What’s the first thing your child asks you when they know a doctor is going to perform a procedure? “Is it going to hurt?” From a child’s perspective this notion largely consumes their thoughts and spares little room for feelings of encouragement. Dr. Lisa M. Cherry, Cherry Orchard Pediatric Dentistry, is highly sensitive to this scenario and has incorporated the use of the latest technologies so that she can often confidently tell her patients, “No, it will not hurt.”
Thank you Cherry Orchard Pediatric Dentistry for sponsoring this article.
Have you experienced the overwhelming wonder of the Atlanta Georgia Aquarium? It is truly awe-inspiring, being the largest aquarium in the US! We were able to visit with the Georgia Aquarium Residence Pass, however, you can visit any time by purchasing a day pass. Find everything you need, including Georgia Aquarium reviews, photos, and even parking and hotel information, so you can make your trip an epic adventure.
Where to Stay Near the Georgia Aquarium
Planning an overnight trip? Use the map below to find the perfect lodging near the Georgia Aquarium. Through an affiliate relationship with Stay22, Kidding Around earns when booking through the map and links in this section.
During a previous visit, we stayed at the Renaissance Atlanta Midtown Hotel, which we recommended because of the hotel’s great location and comfort. Another great option is Home 2 Suites Midtown. The CNN Tower, World of Coca-Cola, Centennial Park, the Peachtree Center and a new Ferris wheel attraction are all located within easy walking distance of both of these hotels.
Watch! Our Visit to the Biggest Aquarium in the US!
Our Day Trip to Georgia Aquarium
For our day trip to the Georgia Aquarium, we brought along our five-year-old and two-year-old, because we knew this would be a fantastic memory for them. We purchased our tickets ahead of time with our residence pass, but you can purchase tickets in advance for cheaper than same day tickets through the online portal! Ticket prices for pre-booked dates start at $39.99, but ticket prices fluctuate depending on the day you want to attend, if it’s a holiday or weekend, or if they anticipate large crowds, so keep that in mind!
We also made reservations for the dolphin show and the sea lion show on the same day as our visit. If you are looking to do these two free shows or any backstage events, make sure to pencil those in when figuring out how long you want to stay at the aquarium!
What is at the Georgia Aquarium?
Being the largest aquarium in the US means there is A LOT to explore. You’ll want to carve out at least two to three hours of your day to experience everything, but you could honestly spend longer here. When you arrive at the aquarium, you first will be asked to take a photo by staff that you can later purchase as a souvenir. Then, you’ll immediately follow a quarridore that is lined with a wall of glowing jellyfish! My kids were just ecstatic to see them glowing purple, bouncing around the elongated tank. It was the perfect start to our visit. Finally, you’ll have your tickets scanned at the entrance of the large atrium.
Galleries and Exhibits: Georgia Aquarium
Now, the hard part is usually figuring out what you want to see first! There are 8 major galleries at the Georgia Aquarium, and each is sectioned by theme. So, what animals can you see at the Georgia Aquarium? Over 500 species and over 1 million animals to explore! They have sharks, penguins, beluga whales, dolphins, and even massive whale sharks. It’s not just another aquarium. It’s like stepping into another world. And if you think that sounds melodramatic, consider some of these stats:
With more than 600,000 square feet and 10 million gallons of fresh and salt water, the Georgia Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the United States.
The Ocean Voyager exhibit is the largest indoor fish habitat in the United States. It measures 284 feet long by 126 feet wide by 30 feet deep. It contains 6.3 million gallons of water.
The viewing window into the whale shark exhibit measures 60 feet long by 27 feet high.
When we arrived in the huge atrium, we decided to work our way clockwise through the galleries so we wouldn’t miss anything. We started at SHARKS! Predators of the Deep, which was my daughter’s absolute favorite. There were tiger sharks, hammerhead sharks, silvertip sharks, and a sand tiger shark that swam around the 1.2 million gallon tank and through the circling false pilchard fishes. We even saw a hammerhead shark going into the circling and trying to catch one, which we were told was because of electromagnetic signals being released from one of the false pilchards that was older or sick.
Before our scheduled show at Dolphin Coast, We worked our way through the several exhibits on the bottom floor, which took us a little over an hour. You’ll want extended time at the Ocean Voyager Built by Home Depot exhibit. Here, you can ride down a conveyor belt under a 100-foot tunnel. This part is exciting, but make sure little feet stay off the edges of the belt so they do not fall. You can choose to walk beside it as well, which is nice if you want to stop and take a closer look at the rays and fish swimming overhead.
The epic part of Ocean Voyager is the large seating area you’ll find toward the end of the gallery. You can lounge on the stairs under the glow of the huge aquarium, watching the whale sharks swim by. This is a great place to park it for a little bit after a long day of walking around. We sat here for almost 20 minutes listening to the presenter give us facts about what is inside the tank, while also playing a game of who could spot Gulper.
Here is a full list of the exhibits and key features at the Georgia Aquarium, so you can decide where to start!
Aquanaut Adventure– Newer exhibit with alligators, lizards, eels, and a Discovery Zone touch pool
Cold Water Quest – Home to beluga whales, sea otters, African penguins, Pacific octopus, and more.
Dolphin Coast – Dolphins (including the theatre), spoonbill, spiny lobster, and scarlet ibis.
Ocean Voyager– The largest exhibit, offers whale sharks, rays, sharks, tons of fish, and a place to relax.
Predators of the Deep– A variety of sharks with large glass walls to observe from different angles.
Tropical Diver– Coral reef exhibit and gorgeous marine life display.
Truist Peer 225– Arcade, animatronics, and the sea lion show!
Live Shows
Georgia Aquarium Dolphin Show and Sea Lion Presentation
One wonderful thing about the aquarium is that you can get up close and personal with many of the animals, all included in your admission ticket! We had such a fun time at the dolphin and sea lion shows, which are free and run at various times throughout the day.
My 5-year-old and I opted to sit in the splash seats for both shows, and we were giggling the entire time waiting to get splashed, especially when the dolphins sent a wave of water right at us. But don’t worry, the majority of the seats are out of the splash zone.
During both shows, we learned about how they train the animals and what the animals are like in the wild, and we saw a spectacular showcase of their skills. During the sea lion show, we sat closest to Katie, the oldest sea lion resident and watched her and her trainer show off their dancing skills and tricks. My two-year-old was squealing when each sea lion showed off how loud they could be, it was hilarious!
Both the dolphin show and the sea lion show take about 15-20 minutes each, so make sure your little ones go to the bathroom ahead of time so you do not lose your seats. You will also want to arrive about 10 minutes early to get the best seats, they fill up very quickly!
You will want to make reservations the day of to confirm seats for the Dolphin Coast dolphin show and the sea lion show, though they are free to attend.
Quick Facts: Things to Know Before Your Visit
Hours of Operation
The Georgia Aquarium is open year-round, but hours do vary. Visit the aquarium website for specific hours on the day you plan to visit. You are welcome to leave the aquarium after you enter, just make sure you get your arm stamped at the customer service counter before you leave.
Georgia Aquarium Tickets
Ticket Prices
The aquarium uses a timed ticketing system, which means you will be given a time at which you can enter the aquarium. This keeps the facility from becoming overcrowded. Tickets cost more at peak times like weekends and holidays. Be sure to check the website for the date you plan to visit.
General Admission Tickets
When you purchase tickets ahead of time, you get a discount, so remember that! Ticket prices vary by the day you want to attend with the lowest, least busy days having $39.99 admission tickets. You can purchase most Plan Ahead and Save tickets for $39.99, or purchase Anytime General Admission tickets for $64.99. We recommend purchasing ahead of time and looking at their booking calendar to get the best price. You can also purchase an annual membership if you plan to visit more than once.
If you want to do special animal encounters or events, you can purchase tickets to those ahead of time. They do sell out sometimes because of limited ticket availability, so book early. Prices for animal encounters start at $80 per person, and there are age restrictions.
Georgia Aquarium Parking
Parking is available in the attached parking deck and costs $20 per day. The World of Coca-Cola and CNN Tower are within walking distance, so you could plan an entire day of attractions for one parking price. There’s also a nice playground area in Centennial Olympic Park if the kids just need some downtime.
Coastline Cafe: Cafe at the Aquarium
On the second floor you’ll find the new Coastline Cafe, where you can dine in. Most of the food is American food, like chicken nuggets and burgers. It can be pretty expensive to dine here, so we chose to bring along sandwiches to enjoy during our break outdoors on the grass between World of Coca-Cola and the aquarium.
Wheelchairs, Strollers, and Babies
The entire aquarium is wheelchair and stroller accessible. However, strollers are NOT permitted in the Dolphin Coast theater. There is a “stroller parking” area available for use during the show.
You’ll find a private nursing pod for mothers available on the second floor.
Sensory bags are also available at Guest Services if you would like them for you or your child.
Restaurants near the Georgia Aquarium
You are able to leave the aquarium and come back, so why not check out some of the best restaurants near the Georgia Aquarium that are within walking distance? The Atlanta Breakfast Club is just down the street, and has some of the best Southern breakfast food around! Have a kid who will only eat pizza? Then Head to Max’s Coal Oven Pizzeria. They have delicious pizza, plus vegetarian and vegan options. You will not want to miss out on the crispy chicken and fries from Rocks!
Tips for visiting the Georgia Aquarium
Bring a stroller or carrier if you have little ones, because there is a lot of walking involved.
Be sure to reserve a dolphin show or sea lion show, it is worth it and great for younger kids.
Pack your lunch and leave it in a cooler in the car to save some money.
If you want to leave and come back to the aquarium, be sure to get your hand stamped.
Don’t forget to use your Georgia Aquarium military discount on their Military Free Days to get free entry and 30% off for your family!
The gift shop has some great stuff, and you have to exit through it, so make sure to budget for a souvenir. Pro gift shop tip: Collect something small from gift shops you visit throughout all your travels like a magnet, postcard, or Christmas Tree ornament. Everyone in your family will know they are on the hunt for the perfect item to add to that collection and you’ll stay far away from the expensive toys, stuffed animals, and apparel.
My Honest Opinion of the Georgia Aquarium: Review
The Georgia Aquarium as a mom of two young kids is so worth it! There is so much to do and see that the trip is absolutely a core memory maker. There are animals at the Georgia Aquarium that you will most likely never see in your lifetime. Plus, the vast amount of scientific research and conservation efforts that is conducted is helping us learn more about these animals to aid in reversing their wild population decline. My kids were in awe, and so was I.
The aquarium staff are friendly and helpful, and we had zero issues throughout the entire day there. It’s a great family vacation idea, because the city of Atlanta has so much to offer. It is worth the 2.5-hour drive from Greenville, SC, and makes the perfect day trip!
Plan your own visit!
Georgia Aquarium 225 Baker Street NW Atlanta, GA 30313 404.581.4000
What was your family’s favorite part of the Georgia Aquarium?
There’s a lot more to do in Atlanta! Check it out!
Do you have a family adventure to Six Flags Over Georgia in Atlanta, GA planned for this summer? We checked it out to create this Six Flags Over Georgia review, and we have all the information you need to have a fun day there with your family. Complimentary tickets were provided for this review.
Six Flags Over Georgia is one of the few theme parks not far from Greenville, SC that provides thrilling rides with heart-pounding excitement mixed with more gentle rides for smaller kids, concessions, events, and shows. Here’s what you need to know when planning a trip there with your family. This review is a compilation of two trips to Six Flags Over Georgia.
Use the map below to find great lodging near Six Flags Over Georgia. Through an affiliate relationship with Stay22, Kidding Around earns when you book through this map.
Watch! The sights & sounds of Six Flags Over Georgia
About Six Flags Over Georgia
The theme park is located a little less than three hours from the Upstate, depending on traffic, in the Atlanta metro area. It’s a massive park with 40+ rides. Hurricane Harbor is the water park inside of Six Flags Over Georgia that opens Memorial Day weekend.
Like other theme parks, Six Flags Over Georgia offers a Flash Pass, a way to get to do more rides without waiting in lines. These are add-ons to your one-day ticket and start at $60.
Getting to Six Flags Over Georgia
The first thing to remember about Six Flags Over Georgia is that it is basically in Atlanta, which means traffic. We suggest getting there a little before the park opens so you have enough time to get on the rides on you want. If you’re doing this as a day trip, you need to allow around 3-3.5 hours to get there.
We followed the directions from the Six Flags site; and they recommend taking 85S to 285W, then 20W, which takes you right to the park. Make use of your GSP though in case of backups and look at alternate routes. And bring your patience.
Parking at Six Flag Over Georgia
Parking was a breeze. There are multiple ticket booths where you can have your parking pass scanned or purchase parking. We recommend purchasing parking beforehand just to save time. They do offer Speedy Parking and Preferred Parking for an extra fee. The lot is large but there is zero shade so be sure to bring one of those reflector things for your car if you don’t want to open an oven when you get back. And pay attention to where you park so you can find your car after a long day of coasters.
Sky Screamer at Six Flags Over Georgia
There are also three tram pick-up locations in the parking lots that will shuttle you to the front entrance. We walked from Lot 1 and were to the entrance before people that we saw waiting for the tram. De[ending on where you park, it’s not a long walk.
Be sure to have your tickets ready to be scanned for easy entrance. It is a thousand times easier to buy tickets beforehand and have them on your phone than it is to wait in the Will Call/Ticket line. We went in the early afternoon and the line took a really long time, almost 30 minutes.
Plan of Attack for Rides at Six Flags Over Georgia
We recommend downloading the Six Flags Over Georgia app because it’s awesome. You can easily pull up locations of rides, shopping, and dining options. You can see how tall you must be to ride the rides and the wait times for each ride. There’s also a really handy map, which had a blue dot so you can see where you are in relation to where you want to be.
If you have more than a few people in your family, look at the app before you go or the Six Flags website to figure out what rides you want to ride on and height requirements and make a list of the ones you really want to do and go to those first. We found that the longer we were at Six Flags, the longer the wait times were. There are also screens around the park to check the wait times.
Great American Scream Machine
Also, look at a map beforehand because you’ll need it when you try to figure out which rides to go on and where they are in relation to the other rides you don’t want to miss. Also, check out the app to see if any rides are closed.
The Food at Six Flags Over Georgia
Six Flags offers different Dining Passes that you can add onto your tickets, which I honestly love. I think these are just good options when it comes to planning out your day if its in your budget. The 2024 Dining Pass options are: One Meal/One Snack/One Beverage is $20.99/person and the Unlimited All Day Dining Deal where you get one meal of your choice every 90 minutes and get an All Day Drink Bottle is $44.99/person.
They also offer a one day drink bottle with unlimited refills for $19.99/each. If you want to do this option, go right when the park opens or you get there otherwise you could end up waiting in long lines or wandering around for a long time trying to find someplace that isn’t sold out of them. Honestly, this is the clincher because Georgia summers are dreadfully hot and we saw no water fountains. I even brought refillable water bottles in my tiny bag for that purpose but didn’t see anywhere were I could fill them. That refillable day bottle is worth it.
There are a lot of different options for dining like taverns, cheesesteaks, burgers, BBQ, a even a diner. Try to go on off times, like not right at Noon or 1pm for lunch because lines are long. And look at the festivals they offer every year where you can try different food, like Brews & Bites every weekend April 20-May 19, 2024.
Also, try to plan your food adventures around your most thrilling rides. For example, maybe do the more heart-pounding in the morning before you go eat a chili cheese dog for lunch. Just a thought.
If you want to bring a lunch to eat in your car to save money, you can definitely do that. Be sure to get a re-entry wristband on your way out so you can get back in.
Rides at Six Flags Over Georgia
I have one more adventurous daughter and another more timid one when it comes to roller coasters, which certainly made the day challenging. We ended up riding a fun, smaller roller coaster, the Dahlonega Mine Train. It’s a good intro into the faster rides and is perfect for younger kids who are not quite ready to try the big ones, and has a height requirement of 42 inches.
We also rode the country cars, which I let my youngest drive. Of course, driving any car for kids is going to be fun. There are so many fantastic roller coasters that I wanted to really get in on the scream fest but will have to wait for another time!
Six Flags Over Georgia car ride
I’m a complete adrenaline junkie when it comes to roller coasters and have not met a roller coaster I didn’t love. The ones I really wanted to try were: Goliath, Superman, Georgia Scorcher, Batman, and Twisted Cyclone. Most of these had long, long waits – around 60 minutes at minimum – by the afternoon on a Saturday. This is why you need to plan what you want to really want to ride on and go there first unless you can swing a Flash Pass.
There are lots of great kid-focused rides like smaller Ferris Wheel-types, swings, and a beautiful carousel. Monster Mansion is a great one because the dark boat ride is a nice break out of the heat.
Water Park at Six Flags Over Georgia
At Hurricane Harbor, the water park found inside Six Flags Over Georgia, we rented a large locker. There are small, large, and jumbo, with the bigger the locker, the higher the cost. Then we headed for the wave pool to cool off. There are plenty of life jackets for kids that may need them and they have multiple sizes. My son had a great time in the wave pool, but the large Paradise Island structure was calling his name, and we went there to watch him play.
Now, anyone that has lived around this area for a while knows that the weather is very unpredictable in the early evening hours. And while the entire day had been virtually cloudless to this point, all of a sudden a thunderstorm came through. The water park was immediately shut down, so we changed back into our regular clothes.
Unfortunately, in the time, we were changing a severe storm warning was issued, and all of the rides in the park were turned off. We quickly left the water park area and stopped in a t-shirt shop for about 15 minutes. When the weather broke, we took off again, and got ice cream while the rain started again.
Ultimately it was getting rather on into the evening, with no indication that rides would start up again anytime soon. From the time they shut down the water park at 5 pm, and we got back to our car at 6:30 pm, no rides were running. It was a nice cool down, though.
Six Flags Over Georgia’s rain policy according to their website is: “There are still a ton of activities that are amazingly fun in any kind of weather––including indoor shows, restaurants, shops, games, and arcades. If rain, wind, or electrical storms force us to close certain rides for your safety, they will re-open as soon as safe operations can be assured. Refunds or rain checks for inclement weather are not offered.”
So, our day was cut somewhat short. We had a great time prior to the storm, and my son said he really liked Six Flags a lot. I think we will probably wait until he’s a bit older to go again, however, as the biggest attractions at Six Flags Over Georgia are the roller coasters. There are a lot of them.
Parent Tips: Six Flags Over Georgia
While we mentioned many tips in this story, here are a few others:
Bring/ear sun protection. It’s hot and you’ll get sunburned if you don’t have sunscreen or rain protection.
Download the Six Flags Over Georgia app for helpful info on rides, wait times, and a map.
The park is huge so plan which rides you want to go on and do them first. If you can afford it, get a FLASH Pass so you can enjoy even more rides.
Get the refillable water bottle. Dehydration is not fun.
While the park does have a lot of kid and family-focused rides, I think it’s best for kids closer to age 10 and up who love adventure and roller coasters. For most of more moderately intense rides, kids need to be at 48 inches for the medium coasters and 54 inches for the bigger ones.
Go early! Plan to spend the day there if it’s a day trip and leave the Upstate early.
If your kid wants to see some Looney Tunes characters, be sure to check the schedule of appearances when you get there.
Get tickets ahead of time online. You’ll save both time and money.
Look at the dress code before you go, especially for the waterpark: “All guests must wear proper attire, such as bathing suits or board shorts. Thongs, G-strings, or transparent swimwear are not permitted.”
You can bring bags and small backpacks into the park but not on the rides. You can either get a locker for a fee or leave them on the platform.
Visit Six Flags Over Georgia
Tickets start at $42 online (or $79.99 at the gate) and change depending on the date you want to go. It’s absolutely better to get the tickets online versus when you go. You can purchase a refillable water bottle, FLASH passes, and parking ($35+) online as well when you purchase your ticket.
Season passes start at $49/person. If you go more than once, a season pass is certainly a good deal, especially if you purchase the Platinum Level ($95/person), which includes parking.
Looking for amazing cakes in Greenville, SC?The art of cake decorating and baking is often harder than it looks. Great bakers, make the process seem effortless, and that misconception has led to many a reality show. Just like on the show “Nailed It”, oftentimes even bakers can misjudge the difficulty of a cake’s design. That’s when reliable recommendations and photos of past work become so important. We have a list of bakeries in Greenville our readers have recommended.
Oftentimes, the decorating of a cake can be just as difficult as saying no to orders, you aren’t sure you can pull off. If I sound like I know, it’s because I spent several years working in a bakery, and know-how important cakes can be to a milestone event. Check out these awesome local bakeries that will make your guest’s mouths water, and your photos the envy of everyone on Instagram!
Are you looking for places to go fishing in Greenville, SC and around the Upstate? Fishing is a super fun activity to do with the kids, and we have a list of great fishing spots for families. So, grab your fishing pole, tackle, and line because we are sharing a list of great places for fishing in Greenville, SC, and the Upstate.
There is something quite magical about the moment when a small child wrestles a tiny fishing rod with a wriggling bream at the end. Their smile can be seen from outer space. No matter if the poor tiny thing will be tossed back or become dinner, everyone remembers their first fish. Read on for some great fishing lakes under an hour’s drive from Greenville where you can take your kids for their next worm-and-hook adventure.
Have you been to the Southern Growl and tried their delicious food or craft beer selection? The Southern Growl has grown from a little craft brew shop tucked away in a strip mall to a stand-alone force to be reckoned with in the Upstate. Not just for their craft brews, but with their weekly menu specials. Others have seen their success and tried to duplicate it, but The Southern Growl is GOAT. Find out why, when we “Grill” the folks at this Upstate Brewery!
Everyone can find a menu item to enjoy, even a vegan! The location off Wade Hampton in Greer has a lovely outdoor dining space, with an area for kids ( two and four-legged) to get their wiggles out while you enjoy your menu selection.
The Southern Growl in Greer, SC
Owner name: Matt Bowes
Do you have kids eat free night? No
Do you offer outdoor dining? Yes – Heated, Open Air
What makes your spot unique? The Southern Growl Beer Company’s facility is expansive, yet cozy with an oversized heated patio and enormous lawn. We pour from a huge selection of 70 taps, featuring 24+ beers brewed on our 10 bbl brewhouse, cocktails, wine, ciders, meads, and sodas. The food menu is concise, exceptionally executed, and changes frequently to highlight what we feel are the tastiest sandwiches of every season.
What dish is the most popular? The weekly burger and chicken sandwich specials
What dish are you the proudest of? Two things I’m most proud of are our in-house bakery making all our buns, loaves, crackers, and desserts fresh each day and our house-brewed IPAs, especially “Bury Me In Strata.” The name speaks truth and highlights my favorite hop, Strata.
It’s my first time at your restaurant, what do you suggest we order? TSG Beertenders are seriously knowledgeable and we strive for excellence in all we do. Best advice: Talk to the Beertenders to help you find the perfect beer (or 4 beers with a flight) and sandwich to fit your mood.
Southern Growl is an absolute gem! We frequent it as both a casual hangout and date night spot and it never disappoints. The staff is fabulous at recommendations (and everything really) and the ever-changing menu is superb. Plus there’s a beer for your every mood. Pro tip- the coffee caliente wings are amazing
Monica Pace Greene
Love The Southern Growl! Always an impressive beer selection. And the food is always delicious. We go there a lot! The Staff actually seems to love their jobs too! Sam Chaffin
Yes!! Those coffee caliente wings are my favorite! My husband and I really like Southern Growl.
Maddie Pace
The southern growl is a go to for us. Their covid safety is still happening, which is rare to find these days. Their food is AMAZING, and their takeout growlers are awesome.
Kristen Pace
100% recommend! There is also a green space where kids can run around.
Looking for a little Upstate, SC day trip? The town of Simpsonville, SC is a great place to spend the day with great parks, cute downtown area and excellent restaurant options. We have a suggested itinerary for a day in Simpsonville, plus a list of things to do, places to eat and even places to stay if you’re staying longer than a day.
The residents of Simpsonville, SC are in a great location for getting around the Upstate. Located near both major highways and one of Greenville’s major retail hubs, Simpsonville is the perfect place for busy families to settle down. With an abundance of places to dine and things to do, it’s no wonder new communities are sprouting up all over Simpsonville.
Looking for more places to spend the day with your family? Here’s our list of Day Trip Towns, just a short drive from the Upstate.
With all the entertainment, shopping and dining options in Simpsonville it’s easy to spend the day in this town and not have a need to leave. If you aren’t sure where to start the day, we have a sample itinerary to get you started!
Starting the day : We suggest grabbing breakfast at a favorite of one of our readers:
OMG! Authentique French Creperie. SO GOOD. I don’t like crepes, but theirs are AMAZING. I always take out of town visitors there. They have weird hours though, so make sure you check online before you drive over!
Carolina R.
After breakfast: Head over to the zip line & playground at City Park, or enjoy the seasonal farmers market!
If the weather isn’t cooperative, you can enjoy a matinee showing at the local IMAX theater.
For lunch: Stroll up the street to all the restaurants and shops of Main Street, and grab a frozen treat afterward at the Ice Cream Station.
If you are enjoying a day out without the kids a stop at a Sweet Sippin’ event would be a great way to end the day. They offer all kinds of different food and drink pairing events, live music events, game nights and more.
Upstate Pinball & Arcade Museum
Things To Do In Simpsonville, SC
Upstate Pinball & Arcade Museum: Play 50+ nostalgic pinball and arcade games for one low price- no coins needed! Family fun for all ages.
Head to one of the Simpsonville Parks: Simpsonville has a bunch of parks that offer everything from zip-lines to Frisbee golf and even a train ride!
During summer months you can participate in the Park Hop Scavenger Hunt that includes area parks. Kids have the chance to earn prizes with this free program.
Heritage Park | 861 Southeast Main Street This park is part of the Heritage Park Amphitheater that hosts festivals, concerts and other events throughout the year. We also like this park because of all the shady seating options for parents to sit in while the kids play on the large playground. There is also a a miniature steam engine train that guests of the park can enjoy for just $3 per ticket (kids under 2 ride free with a paying adult).
City Park | 100 Park Drive City park is a favorite among locals for its large ADA compliant playground and all the seating it provides parents. There’s a Frisbee golf course, restrooms, picnic shelters, a special sensory playground and more.
College Street Park | 330 West College Street This small neighborhood park offers guests a merry-go-round, swing set, jungle gym and baseball and basketball facilities.
Southside Park & Discovery Island Water Park | 417 Baldwin Road Southside park offers multiple playgrounds, picnic shelters and is home to the seasonal water park. Open Memorial day through Labor day.
Simpsonville Farmers Market| 405 East Curtis Street (temporarily located at Simpsonville City Hall, 118 NE Main Street)
Held every Saturday from mid May through the end of September, 8 Am – Noon. In the past there have been 30 plus local vendors at the market, selling everything from seasonal produce, locally roasted coffee, artisan cheese, soaps and more.
One of the newest library branches in The Greenville Library system, this location has it all. The kids area is enclosed and even has it’s own covered outdoor play area. Teens have there own space and grownups can check-up on their email with the free WIFI. Patrons with a valid library card can even check out a laptop for use on site.
A favorite of our readers, Stella’s is a great place to grab a gourmet meal.
Upscale, Stella’s Bistro is some of the best door I’ve ever put in my mouth. The service is beyond excellent and the seasonal menu means there are always new things to try.
Greenville’s most popular locally owned pizza chain has another location in Simpsonville. Be sure to sign up for their awesome birthday club. It’s free and you receive a free pizza on your birthday!
This hidden gem of Simpsonville is tucked away in the basement of a castle. OK, maybe not really a castle, but pretending is fun right? Once you enter, you’ll forget that you didn’t cross a moat to get in. The intimate size of Unterhausen. the German beer and the delicious Bavarian food will have you wondering how it took you so long to discover this place.
I’d be doing you a great disservice if I didn’t include one of the Upstate’s best places for BBQ, just because it sits a few feet outside the town limits. Located across from Heritage park, Bobby’s BBQ is a family owned restaurant that is unique for a few reasons. They pride themselves on the quality of their food. But that’s not why I find them especially unique. One visit to this place and you will see, that everything they do is done with love and care for the community they feed. Let me ask you, how many BBQ places have you seen offer a vegan option? That’s right, I said Vegan, at a BBQ place. For most Pit-masters that would be blasphemy. Bobby’s offers guests a vegan jack fruit “pulled pork” style sandwich, because they know that not everyone eats meat. And that’s OK at Bobby’s.
Something else I love the Nelson family for, is not even on the menu.
How many times have you been caught out and your infant has a wardrobe emergency that threatens to ruin your trip out? Like a messy bathroom-type emergency. Most parents have experienced that type of “what do I do now?” moment. Owner Sarah Nelson had this happen and decided if she ever owned a business she’d do something to help parents. In each restroom at Bobby’s is a cart, stocked with zip-lock bags separated by size with a diaper and a change of clothes.
Any place can serve food. Most places can serve good food. But when a place shows patrons it cares about people to the extent that the Nelson family does… Well, they’ve found a customer for life in me. The fact that they serve up pulled pork tacos doesn’t hurt either.
Where To Stay In Simpsonville
Use this map from STAY22 below to find hotels and vacation rental homes available in Simpsonville, SC.
This section contains affiliate links from STAY22.
Here are some of the common seasonal events that happen annually in Simpsonville:
Fair at Heritage Park | May This 11 day county style fair includes rides, food, live music and other attractions.
Simpsonville Independance Day Celebration | June A free celebration with live music and fireworks at Heritage Park
Simpsonville Labor Day Festival | September
Halloween at Heritage Park | October A free and safe way to celebrate Halloween for thousands of kids in the Upstate. The event offers kids candy, inflatables, games, performances and special visits from kid’s characters.
South Carolina Children’s Theatreis giving away a FREE Flex Package for the 2024-2025 show season! Win four free tickets to three different shows (a total of 12 free tickets), early access booking for additional purchases, discounts and more. You choose the shows you want to see! Terms & Conditions apply. Thank you to SCCT for sponsoring this giveaway!
Are you planning to celebrate the berry season with one of the many berry festivals near Greenville, SC? South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia have several berry festivals is spring and summer worth a visit to. What better item to celebrate with a festival than juicy, sweet berries?
Strawberries, Blueberries, and Blackberries are celebrated nationwide; luckily, we have a handful of festivals that are accessible to the Upstate! If you’re a huge fan of these vitamin-packed gems, you can plan your summer vacation to include part of a festival a little further from home!
Have you visited the awesome indoor entertainment complex, The Big E, in Gaffney, SC? We sent Local mom Rebecca Parrish for a fun day with her family! She shares what her family loves about The Big E in Gaffney, SC and all of the activities you will find there.
What You’ll Find at The Big E: Gaffney, SC
Our family took a quick 45 minute road trip north on I-85 to exit 90 to visit Gaffney, South Carolina. Nestled next to the Gaffney Outlet Marketplace (A Simon Center), locally known as the “yellow mall”, The Big E in Gaffney, SC is an entertainment center promising fun for every age. It is a great place to spend the day and enjoy new experiences with your child, or a spot for birthday party joy.
The Movie Theatre
The Big E Gaffney features eight (8) movie theatres screening wide-release new blockbuster movies. They strictly enforce rating policies for ticketing. The theater is comfortable and has a high quality sound system, digital projection, and stadium style seating. You can purchase tickets ahead of time through The Big E online theatre portal, where you will find showtimes, movie ratings, and run times for each moving showing. Ticket prices run from $$8.25 – $10.25, which is slightly more affordable than some other movie theatre chains.
A Bowling Alley
The Big E also has a large bowling alley with 16 lanes where they feature open bowling ($5 per person plus $3.00 per person for shoes) and cosmic bowling ($6 per person) on weekends. You can choose to rent a lane by game or by the hour. Big E has mixed and youth leagues, and they participate in the Kids Bowl Free program in the spring and summer.
The bowling area also has flat-screen TVs and an area for food and beverages. The concessions include a variety of snacks and fries, pizza, wings, and “plates” like chicken tenders and hot dogs/corn dogs.
Playland Indoor Playground
Younger children will love the indoor playland which involves climbing up levels, over rope bridges, on swings, and down slides. They even have a Ballocity Blast Center, where hundreds of foam balls are propelled out of mini air cannons. The playland is padded, which is always a plus. Parents are welcome to hang out in the cafe area located nearby while their children play. The cost is $7 per child for an unlimited day pass. Be sure to bring socks, but they do have them for $3.00 in case you need to purchase a pair.
The Arcade
The playland shares space with the 60 game arcade area, which houses lots of arcade games (including old favorites like Skee Ball to high-tech games like a Star Wars simulator), and the bumper cars (my personal favorite). Don’t leave the Big E without taking a spin on these spinning, neon-round cars.
The best part about playing is the ease of it; the Big E Gaffney sells a “ Big E Fun Card” that parents can load with an amount of money. This card is used at each of the attractions and the arcade, so rather than keeping up with dollars and loose change, kids or adults just use the card. We found this so simple and a lesson for our child about making smart choices about what he wanted to try. They often run promotions for Fun Cards, which is a good way to get extra bang for your buck!
Laser Tag
By far, our favorite part of our Big E adventure was Laser Tag. For $8 per person, you get an amazing, action-packed game lasting about 10-15 minutes. Individuals are suited up with high-tech vests that react with vibrations and sound, and laser guns (called phasers) that you reload as you play on the multi-level course with teammates. Black lights, glowing barriers, fog, and music add to the excitement; and spectators can watch the action on a screen outside the arena. At the end of the match, points are tallied and a winner is revealed. My son is still buzzing from his victory!
Mini Golf and Zip Line
Outside, the complex includes an adventure mini golf course and a challenging zip line. The day we ventured out, it was too cold and windy to try these. However, the area looked fun for a future warm day when we have some funds for fun!
Host Your Birthday Party at The Big E: Gaffney, SC
Having a birthday party at The Big E would make a epic memory for you kids. You can have a Mini Golf Party, Playland Party, Movie Party, or a Bowling Party. You can even add on laser tag. Parties for up to 10 guests cost around $205. You’ll get access to one attraction, pizza, drinks, ice cream, and arcade cards. You’ll also get a party host to make everything go seamlessly.
Plan Your Trip to The Big E: Gaffney, South Carolina
The Big E Gaffney 1100 Factory Shops Blvd. Gaffney, SC 29341 864.489.1515 Hours vary by day and by attraction.
Does a family outing to The Big E Gaffney sound perfect for your crew?
Meet Rebecca Parrish
Rebecca Raulerson Parrish is a former English teacher turned non-profit administrator who currently works with Women Giving for Spartanburg and Five Twenty Consulting. She serves on the board of the Spartanburg Little Theatre and is proudly balancing books as Treasurer for the Jesse Boyd Elementary PTSO. A native of Lakeland, Florida, Rebecca loves living in Spartanburg, where she enjoys lots of adventures (and four seasons) with her husband, nine-year-old son, dog, bird and three pet chickens.
