It’s time to pick your favorites our 2024 KABOOM Contest where our readers will vote on the best family-related organizations in Upstate SC across over 40 categories (October 9-21, 2023). The winners for 2024 will be determined based on number of votes.
For Organizations
If you are an organization that would like a media kit with social media ready graphics or would like information on enhanced listings, please fill out this form. See below for more directions on this year’s contest.
2024 Voting Ballot (open from Oct 9-21, 2023)
Note: Voting will open on October 9, 2023.
Stage 1: Nominations (September 5-16, 2023)
Our readers can nominate their favorite organizations across categories to determine who will be on the ballot. Once an organization has been nominated and it has been approved they will appear on the ballot where additional nominations can be recorded under their name. The organizations with the most nominations will appear on the official voting ballot to determine the winners.
Stage 2: Voting (October 9-21, 2023)
Winners will be announced mid-January and celebrated through an event and online coverage. Winners will also be eligible for special winner advertising packages.
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. To prove it, here’s our list of over 10 fun things you can do with kids in Alpharetta.
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.
Find a place to stay in Alpharetta, GA. This article contains Stay22 affiliate links.
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.
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.
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.
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
Four Fat Cows
For another popular local ice cream option, check out Four Fat Cows. Four Fat Cows offers hand-crafted ice cream, homemade waffle cones, and other desserts. Flavors include specialty ice creams such as strawberry balsamic, huckleberry cobbler, and chocolate pecan. You can also order dairy-free and gluten-free ice cream.
64 North Main Street, Alpharetta, GA
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.
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.
Buca di Beppo serves traditional family-style Italian dishes that you can share.
335 Mansell Rd, Alpharetta, GA
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.
Events may be rescheduled or postponed
Touch a Truck
Every child’s imagination will soar as they venture through the parking lot filled with trucks of all shapes and sizes! Kids can see, touch, and explore a fire truck, dump truck, school bus, 18-wheeler, limo, police vehicles, and more. This free event includes animal balloons, face painting, inflatables, and festival food for purchase.
Scarecrow Harvest, September 28-October 30th, 2023
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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 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!
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!!
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.
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!!!
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.
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.
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
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?
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 2023 starts at midnight on Friday, August 4th, and continues to 11:59 pm on Sunday, August 6th. 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.
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.
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.
Check out the local deals and events
Some local businesses are going out of their way to lure customers with extended hours and good deals. We will be adding to this list as more deals become available:
Store Hours: Fri – Sat: 10 am – 9 pm | Sun: 11 am – 7 pm
The Adidas Employee Store is open to the public! Shop 50% off the latest back-to-school styles, tax-free and without an invite. Prep for picture day with our exclusive Adidas photo booth. Photo is provided with any purchase.
Are you thinking about a trip to Carowinds? There is so much family fun waiting for you at this amusement park near Charlotte, NC, but there’s also a lot to know. We’re telling you here how to save money on tickets and food, plus our tips on rides, visiting with small children, special events, and even what to pack. If you are wondering how much is parking at Carowinds, we know that too! Enjoy a day trip to Carowinds with the family any time of year at the Carolina’s best theme park.
Local mom Bethany Winston reviews the Reedy Creek Park, Nature Center, and Preserves in Charlotte, North Carolina. This free day-trip destination includes a treehouse-themed playground, hiking, and an indoor nature center.
Recently, my family discovered an amazing nature center and preserve about 6 miles northwest of downtown Charlotte: Reedy Creek Nature Center and Preserve located inside the large Reedy Creek Park. This county-owned park was completely free, including parking. While there might not be an admission fee, don’t make the mistake of thinking that means that this nature center is not worth the drive from Greenville.
Find a place to stay near Reedy Creek. This article contains Stay22 affiliate links.
Family-Friendly Things to Do at Reedy Creek Park
Playgrounds
Reedy Creek Park has three playgrounds that we discovered. The first playground was on our left almost immediately after entering the park. It’s a large playground with plenty of slides, ramps, and ladders. The play structures were not particularly high and I think even smaller children would enjoy it as long as they are comfortable climbing short ladders.
There was little shade on this playground and it was hot on the day we visited so my kids chose not to play long, but it was a large, interesting playground and I’m sure would have been a completely different experience if we had visited earlier in the day or during a cooler season of the year.
Adjacent to the playground, we also found basketball courts and picnic shelters. There was also a rather large dog park on our right before we reached the playground.
Just a little bit farther up the road, we found the parking lot for the Reedy Creek Nature Center. This area of the park was wooded (quite a relief due to the heat).
Outside the Reedy Creek Nature Center, we found a second playground that felt like a hidden magical world tucked away in the forest. The playground included natural-themed play structures such as artificial tree stumps and the main focal structure was a treehouse complete with a bridge. My kids played for a good hour on this playground and probably would have been content to spend the day on it.
Later in our day, we drove up to the third playground which was beside a lake. This “playground” only had a couple of swings and a volleyball court, but it was an easy walk down to a beautiful lake with a fishing pier. We saw several families picnicking and fishing in this area.
Reedy Creek Nature Center
The Nature Center was small but it was free and even better air-conditioned. Inside the Nature Center, our children were able to look at animals and small science displays. We also found a quiet area for pretend play where our children could dress up as rangers and play in a pretend campsite.
The room had a couple of rocking chairs for adults too. It was very quiet on the day we visited and we had the spot to ourselves. Our kids had a lot of fun and didn’t want to leave even after a long playtime.
Hiking at Reedy Creek Park
After a long day of fun (we had already spent hours at Discovery Place in downtown Charlotte) our kids were too tired and hot for us to dare attempt sustained hiking, but the map showed several easy hikes on the preserve that we hope to try on another day.
One hike lead to a historic site and was only an hour’s walk. The grounds also had butterfly gardens, bird feeders, streams, vast wooded areas, and lakes. We were able to obtain a free map from the Nature Center so that we could still take a short stroll. The trail system was clearly marked and it was possible to take both short walks along the trails and longer hikes.
Tips for Your Visit
If you visit on a hot day, be sure to pack sunscreen and bug spray. While the preserve does have a lot of shade, there are several open spaces with little shade.
Plan plenty of time if you want to get the full experience. The preserve alone is over 900 acres of woods. Fortunately, the park does have a decent road system and multiple parking lots, so you can drive to the parts of the park in this article if you are short on time or if your children are tired (like us).
Don’t forget your fishing supplies. The park has two fishing lakes. Visitors over 16 must have a fishing license.
The Nature Center has a gift shop for those who would like to purchase souvenirs.
Bikers will find plenty of bike-friendly areas but are limited to the gravel trails and paved roads.
Hummingbird Festival at Reedy Creek Nature Center
Each August, a hummingbird festival is held at the Reedy Creek Nature Center. It includes bird banding, science experiments, bird hikes, art vendors, and storytelling sessions. The events are held throughout the week, and some require pre-registration. The front desk at the Nature Center recommended coming early to see the most hummingbirds.
About the Reedy Creek Nature Center & Preserve
Reedy Creek Park, Nature Center, and Preserve 2900 Rocky River Rd. Charlotte, NC 980.314.1119
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
More Things to Do and See in Tennessee
Mom Review: Mirror Maze in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Explore the Titanic: Pigeon Forge, TN
Winterfest is a Must-Do for Families: Pigeon Forge, TN
Are you searching for a park that offers something for everyone in your family? We’ve got just the place! Our review of Legacy Park in Greenville shares all that this awesome park offers, including walking trails, tons of open space to play, great playgrounds and more! Read on and plan your own trip to Legacy Park!
When we ask local parents about favorite Greenville parks, Legacy Park near Verdae almost always rises to the top of the list. Inspired by NYC’s Central Park, Legacy offers a unique spread of green free spaces and scenic walking paths. It’s a favorite park for picnicking, kite-flying, and strolling.
Quick Facts on Legacy Park:
Legacy Park is located at 336 Rocky Slope Road in Greenville.
Park space is 20 acres, including 10 acres of open green grass and miles of trails.
Legacy has two playgrounds including a fenced in playground for small children.
The park contains a picnic shelter (available for rental) and several wooden swings and benches.
Scenery includes a small man-made pond and a scenic brook with gardens.
Sports include a sand volleyball court and paved paths (perfect for strollers and tricycles).
Playgrounds at Legacy Park
The smaller playground at Legacy Park is quite nice. The play area is fenced in and low enough for smaller children to play safely. Benches are available on the perimeter and the playground for older children is within sight. A sign posted on the gate requests that only children 2-5 play on the playground.
The playground for older children is not as large as some of the other parks in town offer and is sometimes overcrowded as a result. With all the space for running around though, kids will still find plenty to do.
Scenery at Legacy Park
The green areas are open enough where you can enjoy kite flying, Frisbee throwing, bubble blowing, or sports. Bring a blanket if you choose to picnic as the park does not have many picnic tables and it’s not unusual for the shelter to be rented out for a party.
The sand volleyball court is a fun place to let the kids play with buckets and shovels. Kids also love playing near the water areas (Note: playing in the water is prohibited).
Love some family-friendly and free outdoor concerts? Greenville, SC sure does! Especially in the summer, Greenville and the surrounding areas host a number of free outdoor (and sometimes indoor) concerts. These concerts provide a great way to enjoy time as a family or couple while keeping expenses down. This list includes a wide variety of concerts.
