Are you looking for a place to take your family for some creative fun? Hearts of Clay, right here in Spartanburg, is the perfect place for almost any occasion. It’s more than just a pottery studio, and we’re going to tell you why our family loves spending time there!
About Hearts of Clay
For over twenty years, families have been creating memories with Hearts of Clay (Formerly Flying Saucers). In that time this family-owned business has expanded to include glass fusing, canvas painting, and more.
A trip to Hearts of Clay is the answer whether you’re looking for some family fun time, gifts for family members, a fun place to host a birthday party, or even a place to bring the kids for a parent’s night out.
Our family has visited so many times, I don’t even remember the first time we went. Since that first time, we have celebrated my son’s fourth birthday there, commemorated every month of my daughter’s first year of life, and enjoyed a mommy and son date night. I even eat my morning cereal out of a Hello Kitty-inspired bowl I made there.
If you feel like you aren’t artistically inclined, you shouldn’t be intimidated. The pieces available range from beginner to intricate, and there’s always someone around to help. If you mess up, the glaze can be rinsed off and you can start over. Any age can have fun painting pottery, the glaze used is non-toxic and will not stain clothes. For the more artistically inclined you have the option to use the pottery wheel to “throw” your own piece to paint. Once your item is painted, you leave it behind to be kiln-fired and it’s ready in about a week. There are also pre-fired items that can be painted with acrylic paint if coming back is not an option.
Hearts of Clay offers options for everyone
If pottery isn’t your thing, they also offer canvas painting and other classes in the studio. The classes and events cost between $5-$12, and reservations are encouraged. I’m always looking for mom’s night out activities and canvas painting and margaritas, sounds like the perfect night!
Hearts of Clay also offers Kids events. With their convenient location, it’s the perfect opportunity to have a date night or get some holiday shopping done. You won’t have to worry about the kids, they’ll be fed dinner and get to create something. Reservations are required, and the cost is $5-$12 per child.
Home school families can register for the art enrichment classes offered once a month on Thursdays during the school year. These 60-minute classes cost $12 per child.
Preschool age children receive $2 off the item they paint as part of the “5 & under club” on Wednesdays.
If your church or school is looking for a fundraiser idea, Hearts of Clay can help with that too! They’ll include everything you’ll need to make pottery of your choice. This can even be utilized as just a fun activity for a large group. And a percentage of your cost will be donated to your school, church, or organization!
There are so many reasons to visit Hearts of Clay! I encourage you to check out the event calendar and head over to make some memories.
Plan a visit to Hearts of Clay
Visit the Hearts of Clay website. Tuesday-Thursday 11 am – 5 pm Friday-Saturday 11 am – 7 pm Sunday 1 pm – 5 pm 660 Spartan Boulevard, Suite #20, Spartanburg 864.576.2228
Are you looking for kid-friendly restaurants? Greenville, SC has several with play areas so your kids can burn off some steam while mom and dad might even be able to enjoy the food on their plates!
The Kidding Around Team is full of parents with kids, and we totally get the need for a fun family dining experience. So, we are sharing our list of family restaurants in Greenville, SC, and the surrounding area, including ones where your kids can make art while you eat, watch planes take off and land, or even get into a game of bowling.
The play areas at these locations range from professionally installed play structures to an empty piece of land to run around on. Please consider this when releasing your child into the wild.
What are the best places to eat and play? We asked and our readers answered in our annual KABOOM Awards highlighting the best in Greenville, SC.
Let Them Play! Kid Friendly Restaurants: Greenville, SC
Other Lands
731 Rutherford Rd, Greenville, SC Other Lands is a coffee house and brewery with a beautiful patio area and fenced in kids space with a climbing structure, toys, and little play houses. They also have board and card games for older kids. We think Other Lands is such a fun place to eat and play! They serve Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Here’s our reel on Other Lands.
One of the outdoor spaces at Other Lands
TReehouse Cafe
27 South Main Street, Travelers Rest Kids can literally eat and play at the same time at the TReehouse Cafe in Travelers Rest. Owned by an artist and chef, this place is both a cafe and an art studio. They don’t skimp on either part of this masterpiece. The food is delicious and plentiful, with paninis, sandwiches, and salads, and the art is freeing, with options for coloring, painting, or playing with a Mr. Potato Head toy.
Learn more about why TReehouse Cafe is one of the most kid-friendly restaurants Greenville, SC has!
The TReehouse in Travelers Rest has tons of art projects to purchase, crayons and pencils and paper for doodling, and toys for the little baby ones to play with at the table. I think they’re open for breakfast and lunch only?
Carrie
Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery
205 Cedar Lane, Greenville Half of this place is outside – mainly their pizza oven, patio, and kid’s play area – which makes it ideal for eating and playing. I’m a big fan of grabbing coffee and breakfast and letting my kids play in the enclosed area while I enjoy the delicious offerings. Or you can take a break with the kids, eat an amazing sandwich, soup, or salad, and play afterward.
Either way, the Swamp Rabbit Cafe is probably close to the top when it comes to kid friendly restaurants Greenville, SC offers (it’s owned by two women who are moms of little kids themselves, they should know) and has amazing food so it’s definitely a must-do on your Greenville restaurant list!
Learn more about why the Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery is one of the top kid friendly restaurants Greenville, SC locals love!
We love Swamp Rabbit Cafe, especially on their monthly thursday night pizza party events. They donate a portion of the proceeds to a local non-profit, the kids get to play and dance to the Dj music and mom gets to enjoy a Frose. It’s a win-win that makes everyone happy!
Melanie
Papi’s Tacos
This one may not be as much of a surprise to regular readers, but Papi’s Tacos, which is the Table 301 owned “food truck without wheels”, is also right on the Reedy River so you’ll also have a lovely view and maybe even a few ducks to fascinate the kids.
There’s not only a patio but benches perfect for eating while minding children. For an authentic, gourmet, yet very affordable Mexican dinner, you can’t beat Papi’s. Also, the train track paintings and waterfall fountain tends to ignite young imaginations all year long. On Tuesday tacos go on special for $2!
For more info check out our review of Papi’s Tacos.
126 Augusta Street, Greenville Gather GVL offers plenty of play space for kids, plus an almost infinite list of menu options! Picky eaters will find almost whatever they want in this unique co-op setup of food vendors. Burgers, tacos, pasta, sushi, donuts, and more can be found on the menus at Gather GVL.
For more details on this unique dining option, head to our Guide to Gather GVL
The Mill at Fountain Inn
100 Ellison Street, Fountain Inn We love this spot in Fountain Inn for it’s delicious food and spacious outdoor area where they have a big movie setup and green space. There are games for kids to play as well. They also have lots of great events.
Vaughn’s Food Hall
109 West Trade Street, Simpsonville With several food options, outdoor picnic tables, live music, and a huge sandpit for your kids to play in, Vaughn’s Food Hall is a super family-friendly restaurant in Greenville, SC. There is a brewery, vintage arcade, pizza shop, taco shop, ice cream shop, and more places that kids love!
The Upstate Pinball Museum is located at Vaughn’s Food Hall and is a great stop before or after dining.
Kids playing at Vaughn’sAnchor Bar at Vaughn’s
The Open Door
911 W. Main Street, Pickens This spot has cornhole and other outdoor games to play. They have huge pretzels and excellent sandwiches plus live music on certain dates. We loved hanging out here!
Spare Time
822 Congaree Road, Greenville More than a bowling alley, Spare Time Greenville also has laser tag, an arcade, and a restaurant. You can order food while bowling or head to the restaurant and let the kids play in the arcade while you enjoy a few moments of peace. It’s easy to see why Spare Time is one of the best family restaurants in Greenville, SC. There is so much to do!
D’Allesandros Pizza
17 Mohawk Drive, Greenville Tucked off to the side down near Community Tap, D’Allesandros Pizza was recommended by several readers. There’s an outdoor seating area with an adjacent area for kids to play.
D’Allesandro’s Pizza Greenville has a great side yard by the patio.
Julia
The Southern Growl
155 N Buncombe Road, Greer Several parents I have talked to love going out to dinner with their kids at The Southern Growl. There is a large lawn area for your kids to run around on, so they won’t feel tied down while you wait for your food.
The Mason Jar
202 Trade Street, Greer After hunting down all the “Toads on Trade”, your family can hop into The Mason Jar restaurant to enjoy a burger and fries. Named for the owner’s Grandchild, this restaurant makes a point to welcome kids.
The Mason Jar downtown Greer. They have a little Lego table with some other toys. Great Burger special on Wednesdays too!
Rachel
Wild Wing Cafe
1025 Woodruff Rd, Greenville Wild Wing Cafe is located right next to the Hollywood 20 cinemas, and in the courtyard between them is a huge play area. It’s a perfect spot to take kids to play while you wait for the food to be prepared!
J.R. Cash’s Grill & Bar
320 Big Water Road, Starr J.R. Cash’s is located on the shores of Lake Hartwell in Anderson, SC and while the food and view are excellent, it’s the pirate ship playground that really takes the cake here. The playground is right next to the restaurant and has slides, rings, a tire swing, and a hammock. Check hours before going as the restaurant is seasonal.
Big Air
We know trampoline parks are great places to have fun for a couple of hours or throw a birthday party. But Big Air in Greenville has a hot kitchen inside the facility where you can get pizza, pretzels, drinks, and hot dogs. They also offer a Family Fun package on Thursdays and Sundays where you get four one-hour jump passes, a large pizza, and a pitcher of soda for $75.
10 Moorlyn Lane Suite G, Greer If you want a quick bite to eat or coffee to sip on while you watch your kids play, then Green Laundry Lounge is a great choice. They have a small enclosed play area, with several seating areas to enjoy, while your kids play in the mulched area with their toys. You can even wash your clothes while letting them play. Sounds like a plan to us!
1800 Drayton Road, Suite 301, Drayton DRAY: Bar + Grill has everything you could want in a place to dine with kids. It has an outdoor seating area with a fire pit for colder weather, a delicious menu for both adults, and kids, and a large area where kids can run around and no one will care! For even more fun, you can attend one of the Movies at the Mill events where they set up a huge movie screen on the lawn.
Plus the kids can be loud outside and no one cares
Megan B
Fr8Yard
125 East Main Street, Spartanburg Fr8 Yard in Downtown Spartanburg is a kid-friendly restaurant and outdoor Biergarten with plenty of space to run around. And since it’s outdoors, you don’t have to worry about your kid making too much noise.
There are even ping-pong tables and cornhole games available to play free of charge. In addition to great adult beverages, Fr8 Yard also has a huge television screen showing major sporting events, plus live music on some evenings. Offering a selection of yard dogs, grilled cheese, fries, and more, your whole family will find something they want to try.
Not only that but it’s also located right next to Sparkle City Mini Putt. A free mini-golf course, that several downtown businesses will provide putters on loan for use.
Fr8 yard! Kids can run around and play. There’s ping pong, building blocks, and corn hole. Mine love running around and playing with the other kids there. We sometimes bring games to play or small toys to play with as well.
Kent
Fuddrucker’s
1509 John B White Sr Boulevard, Spartanburg The Fuddrucker’s on John B White Sr. Boulevard has a small arcade inside the premises. So, while you wait for your delicious hamburgers to be ready or after you finish your meal, your kids can spend their time playing old-fashioned arcade games.
Plus, Fuddrucker’s has a great children’s menu that also gives kids a free cookie from their scrumptious bakery with each meal. While the arcade is indoors, the way the seating is arranged does give your kids some freedom to check out the arcade while you keep tabs on them from a nearby table. If the weather is nice, they do have a great outdoor seating area, as well.
Restaurants with Play Areas: Chick-Fil-A, McDonald’s, and Chuck E Cheese
A good fallback for dining and eating with kids are the fast-food restaurants in the area that have indoor play structures. It also works as a great bribe tactic to get them to eat. Visit Kidding Around’s list of Restaurants with Play Areas.
Know of any kid-friendly restaurants Greenville, SC has that we missed? Let us know!
Looking for a fun way to explore our state’s different sources of plant- and animal-based products? The SC Agritourism Passport Program is an incentive program where people can earn free goodies for visiting places that are probably already on your to-do list! The good news is there are nearly two dozen farms not far from Greenville and Spartanburg. Visiting farms is more than a fun, family activity; it’s also a field trip-worthy educational opportunity!
Inside: We are sharing 10 fabulous things to do in Gastonia, North Carolina, and giving you all the details on how to have an epic day trip there!
Looking for a town to explore on a day trip? Just an hour from the Upstate is Gastonia, NC. We discovered this town is full of things to do. There is a fabulous museum, parks, and some of the best milkshakes in the country according to USA Today. Since Gastonia is so close to the Upstate it makes a great day trip!
If you are looking for events to celebrate Oktoberfest, Greenville, SC offers several places celebrating Oktoberfest in Greenville and across the Upstate for you to enjoy. However, do you know why people celebrate Oktoberfest or when the event started? KAG has the in on what, where, and why of Oktoberfest, plus we’re sharing all the local Oktoberfest events so you can celebrate, too!
First, let’s talk about how this party got started. Over 200 years ago, a Bavarian crown prince married a princess, which resulted in days of drinking, feasting, and horse races.
I wanted to know why this marriage has been celebrated since October 12, 1810.
It turns out that those horse races were so popular, they decided to do it annually, and that’s why the party continues today. Although, oddly enough, those horse races are no longer a part of the celebration.
To get down to the truth, I consulted my cousin, Frau Roe. She’s a German teacher locally and my go-to for all things Bavarian-related.
Me: So Frau Roe, Why do we celebrate Oktoberfest? Is it because of racehorses, love, or something else?
Frau Roe: “Today, it’s more of a festival atmosphere, carnival rides, lots of food, lots of beer, still celebrated in the same spot under all those tents. Many Bavarians wear traditional clothing to celebrate history. (Lederhosen and Dirndl) So, while it has changed a lot over the years, the original reason is still in the hearts of the Bavarians. It’s definitely a celebration of heritage! ”
Now that we know the what and why let’s find out where!
Oktoberfest at Carolina Bauernhaus (Anderson) | September 20th, 2025 from 2 pm – 6 pm Live music from David Donar, brats with haus made kraut, pretzels with beer cheese, beer on tap
Oktoberfest in NOMA square | October 3rd and 4th, 2025 Live music and more in the Square in front of the Hyatt Downtown Brat eating and beer stein-holding contest
2025 Oktoberfest Events Across The Upstate of South Carolina
Walhalla Oktoberfest | October 17th – 19th, 2025 For 40+ years this South Carolina town has been celebrating its German heritage with a weekend-long celebration. German food, American food, artisan vendors, carnival rides, and fireworks on Saturday night, make this a great family-friendly Oktoberfest to mark on your calendar.
The Country’s Longest Running Oktoberfest: Helen, GA
For hard-core Oktoberfest fans, the longest-running celebration in the US is just a short ride to the mountains of northern Georgia.
The events runs from September 4-7, 11-14, 18-21, 2025 and September 25, 2025 through November 2nd, 2025 (nightly)
Helen, Georgia, the alpine town, boasts the longest-running Oktoberfest celebration with a duration of a month. From the end of September through the end of October, the town hosts a celebration that’s been happening for 50+ years. My family loves Helen, and there’s fun to be had year-round there.
Now that you know the what, why and when about Oktoberfest, throw on that lederhosen or dirndl and get ready to celebrate the 213 years of Oktoberfest!
Are you looking for fall date ideas near Greenville, SC? If you are hoping for a date that represents the season, you’ve come to the right place. We have tons of date ideas to chose from to help you embrace fall and the ones you love.
Dates are fun and necessary for healthy relationships. Now that the temperatures are dropping, it’s time for some festive, fall-themed dates. These can be family date activities, Daddy and Daughter/Son dates, Mother and Son/Daughter dates, romantic couple dates, or any combination. All will provide memories and fall fun!
If you are looking for cheap fall activities, Greenville, SC has a couple that can include your entire family without going over budget! Spending time together doesn’t have to mean spending lots of money. To help you out, our Kidding Around Greenville team has come up with some amazingly cheap fall outings that you can enjoy.
These outings are all $25 or under in admission fees for a family of 4 and all of these suggestions are outings that are particularly great in the fall. Some of these ideas are even completely free!
The Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce hosts an annual fall event, Greer Arts & Eats Festival. The festival is an opportunity for guests to enjoy what Greer’s businesses have to offer families year-round. The Greer Arts & Eats Festival will be held in downtownGreer.
Are you looking for a day trip that is a little more spooky? These Halloween travel ideas are worth the drive! You will find special Halloween-themed events in South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee that will make for a memorable time with your family. These events go all out with spectacular light shows, costumed characters, and out-of-this-world Halloween displays. Let us know how you’re celebrating Halloween in 2025 in the comments.
Halloween at Stone Mountain on October 18, 2019. Photo by Steven Bridges
Celebrating Halloween In 2025! Halloween Travel Ideas
It’s that epic time of year to go all out for Halloween! We found some great day trip activities to celebrate this year. They are not only entertaining, but they will get you exploring a new town. These festivities make a great day trip or a weekend getaway! We’ve compiled extra info if you decide to make a trip of it!
Halloween Trips to Georgia
If you’re thinking of making a weekend out of Halloween this year, check out our Guide to Travel in Georgia for ideas to fill out your itinerary.
Halloween at Stone Mountain on October 18, 2019. Photo by Steven Bridges
Stone Mountain Pumpkin Festival
1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain GA
The Glow By Night Experience is a journey through a storybook tale that comes to life with thousands of glowing lights, massive carved pumpkins, jack-o-lanterns, bubbles, fog, and plenty of kid-friendly, glow-in-the-dark adventures after dark.
September 13th- November 2nd, 2025
Adult (ages 12+) $39.99 / Child (ages 3-11) $36.99 / Children two years and younger are free.
In addition to all of the fun Six Flags Over Georgia normally offers, guests will experience Halloween-themed extras. Live character interactions and shows top off the list of themed things you can expect. Kids Boo Fest is spooky fun for all ages, including trick-or-treating, family-friendly rides, and other fall activities.
September 13th – November 2nd, 2025 (select dates)
Augusta is hosting its annual historic cemetery tour. Notable “spirits” come to life! This ghost tours aims to increase awareness of Augusta’s past by connecting current residents and visitors with the people and places that still influence us today through their contributions to Augusta’s cultural legacy.
Scarecrows in the Garden: Atlanta Botanical Garden
Atlanta, GA
If you are looking for something spectacular that is a little more tame, the Atlanta Botanical Garden will host their annual Scarecrows in the Garden from October 1st – November 2nd, 2025. You will get to explore the fabulous botanical garden while seeing the creative and unique scarecrows as you walk about.
While you’re in Atlanta, check out our Kidding Around® Atlanta Guide for things to do with your kids during your day trip to the ATL.
Dollywood guests will be invited nightly to glow with Great Pumpkin LumiNights. This event was named the “#1 Theme Park Halloween Event in 2019″ by USA Today. The park is one of the top Halloween destinations in the Southeast because of how well the decorations are executed.
Thousands of Jack-O-lanterns, special fall treats, and more are waiting for you this Halloween at Dollywood, September 12th – October 27th, 2025
SCarowinds is one of the Carolina’s biggest Halloween events and a top Halloween-themed destination, happening September 12th, 2025 – November 2nd, 2025. The theme park has evening events that contain haunted mazes, scare zones, live entertainment, and more. It is a scary event, not for small children!
Tricks and Treats at Carowinds
Carowinds’ fall and Halloween festival for families, Tricks and Treats, has all the regular Carowinds fun, plus great fall and festive Halloween activities with just a tiny bit of spooky. It’s happening Saturdays and Sundays, September 13th, 2025 – November 2nd, 2025. Enjoy seasonal treats, fun costume parades, and more family-friendly fun.
Head to Brevard, North Carolina this October for this annual, family-friendly event! Pumpkin Fest on October 3rd-4th, 10th-11th, 17th-18th, and 24th-25th, 2025. The event typically features displays of lighted carved pumpkins, local musicians, fun and games for the entire family, food trucks, storytellers, face painting, a tour of the mansion, and of course, a white squirrel scavenger hunt! The event is sponsored by Friends of Silvermont, and admission starts around $7).
Ghost Train at Tweetsie Railroad
Tweetsie Railroad in Boone, NC goes all out for spooky season in the fall with their Ghost Train ride through the park, and we got to check it out, along with all the fun of carnival rides and trick or treating at the park.
We’ve got everything you need to know to plan your family’s trip here!
Hop aboard for a train ride to the pumpkin patch! When guests arrive at the patch, kids will choose a pumpkin and decorate it with provided supplies. There will also be a maze and games at the patch to enjoy for about 40 minutes before heading back aboard the train to return to the museum.
October 18th and 25th, 2025
Purchase tickets in advance. They range from $17 to $120 depending on the seating class purchased.
SC State Museum- Dark History Tours
Visit the SC State Museum for a special kind of history tour full of spooky legendary tales from South Carolina’s history. Tours are self-guided and are available every day, or you can attend an educator-led haunted history guided tour any Saturday in October. Dates for 2025 are TBD.
Each October Conway, SC transforms itself into The City of Halloween. Also known as Hallowen Town, SC the city features tons of Halloween decorations, coffin races, costume contests and loads of festive events. Get the full schedule and all the details in our Halloween Town, SC story.
If spending the night in haunted hotels or cabins sounds like an excellent way to spend Halloween, don’t miss our list of Haunted Cabins, Hotels, and Tours.
Do you have an unruly bunch you need to keep entertained? Are you looking for a place to take your Lil’ knight in shining armor? Then we have the event for you! The Upstate Renaissance Faire is back on September 12th – 14th, 2025 at its new location at the Piedmont Interstate Fairgrounds in Spartanburg, SC
2025 Upstate Renaissance Faire Event Schedule
If your family could use an escape from reality, there’s no better place than the Upstate Renaissance Faire. The festival, now at the Piedmont Interstate Fairgrounds, will transport guests back to the time of knights, fair maidens, and sirens who lurk in the sea. The festival will be filled with fun events for the whole family. Don’t forget to plan your day to include a meal of giant turkey legs.
The schedule is totally packed and we will highlight some of what is happening below but you’re going to want to check out the whole schedule.
September 12th, 2025: 5 pm – 10 pm
The evening events will feature a plethora of dancing troupes, knight demonstrations, acrobats, fire shows, belly dancing, and so much more beginning at 5 pm. There will be court jesters, belly dancers, drum circles, and an awesome costume contest! You’ll also see dozens of performers and hands-on historic demonstrations.
September 13th, 2025: 10 am – 6 pm September 14th, 2025: 10 am – 6 pm
Saturday is jammed-packed with entertainment. You will not want to miss the 12 pm parade throughout the fairgrounds. There will also be a Fairy Tea Party at 11 am, 2 pm, and 4 pm. You may also want to participate in the quest experiences, trinket trading, and practice your hand at ax-throwing before catching a sword duel in the Field of Glory.
