Author Archive

Buffalo Creek Vacations: Sleep in a Caboose Where the Buffalo Roam in NC

Posted on by Kristina Hernandez |

Buffalo still roam in this country, and while most of them are out West, there are herds at Buffalo Creek Vacations in Clyde, NC. Less than two hours from Greenville, SC, this vacation destination is close to so much fun, and the property is pretty awesome all by itself. We stayed in a caboose on this beautiful property and have all the details!

Buffalo Creek Vacations in Clyde, North Carolina

Thank you to Buffalo Creek Vacations for inviting us to stay on their property. 

Buffalo Creek Vacations is in Clyde, North Carolina, about an hour and 45 minutes from the Upstate. It’s right in the middle of so many fantastic places in Western North Carolina, like the Biltmore in Asheville, the adorable town of Waynesville, and some of the best hiking trails in the state. But Buffalo Creek has its own claim to fame because they have an entire buffalo herd roaming the property. 

These are the very same American Bison that roam out West and were once nearly extinct. As guests of Buffalo Creek, you can watch them feed and just enjoy them doing their buffalo thing while roaming around the private farm. And you can do it all while staying in a decommissioned caboose or a luxury log cabin. We stayed in the caboose, and it was super cool and something that a kid (or grownup) who loves trains will go nuts over if they get the chance to stay here. 

About Buffalo Creek Vacations 

Harold Clackett was a UPS driver on Long Island, New York when he decided he wanted to get out of the rat race and find someplace beautiful to retire with his wife, Harriet. He had a love of all things America so he decided he would raise bison. In 1994, Harold built a log cabin in Clyde with views of the Great Smoky Mountains and worked on that big bison dream of his.

A decade later, the 40 acres behind Harold and Harriet’s log cabin and bison ranch went up for sale. The Clackett kids – five boys and one girl – and their spouses decided they wanted to expand their dad’s dream and create a vacation rental business to go with the bison ranch. So they bought the land and built beautiful cabins on it. 

Harold is also a train enthusiast. He had lots of model trains in his basement and just loved tinkering with them. So in 2016, the Clackett family bought a decommissioned caboose, shipped it all the way to the mountains, renovated it, and started renting it out. Then came another caboose, and Buffalo Creek Vacations made a national list of the Top 10 coolest places to stay in the country. High-five! 

They have three cabooses for rent and are currently renovating others.

Stay in a Caboose 

I love staying in unique rentals, and the decommissioned caboose was no exception. This was a really cool experience. 

The caboose rental we stayed in, the Gray Caboose, was part of the Seaboard Coast Line, which operated all along the Eastern Seaboard starting in 1967. I’m fascinated with all things history and loved the story behind the cabooses on the property. 

Caboose rental at Buffalo Creek Vacations

The caboose is quite large, and Buffalo Creek did a pretty amazing job renovating it. It has a full kitchen, bathroom, living room, two televisions, a bedroom with a queen bed, and a loft with another queen bed. The couch folds out to a twin sleeper, so in all, the caboose can sleep five people. There is also free Wi-Fi.

Also, the windows look out on the pasture where the buffalo roam so you can see them right from the caboose! All of the accommodations at Buffalo Creek are pet-friendly. 

Enjoy the BC Depot 

The BC Depot is right next to the cabooses and houses the game room, the huge model train room, the little shop, and laundry area. 

My kids absolutely loved the game room and one didn’t want to leave. Ever. 

Game room at Buffalo Creek Vacations

Buffalo Creek has a ping pong table, foosball, a mostly enclosed area with lots of toys for smaller kids, a chess/checker table, and air hockey. You can also hang out there and watch a DVD or take one back to your caboose to watch later. They’ve also got a pet turtle, plus coffee and all kinds of books and information about the area to peruse. 

The little shop features buffalo-themed goodies like aprons, stuffed animals, socks, shirts, and keychains. Cheryl, one of the owners and the only daughter of Harriet and Harold, will likely be there and is so friendly and helpful. If you have any questions at all, she will know the answer! 

Explore the Buffalo Ranch

Buffalo Creek Vacations is really unique and fun because they are situated on a buffalo ranch, and I find these creatures pretty fascinating. They literally roam the property (with fences) and you can see them hanging out and chilling and doing whatever it is that buffalos enjoy doing. 

At 9:30 every morning, the family feeds the buffalo, and guests are invited to watch. Let me tell you, this was entertaining. Feeding the buffalo herd, which consists of more than 35 heads, is quite the task. They get special pellets once a day and graze the rest of the day in the pastures. To feed the buffalo, Harold, 78, drives the tractor while his wife, Harriet, also 78, and a cousin of the family, Dennis, sits on the front end with the buckets of pellets and dumps them into the troughs. 

Buffalo feeding time at Buffalo Creek Vacations

Buffalo, which is the nickname of bison, are not typically nice creatures. They are part of the Bovidae family, which consists of cattle and antelope. While they seem like fluffy cows, they can run up to 30 miles per hour and jump straight up six feet. Plus, they weigh up to 2,000 pounds and have sharp horns. They can easily run you over and cause serious damage, which is why warnings to stay away from buffalo are all over national parks where they roam. These are the same animals at Buffalo Creek so definitely follow all the signs, and don’t think you can go cuddle with these wild mammals. 

Now, back to the feeding of the buffalo by the coolest grandparents I think I’ve met, aside from my own. These two septuagenarians on the tractor feed the buffalo every morning, and they do it fast and efficiently. If I manage to live to be 78 years old, I hope I can be as fearless and adventurous as these two.

 

Buffalo in pens

Jeff, Cheryl’s husband, told me all kinds of cool buffalo facts while we watched Harold and Harriet feed the herd and held a new baby goat (best day ever honestly). Buffalo are pregnant for about nine months and they rut for a couple months in the late summer and give birth in late spring/early summer. Baby buffalo weigh around 60-70 pounds and put on weight quickly. Their hides are a tan color and then turn brown as they grow older. The hides feel rough and are fuller during the winter. When summer rolls around, the buffalo will rub against trees to shed some of that coarse fur to stay cooler. 

There are also mini-horses, llamas, alpacas, goats, rabbits, donkeys, and horses at Buffalo Creek Vacations. They shear the alpacas and llamas once a year for their fluffy fur, and the goats make baby goats, which make a lot of people happy. The donkey is one of the guard animals, and we got to hear him hee-haw a bunch of times. They are louder than you think! 

See Model Trains at Agapeland

Harold Clackett is a train enthusiast, and over his lifetime has collected a significant number of model trains, which he kept in his basement. When they built the BC Depot, they added a special room for the Smoky Mountain Model Railroaders Club, which is like walking into another world of tiny people, landscapes, and trains. 

The model train room is part of the ranch, but requires a separate fee to enter and explore. It’s $10 for adults and $8 for kids and seniors. Guests get a reduced rate. 

Train room at Buffalo Creek Vacations

The room, called Agapeland, currently has nine working trains, and I’m guessing about eight or nine separate little worlds: a carnival, a 50s diner, a little town, a mining village, a castle, and several others. I lost count. I was so overwhelmed walking into that room and was amazed at what this model train world consisted of. I’d definitely recommend a stop at Agapeland while you visit. Plus, this is a great stop if you’re in the area. Totally worth it, plus you can see the buffalo.

Birthday Parties, Field Trips, and Day Passes

If you want to host a birthday party at Buffalo Creek Vacations, that’s an option. They have a lot of space in the BC Depot and offer opportunities for kids to interact with the animals and see the buffalo. 

In addition, field trips are also offered at the ranch. There’s a lot to see and learn about farming and animals. 

If you’re in the area or want to make a day trip to Buffalo Creek Vacations, they offer a Day-Cation Pass. The pass allows you to watch the daily bison feeding, check out the model trains, do a mini-horse ride, visit the playground and game room, and see all the animals. You also get a free souvenir cup of animal feed to give the goats some treats. The day pass is good from 9 am – noon and costs $45 per adult and $38 per child ages 3-17. Be sure to make a reservation ahead of time.

Enjoy the Playground

The BC Coral is the big playground at Buffalo Creek. It’s an old-school one with wooden bridges, monkey bars, a climbing ball, see-saw, and little zip line. My kids loved it. 

Kids playing at a playground

To get to it, you actually have to hike one of the trails, which was definitely fun. It’s uphill on the way there and only takes about 10 minutes from the cabooses and BC Depot. We went before the bison feeding so didn’t have a lot of time. My kids would have definitely stayed longer if I had let them! 

Stay in a Luxury Cabin at Buffalo Creek Vacation Rentals

We didn’t stay in one of the luxury cabins at Buffalo Creek Vacations, so I can’t speak directly to those accommodations, but we did walk by a couple and they look beautiful. The family built nearly all of the cabins, and every luxury cabin is pet-friendly and includes pool tables, Wi-Fi, a private fire ring, and a hot tub. 

The cabins sleep anywhere from two to 14 people, so this is an awesome place for a family trip, couples retreat, or even a family reunion or wedding party. 

And if you want a massage, they actually have a masseuse that will come to the property and give you a massage right in the cabin. Heaven.

Find Things to Do Nearby

Buffalo Creek Vacations is in such an ideal location that it’s hard to pick one or two things nearby to focus on if you want to do some day tripping. So I’m just going to tell you a bunch of things and you can choose!

Hiking and Outdoor Fun

Max Patch 
This is one of the best spots I’ve ever been to with its 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains. It’s about 45 minutes from Buffalo Creek and the road is really bumpy up there, but it’s only about 1.5 miles round trip to get to the bald and…wow. Go for sunrise. 

Waterrock Knob
About 35 minutes away, you can get to the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Waterrock Knob. The hike to the Waterrock Knob summit is short but steep and has sweeping views of the mountains. Be sure to check out the Visitors Center as it has some cool information about the area.

Midnight Hole
This beautiful emerald lagoon is such a nice spot to visit during the summer when you can take a dip in the cold water. Hike a little further up to Mouse Creek Falls for even more beauty. Get there early as the trail is super popular. It’s about a 45-minute drive from Buffalo Creek. 

Cataloochee Ski Area 
This ski attraction is only 20 minutes from Buffalo Creek in Maggie Valley. You can go skiing, snowboarding, and tubing here during the winter. 

Lake Junaluska
I have yet to explore this lake, but it’s on my list. Lake Junaluska is less than 15 minutes from Buffalo Creek, and you can rent kayaks or paddleboards, take a boat tour, walk the trail around the lake, or visit the gardens.

Whitewater Rafting 
A short 40-minute drive will get you to Smoky Mountain Outdoors where you can choose one of two whitewater rafting routes. They offer a less intense ride for younger kids or a more wild one for older kids. 

Kids and adults Whitewater rafting in the Smokies

Towns to Visit

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
These two towns are only about an hour and 15 minutes away, which is so perfect because you can enjoy all the cool things to do there and then go back to Buffalo Creek for some rest and relaxation. 

Waynesville 
This town has a quaint little downtown where you can shop, eat, and explore. 

Cherokee
Less than an hour away, Cherokee has all kinds of neat things to do with your family, from the Museum of the Cherokee Indian to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center where you can see the elk and tour the village. 

The Biltmore in Asheville 
The Biltmore is a half hour away and is an easy day trip. There are gardens to explore, trails to walk, the house to tour, wine to taste, and ice cream to eat at the creamery. 

Kidding Around WNC: things to do in Western North Carolina towns

If you need more to do, don’t miss our huge guide, Kidding Around WNC.

Buffalo Creek Vacations Review

I thought the caboose rental was super cool, and my kids loved the loft, game room, and playground. Learning about the buffalo was certainly a highlight and having that unique experience was pretty amazing. 

We also got to cuddle with a baby goat and anyone who reads my stories knows that baby goats make me ridiculously happy, so that’s a plus. 

I thought the family who runs Buffalo Creek Vacations was just so down-to-earth, welcoming, and happy to answer all my questions. They have been in the hospitality business for about 19 years and have worked extremely hard to make the farm and the experience of the guests all top-notch. 

A buffalo grazes outside a caboose rental at Buffalo Creek Vacations

And really, you cannot beat the location. There are so many things to do, not only on the property but within an hour drive, that you cannot be bored. 

Also, the communication from Buffalo Creek Vacations was excellent. I got emails before I was set to go with relevant information. The phone numbers of Cheryl and the other family members on the property are displayed in the caboose and on the front of the shop window. If you need anything at all, the family is easily accessible. 

While I’m not a train enthusiast, I still really enjoyed the stay, especially the model trains at Agapeland. If you are a train enthusiast, oh my gosh, you won’t want to leave this place! 

Book with Buffalo Creek Vacations

You can find Buffalo Creek Vacations on AirBnB and VRBO, but you can also book direct and save a lot on fees. 

Rates depend upon season and weekend/weekdays and are available on their website. 

For Kidding Around readers, Buffalo Creek Vacations is offering 5% off their rate when you enter promo code KIDGVL.

Buffalo Creek Vacations
13 Caboose Way, Clyde, NC
828-550-0960

10 Places to See Cute Baby Animals Near Greenville, SC

Posted on by Kristina Hernandez |

Raise your hand if you love baby animals. We sure do! And there are lots of great places in Greenville, SC to see them. Some places even let you cuddle with the babies. Here are 10 local places to see adorable baby animals and a whole lot more!

Baby goats sleeping together

See Baby Animals Near Greenville, SC

Want to see even more animals? Check out our big petting zoo list.

Springtime means baby animals, and if you’re looking to enjoy all the extra cuteness of baby animals, this list is for you.

Split Creek Farm

Split Creek Farm has lots of baby goats in the spring along with self-guided educational tours and tastings of their award-winning cheese and fudge. Don’t miss their Spring Means Babies festival, which usually happens in late April.

Winchester Creek Farm

This farm has mini-horses, sheep, pigs, mini-cows, and alpacas. They even have baby alpacas and baby goats. How can life possibly get any better than that? They’re located in Waynesville, NC.

Famoda Farms

Head to Famoda Farms in Taylors, SC to get ice cream and visit with baby goats and cows. It’s so fun! Read our Famoda Farms review.

Calf drinking milk from bottle

Bethel Trails Farm

This farm in Gray Court, SC hosts local vendors throughout the year on certain Saturdays. See their Facebook page to learn when. In the spring, they’ve got lots of baby animals to see, like piglets, lambs, and baby goats. Awww!

Piglets nursing a mama pig

Carl Sandburg Estate

You can play with the goats at the estate for free, and some years they have baby goats in the spring. The Carl Sandburg Estate also has hiking trails, a fish pond, and so much more.

Hidden Pastures Farm

While primarily known as a unicorn farm, Hidden Pastures in Fountain Inn also has baby bunnies, goats, and chicks. You can find their schedule, current hours, and prices on their website.

Whispering Pines

This farm in Seneca has family farm days where they shear sheep, let the kids play with baby sheep and goats, and give tours. They also have opportunities for volunteering with baby goats in the spring. The Whispering Pines Facebook page is the best place to get updated info on events.

Feeding a cow at Moo Cow Farms
Moo Cow Farms

Moo Cow Farms

This cow-cuddling farm in Simpsonville is a lot of fun to visit, but you need to plan your trips months in advance since slots fill up fast. Check their website to see when they’re expecting baby cows.

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.

Biltmore

There’s a super cute little farm at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville where you can see baby chicks, pigs, and goats every spring. Tickets are required.

Where is your favorite place to visit baby animals?

Petting zoos and farms in Greenville, SC

Looking for more animals?

Here’s our list of over 20 petting zoos and farms where guests can pet and play with animals.

Kids Bowl Free: Your Kids Can Go Bowling for Free All Summer Long

Posted on by Kristina Hernandez |

Have kids who like to bowl? Kids can bowl free all summer long with the Kids Bowl Free program. They’ll get two free games every day at participating bowling alleys. Plus, the Kids Bowl Free people thought of everything with a heavily discounted Family Pass so the grown-ups can join the kids in the summer bowling fun.

What a great opportunity to make memories this summer without breaking the break. We have done all the research so you can fill out the registration form and start bowling!

2026 Kids Bowl Free Registration is Open Now!

Is the Kids Bowl Free program legit? You bet. We have the answers to all your questions about the program so you can plan your summer and register now.

Kids bowling free in summer.

This article includes:
How Can I Sign-up for Kids Bowl Free?
Where Can My Kids Bowl for Free this Summer?
When Can My Kids Bowl?
What Ages Can Bowl Free?
Is it Actually Free?
Can Adults Bowl With Their Kids?
What is the Kids Bowl Free Family Pass?

This article contains affiliate links.

I’m terrible at bowling but hey, maybe if I did it for free over the summer when I was growing up I could now be a professional bowler – or at least not get gutter balls every time. Thankfully, parents can cultivate a pint-size bowler, or just have something free to do during hot summer days with the kids at several Upstate bowling alleys through the nationwide Kids Bowl Free program.

Kids Bowl Free gives your kids something to do this summer, that isn’t staring at a screen. AND, it gives parents and grown-ups a fun way to spend time with the important kids in their life. We love free things to do that bring families together, especially in the summer.

You’ll get two free games every day. Bowling shoes are not included, but that’s ok. Some centers will offer a discounted shoe rental pass, OR look at used sporting goods stores like Play It Again Sports, or even online for some inexpensive bowling shoes.

Last but not least, we know the grown-ups will probably want to bowl, too. And, Kids Bowl Free hasn’t forgotten that either. You can purchase a heavily discounted family pass. It starts at $34.95 and it allows up to 4 adults to bowl free all summer long. That’s not per person, just one fee for the whole group, all summer.

So, how does this whole free bowling games thing work?

Kids Bowl Free logo

Start Here: How to Sign Up for Summer Free Bowling

Parents first need to sign up their kids to participate in the Kids Bowl Free program. If you’re interested in the family pass, you’ll get an email invitation to purchase that after registering your kids.

Where Can My Kids Bowl Free This Summer?

When you register for free bowling, you’ll need to pick a bowling alley.

There are participating bowling alleys across the United States and even in Canada. You can easily search for a bowling area near you by location in the directory.

You will need to sign up individually for each bowling alley where you plan on bowling.

Bowling at The Big E in Gaffney, SC

In Upstate SC, the bowling alleys participating are:

  • Spare Time in Greenville, SC (May 1st – September 30th, 2026)
  • Main Event (April 14- October 31st, 2026)
  • Paradise Lanes & FEC (May 25th- Sept 7th, 2026)
  • The Big E -Gaffney, SC (June 1st – August 7th, 2026)

In Western North Carolina, the bowling alleys participating are:

  • Tarheel Lanes (May 4th – September 1st, 2026) in Hendersonville, NC
  • Sky Lanes (Registration not open yet) in Asheville, NC

Near Columbia, SC, the bowling alleys participating are:

  • Anchor Lanes (June 2 – August 31st, 2025) in Irmo, SC
  • Stars and Strikes (April 28 – October 31st, 2025) in Irmo, SC
  • Royal Z Lanes in Columbia, SC -Two Notch Road (April 14th to August 22nd, 2025)

Near Charlotte, NC, the bowling alleys participating are:

  • Strikers Family Sports Center in Rock Hill, SC (April 1st- September 7th, 2026)
  • Stars and Strikes – Rock Hill, SC (April 20th – October 31st, 2026)
  • Stars and Strikes -Concord, NC (April 20- October 31st, 2026)
  • Dave and Busters – Concord, NC ( Registration not open yet)
  • Queen Park Social – Charlotte, NC (Registration not open yet )
  • Sports Connection- Charlotte, NC (May 1st- October 31st, 2026)
  • Spare Time- Huntersville, NC (May 1st- September 29th, 2026)

Near Charleston, SC, the participating bowling alleys are:

MIX in Mount Pleasant, SC (June 2 to September 11th, 2026)

What Dates are Free Bowling Available

We’re pumped and ready for bowling! When can our family start bowling for free?

Each bowling alley has different dates and hours available so be sure to check each location to make sure you go when the program operates. Most are at least Monday-Friday for the summer months when kids are out of school and some have weekend hours.

What Ages Can Bowl for Free?

Each location has different age requirements but most are fairly broad from ages 2 to 15, some locations even offer it all the way up to age 18.

Remember, your family pass will cover older siblings as well as adults! So you can make that one time purchase for $35, to cover adults and older children all summer long.

Kidding Around kids bowl free in summer.

Does It Cost Anything to Sign Up?

No, you can sign your children up by filling out a simple email form.

With the family pass, you can pay a small summer-long fee to include adults. The Family Pass is not required for children to participate.

What is the Kids Bowl Free Family Pass?

Once you sign up your kids, you’ll be emailed an opportunity to purchase a Family Pass. The Family Pass starts at $34.95 and allows up to four adults or older siblings on each Family Pass to bowl for free two games per day with their kids.

It’s a one-time payment for the whole pass, not per person.

Can I Use the Family Pass Without My Kids?

The Family Pass is intended to be used with the Kids Bowl Free coupons but location policies differ, so it’s best to call your chosen bowling center to find out their policy.

Am I Required to Rent Bowling Shoes?

Kids and adults that bowl have to wear bowling shoes, which can be rented for a few dollars at each location. Check your location for their fees.

Some centers may offer summer-long shoe rental options so it’s worth checking with your center if you plan to bowl a lot over the summer.

Also, you can bring your own bowling shoes. If you want to keep it cheap, check out used sporting goods stores and online shops and see what deals you can find on used bowling shoes.

Bowling with kids.

Can I Sign Up My Daycare or School?

This program isn’t recommended for daycares, school field trips, camps, or birthday parties.

How Do You Get the Free Bowling Coupons to Bowl Over the Summer?

Once you sign your kids up, you’ll be emailed coupons for each week that you bring to the bowling alley. Coupons are only good for that particular bowling alley you sign up for.

How Many Games Do You Get for Free?

The coupon allows each child to bowl for two games for free every day of the program.

Sign up for Kids Bowl Free today, right here.

For more free or cheap things to do over the summer, see our huge list of Free Things to do this summer in Greenville.

Will your kids participate in the Kids Bowl Free program this summer?

Free things to do for kids across the USA

Free For Kids Across the USA

Love free things to do for kids? We do, too! Don’t miss free kids workshops at Home Depot, and free kids workshops at Lowes, and kids eat free deals across the USA.

2026 Kid-Friendly Spring Festivals: Greenville, SC

Posted on by Kristina Hernandez | 6 Comments

Planning your spring calendar and don’t want to miss any of the kid-friendly spring festivals in Greenville, SC this year? Pack up the kids because you’ve got some amazing options for great family memory-making. Here’s your ultimate list of the best kid-friendly spring festivals in the Upstate.

Spring Festivals Greenville SC

Kidding Around Greenville events calendar for Greenville, SC

See what’s going on this month with our calendar of events near Greenville, SC!

2026 Spring Festivals: Greenville, SC & The Upstate

Spring Into Spartanburg

Saturday, March 21, 2026 | 10 am – 5 pm
Free spring festival at Dunbar & Magnolia streets in Spartanburg with crafters, kids activities, music and food. Pets are welcome.

BellFest

Saturday, March 21, 2026 | 10 am – 3 pm
Annual festival at Devils Fork State Park put on by Friends of Jocassee to celebrate all things Oconee Bell (a rare wildflower). Enjoy naturalist-guided hikes, live music, food, kids activities, and fun vendors. Tickets are included with park admission.

Hub City Hog Fest

Friday, April 10 – Saturday, April 11, 2026
Friday 12 pm – 11 pm | Saturday 12 pm to 9 pm
During the festival, teams will be competing in categories including brisket, ribs, wings, and butts. The food prepared by the competition teams can be sampled at different times, while supply lasts. There will also be live music and regional food trucks to enjoy.

iMAGINE Upstate

Saturday, April 4, 2026 | 11 am to 5 pm
The iMAGINE Upstate Festival is one of the most popular spring festivals. This event centers around STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) activities that would make the biggest nerd – a fun one of course – jealous. There are high-tech gadgets and 3D printers, drone races, robots, rocket launchers, and virtual reality exploration, and more. Add live music and food and it’s a day well-spent with the family. FREE
iMagine Upstate Kidding Around Review

Historic Pendleton Spring Jubilee

Saturday, April 4, 2026 – Sunday, April 5, 2026 | Village Green
Local vendors, music, art and family entertainment. FREE

Cornbread & Collards Festival

Saturday, April 11, 2026 | Fountain Inn | Noon-6 pm
Enjoy a free concert from Mac Arnold and the Plate Full of Blues and enjoy the traditional Southern food of cornbread & collards in lots of different ways. The event will also feature a spring market.

Happy Cow Spring Shindig

Saturday, April 18, 2026 | Happy Cow Creamery
Celebrate Happy Cow and local vendors at this annual festival from 9 am – 4 pm. There will be giveaways, vendors, food trucks, and music.

SPACE’s Annual Earth Day Festival

Saturday, April 18th, 2026 | 10 am – 2 pm
Spartanburg Area Conservancy’s Annual Earth Day Festival is one of the best excuses you’ll have all year to visit the Glendale Shoals Nature Preserve in Spartanburg County! Enjoy art, music, food, local vendors, and something fun for every age.

Spring Means Babies

Saturday, April 18, 2026 | Split Creek Farm
Love baby goats? This is the festival you need to attend! Split Creek Farm will have samples of their award-winning cheese and amazing goat milk fudge plus lots of local vendors and of course, baby goats. $9/adults, $6/kids, free/kids 2 and under.
Spring Means Babies

Baby goat at Split Creek Farm

Pickens Azalea Festival

April 24, 2026- April 25, 2026 | Pendleton Street downtown
Hundreds of local artisans, vendors, food and family entertainment happen at this festival that has been going on for 30 years.
Pickens Azalea Festival

Greer Goes Global: International Festival

Saturday, April 25, 2026 | Greer City Park | 11 am to 5 pm
The highly attended annual international festival iscelebrated in downtown Greer. Event-goers will have the opportunity to learn about more than 40 different countries and get a taste of their country’s cuisine from vendors and food trucks! There will be a children’s area, that will include arts and crafts from different cultures. FREE
Greer Goes Global: International Festival

Rhythm on the River

Saturday, May 2nd, 2026 | Dolly Cooper Park, Powdersville | 12-8 pm
This event sounds like it is going to be a blast! Dolly Cooper Park, in Powdersville, is nestled at a bend in the Saluda River–hence the “Rhythm on the River!” There will be live music from The Fortunate Sons, as well as food trucks, local vendors, and a kid’s zone. FREE
Rhythm on the River

Duck Derby

Saturday, May 2, 2026 | Falls Park | 2:30 pm
Seeing 10,000 rubber duckies racing down the falls at Falls Park is quite the spectacle. The festival is actually a big event to raise money for local charities and incorporates food, a giant duck mascot wandering around taking photos with kids, fun crafts for the little ones, and music. Here’s KAG’s story on the Duck Derby, which explains how it all works. FREE
Duck Derby

View of Falls Park and the Reedy River during the Duck Derby in Greenville, SC

Artisphere

May 8-10, 2026
Probably the most anticipated spring festival in Greenville, Artisphere lives up to its reputation as one of the very best events in the Southeast. But it’s awesome for kids too! They have an entire area aptly called Kidsphere full of kid-friendly activities, building blocks, and STEM-related and hands-on exhibits. There are also several performing artists that are exciting to watch for all ages. FREE
Artisphere

Artisphere in Greenville, SC

Spring Into Art

Saturday, May 9, 2026 | 11 am – 3 pm
Sponsored by the Simpsonville Arts Foundation, this festival will have kids activities, food vendors, live music, chalk art, and art demos. It’s free to attend.
Spring Into Art Festival

Greek Festival

May 15-17, 2026 | St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Greenville
I have a slight obsession with Greek pastries, especially the honey-drenched baklava, so I was more than happy to go to the Greek Festival last year and search it out. I was not disappointed. Not only was the baklava sweet and delicious, but the music, food, and kids area were enjoyable and entertaining. This festival immediately went on my to-do list for the spring of this year. The food is amazing – oh hi, tasty gyros! – and the music was lively. There is an admission charge of $3/person.
Greek Festival

Greek Festival

Gallabrae

Great Scot! Parade | Friday | May 22, 2026| Main Street, Greenville| 6 pm
Greenville Scottish Games | Saturday | May 23, 2026 | Furman University, Travelers Rest
The Scots are back in full force and will keep you busy during Memorial Day Weekend! Join in on the fun, wear your tartans, and immerse yourself in Scottish culture including Celtic Music, Military Salute, Border Collie exhibition, British Classic Car Show and lots of more. This is a ticketed event.
Gallabrae

The Spring Festivals Not Happening in 2026

Italian American Heritage Festival [cancelled for 2026]

Do you have a favorite Upstate Festival? Let us know in the comments.

Everything you need to know for spring in Greenville, SC

Need more fun this spring?

Check out the Upstate’s Guide to Spring! It’s full of things to do and family fun.

Check out this list of spring festivals in Spartanburg, SC!

Spring festivals in Spartanburg, SC

15+ Places Where Kids Can Make Art Near Greenville, SC

Posted on by Kristina Hernandez | 1 Comment

Are you looking for kids’ crafts near Greenville, SC? Have kids who love to make art? There are lots of places in Greenville where kids can get creative. Children can benefit from local art teachers while parents keep all that paint, clay, and glue off their tables, walls, and carpets. Everybody wins! Here’s a list of places in Greenville where kids can make art.

Places for kids to create art near Greenville SC

Creating art—whether coloring on a blank piece of paper, painting a canvas, or working with clay—plays an important role in childhood development and can even help adults cope with depression. Art and creativity are especially valuable for children, as they have been shown to improve fine motor skills, boost self-confidence, support visual learning, strengthen decision-making skills, increase cultural awareness, encourage inventiveness, and even contribute to improved academic performance.

Greenville has many places where kids (and **ahem** parents) can create art. Some of them even offer events for free, like First Friday and Artisphere. We’ve also compiled several places that offer summer art camps. So pick a few and let the creative juices flow.

15+ Places Where Kids Can Be Artistic Near Greenville

1. Brandi Grover Mixed Media

Brandi is an amazing local artist we just love who created an entire coloring book of places in and around the Upstate. She even created some free coloring pages for our readers. But she also has numerous art classes around the area that kids can take! Visit her Facebook page for the most up-to-date offerings.

Brandi Grover Art

2. TR Makers Co

This adorable, unassuming shop is right in downtown beautiful Travelers Rest and sells pottery, dolls, clothes, and coffee mugs from local artists. But TR Makers Co also holds playdates for kids that center around all kinds of different art mediums, from printing on bags and t-shirts to making little terrariums with tiny plants.

They also offer a mini makers art program for younger children three times per month. Kristin, the owner, is patient and kind and a mom herself, so she totally understands how to work with little ones (or big kids) and teaches them all about how to be a maker.

Read our Kidding Around review of TR Makers Co.

TR Makers Co
3 S. Main Street, Travelers Rest, SC | 864-610-0996

3. The Children’s Museum of the Upstate

The bottom level of The Children’s Museum of the Upstate houses an art studio where kids can paint or color or do whatever art project is going on. They have clothing covers the kids can wear, which is considerate (for us parents at least). It’s a great little place to let children break out their inner artist.

The Children’s Museum of the Upstate
300 College Street, Greenville | 864-233-7755

4. TReehouse Café & Studio

Take an hour or two and bring your child to TReehouse Café & Studio in Travelers Rest for some painting, coloring, and good food. This café is a great place to grab a coffee, baked goods, and sandwiches, but they also have an entire “art bar” down the center of the restaurant where kids and adults can get lost in creating art.

TReehouse Cafe Travelers Rest

Read our Review of TReehouse Cafe & Studio.

TReehouse Café & Studio
27 South Main Street, Travelers Rest | 864-610-2266

5. Yellowbobbypins

Lauren Runion is a seasoned artist who has a way with kids. Yellowbobbypins offers art classes at their studio at Hampton Station near Downtown Greenville throughout the week for kids ages 2 – 12. You can sign up ahead of time for themed classes or purchase a semester worth of art classes to attend. They also have summer camps, online art classes, birthday party packages, and more!

Yellowbobbypins
1320 Hampton Avenue Ext, Bay 6, Greenville | 864-238-0599

Read our Kidding Around review of Yellowbobbypins!

Yellowbobbypins Art Camp in Greenville, South Carolina

6. Greenville Center for Creative Arts

This place is not only an exceptional center for encouraging kids in the arts, but the people who run it are some of the sweetest people I’ve met in Greenville. Every time I’ve brought my kids in for First Friday, the staff are so kind and helpful. It’s easy to see they care about kids and aren’t phased when a child decides they would rather paint the chair than the project on the table.

The Greenville Center for Creative Arts also has an incredible lineup of classes and camps for kids ages 5-12, including instruction on painting and drawing.

Check out our KAG Review of Greenville Center for Creative Arts.

Greenville Center for Creative Arts
101 Abney Street, Greenville | 864-735-3948

7. Mauldin Cultural Center

The Art Haven, a family-owned business, has been teaching art in Greenville since 1996. They run the art classes at the Mauldin Cultural Center, which consist of pottery, painting, pastels, and oils for kids in grades first and through teens.

The Art Haven
101 E. Butler Road, Mauldin | 864-395-6946

Art for kids at Artisphere
Kids activities at Artisphere in Greenville, SC

8. Artisphere

Artisphere, one of the largest art festivals in the Southeast, happens in downtown Greenville every spring. And they have a fantastic – and mostly free – kids’ zone, which has tons of crafts for kids to do. Artisphere is a blast for kids to learn about art (my kids stared at the pottery guy for an embarrassingly long time) and have fun testing out their own skills.

Artisphere festival in Greenville, South Carolina

Want to learn more about Artisphere? Check out our Kidding Around Review of The Artisphere Festival.

9. Vino & Van Gogh

With art classes, art summer camps, and Mini Picasso after-school classes for small children, Vino & Van Gogh is a great place to let kids test their creative limits.

Vino & Van Gogh
1818 Augusta Street, Suite 112, Greenville | 864-909-9130

10. Greenville County Museum of Art (GCMA)

GCMA hosts free Sundays at 2 family events (you must register) as well as great summer art camps. Plus, you can visit the museum for free.

Greenville County Museum of Art
420 College Street, Greenville | 864-271-7570

11. Make and Believe

This art studio offers a monthly kid open studio, kid workshops, adult workshops, preschool playgroup, and private classes at their location in the Simpsonville Arts Center. Students ages 3 – adult will learn about art and artists, develop confidence, and celebrate their own unique selves.

Make and Believe Artists
110 Academy Street, Simpsonville | 864-245-3977

Crafts for kids in Greenville, SC ReCraft
ReCraft Greenville

12. ReCraft Greenville

ReCraft Greenville has a Maker Space dedicated to crafting with reusable and recycle materials! Children can select from dozens of items to make their own creations. The cost is $8 per person. This is available Wednesdays through Saturdays 10 am to 5 pm.

To learn more about ReCraft, check out our Kidding Around Review of ReCraft!

Recraft Creative ReUse Center in Greenville, South Carolina

ReCraft Greenville
2439 Laurens Road, Greenville | 864-365-6456

13. The Painted Palmetto

The Painted Palmetto in Spartanburg, South Carolina

The Painted Palmetto (formerly A Cut Above) in Downtown Spartanburg offers kids’ art classes, mommy and me art classes, summer camps, birthday parties, and special crafting events where you can create to your heart’s content. They even offer a Cricut 101 workshop, so you can begin your next DIY adventure.

The Painted Palmetto
200 Ezell Street, Spartanburg | 864-285-0220


We both have a passion for creating that we want to share with the next generation. We love hand crafting unique items for others to enjoy as well as introducing children to the amazing world of creating things with your own hands!

Owner: Emily Patterson

14. Wine and Design Art Buzz Kids Classes

Ignite your child’s creativity with Art Buzz Kids at Wine & Design Greenville! They offer high-energy painting sessions every weekend, along with special workshops for school breaks and immersive summer camps. Whether your kids are joining a Saturday class to paint whimsical animals or celebrating a birthday with a custom art party, Art Buzz Kids’ artists provide step-by-step guidance that makes every child feel like a pro.

Wine and Design
1175 Woods Crossing Road, Suite 1B, Greenville | 864-288-1260

15. DMCostaCeramics

Dianna is a local artist, educator, and owner of DMCostaCeramics. She offers pottery classes for adults and kids over five years old, kids’ drop-in clay classes, small group summer camp, as well as clay workshops.

DMCostaCeramics
Fullerton Ct, Simpsonville (Whitehall Plantation) | 631-716-5077

16. Splatter, Glow & Paint

Color Me Greenville is the city’s only splatter paint studio with glow-in-the-dark sessions, sneaker painting, and cake decorating. So, go fling some paint together. Kids will love the glow-in-the-dark painting and the birthday party options.

Color Me Greenville
50 Liberty Lane, Greenville | 864-724-6863

color me greenville

Throw paint on the walls!
Color Me Greenville

17. PurrPoseful Art Studio

PurrPoseful Art Studio in downtown Greenville blends humane education with creative art instruction for kids ages 7-13 and offer a welcoming space for animal-loving kids to make art that saves lives. Along with weeknight classes, the studio offers customizable lessons, workshops, and camps.

PurrPoseful Art Studio
Downtown Greenville | 864-754-7582

18. Hearts of Clay

Hearts of Clay is a family-friendly treasure located right behind WestGate Mall. They offer walk-in pottery painting, canvas painting, and stuffy-stuffing. They also offer monthly walk-in days for hand-building with clay and frequent classes on a variety of arts, including glass-blowing.

Hearts of Clay
660 Spartan Blvd, Ste 20, Spartanburg | 864-57-2228

Class and Activity Guide

Are you looking for more fun classes and activities for your children? Check out our Kidding Around Class & Activity Guide!

Looking for more things to do in Greenville, SC?

Spend A Day in Paradise on the Water with Kayaks and Paddleboards from Eclectic Sun

10 Hidden Gems in Greenville, SC You Need to Visit!

Greenville Drive Celebrates 21 Years of Family Fun at Fluor Field

Discover Fabulous Food and Things to Do in Landrum, SC

Stay Cool: 15+ Best Ideas for Indoor Dates in Greenville, SC

Outdoor Music and Free Concerts: Greenville, SC

Table Rock Tea Company: Visit an Authentic Tea Farm Right in the Upstate

Posted on by Kristina Hernandez |

Did you know that you can visit an authentic tea farm right in the Upstate, SC? Table Rock Tea Company is only a 45-minute drive from Greenville, SC, and they grow, processes, and sell tea. We went for a tour to learn about all that’s brewing at Table Rock Tea. 

Within the first five minutes of our awesome tour at Table Rock Tea Company, the Upstate’s only tea farm, my mind was blown. I can’t tell you what it was exactly that did it because it’s a fun fact that Jennifer, the owner, loves to tell guests. But it’s only the beginning of learning all about how tea is grown and processed right here in the Upstate of South Carolina.

We have lots more educational fun in the Upstate if that’s what you’re looking for.

Table Rock view from the tea farm

Table Rock Tea Company

Table Rock Tea sits directly under the shadow of the massive Table Rock Mountain in Pickens County, just a short 45-minute drive from Greenville. I actually missed the turn to the tea company because I was ogling the houses on the road and their views of the mountain.

The owners of the farm, Jennifer and Steve Lorch, have lived in the Upstate for more than 20 years but have only been tea farmers for the last seven years. They began tea farming after learning about it while in Kenya doing work with their non-profit, Hydromissions International, which helps to dig wells and provide clean water sources. 

Tea plants

Steve and Jennifer have several acres of land they have been cultivating and are adding more and more little tea plants every year. Tea plants, named Camellia Sinensis, take three years to grow and produce the growth needed to make green, oolong, black, and white teas. 

Jasmine, their sweet dog who goes by the name Jazzy, greets visitors and is the mascot for all the labels on the tea bags and boxes. My kids are a little scared of dogs but they loved her and we enjoyed having her follow us around.

You can purchase the teas online or in person. 

Tours at Table Rock Tea Company

Going on a tour of a legitimate tea farm right here in the Upstate was a lot of fun. I really didn’t know what to expect because 1) I knew nothing about tea honestly,  2) I had no idea tea is grown so close to where I live, and 3) I had never been to a tea farm. 

Jennifer has a wealth of knowledge about tea farming and it was fascinating to learn about the origins of the farm, about how the different kinds of tea are processed (get ready to learn about oxidation, yay, science!), how huge the seeds of the tea plant are, and how the farm germinates the seeds. 

Table rock tea plant

“I want the Upstate to be known for its tea,” Jennifer told me. 

You walk around parts of the farm where the plants are grown, inside the huge greenhouse to learn about seed germination and then into the processing area where the tea magic happens. One bit of magic is their Winter Leaf green tea, which is the only cold-harvested green tea in the world. Unreal, right? South Carolina has some amazing farmers.

Tours last about an hour but can be a little shorter depending on the attention span of your kids. I was surprised at how my kids (ages 11 and 7) got into it after their initial hesitation about learning about tea, something they don’t even drink.  It was a fun and educational homeschool field trip for us. 

Tours happen Thursday – Saturday at 10 am and Thursday – Sunday at 2 pm. You must reserve your tour spot by calling the farm at 864.915.0571. 

Field Trips at the Tea Farm Near Greenville

Speaking of field trips, Table Rock Tea Company offers them for all kinds of groups – homeschool, retirement homes, scouts, anyone really. Tours are free except for larger homeschool groups, where it’s just $2/kid. 

Tours last about an hour but can be shortened depending on how long kids will pay attention. Kids will learn about botany, science, and math – perhaps more if you’re the creative homeschooling parent kind! 

Learning about growing tea at Table Rock Tea

Volunteering

Last year, the farm surpassed more than 1,000 hours of volunteering, which is quite an accomplishment. They rely on their volunteers for packing and planting the tea and are grateful for any help. 

If you want to volunteer, call Jennifer and ask to be put on her group text message. She sends them out every Monday telling volunteers what they will be doing on Tuesday. People who want to volunteer come Tuesdays from 9 am – Noon and help out on the farm. Any age is welcome!

Table Rock Tea Consortium 

In Jennifer and Steve’s quest to make the Upstate known for its tea, they offer a consortium of tea growers. If you want to join, you purchase the tea plants and grow them at your own house or farm or whatever you have and then pick the leaves (actually called a flush when it’s ready to be picked – see, I learned something) and bring them to Table Rock Tea Company. The farmer/hobbyist will be paid for the leaves so they get paid to grow tea!

Table Rock Tea Company provides members of the consortium with the expertise and knowledge to grow and maintain the tea plants. The tea plants are pretty easy to grow and maintain since they have no predators because animals don’t like to eat the leaves, which contain caffeine. The plants from Table Rock Tea that are sold are already one and a half years old and will be ready to harvest at around three or four years old. And they are pretty plants, with flowers in the fall! You can learn more about the Table Rock Tea Consortium at the website.

Tea Museum

The tea museum has all kinds of neat tea-related old school machines and you can smell each of their teas that they have available for purchase. There are plenty of chairs for tours and a TV screen that Jennifer uses to point out cool facts about tea.

There are picnic benches outside the tea museum with a large field, perfect for throwing around a football after your tour.

Make it a day trip

The Table Rock Tea Company is minutes from Table Rock State Park, which has miles of hiking trails, a lakeside beach and swimming, and a playground. Jones Gap and Caesars Head State Parks are nearby, as is Wildcat Wayside, the roadside waterfall popular for wading in the summer. 

Travelers Rest and Easley are both nearby, which have lots of great places to eat and playgrounds. And Flat Rock, NC is about 45 minutes away, where you can hike and play with goats at the Carl Sandburg Home. 

Table Rock Tea Company
118 High Hills Lane, Pickens
864.915.0571 
Hours: Thursday-Saturday 9 am – 5 pm, Sunday 1-5 pm. Tours are Thursday-Saturday at 10 am and Thursday – Sunday at 2 pm.

Looking for more? Discover more amazing adventures and fabulous family fun in our full guide to Things to Do in the Upstate.

More Educational Things to Do Near Greenville, SC

Be Amazed by Stingrays, Sea Turtles, and a Bald Eagle at the South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston, SC

Shoeless Joe Jackson Memorial Park: Explore Greenville Baseball History

Visit Happy Hive Bee Co: A Hands-On Bee Experience in Greenville 🐝

How Our RMSC Membership Saved Us $100+ Through the ASTC Passport Program

Educational Vacations for Families: Day Trips + Travel Ideas

Join a 2026 Summer Reading Program and Let Your Kid Earn Prizes for Reading

Don’t Miss the Reedy River Duck Derby in Greenville, SC

Posted on by Kristina Hernandez | 4 Comments

Have you seen the Duck Derby in Greenville, SC? No, it’s not a giant bathtub with thousands of rubber duckies – it’s the 22nd Annual Reedy River Duck Derby! Sponsored by the Rotary Club of the Reedy River Greenville, it is certainly a bucket list item if you live in the Greenville area. The 22nd Annual Reedy River Duck Derby is set for Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 2:30 pm at the trumpet call. The entire event is typically from 11 am – 4 pm, with the duck race starting at 2:30 pm and the final duck sold at 1:45.

The Duck Derby in Greenville, SC

The Duck Derby is not only a fantastic way to spend an afternoon, but it’s also a great way to support wonderful charities.

(more…)

Baby Goats = Pure Happiness at Split Creek Farm in Anderson, SC

Posted on by Kristina Hernandez | 1 Comment

Do you love baby goats? KAG’s Kristina Hernandez sure does. She visited local farm, Split Creek Farm in Anderson, SC, and got to spend some time with baby goats. You can head to Split Creek Farm and see goats, too. This farm offers tours, events, a farm store with delicious cheese, and more.

For more fun things to do during the spring, see our gigantic Spring Guide.

When you have the chance to play with baby goats, you play with baby goats. You get insanely happy. You wear a silly smile on your face for hours. And then your heart breaks a bit when you can’t take them home.

That’s what happened one morning when I visited Split Creek Farm, an award-winning goat farm in Anderson, SC. Time flew by as I got a tour from co-owner and goat-lover, Sandra. We saw mama goats who were about to have their kids, baby goats playing together, baby goats sleeping all piled up together, baby goats eating my pants, and tiny little baby goats training on bottle feeding.

I fell in love with a three-day-old little girl baby goat that had soft, black fur and let me hold her (ok, Sandra let me hold her). Seriously, this was blissful. It made me happy, which for me, is kind of hard to come by some days.

What Happens at Split Creek Farm

The stellar reputation of this farm precedes them. This farm has so many awards for their cheeses, goat milk products, and actual goats that they have a legitimate museum onsite to house all their trophies, ribbons, and plaques.

In 2022, they came in third place globally for their Feta Marinated in Olive Oil and first place in the United States. In 2017, they beat out every single American producer and farmer in the cheese category for their feta. And in 2010, they took home the Gold Medal at the World Championship of Cheese contest in Madison, WI, beating cheeses from France, Italy, and the U.S.

This little farm plays in the big leagues, and they are darn proud of it, as they should be. They’ve been providing grade-A goat milk for over 30 years, and their passion radiates from every aspect of the farm, from the little goat babies to end products of cheese, fudge, and yogurt.

You can purchase their products at the shop on the farm or online, or enjoy the cheeses at many Greenville restaurants such as The Anchorage, Farm Fresh Fast, Stella’s Southern Bistro, Passerelle, and a dozen others.

Adorable baby goat

Kidding Season

Spring is the farm’s busy season as kidding has begun. It’s a round-the-clock operation. As a mother, I understand nighttime feedings, little sleep, and running on fumes. Split Creek Farm estimates they have around 100 baby goats by the end of kidding season in April. These cute little animals need round-the-clock care and feeding every two hours for the first two days of their lives. They then need hands-on care as they learn to feed themselves from the bottle for the next few days.

This goes on for months! I snuck a peek into one of the employee-only rooms off the little shop at the farm. There were five or six pack ‘n plays all lined up. I had stumbled into the goat nursery. Unfortunately, no newborn goats were there but just imagining the care that these little guys and girls need when they are born is overwhelming. Sandra told me she has a similar setup at her house, as does her co-owner, Jessica Bell.

Whoa.

I asked Sandra if she sleeps, which was like asking a new mom the same question. You can guess the answer.

Can I See Baby Goats, Too?

Yes! Split Creek Farm is all about educating the public on what they do, how they treat their animals, what they produce, and how cool goats are. They have Adirondack chairs and benches all over the place for guests to come and hang out. They have a little shop that sells their goat cheeses, fudge, and milk, plus all kinds of other goodies like goat-stuffed animals, soap, and trinkets.

Baby goats, like baby humans, have a delicate immune system, so you can’t just frolic around and hold the little guys and girls. Families especially have to be careful since kids (the human kind) tend to carry around germs more than others (or so it seems). But they are welcome to come and check out the kids and see the other animals.

Don’t miss their Spring Means Babies festival on April 18, 2026 from 10 am – 3 pm. You’ll be able to see all the babies and shop from cool, local vendors.

Educational Tours at Split Creek Farm

The farm understands the importance of educating the public because it pertains directly to their survival. If the public is familiar with how the farm works, what they do, and why it’s important, the community will be more supportive, and that benefits everyone. For children especially, learning where food comes from in a fun environment is beneficial to their education and knowledge.

Split Creek Farm is not a huge farm with lots of volunteers and employees. In fact, there are less than ten people that work there. That shocked me because I observed a mere fraction of the work that was being done and it was a great deal, more than I would have thought a small number of people could pull off.

Playing with goats at Split Creek Farm

Play with goats and enjoy a free self-guided tour at Split Creek Farm in Anderson, SC!

The farm introduced a new, self-guided tour with plaques all around the farm that explain what they do, the different breeds of goats on the farm, and how milking works. It’s awesome and very educational. You can take the tour on Fridays and Saturdays when they are open for visiting hours.

Split Creek Farm tours

Goat Yoga at Split Creek Farm

As you may imagine, Split Creek Farm’s goat yoga sessions are insanely popular. They allow guests to bring their yoga mats out in the field with mama goats, who just love all the attention. The animals are gentle and just like to hang out and befriend whoever comes their way. Stay tuned to their Facebook page for dates.

“We probably do more playing with goats than actual yoga,” Sandra tells me.

Guests who come for goat yoga are also able to play with the baby goats (yay!), specifically the Nigerian dwarfs. These guys, oh my gosh, I can’t even write anything that accurately describes their energy. It’s totally different than the bigger mamas. The babies want to play with you and jump around and maybe eat your pants. I loved these guys, and if Sandra wasn’t with me, I probably would have jumped into their pen to play with them.

Why is goat yoga so popular?

“Because it just makes people happy,” said Sandra.

Goats 4 Goodness

Speaking of making people happy, Sandra recently founded a non-profit called Goats 4 Goodness, whose mission is to “Do Good Things” for goats and people. They have already partnered with Make-A-Wish Foundation to give kids a chance to play with goats or be a farmer for the day. Goats 4 Goodness also works with special needs kids, recognizing that goats are inherently playful, loving, and fun. They don’t judge anyone!

Using animals for therapy isn’t anything new, however, there aren’t many places, especially in this area of the country, that do it with goats. There’s something special about spending time with goats that can heal or help people let go of their immediate reality and enjoy moments of peace.

Sandra would know. She had a long and successful career in Washington, D.C. as the Deputy Chief of Police of U.S. Capitol Police and also worked at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center and as the Emergency Response Team Leader for FEMA. These are stressful jobs. She fell into destructive habits and went to rehab for several months. It was volunteering at Split Creek Farm that turned her life around. Now she wants to give back to the community the goodness and healing she has found working with goats. You can learn more at their website or Facebook page.

Baby goats

Tips on Visiting Split Creek Farm

You can go to Split Creek Farm to shop when the store is open (get the fudge, all of it), but visiting hours is only on Fridays and Saturdays. Times are below.

Just understand that this is a working farm and there is a lot that needs to be done. The volunteers and staff are awesome and can answer your questions, but they can’t take a couple of hours to walk you around. So watch your kids, follow the instructions on the signs, and wear proper clothes to deal with mud and dirt. No pets are allowed at the farm.

Also, if you or your children are battling a cold, come back when those sniffles are gone. Baby goats are susceptible to getting sick just like human babies and can’t afford to be exposed to illnesses early in life.

There are other animals to see like chickens, cats, and dogs. They roam and will come and check you out. If your kids are scared of unknown animals, prep them ahead of time. The border collie, Sam, will probably just want to play with them though, and throw his toy around.

Lastly, enjoy your time at the dairy farm. Life is stressful. Adulting is hard. Playing with baby goats is relaxing, fun, and truly blissful. Whether for five minutes or two hours, visiting Split Creek Farm should go on your #mustdo list this year. Don’t miss out on this joy.

Self-guided tours are available Friday and Saturday 10 am – 5 pm. The farm shop is open Monday-Saturday 10 am – 5 pm.

Split Creek Farm
3806 Centerville Road, Anderson
864-287-3921

For more experiences with cute animals, check out 10 Places to See Baby Animals.

10 Cheap Things To Do This Spring Break: Greenville, SC

Posted on by Kristina Hernandez |

Inside: Local parents share inexpensive things to do during Spring Break in the Upstate, SC.

Searching for cheap things to do for spring break? Spring Break fun doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. There are plenty of things to do in the area and at home that will quickly fill up the downtime during the break and even better, don’t require a ton of energy or planning. Plus, they won’t break the bank or require a road trip.

Read on to discover ten cheap things to do for an affordable spring break.

Things to do for cheap indoors, like building a tent!

Looking for more about spring break in Greenville? Go to our Ultimate Guide to Spring Break in Greenville, SC for things to do, local travel, and more.

(more…)

Greenville Guides

Family Fun in Greenville, SC

Get our FREE monthly bucket list packed with family fun!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter