Here are some summer fun things to do in Greenville, SC before you leave for college! Greenville has so much to offer young adults, and you want to be sure to experience all of them before you pack your bags. Gather some friends and go have fun this summer in Greenville, SC.
(more…)
Menu
Author Archive
Salsa Dancing: Experience The Vibes Of South Beach This Summer in Greenville, SC
Are you looking for a place to salsa dance in Greenville, SC? If you love salsa dancing and wish you could escape to the exotic nightlife of South Florida, you can for just the cost of a babysitter for a few hours right here in Greenville! Whether you are looking for an escape from the kids in the form of a fun date night or a family date night including the kids– we’ve got a free event you have to check out: Salsa at Sunset.
About Greenville’s Salsa at Sunset
The Salsa at Sunset event sponsored by Upstate International & Pura Alegria dance company will get you as close as you’re going to get to Calle Ocho in Miami without traveling for half a day.
This free event is held during the summer months once a month in June, July, and August. An hour-long complimentary salsa dance lesson starts at 6:15 pm and the live music starts at 7 pm plays until 10 pm. In 2021, the event moved from the plaza in front of the Peace Center to the NEW Camperdown Plaza and it’s awesome. The space is beautiful and you can grab cookies from Insomnia or ice cream at Jeni’s right there. So fun.
If there were a way to somehow import the smell of ocean air and fill the airspace in front of the Peace Center with it, you’d never know that you were in the foothills of South Carolina and not Miami.
(more…)Fall in Love Anytime Of Year With This Bavarian Village Atop The Mountains Of North Georgia
If you’re looking for a change of scenery that feels like you’ve traveled across the world, but only used a tank of gas, then Helen, Georgia is the perfect place to go. This quaint mountain town in northern Georgia is a fun place to visit no matter what time of year you decide to go. Helen offers tubing in the summer, Oktoberfest in the fall, and numerous activities that celebrate German culture. We have all the information you need to plan your trip!
Check out this neighboring town that also makes for a great weekend getaway! Plan a Trip to Blairsville, in the Georgia Mountains
This article includes:
Oktoberfest in Helen, GA
Tubing in Helen, GA
Hiking in Helen, GA
Dining in Helen, GA
Where to Stay in Helen, GA
Other Special Events in Helen, GA
5 Best Breakfast Restaurants in Greenville, SC
Are you looking for some new awesome breakfast restaurants in Greenville, SC? For a tired parent, the prospect of getting out of bed any earlier than absolutely necessary is totally absurd. The only thing that might make it happen is an epic breakfast cooked (and cleaned up) by someone other than you. We get it! That’s why we recently polled Kidding Around Readers to find out what locally owned breakfast places have the power to get you up and dressed in the morning!
Reader Picks for The Best Breakfast in Greenville, SC
Where To Go With Your Best (Four-Legged) Friend On A Lunch or Dinner Date in Greenville, SC
What’s better than dining outdoors in beautiful weather? Bringing your dog along! Luckily we live in an area that has several dog-friendly places where you can grab a bite to eat. We’ve rounded up a list of places in Greenville where you can enjoy lunch or dinner with your dog.
This article includes:
Downtown Greenville, SC: Dining with Dogs
Greenville Area Places to Eat Out With Your Dog
Greer, SC Dining with Dogs
Travelers Rest, SC Outdoor Dining with Dogs
Simpsonville, SC Places to Dine With Your Dog
These Memberships Can Save Your Family Money This Year in the Southeast
Looking to save money with a membership or pass to attractions in South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida? You can save money when you visit your favorite attractions multiple times by purchasing a membership. Memberships can range from annual to monthly, per person or per family.
Places like state parks, amusement parks, museums, and aquariums all offer memberships to help save yourself the trouble of paying each time you go. Some places we’ve included will also get you access to attractions when you travel as a perk through reciprocity programs.
* Prices are subject to change, please confirm with the organization at time of purchase.
Best Family Memberships: Who Has KABOOM?
The KABOOM Awards are Kidding Around’s annual best of contest. Readers say these are the TOP 5 Family Memberships in Greenville, SC
This article includes:
South Carolina Attractions with Memberships
North Carolina Attractions with Memberships
Georgia Attractions with Memberships
Tennessee Attractions with Memberships
Florida Attractions with Memberships
National Reciprocity Programs
South Carolina Attractions with Memberships
The Children’s Museum of The Upstate
Greenville & Spartanburg Annual Family Pass $120-$460
- *Bank Of America “Museums on Us”
- *Museums 4 All program
- Unlimited visits at both museum locations for 2 – 12 members (membership pricing corresponds to number of members included)
- Invitations to exclusive members-only events
- Discounted pricing on birthday parties and special events, camps and classes, and retail.
- Pre-registration for enrollment programs & events
- Regular family learning experiences
- A dedicated entrance so you don’t have to wait in line
Kidding Around Review of TCMU GVL
Kidding Around Review of TCMU Spartanburg
Upcountry History Museum
Family Annual Membership $95
- *Bank Of America “Museums on Us”
- *Museums 4 All program
- Unlimited free Museum admission for one year
- Discounts to special events & retail
- Invitations to exclusive member events
Kidding Around Review of Upcountry History Museum
The Greenville Zoo
Family Annual Membership $90
- *Association of Zoos & Aquariums reciprocal program
- Two named adults at the same address and up to six dependent household children
- Discounts on educational programs, birthday parties, Zoo camp, gift shop and concessions
- Free or discounted admission to special events, including Boo in the Zoo and Zoo Camp
Kidding Around Review of The Greenville Zoo
The Riverbanks Zoo
Family Membership packages are $129 – $229
- *Association of Zoos & Aquariums reciprocal program
- Free parking
- Free admission to the Christmas light event
- Discounts to special events, dining, & retail
- Free guest passes (number varies with membership levels)
- *Columbia CoolPASS Program
Kidding Around Review of The Riverbanks Zoo
The South Carolina Aquarium
Family membership packages $219 – $279
- Family Plus Membership includes (2) free guest passes per day $279
- Access to over 75 members-only events per year
- Discounts with Charleston area partners
- Discounted general admission tickets (6 annually)
- Discounts for photos, dining, & retail
- *Military membership discount
- *Free admission for teachers & discounted membership
- *Angelfish Membership for EBT cardholders $40 annually
Kidding Around Review of The South Carolina Aquarium
Brookgreen Gardens & The Low Country Zoo
Household Membership $110
- (2) one visit guest passes
- Discounts to special events, dining, & retail.
Roper Mountain Science Center
*Family Membership $95 / Teacher’s Family $90
(updated 6/7/22)
- *Association of Science & Technology Centers reciprocal program
- Unlimited admission to public programs including Friday Starry Nights, Summer Adventure, and Afternoon Explorations.
- Discount ticket prices for special events.
- Access to Summer Camp early registration and discount
Kidding Around Review of Roper Mountain Science Center
EdVenture
EdVenture family membership $129 – $169
- Unlimited admission to three locations (Columbia, Myrtle Beach, and Hartsville)
- 4 one-time-use guest passes ($47.80 value)
- Discounts on birthday parties, camps, and retail
- Invitation to members-only events
- *Families who receive SNAP, WIC, or Medicaid benefits receive $2 admission per person. (Up to 6 people)
- *Families with a combined household income of under $29,000 per year may qualify for a $19 family membership!
Kidding Around Review of Edventure
Anne Springs Close Greenway
Family Membership $12 per month or $132 per year
- Access to 40 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding and plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities
- Special member rates on summer camps, outdoor recreation programs, educational classes, special events, and apparel
- Fishing access in Lakes Haigler, Crandall, Frances, Katherine and Stumpy Pond
- Entry and trails will be open to Greenway Members on weekends exclusively
- *Financial Assistance for membership
Kidding Around Review of Anne Springs Close Greenway
South Carolina State Parks
The Select Park Passport $75
- Unlimited admittance for the family to 35 of the 47 SC State Parks.
- The passport does not include admission to the following parks: Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site, Devils Fork State Park, Edisto Beach State Park, Givhans Ferry State Park, Hunting Island State Park, Huntington Beach State Park, Jones Gap State Park, Landsford Canal State Park, Myrtle Beach State Park, Paris Mountain State Park, Sesquicentennial State Park, and Table Rock State Park.
The All Park Passport $99
- Unlimited admittance for the family to all of the SC State Parks.
- This pass also includes free admission and home tours for four at Redcliffe, Rose Hill, and Hampton plantations.
Kidding Around Guide To South Carolina State Parks
Carowinds
Annual Pass $135 – $240 (per person)
- Free pre-K kids annual pass
- Free parking with the gold/platinum passed ($20 savings per visit)
- Discounts to special events, dining, & retail
- Free access to all other 16 Cedar Fair parks with Platinum pass
Kidding Around Review of Carowinds
Urban Air – Greenville
Memberships from $10.99 – $17.99 monthly
- Parent membership an additional $3.99 a month
- Varying rates include increases in access and included snacks
Kidding Around Review of Urban Air
Big Air – Greenville
Family Membership $139 per month
- Up to 6 family members
- Valid any day during operating hours
Big Air – Spartanburg
Family Membership $119 per month
- Up to 6 family members
- Valid any day during operating hours
Defy
Family Rate Membership $17.49 (per person/per month)
- Includes 4-6 immediate family members
- Three-month commitment required
- Unlimited jump time Mon-Fri / Jump 2 hrs per day on Sat-Sun
- 20% off Party Packages
- 20% off Cafe
- Free Defy Nights and Kid’s Jump access
- Membership Only Events, and access to New Attractions
Greenville County Parks & Rec Waterparks
Season Pass 7th Inning Splash $59
Season Pass Discovery Island $89
Season Pass Otter Creek $79
Rec ‘N Crew Annual Pass $149
- Passes are only good for (1) pass-holder
Shipwreck Cove
Season Pass $90 -$385
- Additional family members $60
- loyalty rewards
- skip the admissions line
- A free mug which you can refill with soft drinks free of charge
North Carolina Attractions with Memberships
Biltmore Estate
Annual pass $249 (per person)
- Discounts to special events, dining, retail, and lodging
- Free access to estate biking and hiking trails
Kidding Around Review of Biltmore Estate
WNC Nature Center
Annual Family Membership $89
- 2 adults and up to 4 children
- *Association of Zoos & Aquariums reciprocal program
- *Association of Science & Technology Centers reciprocal program
- Early admission
- Discounts on shopping, and special events
Kidding Around Review of WNC Nature Center
Schiele Museum Of Natural History
Family Membership $85
- *Association of Science & Technology Centers reciprocal program
- Planetarium shows
- Member-only events
- Discounts on special events, and retail
Kidding Around Review of Schiele Museum of Natural History
North Carolina Zoo
Family Membership $84
- *Association of Zoos & Aquariums reciprocal program details
- Access to the Zoo Society’s members-only picnic decks
- Members-only events
North Carolina Aquarium
Family Membership $89
- *Association of Zoos & Aquariums reciprocal program details
- Jennette’s Pier Walk-On Pass
North Carolina State Parks
Annual Family Pass $90
- Includes entrance fees at Falls Lake, Jordan Lake, and Kerr Lake
- Pass also covers equipment rentals and swim passes for up to six people
- Boat launches at Carolina Beach and Hammocks Beach
- Ferry tickets for six at Hammocks Beach
Georgia Attractions with Memberships
Atlanta Zoo
Family Membership $149
- *Association of Zoos & Aquariums reciprocal program details
- 10% off admission for accompanying guests
- Discounted admission to select, ticketed Zoo events, All-Rides Wristbands, gift shop purchases, select concessions, Family Programs, Birthday Parties, and Safari Camp
- Zoo Atlanta Memberships are tax-deductible
- *Atlanta City Pass
Kidding Around Review of Atlanta Zoo
Georgia Aquarium
Family Membership $295
- (4) members unlimited admission
- Members-only events and discounts
- Georgia Aquarium Memberships are tax-deductible
- *Atlanta City Pass
Kidding Around Review of the Georgia Aquarium
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Family Explorer Membership $140
- Annual membership benefits for up to 2 named adults and 4 children under the age of 18
- *Association of Science & Technology Centers reciprocal program
- 10% discount on admission tickets for up to 6 accompanying guests per visit
- *Educator discount
- Fernbank Museum Memberships are tax-deductible
- *Atlanta City Pass
Six Flags
Annual Membership $9.62 – $29.24 (per person – monthly)
- Free Parking ($25 value per day)
- Unlimited admission to Six Flags White Water park
- Monthly payments in perpetuity, for a minimum of 12 months (until canceled by cardholder)
- Upgraded memberships include skipping the line privileges and up to 20% off food, drinks & retail merchandise
Kidding Around Review of Six Flags
Georgia State Parks
Annual Family Park Passport $50 / Annual Historic Site Family Pass $50
- Rewards program for participating reservations
- The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Areas, Stone Mountain Park, Jekyll Island, and Lake Lanier are not state parks and are not covered by the ParkPass.
Kidding Around Guide To Travel in Georgia
Tennessee Attractions
Dollywood
Silver Season Pass – $159 (adult) / $149 (child)
- Free Pre-K pass
- $5 discount on one-day tickets
- Option for 3 payment plan
- Unlimited admission
- *Gold upgrade $229
Gold Season Pass – $214 (adult) / $204 (child)
- $10 discount on one-day tickets
- Season pass benefits
- 15% Off Select Food And Merchandise
Two-Park Gold Season Pass – $269 (adult) / 3-month plan eligible with payments of $86.33 (child)
- $10 discount on one-day tickets
- Season pass benefits
- 15% Off Select Food And Merchandise
- Access to Splash Country
Kidding Around Guide to Dollywood
Zoo Knoxville
Single Parent Family Membership $125 / 2 Parent Family Membership $170
- FREE admission and parking (362) days a year.
- *Association of Zoos & Aquariums reciprocal
- Special Invitations to exclusive events and private previews
- 15% off on daily Zoo-it-All wristbands, general admission guest tickets, Zoo Shop and all retail locations, and restaurants and food stands.
- Discounts on after-hours events such as BOO! at the Zoo, Zoo Lights, and more.
Chattanooga Zoo
Family Membership $94.95
- *Association of Zoos & Aquariums reciprocal
- Kids Adventure Passport Program
- 10% discount in cafe and retail shop
Kidding Around Review of the Chattanooga Zoo
Tennessee Aquarium
Family Membership $175
- A Family Membership includes unlimited Aquarium admission for two specified adults and any five kids each visit.
Family Deluxe Membership $255
- Family Membership benefits
- Plus unlimited 45-minute IMAX films
Kidding Around Review of the Tennessee Aquarium
Tennessee State Parks
Family Annual Pass – FREE
- There is no access fee charged for any Tennessee state park. All 56 state parks in Tennessee are free to enter.
- Some activities at parks may require permits or reservations.
- Donations are accepted
Florida Attractions
Mote Marine Aquarium
Family Membership $125
- *Association of Zoos & Aquariums reciprocal
- Party of 4 people given unlimited access
- Party of 6 – $175
- Exclusive member-only events that include advance viewing of Mote’s new exhibits and special events
Bishop Planetarium & Museum / Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat
Family Membership $150 (Pathfinder)
- Two additional admissions (4 total free admissions per visit)
- *North American Reciprocal Membership (NARM) museums
- *Association of Science & Technology Centers reciprocal program
The Florida Aquarium
Family Membership $175
- *Association of Zoos & Aquariums reciprocal
- Free parking during Aquarium hours ($10 value per day)
- Discounts at Gift Shop and Cafe Ray
- Discounts on our Wild Dolphin Cruise, Guest Swim & Dive experiences and other Tours & Adventures
- *SHARE Program Reciprocal Discounts
- Invitations to exclusive member-only events and sneak previews of new exhibits before they open to the general public
- *Tampa CityPASS
Sealife Orlando
Annual Pass $60 Per Person
Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park
Annual Family Membership $224
- *Association of Zoos & Aquariums reciprocal
- Free guest ticket with every visit
- Access to seasonal event series events
- Free preferred parking (general admission parking is free to all guests)
- Discounts on dining, photos, shopping, and Up-Close Signature Encounters
- Invitations to Members-Only programming
Brevard Zoo
Annual Family Membership $159.95+
- *Association of Zoos & Aquariums Reciprocal
- Free admission with unlimited Zoo visits for an entire year (excluding special events)
- Early admission (9am)
- Discount on most merchandise and concessions
- BOGO kayak fees
- Access to a members-only Facebook group
Florida State Parks
Annual Family Pass $120
- The Family Annual Entrance Pass provides day-use park entry for up to a total of eight people entering as a group at all but three Florida State Parks, for a total of 172 locations.
- The pass is good for admission of up to two people, (including the pass holder) at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
- Pass holders receive 33% off admission to the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park over Tampa Bay
Other States
Smithsonian National Zoo – Washington DC
Annual Membership is $92 – $122
- *Association of Zoos & Aquariums reciprocal program
- Free parking ($30 savings per visit)
- Discounts on food, events, and retail items.
Kidding Around Guide to Washington DC
I get the zoo pass from the Smithsonian National Zoo. A lot more reciprocal
Anita S.National Reciprocity and Discount Programs
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, it is at the discretion of the participating zoos and aquariums as to whether they will be able to honor entrance benefits during this time. Call ahead to confirm before you go.
Association of Zoos & Aquariums Reciprocity Program
The zoos and aquariums on the Reciprocal Admissions List that are located in close geographic proximity to each other are not required to offer free or discounted admission to each other’s members, although they may offer an alternative discount. “Close geographic proximity” is determined by each institution.
- Participating Zoos (updated June 3, 2022)
Association of Science & Technology Centers Reciprocity Program
Science centers and museums located within 90 miles of the science center/museum where the visitor is a member offer free or discounted admission to each other’s members. This distance is measured “as the crow flies,” meaning that it is based on the linear radius, not driving distance. To help determine linear radius distance, use the “Measure Distance” feature on Google Maps.
- Participating museums (May 2022-October 2022)
North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association
The North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association is a network of over one thousand art museums, galleries, historical museums, societies, botanical gardens, children’s museums, zoos and more.
- When you sign up with your favorite participating NARM institution you can receive reciprocal membership benefits across the United States, Canada, Bermuda, El Salvador and Mexico.
- Institution locator
American Alliance of Museums
- No reciprocity program
Bank of America “Museums On Us”
- Museums on Us is available to Bank of America, Merrill or Bank of America Private Bank credit or debit cardholders during the first full weekend of every month
- Present your active credit or debit card with photo ID to gain free general admission to a participating institution
- Valid for the named cardholder only
Museums 4 All Program
- Participating Museums 4 All locations provide reduced admission, ranging from free to $3.00 for visitors presenting their EBT card.
- This reduced rate is available during all normal operating hours to up to four individuals per EBT card.
Memberships Our Readers Enjoy
We got the state park pass a few months ago. It’s around $100 for a full year, and we are trying to go to every state park this year! Pretty good value. Also- the Greenville zoo membership gets you into a lot of zoos, but for some, you only get half off (riverbanks in Columbia is the best zoo in the state!)
Sarah R.We have riverbanks and western NC nature center – wncnc gets you in roper mountain science center free and used to get you in Greenville zoo free but they just updated and now the zoo is only half if you travel a lot though there’s an entire list of zoos/aquariums/science centers it gets you in to free or half-off
Avery M.This article was originally written by Melanie Coblentz and has been updated by the Kidding Around Team.
Discover Fabulous Food and Things to Do When You Spend the Day in Landrum, SC
Looking for a great little town where you can spend the day in Upstate, SC? Tucked away on the north side of Spartanburg is the quaint little town of Landrum, South Carolina. This town has lots to explore for a day or weekend. Here are some great places to eat, things to do, and even a couple places to stay in Landrum, SC.
This article includes:
Things to Do in Landrum, SC
Great Restaurants in Landrum, SC
Places to Stay in Landrum, SC
12+ Fun Things to do with Your Baby in Greenville, SC
Looking for places to go with your baby in Greenville? Babies are tricky. You can often take them to places not suitable for a preschooler running around yet finding baby-specific activities is harder than general kid ones. Luckily we have a few ideas of fun things to do with your baby in Greenville. Hope you enjoy and please add your own favorites in the comments!
Don’t miss our guide to all things Baby, Maternity and Post Partum in Greenville, SC.
Fun activities for your baby in Greenville, SC
Toddler areas at the playground
Nothing beats the outdoors so take your baby to the park. We have a list of parks with toddler playgrounds and they’re even fenced for extra safety! Most of these fenced-in playgrounds have baby swings so that even non-walkers can still have fun.
Pictures
So this might not be baby’s favorite, but capture those little grins now. You can do old school portrait studios or hire a freelance photographer to get some cute snaps of you at the park or anywhere you’d like. And if you’re looking for a photographer, we have a list of some of our reader favorites.
The Greenville Zoo
The zoo is full of fun animals to look at for even a baby in a stroller and the zoo playground has comfy chairs making it the perfect place to stop for a feeding.
Cloth Diaper Classes
Tired of running to the store for more nappies? Check out cloth diapers through an informative meeting! The main local group is Greenville Cloth Diaper Group on Facebook and they can point you towards a meeting.
Kroc Center
The Kroc Center in downtown Greenville, SC is a great place to take your toddler all year round to play in the water. They have an indoor water park with beach entry, so your little one can play in the shallows, climb the play structure, and ride down the slide. The pool is heated, but a wetsuit style swimsuit for younger babies is ideal.
TCMU
The Children’s Museum of the Upstate is fun for all ages but has a special corner for babies on the top floor. Grandma Betty’s Farm is where you’ll find an enclosed space for crawlers as well as story time in their special 5 and under classroom. The middle floor has some mirrors next to the climber that are great for babies, especially those just starting to sit. Downstairs, the Lily Pad has infant seats for water play.
TCMU of Spartanburg is also a great option – it’s included in your TCMU membership. They have wonderful exhibits specifically for kids ages five and under, including a crawling space for babies, water exhibits, and lots of interactive exhibits. It’s $5/person if you’re not a member.
Workout
Take your baby to one of the parks with stroller-friendly trails. We also have a great list of Family-Friendly Gyms and Exercise groups if you’re looking to work out somewhere that has childcare.
Linky Stone Park
Enjoy the children’s garden, flowers, and pretty paths at Linky Stone Park.
Attend a local playgroup
If working out isn’t your thing, try a moms group in Greenville. True your little one might not be “playing” right now but that’s no reason you can’t spend an afternoon walking around the zoo or getting some coffee with other parents.
The Little Gym
The Little Gym also offers fun classes for babies. Check their schedule for a list of current classes.
La Leche League
If you’re nursing or interested in starting (it’s possible to “relactate” even if you stopped) La Leche League of Greenville is a perfect spot. Attend a meeting and make some new “breast” friends for you and your nursling. Older siblings are welcome at almost all meetings and some are open to dads too (just ask as meetings frequently are moms only for privacy).
Hiking in a carrier or jogging stroller
Hike It Baby has an active local chapter and has regularly scheduled group hikes. Just show up and get walking. Some locales require hiking packs or baby carriers (any sling that’s comfortable for you to wear the whole hike) while others are stroller friendly. Or, check out our list of stroller-friendly hikes to plan your own play date.
Mall playground
Both Haywood and Westgate have a padded play area for little kids. It’s a great way to introduce your baby to playground equipment with less fall risks and no worries about weather.
Bouncing Babies at the library
The Greenville library system has various story times at most locations, including Bouncing Babies especially for young ones. But most story times are still a treat for your baby so don’t hesitate to bring them to whatever fits your schedule.
Kindermusik
Piano Central Studios offers lots of these classes geared toward the youngest of music lovers.
Do you have an activity to add to our list? Share it in the comments!
This post was originally written by Lindy Wilson and has been updated by the Kidding Around Team.
