• YMCA May 2024
  • SCCT April 2024
  • CCES May 2024
  • Prisma Health Jan 2024
  • Int'l Ballet April 2024
  • Five Oaks May 2024

Author Archive

Explore an Otherworldly Island near Charleston, SC: Boneyard Beach

Posted on | 1 Comment

There is an island outside of Charleston, SC that is home to Boneyard Beach, an otherworldly driftwood forest right on the ocean. Kristina and her kids explored the island with Coastal Expeditions, who provided us media tickets. Here’s why it should be on your bucket list. 

I had seen photos of Boneyard Beach on Bulls Island, which is part of the Cape Romain Wildlife Refuge in Charleston, SC, but nothing could truly prepare me for the experience of walking through those old and weathered trees strewn across the sandy beach. It was an experience like no other. And because us here at Kidding Around are always looking for incredible experiences to bring to you, our awesome readers, we had to do this one. 

(more…)

Takeoff Mini Golf: Airplane-Themed Mini-Golf Course Now Open in Greenville, SC

Posted on |

Did you know Takeoff Mini-Golf is opening in Greenville, SC? The only aviation-themed miniature golf course in the Upstate is now open next to Runway Park near downtown Greenville. We’ve got all the details.

After a 20-year corporate career, Megan Mishler needed a change, something fun that would allow her time with her two little kids. Her husband, Anthony, has his small plane pilot’s license and after visiting Greenville’s Runway Park, they had their answer: they would open an aviation-themed miniature golf course right next to the park. The dream came true.

Takeoff Mini-golf

For more amazing things to do in Greenville, SC, don’t miss out guide to Things to Do in Upstate, SC.

Takeoff Mini-Golf Course

When Megan and Anthony decided to go with the aviation theme for the mini-golf course, they went all in. Every detail was thoughtfully devised and the experience centers around having fun with your family and friends in a unique and adventurous way.

There are 19 holes (18 plus a bonus!) and each one is a bit longer in length than a standard mini-golf course so you have more space to get those coveted hole-in-ones, or just laugh at how bad you are at mini-golf (ahem, myself).

Takeoff Mini-golf Propeller hole

The lights that dot the course look like actual runway lights, the numbers of each hole look identical to the ones you would see on a runway, there are plane propellers on one of the holes, and the last hole has a real plane beacon that lights up and has a siren if you make a hole-in-one.

The course lights up like a runway at night even and like at next door Runway Park, you can watch small planes land and take off not 200 yards away at the airport.

Kids and Adults Will Love This Place

My kids, ages 11 and 7, loved, loved, loved this place. They had such fun trying out the different holes and watching the golf ball bounce over the humps, through obstacles, and around boulders. They thought the hole where you needed to get the ball into a small water cascade so it could get to the hole was awesome. I mean, I thought it was awesome, too. They loved trying to hit the ball under a big boulder bridge and enjoyed trying to get a hole-in-one on the last, beacon hole.

For the enjoyment of the adults, they have holes that, while tracking with the plane theme, were designed to look like old school games like Plinko and Skee-ball. I freaked out here. Obviously. I love those games! The Plinko one has lights that all light up at night and look like runway lights, and the skeeball one – well, that was hard. I couldn’t get the ball through it where it would come out the other side but I had a blast. I love those thoughtful touches that Megan and Anthony did to make sure every guest, no matter their age, has a great experience.

Takeoff Café

During the hot summer months, you’ll appreciate the 32 flavors plus four house specialties of shaved ice in two sizes: coach and first-class. They also have hot and iced coffee, snacks, ice cream, water, soda, and yogurt drinks available.

Bathrooms are indoors at the café and a shaded pavilion has plenty of seating for guests.

Takeoff Mini-golf shaved ice

Birthday Parties

If you’re already thinking Takeoff Mini Golf would be a great spot to host a birthday party, you’re right. They have three birthday packages available, starting at $250 that comes with 10 passes to play the course plus either a shaved ice or ice cream treat. Two of the packages offer total turnkey service that includes aviation-themed decorations.

One of those packages though is extra special. Included in this birthday package is the opportunity for the birthday child and two guests to take a Discovery Ride in a small plane with Greenville Aviation to see Greenville from the air, taking off and landing right there at the airport. That package includes 10 passes and ice cream treats, a gift for the birthday child, pavilion rental, decorations, and memories to last a lifetime. That fantastic birthday package costs $475.

Takeoff Mini Golf also offers corporate and group events and can be rented in full on Wednesdays.

Take-off mini-golf

Hours and Play Prices

Takeoff Mini-Golf has putters for all ages and balls, which come with your mini-golf ticket. Ticket prices are $11.50/age 13+ and $9.50/age 4-12. Kids 3 and under play for free with golden plastic putters. Expect to spend about an hour and a half playing the course.

Hours are:

Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday – 10 am – 5:30 pm
Friday and Saturday – 10 am – 9 pm
Sunday – 1:30 – 5:30 pm

Takeoff Mini Golf
28 Airport Road Ext, Greenville
864.263.3456


Brewmiceter Hops Hunt: New Mice-Themed Hunt at Local Breweries in Greenville, SC

Posted on |

A brewery take on the popular Mice on Main downtown hunt, Brewmiceter seeks to encourage people to find little dressed-up mice at eight local breweries.

I met Darcy at the Toaster Farmer, a wonderful indoor winter farmers market in Greenville, and was drawn in by her super cute apparel that showcased her love of Greenville. But there were also little mice on the table, which piqued my curiosity  – and as we got talking, I learned all about a brewery take on the popular Mice on Main downtown. It’s called the Brewmiceter Hops Hunt and it’s very much geared towards supporting local businesses while having fun.  

(more…)

Homeschool Skate at Roller Sports in Taylors, SC is the Jam

Posted on |

Homeschool Skate at Roller Sports in Taylors, SC happens every Third Friday of the month September-May and it’s a blast for both parents and kids!

The minute I pulled into the packed parking lot at Roller Sports in Taylors, SC for their Homeschool Skate I knew I had stumbled upon some true homeschool thing in the area. I had to park on the grass in the back of the building. What was so cool about this event? I was about to find out. 

Skating at Roller Sports in Taylors, SC
(more…)

Shop and Make Art at TR Makers Co in Travelers Rest, SC

Posted on | No Comments

Looking for a place to make some art in Travelers Rest, SC? TR Makers Co offers art activities for both children and adults. You can plan a birthday party or girls’ night here, or take advantage of summer sessions, playdates and even homeschool classes.

(more…)

Paddle Through An Enchanted Forest in SC’s Only National Park: Congaree National Park

Posted on | No Comments

If you’re looking for a way to get away from people, enjoy nature, and have an unbelievable experience right here in South Carolina, look no further than kayaking in the state’s only national park near Columbia at Congaree National Park.

This park is new to the free incentive program to get kids exploring the outdoors! Learn all about it in our review of the Kids in Parks Program

(more…)

Want to learn to skateboard? Head for Greer, SC!

Posted on |

Have you ever wondered “Where can I go skateboarding in Greer?”. Maybe you have a kid who wants to learn, but you don’t have the skills to teach them. There’s a skateboard program in Greer, SC that is sure to interest anyone who loves skateboarding in the Upstate!

Skateboarding lessons in Greer, South Carolina

Skateboarding has looked pretty fun to me but since I’ve never had any lessons and don’t want to crack my mom body on purpose, I haven’t ever taken up the sport. But my kids – that’s another story. I have one very athletic little girl who found a skateboard recently and has been practicing. It’s really cute. But she needs lessons and the City of Greer Parks and Recreation Department’s Beginner Skateboarding program may be just the answer.

(more…)

See 350,000 Blossoming Cherry Trees at this Festival in Macon, GA

Posted on |

The International Cherry Blossom Festival returns to Macon, GA this year – under a four-hour drive from Greenville, SC – and promises to be an amazing experience with gorgeous cherry trees, live music, dog-friendly events, and family-friendly activities.

Cherry Blossom tree blooming

One of my favorite things about living in Washington, DC was the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. Thousands of pink and white blooms lined the Tidal Basin near the Jefferson Memorial and it was always so stunning to see. It was like walking through another world. I had no idea there was a much closer Cherry Blossom Festival than traveling all the way to our nation’s capitol and it’s happening during Spring Break! In fact, this festival started after William A. Fickling, Sr. traveled to DC, saw a cherry blossom tree that looked like the one in his backyard, figured out it was a match, and then started to propagate them in Macon, GA. The ones in Washington, DC were a gift from Japan in 1912.

(more…)