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Explore the Revolutionary War in Historic Camden, SC

Are you looking for a South Carolina town day trip packed with Revolutionary War history?

We found the perfect spot in nearby Camden, SC, just 2 hours from Greenville. As South Carolina’s earliest inland town, Camden provides opportunities to learn about the American Revolution, enjoy a small-town downtown complete with unique shopping and dining, and even kayak through a state park.

A Couple Tips for Camden, SC

Parking is easy downtown. There is plenty of free street parking.
It’s a friendly town. If you have a question about what to do or eat, just ask.
The City of Camden website is a great place to look for general information on the area.

This article includes:
Things to Do in Camden, SC
Where to Eat in Camden, SC
Where to Shop in Camden, SC
Where to Stay in Camden, SC
Annual Events in Camden, SC

What Are the Things to Do in Camden?

Revolutionary War Visitor Center Website

212 Broad Street, Camden
FREE

Mark the brand-new Camden Revolutionary War Visitor Center as not just a great road trip exit but also a destination for day trips. This brand-new facility features educational displays that teach families about the history of Camden and South Carolina’s role in the American Revolution starting with its Native American settlements through the end of the American Revolution.

One thing we appreciated about the display was its nuanced history featuring multiple perspectives and critical thinking questions to spur great discussions with your kids. Life-like statues and exhibits created a special atmosphere.

The Revolutionary War Visitors Center hosts special programming and field trips.

Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site Broad Street — Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site

The Historic Camden Revolutionary War Park Website

Right next to the Revolutionary War Visitors Center, you can explore colonial backcountry reconstructed buildings along over 100 acres at the Historic Camden Revolutionary War Park. We even found a blacksmith who made a nail for our kids.

You can choose to either take a guided tour (approximately $20/person) or a self-guided tour ($10) of the grounds and buildings. The Kershaw-Cornwallis home (a 1970s replica of the original home of Camden’s founder) is only open to the public for guided tours.

Buildings you’ll see include original buildings with original woodwork from the late 1700s and early 1800s, including the John Craven House, Bonds Conway House, and Cunningham House.

Each 2nd Saturday, the grounds also feature living history demonstrations. Field trips are available upon request.

The Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site Website

Camden Battlefield and Longleaf Pine Reserve
1606 Flat Rock Road, Camden

Admission to the Camden Battlefield and Longleaf Pine Reserve is free, though guided tours are available starting at $20/person. Field trips are also available.

This site is currently being developed but you will find signage showing the different routes to see the battlefield and educational signage to explain the history of the area. We were on a tight time frame when visiting, but I did walk through the short .2 mile Eagle Loop Trail.

This trail wound through the longleaf pines with signage telling the ecological history of what the mature longleaf pine forest used to look like and the current efforts to regrow the forest. A mature longleaf pine tree takes 120 years to mature so this is a long-term project.

longleaf pine reserve — Longleaf Pine Reserve

One interesting thing I learned from the signage is how biodiverse a longleaf pine forest is. In fact, only a tropical rainforest is more biodiverse. Inside the trail, you could hear the many birds calling. Make sure though that you wear closed-toed shoes and bug spray as there were a number of ants and insects on the trail.

If outdoorsy things are what you’re after, Historic Camden also offers a nature trail and fishing pond.

There are no bathrooms at this site.

Quaker Graveyard Camden, SC — Quaker Cemetery

Quaker Cemetery Website

713 Meeting Street, Camden

The Quaker Cemetery is another great place to learn more about the history of the area and it’s the site of multiple historically significant graves.

The Boykin Spaniel Invasion

Downtown Camden, SC

In downtown Camden, you can search for eleven small bronze Boykin Spaniel sculptures. If you need help, clues are posted on the Experience Camden website.

Old McCaskill’s Farm

377 Cantey Lane, Rembert (about 10 minutes from downtown Camden)

Old McCaskill’s Farm opens their grounds to the public on Fridays. On Fridays, you can sit down for a southern buffet lunch. Even the seating of long farm tables will take you to a different era.

In the general store, you can shop for fresh farm meats, local honey, and handcrafted items. You can also take a walk around the property to see animals, a pond, and even baby chicks. If you are staying overnight, the McCaskill’s also operates a full bed and breakfast where you can stay right on site.

Old McCaskill’s Farm also offers field trips, birthday parties, canning classes, Border Collie demonstrations, and more.

Old McCaskills Farm in Camden, SC — Old McCaskill’s Farm

Goodale State Park

650 State Rd S-28-331, Camden

Kayak a 3-mile water trail through cypress trees at nearby Goodale State Park in Camden, SC. This is a quiet park where you might be the only visitors.

This park has a diverse ecosystem including alligators, herons, eagles, and more. We also spotted pitcher plants (a native carnivorous plant in SC) along the lake.

Kayaks and canoes are available for rent, but the rangers recommended calling ahead if you want to reserve them as it’s a small park and that allows the rangers to ensure that they meet you at the rental area.

Camden, SC Additional Ideas:

Goat Daddy’s Farm (open on Saturdays)

Check out Goat Daddy’s Farm in our Kidding Around review all about Goat Daddy’s Farm!

SC Equine Park Website – We didn’t have the opportunity to visit the SC Equine Park but numerous locals mentioned that it was one of their favorite local attractions and that many people come to watch the events hosted there.

The National Steeplechase Museum Website

Where Are the Best Places to Eat? Restaurants in Camden, SC

Cake from Loopy Lemon Cafe in Camden, SC — Loopy Lemon Cafe dessert

Loopy Lemon Café Facebook Page

611 Rutledge Street, Camden

We started our visit to Camden by stopping by the Loopy Lemon Café for lunch. We were greeted not only by a friendly team but also by comfy benches with pillows and walls covered with local artwork. The Loopy Lemon Café’s menu included Southern/Mediterranean fusion cuisine such as Turkey, Brie, and Peach sandwiches and Pear Pecan Gorgonzola Salad. They also offered a wide selection of freshly baked desserts including a Blueberry Lemon Mascarpone cake that looked like it belonged on HGTV.

One thing we learned was that the Loopy Lemon also offers gluten-free bread options and carefully cleans the equipment for customers that need gluten-free meals so that even customers with celiac disease and allergies can enjoy a delicious sandwich.

Loopy Lemon Cafe salad — Salad from Loopy Lemon Cafe

The Loopy Lemon Café makes all of their food from scratch and uses fresh, locally sourced ingredients. As someone that can’t drink beverages with much sugar, I was excited to see that infused cucumber lemon water was a complimentary beverage and that unsweetened green tea was a beverage choice in addition to southern sweet tea.

Kid Review: “I think we all have to agree that this was one of the best lunches we have ever had.”

Salud Mexican Kitchen Tequila Lounge Website

1011 Broad St, Camden

The definition of “Salud” is toast to your health and Salud Mexican Kitchen Tequila Lounge lives up to their name with a selection of 100 tequilas from around the world and a full menu packed with authentic Mexican dishes.

We loved the fun, colorful atmosphere, and our meals were delicious. All meals and drinks are made from fresh ingredients.

Sweet Lil’s Desserts

1026 Broad Street

When you are looking for that afternoon ice cream cone or homemade bakery treats, be sure to head to Sweet Lil’s Desserts. With custom flavors like Almond Joy and Coconut Lemongrass, anyone can find a flavor that suits their taste. The menu even included several dairy-free options including dairy-free ice cream and sorbet.

I was excited to see a wide menu with a variety of price points and portion sizes so that you could enjoy a sweet treat whether you wanted a full indulgence or just a small scoop.

House of Pizza in Camden, SC — Camden House of Pizza

Camden House of Pizza

545 E. DeKalb Street, Camden

Camden House of Pizza makes all of their pizzas to order with fresh pizza dough made daily. You can order pizza, subs, Greek dishes, Italian dishes, and salads. Our pizza and Souvlaki Chicken Dinner were both delicious. Both Hampton Park or Rectory Square Park are right next door for a picnic.

Other recommended restaurants:

We didn’t eat at these places but they were recommended to us by locals!

What Are the Best Places to Shop in Camden?

One thing we noticed immediately about Camden was how friendly everyone is. Popping into a store is more than just a chance to shop but it’s a way to meet the locals, learn more about the area, and find unique local goods.

Books on Broad Website

944 Broad Street, Camden

All book-lovers need to pop into Books on Broad. This local bookstore greets you with wall-to-wall bookshelves and even a small coffee shop.

Camden Antiques Market Website

830 South Broad Street, Camden

This antique market has sold a variety of high-end antiques since 1995.

Victoria Susan Wearable Art in Camden, SC

Victoria Susan Wearable Art Website

411 Rutledge Street, Camden

This local shop offers a wide selection of cottage industry, fair trade clothing as well as locally made jewelry and handmade goods, estate jewelry, and antiques.

Rutledge Street Gallery

508 Rutledge Street, Camden

Rutledge Street Gallery immediately welcomes you with its carefully curated galleries filled with colorful artwork. We were a little nervous walking into such a carefully ordered studio with even older children but were immediately welcomed by kids and all (of course we were careful to make sure we respected the space). The artwork was varied and interesting to browse and the store also had a wide selection of Turkish rugs.

Kershaw County Farmers Market Website

906 Broad Street

Each Saturday, local produce, handmade goods, and even sweet treats and flowers are sold at the downtown Kershaw County Farmers Market. Be sure to bring cash as most of the vendors do not take credit cards.

Where to Stay in Camden? Hotels in Camden, SC

Find hotels in Camden.

This list contains Stay22 Affiliate links.

Hampton Inn

122 Wall Street

We stayed at the Hampton Inn on Wall Street. Our hotel looked new and fresh and was just 5 minutes from downtown Camden. It offered free Wi-fi, pool access, and free breakfast and a fruit bowl was at the front desk for daytime snacks. The staff was friendly and helpful.

Bloomsbury Inn

Bloomsbury Inn is a 165-year-old property with a full Bed and Breakfast.

Old McCaskill’s Farm

As mentioned earlier, Old McCaskill’s Farm also has a Bed and Breakfast. Each bedroom is housed inside the main house and has its own bathroom. The property is located within a convenient distance of the area’s historical sites and patrons can walk around the farm.

More Hotels in Camden, SC

Find more hotels and places stay in Camden, using this map from Stay22.

Comfort Inn and Suites– near the Springdale Race Course

Holiday Inn Express

Annual Events in Camden

Carolina Cup Steeplechase (April)

This annual steeple horse race brings over 30,000 fans to Camden each year.

Battle of Camden BBQ Festival (November)

BBQ competitions, live music and entertainment.

Irish Fest Camden (March)

This multi-day festival celebrates Irish and Celtic heritage and even has a free block party and huge Saturday festival.

Fire Fest Camden (September)

This parade of emergency vehicles through downtown Camden takes place every year on the last Saturday in September. There are tons of free activities including seeing antique fire trucks, kids games, demonstrations, firefighter competitions and local entertainment.

Revolutionary Run Half Marathon

The USATF-certified half-marathon racecourse and 5K through South Carolina’s oldest inland city covers eight of Camden’s nine touring districts and passes by nearly 50 historical sites.

Carolina Downtown Blues Festival

This festival is an award-winning event recognized for featuring legendary blues artists from around the globe.

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explore the revolutionary war in camden sc

Explore the Revolutionary War in historic Camden, South Carolina!

10+ Fun Things to Do with Kids in Alpharetta, Georgia

Inside: A list of Family-friendly things to do in Alpharetta, GA

Looking for fun things to do in Alpharetta, Georgia?

Are you looking for the perfect place to spend a weekend of fun with kids close to Upstate, SC? You should consider Alpharetta, Georgia. Tucked between the Georgia mountains and downtown Atlanta, Alpharetta is a city with close proximity to many attractions and also with a number of local significant events, delicious dining options, and plenty of things to do for the whole family.

Quick Summary: A Trip to Alpharetta, GA

10 things to do with your kids in alpharetta ga

This charming city is packed with kid-friendly adventures, delicious dining, and events the whole family will love.

Here’s a taste of what you can do:
🚴 Ride the scenic Big Creek Greenway (8 miles of trails!)
🎨 Create a masterpiece at Painting with a Twist
🎯 Play laser tag & bowl at Main Event Entertainment
🏰 Let imaginations run wild at Wacky World Playground
🍩 Indulge at Da Vinci’s Donuts

We visited Alpharetta as guests of Awesome Alpharetta, Alpharetta’s Convention and Visitors Bureau. This article includes both our suggestions for activities based on our visit as well as suggestions from our readers. Prices and fee information are subject to change.

Things to Do in Alpharetta

Here’s our list of over 10 fun things you can do with kids in Alpharetta.

Big Creek Greenway

FREE

The Big Creek Greenway offers 8 miles of paved trail that connects Forsyth, Alpharetta, and Roswell. We entered the Greenway at the entrance near North Point Mall (6698 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30022).

At this entrance point, you can choose to rent a Zagster bike. To rent a bike, you will need to download the free Zagster app and enter a credit card. The first three hours of your rental are free. Be aware though that you can only rent one bike per app downloaded and that only adult-size bikes are available. You will also need to bring your own helmets.

The trail had plenty of space for bike riders and walkers and offered many scenic views of the river. We also discovered a couple of side paths for pedestrians only that entered the surrounding marshland.

Learn more about the Big Creek Greenway.

10 fun things to do with kids in alpharetta ga

Painting with a Twist Alpharetta

Painting with a Twist Alpharetta is a family-owned painting studio that offers family painting classes, birthday parties, adult classes, and more. You can bring your own snacks or purchase snacks during your visit.

Even if you have never taken a painting class before, you won’t have any trouble settling right in. Painting with a Twist takes each step and makes it simple enough for a child (or non-artsy adult) to recreate. We were surprised by what our family could create with a little bit of encouragement and also by how relaxing and fun painting is in a group.

You will need to sign up for a class or come during an open studio time to paint at Painting with a Twist.

Find the schedule at Painting with a Twist

11770 Haynes Bridge Rd, #801, Alpharetta, GA

Odyssey Escape Game

If you have never taken your kids to an escape room, you are missing out. There’s about nothing that will encourage even your teens to put away their cell phones faster than a ticking clock and a goal to prove your intelligence by solving a puzzle faster than time can run down.

Odyssey Escape Game Alpharetta is one of only two Odyssey Escape Game locations and offers unique escape room themes including Titanic, Prison Break, Jack the Ripper, Towering Inferno.

We peeked into all of the rooms. Jack the Ripper was particularly gruesome and I bet a bit spooky to solve, but Titanic — The Final Hour was the room that we set out to solve. We were impressed from the beginning by the accuracy of the room decorations and the history that the clues taught our kids.

For those that are not as familiar with escape rooms, you are not actually locked into the room but you do have at least one or more doors in each room that you must unlock by solving puzzles in order to escape.

The Titanic was particularly challenging due to the amount of puzzles. We did escape with a little extra help and a couple of extra minutes of time. Considering the room is built for up to 12 people and we only had 2 adults, we considered that success even with the extra help.

If you are an escape room fan, Odyssey Escape Game is definitely worth the drive. The rooms are unique and fun and it’s a great family bonding activity.

Be sure to reserve your spot ahead of time as rooms do fill. Find the schedule on Odyssey Escape Game’s website.

1111 Alderman Dr, Suite 210, Alpharetta, GA

For an additional escape room option, check out Urban Escape Games in Alpharetta.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream

Our family really loves ice cream, so we were really looking forward to visiting the famous Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams at Avalon but even with high expectations, we were still blown away.

The ice cream spread included so many artisan and popular flavors that it was almost impossible to choose. We were also delighted to learn a bit about the history and quality of the ice cream from our server.

If you can’t make a decision, the menu does offer a 10 half scoop ice cream flight for under $20. I tried to talk my kids into trying it to no avail. They wanted their own ice cream cones and as much as I like ice cream, I can’t eat 10 half scoops on my own.

From our choices, we voted that the Salted Caramel and Peanut Butter ice cream were favorites of ours. The waffle cones were also unusually delicious. We might visit Alpharetta again just for the ice cream.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream is located at Avalon in Alpharetta. Avalon is a walkable community that includes shopping, residential, entertainment, and dining. In addition to Jeni’s and the other shops and dining, you will find a massive green turf where the kids can play, plenty of seating, and a large Regal Theatre.

800 Avalon Boulevard, Alpharetta, GA

This shopping center is so well thought of. You feel like you’re abroad. Family friendly, gorgeous landscaping,lots of nice shops and boutiques plus Container Store, Crate and Barrel to name a few. I’d go back in a heartbeat!

Zachaira in reference to Avalon

Main Event Entertainment

Main Event Entertainment is an arcade plus entertainment venue that offers laser tag, a ropes course, billiards, bowling, and more in addition to a large arcade collection.

The laser tag room had two floors and space for a large group to play. The ropes course spanned over the arcade room and was challenging. You could also eat lunch at a full-service restaurant.

We always like deals and we were excited to find that Main Event Entertainment offers several seasonal deals that you can find on their website. We took advantage of a deal that allowed our kids to play as much laser tag, ropes course, bowling, and billiards as they wanted for under $15/person. The website also has deals on arcade games and more.

10700 Davis Dr, Alpharetta, GA

Wacky World Playground at Will’s Park

FREE

This large wooden playground resembles a castle and includes slides, monkey bars, bridges, towers, and swings. Pack clothes that can get dirty because this play area also has sandboxes.

11925 Wills Rd, Alpharetta, GA

North Point

North Point is a favorite shopping center in Alpharetta where you’ll find lots of restaurants, shops, and mall fun.

1000 North Point Circle Alpharetta, GA 30022

Cosmic Mini Golf and Play

You can play indoor glow-in-the-dark mini golf at Cosmic Mini Golf in the North Point Mall.

Da Vinci’s Donuts

This reader recommended donut shop bakes fresh cake donuts that are hand-dipped at the counter.

131 S Main St Suite F, Alpharetta, GA

Places to Eat with Kids in Alpharetta

Here are some suggested places for dining in Alpharetta based on our trip and reader suggestions.

Secreto Southern Kitchen & Bar

Secreto Southern Kitchen & Bar offers high-quality dishes with farm-to-table ingredients. We ate there for lunch and both sandwiches and entrees were available. There is not a kid’s menu, and the food options may be adventurous for some children. The food was absolutely delicious and beautifully presented and our children really enjoyed it.

6195 Windward Pkwy Suite 102; Alpharetta, GA

House of Hummus Mediterranean Cafe

House of Hummus Mediterranean Cafe serves traditional Mediterranean entrees such as gyros, falafel, hummus, lentil soup, and more. We liked how it was easy to order small portions of different types of foods so that our kids could easily try different things without having to eat a full portion. We loved everything we tried.

5950 North Point Pkwy #127, Alpharetta, GA

Antico Pizza

We did not get to personally try Antico Pizza but after hearing the locals recommend it enthusiastically, we won’t miss eating there next time. We hear that the Margherita Pizza is to die for.

Antico Pizza is also located at Avalon, so be sure to save room for dessert at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams.

3185 Avalon Boulevard, Alpharetta, GA

Smokejack BBQ

Smokejack BBQ was another local spot that was highly recommended to us by locals. The meats are smoked for 12 hours and you can order everything from nacho appetizers to pork, sausage, beef brisket, smoked turkey, chicken, baby back ribs, and spare ribs. We hear though that if you eat there, you must try the burnt ends. These pieces of brisket are smoked overnight, cubed, wood grill charred, and sautéed in Smokejack’s KC sauce. For dessert, try the Coca-Cola cake and banana pudding.

29 S Main St, Alpharetta, GA

We love Crust and Smokejack. When we visit my sister in Alpharetta, we go there over and over again. We love to play at Cogburn and Webb Bridge Parks.

Deirdre

Superica

This popular Tex Mex restaurant is located at Avalon.

Buca di Beppo

Buca di Beppo serves traditional family-style Italian dishes that you can share.

335 Mansell Rd, Alpharetta, GA

Where to Stay

Find a place to stay in Alpharetta, GA. This article contains Stay22 affiliate links.

Embassy Suites by Hilton in Alpharetta

We stayed at Embassy Suites by Hilton during our trip. We liked that our room had a door between the bedroom and sitting area which made putting kids to bed at a reasonable time much simpler. A full breakfast including fresh to-order omelets was included with our room.

Events in Alpharetta for Kids

Alpharetta has a number of fun family annual events each year. Here are some of our favorites. Check their full events calendar to see what events are happening.

Events may be rescheduled or postponed

20th Annual Scarecrow Harvest October 8th, 2025-November 2nd, 2025

Over 100 life-size scarecrows along the streets of downtown Alpharetta, inspiring fall spirit! A family street party that continues throughout the day offers inflatables, groovy music, hayrides, quirky face painting, artsy activities, and delicious food. More info can be found on the Alpharetta Government page.

Avalon Nights Live (Every Friday Night)

Enjoy music at the Palmer Plaza every Friday night from 6 pm to 8 pm. This event is free, but you can purchase drinks at the event. Address is: 950 3rd. Street Alpharetta, GA 30009 United States

Discover more places to visit!

Here’s our travel guide to Georgia

These Kids’ Consignment Stores Are Where Our Readers Shop in the Upstate

Searching for ‘children’s consignment shops near me’? Which children’s consignment shops near Greenville, SC are the best? Here’s what Kidding Around Greenville readers said when we asked them where they shop for the best deals on kids’ clothes. This list includes shops all over the Upstate that stock everything moms and moms-to-be need!

Kids Consignment Stores

Consignment Stores for All Ages

Affordable Retail for Kids Clothing

How to Make Money Selling to Consignment

Admittedly, my kids are not the cleanest and really, I don’t have the time or patience to keep them out of the mud or from spreading avocado all over their shirts at lunchtime, which is why I rarely ever buy new clothes for them.

Besides the fact that new clothes aren’t cheap, I know I can get cute apparel for my messy kids at a really good price, which makes it easier on my sanity when they get them dirty and easier on my budget.

Must-Visit Kids Consignment Stores In Upstate, SC

Whippersnappers Kids & Maternity Resale Boutique

Whippersnappers makes good use of their smaller space, where you can find clothes for mom and baby and kids, plus baby carriers and infant gear, shoes, books, and puzzles. I’ve been there during one of their sales and everything was affordable and in good shape.

Whippersnappers Kids and Maternity- Greenville. April and her crew are friendly and the clothes are always in great condition

India A.

Whippersnappers is my favorite both to buy and sell. They pay cash on the spot for equipment and store credit for clothes/toys

Carrie R.

Whippersnappers is by far my favorite. I bought 75% of my maternity wardrobe there. The store smells great and is well organized. I can get in and out wit what I need easily.

Jaimy S.

96 Orchard Park Drive, Greenville | 864.239.2266

Once Upon A Child

One thing is true — Kidding Around Greenville readers love Once Upon A Child. I was hooked on this place during one of their semi-annual blowout sales. Almost all their clothes are in great condition and everything is organized neatly.

They have clothes, toys, books, puzzles, shoes, baby gear, winter coats, and even a play area for kids. During one of their recent sales where everything marked clearance was a dollar, I walked out with a huge bag full of clothes for two kids for less than 20 bucks. Big win.

They also sell locally made, cute hair bows and hats.

They have locations in both Greenville and Spartanburg!

it is superfast and they pay cash. They usually take a good chunk of stuff and help me clean out quickly. I wouldn’t say they pay a ton but when you have bins and bins of stuff, it’s a nice way to clear out.

Megan W.M.

I had luck buying for my son up until about size 5t. If you have a daughter(s), I’d say it’s great at least for buying, for all ages. I’ve tried several times to consign there with very nice clothing, quite a bit with tags on. I’ve maybe sold 5 things there, for pennies basically since I’ve had my son.

Tracy B.

1451 Woodruff Road, Suite M, Greenville | 864.234.9201
1450 W.O. Ezell Blvd. Suite 900, Spartanburg | 864.574.0002

Kakalaki Ki ds

Kakalaki Kids located in Anderson is raved about by Kidding Around readers! They have a large selection of quality clothing as well as essential accessories, shoes, socks, and more, including name-brand and new items.

Kakalaki Kids in Anderson for sure!!! Lots of selection-both new and used! And they are super nice and helpful!

Lindsey T. B.

Kakalaki Kids!!! Hands down! They go above and beyond to get the perfect little things for our littles. Nice quality name brand consigned clothes. Not stuff you can just go and get at Once Upon a Child. They have a great mixture of both consigned and one of a kind items in Anderson. They carry some brand too that no other store in Anderson Carry!

Keri T. W.

Kakalaki Kids has such a great selection of great quality pieces from high end brands but not the high prices! They also have neat items to help you find the perfect baby shower gifts!

Kayla S.

1405 North Main Street, Anderson | 864.760.0988

Kid to Kid

Kid to Kid is located behind Haywood Mall and offers a great selection of gently used items. They have clothing, toys, shoes, and even some new items to purchase such as dish wear and accessories.

Erica

Kid to kid because they give cash or credit on the spot!

Erica

Kid to Kid, behind the Haywood mall. Great selection and great service from the staff.

Christie K.

Kid to Kid! Upscale and amazing prices and customer service!!

Sarah D.

1175 Woods Crossing Road, Greenville | 864.603.1325

Kids & More Consignment

A massive shop at 20,000 square feet, Kids & More Consignment is a deal-lovers dream. You can find clothes for the whole family. They also have furniture, houseware items, DVDs, activity tables, learning toys, and super cute hair bows for little girls.

Kids and More in Mauldin is a good one too

Charla

Kids&More in Mauldin beside Tractor supply… great selection, clothes in new to lightly used condition plus they have clothes for all ages no just the kiddos.

Tara C.

206 New Neely Ferry Road, Suite E, Mauldin | 864.675.9609

Consignment shops also carry gently used baby gear, strollers, toys, books, and all kinds of stuff that kids use once and then never look at again. And if you’ve got barely worn Christmas dresses or a Halloween costume your eight-year-old suddenly changed his mind about or a nursing chair in great shape or shoes your kid grew out of way too fast, many consignment stores will give you credit or cash for your items. Also, sign up for emails from your favorite shops and like them on Facebook so you can stay updated on their latest sales.

Kristina Hernandez, KAG Contributor

Switch-A-Roos Children’s Consignment

Switch-A-Roos Children’s Consignment is a fan favorite among Kidding Around readers. Rather than having a brick-and-mortar store, they host children’s consignment events across South Carolina a few times per year. Events are held in Greenville, Spartanburg, and Charleston, and you’ll find everything from clothing to toys to equipment and more!

Switch-A-Roos Children’s Consignment ALL the way!! They have tons to choose from and have everything you need to last all season long. They also have everything you need if you are a new mom or grandparent and you are in need of everything. They have cribs, bath tubs, carriers, toys (tons and tons) kids, teen, and adult clothes galore, and so, so much more!! The list of endless of what they have and it’s all in excellent condition. It is all so organized and efficient! Their workers are helpful and the line moves fast! I go nowhere else because they have everything needed in a one stop shop!

Katie H.

We LOVE Switch-A-Roos Children’s Consignment!! The only place I get my son’s clothes! I can clothe him for a whole season in one shopping trip. They have everything you need!

Mandy A.

Switcharoos Consignment Sale is the best!!! I clothe both my girls for an entire season in one Sale for a fraction of the cost of retail! I get boutique and beautiful smocked clothing for both my girls. It’s the only way I shop for my girls!!!

Jill N.

Consignment Stores for All Ages in Upstate, SC

Lil Savvy Sister

Lil Savvy Sister is located in Anderson and offers women’s and kids’ clothing that are gently used and in style!

Lil Savvy Sister, All About Children. I prefer these because they each have great selections and clean stores but also very friendly staff!

Gloria C.

3102 North Main Street, Anderson | 864.760.1123

Plato’s Closet

Plato’s Closet has locations in Greenville, Anderson, and Spartanburg, and is a great place to find high-quality, gently used clothing for all ages. They are a great place to find those pieces you need for older children that may be harder to find in the children’s consignment stores.

…for teens/tweens, I love Platos Closet…

KA Reader

621 Haywood Road, Greenville | 864.676.0522
106-A Franklin Avenue, Spartanburg | 864.576.4750
112 Station Dr, Anderson | 864.224.8839

New 2 You Consignment

New 2 You Consignment located in Inman offers a large selection of literally everything, including clothing, electronics, toys, children’s items, baby items, and more. They are currently taking appointments to shop.

39 North Main Street, Inman | 864.599.8024

Retail Stores with Affordable Children’s Clothing

H&M

Though not consignment, H&M has a large selection of brand-new clothes that are very inexpensive. They have a great selection of children’s clothes. They have locations in the Westgate Mall in Spartanburg and Gaffney at the Outlet Marketplace.

H&M has adorable clothes and they’re really inexpensive. We love the pants because they have adjustable waistbands

Samantha

205 West Blackstock Road, Spartanburg | 855.466.7467
1 Factory Shops Boulevard, Gaffney | 855.466.7467

The Children’s Place

This is one of my favorite places to buy children’s clothing. If you subscribe to their mailing list then you will regularly receive coupons. When you combine these with sale prices and rewards credits, the prices are less than consignment stores.

I like that I can shop from home and return items to the store if something doesn’t fit. Nearly all of the pants come with an adjustable waistband, which really helps clothes last longer size-wise.

205 West Blackstock Road, Spartanburg | 864.587.2882
700 Haywood Rd, Greenville | 864.284.6733

How to Make Money Selling Clothing to Consignment Stores

How many of us have bought an item for our child, only to have them outgrow it while the tags are still on? It’s so frustrating, I know! The good news is, depending on what brand it is and what you paid for it, you may be able to make more for it than you paid in the first place!

Preparing Your Kid’s Outgrown Clothing to be Sold

Regardless of how you plan to sell your items, it should start with the same process. First, you must sort through your items, being critical and honest about the condition of items when giving them a thorough inspection.

Things like stains, rips, holes, damaged elastic, pulls, pilling, and missing fasteners should automatically eliminate garments. Unless it looks practically new, the effort that will go into selling it yourself will not pay off, and if you’re trying to consign it, it will not be accepted.

The next step is trying to group any matching set pieces. This holds especially true for girl’s clothing. You will almost always get more for completed sets, for example, three-piece outfits or dresses with bloomers. If you have matching accessories keep them together with the outfits. Whether or not you plan on selling the accessories, they will come in handy if you plan to take photos.

Now it’s time to make sure everything is ironed and looking it’s best. I know, I know – you’re thinking “ohhh man, I have to iron stuff we’re never going to wear again?”

The simple answer is yes. Trust me. I’ve tried skipping this step once or twice and do you know where those items are? Still in a box, in my house. No one wanted to buy the super cute Ralph Lauren toddler dress shirt that was all wrinkled – and neither would you.

Take Awesome Photos of the Clothes

They can be the difference between an item being sold or getting donated. Well-lit photos on a plain white background allow the focus to be on the items. Everybody already has the best lighting at their disposal – the sun is usually my preferred light source.

I like to use a whiteboard panel I purchased at the hardware store as a background, however, a white poster board from Dollar Tree will work well also.

Carefully lay the items on the board and take photos making sure to include different angles. On shoes, always include photos of the soles and insoles. With pants, I always include closeup shots of the knees to show wear, or lack of it.

Including a photo of the garment tag will probably save you questions being asked later. It will also help you remember the info for that particular garment as you post the items.

Be sure if you’re accessorizing your items in photos, you include whether or not the extras are included, listed separately or not for sale.

Abbreviations Used When Listing Your Clothing For Sale

There are abbreviations and notations that are very commonly used. If you plan on listing things online you’ll need to know the following.

NWT – new with tags

NWOT – new without tags

EUC – excellent used condition (absolutely no signs of wear)

GUC – good used condition (well cared for, with slight signs of wear)

Play condition – means that it still has life in it but definitely shows signs of wear (think pants with worn knees)

BST – buy, sell & trade (Facebook groups)

NS – non smoking home

Pet free – listing if a pet is in the home and if pet hair is on the clothing

Pricing The Clothes to Sell

This can be tricky. Let’s say you paid $18 for a pair of jeans from The Children’s Place. However, if a brand new pair can be purchased during frequently run sales for $7.99 you’ll be lucky to get $5 for those jeans.
And that’s only if they are new with tags.

Don’t let sentiment cloud your pricing judgement. Just because an item holds special memories doesn’t mean you can charge more! Try to keep your pricing consistent. Decide ahead of time what you’ll charge for different types of clothing items and brands. It will speed things up, too, as you list them!

Laurie J.

Often times a little research can pay off. Those cute toddler Converse you got on clearance for $12, could easily sell for twice that if in excellent used condition and shined up with a magic eraser type sponge.

Some value brands of clothing would probably be better priced as a lot. The return on effort invested wouldn’t be worth it to list each item individually.

I hope you will visit these stores soon. If so be sure to let them know Kidding Around Greenville sent you! Would you add any local children’s consignment stores to this list?

Looking for other local shops near Greenville, SC? Here’s your Ultimate Shop Local Guide!

10 Shopping Tips for Tax-Free Weekend

Ready to shop for Back-to-School, and perhaps save some money too? Tax-free weekend in South Carolina is coming up and we have all the details! Check out these tips and take full advantage of the tax-free weekend!

Tax-free weekend in South Carolina for 2025 starts at midnight on Friday, August 1st, and continues to 11:59 pm on Sunday, August 3rd. It’s a great opportunity to knock out the school supplies list plus stock up on other items like clothing, footwear, bedding, and even computers.

Tax-free weekend shopping tips and deals

A tax-free weekend means that hundreds of items are exempt from the state’s 6% sales tax. So, doing the math, say you spend $200 on school supplies, books, uniforms, and shoes. Minus the 6% sales tax, you pay $188 instead of $200. The more you spend, the more you save, which is why we’ve come up with 6 tips to save 6% this tax-free weekend.

10 tips for tax-free weekend

Make a list of what is required by the school

Greenville County schools have ready-made lists for parents to download and print out of what their children will need to bring. This can be stressful (seriously, I was that parent freaking out last year in Walmart because I couldn’t find the primary notebook).

You can look up your child’s Greenville County school location and then look for the school supply list for their grade. Print that out and take it with you to the store as a checklist.

Make another list of items you would like to get

This is a separate list from the school supplies. There are a lot of things exempt on the tax-free weekends that would be great to purchase and avoid paying the sales tax on, like: pajamas, bed sheets, pillows, shower curtains, towels, printers, those boots you’ve been eyeing for a month, and computers.

Think about what you would really like to have over the next few months (hey, Christmas is only five months away) and make a list of that stuff.

Be sure to do your homework ahead of time so you know a good deal when you see one and not just a retail markup for the sale.

Bring entertainment for the kids

If you have to shop with the kids, bring snacks and something to entertain them. It can take a while to find everything on the school supply list. Snacks may be a bit harder in the stores, so consider saving those for the car ride between stores.

Shop Online

This is one you can start now–load up your shopping cart ahead of time and then hit “purchase” when the tax-free weekend rolls around. Big retailers like Walmart, Target, Kohls, and Amazon are honoring tax-free weekends online.

Bonus: You can shop after the kids go to bed and you have a minute to think and you can avoid crowded stores.

Know what is exempt and what isn’t

We’ve made a handy infographic to help with this one.

You can also view the entire tax-exempt list from SC Department of Revenue. Here are the basics:

The tax-free savings apply to these items

Clothing
Accessories (such as bedspreads and linens)
Footwear
School supplies (such as bookbags)
Computers
Computer equipment (such as printers)

The tax-free savings do not apply to these items

Jewelry
Cosmetics
Eyewear
Furniture
Items placed on layaway

Take advantage of sales

Take advantage of sales on tax-exempt items. It’s even better if you can match up sales with coupons. You can search for coupons online or in newspaper circulars. Use store apps, and check coupon apps like Ibotta! Don’t forget to check those clearance racks and shelves.

Classic Arcade Pinball Museum in Chattanooga, TN: A Blast from the Past for the Whole Family

Looking for a cool, nostalgic, super fun activity right in the heart of downtown Chattanooga? The Classic Arcade Pinball Museum is a must-visit for families who love to play together — and it’s just steps from the Tennessee Aquarium and the Creative Discovery Museum!

Whether your crew loves classic arcade games, retro pinball, or just something unique and screen-free, this place is packed with hands-on fun.

Classic Arcade Pinball Museum in Chattanooga, TN

How to Play: The Classic Arcade Pinball Museum

Unlimited Play With Wristband Entry

You won’t need any coins to play these games. Your admission wristband gets you unlimited play all day long — no tokens or quarters needed! Even better, you can come and go as you like, making it the perfect stop during a day downtown.

Grab lunch, hit the Riverwalk, and then pop back in and play some more.

Location: Getting to the Museum

The museum is easy to access with nearby parking in a stroller-friendly area. Located right by the Tennessee Aquarium, the museum is also just a short stroll from the Creative Discovery Museum, the splash pad, and Chattanooga’s beautiful riverfront.

Reserve Your Spot

During busy weekends and school breaks, you can reserve your visit online ahead of time to guarantee your spot. (Highly recommended!)

Inside the Classic Arcade Pinball Museum in Chattanooga, TN

What We Loved at The Classic Arcade Pinball Museum

Our kids were excited and ready to play from the moment we walked in. Rows and rows of pinball machines and arcade games — from the 1970s through today!

Not only can you enjoy playing the games, but each machine has a small sign sharing its history and release year. We thought that added a really fun, educational twist.

Thirsty? There’s also a small concession stand for drinks and snacks, so you can take a break between rounds.

Concessions at the Classic Arcade Pinball Museum

Game Highlights

The museum is always adding new games, but here are just a few of the family favorites:

Pinball Machines

Foo Fighters, Dungeons & Dragons, 007 James Bond, Godzilla, Star Wars
Classics like Cleopatra, Shaq Attaq, Spirit of 1976, and Gameshow

Classic Arcade Games

Retro favorites like Galaga, Frogger, Ms. Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and Centipede
Newer additions like Mr. Do, Popeye, and Dig Dug

Shooting + Driving Games

Blasters like Time Crisis 3, Big Buck Hunter, and Area 51
Racers like Cruisin’ USA, Outrun, and 18 Wheeler

The Things You Really Want to Know

Restrooms: On-site
Concessions: Small stand with snacks and drinks
Stroller Access: Mostly accessible, though space can be tight
Noise Level: Moderate — it’s an arcade, but not overwhelming
Great for All Ages: Kids, teens, and grown-ups will all find something to enjoy

This is a perfect stop for families looking to try something new and fun — or revisit the games they grew up with! Whether you’re a pinball pro or just here for the Pac-Man vibes, the Classic Arcade Pinball Museum is a great all-ages Chattanooga activity that’s just plain fun.

Check hours and buy tickets online at: Classic Arcade Pinball Museum

409 Broad Street
Chattanooga, TN

The Ultimate Guide to Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Find lots more fun things to do in Chattanooga, TN

Creative Discovery Museum in Chattanooga, TN: An All-Day Adventure for Curious Kids

Inside: A review of our visit to the Creative Discovery Museum in Chattanooga, TN with all the things parents need to know for a great visit.

Looking for an indoor play spot that truly wows? The Creative Discovery Museum in Chattanooga, TN, is bursting with hands-on fun for curious kids (and adults who love to play too). We got to visit and wow! With 12 themed exhibits, outdoor spaces, and even a rooftop view, this museum is an easy all-day destination.

Here’s why your family might love it as much as ours did!

Watch! Take a Peek Inside (and Out!)

Favorite Exhibits at Creative Discovery Museum

You’ll find something for every kind of kid—from climbers and crafters to dino diggers and budding engineers.

We really enjoyed spending time at these top spots in the museum.

Tennessee RiverPlay

Creative Discovery Museum for kids in Chattanooga, TN

A giant indoor play space built around a replica of the Tennessee River

Climbable structures, slides, and even a replica hot air balloon

Water play and rope bridges make this a splash hit (literally!)

STEM Zone

Launch rockets at planets hanging from the ceiling
Build with robots, create art from recyclables, and explore circuits
Bonus: On our visit, the workshop was open and kids were making their own candles!

The Tower

Climb your way to the top and enjoy a sweeping view of downtown Chattanooga

Discovery Library

A quiet cozy corner filled with books for all ages
A great spot for a reading break (or a parent recharge)

Unearthed

Channel your inner paleontologist and dig for dinosaur bones

Dig for dinosaur bones at the Children's Museum in Chattanooga TN

Treehouse Adventure

Outdoor climbing fun with fantastic city views
A great spot to burn off energy and explore nature from above

Creative Discovery Museum treehouse — Treehouse Adventure

Artspace

A creative dream! Dance studio, music room, and painting spaces—even windows you can paint on
Don’t miss the mini theater: complete with stage, costumes, lights, and backdrops

What Parents Should Know

Here’s the info families always want to know before visiting the Creative Discovery Museum:

General Admission includes access to all exhibits
Reentry allowed—get a stamp at Guest Relations and come back later in the day
Kids under 13 must be accompanied; kids 13–15 need a signed permission form
No food/drinks allowed inside the exhibits (except bottled water with lids)
Umbrella strollers, sensory bags, and lockers are available for rent/borrow
Bathrooms include a nursing room and universal changing station
There’s limited stroller parking, especially upstairs—so pack light if you can!

Tips for a Great Visit

Buy tickets online in advance to avoid delays—this place can sell out
Dress for play: comfy clothes and closed-toe shoes are best
Parking: Several paid lots nearby, including one directly behind the museum
Want to explore downtown? The free electric shuttle stops just a block away

Is CDM Good for Teens?

Maker Space at Creative Discovery Museum

Yes! While the space is definitely geared toward younger kids, our 14-year-old loved the Artspace and spent hours crafting and creating.

We also spotted several other tweens and teens happily exploring.

Our Review: Creative Discovery Museum

We were wowed by how much there is to do—and how inviting each space felt. From quiet reading nooks to energetic climbing towers, the museum is filled with opportunities to play your own way.

Families with toddlers, preschoolers, elementary kids, and even young teens can easily spend a full day here. There’s truly something for everyone.

Plan Your Visit

Website: Creative Discovery Museum Website
Tickets: Creative Discovery Museum Tickets
Location: Downtown Chattanooga, TN

What’s your family’s favorite museum road trip destination? Let us know in the comments!

There’s a lot more to love about Chattanooga, TN.

Get lots of ideas in our Guide to Chattanooga, TN.

Travel the Ocean & River at the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, TN

If you’re planning a trip to Chattanooga with kids, the Tennessee Aquarium should definitely be on your radar. Sitting right along the downtown riverfront, this two-building aquarium invites families into an immersive journey literally walking from mountaintop streams to the ocean depths.

With thousands of animals and hands-on learning moments, it’s the kind of place your kids will remember for years. In fact, we took our kids once when they were little and again as teens!

Here’s everything we found helpful—plus a walk-through of what you’ll see in each building: River Journey and Ocean Journey.

🌟 Why the Tennessee Aquarium Belongs on Your Family Bucket List

Two Aquariums in One: With River Journey and Ocean Journey offering totally different ecosystems in two aquarium buildings, you’ll explore everything from Appalachian streams to coral reefs in one visit.
Great for All Ages: We had fun visiting with our teens, but we also saw toddlers splashing in the water play area and older adults enjoying the exhibits. There’s something here for everyone, no matter their age. Touch tanks, butterfly gardens, penguin name bands, and underwater viewing tunnels keep kids engaged—and adults intrigued too.

Thoughtful, Easy-to-Explore Design: Start at the top and wind your way down through immersive exhibits. It’s stroller-friendly, well-paced, and refreshingly air-conditioned—perfect for hot or rainy days.

Take a Peek

Watch our trip to the Tennessee Aquarium!

Ocean Journey Exhibits

We chose to start in the Ocean Journey building. It starts with land-based animals and ends in the ocean depths, with plenty of stops along the way to explore sea creatures, coral reefs, and more.

We loved how this building also followed a downward path—mirroring the journey from shore to deep sea.

Here are some highlights from our visit:

Lemur Forest: It’s always fun when an aquarium throws in a surprise, and this was it. The lemurs were full of personality and fun to watch as they explored their habitat.
Butterfly Garden: A beautiful, peaceful stop. This warm and lush space is filled with butterflies flitting around freely, and if you’re lucky, one might land right on you.
Tropical Cove: This was one of the more hands-on areas. Kids can interact with animals in the Stingray Bay touch tank while learning about tropical species nearby.
Secret Reef: One of the most impressive tanks we’ve seen. It’s enormous—filled with sharks, sea turtles, rays, and schools of tropical fish. We spent a lot of time here just watching the graceful movements and colorful fish.
Boneless Beauties: This section features jellyfish, squid, and other invertebrates in glowing tanks. It’s an odd but fascinating space—eerie in the best way.
Penguins’ Rock: Always a crowd favorite. These penguins are energetic and curious, and their color-coded bands (with names!) make it extra fun to spot your favorites.

Tennessee Aquarium Butterfly Garden Photos

Butterfly at the Tennessee Aquarium Butterfly Garden

Animals Not to Miss in Ocean Journey

🐙 Giant Pacific Octopus
🦈 Sand Tiger Sharks
🐢 Green Sea Turtle
🐧 Gentoo & Macaroni Penguins
🦋 Blue Morpho Butterflies

River Journey Exhibits

We continued our visit by entering the River Journey building to take a freshwater adventure—starting high in the mountains and flowing down through wetlands, rivers, and into global waterways. We really appreciated how the layout guides you through the story of freshwater ecosystems from start to finish. You travel to the top of the building and descend as you go, just like water flowing downstream.

Appalachian Cove Forest: We started our visit in this forested mountain habitat. It feels cool and peaceful with its flowing waterfall and tree canopy, plus otters.
Delta Country & Mississippi River: This section feels like stepping into the bayou, with its boardwalk-style paths and swampy ambiance. They are behind a glass, but you actually get pretty close to alligators.
Tennessee River: We spotted giant catfish and turtles and got a feel for just how many species live in Tennessee.
River Giants: If you’ve got kids fascinated by big animals, don’t miss this. It features freshwater giants like Arapaima and giant freshwater stingrays. Some of these fish are truly massive!
Rivers of the World: This part expands the view to global rivers—from the Amazon to the Congo—with colorful fish and eye-catching habitats. The international feel adds a fun and educational twist to the experience.
Touch and Learn Areas: Keep an eye out for hands-on stations. If you time it right, you might catch a feeding or educational demo.

5 Animals Not to Miss in River Journey

🦦 North American River Otter
🐟 Lake Sturgeon
🐠 River Chub
🐟 Barrens Topminnow
🐟 Arapaima

General Info for Visiting Families

Stroller-Friendly: All areas are stroller-accessible with a smooth one-way flow. We didn’t use one, but we noticed how easy it would be for families with toddlers.
Restrooms: Family restrooms are easy to find, and there’s even a nursing room at the lower level of River Journey.
Tickets: Buy in advance! Timed entry helps manage crowds, and once you’re in, you can stay as long as you like.
Parking: Expect to pay around $14 max for nearby lots. Weekends fill up fast. Chattanooga does offer a free downtown shuttle.
Time: We spent around 2 hours exploring the two buildings with a moderate pace.
IMAX Theater: It’s located just across the plaza and requires a separate ticket.

Fish at the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga TN

Dining Near the Aquarium

There is not a food court inside the aquarium, but there are some restaurants near the Tennessee Aquarium. The plaza outside of the aquarium has dining options and space for picnics. Since you enter two separate buildings during your visit, it’s easy to stop outside and eat a snack or lunch between buildings.

The Ice Cream Show is perfect for a post-visit treat. We ate lunch at Agave & Rye—our teens liked the bold decor, and the tacos were a hit (bonus: great Taco Tuesday deals).

Heads-up though: we initially tried walking to the nearby Overboard Bar and Grille, a restaurant on a docked riverboat, but they don’t have bathrooms, so plan accordingly!

Water feature near The Tennessee Aquarium.

Free Water Play Area:
Right outside the aquarium is a free splash-and-play water feature designed like a flowing river. We stopped by in the evening when it was quieter, and it was a great way for the kids to burn off energy before heading home.

Kid-Friendly Extras

Afternoon is Ideal: Since it’s air-conditioned and indoors, this makes a great afternoon activity—especially in the heat of summer.
Follow the Flow: One of our favorite parts of the experience was the way each building starts at the top and winds down like a real waterway. In the River Journey, you can even see through the middle of the building like you’re inside a massive river. Some tanks span more than one floor, and it’s a design that really draws you in.
Interactive Extras: Look for touch tanks (like stingrays!) and live feeding times or talks. We missed one feeding by a few minutes but caught a learning station instead—worth checking the schedule ahead of time.

Our Review: Tennessee Aquarium

The Tennessee Aquarium: Review for Parents

As parents who’ve visited several aquariums across the Southeast, we can honestly say this one’s at the top of our list. The way it’s built to flow like a story, the variety of exhibits, and the hands-on moments—it all felt thoughtfully designed with families in mind.

We loved how the entire place unfolded like a journey, from forest streams to deep sea wonders. Our teens remembered it from earlier visits, and we’re glad we went back.

The Tennessee Aquarium

Address:
1 Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Tennessee Aquarium Website

There’s more to love in Chattanooga!

Here’s our guide full of things to do in Chattanooga, TN

Chattanooga, Tennesse: Things to Do on Your Family Vacation

Is your family planning a vacation to Chattanooga, Tennessee? Things to do there are endless! There are so many fun things to do in the Chattanooga/Lookout Mountain area that we have put together a full guide for you. We will share attractions to visit, places to eat, suggestions on where to stay, and more for a Chattanooga family vacation!

This article includes:
What Is There to Do in Lookout Mountain
Downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee Things to Do
General Area of Chattanooga, Tennessee Things to Do
Where Should We Eat in Chattanooga
Where Should We Stay in Chattanooga

Find a place to stay in Chattanooga. This article contains Stay22 affiliate links.

Spending just a weekend in Chattanooga? Don’t miss this easy family itinerary for a weekend getaway to Chattanooga, TN. We’ve done all the planning work for you!

The Read House hotel in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

What Is There to Do in Lookout Mountain

The view from Lookout Mountain in Tennessee.

See Rock City

Rock City is a 4100-foot garden trail that winds through natural rock formations. One of the most significant parts of the park is a lookout point where you can see up to 7 states.

1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain, GA

Rock City garden space at Lookout Mountain in Georgia

Learn More about Rock City at Lookout Mountain, Georgia in our KA review!

Ruby Falls

Take an elevator 26 stories down to see a cavern and the waterfall that it hides over 1,000 feet underground.

1720 South Scenic Hwy, Chattanooga, TN

The [Hotel Chalet] is fun to visit, even if you don’t stay there. We also took a cruise on a river boat. Nearby to Chattanooga is Rock City, which was a lot neater than I was expecting. We also went down into caves and saw Ruby Falls and took an incline railroad ride. We did a combo ticket for the falls, railroad, and Rock City attractions.

Ashley

Incline Railway

The railway descends Lookout Mountain with a descent that goes up to 72.7% grade. This grade is one of the steepest railway grades in the world.

The top of the railway offers a panoramic view of the surrounding areas.

Tickets are round-trip.

3917 St Elmo Ave, Chattanooga, TN

Point Park Battlefield

This National Park is the site of a famous Civil War battle near Chattanooga that was called the “Battle Above the Clouds”.

110 Point Park Road, Lookout Mountain, TN

Chattanooga Tennessee: Things to Do With Kids

Did you know that the same people who designed downtown Greenville, designed downtown Chattanooga? It has a very “Greenville” feel to it.

Tina

Chattanooga Zoo

This 13-acre zoo has six major areas with 4-5 exhibits in each. The zoo also offers multiple programs throughout the day, has a choo-choo train, camel rides, and a carousel. This zoo is a great option to fill out your itinerary during your Chattanooga family vacation!

301 N Holtzclaw Ave, Chattanooga, TN

Check out our KA review of the Chattanooga Zoo, the perfect place to visit during your family vacation!

Meercats at Chattanooga Zoo in Tennessee.

Creative Discovery Museum

The Creative Discovery Museum includes 15 permanent exhibits and a temporary exhibit.

The family-friendly exhibits include a Culinary Corner where kids can pretend to cook, an Evacuation Station that allows kids to dig in the sand, and a Lookout Tower that gives kids a 3-story view of the city.

321 Chestnut St, Chattanooga, TN

Walnut Street Bridge

This pedestrian bridge is a fun way to see the river and explore Chattanooga. The bridge leads to the Tennessee Aquarium and Hunter Museum of Art on one side and Coolidge Park, Renaissance Park and it’s surrounding art shops and restaurants on the other side.

1 Walnut St, Chattanooga, TN

Aquarium, Zoo, both are great! Ruby Falls is fun, the incline train will take you up the mountain. There is a fountain downtown the kids can play in. There is a great hot dog place their as well near the fountain, but can’t remember the name. We found a great house to rent. Chattanooga is our go to summer destination; we love it!

Candace

Tennessee Aquarium

Tennessee Aquarium is known for its wide variety of fish, animals, and plants that live in fresh and saltwater.

The aquarium includes several touch tanks, a butterfly garden, a rainforest area, and other unique exhibits in addition to fish tanks.

1 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN

Aquarium is a favorite, especially with younger kids, because you follow a “path” through the entire space vs the hub and spoke model in Atlanta.

Theresa

Review of the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga

Find out what makes the Tennessee Aquarium a must-see on your Chattanooga family vacation!

Coolidge Park

This downtown Chattanooga park should be on your itinerary. It’s located right beside the Walnut Street Bridge.

The park includes a 100-year-old restored carousel and an interactive water fountain. Admission is a $1.

150 River St, Chattanooga, TN

The carousel is unforgettable! Coolidge Park and walking the huge bridge is another favorite. I would agree that their downtown is similar to Greenville. Enjoy!

Christa

Renaissance Park

Enjoy the outdoors at this 23-acre wetland is a beautiful spot to explore nature in downtown Chattanooga.

River St, Chattanooga, TN

Ross’s Landing

This park is located on the riverside near the Tennessee Aquarium and the Southern Belle Riverboat. It offers a playground and a large amphitheater.

201 Riverfront Pkwy, Chattanooga, TN

CARTA’S Downtown Electric Trolley System

The downtown electric trolley in Chattanooga is free to ride and provides an easy way to transport your family around the downtown area. This is a must-do on your Chattanooga family vacation, simply because it is always fun to ride the trolley!

The Southern Belle Riverboat

This river cruise company offers several different daily cruises, including 1.5 hour tours, lunch and dinner cruises, and sunset cruises.

You can enter the dockside boat’s gift shop for free even if you aren’t booking a cruise.

201 Riverfront Pkwy, Pier 2, Chattanooga, TN

We liked the dinner cruise with live music and dancing the kids really enjoyed the dancing

Nichole

Glenn Miller Gardens

This public area at the Hotel Chalet at the Choo Choo has outdoor games, a scenic seating area, and actual trains. It’s a great area to let the kids play while you relax.

1400 Market Street, Chattanooga, TN

Chattanooga Lookouts

If you are visiting during baseball season, be sure to check out the Chattanooga Lookouts schedule to see if they have any home games during your visit.

201 Power Alley, Chattanooga, TN

High Point Climbing Gym

This award-winning climbing gym has a number of unique climbing fixtures including an outdoor climbing wall that overlooks the city.

219 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN

Hunter Museum of American Art

If you have older kids on your Chattanooga family vacation, then the Hunter Museum of American Art is a great museum to check out. They have art in a variety of mediums, interesting special events, and rotating exhibitions.

10 Bluff View St, Chattanooga, TN

Bluff View Art District

A great one-stop area for multiple things to do, the Bluff View Art District has dining, art galleries, a coffee house, and excellent views of the city!

411 East 2nd St, Chattanooga, TN

General Area of Chattanooga, Tennessee: Things to Do (includes nearby areas)

Tennessee Racoon Cave near Chattanooga Tennessee. — Raccoon Mountain Caverns, Chattanooga, TN

Raccoon Mountain Caverns

Often recommended by locals, Raccoon Mountain Caverns specializes in educational tours of the Raccoon Mountain Cavern. The caverns are a must-see during your Chattanooga family vacation!

We took this tour as a family and were impressed with the tour guides’ ability to entertain even the smallest children while still giving a full presentation of the history and science behind the cavern.

Raccoon Mountain also has a campground, RV park, and cabins.

319 W Hills Dr, Chattanooga, TN

Lake Winnie

This popular amusement park is only 15 minutes from downtown Chattanooga. The park includes thriller rides, family rides, and kiddie rides, and also has a 5-acre waterpark.

1730 Lakeview Dr., Rossville, GA

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

Visiting this museum is an adventure because the museum is an actual running train and your visit includes a train ride.

4119 Cromwell Rd, Chattanooga, TN

Big Soddy Creek Trail

You can take this easy trail to a stunning, crystal-clear swimming hole to relax with your children. You can hike past the swimming area to see a waterfall as well!

Where to Eat in Chattanooga During Your Chattanooga Family Vacation

Vacations are expensive! So, to kick things off, here’s how you can save a few dollars.

Here’s our Kids Eat Free (AND CHEAP) list for Chattanooga, TN.

Ankar’s Hoagies

Mediterranean/Middle East Restaurant that serves lunch and dinner

5966 Brainerd Rd., Chattanooga, TN

Ankar’s Hoagies on Brainerd Rd. Steak in a sack (pita) & onion rings are to die for! We eat here every time we go back. Taco Mamacitas on North Shore. Best sangria we’ve ever had. Bones BBQ on Brainerd Rd. Classic southern style and their banana pudding alone is worth a visit!

Amy

Taco Mamcita

A fresh-Mex restaurant that serves taco fusion.

109 North Market St, Chattanooga, TN

Clumpies Ice Cream

Handcrafted, small-batch ice cream with seasonal flavors

3 locations including 1401 Market St, Chattanooga, TN

City Cafe (southern dinner but delicious share a meal). Taco Mac (kid friendly- during the day bar)

Mary

Taco Mac

Taco Mac is known for their buffalo wings and draft beers.

423 Market St, Chattanooga, TN

Bea’s Restaurant

Bea’s Restaurant serves family-style fried chicken dinners.

4500 Dodds Avenue, Chattanooga, TN

Good dog. It’s a hot dog place in downtown that has plain ones but also funky unique ones

Jennifer

Good Dog

Good Dog serves a variety of hot dogs including high-quality all-beef hot dogs, vegetarian hot dogs, sausages, and more. Their menu includes vegan and gluten-free options. They offer several housemade ketchups and condiments with their meals.

34 Frazier Ave, Chattanooga, TN

Flying Squirrel

Note: This bar/restaurant is 21+ for all meals but brunch. Brunch is from 10:30-3 and is upscale American southern cuisine.

55 Johnson St, Chattanooga, TN

Urban Stack

Urban burger joint

12 W 13th St, Chattanooga, TN

Champy’s World Famous Fried Chicken

Fried chicken and Southern foods

526 E ML King Blvd, Chattanooga, TN

Champy's World Famous Chicken and City Diner in Chattanooga Tennessee. — Champy’s World Famous Fried Chicken (left); City Cafe Diner (right)

Edley’s Bar-B-Que

Slow-cooked barbeque

205 Manufacturers Rd, Suite 110, Chattanooga, TN

Acropolis

Greek food

2213 Hamilton Pl Blvd, Chattanooga, TN

We just got back from there! The restaurant 1885 right by the Incline Train has sidewalk chalk through their entire outdoor seating and our two year old played all through dinner. Super yummy burgers too. And I second Urban Stack. And the BEST coffee shop we’ve found in all our US travels was Goodman Coffee in the warehouse district shipping downtown. So. Good. Those little energy peanut butter bites they makes were great at the start of our day at the Aquarium.

Sarah

1885 Grill

Located near the St. Elmo Incline Railway station.

3914 St Elmo Ave, Chattanooga, TN

Goodman Coffee Roasters

Warehouse Row, 1110 Market St., Chattanooga, TN

Boathouse and Foodworks for full-service. I haven’t been to Big River Grille in years but it is close to aquarium and has pool tables. Mr. T’s Pizza and Purple Daisy (both in St. Elmo near Incline) are budget-friendly local spots. Lupi’s for specialty pizza.

Elizabeth

Boathouse Rotisserie & Raw Bar

Seafood, oyster bar, and traditional fare with riverfront dining

1459 Riverside Drive, Chattanooga, TN

Foodworks

205-C Manufacturers Road, Chattanooga, TN

Big River Grille & Brewing Works

Near the Tennessee Aquarium and Children’s Creative Discovery Museum.

222 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN

Mr. T’s Pizza & Ice Cream

From scratch pizza.

3924 Tennessee Ave., Chattanooga, TN

The Purple Daisy Picnic Cafe

Barbeque and picnic foods, located at the base of Lookout Mountain.

4001 St. Elmo Ave, Chattanooga, TN

Lupi’s Pizza Pies

406 Broad St A, Chattanooga, TN

Where to Stay During Your Chattanooga Family Vacation

Hotels and VBROs in Chattanooga

The Hotel Chalet

Formerly the Chattanooga Choo Choo, Hotel Chalet at the Choo Choo is an iconic hotel and is a classic choice for visiting Chattanooga.

1400 Market St, Chattanooga, TN

The room we were in was a converted old boxcar. It was so fun. We also went to the aquarium. I was very impressed with it. It’s probably one of my favorite aquariums.

Alexis

The Garden Walk Inn

This popular bed and breakfast on Lookout Mountain has a scenic garden trail, a pool, and a gazebo with a jacuzzi.

1206 Lula Lake Rd, Lookout Mountain, GA

My parents live on Lookout Mountain. A great place to stay is the Garden Walk Inn. The carousel downtown is a must ($1). Then you must get Clumpies Ice Cream! The children’s museum is great for under 10. The aquarium is cool but lots of walking my 6 year old couldn’t make it all day. . . Raccoon Mountain caves are a few minutes further but way better. They have excursions for all abilities. The towing museum is great for any toddler who loves vehicles (but all you need is the free gift shop you can’t touch anything in the small museum). McKay’s used books is heaven for any reader and you must eat at City Cafe!

Mary

Embassy Suites Chattanooga

2321 Lifestyle Way, Chattanooga, TN

We enjoyed staying at the Embassy Suites rooms are great for families and breakfast is our favorite of hotels.

Nichole

Cabins at Cloudland Canyon Park

Cloudland Canyon State Park has a variety of styles of camping sites, cottages, and yurts available for reservation. Your family will have access there to hiking trails, horseback riding trails, bike trails (and rentals), cave tours, and more depending on the season.

122 Cloudland Canyon Park Road, Rising Fawn, GA

We stayed in a cabin at Cloudland Canyon Park.

Deirdre

Airbnb

If you enjoy staying at an Airbnb, our family stayed at Country Corner in the City. It comfortably slept eight people (two families) and was pet-friendly.

For even more ideas on fun family trips near Greenville, see our travel guide.

Ruby Falls is the Tallest Underground Waterfall You Can Visit in the USA

Looking for an unforgettable family nature experience that’s perfect for all sorts of weather? Ruby Falls in Chattanooga, TN checks all the boxes! This underground wonder stays a comfy 60 degrees year-round, offers incredible natural sights without the need for major hiking skills, and makes for an awesome adventure in the heart of one of Tennessee’s most vibrant cities.

This waterfall is 1120 feet underground: Ruby Falls in Chattanooga, TN

💧 Ruby Falls: Fast Facts

Height: 90 feet (just the visible part — it goes even higher!)
Location: The waterfall is 1120 feet underground in Lookout Mountain. Getting there: Descend 260 feet underground in Lookout Mountain inside a glass-front elevator.
Age: The cave is estimated to be 30 million years old
Claim to Fame: The tallest underground waterfall open to the public in the U.S.
Bonus: You’ll see it during a guided tour, complete with lights and music!

A Hidden Waterfall 1120 Feet Underground

Tucked inside Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, Ruby Falls is home to the tallest underground waterfall open to the public in the U.S. You’ll start your journey with an elevator ride that drops you 260 feet below the surface, and that’s just the beginning.

Our family took the Cave Walk to the Waterfall, a one-mile round-trip guided tour to and from the falls that takes a little over an hour to complete.

Watch! Take a Closer Look at Ruby Falls

When the falls were first discovered in 1928, you could only reach the falls by crawling through narrow passageways, so a path was created to open the falls to the public. This path is fairly easy to walk through for a cave. It has lights, rails in parts, and is fairly smooth. The path is not wheelchair or stroller accessible, and it’s a cave, so there is moisture dripping at times on the floor and lower ceilings.

Steak and Potatoes at Ruby Falls in Chattanooga, TN

This particular cave tour focuses on the history of the discovery of the falls and the creation of Ruby Falls. It’s lighthearted and full of jokes. The formations that on the way to and from the falls are even named funny names based on what they look like, such as the “Steak and Potato”.

For those that are able to walk the full trail but might need more breaks, a Gentle Walking Tour is available that takes a slower pace and allows breaks to sit.

3 Reasons to Add Ruby Falls to Your Family Travel List:

It’s always the perfect temperature. Rain or shine, summer or winter — the cave stays a comfy 60 degrees year-round, making it a fun pick no matter the season.
It’s adventure without the stress. No extreme hiking here! The cave trail is smooth and manageable for most kids and adults, with lights and rails to help guide the way.
It’s got serious wow-factor. A 90+ foot underground waterfall with a light show? Yep, it’s just as amazing as it sounds — and it blew our teens away.

The Wow Moment: Ruby Falls

Let’s talk about that waterfall. Ruby Falls plunges 90 feet inside a cavern room, and it is every bit as dramatic as it sounds. A light show brings the falls to life, and honestly, it was beautiful. Everyone on the tour from teens to young children were impressed.

🕰️ How Ruby Falls Got Its Name

Back in 1928, explorer Leo Lambert was digging an elevator shaft into Lookout Mountain when he discovered a hidden cavern with a roaring underground waterfall. He named it Ruby Falls after his wife, Ruby — and thanks to his adventurous spirit, families can now visit this incredible natural wonder without having to crawl through narrow rock tunnels! Today, over 500,000 people a year come to see what Leo found nearly a century ago.

Know Before You Go: Ruby Falls Chattanooga, Tennessee

Bathrooms and food: Use the restroom before you head underground and grab a snack — there are no bathrooms or food on the tour.

Tours are timed: Once you’re in the cave, you’re committed. The tour doesn’t allow early exits, so gauge your child’s comfort level with dark, enclosed spaces before booking.

Lantern Tour option: While we didn’t try it, the Lantern Tour looks like a fun (and slightly spooky) alternative for older kids and teens. This tour is lit only by carried lanterns and has a smaller group.

Early morning and late evening tours tend to have smaller groups, especially during school holidays! Our tour was only around 20 people which made it easier to hear our guide and see the falls. Some of the tours can be as large as 50 people.

Flash photography isn’t permitted, but you can take non-flash photos during the tour and at the waterfall. You will not be permitted to stop to take photos on the route to and from the falls.

Don’t Miss the View

After the cave, we climbed the Lookout Mountain Tower, and it was an amazing view. You can see the Tennessee River, Chattanooga, and the Cumberland Plateau. It’s the perfect spot for a family photo after the cave tour.

Tips: Visiting Ruby Falls

Arrive 15-30 minutes early to check in and ensure you are on time for your tour.
Book online as tours often fill up.
Parking is free.
Flash photography isn’t permitted, but you can take non-flash photos during the tour and at the waterfall. You will not be permitted to stop to take photos on the route to and from the falls.
Wear comfy shoes with good grips — the walk is just under a mile round-trip.
You may want a light jacket since the cave is around 60 degrees year-round.

Ruby Falls was the perfect mix of natural wonder, adventure, and family-friendly planning. We really enjoyed our visit and would add it to our list of must-see destinations in the Southeast.

1720 Scenic Highway, Chattanooga, TN

Find lots more things to do in Chattanooga, TN in our huge guide to the area.

Can You Escape Nana’s Cabin in Pigeon Forge? We Did!

Inside: A real parent review of The Great Escape Room in Pigeon Forge, TN. When you’re looking for things to do in Pigeon Forge with the family, this is one that family groups can do together.

Looking for something fun that teens and grandparents will enjoy? This spooky escape room at The Great Escape Room in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, entertained our whole family from teens to grandparents — even if Nana’s end was not quite as lucky!

The 60-minute challenge is full of eerie twists, creative puzzles, and just the right amount of suspense. It’s all set in total darkness, which means your family is solving clues by flashlight. (Yes, that’s fun and a bit chaotic.)

We made it out with minimal hints, but we would rate this room as challenging, especially for a group new to escape rooms.

The Storyline: What Happened to Nana?

You’ve lost touch with your reclusive Nana Hannah. It’s been weeks. You arrive at her mountain cabin at night and find…something’s not right. Are those blood streaks? Why is the power out? And where is Nana?

Why Plan a Trip to The Great Escape Room

Escape rooms are great for all ages: Our group had teens, parents, and grandparents, and everyone had a blast.
Rainy day or hot weather? Perfect indoor activity.
Teens and grandparents working together? Escape rooms are awesome for bonding!
They have multiple rooms with options for different sizes of groups and ages. We tried a spooky room, but they also had non-scary options.

Quick Tips for Escape Room First-Timers

You’re never actually locked in — the door opens anytime.
Phones are allowed for photos and video.
Unlimited hints: Use the in-room monitor and button when you’re truly stuck.
Start with observation: Look around and see what moves or stands out — most clues are connected!
Don’t force anything: If something resists, it’s probably not part of the game.

Plan Your Visit

The Great Escape Room – Pigeon Forge
📍 3784 Parkway, Suite 102, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
🌐 The Great Escaoe Room, Pigeon Forge, TN Website

We recommend reserving your room ahead of time, as times do fill up.

Have you tried an escape room with your family? Let us know if you escaped.

Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg Family Guide

The Ultimate Guide to Things to Do in Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg