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Follow Our Upstate Donut Trail & Find Your Favorite Donuts

Are you craving donuts? Greenville, SC and the surrounding area are full of melt-in-your-mouth delicious donuts. We’ve researched the local donut shops, and of course, taste-tested. All that’s left is for you to hop on the donut trail. Choose one to try or visit them all. Let us know where you found your best donut in Greenville, SC!

National Donut Day is June 6th, 2025. Jump down to National Donut Day Deals to see where you might be able to grab a free donut in Greenville!

You’d be lying through your teeth if you said you don’t crave a donut every once in a while. I mean, we’re all human and want sweets in our life, so grabbing a donut every now and then is perfectly fine.

Plan Your Donut Trail Route

We’ve compiled a list of places for you to check out and eat until your heart’s content! Based on your location and donut preferences, pop a few of these addresses into your map app and get going. Don’t forget to let us know about your favorite donut spots.

Don’t want to decide? Follow our 5 Stop Donut Trail in Greenville, SC. Just click the box in the upper left hand corner of the map below and follow the blue directions on the left.

Amazing Donuts: Greenville SC

Duck Donuts

3935 Pelham Road, Greenville

Duck Donuts in Greenville offers made-to-order, mouth-watering donuts. Each donut can be customized with a coating, topping, or drizzle. Or you can try one of their fan favorites such as Bacon in the Sun, Chocolate Caramel Crunch, or Strawberry Shortcake. You can even place an order online and pick it up if you’re in a hurry.

Farm Fresh Fast

860 S Church Street, Greenville, SC
109 SE Main Street, Simpsonville, SC

Located on Church Street in Greenville and Main Street in Simpsonville, Farm Fresh Fast serves gluten-free, vegan and sugar-free donuts. They bake their donuts fresh in-house every morning. They’re dedicated to covering a wide variety of food allergies and diets.

Some of the flavors they offer are Cookies & Cream, Red Velvet Cake, S’mores, and Caramel Delight. They don’t offer every flavor every day, but you’re sure to find a unique flavor during your visit. Bottom line: these donuts are a healthier alternative to most other treats!

donuts from Farm Fresh Fast — Funfetti donut from D’s Nuts out of Farm Fresh Fast

Scout’s Doughnuts

Scout’s Doughnuts is run by a husband-wife team and is a creative take on doughnuts and flavors.

Some of their doughnuts are so fluffy and are actually cronuts (a cross between a doughnut and a crossaint, which, really, you can never ever go wrong with).

Follow them on Instagram or sign up for their email newsletter to get the latest info on where you can get their doughnuts.

HenDough Chicken & Donuts

126 Augusta Street at Gather GVL

Prepared daily, HenDough offers a changing variety of donuts. They offer cake donuts, yeast donuts, filled donuts, vegan donuts, bear claws & fritters. Donuts are priced individually, but a purchase of a dozen donuts will receive a 10% discount.

Want to know more about the unique, family-friendly venue that HenDough occupies? Gather GVL is one of our favorite venues in downtown Greenville that we can’t get enough of!

The Mad Batter Bakery and Cafe

8590 Pelham Road, Greenville, SC

You can try flavors like red velvet with oreo at The Mad Batter Bakery and Cafe. Their strawberry sprinkle doughnut looks so delicious and is giving us major Homer Simpson vibes.

Parlour Doughnuts

1901 Laurens Road, Greenville, SC

We went to check out Parlor Doughnuts because we kept hearing about how amazing their doughnuts are! We were not disappointed and now we just need to go back to try more flavors! The inside is really cute with lots of great sitting areas. They have a full coffee bar, too.

Watch! We went to Parlour Doughnuts, YUM!

The Donut Wagon

Food Truck

Who doesn’t love food trucks? After the pop-pop shop, it’s time to check out The Donut Wagon. Since 2018, this mobile food truck sells made from scratch glazed donuts along with handcrafted soft pretzels.

Once a week, they visit local towns, events, festivals, and farmers’ markets to serve their products. You can follow their schedule on social media to find out where they’ll be next!

Mochibees Donut Cafe

1270 Woodruff Road, Greenville

“Mochi-donuts” are soft, light, fluffy, crispy with a different shape than a typical donut. And Mochibees off Woodruff Road carries a variety of flavors. They even have boba tea! Mochibees Donut Cafe

Delicious Donuts in Easley, SC

You Drive Me Glazy

122 Folger Avenue, Easley, SC

You Drive Me Glazy offers gourmet mini donuts and customers get to custom-create each one they purchase.

Due West Donuts

Mama’s Sweet Shoppe

205 South Main Street, Due West, SC

Go early, because these delicious donuts from Mama’s Sweet Shoppe will sell out.

Donuts in Simpsonville, SC

Lickin Good Donuts

926 NE Main Street, Simpsonville, SC

Lickin Good Donuts has some of the most unique flavors and yummy donuts, including ones covered in fruity pebbles!

Big Apple Donuts and Cafe

219 West Butler Road, Mauldin, SC
3245 F Wade Hampton Boulevard Taylors, SC

Hand-made, gourmet donuts with a wide variety of toppings and fillings, plus breakfast sandwiches, is what you’ll find at Big Apple Donuts.

Maverick’s Donut Company

117 Batesville Road, Simpsonville, SC

Classic, fresh donuts, apple fritters, filed donuts and more at Maverick’s Donuts in Simpsonville.

Delicious Donuts in Gaffney, SC

Sunny’s Donuts

720 S Granard St, Gaffney, SC 29341

Make your way to Gaffney to find more scratch-made donuts at Sunny’s Donuts! From apple fritters, cinnamon rolls, apple bear claws, jelly-filled donuts, to old-fashioned dour cream donuts, this donut shop serves homemade donuts to will leave you yearning for more than just one.

Donuts in Hendersonville, NC

McFarlan’s Bake Shop

309 North Main Street, Hendersonville, NC

McFarlan’s Bake Shop is an old-timey bakery filled with delicious cookies, pastries, pies, cakes and donuts. Try the Boston Cream or Glazed. We don’t think you’ll be disappointed. These donuts practically melt in your mouth.

Expect a long line, sometimes stretching out the door. But don’t worry, it goes pretty quick. Go early for the best selection.

By 1 pm on Saturdays, there are usually very few donuts left, which is what happened in the picture below!

McFarlan's Bakery donuts in Hendersonville, NC

Celebrate National Donut Day

Wondering where you can celebrate National Donut Day? Celebrated on the first Friday of June, this day was originally started by Salvation Army in Chicago as a way to honor their members who assisted in WWI by serving donuts to the troops. There are a few places in Greenville where you can grab some donut deals in celebration of National Donut Day.

We recommend checking with your nearest location to ensure that they are participating. In years past, there was local participation.

What is National Donut Day?

You can even show your kids how intelligent you are by telling them some fun facts such as:

National Doughnut Day commemorates the “donut lassies,” female Salvation Army volunteers who provided donuts to soldiers on the front lines in WWI.
Donuts were actually fried in soldiers’ helmets! (Talk about using what you have!)
-The donuts were fried seven at a time.
-The Salvation Army started National Donut Day during the Great Depression. This was a way to raise funds and bring awareness to The Salvation Army’s social service programs.
Rations were poor, so the donut idea was conceived as a means of bringing the soldiers cheer.

Grab A Freebie From A National Donut Chain On National Doughnut Day- June 6th, 2025

Krispy Kreme

Participating Krispy Kreme locations will be offering a free donut of your choice on National Doughnut Day! Plus $2 for an original glazed dozen.

Dunkin’ Donuts

Dunkin’ is offering a free classic doughnut with the purchase of any beverage on June 6th to celebrate. Find a nearby Dunkin’ location.

Duck Donuts

Stop by the Greenville Duck Donut store and get a cinnamon sugar doughnut. No purchase is necessary. This promotion is only available in shop.

Scout’s Doughnuts

Scout’s Doughnuts is going all out for National Donut Day!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ScoutsDoughnuts (@scoutsdoughnuts)

Keep the donut trail going in Charlotte, NC!

Check out our top 10 list of Charlotte’s Best Donut Shops.

Complete Restaurant Guide to Greenville, SC

Still Hungry?

Find more delicious food to enjoy in our guide to Greenville’s Restaurants.

Where do you find your favorite donut in the Upstate?

Cool Off in the Free Splash Pad at Downtown Memorial Airport Park: Spartanburg, SC

Downtown Spartanburg has a fantastic park, located at the Downtown Memorial Airport with two playgrounds, paved paths for bike riding, picnic shelters, and a free splash pad. The Spartanburg Airport Park is perfect for the summer heat with that splash pad, plus year-round fun on the playgrounds. Here’s everything you need to know about the Downtown Memorial Airport Park.

About the Downtown Memorial Airport Park: Spartanburg

The Downtown Memorial Airport Park includes something for everyone. Have a little one? Great! There’s a whole separate playground for them. Have a big kid? This park has a really cool 3-story climbing structure, aviation-themed of course, complete with 3 slides for big kids.

Have a kid who wants to ride their bike? Perfect! They will love the paved trails around the playgrounds. Have a child obsessed with airplanes? Then this is the go-to park for your family because where else can they get up close and personal with small airplanes taking off or landing?

The big kid area is complete with a massive climbing structure, 3 slides, swings, a kid spinner, and a couple of learning stations too. This playground will keep the kids busy for a while!

Should your own little one need to stay a bit closer to the ground then they may prefer the playground specially designed for kids 2-5 years old. The little kid playground has another set of swings, a smaller climbing area with slides, and a couple of toddler size vehicles to climb on. And if you don’t feel like climbing the play structures or pushing your kid on the swings, each playground has a couple of benches perfect for parents.

Splash Pad and Picnic Area

Not only does this park have 2 great playgrounds, but it also offers a couple of other things your family may enjoy as well! The aviation-themed splash pad is open for the summer and is sure to be a big hit on a hot day.

Want to spend the day? No problem! This park offers a covered picnic shelter and restrooms. With a vast 7-acre footprint, this park also includes a couple of soccer fields and ample green space to spread out and spend the day. Trust me, your kids won’t want to leave!

Tips for the Spartanburg Airport Park

Bring water shoes and caution your kids against running in the water area as the surface is slick.
Wear sunscreen and water as the park has limited shade.
Bring a bike or scooter to enjoy the paved loop and runways inside the park.

Where is the Spartanburg Downtown Memorial Airport Park

You’ll find the park right next door to the Spartanburg Downtown Memorial Airport.

500 Ammons Road
Spartanburg, SC 29306

Have you taken your kids to the Downtown Memorial Airport Park yet?

parks and playgrounds spartanburg greenville

Looking for more amazing places to play?

The KA Park Guide has them all! Use it to sort parks by location and features to find the perfect place to play!

See more parks right in Spartanburg! Here’s our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds in Spartanburg.

Find more FREE things to do in Spartanburg, SC.

Check Out Some Favorite Playgrounds and Parks in Easley & Pickens, SC

Inside: A list of local parks and playgrounds in the Easley and Pickens, SC areas, with details and tips from local parents.

Looking for parks in Easley? My favorite time of year has arrived, and I am so excited! Spring is working hard to break its way into the Southern summer. Recently my kids and I decided to leave the “big city” to check out the suburbs. We set out on a mission to explore some of the Easley park s and were pleasantly surprised with what we discovered!

We’ve also added some information for you about all parks in Easley and Pickens Counties, even if we haven’t had the opportunity to visit them yet.

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This is Where Kids Can Get Free Breakfast and Lunch This Summer Near Greenville, SC

Summer is getting close, and I know you are wondering, “Where can we find my kid’s free lunch near me?”. This summer, free lunch and breakfast will be provided to kids throughout Greenville, Spartanburg, and Pickens Counties. Many families rely on the school system to assist with meals for their children with the significant increase in grocery prices. Local school districts are helping kids by eliminating the cost of school lunches and breakfast from parents’ worries.

Where to find free lunch during the summer: Greenville, Spartanburg, and Pickens County, SC

Free Summer Meal Locations for Kids from Greenville County Schools

Free Summer Meal Locations for Kids from Spartanburg County Districts

Free Summer Meal Locations for Kids in Pickens County Schools

Things to Know about 2025 Free School Summer Meals for Kids

All kids 18 and under in Greenville, Spartanburg, and Pickens Counties qualify for free summer school meals, including breakfast and lunch, no questions asked.
Some districts in Spartanburg County require the student to be enrolled at that school, and we have notated this restriction if the information was provided.
Your child does not have to participate in the free and reduced price program throughout the school year to be able to obtain meals, summer meals are for all kids.
GCS times for lunch and breakfast do vary, but we have noted that below.
Children will be required to eat their meals on-site, unless specified below. In very limited circumstances are takeaway meals allowed.
GCS will have three locations that will offer meal kit pickup two days per week, with dates and times noted below.
Pickens County will also have take-away meal kits, with dates and times below.
Each district in Spartanburg County has different plans for summer meals. We have noted what we know (as of May 27th, 2025) below; however, checking the district website directly is best.
Pickens County will also offer free meals for anyone enrolled in school-age 21 and older with mental or physical disabilities.

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Tyger River Park Has One of the Biggest Playgrounds Around: Spartanburg, SC

Have you visited Tyger River Park in Spartanburg County? This giant park is home to ball fields, a huge playground, a splash pad, and more. Read on to hear everything parents need to know about Tyger River Park.

You definitely want to make the time to check out Tyger River Park operated by Spartanburg County Parks. It is located at 179 Dillard Road in Duncan, South Carolina. Don’t let appearances deceive you- there is more to this park than perfectly kept baseball fields. It’s a playground experience for all ages, especially with the brand-new renovation of 2023.

Looking for more great parks in Spartanburg, don’t miss our guide to Great Parks in Spartanburg County.

Spartanburg’s Tyger River Park is For All Ages

When you first enter the gates to Tyger River Park, you won’t be able to see the playground areas from the road that encircles the enclosure. Look for the tall tower in the center of the grounds. The brand-new playgrounds and giant sandbox are located on either side of it. Follow the signs to the Clubhouse and park there. From the parking lot, it’s a short walk to the play areas. You can get a sense of the park’s scale and use this handy park map to help plan your day.

Play Equipment for All Ages at Tyger River Park

There is truly play equipment for all ages.

The first playground is geared for younger children, toddlers to preschool age. There are slides, swings, play horses, and even a cute little house to stoke the imagination. This playground is within sight of the giant sandbox, too. Kids can bring their own sand toys or just play around in Duncan’s version of “the beach.”

The location is perfect for smaller children to independently play between the sandbox and the playground, and benches are provided for adult supervision if you are lucky enough to get a chance to sit down. The new playground includes shaded benches for parents as well.

The second playground is much bigger and caters to children ages 5-12. The many slides available are taller and faster than the smaller playground and climbing features are more challenging. There are also swings in this area.

The playground has five benches with shade and is covered in astroturf.

Splash Pad at Tyger River Park

The splash pad is open 9 am to 8 pm between Memorial Day to Labor Day, but they are opening early in 2025 on May 1st! Located just past the playground area (opposite the direction of the Clubhouse), kids can easily go from the playground to the splash pad to cool off and back to the playground. Double bonus: the splash pad is fenced in.

Clean bathrooms

The bathrooms for the public are located on the side of the Clubhouse building. They were clean and well-stocked with soap and both paper towels and air dryers. As parents, you can never underestimate the awesomeness of a park restroom that doesn’t make you cringe

A Couple of Considerations for Tyger River Park

Bring sunscreen and water

The new playground has benches with shade and the shade screen above the sandbox does provide some relief but the playgrounds have no shade. Especially in the hot days of summer, it’s important to bring sunscreen and water. On warmer days, it is definitely best to plan on arriving early in the morning or in the late afternoon/early evening or spend hotter parts of the day at the splash pad.

Supervision may be challenging for children of different ages.

Tyger River is a big park and the playgrounds are on opposite sides of the tower, which can make it hard to watch kids of different age groups. So plan on negotiating how much time you will spend on which playground or bring a second adult for help with supervision.

Our Review

With proper planning, Tyger River Park is a must-do for a positive play experience for all ages. And we just love the new play equipment! With so much to do, the kids will be occupied for hours, so don’t forget to pack snacks and water or bring along a lunch to eat at the nearby picnic tables.

Parks and Playgrounds Greenville and Spartanburg

Find your new favorite park!

The Kidding Around Guide to Parks in the Upstate

10 Indoor Activities In and Around Clemson, SC for Families

Are you looking for indoor things to do in Clemson, SC? Need to keep your kids busy and entertained on rainy or unbearably hot days? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve gathered up ten great indoor places to visit in and around Clemson, SC.

Feel like a day trip?

25+ Fabulous Things to Do During a Day Trip to Pickens, SC

When it’s super hot in the summer or rainy, it’s hard not to default to staying at home. However, if you are like me, another day spent in the house might make you scream. I try hard not to let my child watch TV for hours on end, but there are only so many Pinterest ideas I am crafty enough to create with my little guy.

Here are some great ideas of things to do to get your cooped-up kids out of the house in and around the Clemson area.

Are you looking for more fun things to do in Pickens, SC? Check out our Kidding Around Guide To Pickens!

Indoor Things to Do in Clemson, SC

Glazed Pottery

If your children love to paint, Glazed is one of the fun things to do in Clemson, SC with kids. It is a great way to bring out their inner Picasso. Located in Clemson, there is a wide array of paint-your-own pottery pieces at different price levels for your children to choose from.

Also, for a fun ladies night out, Glazed also offers paint-your-own canvas nights. Get a group of girlfriends together and enjoy a relaxed night out painting your very own picture. Be sure to follow their Facebook page for details.

Oconee Lanes

Bowling is a fun and affordable day out for children of all ages. Oconee Lanes is located in Seneca, just a ten-minute drive from Clemson. They provide children’s sized shoes and balls, as well as bumpers for the lanes. This bowling alley also provides ramps for the littlest bowlers who need help getting the ball down the lane.

The Library

We are surrounded by some amazing libraries in this area. The Central-Clemson Regional Branch Library is one of many libraries in this area that offer children’s programs on a regular basis. Some examples of the programs include Wiggles and Giggles, Preschool Story Time, and Lego Story Builders.

The Oconee County Library System has similar programs for small children as well as teens. Be sure to check out your local library for specific times for these wonderful programs.

If a program doesn’t interest you let your little ones pick out a few books off the shelf, curl up in a comfy chair, and enjoy some precious moments on a cold or rainy day. Check out the websites for the Pickens County and Oconee County library systems for more information.

Restaurants with Indoor Playgrounds

For breakfast, lunch, or dinner, visiting a restaurant with an indoor playground is a win-win for the family. Children love playing in the indoor playgrounds, and someone else gets to do the cooking!

There are a few choices in the greater Clemson area, including Chick-fil-A and McDonald’s. Speaking from personal experience, the Chick-fil-A playground is for younger children, and the McDonald’s playground is for older children.

Chick-fil-a Seneca also offers special date nights for you and your children as well as other special events.

Swimming at the Central-Clemson Recreation Center

Do your children love to swim? The Central Clemson Recreation Center offers day passes for families who enjoy swimming and they are available year-round. They have a lap pool, a therapy pool, and lifeguards on duty. Day passes for ages 6 and older are $7 and $5 for 3-5-year-olds. Kids under the age of 3 get in free.

Central Clemson Recreation Center, Clemson, SC

Sweet Retreat Fun Center

This is an all-in-one family fun center, including laser tag, go-karts, mini golf, an arcade, and an ice cream parlor. It is located in Walhalla, just twenty minutes from Clemson. Laser tag and ice cream are the perfect combinations to get your kiddos out of the house and run off some energy.

They run daily specials as well, different ones for Monday through Thursday. You can find these specials, as well as updates on their Sweet Retreat Fun Center Facebook page.

Clemson Arts Center

Does your child want to be the next Van Gogh, or would love to try making clay pottery at the wheel? The Clemson Arts Center offers a wide variety of classes for the children in the community. There are classes for preschool-age children as well as several options for older children.

The Arts Center also offers after-school art classes for school-age children. Looking for something fun for your kids for summer break? Check out the summer art camps that they are offering. The classes and costs are all available on their website. Please be aware that preregistration is required for every class.

Duke World of Energy

The World of Energy, located at the Oconee Nuclear Station in Seneca, is a fun way to teach your little ones about electricity. This is a free activity that will entertain your kids for hours. You can explore the Story of Energy, a self-guided tour with so many interactive exhibits that your children won’t even realize they are learning.

There is also a video game area that tests your children’s knowledge about electricity, as well as a play table for younger visitors. This is such a fun and free way to spend a rainy day with your kids.

Central Railway Museum

If you have a train lover in your house, this is the place for you! The Central Railway Museum is located in downtown Central. It is now open each Saturday of the month from 9 am – 2 pm, but you can stop by and see if anyone is there during the week.

This is a small building that is filled with running model trains and work crews working on new tracks and very elaborate scenes. Your children will be delighted to see the trains speed by! They have an annual train show in February that the whole family can enjoy as well.

Central Railway Model Trail Museum, Clemson, SC

Bart Garrison Agricultural Museum of South Carolina

This hidden gem sits across from the Tri-County Technical College Campus in Pendleton. The agricultural museum currently has all indoor exhibits which are perfect for a rainy or really hot day. It is of the funniest things to do in Clemson, SC with kids.

Some of the hands-on exhibits that kids can interact with include corn shelling, Clarabelle the milking cow, water pumping, weaving, and spinning. They are currently working on expanding their exhibits outdoors as well.

They focus on historic practices in agriculture, as well as the future of sustainable farming. The museum is open Thursday – Saturday from 10 am – 4 pm. Admission is $3 for anyone 6 years old and older, with a limit of $10 per household.

Bob Campbell Geology Museum

The Geology Museum, located inside the Botanical Gardens, is an extraordinary museum for children to visit. Filled with collections of gems and fossils, this is an affordable way to educate your children without them even knowing it. They offer children’s programs and tours as well. You can find out more about what to expect before your visit in our KAG review of the Bob Campbell Geology Museum.

The Campbell Geology Museum is open Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm. They are closed on Clemson University Official Holidays. There is no admission fee, but donations are appreciated. There is free parking.

Bonus: Bowling at the Underground Recreation Center at Clemson University

Located in the Edgar A. Brown University Union building, the Clemson bowling alley can accommodate children with small shoe sizes, small bowling balls, and bumpers. The alley has ten lanes, and you must make a reservation if you want to bowl there Monday – Thursday.

The Ultimate Guide to Things to Do Indoors for Greenville, SC

Fun in the Upstate!
50+ Amazing Things to Do Near Greenville, SC

You’ve been checking out 10+ Fun Indoor Activities in And Around Clemson, SC for families to enjoy! These fun things to do are perfect for those really hot or rainy days.

This article was originally written by Marissa McFarland and has been updated by the Kidding Around Team.

Free 4th Grade National Park Pass: Every Kid Outdoors

Love visiting our National Parks with your family? If you have a fourth-grader living in your home, you can get a free 4th-grade national park pass for your child. As an added bonus, the pass will cover your whole family, with free access to national parks and other federal recreation lands!

We have all the details on this awesome program, so you’re able to take full advantage!

How does Every Kid Outdoors work?

The National Park Service offers a free national park pass to 4th graders through the Every Kid Outdoors Program. The free annual pass is good for national parks and federal recreation areas and covers kids and their families (up to 3 adults and all kids traveling with the 4th grader).

Use your free fourth-grade student annual national park pass for a family adventure or field trip. It’s good for the entire school year your child is a 4th grader and the following summer, ending August 31st. You can use the kid outdoors pass again and again.

The process is simple. If you have a fourth-grader in your home, just visit the Every Kid Outdoors website. You will be taken through the steps that lead to your park pass. The pass is valid only when printed out. They will not accept passes shown on smartphones.

Then, go to this Every Kid Outdoors planning page and use your imagination to create an adventure.

When you visit your first park, simply take your printed copy and exchange it for a park pass. If there is no park ranger at the park you visit, simply leave the pass on your dashboard where it will be visible.

If the park you visit has an entrance fee, all children and up to three adults riding in the same vehicle will be free.

The pass does not cover any extras such as camping fees, boat rentals, tours, etc. State parks or local parks that charge a fee are not included in the pass.

Use Your Pass: National Parks Near You or Make a Trip

There are plenty of parks near Greenville that could be done in a day. One of our favorites is the home of Carl Sandburg up in Flat Rock, NC. If you visit there, make sure to say hello to the goats. Others include The Blue Ridge Parkway, and historic battlefields Cowpens, King’s Mountain, Congaree National Park, and Ninety-Six.

Looking for more fun things to do? Check out our Kidding Around Guide to Congaree National Park!

Plan a National Park Trip

The Smoky Mountains National Park is on the list. And if you’ve never enjoyed it, you’re missing out. It’s some of the most beautiful hiking I’ve ever done.

Or why not make it an incredibly memorable trip with a vacation to Grand Canyon National Park?

Looking for more fun ideas as you travel with your family? We’ve got you covered with Kidding Around’s Travel Guides!

Your adventure is good for one year, expiring on August 31. So, what are you waiting for? Check out this find your park page to see what is close to home. Or find a park that will be worth the drive and make some memories!

Keep Your Trip Cheap

More deals: As you travel to visit your parks for free, keep costs down by using Kids Eat Free Deals. The 20+ restaurants in our article offer national kids eat free or cheap deals (may vary by location, so, do check before you dine!)

What’s your favorite park to visit with your kids?

Free things to do for kids across the USA

Find more FREE fun for kids!

Free Things for Kids Near You

Get A FREE National Parks Pass for all fourth-graders! If your child is in fourth-grade, you can get a free national parks pass from the Every Kid Outdoors Program!

Longview Carolina: A Mountain-View Community Just 5 Minutes from Easley

Imagine waking up to a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains—and still making it to Sam’s Club before lunch. That’s a regular Tuesday at Longview Carolina, a 180-acre gated community tucked into the foothills just outside Easley, SC.

We took a personal tour to see for ourselves what Longview Carolina offers and you’ll want to keep reading because it’s everything from fresh eggs to mountain top fire pits.

Thank you to Longview Carolina for sponsoring this article.

Quick Summary: Longview Carolina Offers So Much

Can you imagine living in a community where you could drink a cup of coffee with a mountain view but Sam’s Club is only 10 minutes away? You can at Longview Carolina, a new gated community just 5 minutes from Easley.

We took a tour and wow—this new community blends cozy, adventurous, and practical in the best ways. Think wildflower trails, a real working farm, and mountain-top fire pits.

Here’s what families are loving:

📍 5 mins to Downtown Easley + shopping
🏞️ Private trails, wildflowers, and 60 acres of green space
🏡 Homes that flex with your season of life
🐓 Chickens, fresh produce, and space to play
🔥 The Overlook: Yoga, marshmallow roasts, and sunset views
🧺 Wellness without the pressure—just everyday good living

You’re not escaping life—you’re living it fully, right here in the Upstate.

From Bluebirds to Brunch in Under 10 Minutes

When we visited, we passed breathtaking views, peeked into a birdhouse with baby blue birds, and picked fresh kale—all before heading just five minutes down the road for lunch at The Silos in Easley.

Downtown Easley (5 minutes): Local boutiques and plenty of choices for lunch or dinner.
Sam’s, Publix, HomeGoods & more (5–10 minutes): The full U.S. 123 shopping corridor
Downtown Greenville (25 minutes): Falls Park, Broadway shows, and flights from GSP

Clemson University (20 minutes): Game days, college visits, or lifelong learning
Lake Keowee & Lake Hartwell (30 minutes): For boating, tubing, or sunset cruises
Lake Jocassee (45 minutes): Crystal-clear water and hidden waterfalls

You really can start your day with chickens and finish it with a Tigers touchdown.

Trails, Community Spaces, and Adventure

We walked the trails ourselves—and yes, you really might see a deer along the way. At Longview your family can explore over two miles of private paths that loop through wildflower meadows, woods, and about 60 acres of preserved green space.

Want a longer ride? The 8.5-mile Doodle Trail is conveniently located nearby, linking Easley and Pickens for Saturday‐morning cyclist meet-ups.

At the top of the ridge is The Overlook—a cozy lodge-style gathering spot for yoga, sunset wine nights, and marshmallow roasts.

Add in a resort-style pool, pickleball, and campsites, and you’ve got everyday adventure built in.

Wellness That Happens With or Without a Gym Bag

The community’s design draws inspiration from Blue Zones—places in the world where people live longer, healthier lives. Here wellness doesn’t come with a sign-up form. It’s built into everyday life.

Move naturally: Bike the trails with your kids or stroll up to The Overlook for sunset
Recharge: Catch up with a neighbor by the fire pit instead of doom-scrolling
Eat fresh: Fresh eggs and produce are just a short walk away
Make friends: Join in on shared gardens, club nights, and service projects.

One of the founders summed it up during our visit: it’s about designing a place that helps you live well on an ordinary weekday—whether or not you ever step into a gym.

Pick Your Veggies & Feed the Chickens

The farm here is the real deal. We saw it in action—chickens laying eggs, vegetables sprouting in raised community beds, and berry bushes growing along the trails.

Families are welcome to lend a hand or just enjoy the harvest. Either way, you’ll see kids learning where their food comes from—and probably sneaking a few blueberries along the way.

Homes That Flex With You—Whether You’re Looking for Space for the Kids or Downsizing

During our visit, we heard stories of grandparents building homes close to their kids, families choosing flexible layouts, and even a little girl whose favorite food is tomatoes—grown right in her backyard.

Longview’s homes are designed to grow (or shrink) with your season of life:

Deep porches for rocking chairs, lemonade, and neighborhood chats
Mudrooms with elbow room—perfect for soccer cleats, garden boots, or a wet dog after a creek walk
Flexible guest spaces that welcome visiting grandkids, cousins, or grandparents

Customize an acre with room for fruit trees, or choose a cozier lot closer to neighbors and pickleball courts. Either way, mountain sunsets come standard.

Why Families Love Longview

We saw it firsthand: trails, wildflowers, stunning views, and a real working farm–all minutes from town.

Room to roam: Kids build forts, grandparents walk the trails, and there’s space for everyone to explore
Every day convenience: Groceries, doctors, and dinner spots are all just a few minutes away

Wellness without the hassle: Movement, fresh food, and community come built into daily life
Lake days made easy: Keowee, Hartwell, and Jocassee are all close enough for spontaneous fun

Longview isn’t about escaping everyday life—it’s about living it more fully, right here in the Upstate. Schedule a private tour and see for yourself at LongviewCarolina.com.

Your Kids Can Get Rewards for Good Grades in Greenville, SC

Where can you bring your child to celebrate great grades? In Greenville, SC there are a number of local businesses that will give your kids rewards for good grades.

So, you and your child (and hopefully the teacher) have survived the school year! WAHOO! Now- what else are those awesome grades good for? Lots!

Here are a few places where you can get rewarded for great grades! Be sure to bring your child’s report card with you, just in case.

Here's where you can find rewards for good grades in Greenville, SC

There are a bunch of free things to do near Greenville, SC! Check them out.

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10 Fun Things to Do With Kids In Spartanburg, SC’s Downtown Area

Are you looking for some fun things to do in downtown Spartanburg, SC with kids? We have compiled a list of our favorite places to go in the downtown area of Spartanburg. This list includes local kid-friendly museums, playgrounds, and even free mini-golf.

Fun Things to do with kids in Spartanburg SC downtown

Things to Do With Kids in Downtown Spartanburg include:
Hub City Railroad Museum
Happy Hollow Playground
The Children’s Museum of the Upstate- Spartanburg
Chapman Cultural Center
Sparkle City Mini-Putt: FREE mini golf
Barnet Park
Cleveland Park
Headquarters Library
Mary Black Rail Trail
Hot Spot Skate Park

Looking for more things around Spartanburg? Here’s your ultimate guide to Spartanburg, SC!

(more…)

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Plan Your Donut Trail Route

Amazing Donuts: Greenville SC

Duck Donuts

Farm Fresh Fast

Scout’s Doughnuts

The Mad Batter Bakery and Cafe

Parlour Doughnuts

Watch! We went to Parlour Doughnuts, YUM!

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Splash Pad and Picnic Area

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Find more fun in Spartanburg, SC

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Play Equipment for All Ages at Tyger River Park

Splash Pad at Tyger River Park

Clean bathrooms

A Couple of Considerations for Tyger River Park

Bring sunscreen and water

Supervision may be challenging for children of different ages.

Our Review

Indoor Things to Do in Clemson, SC

Glazed Pottery

Oconee Lanes

The Library

Restaurants with Indoor Playgrounds

Swimming at the Central-Clemson Recreation Center

Sweet Retreat Fun Center

Clemson Arts Center

Duke World of Energy

Central Railway Museum

Bart Garrison Agricultural Museum of South Carolina

Bob Campbell Geology Museum

Bonus: Bowling at the Underground Recreation Center at Clemson University

More Things to Do Near Clemson, SC

Twelve Mile Recreation Area Has One of the Nicest Beaches in the Upstate

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How does Every Kid Outdoors work?

Use Your Pass: National Parks Near You or Make a Trip

Plan a National Park Trip

Keep Your Trip Cheap

Quick Summary: Longview Carolina Offers So Much

From Bluebirds to Brunch in Under 10 Minutes

Trails, Community Spaces, and Adventure