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Family Beaches With Fun Things to Do: Carolina Beach, NC

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If you are looking for a family beach that also has a lot of fun things to do, Carolina Beach in North Carolina is an excellent choice! KAG contributor Jennifer and her family checked out Carolina Beach at Pleasure Island and found it to be the perfect mix of family entertainment and beach fun.

Read all about what made this beach town a hit for her family and why your own may want to visit soon!

Things to do at Carolina Beach in North Carolina.

What makes Carolina Beach special?

My family recently headed up the North Carolina coast and discovered Carolina Beach. Located approximately five hours from the Upstate, Carolina Beach makes the perfect beach destination for summer vacations.

This popular NC beach is an excellent choice if you are looking for a family-friendly beach. How you choose to take a beach trip is a personal preference. Some families like to go to beaches like Myrtle Beach, with many entertainment options and crowds, whereas others prefer quieter beaches with fewer entertainment options.

This beach fits right in the middle of these categories. It has plenty of things to do with the whole family, such as the Boardwalk amusement park; however, it is not as crowded as other beach destinations. Plus, with tons of vacation rentals, you can choose to stay closer to the Boardwalk where the action happens, or you can stay further away from the crowds.

The Boardwalk at Carolina Beach, NC

The standout feature of Carolina Beach is the Boardwalk. It is one of the few true boardwalks on the East Coast. And I don’t mean just a simple pier. This is a true boardwalk with amusement park rides, a Ferris wheel, shops, restaurants, and entertainment. The boardwalk comes alive in the evenings, so be prepared to spend lots of time there after lounging on the beach daily.

The Boardwalk at Carolina Beach, North Carolina.

Carolina Beach Has A Family-Friendly Shoreline

Another big plus for Carolina Beach is its family-friendly shoreline. Unlike more isolated beaches, the beach has several lifeguard stands along its three miles of shoreline. With ever-changing currents and hesitant swimmers, I always feel safer knowing there are lifeguards nearby.

Additionally, Carolina Beach is wheelchair accessible. Directly off the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, there are accessible walkways making it accessible to those in wheelchairs or families with an extra set of wheels.

The shoreline of Carolina Beach, North Carolina.

Worthwhile Things to Do: Carolina Beach

On top of the fun standard beach attractions, such as mini golf, my family absolutely loved visiting the nearby North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Fort Fisher State Recreation Site is only ten minutes from Carolina Beach, and visiting the aquarium is a must! The North Carolina Aquarium has several hands-on exhibits, plenty of marine life to observe, and even a fantastic playground.

The playground at Carolina Beach in North Carolina.

But, that’s not all! The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher also has an amazing dinosaur exhibit. The animatronic dinosaurs are placed naturally throughout a shaded walkway making their appearance seem realistic. My kids loved seeing the dinos up close – especially the one dinosaur that sprayed them with water.

The entrance to the North Carolina Aquarium.

Outdoor Adventures

While you are visiting the aquarium at Fort Fisher, be sure to check out the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, where you can hike, explore the dunes, and maybe even see Loggerhead turtles nesting (from a distance, of course!)

You can also head south to the Fort Fisher State Historic Site at Kure Beach, a civil war site that makes a great educational lesson while you’re vacationing. There are guided tours to take, exhibits to view, and an impressive fort.

If you’re feeling up to an outdoor adventure during your beach trip, check out Carolina Beach State Park, where your family can hike, bike, and even camp if you’re up for it! Fun fact: the state park is home to the Venus Flytrap, so you can teach your kids about this near-carnivorous plant while you venture through the coastal park. There is also a 50-foot sand dune, Sugarloaf Dune, that will have them in awe.

If you’re wanting to stay close to town, the Carolina Beach Lake Park is a wonderful lake to spend an afternoon kayaking, have a picnic, or let your kids burn off some energy at the playground. There are also free outdoor movies on Sunday evenings, perfect after a long day on the beach.

Delicious Eats Near the Beach

Of course, we couldn’t spend time exploring Carolina Beach without sampling some of the most popular restaurants. We tried out Hang Ten Grill after hearing about its popularity. After eating there for lunch, we understood why so many people headed in that direction! Hang Ten Grill is a typical beach restaurant with surfboards decorating the walls – and even the ceilings.

The menu has plenty of seafood and grilled favorites. I had a shrimp burger, and it was delicious! But, it was the kid’s menu that sold it. My son had a hamburger, and my daughter had nachos – and each came with an ice cream sundae!

The restaurant regularly has live music, food and drink specials, and events like yoga and coffee. Check out the Hang Ten Grill Facebook page to see what events are happening while visiting the area.

Some additional restaurants you may like to check out with stellar reviews include SeaWitch Cafe and Tiki Bar for live music, Cape Fear Boil Company to satiate your seafood craving, and Kate’s Pancake House for a delicious breakfast! If you are into craft brews, Good Hops Brewery is a highly recommended local brewery that is located in the heart of this beach city!

The Hang Ten Grill in Carolina Beach, NC.

For those families looking for a beach that is quintessentially beachy, then head to Carolina Beach. With the lively boardwalk, the beautiful shoreline, and pastel-colored beach houses, it screams “Summertime Fun!”

Top 9 Parks in Spartanburg, SC with Playgrounds for Kids

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Are you looking for the best parks in Spartanburg, SC? With a little help from our readers, we’ve put together a list of the best parks in Spartanburg County based on their suggestions. Whether you’re looking for a park with a giant playground or one with a great walking trail, you’re sure to find it on this list!

Spartanburg County is home to several outstanding parks that each offer unique features. For example, some parks are perfect for hot summer days because they offer splash pads, while others offer lots of shade. Other parks offer walking trails or disc golf courses.

spartanburg parks

Discover ALL of the Spartanburg’s Amazing Parks in our GIANT Upstate Park and Playground Guide.

No matter what your family is looking for, there is sure to be a park that meets your family’s desires. The list of park options is huge, so, to make help you narrow down your choices, here are a few of the best parks in Spartanburg, SC.

Tyger River Park

179 Dillard Road, Duncan

Within this large sports complex, there is a great park for kids to run, climb, dig in the sand, and get wet. It has a brand-new playground and lots to explore!

It’s big, has a splash pad, and has shade!

Ashley R./cite>

We love Tyger River Park because it has two age-divided playgrounds, a climbing pyramid, and a splash pad along with a walking trail and disc golf. It’s just a great selection, and it’s really close to our house.

Amanda H.
Tyger River Playground

Downtown Memorial Airport Park

500 Ammons Road, Spartanburg

The City of Spartanburg’s airport park is located right by the Downtown Memorial Airport, and the park is aviation-themed! In addition to the fun airplane theme, there is also a splash pad.

Airport is our new favorite.

Kayla L.

Note: The splash pad is slick so we recommend water shoes that grip well and to watch your kids carefully to make sure that they don’t run in the area.

The playground at Spartanburg Airport Park

Happy Hollow Park

Glendalyn Avenue between South Fairview Street and Connecticut Avenue, Spartanburg

Hidden within Converse Heights, this fenced-in park is well-loved by the community and is open to visitors.

Happy Hollow – shaded, fenced in, a short walk from parking to play.

Kristie M.

Happy Hollow…because shade.

Heidi W.
Happy Hallow Park in Spartanburg County

295 Park

2100 Southport Road, Spartanburg

A reader describes this park as “a little playground on Southport near Big Lots. The park has soccer fields and baseball fields. The playground got rebuilt within the last year or so.”

*Recommended by a local kid!

Cleveland Park

141 N. Cleveland Park Drive, Spartanburg

Located in the middle of Spartanburg, Cleveland Park is a gem. This large park offers a nice playground, as well as a lake and walking trails. It is the perfect park to visit to have a picnic, and there are a number of picnic shelters available, as well.

Cleveland Park Playground

Miracle Park at North Spartanburg

1160 Old Furnace Road, Boiling Springs

North Spartanburg Park in Boiling Springs is also home to Miracle Park. Miracle Park is a fun and unique park with a 100% handicapped-accessible playground. The playground is designed with ramps and a rubber surface.

*Recommended by a local kid!

Boiling Springs Community Park

182 Rainbow Lake Road, Boiling Springs

Located behind a fire station and across the street from Walmart, this enclosed local park is also a fan favorite. It has a playground and a walking trail.
Boiling Springs Community Park

Boiling Springs community park is our favorite.

Blair T.
Boiling Springs Park Playground

Va-Du-Mar McMillan Park

591 McMillin Boulevard, Boiling Springs

This sports complex also includes a huge fenced-in playground area. Additionally, it offers a disc golf course and a wooded trail.

Va-Du-Mar McMillian Park is always a favorite. It has one large playground and another one on the right when you first pull in. Not a lot of shade but they do have trails that are used for disc golf. I take the kids up in there. There’s also a little creek that the kids like to play in. Lots of soccer fields, and I believe tennis courts. Also has a nice bathroom, the only downfall is that it is a hike with small kids to walk.

Audrey S.
Va-Du-Mar Park Playground

My Family’s Personal Favorite Park . . . Anchor Park

Anchor Park at Lake Bowen
8515 Highway 9, Inman

My family lived in Boiling Springs for several years. When we lived in Boiling Springs, our favorite park to visit was Anchor Park at Lake Bowen. This park offers a large fenced-in playground overlooking beautiful Lake Bowen. Additionally, it has ample amounts of shade and separate play areas for little ones and big kids. Even though we live on the westside now, we still take trips to this park.

Anchor Park playground next to Lake Bowen

Did your favorite Spartanburg County park make our list? Let us know which parks you recommend in the comments!

Is Spartanburg the Hot Dog Capital of the South? I Think So!

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If you are looking for good hot dogs in Spartanburg, SC we have you covered! With several popular spots, we are listing our reader’s favorites. Chime in and let us know if we missed your favorite hot dog space in Spartanburg.

As a hot dog aficionado, the high number of places to get a fancy frank makes me happy. Once upon a time, I visited Old Salty Dog in Florida, a place featured on Man Vs. Food, just to try the famous hot dog. It’s “salty dog” is a hot dog dipped in a beer batter that is deep-fried and served in a bun, and it is topped with onions, mushrooms, sauerkraut, bacon, and a whole lot of cheese. Get in my belly.

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Take a Road Trip to Medieval Times: Atlanta, Georgia

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Have you taken your family to Medieval Times? Atlanta has one, and it is perfect for special occasions or a great day trip adventure, especially when you’re attempting to redeem the day. Medieval Times is located only 30 minutes from downtown Atlanta, and the show takes around 2-3 hours. Perfect for a day trip where you can combine with other activities. Check out KA contributor Jennifer’s day trip to Medieval Times for the dinner tournament, and get started planning your next road trip to Atlanta, GA.

medieval times atlanta georgia

We take our children on family vacations because adventures and memories last longer than toys they outgrow. However, we have yet to take a family vacation where something unfortunate does not happen.

The trip started off well, but we had a tire blow on the interstate shortly outside of Atlanta. Thankfully, we were all safe. But, it did put some hiccups in our well-laid plans. After hours spent in a tire store and eating in chain restaurants that were not part of the agenda, we were tired, ill, and frustrated.

We decided we must redeem the day, so we called the nice folks at Medieval Times and asked to exchange our early dinner tickets for the later dinner show. With little ones along for the adventure, a show beginning at 7:30 p.m. would be pushing it for their bellies and their tired bodies. We prayed the kids would be awake enough to still enjoy it.

Our evening at Medieval Times: Atlanta, GA

Turns out, we had absolutely nothing to worry about! Our kids were alert and awake as soon as we drove up and saw the castle. The Medieval Times in Atlanta is in Sugarloaf Mills Mall in Lawrenceville, Georgia. This is located at a large outlet mall with stores, restaurants, and other activities. Medieval Times has a castle built out of the mall, which must be entered through a mall entrance. You’ll be whisked away to the 11th century once you leave the mall and enter the castle.

While we purchased tickets for the 7:30 p.m. show, the doors to the venue were opened slightly earlier. We joined the line to enter at 6:00 p.m. because the first ones to enter got the best seats in the house. When the time to enter comes, a trumpeter appears, along with the King and Princess to welcome the assembled crowd. My children could barely contain their excitement.

Things to Do Before Dinner in the Castle

Upon entering the castle, we were each given a green paper crown to cheer on the Green Knight. Pictures were taken, and then we were able to visit the castle areas.

Expect your little ones to want to visit the gift shop. There are souvenirs galore and drinks a plenty inside the castle. There is also a dungeon for brave souls to visit. Since there was a parental warning, we decided it would probably not be a wise decision to walk our little ones through the dungeon, but I did see many families come in and out of the dungeon doors.

After having such a rough day, we gave in to requests for knight’s helmets and princess hats immediately. The show is pricey itself, so be prepared for your children to want to add light-up wands, hats, swords, flags, and whatnot to the already large bill.

During the waiting time, you can shop, have a drink or snack, and watch various people be knighted by the king. This is an upgrade option for those who want the whole knighting experience. Even if you do not pay to be knighted, it is still fun to watch.

What to Expect During the Dinner Tournament at Medieval Times Atlanta

Minutes before the show, we were ushered into the jousting arena. You sit in stadium-like rows with tables in front in a round. Every seat has a great view of the dinner tournament.

The bill of fare includes your beverage, a piece of garlic toast, soup, rotisserie chicken, a roasted potato, corn, and dessert. The meal was delicious! However, there is one small thing you should know. Since you have gone back into “medieval times,” there are no utensils! You must eat everything with your hands. My son and daughter thought this was awesome! Don’t worry, parents – they provide moist wipes to clean up after your meal.

While eating, they put on an incredible show with knights, horses, and falcons. But, the big event is the dinner tournament where you watch the knights perform. The knights compete in a series of jousting events and fighting battles. They drop screens down in between the audience and knights as some of the weaponry is destroyed in the battle. You see sparks fly as swords clash and jousts splinter. You are encouraged to cheer on your knight and boo your opponent as loudly as possible.

With all the chaos of the morning, hearing my children scream, “We believe in you! You can do it!” and “Boo!” at the top of their lungs made all of the tire disaster worth it. I do not know the last time my kids have shown that much excitement. My son yelled for our knight to do a “Sneak attack!” and when a bad guy appeared, my daughter loudly shouted, “Get him outta here!”

Our Green Knight was not victorious, but it did not matter in the end. The whole arena came together to cheer on the good knight who was battling an evil one.

After the final battle, audience members can meet the knights and take pictures. This was a big hit for my star-struck children.

With hoarse voices and full bellies, we left the castle. Our children fell asleep with smiles on their faces before we ever made it out of the mall parking lot.

Things to Know Before Visiting Medieval Times Atlanta

For General Admission prices: $65.95 for adults | $38.95 for children 12 and under | Under 3 – Free if they sit with parents and do not order a meal

Times: Varies Depending on the day of the week | Saturdays generally have multiple show times (5:00 pm and 7:30 pm)

Length of time: 2-Hour Dinner Show | Castle opens 75 minutes before show time

Location

Medieval Times Atlanta Castle
Sugarloaf Mills Mall
5900 Sugarloaf Pkwy #517
Lawrenceville, GA 30043

Have your kids ever experienced Medieval Times?

Day Trips near Greenville, SC

Looking for more day trip ideas?
KA Guide to Day Trips Near Upstate, SC

The Ultimate Guide to Summer in Spartanburg, SC

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Looking for things to do this summer in Spartanburg, SC? The sun is shining and the kids are ready to play. No need to fear! We have compiled all you need to enjoy summer from start to finish.

Looking for summer-only events? We’ve got them! Want to find ways to entertain your kids outdoors or indoors? We’ve got them! Need ideas for day trips or summer vacations? We’ve got them! Want to save money while having fun? We have tons of ideas!

Here’s your guide to summer in Spartanburg! Wear sunscreen! Stay safe! And, have fun!

Summer Guide to Spartanburg, SC

Cool Off in Spartanburg

Shipwreck Cove is the water park at Stoneledge Park

Find out about 5 Splash Pads and Water Parks near Spartanburg where you can cool off! While water parks charge admission, there are several local parks with great FREE splash pads in Spartanburg. Discover them all in this list of splash pads and water parks near Spartanburg!

If you prefer to do your swimming in a natural setting, check out our Guide to Swimming Holes in the Upstate! You’ll find lakes, creeks, and waterfall pools that are great for wading and swimming!


Free Things to Do this Summer in Spartanburg

Free fun is always welcome and there is a lot to be had in Spartanburg. Don’t miss 50 Free (or Cheap) Things to Do This Summer Near Spartanburg. This list of ideas for free fun includes scavenger hunts, hikes, music events, museums, and more. Also don’t miss Sparkle City Mini-Putt, free mini-golf in downtown Spartanburg!

Also, kids bowl free through the Kids Bowl Free program at participating bowling alleys. Don’t miss the free fun!

Sparkle City Mini putt

Summer Camps in Spartanburg

Kids can learn about almost any topic in Spartanburg area summer camps. For great free fun, check out the VBS programs offered by local Spartanburg churches.

Summer Camps in Spartanburg County
  • VBS programs – Area churches open their doors for Vacation Bible School Programs to local children for free (or really cheap). We’ll be updating our list of VBS programs soon!

Summer Events

In addition to Memorial Day and 4th of July, there are plenty of exciting events that only happen during the summer. The following are things you can only enjoy while school is out for summer:


Get Outside

Embrace the sunshine by heading outdoors this summer! We are so lucky to live in such a beautiful location that makes exploring outdoors a reality. To help you get started on your outdoor ventures, here are some ideas:

If summer storms or heat waves make going outdoors unbearable, we’ve also got you covered with the Ultimate Guide to Things to Do Indoors in Spartanburg.


Visit a Park

Summer is also a great time to visit new parks! By checking out the following reviews from our team, you will find out which parks offer shade (or splash pads) from the blistering heat and which ones to avoid in the middle of a hot summer day.

Discover all of Spartanburg’s Parks in our Upstate, SC Park Guide. Use the guide to sort parks by location and features to find the perfect place to play!

parks near Spartanburg

Eat Some Treats

We know summer costs can add up quickly, which is why we have put together a giant list of all the places Kids Eat Free and suggestions for Sit Down Restaurants Kids and Parents Love.

If you are looking for a fun, cheap outing with the family check out this Summer Sweet Treat Bucket List for Spartanburg.


More Ways to Have Fun

If you need even more ideas for summer fun, we’ve got you covered! These last ideas are sure to fill up the days and keep you and your kids busy between May and September.

25 Things Your Child Must Do in Spartanburg Before They Grow Up


Summer Events

Find out what’s happening this month in Spartanburg!

What’s on your to-do list this summer?

100+ Things to Do Over Spring Break in Spartanburg, SC

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Spring Break is the perfect time to have some fun and explore Spartanburg. We’ve rounded up over 100 family-friendly things to do in Spartanburg this spring break. Spring Break for Spartanburg school districts is April 3-7, 2023. With this list, your kids will have no reason to say they are bored! 

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