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Top Things to Do at Falls Park in Greenville, SC

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Have you explored Falls Park? Greenville SC has one of the most gorgeous parks in the country. Falls Park on the Reedy River is the statement piece of the West End of Downtown Greenville, South Carolina.

With the Liberty Bridge as the centerpiece, grassy fields to frolic in, gardens to explore, and even some special events throughout the year, the park makes a great place to play at. Find out why Falls Park is one of the nation’s best city parks for 2023, and why we love it too! 

Liberty Bridge at Falls Park on the Reedy River in Greenville, SC

What We Love To Do at Falls Park

If you are looking for something family-friendly to do in Greenville SC, Falls Park on the Reedy River is a wonderful day to spend the day. Its natural beauty has been amplified by strategic gardening and architectural planning, adding to its charm and Southern romanticism.

What used to be a grist mill has transformed into a charming area to relax and connect with our community in large part to a combined effort of Furman University, the City of Greenville, and the Carolina Foothills Garden Club. Good thing they put in so much effort because Falls Park is thriving!

Looking at the falls and Medusa Tree, at Falls Park, Greenville, SC

Take in the Sights on Liberty Bridge

The suspension bridge, plastered on postcards, magazine articles, and Greenville merchandise, is stunning. The bridge is an architectural masterpiece that offers spectacular views of the falls.

If you walk out onto the bridge, it is a great place to take photos while taking in views of the falls and downtown Greenville. Liberty Bridge is particularly beautiful at night, as the area is lit up with lights, and the downtown area is illuminated. 

Enjoy a Picnic on the Grassy Spaces

Located around Liberty Bridge is several open field areas to lay down a blanket for a picnic, play with your kids, or watch street performers and buskers on a warm afternoon. Though you may be tempted to take a dip in the river while playing in the grassy spaces, know that it is forbidden to play in the Reedy River. The river has a high level of bacteria that can make you sick!

Explore the Gardens

The Carolina Foothills Garden Club Sanctuary and Pedrick’s Garden at Falls Park are two of the most popular downtown. These gardens feature mixes of foliage, literal tons of gorgeous stonework, and are a great way to have your kids burn off some energy. We always see a lizard or two while there.

Be sure to get the obligatory photo with the Medusa tree located near the Governor’s School. Many of the gardens run along the river, so be careful not to damage the plants while exploring. There are also a number of ducks, geese, and other wildlife you will want to be sure to avoid. Never feed the ducks bread!

Lawn areas and view of the Reedy River at Falls Park, Greenville, SC.

Linky Stone Park, Greenville, SC

Explore more gardens near Greenville, SC, several of which are near Falls Park!

Special Events Held at Falls Park

Most of the popular events in Downtown Greenville spill over into the Falls Park area, but there are several regularly scheduled events that occur here.

Reedy River Duck Derby

Every spring, thousands descend upon Falls Park to watch little yellow ducks float over the falls in hopes of winning a grand prize. Don’t worry, they are little rubber ducks, but the event is so much fun! Before the ducks fall over the falls, there are tons of family-friendly activities throughout the park, including face painting, duck-related crafts, and more.

The Duck Derby in Greenville, SC

Learn More about the annual Reedy River Duck Derby at Falls Park, Greenville, SC

Upstate Shakespeare Festival

This FREE festival runs from the end of May until the end of July each year in Falls Park. Performances on held on the stage located down the stairs and to the right of Liberty Bridge on the grassy field at the TD Amphitheatre.

Shows are around 2 hours long, and showcase classic Shakespearean plays such as Macbeth, The Merry Wives of Windsor, and more! Bring a lawn chair, a picnic blanket, and maybe even a bottle of wine (21 and older with a $1 wristband) to have a perfect night out!

Moonlight Movies

Every Thursday in September and October, you can watch a free movie on the lawn of Falls Park. There are local food vendors, and alcohol is allowed if you purchase a $1 wristband. The movies are typically teen and adult-friendly and include some popular titles that you will actually enjoy watching. 

The Greenville Christmas Market at the Grand Bohemian Lodge

The annual Greenville Christmas Market is located right off the end of the Liberty Bridge on the grassy field in front of the Grand Bohemian Lodge. This outdoor market runs from late November to Early January and has gifts, treats, and more for the perfect gift. Your kids can also meet with Santa. There is also a stunning 20ft Christmas tree you can smell from the other side of the bridge.

Greenville Christmas Market scenes

The Greenville Christmas Market at the Grand Bohemian Lodge is the place to be during the holiday season!

Dining Near Falls Park

There are dozens of dining options near Falls Park, but if you’re looking for views of the park, then these restaurants and cafes will fit your criteria.

Spill the Beans

This cafe has delicious coffee, gourmet ice cream, milkshakes, and more. If you want to eat inside, they have a window view of the falls, but you can sit outside around the fountains and enjoy your sweet treat as well. 

Passerelle French Bistro

The bistro sits right off the stairs that lead down to Liberty Bridge. They offer French cuisine, indoor and outdoor seating, and the perfect date night atmosphere.

What’s your favorite thing to do at Falls Park?

Falls Park Guide to Downtown Greenville, SC.

Looking for More Things to Do? Check out our KA Guide to Downtown Greenville, SC in Greenville County.


An Upstate Outdoor Favorite: Paris Mountain State Park, Greenville, SC

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Are you looking for a place to enjoy the great outdoors in Greenville, SC? Paris Mountain State Park, located 15 minutes outside the city of Greenville off State Park Road, is a staple to the Greenville outdoorsy community. You can hike over 17 miles of trails, mountain bike the ridge, and even take a swim with the kids in Lake Placid. The park has multiple trails of varying difficulty.

Plus, Paris Mountain has family-friendly camping sites that make camping more enjoyable. Find out all of the things the only state park in Greenville has to offer in our handy guide.

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Experience the Culture of Italy at Gio’s Pastry Shop, Caffee, and Italian Grocery in Fountain Inn, SC

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Satisfy your craving for Italian cuisine at Gio’s Pastry Shop, Caffee, and Italian Market in Fountain Inn, SC! Gio’s offers a large selection of homemade and imported Italian and Italian American goods, including homemade pastries, cookies, and cakes. Their shop also sells a multitude of Italian groceries, sandwiches, salads, and even serves fresh coffee. There is no better way to experience a culture than through food, and Gio’s will bring a little slice of Italy into your life.

Homemade Baked Goods, The Italian Way

Gio’s has one of the most diverse selections of Italian baked goods in Greenville, thanks to owner Maria Natale. Her pursuit to fulfill her customer’s cravings for Italian desserts ignited Gio’s popularity in the Fountain Inn community.  From homemade cannolis, mini cannoli cheesecakes, Italian rainbow cookies, and Sfogliatelle (Clamshell) pastries, no wonder Gio’s has quickly become a go-to bakery. They even have gluten-free options!

Gio’s also produces homemade bread that has a delicious crunchy outside encasing a soft and fluffy inside. Kidding Around’s Maria says that Gio’s bread is the closest to NYC’s Italian bread that she has found in the south. Walking into Gio’s will transport your senses straight to an Italian kitchen. Paired with the vibe of Gio’s, you will feel like you coming home to your Nonna baking in the kitchen (even if you’re not Italian).

Gio's fountain inn - Italian pastry
Sfgliatelle at Gio’s Pastry Shop

Groceries and Goods Found at Gio’s

Along with Gio’s staple pastries and baked goods, they sell a wide selection of Italian groceries and premade meals. Many of their grocery items are imported directly from Italy, so nothing gets more authentic than that. You can also purchase from a selection of premade foods, such as Pasta Fagioli and Italian Wedding Soup. They even have several varieties of fresh-made pasta and sauce to purchase for your next Italian-inspired meal. Don’t forget to grab some delicious mozzarella to top it off.

So, grab the family and go explore the culture of Italy through the pastries and meals you can find at Gio’s, without ever having to leave Greenville!

Gluten-Free options at Gio’s Pastry Shop

You can also pick up some awesome coloring books from local artist Brandi Grover at Gio’s. Try a sample of her coloring pages featuring KAG mascot, Golly.

Gio’s Pastry Shop
218 South Main Street – Unit A, Fountain Inn | 864.724.2058

Hours of Operation
Wednesday 8:30 am – 6:00 pm
Thursday 8:30 am – 6:00 pm
Friday 8:30 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Closed Sunday-Tuesday

Festival alert: Don’t miss the Italian American Heritage Festival in Fountain Inn, SC!

Bryson City, NC: Things to Do and Places to Stay in the Great Smoky Mountains

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Are you looking for a place to visit with mountain town charm? Bryson City, NC, located in Western North Carolina, fits that description perfectly. The downtown area offers unique shopping, rich history, and access to the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad.  There are also some pretty spectacular things to do in the surrounding nature areas that will get your kids excited to explore, including hiking, river tubing, and camping. Below, you will find some of the best things to do with your family while visiting Bryson City, NC.

bryson city, nc

Things to do in Bryson City, NC

Bryson City, NC has lots to do, especially since it is situated in the WNC portion of the Great Smoky Mountains. We gathered reviews of some of the adventures we have had in Bryson City, including river tubing, hiking, and riding the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad.

Go River Tubing on Deep Creek

If you’re looking for some fun riding the river through the mountain, then rent some tubes to go tubing on Deep Creek. This popular river tubing destination in Western North Carolina is affordable, fun, and a great choice to add to your summer bucket list! You will find places to rent tubes, what to expect, how to pack, and more in our KA review of river tubing on Deep Creek in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Explore the Nantahala Outdoor Center

If you are yearning to leave the city and take a day trip to Bryson City, then the Nantahala Outdoor Center should absolutely be on the itinerary. This outdoor center has things to do with kids, whitewater rafting, riverfront dining options, hiking, ziplining, and more! Read more about the Great Smoky Mountain’s Nantahala Outdoor Center in our KA review.

Nantahala Outdoor Center
 13077 U.S. 19 West, Bryson City, NC

The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad

The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad is a historical train with its depot station located in the heart of downtown Bryson City. The train is family-friendly and offers train rides through the Great Smoky Mountains, Nantahala National Forest, along the Nantahala and Tuckasegee Rivers, and is the place to be when fall foliage arrives. During the summer, the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad offers deals for Kids Ride Free from May through August. Learn about the Kids Ride Free promotion in our KA review of the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad.

Great Smoky Mountain Railroad
45 Mitchell Street, Bryson City, NC

Seasonal Things to Do

There is something magical about being in a cozy mountain town during winter and the holiday season. We have some ideas of things to do that your entire family will love!

Visit Bryson City for the Holidays

The holiday season is full of magic, light displays, Christmas tree farms, and more! They even have ice skating to really bring the charm to the season. Check out our KA guide to Bryson City during the Holidays to plan your adventure into a real-life Christmas wonderful.

Ride the Polar Express on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad

There is almost nothing greater than creating magical memories for children. Riding the Polar Express on the Great Smoky Railroad is one of the most magical things you can do during the holidays! PJs, hot chocolate, magical bells. Sound familiar? The train leaves out of the historic Bryson City Depot and begins in early November each year. Tickets sell fast, so keep an eye out. Learn everything you need to know, including ticket information and what to expect, in our KA review of the Great Smoky Mountain’s Polar Express.

Great Smoky Mountain Railroad: Polar Express
45 Mitchell Street, Bryson City, NC

Unique Lodging Near Bryson City, NC

Being in the Great Smoky Mountains in Bryson City offers some unique places to lodge. With mountains, streams, and tons of trees, it’s the perfect place to stay if you love the outdoors. We have some lodging ideas below.

The map below contains Stay22 affiliate links.

Sky Ridge Yurts: Bryson City, NC

If you’re wanting a unique lodging experience outside of hotels, then Sky Ridge Yurts in Bryson City may just be it! This yurt village offers gorgeous, cozy yurts to spend the night in before you head out for a hike or adventure during your trip. You can learn all about Sky Ridge Yurts in our KA review, including rates, what it is like, and how much your kids will love it!

KA Review:
Sky Ridge Yurts
in Bryson City, NC

Sky Ridge Yurt interior pictures

Sky Ridge Yurts
200 Sky Ridge Drive, Bryson City, NC 

Make It a Day Trip!

KA Guide to Cherokee, NC,
20 minutes from Bryson City.

Street view of Cherokee, NC

Yellowbobbypins: Your Young Artist Will Love Creating at This Local Art Studio for Kids in Greenville, SC

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Have you been looking for art classes for kids in Greenville, SC? Make art, get messy with paint, learn something new, and take home their creation. What could be better? My four-year-old daughter and I were invited to create some art at one of Yellowbobbypins’ art classes at their Hampton Station location.

It was such a joyful experience that further strengthened her interest in the creative arts. Yellowbobbypins has art playgroups, art classes, party packages, and even art camps for the budding artist in your life. Find out more about Yellowbobbypins below.

yellowbobbypins Greenville, SC

A special thank you to Lauren Runion, owner of Yellowbobbypins, for having us for this review!

Art Classes for Kids: Yellowbobbypins Art Camp at Hampton Station

My daughter loves to create art, but finding art classes for kids that fit her age range hasn’t always been easy. Good thing Yellowbobbypins has art classes for kids ages 2 – 13! From the moment we walked into Yellowbobbypins owner Lauren Runion’s studio space at Hampton Station, I knew we were in the perfect place to create comfortably. 

Firstly, Lauren exudes creativity and kindness. It was beautiful watching her interact with the children in a kind, calm, and direct way. Her passion for art is delightful and she is such a talented art educator. Her knowledge stems from many years of experience as an art teacher in the public school system.

Throughout the class, she patiently guided the kids through each step of their project and addressed each child by name. She was helpful and attentive to each child and their project.

My daughter is a little nervous in new situations (as am I), and Lauren made it a point to ask her questions about her art pieces and to include her with the other children who regularly attend classes. This really brought out her creativity and interest in the class, making for a memorable experience for both of us.

yellowbobbypins art classes

Drop-in and Semester Long Art Classes

For the budding artist in your life, Yellowbobbypins offers semester classes, drop-in art classes, and online classes. Classes strengthen creative problem-solving, build confidence, and teach about various art techniques such as painting, drawing, and mixed media art. 

The in-person art classes are located at the Hampton Station studio. Kids of all ages are welcome, with classes in groups of different age ranges (4-6 years old; 7-9 years old; 10-12 years old). Parents can opt to have their child in the classes for the full semester, exploring a core theme throughout. Or, drop-in classes are also available, where the child can join the group to explore the theme for that day. 

There are class options for morning, afternoon, and evening classes throughout the week. When my daughter went for a drop-in visit, she explored Mexican Hojalata metal and mirror art! These classes are 1 hour long, guided classes with the instructor, Lauren, and the kids constantly learn as they go.  Classes are available throughout the school year, but there are no classes during the summertime (but there are summer camps your child can join!). Find out more and register for art classes at Yellowbobbypins on their website.

yellowbobbypins art classes

Art Playgroup: Wee Create at Yellowbobbypins

Have a young kid who loves to make art? Worried about the mess that usually comes along with arts and crafts with small kids? Worry no more! Yellowbobbypins offers Wee Create art playgroups for ages 2-6. Plus, you do not have to worry about cleanup. These classes are currently available Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday mornings. Here, parents and children can engage in art play that strengthens creativity through engaging and interactive lessons. Kids will build on their fine motor skills, explore with their hands with art materials, socialize with other kids, and engage their senses through sensory play.

During the art playgroup, the kids will explore different sensory stations with different topics, like oceans and cities. Adult participation is required for the art playgroups, but parents will have just as much fun creating as their kids will. Art playgroups are 1-hour long morning classes, with some parent/child activity classes occasionally offered during evening hours. You can register for classes on the Yellowbobbypins website.

Yellowbobbypin art classes: Greenville, SC

Art Summer Camp with Yellowbobbypins

Summer camp at Yellowbobbypins is a fun way to keep your child engaged during summer break! They have several themed art camps available to choose from, with camps like Dollhouse Camp and Harry Potter Camp! Each camp is 1 week long from Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 12 pm. Check out the current availability for summer camps on the Yellowbobbypins website!

Of course, you can see all the summer camps in Greenville on our huge Summer Camp Guide to Greenville, SC.

Art Birthday Parties at Yellowbobbypins

Yellowbobbypins also hosts parties for ages 2 and up! The space is perfect for an intimate birthday party centered around art and learning new things. Parents can choose from three party packages, including painting parties for ages 6 and older, Little Parties for ages 2-6 years old, or a custom event of your choosing! Party packages start at $200 and can be offsite or at the Yellowbobbypins studio at Hampton Station in Greenville, SC.

Would your child love a visit to Yellowbobbypins?

Yellowbobbypins
1320 Hampton Avenue Extension
Greenville, SC

SC Children’s Theatre: 10 Marvelous Things to Do (Win Tickets too!)

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Giveaway: One Kidding Around reader will win 4 TICKETS to The Spongebob Musical at SCCT! Show runs April 26th-May 19th. Thank you SCCT for sponsoring this giveaway! Scroll down to enter.

Have you heard about all the marvelous things that the South Carolina Children’s Theatre in Greenville, SC has to offer? Maybe you are excited about an upcoming theatre performance. Or, perhaps you are curious if there are theater classes and camps for your children to immerse themselves in. Spark a little magic and wonder in your child’s life with a kid-friendly play, musical, class, or camp at SCCT! You will find all the information you need about the South Carolina Children’s Theatre below in our handy guide.



SCCT Spongebob April 2024

Theatrical Productions at the South Carolina Children’s Theatre

The South Carolina Children’s Theatre is pretty special, and its professional theatrical productions are a great way to entertain your children.  Productions are all family-oriented and designed to elicit wonder and excitement in your child (and you!)

The 2023-2024 South Carolina Children’s Theatre Season

Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse: October 20 – October 29, 2023

Mary Poppins: November 17 – December 10, 2023

The Watsons Go to Birmingham: January 19 – February 4, 2023

D is for Dance Party: January 26 -February 4, 2023

Pinkalicious the Musical: February 23- March 10, 2023

Dragons Love Tacos: April 5 – April 21, 2023

The Spongebob Musical: April 26 – May 19, 2024

The SCCT events calendar is the best way to keep track of what’s to come.

The SCCT Performance Stages

Bell Stage

Theatre productions are detail-oriented, bursting with color and costume, and bring to life and reimagine a popular story or play. Theatre productions run by season, with each season having around 8 performances spread out over several months. Each production has multiple showings, so you can plan a date night out with your kids! Both stages are also accessible, so productions can be enjoyed by everyone.

Bell Stage performances use large set designs, costumes, puppets, and anything else needed to help bring the story from the pages of the book or script onto the stage. You can find big musicals and plays on this stage. Bell Stage productions have longer run times with intermissions. You can find run time information on the SCCT website. There are also assigned seats for Bell Stage productions, so make sure you purchase tickets early if you have large groups that want to sit together.

Younts 2nd Stage

Younts 2nd Stage performances also offer the pop, color, and costumes that the Bell Stage productions do, but performances are more intimate and held on a smaller stage. This allows performers to really engage with the audience. These productions are shorter, approximately 45 minutes to an hour long, so they are an excellent choice for younger (with shorter attention spans) audience members. Tickets for Younts Stage are also cheaper than Bell Stage productions, so that’s great on the budget! 

Performances Right For Your Family

All theatre productions at SCCT have an age range recommendation, so be sure to check to see which performance best suits your child. SCCT does recommend that most productions are for children 3 and older.

The majority of these theatre productions are held on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, with daytime and evening showings available, so they make an excellent parent/child date day!

To find out more information about the upcoming SCCT performances on both the Bell and Younts stages, head to the SCCT website.

Cat in the Hat riding
The Cat in the Hat at SCCT 2021-2022 Season

Weekday School Performances

Want to see a stage performance for a field trip? If you’re a teacher or homeschooling group, you can check out performances at SCCT through their weekday school performances on the Bell Stage and the Youths Stage. All students, teachers, chaperones, and bus drivers will need a ticket to view the performance. 

SCCT Flex Pass for Performances

Looking to save some money while also seeing all of the amazing upcoming shows at the South Carolina Children’s Theatre? The SCCT Flex Pass program offers first-priority seating, unlimited free ticket exchanges, discounts on classes, and discounts to downtown stores. There are three price points to choose from, Blue, Green, or Orange, that allow for a specific number of tickets per package.

Pay What You Can Tickets

The South Carolina Children’s Theatre offers a “Pay What You Can” ticket program for select performances of select shows throughout the year. You’ll find these performances labeled as a “Pay What You Can Performance” within each show’s schedule on the South Carolina Children’s Theatre Website.

The first Pay What You Can Performance of the 2023-2024 season was the September 24, 2023 performance of Charlotte’s Web. When you see a Pay What You Can Performance on the website, follow the directions on that link to purchase your tickets.

Free Performances at the South Carolina Children’s Theatre

One of the best things about SCCT is that they offer free performance events through their Tell-Me-a- Story Theatre and Once Upon an Orchestra programs.

Tell Me a Story Theatre is a high-energy telling of a popular children’s story or book that is engaging for younger children, think PreK to early elementary students.  The event is completely free, and is located in the Prisma Health Lobby. The performance and story reading lasts around 30 minutes, great for squirmy kids. You can check out Tell-Me-a-Story once per month.

Once Upon an Orchestra is a partnership between SCCT and the Greenville Symphony Orchestra that brings children’s literature and music together through storytelling. Your child (and you) can enjoy Once Upon an Orchestra three times per year, for free! Performances last around 30 minutes and are perfect for children age K3 through 5th grade.  You can find upcoming performances of Once Upon an Orchestra on the SCCT website.

SCCT Tulane

Theatre Classes at the SCCT

Support your child’s interest in the performing arts with classes at The South Carolina Children’s Theatre! SCCT’s Theatre Arts Conservatory offers a variety of classes for kids interested in learning about acting, drama, stage management, directing, musical theater, and so much more!

Classes use a lot of fun activities to strengthen your child’s imagination, self-expression, confidence, and self-discipline. These classes also build a foundation for theatre arts concepts. Classes build onto one another, so SCCT encourages parents to not rush their child through the classes, but to allow them to make natural progress. Classes are grouped by age, so even your budding three-year-old Broadway star can enjoy these immersive classes!

  • Ages 3-6: Children in this age range will play games, sing songs, explore characters, and engage their imagination in a low-pressure environment. Classes are typically once per week for one hour. Multiple classes are offered, with classes in theatre exploration, singing, and stage production available. 
  • Grades 1-6: Children in this age range will explore theatre training through improv activities and high-energy games. There are several classes available for this age range where they can learn about process acting, singing, musical theatre, or improvisation.
  • Grades 6-12: Classes for this age range become more technical and build on their knowledge of the performing arts. Kids can learn about process acting, singing, musical theatre, solo singing, and improvisation.
     
  • All The Colors of the Spectrum: For children in 2nd through 12th grade with developmental or processing challenges, SCCT offers All The Colors of the Spectrum! Through modified activities, children with special needs can engage in theatre arts through immersive storytelling, sketch creation, collaboration, and more.
  • Acting for Adults: SCCT offers FREE classes for adult students college age and up! Classes are for both beginner and seasoned actors to engage in the theatre arts. 

Workshops at the South Carolina Children’s Theatre

Sometimes you need a date night, or a morning out. Sometimes you even need some extra help when your kids are out for holidays. SCCT can help you out with their workshops!  

  • Workday Workshops occur during school break days when children are out of school on a random Monday or Friday for a teacher workday. These workshops engage children in group-based activities but are not usually themed.
  • Kids Night Out happens once per month, where parents can drop off their kids for a few hours. Kids Night Out is a fun night of themed activities, with theatre games followed by a movie and snack. Kids Night Out is from 6 pm to 10 pm, with pre-registration required. 
  • Saturday Morning Mania is when parents can drop off their kids for a few hours of shopping or a fancy brunch in Downtown Greenville. Saturday Morning Mania happens once per month. There are themed drama games and activities with a picnic lunch. Parents should preregister ahead of time.
SCCT Summer camp picture collage

SCCT Summer Camp

SCCT’s Summer Camps are an excellent way to keep your kids busy over the summer! Summer camps are offered for ages K3 through high school. Each camp is designed to boost confidence while having fun learning about theatre.

Parents can pre-register their kids for a variety of theme camps. Camps explore musical theatre, creative drama, improv, and more in a fun and engaging way! Camps are typically half day, with full day options available for older children by combining camps. Learn more about summer camps at The South Carolina Children’s Theatre on the SCCT website.

2024 KABOOM AWARD Winner: South Carolina Children’s Theatre

Did you know the South Carolina Children’s Theatre was a 2024 KABOOM Family Favorites 1st place winner for Best Performing Arts Theatre? Check out all of the finalists and winners in Kidding Around’s 2024 KABOOM Awards Guide.

SCCT Ticket Giveaways

The Spongebob Musical

The underwater town of Bikini Bottom is in danger in this epic and electric musical based on the popular cartoon SpongeBob SquarePants. Though underestimated as a “simple sponge,” SpongeBob manages to unite the citizens and save the city from impending doom. This wildly entertaining show features songs by famous musical artists and bands that parents will love such as Cyndi Lauper, Panic! At The Disco, and The Flaming Lips to name a few.

Artistic Director Matt Giles: “I couldn’t be more excited to produce this ambitious whale of a musical. Not only does it feature one of the most iconic children’s characters of the past 20 years, but it also includes songs from some of the most iconic musicians. This show is a fun, heartfelt spectacle. Hattie Claire Andres (who works at Seattle Rep) is coming to stage this piece, and I can’t wait to watch her bring it to life.”

  • Based on the series by: Stephen Hillenburg
  • Book by: Kyle Jarrow
  • Original songs by: Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alex Ebert of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants, T.I.
  • And songs by: David Bowie, Tom Kenny & Andy Paley
  • Additional lyrics by: Jonathan Coulton
  • Additional music by: Tom Kitt
  • Musical production conceived by: Tina Landau
  • Directed by: Hattie Claire Andres
  • Run Time: 2 hours with one intermission
  • Age Recommendation: 3rd grade to adult
  • Ticket Price: $25

Show Schedule & Tickets

The musical runs April 26th-May 19th. For the full show schedule, visit the SCCT website.

Purchase The Spongebob Musical tickets online today! Get a multiple tickets discount with Flex Pass.

Win 4 Tickets To The Show!

One Kidding Around reader will win 4 FREE TICKETS to see The Spongebob Musical at SCCT. This giveaway runs from April 1st-April 15th, 2024, 11:59PM. Good luck!

  • Winning tickets may not be redeemed for the April 27, 2024, 7:00 pm show.
  • Tickets are redeemable for dates based upon seat availability. Space is limited.
  • You must be 18 or older and live in the USA to enter this giveaway.
  • You must use a valid email address to enter this giveaway.
  • One entry per person per day.
  • We will contact the winner via the email address provided within two [2] days of the giveaway ending. The winner will have two [2] days (48 hours) to respond via email. If the winner does not respond within the two [2] days (48 hours), the prize will be forfeited and another winner chosen. Directions for claiming the prize will be given via email. A valid photo ID and/or mailing address may be required.
  • For a complete list of Kidding Around Greenville SC’s giveaway policies and terms and conditions, see the Kidding Around Greenville SC policy page. By entering this giveaway, you agree to comply with Kidding Around Greenville SC’s terms and conditions.
  • If you have any issues with the giveaway not appearing, please contact bethany@kiddingaroundgreenville.com.

Looking for more kid-friendly classes and activities in Greenville, SC?

The Ultimate Guide to
Kids’ Classes & Activities

Class and Activity Guide

3 Helpful Babysitter Services Near Greenville, SC

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Are you looking to find the perfect babysitter? Greenville, SC offers several options. We know the process of finding trustworthy childcare for your little ones can be stressful. Because of this, babysitting and nanny services are emerging that require strict background checks. These extra security steps are helping eliminate many parents’ fears about who exactly is caring for their children.

This list includes babysitter services that pride themselves on providing top-notch caregivers that are ready to help your family thrive!

Babysitter Services in Greenville, SC

Find the Perfect Babysitter Near Greenville, SC

Jovie: Childcare Reimagined

Jovie
864.660.2064
Services Greenville, SC; Nationally

Jovie has reimagined childcare to meet the needs of today’s families. Meet the Jovie squad, your team and companion in childcare. Jovie has over 20 years of experience and expertise as college nannies and sitters. Jovie offers in-home childcare for work, date nights, or whenever you need it. Jovie has you covered.

Platinum Sitters

Platinum Sitters Website
877.594.5530
Services Greenville, SC

Platinum Sitters require sitters have a clean background check, a clean driving record, and multiple years of childcare experience. Most importantly, caregivers must love working with children! Platinum Sitters offers occasional care, recurring services, and special group event rates. Check out their website for more information.

Smartsitters South Carolina

Smartsitters South Carolina Website
Services throughout Upstate, SC

Smartsitters South Carolina conducts one-on-one interviews and several security checks on all caregivers. Some services offered include on-demand and overnight care, nursery staffing, and recurring services. Excitedly, Smartsitters offers concierge service! Request a sitter directly through their website.

Reading with children

More Child Care Options

For more childcare options, check out our list of Parents’ Night Out/Kids’ Night Out Events hosted by local kids’ venues in Greenville, SC. You may also want to scroll through our Ultimate Guide to Daycare in Greenville and the Upstate and our Guide to Preschools and Day Care.

Create Art at These Women-Owned Art Studios in Greenville, SC

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Do you or your children enjoy creating art? These women-owned art studios throughout Greenville, SC offer classes, special events, and maker spaces for people to explore their artistic side while bringing a little color into their lives. These Greenville area artists are carving their name into the art scene by helping develop the next generation of young artists by providing a creative space to play, learn, and thrive with art!

TR Makers Travelers Rest
TR Makers Co, Travelers Rest, SC

Find the Spanish translation of this article below.

Women-Owned Art Studios in Greenville, SC

TR Makers Co

3 South Main Street
Travelers Rest, SC

Kristin LaRoy of TR Makers Co is a multi-disciplinary arts integration teacher who created a maker space for children and adults to create art.TR Makers Co. offers playdates, mini-maker events, summer camps, after-school programs, and parties!

TRee House Cafe & Art Studio

27 South Main Street
Travelers Rest, SC

Make art and enjoy some coffee with Kristin Coward, owner of TRee House Cafe & Art Studio. Guests will find an art bar down the center of the cafe, offering a space to color, paint, and create while sipping coffee and eating panini’s. What a win-win!

TReehouse Cafe Travelers Rest
TReehouse Cafe & Art Studio, Travelers Rest, SC

Open Art Studios

14 South Main Street
Greenville, SC

Ashley Brickner, owner of Open Art Studios in Downtown Greenville, has created an immersive art experience with the combination Greenville Fine Art Gallery, DIY Space, and Event Space. Drop in to paint, join a Group Drawing Class, or explore the gallery during art crawl the first Friday of every month.

YellowBobbyPins

1320 Hampton Avenue Extension, Studio 607
Greenville, SC

Lauren Runion, owner of YellowBobbyPins, is guiding young children to explore their inner artist and strengthen their creative confidence through art classes, summer camps, online art classes, and even parties! Parents can sign up their child for classes through the YellowBobbyPins website.

Art for kids at Artisphere

Looking for more art studios?

Check out our list of 13 places Where Kids Can Make Art Near Greenville, SC!

Are you ready to create some art?

EVENTOS DE TEMPORADA

¿Usted o sus hijos disfrutan creando arte? Estos estudios de arte propiedad de mujeres en Greenville, Carolina del Sur, ofrecen clases, eventos especiales y espacios para que las personas exploren su lado artístico mientras aportan un poco de color a sus vidas. Esta área de artistas de la localidad está grabando su nombre dentro de las artes escénicas, ayudando a desarrollar la próxima generación de jóvenes artistas, al proporcionar un espacio creativo para jugar, aprender y prosperar con el arte.

Estudios de arte Women Owned en Greenville, SC

TR Makers Co
3 South Main Street
Travelers Rest, SC

Kristin LaRoy de TR Makers Co. es una maestra de integración de artes multidisciplinarias que acondicionó un espacio para que niños y adultos creen arte. TR Makers Co. ofrece ¡citas de juego, eventos de minicreadores, campamentos de verano, programas extracurriculares y fiestas!

TRee House Cafe & Art Studio
27 South Main Street
Travelers Rest, SC

Haz arte y disfruta de un café con Kristin Coward, propietaria de TRee House Cafe & Art Studio. Los huéspedes encontrarán una barra de arte en el centro de la cafetería, que ofrece un espacio para colorear, pintar y crear mientras toman café y comen panini. ¡Qué ganar-ganar!

Open Art Studios
14 South Main Street
Greenville, SC

Ashley Brickner, propietaria de Open Art Studios en el downtown, ha creado una experiencia artística inmersiva con la combinación de Greenville Fine Art Gallery, DIY Space y Event Space. Pasa a pintar, únete a una clase de dibujo grupal o explora la galería durante el recorrido de arte el primer viernes de cada mes.

YellowBobbyPins
1320 Hampton Avenue Extension, Studio 697
Greenville, SC

Lauren Runion, propietaria de YellowBobbyPins, está guiando a los niños pequeños a encontrar al artista en su interior y fortalecer su confianza creativa a través de clases de arte, campamentos de verano, clases de arte en línea e incluso fiestas. Los padres pueden inscribir a sus hijos en clases a través del portal en línea YellowBobbyPins.

¿Estás listo para hacer algo de arte?

Shop the 2023 Greenville Christmas Market at the Grand Bohemian Lodge

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Have you visited the Greenville Christmas Market at the Grand Bohemian Lodge in Downtown Greenville, SC? Beautifully decorated with a merging of a southern Christmas with a micro version of a traditional European Christmas market, this open-air market is certain to spark holiday joy.

The holiday market hosts local vendors, live music, serves holiday-themed food and beverages, and even offers the opportunity for your little one to visit with Santa to give him that very special list. You can explore the Greenville Christmas Market in Downtown Greenville on select dates from November 24th, 2023 – December 31st, 2023.

christmas market greenville
The Greenville Christmas Market

The Greenville Christmas Market at the Grand Bohemian Lodge

Located in the heart of Downtown Greenville at Falls Park, the Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville is hosting the second Greenville Christmas Market from November 24th, 2023 – December 31st, 2023. You know you are close when you smell the gorgeous Christmas tree near the exit of Liberty Bridge. Located outside on the lawn in front of the hotel, the market is open rain or shine. The market features local vendors, offering the perfect Christmas gifts, decor, and maybe even something special for yourself.

Along with all the wonderful shopping opportunities, guests can enjoy the decorations that adorn the already impressive architecture of the hotel. Vendors serve holiday-inspired food and beverages that complement the Christmas decor, making the market more of a holiday experience rather than a shopping venture. The Greenville Christmas Market is even open on Christmas Eve, in case you need to pick up a few special gifts before Christmas Day.

Shopping at the Greenville Christmas market
The Greenville Christmas Market in 2022

Meet and Greet with Santa

There is no better place to meet Santa than at a gorgeous ski lodge while sipping hot chocolate and relaxing under the mesmerizing lights of the Christmas decorations. The Grand Bohemian Lodge offers just that, but a little closer to home than European mountains. Santa will be meeting children on select dates throughout the month.

Santa will arrive by sleigh on Friday, November 24th around 4 pm, something your kids will love! Parents can snap the perfect photo to capture that special memory with the big man before doing some shopping. Don’t forget your camera during your visit, there are many holiday photo opportunities, especially in front of the brilliantly decorated Christmas tree on the market lawn.

Santa Dates

Santa will be at the lodge on November 24-25, December 2,9,16, and December 18-24, 2023. The hours vary, with most dates having a meet and greet with Santa for a two-hour window between 4 pm and 6 pm or 5 pm and 7 pm. Christmas Eve, Santa will be at the lodge from 1 pm – 3 pm. Be sure to check the times before heading to the market so you do not miss him!

Kid’s Corner

The Kid’s Corner will be open:

  • Saturday, November 25th – December 23, 2023, from 4 pm – 6 pm
  • Sunday, November 26th – December 24th, 2023, from 1 pm – 3 pm
  • Week of Christmas, December 18th – December 22, 2023, from 3 pm – 5 pm
Greenville Christmas Market scenes
The Greenville Christmas Market

Other Holiday Happenings in Downtown Greenville

After checking out the market, there are a lot of other Downtown holiday happenings to enjoy! You can walk on over to Ice on Main, located at the Courtyard Marriott near the Peace Center. There is also the wonder-filled Festival of Trees found in Embassy Suites, Courtyard Marriott, and The Hyatt Regency Greenville which features festive trees decorated by dozens of organizations throughout Greenville County.

While you are walking down Main Street, be sure to look for all of the delightful window wonderland displays. You can even vote for your favorite holiday display. You will also find dozens of free holiday things to do in Greenville, making the season a little more merry and bright!

When You Can Visit the Greenville Christmas Market

The Greenville Christmas Market at the Grand Bohemian Lodge will run from November 24th, 2023 to December 31st, 2023 on select dates. The market is open on Christmas Eve. The market opens on weekends at 10 am with the exception of Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve at 12 pm. The week of Christmas, the market is open daily from Sunday, December 17th, 2023 through Saturday, December 24th, 2023.

Greenville Christmas Market
Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville
44 East Camperdown Way
Greenville, SC

5 Amazing Bed & Breakfasts All Within 1 Hour of Greenville, SC

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Planning a trip to Greenville and thinking about a bed and breakfast? Or maybe you’re a Greenville local looking for a cozy bed & breakfast getaway not too far from home? This fantastic list of 5 of the best bed & breakfasts near Greenville will have you ready to pack your bags. This list is perfect for booking your next couple’s getaway. Let us know what you think!

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