Want a quick, creative, and completely free outing with your kids? The Greenville County Museum of Art (GCMA) is a best-kept secret that offers a chance to teach kids about visual literacy and art right next to some of our favorite family spots in Heritage Green, downtown Greenville.
Why Visit GCMA With Kids?
Art appreciation doesn’t require an art degree. It just takes practice—and kids are natural at noticing details adults often miss. A visit to GCMA can turn into a playful scavenger hunt or a thoughtful discussion about what we see and feel. Best of all? Admission is always free.
Watch! What We Saw at GCMA
What to Look For: Art Exploration Ideas by Age
Whether you’re visiting with a toddler or a tween, there’s plenty to keep everyone engaged.
👶 Youngest Visitors
Turn your visit into an I-Spy game!
Look for shapes, colors, and lines
Spot overlapping or repeated shapes
Ask: “What looks a little weird or silly in this painting?”
🧒 Elementary-Age Kids
Encourage observation and storytelling:
Read the title and then look carefully—what do they notice?
Ask: “What do you think is happening here?” or “What’s the artist trying to tell us?”
🧑🎓 Middle School and Up
Check out the “Up for Discussion” exhibit, which features mature themes ideal for thoughtful tweens and teens.
Featured Artists to Discover
🎨 Jasper Johns Explore repeated symbols and shifting meanings. Ask: “What looks the same? What’s different?”
🪶 Grainger McKoy Marvel at lifelike bird sculptures and guess what materials were used. Ask: “Do you think that bird could fly away?”
Sundays Offer Events & Activities at GCMA
GMAC offers tours at 2 pm on Sundays as well as rotating activities such as Music in the Galleries, Sketching in the Galleries, and Poetry in the Galleries. One of our favorites is the monthly Family Art Adventure. It’s free but you do need to sign up in advance.
Pro Tips for Visiting with Little Ones
🖼️ The artwork is right there—within arm’s reach.
Remind your kids before entering that this is a museum where you can’t touch and that you need to stay 3 feet from the paintings.
Keep little ones in strollers or hold hands to ease stress (both yours and the guards’).
🕒 Don’t overdo it! For toddlers, 10–15 minutes is perfect. Pair your visit with a stop at the Children’s Museum or the library nearby.
🚗 Free parking at Heritage Green on Saturdays and Sundays makes this an easy add-on to your weekend routine.
Museum Highlights
Largest collection of Andrew Wyeth watercolors in the world
Renowned Southern Collection—from historic portraits to abstract art
Fully accredited by the American Alliance of Museums
Accessibility & Group Info
Wheelchairs and walking canes available
Groups of 10+ should give three weeks’ notice (even for informal visits), but they can request a free tour.
Docent-led tours can be arranged on weekdays
Visitors with visual impairments can request special tours
✅ Keep bags small ✅ No touching art (stay 3 feet back!) ✅ No food or drinks ✅ Photography is allowed but no flash or selfie sticks ✅ Sketching is allowed (pencil only) ✅ Keep voices soft and enjoy the calm
Whether you’re a regular or it’s your first time, a stop at the Greenville County Museum of Art can be the perfect family outing. And since it’s free, you can come back again and again as your kids grow—each time, they’ll see something new.🖌️
Ready to explore? Add GCMA to your family’s local adventure list today!
Open: Wednesday through Saturday 10 am – 5 pm and Sunday 1 – 5 pm
Inside: Greenville locals enjoy a peanut butter chocolate cake at Carmella’s Cafe & Dessert Bar in Downtown Greenville, SC. Learn about the cafe, the menu, and what they loved.
Carmella’s Café & Dessert Bar brings a slice of Old World culinary delight to the heart of Greenville, South Carolina, morning, noon, and night. This charming café, an extension of its original Charleston location, has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors.
Quick Summary: Carmella’s Cafe & Dessert Bar
🍰 Chocolate + peanut butter + cake = YES, please.
We stopped by Carmella’s Café in Downtown Greenville and fell hard for their Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake. Think rich brownie base, moist cake, and a dreamy peanut butter-honey layer… 🤤
During our recent visit, we indulged in their decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake. This dessert features a chocolate brownie base layered with rich chocolate cake and a luscious peanut butter and honey filling.
Despite a fairly stout evening crowd with a long line, we actually didn’t wait long. The line moved quickly. So, we recommend that you don’t let a long counter line deter you from enjoying something delicious when you visit.
Carmella’s offers both indoor and outdoor seating options, allowing guests to choose their preferred dining atmosphere. The outdoor seating provides a pleasant spot to enjoy the vibrant surroundings of downtown Greenville, especially after a leisurely stroll through the area.
Beverage Highlights
Beyond desserts, the café boasts an impressive selection of coffee drinks. Guests love the variety of flavors, like the lavender vanilla iced latte. Their menu includes unique offerings such as the Shakerato—a blend of four espresso shots, simple syrup, and half-and-half, shaken and strained. Additionally, the Wide Awake Shake combines cold brew with espresso gelato and whipped cream, catering to those seeking a caffeinated treat.
Savory Selections
For those craving savory options, Carmella’s serves breakfast items like the Breakfast Sandwich—featuring egg and cheddar on an English muffin or bagel with choices of bacon or sausage. Their lunch and dinner menu includes gourmet sandwiches such as the Turkey Asiago, made with house-made ciabatta, roasted turkey, asiago cheese, and fig jam.
What Do Our Readers Think About Carmella’s Cafe & Dessert Bar?
Here’s what our readers like to order when they visit Carmella’s Cafe, check out all their opinions on our Facebook Community Page!
Carmella’s Café & Dessert Bar welcomes guests daily from 8 am to midnight, making it the perfect spot for early breakfasts, leisurely lunches, or late-night dessert cravings.
Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, a hearty sandwich, or a specialty coffee, Carmella’s offers a diverse menu in a delightful setting.
355 South Main Street, Greenville
Find more delicious things to enjoy in Downtown Greeville.
Inside: I had 3 hours to show my friend the best of Downtown Greenville, SC. Here’s an itinerary: 3 hours + 1 Out-of-Town Guest in Downtown Greenville, SC.
Our friend Katy fromIndy with Kids was in town for just one evening—and she had never seen Greenville before! We wanted to show off the charm of our city (and hopefully convince her to come back for a longer visit). With only a few hours and so much to do, here’s how we gave her a small taste of our beautiful downtown.
Katy had one request: authentic Southern shrimp and grits. We knew exactly where to take her. Soby’s is a Greenville staple for elevated Southern cuisine—and it never disappoints.
Pro tip: Ask your server about the off-menu combo of shrimp & grits + crab cakes. That’s what I ordered–and it’s perfect if you are indecisive when ordering like me.
📅 Reservations are a really good idea here—we booked two days ahead and got right in.
On the way to Falls Park, we detoured into Camperdown Plaza for a quick pic at the bright and cheerful Greenville mural—a must-snap moment for visitors.
Bonus: Group Therapy Pub & Playground is right here, too! We peeked in (so fun!) and if we had more time, a round of mini golf or a creative cocktail would’ve been perfect.
Even if you’re not staying there, the Grand Bohemian lobby is worth a visit. With its towering stone fireplace and over-the-top decor, the Grand Bohemian lobby feels like you’ve stepped into a magazine spread—pure eye candy.
We wandered through pretending we were bougie enough to afford a $400 night stay—and maybe a piece of designer decor.
🌉 Liberty Bridge at Falls Park
📍 206 S Main Street, Greenville, SC
No first-time Greenville visit is complete without a photo on the Liberty Bridge. The view of the Reedy River Falls is stunning at sunset.
⏱ Got a little more time? Take the trail from the bridge down to the Medusa Tree—it’s a whimsical stop nestled right along the water on Furman College Way.
We wrapped up our evening with dessert at Carmella’s, which we had never tried before. The long line gave us hope—and it totally delivered.
We split the most decadent mini peanut butter chocolate cake ($15 and totally shareable). We sat by the fire pits outside and savored every bite.
🚗 Easy Parking Tip
We parked at Falls Street Garage, and it couldn’t have been easier. It’s tucked away behind the action, but it’s centrally located and gave us quick access to every spot on our itinerary.
Want to Recreate Our Night?
Here’s the quick hit list:
✅ Dinner at Soby’s (get that combo!)
✅ Iconic photos on Main Street
✅ Quick pic at the Camperdown mural
✅ Peek into the Grand Bohemian
✅ Photo (and maybe a stroll) at Liberty Bridge
✅ Dessert at Carmella’s
✅ Park at Falls Street Garage
It was just the right taste of Greenville to leave Katy completely charmed—and definitely planning a return trip!
Inside: A local parent reviews her visit to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Atlanta, GA. This place is one of the largest Hindu temples in the United States. It’s full of intricate details and was built entirely by hand!
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
If you’ve ever driven through Atlanta, you may have spotted a massive white temple just off the interstate. It looks like it belongs in another part of the world, and for the longest time, I assumed it was completely off-limits to visitors.
But here’s the thing—you can go inside! And it’s even more incredible than it looks from the highway.
Beautiful architecture at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
Quick Summary: BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
📍 BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is an architectural masterpiece, made of 34,000 intricately carved pieces of marble and sandstone. It’s one of the largest Hindu temples in the U.S. and open to the public—for free!
✨ Things to know before you go:
🕘 Open daily from 9 AM – 6 PM
🧣 Shoulders & knees must be covered (wraps provided)
👣 Shoes must be removed before entering (be sure to bring socks)
🏛️ Best times to visit: 9 AM – 12 PM & 3:30 PM – 6 PM
🎶 Observe a Hindu ritual: Arti Ceremony at 11:15 AM daily
After exploring, stop by Shayona Café for authentic Indian cuisine—trust us, you won’t want to skip this!
A Temple Built Like a 3D Puzzle
The hand-carved intricate details of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir are simply amazing. This entire temple was constructed by hand with no steel reinforcement. Construction took just 17 months using 1.3 million volunteer hours assembling 34,000 intricately hand-carved pieces of Turkish limestone, Italian marble, and Indian pink sandstone. Each piece was carved in India and then shipped to Georgia via 300 containers to be assembled like a massive 3D puzzle.
The intricate details inside are stunning, with over 300 columns covered in elaborate carvings of animals, deities, and floral motifs. The dome, the final piece that completed the temple, is made up of 16 layers of stone, is supported by 13 columns. It weighs 6.2 tons and includes an elaborate chandelier of carved leaves.
Photography isn’t allowed inside, so you’ll have to take our word on that. But, plan your own visit so you can see it for yourself. You won’t be disappointed!
A Historic Tradition
Mandirs have been built using ancient architectural methods passed down for thousands of years. This particular Mandir is one of only six of its caliber in the U.S. and the largest in the Southeast.
The temple was built by generational temple builders from India, following traditional techniques that date back centuries. The structure is designed to last a thousand years, with features like a 2-3 inch movement allowance to withstand earthquakes.
The temple’s name, Mandir, comes from the Sanskrit words “man” (mind) and “dir” (place of stillness), symbolizing a space of spiritual peace.
FAQs & Tips for Visiting
If you’re like me and had no idea you could visit, here’s everything you need to know:
Yes, it’s open to the public! No reservations are needed for individual visits.
Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily (Best times: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM).
Entry: FREE!
Dress code: Shoulders and knees must be covered. Wraps are provided if needed.
Shoes: You’ll need to remove them before entering, so wear socks if you prefer.
Can kids visit? Absolutely! The carvings feature various animals, making for a fascinating treasure hunt—but remind them to be respectful, as this is an active place of worship.
Guided tours & audio guides: Available if you want more context ($5 for the audio guide).
Witnessing Hindu Rituals at the Mandir
For a deeper experience, consider timing your visit to witness one of the temple’s daily Hindu rituals:
Arti Ceremony (11:15 am daily) – A traditional Hindu prayer where lighted wicks are waved before sacred images while chants and music fill the space. This ritual has ancient roots, originating when lamps were used to illuminate deities in dimly lit stone temples.
Abhishek Mandapam (Multiple times daily: 9:00 – 10:15 am, 11:35 AM – 12:00 pm, 4:15 – 6:00 pm) – A ritual bathing ceremony where visitors can offer water over the sacred image of Nilkanth Varni while prayers are recited.
If your visit coincides with these times, it’s a great opportunity to observe or participate in these ancient traditions.
More Than Just a Place of Worship
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir isn’t just an architectural masterpiece. BAPS, the organization behind the Mandir, is the fastest-growing branch of Hinduism, celebrating its 50th anniversary with 118 Mandirs across the U.S.
The temple provides a space for the local Hindu community to gather, worship, and learn. On Sunday afternoons, 18 different classes are held for attendees aged 5 to 99, covering cultural and religious values. Over 1,200 people are fed as part of the temple’s services.
Spiritual leaders, known as sadhus or Hindu monks, reside at the temple, dedicating their lives entirely to worship and service. These monks give up personal lives, including contact with family, to devote themselves fully to spiritual practice.
Final Thoughts: Visiting BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
If you’re looking for something unique near Atlanta, this is it. Whether you’re interested in history and architecture, or simply want to step into a peaceful, awe-inspiring space, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is worth a visit.
And the best part? It’s free, welcoming, and right in our backyard. So next time you’re driving by, don’t just admire it from the highway—go in and experience it for yourself!
And Don’t Skip the Café!
Before you leave, stop by the Shayona café for some authentic vegetarian Indian cuisine. Open to the public, the café offers a variety of traditional snacks, meals, and sweets to try. The Mandir also has a catering program, making it a sought-after location for Indian weddings and celebrations.
📍 BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Atlanta 📍 460 Rockbridge Rd NW, Lilburn, GA 30047 📞 (678) 906-2277 ⏰ Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
And if that’s not enough, visit our Travel Guide to Georgia. It has lots to do, especially in the northeast part of the state near Atlanta and the mountains!
Are you looking for the perfect way to keep those kids busy during Spring Break? Greenville, SC has so much to do, you’ll never be bored! Spring Break for public schools in Greenville County is from March 17th to March 21st, 2025. We have a list of things to do over Spring Break including day trips and great places to visit.
This list focuses on things to do that are appropriate for families with school-age children, so while there will still be activities listed that are appropriate for smaller kids, we didn’t include activities that are only for toddlers or preschoolers. The best place to find those activities is our Greenville calendar.
Looking for more about spring break in Greenville? Go to our Ultimate Guide to Spring Break in Greenville for things to do, budget-friendly ideas, local travel, and more.
Looking for a CSA near Greenville, SC? Or maybe you’re curious about CSAs in general? In this article, you will learn how CSA farms work and the benefits of CSA programs for the farms and customers. And of course, where you can find a CSA in Greenville, SC.
What is a CSA?
The “farm to table” dining experience has taken the country by storm and indeed, it sounds divinely delicious: chefs are using fresh food straight from the farm, local ingredients to create tasty and (mostly) healthy meals. This type of cooking is spreading quickly, including Greenville, but eating out isn’t feasible every day so what about creating your own farm-to-table experience at home?
Enter Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs, where families and individuals buy into a local farm for a certain number of weeks a year, sharing the risks and rewards of the crop, and get fresh ingredients either delivered to their door or made available for pickup every week. It is the perfect way to support local farms and eat the freshest and healthiest ingredients around.
CSAs work as a partnership between the member and the farmers. By buying into the farm itself, the family has its own share and reaps the seasonal harvest as they are grown. There are some inherent risks, however, as bad weather and pests can destroy part of a crop any given year although the farmers take great care to protect their harvests as best they can and many have agreements with other farms in nearby states to supplement their own harvests if need be.
Spring Harvest Box at Feed and Seed
Why Join a CSA?
One great benefit of getting farm fresh food from a CSA is that it’s so much healthier than conventional meat, eggs, and dairy products. And by buying a share in CSA, members get the option of cooking with lesser known ingredients that they may never have tried in the past.
Many CSAs will give their members recipes every week using the fruits, vegetables, meats and dairy products that are in that particular week’s share. So not only do you get to try new foods, you get to hone those cooking skills as well. Sautéed Swiss chard with parmesan? Yes please. Blueberry cobbler? I’ll take seconds.
Lastly, not only do you get the benefit of supporting a locally owned farm, but the costs can be comparable to shopping at grocery stores. Some CSAs will require payment for the entire season upfront or a deposit and prices vary widely and will also be dependent on whether the member wants a full or half share.
How Do You Pick Up Your Share?
Members pick up their shares every week at the same time and place, either at the farm itself or somewhere convenient in Greenville, with reusable shopping bags. Some farms will deliver weekly shares to your door. Seasons run in blocks usually in spring through the summer and another from late summer through the end of fall although some farms will start in January.
What Farms Offer a CSA near Greenville, SC?
Ready to buy into a CSA and start your own fresh food, farm-to-table experience? Here are a few available in the Greenville area:
Inside: A curated list of excellent playgrounds in Greenville, SC written by area parents.
If you are looking for a fun park day, then here are the best parks with playgrounds in Greenville, SC! They are free, offer kids a chance to run and play, and also provide great lunch or play-date locations.
We have tried to visit as many playgrounds in the Greater Greenville area as possible, and these are our Top park playgrounds in Greenville. These park playgrounds are based on unique play structures, imaginative themes, and scenic surroundings.
❗Have you seen our Park Guide? If your family loves parks you do not want to miss our Ultimate Guide to Parks in the Upstate. In this guide, you can look up parks by location and desired amenities, like swings, basketball courts, and more.
Best Playgrounds: Greenville, SC
1. Century Park: Kids Planet
Century Park and its accompanying playground, known as Kids Planet is often listed as a local favorite.
There are some amazing play features at the new playground like a zip line, hillside slides, and ground-level trampoline. Parents will love the two age-appropriate play areas that are enclosed with a fence.
Kids of all ages will enjoy the musical instrument station between the playgrounds and a butterfly misting station that I can not keep my kids out of in the summertime.
IMPORTANT: The playground will be closed for maintenance every Wednesday from 7 am – Noon.
Learn why Kids Planet is one of the best parks in the Greenville Area in our review!
Kids’ Planet at Century Park – 3605 Brushy Creek Road, Greer
2. Herdklotz Park
Herdklotz has two playgrounds separated by a fence and a walking path. The smaller playground is one of the best playgrounds in our area for young children with not just a fun set of play equipment but also an overlook with a sidewalk area perfect for chalk drawings. This playground area also contains a small picnic shelter within the fencing making it easy to eat lunch while watching your child.
The larger playground is one of the largest play structures in Greenville with tall slides and climbing structures.
Perhaps my favorite reason to list Herdklotz is the play area is shady and cool. The elevation is also a little bit higher than most of Greenville allowing you to have a great view of the city. The shaded benches and natural-styled landscaping also add to the natural beauty of this park.
Nearby to the playground are also a volleyball court, horseshoe court, open walking trail, and large fields.
If you have both older children and young children, note that it is difficult to see the upper playground from the lower one. You may want to go with a friend, or prepare your children ahead of time to split times on the two playgrounds.
And, by the way, did you know that Herdklotz is also known for being a historic ghost-sighting spot?
Cleveland Park is not just one of Greenville’s best playgrounds but also is conveniently located downtown beside the Greenville Zoo. The playground is hot in the summertime with its black soft surface but has two shade tents that help deflect the heat.
My kids love the unique play structures that incorporate balance, arm strength, and climbing skills, into play.
This playground does a great job of encouraging active hard-working play and is advanced enough for older children while still providing plenty of fun for younger kids.
Also, Cleveland Park adjoins several nice sections of the Swamp Rabbit Trail. You can walk just a little bit down the trail to see an additional small train replica playground and the Vietnam War Memorial. The trail also connects to the scenic area of downtown Greenville, making this park a great starting place for an afternoon walk or bike ride. You will also find tennis courts near the park and other park features that you can explore by bike or walking.
Cleveland Park –East Washington and Cleveland Park Drive, Greenville
We’ve watched this park grow into a popular play space, known for being one of the most unusual and fun playgrounds in Greenville.
Located right beside the Greenville Downtown Airport, kids love watching the planes fly in and out while playing on aviation-themed equipment. My kids also love running down the small runway in the center of the park while pretending to be planes.
Currently, the park has two playgrounds inside a fenced-in area with play spaces for both small and older children. A plane-hanger-styled picnic shelter sits to the side, and a real Cessna 310 aircraft flies over the park positioned on a pole to the side.
We’ve noticed on visits that kids also walk and ride more at this park due to the runway-themed walkways being positioned inside the fence where parents can easily watch from a distance. At the edge of the fence, kids can sit at a small amphitheater where they can get a front-row view of the planes taking off and landing.
The park has a restroom and benches with a little shade, but don’t forget the sunscreen as the play spaces of this park are not shaded.
You’ll find the Runway Cafe and Takeoff Mini Golf course in the vicinity, so you can make a day of it!
Note: While the entrance to the park is a super neat fuselage of an actual plane, the gate doesn’t latch and opens directly to a parking lot. Your kiddos might require an extra level of supervision to ensure they don’t run out into the parking lot.
Runway Park – 21 Airport Road Extension, Greenville
The Runway Park (is our favorite) because it is fenced in and has a younger and an older section. It also has a track and a case next to it. And of course you get to watch the airplanes!
Sarah A.
It’s a battle every time we need to leave. They love it there
We love the playground at Conestee Park. But, if you have never been to the adjacent Lake Conestee Nature Park then you are really missing out. Its nature walk trails are amazing and perfect for the whole family. Plus, the park is known for its wide variety of wildlife, especially birds.
Beyond the amazing nature trails and large ball fields, Conestee Park also has one of the best outdoor-themed playgrounds, featuring imaginative elements such as “trees” to climb and a toadstool table and benches. The playgrounds are hot with little shade but do provide large safe spaces for running and play.
I love this playground for its scenic location and wide-open spaces. If you are looking for the perfect place to enjoy both a view of the blue sky and a shady exploration of nature, this is the park for you.
The City of Simpsonville spent around $200,000 of dedicated recreation funds to revamp the playground, and it has become a reader favorite. The new city park is now called Graceley Park.
There are several climbing structures and balancing equipment, which lend themselves to kids who are practicing to be little ninja warriors.
The brand-new park currently offers a great shade/sun playground that features woodland themes throughout. You’ll have a blast exploring and finding hidden forest creatures built into the play structures.
One of the newest parks in Greenville, SC, Unity Park is situated just outside of the downtown Greenville skyline. It is considered one of the best parks in Greenville County! It is connected to the Swamp Rabbit Trail, making it an excellent choice when looking for an extended plan for the day.
You can ride your bikes from Falls Park through downtown to Unity, and then enjoy the vast playground. There is a humongous green space for kite flying or lazing in the sun, bridges over rivers to explore, a wetland preserve, an awesome splash pad in the warmer months, and playgrounds for both little kids and big kids to enjoy.
The park is designed with a nature theme in mind, so there are tall hills connected with wood structures that remind me of exploring a winter forest. There are swings, climbing structures, slides, and something for kids of all ages to enjoy.
Unity Park- 320 S Hudson Street, Greenville
Learn why we love Unity Park in our Kidding Around review!
8. Trailblazer Park
Nestled on the outskirts of the Swamp Rabbit Trail in Downtown Travelers Rest is Trailblazer Park. The park has a lot of open space to play, but the playground is a gem! It is compact but has a lot to offer, including a large rope web to climb, zip lines, a merry-go-round, and an adorable play structure that younger kids will love. Don’t worry, the Park has swings too for when your toddler inevitably wants to spend 90% of your visit in them. There is a lot a long paved walking trail to enjoy.
We loved the uniqueness of the ropes course, it isn’t found very often in most parks, and makes a great challenge for kids to accomplish! The park is only a 10-15 minute walk from the restaurants on Main Street, which is what we did after a visit to TReehouse Cafe.
Are you looking for free things to do in Spartanburg, SC? Do you have an idea in your head that doing something fun with your kids in Spartanburg is going to cost money (and probably a lot of it)? We are setting the record correct today once and for all: Spartanburg has tons of fun free things to do and even more that are really cheap.
A ticket is required for entry, and we will not sell tickets at the door or on any social media pages. This page is the only place to get tickets! Cost: $10/person. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 2 are free but must have a ticket. Be sure to read the email and have your tickets with you on the night of the celebration.
⚠️ Please be aware that scammers will immediately be offering to resell tickets. We will not be able to accommodate fake tickets due to space restrictions. Please be cautious of these scams. We will not allow any offers of ticket sales on our pages in an effort to decrease scams. ⚠️
What is the Biggest Birthday Party Bash in Greenville?
Our annual birthday party celebrates Kidding Around, our KABOOM winners and Kidding Around partners, and every family that follows Kidding Around!
Your ticket includes 2 hours of fun in The Children’s Museum of the Upstate plus an additional hour of pre-event activities outdoors, fun activities with our KABOOM winners, giveaways with our KABOOM winners, and birthday surprises!
Here’s the quick scoop (but read on for the details!)
A fun birthday-themed party where every kid gets to be the birthday kid for the night!
2 hours of play in the The Children’s Museum of the Upstate
Around 25 local organizations with birthday party activities for your kids inside the museum such as prize wheels, swag, a giant birthday card, garden activities, and more!
Free Kids Meal Habit Burger Gift Certificates for EVERY child
Free Kolapasi Indian Canteen Kids Meal Certificate for first 300 kids
Free Kolapasi Indian Canteen Drinks: Mango Lassi and Coconut Payasam
Free Kolapasi bag this year to carry swag
Free Kona Ice at the outdoor pre-event
Free CLUTCH Coffee at the outdoor pre-event
Free cupcakes to decorate from Tip Top Cake Shop in the TCMU cafeteria!
Biggest Birthday Giveaway in Greenville with thousands of dollars of prizes such as a free date night, a TCMU family membership, a free Acrosmith Gymnastics birthday party, a family four pack of Greenville Drive tickets, a Roper Mountain family membership, and more!
One family will even win a FREE Limo Ride to and from the event offered from GVL Limo.
Meet and get your photo with guests from Once Upon a Dream Parties, Elsa, Ariel, Belle, and Tiana!
Outdoor activities are subject to weatherand may change.
This year’s birthday bash is better than ever with a HUGE outdoor pre-event starting at 5:30 pm. We have lots of fun, FREE things and giveaways planned, like Free Konas from Kona Ice Greenville for every kid, Free Clutch Coffee Bar drinks for each guest, a free Take & Build with Plus Plus, and meet the Papa Bear mascot and get a free carwash for every family with Papa Bear Car Wash.
FREE Konas! Kona Ice of Greenville will be there to celebrate with us!
Every kid will get a FREE Kona Ice of Greenville
The truck will open at 5:30-6:30 pm.
Pictures with the mascot!
Clutch Coffee Bar will be there!
Clutch Coffee Bar will be partying with us pre-event from 5:30-6:30 pm! They will be giving a free drink to every guest at the Birthday Bash.
Wildlife Geeks of Greenville
Wildlife Geeks of Greenville will bring some special animal guests for your kids to interact with from 5:30-6:30 pm.
Plus Plus
Build your own unique creation and take it home with you with Plus Plus at Golly’s Birthday! Plus Plus will be providing pieces and building guides, but your kids are welcome to create whatever they want! After they are done, they can take home their creations.
More Free Things for Every Kid
As we mentioned above, Kona Ice and Clutch Coffee will be outside with free treats for everyone at the pre-event. PLUS:
Habit Burger is ready to party!
Habit Burger is giving every child that attends the Biggest Birthday Party in Greenville a voucher for one free kid’s meal from Habit Burger Upstate, no purchase required!
Kolapasi Indian Canteen has a special gift for the Birthday Bash!
Kolapasi is giving out coupons for a free kids meal to the first 300 kids, a free drink to every kid, (Mango Lassi and Coconut Payasam), AND a free swag bag to every kid! This means you don’t have to worry about carrying all of the goodies you’ll be getting at our Birthday Bash. YAY!
The Main Event: Golly’s Birthday Bash
What fun is waiting for you inside the Children’s Museum at our Birthday Bash? In addition to all the museum exhibits you’ll find around 25 local organizations inside the museum with birthday fun for your kids. We’re talking about cupcake decorating, a dance party, prize wheels, swag, activities, and more!
Decorate With Tip Top Cake Shop!
Decorate your own cupcake for Golly’s Birthday! Tip Top Cake Shop is providing cupcakes and a cupcake decorating station for each kid.
Once Upon a Dream Parties is going to party with us!
Princesses from Once Upon A Dream Parties will be at the Birthday Bash to celebrate with us, meet your little ones, and spread some princess magic 😉 Elsa, Ariel, Belle, and Tiana will be there to party!
Dance the Night Away with DJ Pre-K!
Put on your dancing shoes, because DJ Pre-K will be at The Biggest Birthday Party Bash in Greenville!
DJ Pre-K is a DJ who gets the party started for your little ones! They specialize in providing family-friendly music and highly engaging entertainment at events for children. All music in their curated collection has been screened to ensure it is appropriate for little listeners.
Win Prizes, Get Party Favors & Play Games! It’s a Massive Giveaway Event
With roughly 25 local organizations attending, our Birthday Bash is a Massive Giveaway Event with thousands of dollars in prizes.
Purchasing a ticket to the Biggest Birthday Bash in Greenville allows you to opt into our massive giveaway at the event. Many of our vendors will offer special door prizes during the event.
The KABOOM Awards highlight Greenville’s best. Each year readers vote on the very best in lots of important categories from childcare to places to play and medical care. This year’s winners are awesome and many of them will be at our Birthday Bash event with equally awesome giveaways you can win, party favors, and activities!
Visit them at the event to win prizes, get party favors, and play games! We will be announcing more giveaways soon!
Acrosmith Gymnastics | Giveaway: Free 2 hour birthday party at Acrosmith – $250 Value
Challenge Island | Giveaway: Free Summer Camp valued at $155
Cherry Orchard Pediatric Dentistry | Giveaway: Gift Certificate to the South Carolina Children’s Theatre | Word search and crossword activity
Dance Without Limits | Dance party with obstacle course
Davis Orthodontics | Giveaway: $1,000 Treatment Certificate for Braces or Invisalign for new patients | Prize wheel activity
First Presbyterian Academy | Giveaway: A coupon for a waived Application Fee for the ’25-26 school year | Valued at $175 along with FPA swag bag
Giggles Drop-in Childcare | Giveaway: Date Night Out for up to 3 Kids for 4 hours with dinner for the children included | $144 value | Game wheel with prizes and tattoos
Goldfish Swim School | Giveaway: Swim tote, goggles, towel + 3 months of free lessons! – $450 Value
Greenville Drive | Giveaway: Four Tickets to a 2025 Drive game – Valued at $100 | Stop by to see Reedy Rip’It
Greenville Federal Credit Union | Giveaway: $100 Visa gift card | Money modeling activity
Ivybrook Academy Five Forks Campus | Giveaway: Ivybrook Merchandise & Children’s books – Value $25 | Spinning Wheel Giveaway game
Judson Mill Play Cafe | Giveaway: Family Monthly Pass – $60 value, up to 6 kids.
Parkside OB-GYN | Giveaway: 2 Free Tickets to a Class of Choice up to $50 value
Parkside Pediatrics | Giveaway: 2 tickets to Baby Bootcamp Class – Value $30 per couple
Papa Bear Car Wash | Giveaway: Gift basket donation | 1 Free Car Wash Coupon per family – Value $35
Pigtails and Crewcuts | Confetti Hair Gel treatment
PRISMA Health Urgent Care | Check out their table for Urgent Care Swag!
PuddN’ Creations | Enjoy a complimentary Kiddie Cup with one topping by purchasing any adult-size “Create Your Own” pudding or premade jar. *Must present coupon at time of purchase.
Roper Mountain Science Center | Giveaway: RMSC Annual Family Membership – $125 Value | Learn about animals and activate your creature powers activity
Shriners Children’s Hospital
St. Joseph’s Catholic School | Giveaway: IGLOO cooler prize pack | Corn hole activity
STRIDES Systemic Tutoring | Spin the wheel to win a prize
Swim Lessons With Mary | Giveaway: 4 pack of flexible lessons
Sylvan Learning of Greenville | Giveaway: A free Insight Assessment and 1 month at Sylvan | Prize wheel activity and meet Cat in the Hat
TCMU | Giveaway: Dreamer Membership to TCMU – $240 value
The Little Gym | Giveaway: Free month of Membership. $125 value – 1 class per week | Decorate a crown activity
THINC Chiropractic | Giveaway: Wellness Package with a Certificate for a New Patient Appointment and other wellness goodies. Stop by the table and get free Neurological Scans
Upstate Kids Consignment | Seed planting activity
Yellowbobbypins Art Camp | Giveaway: free week of summer camp valued at $235 | Painting activity
Special Guests
Once Upon a Dream Parties: Elsa, Ariel, Belle, and Tiana will be there!
Greenville Executive Limo Service is giving away a free Limo ride to one of our readers! When you buy a ticket to the birthday bash you’ll be automatically entered into the giveaway, and we will pick a winner and announce it a week leading up to the event! The winner will be announced Friday, March 21st. (3/21)
If you are selected as a winner you will get picked up by a limo and driven to The Birthday Bash!
*There is a 30 mile radius limit for the Limo ride*
Terms and conditions apply. Giveaway prizes and activities are through our partners and subject to change.
Are you planning a fun family Myrtle Beach Spring Break trip? Myrtle Beach makes an excellent choice for a family-friendly spring break vacation! Though it may be a little chilly for swimming in the ocean and the waterparks won’t be open yet, don’t think for a minute that spring weather will limit your fun in the Myrtle Beach area. Instead, the cooler weather will make the parks and attractions more pleasant. There are also smaller crowds and plenty of kid-friendly hotels with indoor pools to enjoy. Here is a list of things to do during spring break at Myrtle Beach, plus a schedule of how to fit it all in (complete with dining options).
Thank you to Visit Myrtle Beach and the many venues we visited for hosting Kidding Around.
Where to stay in Myrtle Beach?
This article contains Stay22 affiliate links.
We stayed at the Hampton Inn and Suites Myrtle Beach/Oceanfront. The hotel is situated right on the beach and has multiple indoor and outdoor pools. The outdoor pools even have sprinklers and there is a lazy river and hot tub. Since it was April, we spent most of our time swimming in the indoor pool but the outdoor pools were open even though it was only early April.
Our room faced the ocean with a porch with rocking chairs and a table. It was pleasant to be able to watch the sunset over the ocean from the comfort of our room in the evening and the kids loved being able to open our porch doors to let in the fresh ocean breeze in the morning.
I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the complimentary “continental” breakfast at our Hampton included a hot bar with eggs and sausage, fresh waffles, fruit, and plenty of other choices. Not only is breakfast great but the breakfast room overlooks the ocean and it’s quite pretty. It was a good start to the day.
Hotels in Myrtle Beach with Indoor Pools
If you want the summer beach vacation experience during your Spring Break vacation, finding a hotel with an indoor pool is a must. Captain’s Quarters Resort Myrtle Beach offers a wonderful indoor lazy river and indoor pool that is open all year, so your spring break vacation will feel more like summer. The resort is kid-friendly and is only a few miles drive to Broadway at the Beach, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, and tons of attractions.
First Evening of Spring Break in Myrtle Beach – Catch a Dinner Show!
Who says that you need a full day to start having fun. Start your spring break vacation off right and make your first night part of vacation by heading to Medieval Times for a dinner show. The show will transport you right back to the Dark Ages. Upon entering the castle, you are immediately lords and ladies (complete with a crown). The show includes a full knight competition with horses followed by serious threat to the kingdom that requires an all-out sword fight to determine the best knight to defend the kingdom’s honor. It’s full of cheering, booing, and fun.
Tip: Make sure you plan plenty of time. The traffic into the Myrtle Beach area can be a little slow and you will want to arrive at the dinner show at least a half hour or more in advance.
Day 1 of Spring Break – Visit the Murrells Inlet & the Murrells Inlet Marshwalk
We decided to hit the ground running on our first day of spring break in Myrtle Beach with an action-packed day at Murrells Inlet. Murrells Inlet is about a 45-minute drive from Myrtle Beach, but it’s well worth the drive.
Brookgreen Gardens – We started our morning at Brookgreen Gardens. I had researched the gardens online before our visit but was still amazed by the size and the beauty. We started out our morning in the gardens with a Creek Excursion that took us in a pontoon boat along the creek where we saw rice fields and wildlife (including a couple of gators).
The excursion is super family-friendly, and it is interesting to watch your kids awe over the boat ride. We also learned quite a bit about the history of the area and the Brookgreen Gardens. After our boat ride, we spent time exploring the Children’s Discovery Room, Storybook Forest, Lowcountry Zoo, and the Gardens.
For lunch, we packed a picnic to eat at Brookgreen Gardens where we found ample picnic spots. There were also a couple of restaurants on the grounds to choose from.
Huntington Beach State Park– After the gardens, we headed over to Huntington Beach State Park which was just a short distance down the road. This state park offers hiking, a wide 3 miles of beach, and Atalaya. Huntington Beach State Park is also one of the best places to spot birds in the Southeast. Our kids were tired and itching to get on the beach but I was able to sneak off first and get a peek inside Atalaya. You can tour Atalaya, the original 30 room winter home of the Huntingtons for just $2/person.
We decided to splurge on fresh seafood that night at the iconic Drunken Jack’s at the Murrells Inlet marshwalk. Our table offered a view of the ocean and I tried Chef Casey’s Risotto (an award-winning dish that has Mahi-Mahi, scallops, risotto, and lobster & crab cream sauce). It was a more expensive meal, but the atmosphere, fresh seafood, and cool decor made it worth the cost.
Our kids felt very welcome as their kids’ meals came with pirate hats and they were presented with a gold coin at the end of the meal as a reward for “eating good”. After eating dinner, you can take a walk down the docks to watch native birds perching, boats cruising through the marsh, or even catch an evening sunset. The Murrells Inlet marsh walk is quite magical at sunset, and my kids loved looking at all the herons and seabirds hanging around.
Spending our first day of spring break in Murrells Inlet was really packed and resulted in some tired kids, so we elected to head back to the hotel after dinner where the kids had a quick swim before bed.
Day 2 of Spring Break – Myrtle Beach SkyWheel and Broadway at the Beach
We started our second day, by heading to Ripley’s Aquarium at Broadway at the Beach. The aquarium was really clean and brightly decorated and the exhibits were very nice. There was a shark tunnel, sting ray exhibit, jelly area, and more. I was impressed to see two stingray petting tanks (one with some massive stingrays) and even a moon jelly touching tank. If you are looking for additional options beyond the aquarium Broadway at the Beach offers shopping and several kid-friendly attractions including Ripley’s Odditorium, Ripley’s Movie Theatre 5D, Ripley’s Mirror Maze, Wonderworks, and a nice playground. Broadway at the Beach is one of our favorite attractions because it is super family-friendly, offers live music and entertainment, has excellent dining options, and is a great way to spend a day during your spring break vacation.
After a couple of hours at the aquarium, we ate lunch at Dagwood’s Deli. The burgers and sandwiches we ordered were absolutely delicious and we were glad that we arrived a little before noon as the restaurant quickly filled up soon after we arrived. It was an affordable meal too with most menu items priced under $10.
Dagwood’s Deli was located near several $5 parking lots where we were able to snag a parking space that was not only perfect for lunch but an easy walk to our next destination, the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel.
We had never ridden a ferris wheel as tall as the Skywheel before and we were all a little nervous (in fact, one of my kids almost backed out), but we decided to all give it a try. The line looked long but moved remarkably fast (I think that we were only in line for about 10 minutes). There was space for our entire family to be in one car and it felt safe and even had air conditioning. (If ferris wheels make you nervous, you will be glad to know that there is also an emergency button in the car too).
The Skywheel is in the middle of the strip at Myrtle Beach where you can easily shop for souvenirs or walk along the Myrtle Beach boardwalk.
After the Skywheel, we headed to Savannah’s Playground, a massive all-inclusive playground for children. The playground offered a zipline, large playground, swings, and plenty of space to play. It’s also completely free.
Evening Entertainment & Dinner: We chose to experience the dinner show, Pirate’s Voyage, where we were delighted by acrobatics, singing, dancing, and animals. It was a fast-paced show with a lot of special effects and music and there were even mermaids.
Day 3 of Spring Break – Myrtle Beach Full Experience
On our third day, we decided to experience the heart of Myrtle Beach by heading out to nature followed by a relaxing game of mini golf (Did you know that Myrtle Beach is the mini golf capital of the world?).
We were struck immediately by the beauty of Myrtle Beach State Park. It’s a lovely drive into the park area where you will find a Nature Center and programming, a nature trail, a fishing pier, and a beach front. The hiking was very simple and easy for our two children and while we did not fish we did walk out onto the pier to get a better view of the ocean and shore. Our kids then played in the ocean despite it being a nippy 50 degrees outside. Fortunately, the park has rinsing stations and a bathhouse where you can change. We packed a couple of sandwiches figuring that our kids would be hungry before we left the park.
After the park, we decided to try our hand at mini golf. One thing, we noticed immediately when we drove into Myrtle Beach was how many mini-golf options there were to choose from and they all looked fun. We chose Captain Hook’s Adventure Golf, which ended up being just perfect. The easier course, The Lost Boys was fun but not too difficult and our greens took us past mermaids, into a skull cave, near a pirate ship, and past numerous waterfalls.
After a good game of mini golf, you need ice cream! So we returned our putters and went to get ice cream.
Dinner & Evening Entertainment – We were all in the mood for pizza that last night, so after a little bit of research we settled on Ducatis Trattoria and Pizzaria. We knew it was a good choice, the second we saw the ginormous garlic knots arrive at our table. The pizza was equally delicious.
After dinner, we decided to cap our trip off with a night at the Carolina Opry. The show was truly amazing and our kids really enjoyed the singing and the dancing. We also saw a couple of acts that gave a taste of Thunder and Light (a dance & laser light show) and Pure Magic the Wagsters (a magic show). Both performances were amazing and fun. The evening show did end up having a couple of jokes and a song that was too close to PG-13 for our family.
In addition, it was a little long for little kids (over two hours) but the music and dancing were incredible. Next time we are in town, we plan on snagging tickets for either the Thunder and Light show or the Pure Magic show as both of those are in the morning and our kids especially loved those acts.
Enjoying the Trip back home
On our way home, we decided to stop in route in Conway to see the LW Paul Living History Farm. This working farm is open to the public on Tuesdays-Saturdays from 9-4. You can either call ahead and schedule a tour or explore at your own pace. There are animals, restored original buildings, and it’s completely free. Check their schedule ahead of time as they also have events on the calendar. The farm is only about 45 minutes from Myrtle Beach. The Horry County Museum is also just a couple minutes away and is also free to the public.
Have you ever been to Myrtle Beach for Spring Break? What are your favorite things to do?
