village to raise a child, but when it comes to music lessons, it takes a triangle. It’s the solidity of the teacher-parent-student triangle that can unfold and ignite the musical potential that is in every child.
It’s not just about an activity for now; it’s about an advantage for life.
It’s been said that a love of music is one of the first things to develop and one of the last things to go. Making music not only is a skill that you can enjoy as much at age 80 as you did at age 8; it is also a skill that will increase cognition, improve memory, and continue to give so much joy even as you get older.
Motivation will take your child much farther than talent can.
That’s why it’s so important to find a program and a teacher who works hard to keep your student self-motivated. There is no limit to what a child can accomplish if her or she loves their music lessons.
So maybe this isn’t exactly “everything” you didn’t know you needed to know about music lessons, but hopefully it’s a good start – enough at least to give insight into finding the right program in which to enroll your child for music lessons and to give encouragement that giving your child music lessons is unwrapping a gift they will enjoy for now… and for life.
Meet Theresa Case, Director of Piano Central Studios
A love for music and true enjoyment in teaching and watching others enjoy music is what motivates Theresa Case, Director of Piano Central Studios in Greenville, SC. Theresa started playing the piano at age 4 1/2 and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Music Education. She has spent most of her life building on the “heart connection” she’s always had with music.
As the director of Piano Central Studios since 1995, Theresa has grown the program from a small school with a handful of students to the largest community music school in the Upstate. Currently, Theresa is responsible for overseeing the entire program at PCS, managing a staff of over 30 teachers and coordinating Kindermusik classes, music lessons, and art classes at multiple studio and school locations. Along with her wonderful team of teachers, Theresa loves helping to make a difference in the lives of so many families and students who are such a special part of PCS.
By far, Theresa’s best life work includes serving in her church and being a wife and a mother. She enjoys cooking, reading, shopping, and spending time with her husband and three boys.
