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2025 Labor Day Weekend: Huge, Free Hot Air Balloon Festival and Big Concerts in Anderson, SC

7th annual Rising Above Cancer hot air balloon festival and Celebrate Anderson to take place in Anderson, SC over Labor Day Weekend – and it’s free!

There’s certainly something magical about a giant balloon floating peacefully in the vast air, without care and just being beautiful. You can see those and tons more at the Hot Air Affair: Rising Above Cancer Anderson hot air balloon festival on Labor Day Weekend 2025. The festival is only about 40 minutes from Greenville, SC.

Plus, on Sunday evening, Celebrate Anderson is also bringing a huge, FREE concert with Kool & The Gang to the stage, plus fireworks!

These are both happening at the same time, but some things are different, like the kids’ zone areas, so read on.

Celebrate Anderson: Kool & The Gang, Fireworks, and Jeeps

Celebrate Anderson is happening Sunday Night, while Hot Air Affair is going on!

Prize Pack Alert! Find out more, plus enter for a chance to win an awesome prize pack, here!

Important Information – Read This

If you want to go see the balloons and read anything from this story, let it be this: the balloons only fly in the morning and evenings and only when the weather is favorable. If you go at Noon and expect see hot air balloons, you’ll be disappointed. The full schedule is below.

If you read anything about the concerts and remember one thing, let it be this: the concert with Celebrate Anderson is free but you need a ticket, which you can get here.

There is no entry fee for either event, no tickets required for the kids’ zone (except for one activity at the Hot Air Balloon festival), no admission for the live music and all the fun. If you want to get up in the air, you can purchase a hot air balloon ride if the weather is favorable. Keep reading for that info.

About the Hot Air Balloon Festival: Anderson, SC

This festival is the largest hot air balloon festival in the Upstate and more than 30,000 people are expected to attend. It will be held at the Anderson Sports & Entertainment Center and includes three days of family-friendly fun.

Some fun facts about the festival:

30 Hot Air Balloons
50+ Vendors and Crafters
Multiple Food Trucks
Games and Activities for the Kids
Live Music
Celebrate Anderson will have a free Sunday night concert with Kool & The Gang

About the Cancer Association of Anderson

The Cancer Association of Anderson is a very small nonprofit in Anderson that supports local cancer patients. They raise all their funds by themselves so this is an important event to raise awareness for the organization and provide funds for them to do their important work.

They use their funds to lessen the burden on Anderson County residents who are battling cancer by providing financial, physical, and emotional assistance.

I talked to Angie Stringer, who works for the Cancer Association of Anderson and is the event director, about how the festival was conceived. She was a cancer patient herself when she worked for Anderson County about ten years ago and had just come out of chemotherapy feeling beat up and exhausted.

“I went outside and saw a hot air balloon floating in the air. It was then that I came up with the idea of ‘Rising Above Cancer.’”

That was seven years ago and Angie is in remission. She still adores hot air balloons.

Festival Schedule, Hot Air Affair: Rising Above Cancer Event

The festival runs from Friday, August 29th, 2025 to Monday, September 1st, 2025. Here’s the schedule:

Cancer Association of Anderson’s 2025 Hot Air Affair: Rising Above Cancer

Friday, August 29, 2025
5 PM – 9 PM: KidZone, Food & Merchandise Vendors
6 PM – 8 PM: Balloon Flights / Glow / Tethers
7 PM – 9 PM: Live Music

Saturday, August 30, 2025
7 AM – 8:30 AM: Balloon Flights / Tethers
10 AM – 9 PM: KidZone, Food & Merchandise Vendors
4 PM – 7 PM: Live Music
6 PM – 8 PM: Balloon Flights / Glow / Tethers
7 PM – 9 PM: Live Music

Sunday, August 31, 2025
7 AM – 8:30 AM: Balloon Flights / Tethers
10 AM – 5 PM: KidZone, Food & Merchandise Vendors
6 PM – 8 PM: Balloon Flights / Glow / Tethers

Monday, September 1, 2025
7 AM – 8:30 AM: Balloon Flights

In previous years, The Kids Zone at the balloon festival had activities like a free petting zoo with face painting, face painting ($), a trackless train ($5/ticket), the Creation Station that is geared more towards special needs children but open to all kids, the Anderson City Fire Safety House, princesses and superheroes, a dunk tank that will be there during limited hours ($), ball toss, plinko games, cornhole, and other outdoor games. Details about the Kids Zone have not been released for 2025, but we expect something very similar.

There are flights and tethers from 6-8 pm and the balloons do a Glow, which is basically lighting up the balloons from the inside using the propane. It looks so neat!

Guests are welcome to come to the festival up to an hour before the balloons are supposed to take place to see the inflation process. This happens in the field across from where all the vendors are located. There will also be some special ballooning competitions happening.

Food and vendors will be there every day of the event. The full schedule is available on the festival’s website.

About Celebrate Anderson

This festival has been going on for over 26 years and has been a community event to celebrate the city of Anderson.

I took my daughters to see Martina McBride a couple of years ago at the Celebrate Anderson event, and it was fantastic! We all love country music, and I grew up on 90s country, so seeing her was really special.

For 2025, there will be one giant disco on Sunday night with Kool & The Gang! Plus, we are working with Celebrate Anderson to give away an awesome prize pack. Enter here.
Tickets are free, but you have to reserve them online. There are two types of tickets: standing room only where you cannot bring chairs and lawn tickets where chairs are allowed. Gates open both nights at 5:30 pm. And big news: fireworks close out both shows!

Plus, new in 2025, is a full sunday of fun with Jeep Extravaganza during the day from 10 am – 5 pm, with over 300 Jeeps, prizes, and fun. All benefiting the Area 14 Anderson County SC Special Olympics.

William Floyd Amphitheater in Anderson | Photo courtesy of Celebrate Anderson

Information TBD for 2025: The Kids Zone at Celebrate Anderson. It will be held on the grand lawn of the Civic Center and will feature a carousel, rock climbing wall, swings, spinning tubs, choppers, and a rapid slide all provided by TCS Amusements. All of the rides and parking are free!

They will also have multiple food trucks at the concerts, where you can get food and drinks all evening. No outside food or beverage is allowed, and no backpacks or small bags are allowed either. The venue is also cashless.

Booking Your Own Balloon Ride

There will be opportunities, depending on the weather, to ride in a hot air balloon. They are being offered apart from the festival due to insurance, but at the same location.

We do list the pilots that will give rides. It’s around $300/per passenger, and the flights are about an hour. About a dozen pilots will be doing flights, and money is paid directly to them. The Hot Air Affair Facebook usually lists pilots doing flights a couple of weeks before the event. Their contact information is on there.

There will also be tethered rides. Those rides are around $25/person. These rides will happen only in the morning and evening and will be sold at the informational tent for the festival. Additionally, balloons will only fly in the mornings and evenings, depending on the weather, generally between 6-8 am and 6-8 pm.

What It’s Like to Ride in a Hot Air Balloon

Last year, we rode in the Discovery with pilot Derrick, and it was incredible! I am scared of flying normally and was terrified right when we took off and saw the ground get smaller and smaller pretty fast, but once we were floating, it was really peaceful and fun. I felt totally safe, and my kids absolutely loved it.

The weather was so perfect, and we got to see for miles out to the mountains and Lake Hartwell. The thing about balloons is that you can’t steer them, and they go with the wind, which means you won’t be landing where you took off from. Each balloon has its own chaser car that follows the balloon in the air and then goes to retrieve it (and the passengers) when it lands.

So where do the balloons land? Anywhere they can that is safe. We were looking for a flat, grassy area away from powerlines and livestock, and ended up landing in a lady’s yard. She was really nice and let the pilot and his team get the balloon taken down and all packed back up in the giant bag, and we headed back to the festival. It was the coolest thing!

If you want to book your own flight, see this list. You have to contact the pilots directly to arrange flights. Derrick has been flying in a hot air balloon since he was two years old, and his dad runs Carolina Balloon Fantasies out of Easley. You can book a flight with him. This would be an incredible date night or birthday gift!

Tips on Enjoying the Festivals

As always, be prepared ahead for the festival by reading over these few short rules:

Please no outside food or drinks.
Well-behaved pets on leash are welcome, and owners must clean up after them.
Blankets and chairs are welcome at the Hot Air Balloon Festival and only at the concerts if you have a lawn ticket.

The festival will happen rain or shine, but safety always comes first with balloon rides, and they are completely weather dependent. Basically, don’t promise your kids that they’ll be able to ride in a balloon or see them in flight. If bad weather moves in, you’ll only have tantrums to deal with, and well, that’s no fun. Make it a surprise!

Anderson Sports & Entertainment Center
3027 Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard, Anderson, South Carolina
Rising Above Cancer Hot Air Balloon Festival
Celebrate Anderson

Looking for more things to do over Labor Day Weekend? We have a whole list for that!
Celebrate Labor Day near Greenville, SC

Your Wild, Buffalo Adventure Awaits at Greenville County’s Only Bison Ranch

Did you know there’s a ranch in Greenville County with over 35 bison roaming the beautiful foothills? It’s called Big Balls Ranch and you’ll love meeting the bison and the family who runs it! Thanks to BBR for the opportunity to take a tour and learn so much about bison.

Big Balls Ranch has it all: mountain views, bison, the opportunity to get pretty close to these wild creatures, and awesome t-shirts. If you’ve ever wanted to learn about America’s national mammal, this is the place. In fact, it’s the only bison ranch in Greenville County and the largest in South Carolina.

Big Balls Ranch buffalo — Getting close to the bison at Big Balls Ranch

About Big Balls Ranch

BBR was started by Brent and Robin, who bought the land in northern Greenville County to essentially have a family compound. They have two grown daughters and wanted everyone to be near each other.

But then they went to Yellowstone and were fascinated by the bison herds. Brent especially fell in love with the majestic, wild creatures and set out to learn all about them. Like a kid obsessed with trains or LEGOs, Brent soaked up all the knowledge he could about bison and he and his family volunteered on a small ranch in South Carolina to learn firsthand about how to care for the massive animals.

The family had two years under their belt of caring for bison on that ranch before they brought buffalo onto their land. BBR has a thriving herd of 38 bison, including the new herd of five buffalo that was just last month.

Samson buffalo herd — The new buffalo herd

Private tours are a brand new endeavor because the family wants to share their love of bison and help supplement the enormous expense of caring for the herd. Everyone in the family has day jobs but besides being related, they have this common thread of a love of bison and the desire to educate others about the cool animals.

Why Big Balls Ranch?

The name of the ranch certainly elicits a second glance and maybe a raised eyebrow or two. Definitely a laugh. The acronym BBR is actually the initials of Brent and Robin. It’s also a hat tip to Robin’s love of decorating and using all kinds of balls to make things pretty.

Additionally, bison are huge animals, most weighing over a thousand pounds. They can move fast, jump over a six-foot fence, and take out any tourists who try to pet the fluffy cows at national parks. To purposely take up the task of raising bison, caring for them, and getting pretty close to them takes some nerve and heck of a lot of courage and brass. The ranch is aptly named.

Learning about Bison at Big Balls Ranch

I’ve had the pleasure of staying at a bison ranch in North Carolina and learning a bit about these magnificent creatures. But getting a tour from Brent is a whole other level of education.

The man knows bison. He’s like the ChaptGPT of bison. Ask a question and he knows the answer. And he’s going to tell you everything else you didn’t ask because it’s that cool.

buffalo ranch wagon — The wagon ride at Big Balls Ranch

I’m pretty good at remembering information when I go on tours and write stories. But I thought my head was going to explode at the amount of bison knowledge I was thrown in the 20-minute introduction to the farm and the bison herd. We learned all about the history of the bison and how they were nearly driven to extinction during the mid to late 1800s when the animals were desired for their hides. It was only due to the efforts of private citizens who were determined to save the species and therefore created ranches to raise the animals.

In 2016, bison became America’s national mammal. Today, there are just under 400,000 bison on private ranches and about 31,000 on federally managed land and national parks. But bison did roam all across North America at one time. They were especially important to Native American tribes.

Once Brent unloaded a significant amount of bison knowledge on us, we headed out to the pastures to see the animals up close.

Big Balls Ranch Bison Tour

Big Balls Ranch offers two options for private tours: a wagon that can seat up to 12 people and air-conditioned UTVs that seat up to four. We took the open air wagon, which is pulled by a massive tractor, into the pasture with the larger herd. I wasn’t sure how close we were going to get to the bison but I wasn’t disappointed.

Brent told us that bison are curious animals and the herd he has is very docile. It’s not like we were going to be walking amongst the buffalo but Brent did tell us he has worked closely with the herd for years and they know him. One came right up to him to lick his glove and others came pretty close to the wagon, maybe 10 feet away.

We saw lots of the baby bison with their moms, which was adorable. We learned that the cows are pregnant for nine-and-a-half months and the births are usually uneventful. The other cool thing about the herds is that they are a matriarchal society. There is one alpha female yet the only thing Brent didn’t know was how she’s picked by the other herd members. That’s it – he knew everything else.

The male bison that fathered all the babies is appropriately named Big Boy. He’s over two thousand pounds and yes, he was huge. I was wondering if the ranch was named after him (it’s not).

The bison peacefully passed us and continued to graze. It was super cool to see them this close.

The Land at Big Balls Ranch

Seeing the bison is really neat and learning about their history and how the herds operate was truly enjoyable. However, the land has to be mentioned here because it’s just God’s country out there. It’s stunningly beautiful.

The ranch is on more than 100 acres and very close to Table Rock and Jones Gap. In fact, one of the views you’ll see is facing Jones Gap. The mountains surround the pastures and since the tours are in the evenings during the golden hour before sunset, the light that hits the mountain peaks, trees, and bison themselves is breathtaking. As a photographer, I couldn’t take enough photos of this place.

Pasture at bison ranch — Views at the bison ranch

The way that the family moves the herd around to different pastures is sustainable and healthy. They want the bison to graze naturally and have taken an approach to caring for the herd that is as natural as possible. They let the bison roam in large pastures and move them around as needed to let the grass grow again and prevent erosion. The herd is sometimes fed hay but they are mostly grassfed – this is a big reason why the meat the ranch sells is so delicious. You may have seen Big Balls Ranch at some of our local farmers markets since that’s one place they sell the meat.

Honest Mom Review

While having been on a bison ranch before, I had an idea of what to expect at Big Balls Ranch but I was surprised by a lot of the elements. I certainly didn’t expect to learn so much about the animals. And I did not expect to be completely enamoured by the ranch itself and the natural beauty that surrounds it.

My favorite part was getting to see the animals up close. I have a healthy respect for bison and the fact that they are indeed wild, and enormously powerful, animals so it was amazing to see them so close and having Brent there to explain why we are able to get that near to them.

The whole experience of learning about the bison, enjoying the stunning land, and getting to see how one family has chased their dreams was just so cool. And to know that it’s all part of Greenville County was even more amazing.

Booking Your Own Tour

Tours are in the evenings on weekends at Big Balls Ranch and you can easily book them online. Tours last approximately 90 minutes and they are a minimum of $100 for three people (not $100/person but $100 for three people). For each person after the initial three, it is $25 per additional adult and $15/ages 3-12. Under three is free.

While the ranch doesn’t have specific field trips or homeschool days yet, they are open to working with groups to create those kinds of tours so reach out if you’re interested.

Included in the tour is a reel that they will make for you!

You can also purchase Big Balls Ranch t-shirts (imagine all the fun places you can wear that to) and bison meat raised right there at the ranch.

Big Balls Ranch
Cleveland, SC tours@bigballsranchsc.com
Big Balls Ranch Website
Big Balls Ranch Facebook
Big Balls Ranch Instagram

Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such: Apple Cannon, Corn Maze, Apples & More

Have you visited Grandad’s Apples?
Fall is just around the corner, and your family might be hunting for the perfect apple orchard! We checked out Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such and had so much fun. You’ll find activities for kids at Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such, with beautiful views, and, of course, apples.

U-PICK: U-pick is open. Grandad’s asked that you follow their Facebook page for the latest updates.

Hendersonville has a lot of great apple orchards to pick from: Picking Apples in Hendersonville, NC.

For more places to pick apples this fall read our Guide to U-Pick Apple Orchards.

Hendersonville, North Carolina is known for its delicious apples and it’s easy to see why on the drive up to Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such. There are a handful of orchards within a few-mile radius and several farm stands all selling the delicious fruit. On my quest to find the perfect apple orchard experience, I headed on over to Grandad’s, which I heard was pretty awesome.

They didn’t disappoint.

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Birthday Party Fun: No putter, no problem!

Searching for mini golf birthday parties near you? Do you want to have a birthday party at McPherson Park in downtown Greenville at the mini-golf course but don’t have putters or balls? Now you can rent them!

We love ideas for inexpensive birthday parties and McPherson Park has always been on that cheap birthday party list for it’s free mini-golf course. But you did need to provide your own putters and balls if you wanted to have a birthday party there – until now.

mini-golf-party-package- — *Courtesy of the City of Greenville Parks & Rec*

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Play, relax, eat, and have fun at the Embassy Suites Myrtle Beach, SC

For a truly relaxing resort right on the ocean with lots to do for families, couples, or groups of friends, Kingston Resorts in Myrtle Beach is the perfect choice. Once you park your car and check in, you won’t need to go anywhere for entertainment, food, and relaxation!

Thank you to Kingston Resorts for hosting us so we could write this review.

View from our room at the Embassy suites in Myrtle Beach — View from our room at the Embassy suites

Rooms at the Embassy Suites

This hotel is perfect for families especially because every room is spacious and the bedroom is in a separate space from the living area. There are several options for sleeping and they all have a bedroom and a pullout couch in the living space for more sleeping quarters.

There’s a mini-fridge, microwave, table and chairs, a big bathroom, and all the rooms here have big balconies that have full or partial ocean views. We got a partial ocean view that overlooked the pool space. Partial ocean view isn’t accurate – the view of the beach was huge. We could see far down to the pier. It was beautiful!

Included Perks at the Embassy Suites

Having stayed at several Embassy Suites in the past, my kids always remember the breakfast and are thrilled whenever we get the chance to stay at another one of the properties. The breakfast here is amazing. They have so many delicious offerings, both hot and cold, plus made-to-omelets.

We had eggs, bacon, waffles, yogurt, fresh fruit, cereal, grits, and oatmeal. The line was long for the omelets so we didn’t indulge there but they looked good! We had coffee and juice as well and the best part was eating at a table that overlooked the beach. It was beautiful. This is included with your room, which is a big cost savings when you travel. I love the perk of free breakfasts.

Also included every night is the happy hour at the bar area, which includes two alcoholic drinks for adults, mixed non-alcoholic drinks like Shirley Temple’s, and a snack bar with veggies, tortilla chips, dip, and other snacks.

The Pools and Waterpark

When you stay at the Embassy Suites, you have access to all the pools at the property plus the sister Hilton property, which includes a beautiful lagoon pool with a sandy bottom and small waterfall.

The big waterpark at the Embassy Suites is by far the largest area for swimming in freshwater. The main pool is enormous. There are a lot of reclining chairs and umbrellas here but they do get scooped up so if you plan to be at the main pool and waterpark all day, I suggest getting there within the first hour they open, between 8-9am.

The waterpark at the Embassy Suites also has two big waterslides, which are super fun! My daughters and I went down them I don’t know how many times as we tried to go as fast as possible. It was so much fun. Kids must be 48” tall to ride them and will get turned away at the bottom – or top (way worse at this point so parents do your due diligence and measure your kid at the ruler at the bottom) – so be sure to check beforehand.

If the kids are too small for the big waterslides, no worries because there’s a whole other smaller water play area with four slides and a big splashy tub for them to play in. To be sure I explain everything as accurately as I can to our readers, I tested all these little slides and didn’t get stuck, so that was great. I did get massively splashed on and targeted with the water pistols though. Be forewarned!

The outdoor pool at the Embassy Suites are heated so they are open all year. The waterpark is heated as well but open on limited availability.

Cabanas

There are cabanas all around the Hilton and Embassy Suites pools. They all have TVs, comfortable couches, small tables, and reclining chairs. They are private and oh-so-relaxing.

The Embassy Suites was kind enough to give my daughters and I a cabana rental for the day we were there. I had never used one of these before and now I’m completely spoiled. It was really – like really – nice. It was so relaxing to have this space to hang out in, to have reliable shade and chairs and a comfortable area to enjoy throughout the day. When the waterpark got busy and chairs were nowhere to be found, I was really happy to have had this space.

While you can order food from anywhere via your phone and have it delivered to your chair, servers make the rounds to the cabanas often and are there to take your order and get you whatever you need. Food doesn’t come with your cabana rental but there are plenty of options to order for delicious food and drinks. We got the hummus plate, nachos, chicken tenders, and chicken club sandwich. I also indulged in a pina colada-type drink and it was refreshing on that hot day!

The cabanas would also be great for families with smaller kids who need to nap or rest up in between playing at the waterpark.

The cabanas can be reserved when you arrive at the hotel or online ahead of time, which would be ideal for those busier summer weekends and holidays. They vary in price by date and location.

Black Drum Brewing and Currents

Black Drum Brewing is the newest addition to Kingston Resorts. It’s a beautiful restaurant with an incredibly delicious menu featuring Southern cuisine and local craft brews.

We got their huge soft pretzel because I can never refuse such an offering. It was delicious. Dinner was a kids meal of mac & cheese and fruit, Carolina Gold pulled chicken with mac & cheese and fruit, a side of mashed potatoes, and a pepperoni pizza. There are four different BBQ sauces to choose from and you need to choose the blackberry one.

Everything was very good but the chicken and pizza were our favorites. Both were flavorful and the servings were huge. There were three of us and we took back leftovers to our hotel room. The place has cozy but welcoming atmosphere and while the doors weren’t open to the pool area, when they are, you’ll get a beautiful view. There’s also cornhole outside to play while you wait.

When you’re at the main pool at the Embassy Suites, you can order from Black Drum Brewing or Currents. Since we had tried Black Drum the night before, we ended up getting our lunch from Currents, which was also really good! The portions weren’t nearly as large though but the chicken tenders, nachos, and chicken club sandwiches were great. The tenders and sandwich came with a side of fruit, cole slaw, or fries. Expect to pay around $18-$20/person for either of these places.

Beachfront Location

Obviously the big draw of Kingston Resorts is its oceanfront location. You cannot get any closer to the beach than if you were laying in the sand. There are multiple beach access points so you don’t need to lug all your beach gear out of the parking lot and down a half mile boardwalk. It’s so close!

We truly enjoyed our evening beach walk right on the water to the pier. It had been storming all day and the clouds finally parted and we got to enjoy a beautiful night walking along the water and taking fun photos. I loved showing my girls the cool shots you can take under the pier and then just walking the few steps back to the hotel and up to our room. It was a terrific way to end the evening.

Nightime at the beach — Having fun at the beach

If you don’t want to lug your beach equipment out to the sand, you can easily rent beach chairs and umbrellas and make your trip hassle free. The other neat thing about the resort is that the beach in front of the hotel is just for those guests. We were there on a really hot day and there was so much space out on the sand, even with lots of people there. It wasn’t crazy packed, which was really nice. And there are lifeguards stationed throughout the beach as well.

Other Experiences at Kingston Resorts

While we wish we could have stayed longer – we want to go for a week next time! – we could not do everything the resort has to offer. Actually, we probably couldn’t even do everything if we had a week here.

There is a full service spa on site. There’s a huge fitness room with classes you can enjoy while on vacation. There are mermaid experiences, tie dye shirt making, slime fun, and tons of other things to do that look like a lot of fun.

Be sure to browse the Kingston Resort website before booking your trip to make sure you see everything that’s available and don’t miss out on the cool stuff they offer.

Honest Mom Review

This was a quick trip for my daughters and I but it was truly one of our favorites. The hotel makes everything so easy – from dining to entertainment to relaxation. I didn’t have to worry about where were going to eat or what things I had to plan for the trip. It was all just there and waiting for us to enjoy.

And you cannot beat the proximity to the ocean. While I’m a hardliner mountains girl, the endless expanse of the water is exceptionally calming. I loved walking on the beach with my daughters in the evening and the views from the room were spectacular.

Lastly, the location of the resort in North Myrtle Beach is very quiet and calm. You are not in the epicenter of the loud boardwalk and entertainment, which I honestly loved. We did do a quick shopping trip on our way home at the Tanger Outlets, five minutes from the resort, but I could hardly call that loud and crazy.

I was so happy with the entire experience at the resort and hope to come back to do it again!

Kingston Resorts
900 Queensway Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, SC
Kingston Resorts Website | Kingston Resorts Facebook

Travel Guide to Coastal SC: Myrtle Beach

Plan your Myrtle Beach Trip!

Here’s our Family Travel Guide to Myrtle Beach

7+ Tot Times in Greenville, SC for Your Toddler and Preschooler

Searching for ‘tot times near me’? Or maybe ‘toddler times near Greenville, SC? Tot Times are awesome for little ones and their parents – kids get to play during a designated time just for them, whether it’s at a museum, bounce house, or gym. And parents know their kids are safe and enjoying the time to get out energy. We’ve rounded up the best places for Tot Times around Greenville – so pick a few and let your mini-hurricane get out some energy.

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Forget Fast Food Chain Chicken Sandwich Wars. Here’s Where to Get Your Chicken Sandwich Fix in Greenville, SC

Looking for the best fried chicken in Greenville, SC? Think local. I’d much rather spend my time and money at a local restaurant and enjoy a chicken sandwich, knowing that the owners thoughtfully consider their ingredients and that my purchase goes right back into the local economy.

Greenville has a bunch of awesome places to get chicken sandwiches – and our readers told us exactly where to go. So skip the drive-thru and head to one of these local gems.

Complete Restaurant Guide to Greenville, SC

Looking for more spots to dine? Check out The Kidding Around Greenville Ultimate Guide to Restaurants

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20+ Adorable Farms & Petting Zoos: Pet & Play With Animals

Inside: A list of petting zoos and farms near Greenville, SC where kids can play with animals

Would a fun day be an adventure with your family to a farm or petting zoo near Greenville, SC? It’s hard to resist a photo of your child petting or interacting with a cute animal at a farm or petting zoo.

I know what you are thinking, “are there any petting zoos near me?”

Yes! There are quite a few! We’ve pulled together a huge list of petting zoos and farms where you can interact with animals. These farms and petting zoos are located near Greenville, SC, in Western North Carolina, Northern Georgia, as well as in Charlotte, NC, and the Midlands. So wherever you are, find a petting zoo near you, or a farm that makes a great day trip.

Petting zoos and farms in Greenville, SC

Our list includes places open year-round places to pet animals, plus seasonal farms, and mobile and event-based petting zoos. We have tried to make sure these are places that treat their animals kindly and with respect as well. If we missed any, let us know in the comments.

Looking for fall activities to add to your fall bucket list? Read our Fall in Greenville Guide.

Is There a Petting Zoo Near Me?

If you’re wondering “where are farms with animals near me?” the answer is likely somewhere close by. We’ve visited lots and lots of petting zoos and farms and added them to our lists. So yes, you will probably find a petting zoo on this list near you! Use the links below to navigate this list by location.

View Petting Zoos and Farms by Location:
Petting Zoo: Greenville, SC
Petting Zoo: Western North Carolina
Petting Zoo: Midlands
Petting Zoo: Charlotte, NC
Petting Zoo: Northern Georgia
Seasonal Petting Zoos in the Carolinas
Mobile Petting Zoos Serving Upstate, SC

Petting Zoos in Upstate, SC, Near Greenville

Moo Cow Farms

Cuddle with cows at Moo Cow Farms in Simpsonville. Visits are by appointment only and you get a tour of the pasture with the cows and opportunities to cuddle and engage with mom-fed, hand-feed cows, and potentially help feed bottle-fed babies. Totally awesome.

In Simpsonville, SC
Hours: By appointment only; you can find the most up to date availability here.
Admission: $12/person ages 3+ and includes one treat bag. Kids under 3 years old are free.
Animals: miniature cows

Kidding Around Greenville Review of Moo Cow Farms
155 Mosley Rd, Simpsonville | Moo Cow Farms Website

Famoda Farm

Pet and meet bottle-fed babies at Famoda Farm. Visiting this amazingly welcoming farm is FREE. Don’t forget to purchase ice cream from Amazing Grazin’ on-site ice cream or farm-fresh treats and groceries from Grazers when you visit the farm. Spend some time playing at the playground, too.

In Taylors/Tigerville, SC
Hours: Ice Cream: Friday 4pm to 8pm and Saturday 12pm to 8pm (these are the seasonal hours for June through September), Grazers Farm Store: 10 am to 6 pm Wednesday through Friday, Saturday 9 am to 1 pm, and closed Sunday-Tuesday. Hours may change seasonally.
Admission: Farm admission is FREE
Animals: Baby goats and cows, older goats and cows, donkeys, Twinkles the sheep, bunnies

Famoda Farm Kidding Around Review
7410 Mountain View Road, Taylors, SC | Famoda Farm Website

Hidden Pasture Unicorn Farm

If you love unicorns, Hidden Pasture Farm is the perfect place to take your kids. Plan to spend about an hour there. Be sure to check out the pony rides, they are a true memory maker!

In Fountain Inn, SC
Hours: Open only on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 4pm.
Admission: $12/person, 2 and under FREE. Pony rides are $7 and children must be at least 2 years old to ride ponies.
Animals: Unicorns, miniature ponies, rabbits

Kidding Around Greenville Review of Hidden Pasture Farm
245 Little Virginia Road, Fountain Inn | 864.477.9284 | Hidden Pasture Farm Website

OnAgain OffAgain Alpaca Farm

Located in a residential neighborhood in Spartanburg, the owners invite the public to come and check out their alpacas.

In Spartanburg, SC
Hours: Open daily but they ask you to call ahead for a tour. Appointment needed.
Admission: No admission, donations accepted.
Animals: Fluffy alpacas

262 Hollis Drive, Spartanburg | 864.680.9845 | OnAgain OffAgain Alpaca Farm Website

Lucky Acres Farm

An alpaca farm that also has goats and chickens. Gloria, the owner, makes hats, scarves, mittens, and blankets from the alpaca’s fleece and gives great tours on the property.

In Townville, SC
Hours: Visitors are welcome by appointment.
Admission: Free, donations accepted
Animals: alpacas, miniature silky fainting goats, and chickens
Birthday Parties: Yes, they host birthday and other parties with reservations

Kidding Around Greenville Review of Lucky Acres Farm
1024 Milford Road, Townville | 864.903.1856| Lucky Acres Farm Website

Double Blessing Farm

Home of Red Clay Soap, Double Blessing Farm offers events throughout the year where you can visit the farm and the animals, including baby goats! The farm makes goat milk soap, and you can also sign up for field trips, homesteading classes, learn about the dairy, soapmaking, homeschool events, and more.

Red Clay Soap- Double Blessing Farm Website
2310 Tigerville Road, Travelers Rest

Petting Zoos in Western North Carolina

Ellaberry Llama Farm

This isn’t a petting zoo actually. It’s way better! It’s a llama farm on an apple orchard in Hendersonville, NC where you get to interact with llamas, hike with them, and run with them through an obstacle course.

In Hendersonville, NC
Farm tours and hikes are by appointment but follow them on their Facebook page since they’ll post about upcoming hikes/tours.
Admission: Farm tours are $30/person, Orchard Llama Treks are $70/person.
Animals: Llamas

Kidding Around Greenville Review of Ellaberry Llama Farm
4178 Old Clear Creek Rd, Hendersonville, NC | 828.606.3577 | Ellaberry Llama Farm Website

Brackett Town Farms

This adorable farm is beautiful and has lots of great animals you can play with like goats, donkeys, bunnies, and even emus, horses, and cows. And it’s free!

In Nebo, NC (about an hour and 15 minutes from Greenville)
Hours: By appointment only
Admission: free
Animals: goats, horses, cows, donkeys, emus, bunnies, chickens

Kidding Around Review of Brackett Town Farms
555 Brackett Town Road, Nebo, NC | 828.925.1070 | Brackett Town Farms

holding a baby goat at Brackett Town Farms — Pure happiness

WNC Nature Center

The WNC Nature Center not only has wolves, red pandas, lots of reptiles, otters, and several play areas, they also have a cute little petting zoo that’s included with admission.

In Asheville, NC
Hours: Daily 10 am – 4:30 pm, closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Years Day. Admissions closes at 3:30 pm.
Admission: $15-20/adults, $10/kids 3-12
Animals: Sheep, goats, donkeys, chickens

Kidding Around Greenville Review of WNC Nature Center
75 Gashes Creek Rd, Asheville, NC | 828.259.8080 | WNC Nature Center Website

Petting Zoo at WNC Nature Center — WNC Nature Center Petting Area

Carl Sandburg Home & Goat Barn

Perhaps the only place that allows guests to get in the field and barn with the goats to play with them. There is also hiking and touring the house.

In Flat Rock, NC
Hours: The grounds are open from sunrise to sunset and the goat barn and pasture are open daily from 10 am – 4 pm. closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.
Admission: Free to enter the estate and play with the goats.
Animals: Goats and baby goats (Spring 2024) are here!

Kidding Around Greenville Review of Carl Sandburg Home
1800 Little River Rd, Flat Rock, NC | 828.693.4178 | Carl Sandburg Home Website

Biltmore Farm at Antler Hill Village

Located on the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, the farm at Antler Hill Village has lots of animals for kids to touch.

In Asheville, NC
Hours: Farmyard is open daily 11 am – 5 pm, but check the website for changes in seasonal hours.
Admission: Included with admission to the estate (Pricing varies depending on the season. Check their website for current pricing.)
Animals: Goats, baby goats, chickens, sheep, horses, cows, calfs

Kidding Around Greenville Review of Biltmore
One Lodge Street, Asheville, NC | 800.411.3812 | The Biltmore Website

Winchester Creek Farm

A beautiful drive from Greenville through the mountains to Waynesville in Western, NC, this farm has alpacas and lots of miniature animals like horses, cows, and donkeys. You can feed and interact with some of the animals. Read our review here.

In Waynesville, NC
Hours: Tours are by appointment only and last about 45 minutes
Admission: $16/adults, $14/ kids 3-12, kids under 3 FREE
Animals: Alpacas, miniature horses, miniature donkeys, miniature cows, sheep, goats, pigs

Kidding Around Review of Winchester Creek Farm
386 Walker Road, Waynesville, NC l 828.246.9486
Winchester Creek Farm Website

Petting animals at Winchester Creek Farm

Our Tiny Farm

A miniature donkey farm in Western NC where you can pet and cuddle with the donkeys.

In Hendersonville, NC
Hours: By appointment only Wednesday afternoons and Saturdays. Make an appointment by emailing ourtinyfarmnc@gmail.com.
Admission: $10 donation

942 Etowah School Rd, Hendersonville, NC | ourtinyfarmnc@gmail.com

Petting Zoos in the Midlands, SC

We have a whole list of petting zoos and farms in the Midlands on our sister site Kidding Around Columbia. For all the best petting zoos in that area, you’ll want to head there. There are some pretty awesome options!

Petting Zoos Near Columbia, SC

Goat Daddy’s Farm

Pet, feed, and learn about animals at Goat Daddy’s Farm. We would suggest setting aside at least 1 to 2 hours of your day in order to get the full Goat Daddy’s experience! There is so much to see and learn and even some opportunities for hands-on experiences!

In Elgin, SC
The farm is open for private tours and events ONLY (As of August 2024) from 10 am to 7pm 7 days a week.
Admission: Age 2 and under- free, All other ages the tours start at $69+/person. Prices are subject to change.

Kidding Around Review of Goat Daddy’s Farm
144 Tomahawk Trail, Elgin | Goat Daddy’s Farm Website

Petting Zoos in Georgia

North Georgia Zoo & Farm

Home to many exotic animals, the North Georgia Zoo offers several different encounters with the animals for guests. Admission includes a zoo tour and access to the petting zoo but the personal animal encounters are extra fees. Be sure to look at the age requirements if you are going to book an animal encounter.

In Cleveland, GA
Hours: Open year round but only on weekends some months and during the week others. It’s best to check their online calendar.
Admission: $37.99/adults, $35.99/kids 2-11 which includes admission to the Wildlife and Safari Park; petting farm only admission is $8/adults and $6/kids. personal animal encounters range from $12 up to $450/person.
Animals: Reptiles, birds, camels, wolves, zebras, lemurs, goats, water buffalo, alligators, and monkeys.

2912 Paradise Valley Rd, Cleveland, GA | 706.348.7279 | North Georgia Zoo and Farm Website

Chestatee Wildlife Preserve & Zoo

This non-profit takes in rescued animals who have been orphaned, illegally purchased, or abused. They take donations of food as well.

In Dahlonega, GA
Hours: Daily 10 am – 4 pm (last entry is at 2:30 pm)
Admission: $15/adult, $10/kids ages 1-11; $5/bucket of feed for the animals; guests are asked to bring their own hand sanitizer.
Animals: Bears, tigers, panthers, emus, zebras, wolves, donkeys, zedonks, buffalo, and deer.

469 Old Dahlonega Hwy, Dahlonega, GA | 678.300.0019 | Chestatee Wildlife Preserve Website

Petting Zoos Near Charlotte, NC

Check out our list of 5+ Petting Zoos in the Charlotte, NC area.

Lazy 5 Ranch

Just outside of Charlotte, this farm has lots of animals to see and pet, plus it offers wagon rides. Please note they only accept cash.

In Mooresville, NC
Hours: Hours are Monday- Saturday from 9 am – 1 hour before sunset (please arrive by 5 pm) Sunday from Noon – 1 hour before sunset (please arrive by 5 pm).
Admission: $15/adults, $11/ages 2-11; to include the wagon ride and animal feed, tickets are $21/adults, $15/ages 2-11.
Animals: Ducks, cows, sheep, goats, deer, exotic animals

15100 Mooresville Road, Mooresville, NC | 704.663.5100 | Lazy 5 Ranch Website

Seasonal Petting Zoos & Farms

These petting zoos and farms are open on a seasonal basis such as in spring or fall.

Denver Downs

One of the very best farms in the entire Upstate and a fall favorite for so many families in the area due to its award-winning corn maze, fall farm activities kids love, pig races, live entertainment, and a little petting zoo area.

In Anderson, SC
Hours: They are open daily from late September through mid-November for fall family fun; they also host springtime events. You can find specific dates on the Denver Downs website.
Admission: Fall event admission $15/person, Spring event admission $15/person
Animals: Pigs, goats, cows, and baby goats

Kidding Around Greenville Review of Denver Downs
1515 Denver Road, Anderson | 864.515.4554 | Denver Downs Website

Roper Mountain Science Center

The Roper Mountain Science Center is part of the Greenville County School System and has a planetarium, science hall, and Living History Farm. They offer animal encounters with sea creatures during special events!

In Greenville, SC
Hours: Afternoon Explorations program starts on September 12, 2024 and is available on Thursdays and Fridays from 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm *excluding days when RMSC is closed for holidays and Greenville County Schools scheduled breaks.
Hours: Summer Adventure program: June – July 2024. Check the Roper Mountain website for upcoming exhibits!
Admission: $15/adult, $14/child, kids under 3 FREE, RMSC members are free
Animals: Sheep, goats, cows, horses outside and starfish, crabs, stingrays, snakes, butterflies, chinchillas indoors.

Kidding Around Greenville Review of Roper Mountain Science Center
402 Roper Mountain Road, Greenville | 864.355.8900 | Roper Mountain Science Center Website

Petting a snake at Roper Mountain Science Center — Pet a snake at Roper Mountain Science Center

Deer Park Zoo at Tweetsie Railroad

The petting zoo is part of Tweetsie Railroad theme park near Boone, North Carolina.

In Blowing Rock, NC
Hours: Thursday-Monday from 10 am – 6 pm; Extended days and hours from May-October. Be sure to check their calendar for the latest hours of operation. The park is closed for winter, and reopens every April.
Admission: Included with admission to Tweetsie Railroad ($65/adults, $45/kids ages 3-12)
Animals: Goats, llamas, emus, miniature horses, miniature donkeys, and some fluffy sheep called an Olde English Babydoll Southdown Sheep

Kidding Around Greenville Review of Tweetsie Railroad
300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane, Blowing Rock, NC | 800.526.5740 | Deer Park Website

Justus Orchard

The family-run apple orchard is a fantastic fall destination with tons of great activities for kids – and they have a petting zoo with gentle goats and a pond where kids can feed fish (bring quarters!).

In Hendersonville, NC
Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Monday through Sunday. These hours are seasonal starting around July and ending in early November. Check their website before you go.
Admission: Free admission to the orchard. If you want to feed the animals, you can pay for a bucket but it’s free to pet them. The petting zoo is open on weekends but you can see the animals if they are out anytime.
Animals: Goats, donkeys, a pig, fish

Kidding Around Greenville Review
187 Garren Road, Hendersonville, NC | 828.974.1232 | Justus Orchard Website

Stewart Farms

Known for their spring strawberry patches and fall corn maze and hayrides, Stewart Farms also has an area for kids to pet a variety of farm animals.

In Enoree, SC
Hours: See website for dates and times.
Admission: Free admission to the farm and barnyard; additional fees for pumpkins, corn maze, and wagon rides.
Animals: Farmyard animals, goats

Kidding Around Greenville Review of Stewart Farms
6600 SC-92, Enoree | 864.969.7270 | Stewart Farms Website

Sky Top Orchard

The farm animals are part of the larger experience at Sky Top Orchard in Flat Rock, NC, known for their cider donuts and apple picking.

In Flat Rock NC
Hours: Starting in August and running through the Sunday after Thanksgiving, they are open daily from 9 am – 5 pm except for Thanksgiving.
Admission: Free admission; bring change to buy food for the animals.
Animals: Sheep, chickens, goats, peacocks

Kidding Around Greenville Review of Sky Top Orchard
1193 Pinnacle Mountain Rd, Flat Rock, NC | 828.692.7930 | Sky Top Orchard Website

Mobile & Event-Based Petting Zoos

If you’d like to plan an event like a birthday party, scout outing, or office event with animals, these places can either host you or will come to your location.

Zuber Petting Zoo

Based in Campobello, SC, Zuber Petting Zoo is a mobile-petting zoo with goats, pigs, chickens, llamas, cows, and more.
864.316.1302 | Zuber Petting Zoo Website

Safe Haven & Educational Adventures, Inc.

Safe Haven is a permanent sanctuary for exotic wildlife that have either been abandoned, abused, lost their home for some reason. They do educational programs, including birthday parties, and bring their animals to educate and be loved on.
864.246.4425 | Rescue Exotics Website

Critter Keeper

Super popular in the Upstate, the Critter Keeper “brings the jungle” to you for parties and events with reptiles and fluffy critters for kids to enjoy.
864.640.2295 | Critter Keeper Website

Wildlife Geeks

Snakes, squirrels, spiders, lizards are some of the neat animals that consist of the Wildlife Geeks traveling show.
Kidding Around Greenville Review of Wildlife Geeks
843.592.8079 | Wildlife Geeks Website

Herbert and Friends Mobile Petting Zoo

They have bunnies, alpacas, goats, and guinea pigs and bring all the cute animals right to you. They are located in Greenville.
864.346.6991 | Herbert and Friends Mobile Petting Zoo Facebook

Triple Lake Farm

A mobile petting zoo based in Easley, SC. They have miniature cows, goats, donkeys, and offer pony rides.

864.908.8640 | Triple Lake Farm Website

Sam Path Petting Zoo

Located in Northern Georgia, Sam Path Petting Zoo has zebras, monkeys, camels, kangaroos, and all kinds of other animals perfect for a cute party.
706.717.8837 | Sam Path Petting Zoo Website

Jackson Farm: Sprinkle’s Mobile Petting Zoo

Right across the border in Western North Carolina, Jackson Farm will bring the zoo to you with their mobile petting zoo full of sweet animals like goats, unicorns, and bunnies.
828.273.9586 | Jackson Farm Sprinkle’s Mobile Petting Zoo Facebook

Which is your favorite petting zoo?

Baby Animals at petting zoos and farms in Greenville, SC

So Cute & Snuggly!
10 Places to See Cute Baby Animals Near Greenville, SC

Find more great things to do outside with these 34 Things to Do Outdoors Near Greenville, SC.

Looking for your next day trip? Here’s your Ultimate Guide to Day Trips Near Greenville, SC.

Pristine Island, a Splash Park, & Cabins: Lake Hartwell at Big Water Marina

Inside: A real mom review of Big Water Marina on Lake Hartwell.

Have you been to Big Water Marina?
Lake Hartwell is home to this combination aqua park, campground, restaurant, and watersport hub! It is just an hour from Greenville, SC, and has tons of family-friendly entertainment, food, water options, and even beautiful cabins. So stay for a day, a weekend, or a week! Media tickets were provided to Splash Island for this review.

I came to the Big Water Marina at Lake Hartwell for Splash Island but stayed for the relaxing island vibe and really wish I could have ended our day watching the sunset from the restaurant, J.R. Cash’s, but had to get back home – which, thankfully, was only an hour drive back to Greenville. There are some pretty intense Margaritaville vibes happening here, which truly will leave you relaxed and happy and wanting to return.

It’s not just the amazing Splash Island waterpark with a floating obstacle course that shines here. It’s the tiny cabins, the delicious cuisine at the restaurant, the hammocks on the beach, the chill pirate ship playground right next to the restaurant, and the staff that make this place so cool. I’m here to tell you all about it.

Giant aqua park at Splash Island in Anderson, South Carolina

About the Big Water Marina: Lake Hartwell

The family-friendly atmosphere is immediately apparent at the marina and campground and once I met one of the owners, Trey Boggs, a fifth-generation Anderson, SC resident, who has three daughters of his own, it was easy to figure out why. He spoke my language immediately as he explained how his kids just love the aqua park so much and get so worn out while the parents chill on the beach in the sand – or join in on the fun if they want.

“If the kids aren’t having fun, they are going to whine about leaving, and parents won’t have any fun either,” Trey said.

Isn’t that the truth? There’s no danger of that happening at the Big Water Marin,a thankfully. Trey and his brother bought the marina back in 2017 and gradually added more acreage as time went on so that today, the marina is now about 200 acres in total and an island unto itself with multiple RV slots, boat slips, Splash Island, a restaurant, and shop.

Kristina riding a hydrobike — Hydrobiking

Splash Island Waterpark

Splash Island is an interlocking floating obstacle course on Lake Hartwell at the Big Water Marina. Wibit is a German company that manufactures the actual parts of the obstacle course and they are moveable to create new routes or add onto existing obstacles. This is the second Wibit course I’ve run (well, tried to run, more like slipped around) and it’s so much fun!

The course as they have it set up now is more than 80 feet long and is in deep enough water where you can safely jump off the highest obstacles and into the nice, warm water. They have monkey bars and running obstacles similar to the show, Wipeout, which I love to watch and laugh at all the people falling into the water. Now that I’ve done it myself, people are laughing at me falling into the water after failing to make it across some obstacle.

Splash Island aqua park — About to wipeout

My kids had such a blast and time just flew by. We were on the course for about two hours but it didn’t even feel that long except that we were completely and utterly exhausted. That thing is a major workout! Kids need to be 46 inches tall to do it by themselves. Kids under that height can still do it but they will need to have a parent or guardian with them on the course.

There was always a staff member on the course paying close attention to the kids – and adults – running it and just making sure everyone was safe. You have to wear lifejackets to do the course as well, which are provided. Tickets are $15/hour or $25/two hours. Splash Island is opening the weekend of May 18th, 2025 for the season.

The Beach & Other Water Rentals

There’s a good size beach with sand at Big Water Marina in front of Splash Island. And they have chairs and hammocks and strung lights and picnic tables and I never wanted to leave. It was so relaxing. You don’t need to be doing the water obstacle course in order to use the beach and there is no charge to park or to be admitted to the sandy space on the lake. Pets can be there but they must be leashed and owners must clean up after them.

Big Water Marina at Lake Hartwell also rents paddleboards, kayaks, hydrobikes, and pontoon boats. I didn’t know what a hydrobike was and the good people at the marina let me try one. They are fun! You basically just work it like you’re riding a bike, super easy but also a little tiring. You have to wear a lifejacket and kids ages 8+ who can reach the pedals can ride one. They are $25/hour but also are available for day and weekly rentals.

If a hydrobike isn’t up your alley, give a paddleboard or a kayak a try. I personally love paddleboarding and find it to be an excellent water activity.

Pontoon boat rentals, which can fit up to 13 people, start at $350 for a half day (four hours). You can rent by half day, full day, sunset cruise, or a weekly rental.

Tiny Cabins

I have a thing for tiny houses. My dream is to live in one somewhere in the woods and read all the books I want. But until I can do that, I’m always on the hunt for awesome tiny cabins to stay in and I’ve finally found the perfect – and I mean, perfect – one at the Big Water Marina campground.

I got a tour of a one bedroom tiny cabin with a double loft (so a loft on both sides of the house), full kitchen, living area, bathroom, and porch and I want it so bad. I wanted to take that little cabin with me to my non-existent plot of land in a forest somewhere. It was so cute and beautiful and decorated with a rustic minimalism. There are ladders that lead to each loft that kids would just love and the master bedroom was gorgeous. They face west so you’ll get to enjoy a glass of wine on the porch and watch a stunning sunset. Trey tells me the sunsets there rival those of Key West. I’m gonna need to test that out.

Inside of a tiny cabin at Big Water Marina in Anderson, South Carolina

There are one bedroom and two bedroom cabins. The one bedroom ones can fit a family of six and the two bedroom cabins can fit up to seven people. Cabins can generally fit between four and seven people comfortably. If a weekend getaway is on your mind or a quick summer family trip, this is the place. You’re saving on gas, you have the water and beach for activities, a restaurant to eat at or a kitchen in your cabin to cook in, and Splash Island to wear the kids out at. Prices vary for the different cabins and seasons.

J.R. Cash’s Grill & Bar

The restaurant on site at the marina, J.R. Cash’s Grill & Bar, has some Margaritaville vibes going on, complete with open air dining overlooking the lake, teal chairs, and strung lights. The food is upscale bar food with burgers, fish platters, chicken tenders, and shrimp, plus a creative cocktail menu.

On the suggestion of one of the staff members down at Splash Island, we got an order of the Chicken Tenders and oh my gosh, these chicken tenders were the most tender, flavorful and light chicken tenders I’ve ever had. The honey mustard sauce was really good as well. I may have to go back to this place just for these chicken tenders. We also tried a burger, which was super tasty. But oh, those chicken tenders.

Besides the chicken tenders at J.R. Cash’s, the pirate ship playground really made this place stand out. There is a legit pirate ship that has slides, swinging rings, rope ladders, and even a covered bow. So cool. My kids really loved this and once again, Big Water Marina proved they know what parents want when going out to dinner – a place for the kids to play and them to enjoy their drinks and food. The play area also had a hammock and tire swing for the bigger kids.

Honest Mom Review of Big Water Marina

I’ve been to a lot of neat places in our area but really, really loved this one for a few reasons. I felt that the owners thoughtfully took into consideration the needs of families to have quality time together in a fun and safe environment without having to even leave if they were staying at the campground. Everything they need is right there and it’s set up for maximum enjoyment. I was also so impressed by the staff members. They were attentive and kind and interacted with my kids and were just cool people. You could tell they liked being there.

Play wooden pirate ship — Pirate Ship Playground

I think the biggest shocker for me was that this place was only an hour away from Greenville. An hour! This is easily a day trip or a weekend trip if I can snag one of those tiny homes. I can’t wait to see what Trey and his family does next at the Big Water Marina.

Tips on Visiting the Big Water Marina: Lake Hartwell

There are a few important things to note if you want to visit the marina and Splash Island.

Aeriel view of Big Water Marina — Aerial photo provided by Big Water Marina

Splash Island is open Friday-Sunday until Memorial Day Weekend and then Thursday-Sunday during the summer so don’t go on Monday and expect to achieve all your Wipeout dreams. Check the schedule before you go. They are open 10 am – 6 pm. The management has been turned over since we went so the experience may be a little different.
Purchase your tickets online to ensure your spot at Splash Island. They do take walk-ins as well. The cost for an hour is $15 and for two hours is $25.
Height and age restrictions: You have have to be 7 or older OR at least 42″ tall.
J.R. Cash’s restaurant is open Thursday-Sunday. We went to Splash Island first and then to eat and it worked out great since we were so hungry after doing the floating obstacle course.
You can bring chairs, tents, and coolers to the beach. There’s no admission or parking charge.
Bring water and a change of clothes. I hate driving around in a wet bathing suit and it’s hot so you really need to make sure you’re hydrated.
Restrooms and showers are available near the restaurant for the public to use.

Are you planning to visit Big Water Marina?

Big Water Marina & Campground Website
320 Big Water Road, Starr, SC
864.226.3339

Aqua parks in South Carolina and Georgia

Check out our list of 6 aqua parks and floating obstacle courses in SC and GA!

Check out Big Water Marina, a pristine island that has a splash park and cabins on Lake Hartwell!

Kid Venture 2.0 in Anderson, SC is Full of Playful Structures and a Splash Pad!

Have you been to Kid Venture 2.0, the Anderson splash pad, and the playground yet? We are here to tell you all about it because you are going to really love it!

The Splash Pad

Let’s just start there because that’s why you’re reading this story, isn’t it? The splash pad is open starting May 24, 2025, and runs through early August, daily from 9 am – 8 pm. Then only Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, plus Labor Day.

The design of the entire playground is so playful and fun, including the splash pad. There is water that comes out from the ground as well as drops from above in structures that are tall and colorful. There isn’t much shade yet at the splash pad but the county will be planting trees along the benches to help remedy that challenge. They couldn’t do it in the heat of summer or the trees would die.

The entire splash pad is fenced in and sits right next to the path along the pond where the ducks and geese are.

The Playground

The whole playground is ADA-accessible and part of the playground is also sensory-friendly. Glenn Brill, the Director of the Parks, Recreation & Tourism Division for Anderson County, told me this playground is meant to be for everyone. His enthusiasm was contagious and I could easily see how excited he is for the playground and splash pad to open to the public.

There is an adorable little market area for little kids with a fire truck for them to drive, tunnels to climb through, and an imitation farmers market. It is so cute and they call it the Lil Village. Aw!

The sensory-friendly area is just beyond that part with cozy nooks to sit inside.

Part of the original playground from Kid Venture is still there and it includes some of the swing and bigger slides and walkways. There’s also a spinning area called Swingin & Blues with little seats that spin, a mushroom spinning wheel kids can hang onto, and a wheelchair-accessible ground level spinning covered seat Merry Go Round. My kids loved this one.

There are beautiful shaded areas with benches throughout the playground and the ground is quite soft.

The Bathrooms

The bathrooms are large and beautiful and heavy duty. Glenn told me they double as a storm shelter and can sustain winds up to 120 mph. You didn’t know a bathroom could do that, did you? Don’t feel bad, neither did I.

The bathrooms are on automatic locks and are open 8 am – 8 pm and are right inside the playground next to the splash pad for easy access.

The Picnic Shelter

There’s a nice, big shaded picnic area at Kid Venture but the county isn’t renting it out – it’s first come, first served. So if you want to have a birthday party there for your kid (which would be pretty cool), just get there early and set up. There’s no charge for having a party there or any other gathering.

Visiting Kid Venture 2.0

Kid Venture 2.0 has a lot going for it and as a parent, the two things I noticed straight away that I thought were so key was that the entire playground is fenced in and that there are plenty of shaded areas for sitting. And the shade isn’t just some canopy. Nope. They are gorgeous butterflies and flowers, so eye-catching and pretty and useful! If you’ve been to Dollywood, these look very similar to the shade structures they have there.

The playground is open daily for play, bathrooms open from 8 am – 8 pm. The splash pad is open daily starting Memorial Day, 9 am – 8 pm.

There is no fee for the playground or splash pad. The county has installed cameras throughout the park for security as well.

I brought my kids, ages 11 and 7, to both the playground and splash pad, and they loved it. I’d say the best ages are toddlers through middle school, maybe a bit younger. Kid Venture 2.0 is such a great addition to Anderson County and I think the community will truly love this place.

Kid Venture
7 Jim Ed, Rice Circle, Anderson
864.260.4800
Kid Venture Facebook page

parks and playgrounds spartanburg greenville

Looking for more parks and playgrounds near Greenville, SC? Here’s your ultimate guide to all the parks and playgrounds in the Upstate.

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Important Information – Read This

About the Hot Air Balloon Festival: Anderson, SC

About the Cancer Association of Anderson

Festival Schedule, Hot Air Affair: Rising Above Cancer Event

About Celebrate Anderson

Booking Your Own Balloon Ride

What It’s Like to Ride in a Hot Air Balloon

Tips on Enjoying the Festivals

About Big Balls Ranch

Why Big Balls Ranch?

Learning about Bison at Big Balls Ranch

Big Balls Ranch Bison Tour

The Land at Big Balls Ranch

Honest Mom Review

Booking Your Own Tour

Rooms at the Embassy Suites

Included Perks at the Embassy Suites

The Pools and Waterpark

Cabanas

Black Drum Brewing and Currents

Beachfront Location

Other Experiences at Kingston Resorts

Honest Mom Review

Is There a Petting Zoo Near Me?

Petting Zoos in Upstate, SC, Near Greenville

Moo Cow Farms

Famoda Farm

Hidden Pasture Unicorn Farm

OnAgain OffAgain Alpaca Farm

Lucky Acres Farm

Double Blessing Farm

Petting Zoos in Western North Carolina

Ellaberry Llama Farm

Brackett Town Farms

WNC Nature Center

Carl Sandburg Home & Goat Barn

Biltmore Farm at Antler Hill Village

Winchester Creek Farm

Our Tiny Farm

Petting Zoos in the Midlands, SC

Goat Daddy’s Farm

Petting Zoos in Georgia

North Georgia Zoo & Farm

Chestatee Wildlife Preserve & Zoo

Petting Zoos Near Charlotte, NC

Lazy 5 Ranch

Seasonal Petting Zoos & Farms

Denver Downs

Roper Mountain Science Center

Deer Park Zoo at Tweetsie Railroad

Justus Orchard

Stewart Farms

Sky Top Orchard

Mobile & Event-Based Petting Zoos

Zuber Petting Zoo

Safe Haven & Educational Adventures, Inc.

Critter Keeper

Wildlife Geeks

Herbert and Friends Mobile Petting Zoo

Triple Lake Farm

Sam Path Petting Zoo

Jackson Farm: Sprinkle’s Mobile Petting Zoo

About the Big Water Marina: Lake Hartwell

Splash Island Waterpark

The Beach & Other Water Rentals

Tiny Cabins

J.R. Cash’s Grill & Bar

Honest Mom Review of Big Water Marina

Tips on Visiting the Big Water Marina: Lake Hartwell

Are you planning to visit Big Water Marina?

The Splash Pad

The Playground

The Bathrooms

The Picnic Shelter

Visiting Kid Venture 2.0

Greenville Guides

Family Fun in Greenville, SC