Inside: A comprehensive list of helpful homeschool deals and discounts in Greenville, SC, plus travel!
If you’re homeschooling in Greenville this year, you might be eligible for homeschool discounts at some of your favorite local stores and businesses. You can find discounts for books, computers, and even local things to do, like visiting Roper Mountain Science Center. So, stock up on school supplies and save money with perks for the upcoming school year!
There are also some pretty significant discounts for homeschoolers when traveling. We’ve included discounts to popular venues at nearby vacation spots in Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida.
Don’t miss our Homeschooling in Greenville, SC Guide. You’ll find resources, local homeschool groups, classes, co-ops, and more!
Stores that Offer Homeschooler Discounts
Michaels:Teachers can enjoy an additional 15% Off Entire Purchase Including Sale Items. This is now easier than ever because you can sync your teacher status to your Michaels Rewards account and your discount will be automatically applied to in store and online purchases moving forward.
Apple Store: Homeschoolers can get the same discounts as traditional school educators at the Apple Store. These discounts come in the form of special pricing on computers and ipads.
DELL: Through the Members Purchase Program, K-12 students can receive discounts on laptops, tablets, and other products.
PBS Learning Media: You can sign up for FREE access to standard-specific materials, videos, interactives, and more through the PBS Learning Media online store.
Adobe: Adobe offers a teacher discount of $19.99 for the 1st year of their Adobe Creative Cloud for teachers and students, and it does apply to homeschoolers! Homeschool educators must show a dated copy of their homeschool letter of intent, their current membership identification card to a homeschool association, and a dated proof of purchase of curriculum for the current year.
Target: Target offers verified teachers occasional discounts through the year. All you need is a homeschool document to get verified.
Greenville Area Things to Do With Homeschool Discounts
Roper Mountain Science Center:Get an annual family membership for $150 (discount of $5) with the “Teacher’s Family” option. Remember that your RMSC membership is reciprocal at many science centers and museums across the country. They can make great stops on road trips and things to do at vacation destinations.
Village Play: Homeschool families can get a membership for $35 for school-age kids with proof of homeschool association membership for kids up to age 8. This allows for free play Monday-Friday from Noon-3 pm.
Big Air Greenville : On Wednesdays and Thursdays when school is in session, homeschoolers can jump for $18 from 1 – 3 pm.
Beech Mountain: Homeschoolers can register for ski/snowboard discounted tickets Monday-Friday non-holidays. Must register three days ahead of time and tickets are $50/skier/snowboarder which includes a lift ticket and equipment rental; $20/skier/snowboarder for a beginner group lesson (optional) and $30/skier/snowboarder who has their own equipment. Riders/skiers must be 8 years old+. Please plan to tip the instructor.
SC State Museum: Homeschool groups get free admission to the SC State Museum year-round.
Climb at Blue Ridge: Homeschoolers can climb every second and fourth Monday from 2-4 pm for s discounted rate.
BlocHaven: Has a discounted Homeschool membership where the whole family can climb Monday, Tuesday, and Friday from 12- 4 for $115 a month.
South Carolina State Museum
Homeschool Travel Discounts
Georgia Aquarium: On the second Tuesday of each month from September through March, homeschoolers can visit the aquarium for $15 per child, and $32 for adults. The hours are from 9 am to 1 pm. These special dates are called Tuesdays in the Field and include additional educational programming before the museum is open to the public.
Zoo Atlanta: Zoo Atlanta offers multiple discounts for homeschoolers with different programs. From self guided tours to homeschool academies. Be sure to check them out for your next trip.
Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg: Walk-up discount for homeschoolers $10.99 per person, plus special programming and events throughout the year. Teaching parents are $19.99/person and proof of homeschooling is required.
Ripley’s Aquarium in Myrtle Beach: Homeschool discount admission is $15 for ages 6 and up and $6 for ages 3 -5. Adults are $25/person.
Legoland Florida: Homeschoolers get a discount at Legoland Florida on designated homeschool days. Prices for students range from $19.99 per ticket and up depending on the day.
Dollywood: The theme park in Pigeon Forge, TN offers Homeschool Days at certain times of the year with significant discounts to the park and overnight stays at the DreamMore Resort.
Wonderworks: This indoor learning and entertainment facility in Myrtle Beach, SC and Pigeon Forge, TN have Homeschool Days where tickets are $14/person (or $12/person in groups), a significant discount from regular tickets.
Titanic Museum: Homeschoolers can obtain tickets for $14/person every day. In fact, the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge, TN has a printable pdf to go along with a homeschool trip
Medieval Times: The Myrtle Beach location offers special programs and discounted admission to homeschoolers at their educational matinees.
Wilderness at the Smokies: This resort with three waterparks in Sevierville, TN offers Homeschool Days throughout the year.
Did we miss any great discounts for homeschoolers? Let us know in the comments!
What’s Inside: Your Perfect Greenville Staycation Begins Here! 🌟 Easy ways to make your staycation feel special 🎉 Fun things to do and ideas to plan your own staycation 💰 Budget-friendly tips to save while still having a blast
Ready to save money and still have a blast this summer? If you’re thinking about a staycation in Greenville, SC or Spartanburg, SC, then we’ve got your ultimate local guide to relaxation, fun, and adventure, without the big bill. At Kidding Around, we know a lot about local family fun, and we’ve even tried out the staycation idea. So, take that week off, or plan that long weekend. We promise, you can have a great vacation experience and still sleep in your bed every night.
Inside: A guide to all the fun things to do in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands, built from our family trip to these beautiful islands and beaches.
Looking for a laid-back beach getaway that’s still packed with family fun? North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands offer it all — whether you’re chasing waves, exploring local history, or just trying to find the best donut in town (spoiler: we did!). Here’s everything we loved — plus a few more local spots worth checking out!
Thanks to North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands for hosting us and providing accommodations.
About the Brunswick Islands
North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands are really a family beach gem, with 45 miles of barrier island beaches that are wide open and beautiful. You’ll find the 5 Brunswick Islands on the southernmost coast of North Carolina between Wilmington and Myrtle Beach. These islands are home to a wonderful mix of outdoor adventures, quaint family fun, and stunning natural beauty. Plus, a wide variety of accommodation options, and some seriously delicious things to eat including awesome seafood.
The Brunswick Islands are made up of Bald Head Island, Oak Island, Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, and Sunset Beach.
Watch! Our Visit to the Brunswick Islands
We explored many pieces of the Brunswick Islands and loved them, but we didn’t even crack the surface of the full scope of activities and the gorgeous coastline available here. If you want to learn more about the Brunswick Islands and what’s there for your family, check it out at the Brunswick Islands website.
Our Visit to Southport, NC
Southport Water Tours: Boats, History, and Big Laughs
We kicked off our trip to the Brunswick Islands with Southport Water Tours, and wow — it was the perfect start.
The boat tour winds along the Southport waterfront, with views of Fort Caswell, Bird Island, and Bald Head Island checking out the Cape Fear River and the Intracoastal Waterway.
What really made it shine? The funny, friendly staff who shared cool stories about Southport’s fishing town roots and Fort Caswell’s Civil War past.
You’ll learn about the lighthouses in the area, tidbits about local wildlife, plus other places in Southport to visit.
It was affordable, relaxing, and entertaining — even our teens stayed tuned in and agreed after the tour that it was pretty cool!
After the tour:
We treated ourselves to Boba Tea from Southport Coffee Co. (yep, Boba at the beach!). They also have great coffee, sandwiches, and more. This was actually our second time in Southport and we had to make this return visit, it was that good the first time.
Then, we wandered through the North Carolina Maritime Museum and strolled along the waterfront. The Maritime Museum is small but totally free. It’s very localized bits of history about the area’s fishing and wartime boats and coastal stories. It’s definitely worth a stop.
The whole area is super walkable and fun to explore.
Right down the road, we loved hanging out at the Oak Island Pier. This fishing pier is totally FREE to walk on. (So to recap- you’ve got a free lighthouse tour and free pier access- we are LOVING Oak Island! The parking was free, too.)
Watch the fishermen, enjoy the views, and take it slow.
Don’t miss Ruby’s Coffeehouse on the Pier — they’ve got muffins, breakfast bites, and really good coffee.
What’s better than coffee with wide ocean views? I can’t think of anything.
Perfect little spot to start your day.
The pier also has a local restaurant called Koko Cabana, if you’re ready to enjoy lunch or dinner, instead.
Ocean Isle Beach is Lovely!
Oh, how we enjoyed this island! So many family-friendly things to do, a long beautiful beach, great ocean-front homes and condos to rent, plus delicious food.
We have a whole Ocean Isle Beach spotlight where you can learn a lot more about what you’ll find at Ocean Isle.
Beaches
The beach at Ocean Isle (and really all the Brunswick Island beaches) is wide open. With mostly condos and houses for accommodations, you have fewer crowds than some other big and touristy beach areas. Plus, there are not a lot of public access points for the beach, and the parking lots aren’t huge.
The beaches on our visit in May were not crowded at all, and we had plenty of space to boogie board, look for sharks’ teeth, and enjoy the sun together.
Go-kart races are $12 a person and about 5 minutes long — but our kids would’ve happily raced all day.
The staff was amazing — friendly, helpful, and made us feel totally welcome.
Adults can try axe throwing, too, if you want something a little different.
We played a family round of mini-golf at River Country Mini Golf. It’s right in the middle of the island and super fun. We haven’t done something like that in such a long time, and it was great for a calm evening with my teens.
HUGE park with play equipment for all ages, and even a splash pad!
It’s free, and has free parking
Super clean, and it brings all the beachy vibes with its bright colors.
There’s also a beautiful amphitheater for live music and events in the summer.
Mini-golf and the playground are both within walking distance to the pier area where you’ll find Scoops Ice Cream. We grabbed some delicious flavors and enjoyed in at the pier backyard area with access to the beach.
More! A few that we didn’t get to try
The Swamp Park Eco Adventures: Zipline canopy tour, guided ATV rides, and a swamp boat eco tour
Museum of Coastal Carolina is in Ocean Isle Beach and packed with hands-on exhibits about marine life, sharks, weather, and local wildlife
We sat outside and watched boats float by while enjoying ribeye, poke bowls, hush puppies, and shrimp & grits. Yum.
Spilt Milk offers ice cream and donuts. We stopped by on our last morning for some donuts and they did not disappoint. They’ve got both classics and fun flavors that even picky eaters will love. Get the Spilt Milk Cookies & Creme and thank us later.
On our first night in town, we decided to order in, and Joey O’s Pizza was perfect. We used DoorDash, and our dasher was super communicative and helpful. Everything arrived hot and delicious.
Our order (pizza, calzone, wings, and salad) fed us for two meals!
The Italian Dessert Zeppolis were amazing. Seriously.
Pepperoni Zone Calzone was cheesy perfection with ricotta AND mozzarella.
Holden Beach
We loved the laid-back, peaceful vibe of Holden Beach. With more than eight miles of shoreline, there was plenty of room to spread out, take long walks on the beach, and enjoy some truly beautiful sunsets.
When we wanted a break from the sand, we spent time at Bridgeview Park, which has a splash pad, playground, soccer fields, and lots of space for kids to run around. The fishing pier was also a fun spot to visit, and I noticed several designated bike routes around the island that make exploring easy.
One of my favorite things about Holden Beach is its connection to nature. The island is an important sea turtle habitat, and during nesting season you’ll see protected nesting areas along the beach. It adds a special touch to an already relaxing family beach destination.
One of the places we enjoyed eating at was The Hot Buffalo, just off Holden Beach Island. The wings were excellent and available regular, crispy, or extra crispy. We ordered the regular wings, and they were incredibly moist and juicy. The spicy garlic parmesan sauce was absolutely delicious. We also tried the pizza logs, which are described as a pizza egg roll, and they were a fun appetizer to share.
The customer service was excellent and friendly, making the experience even better. While there isn’t a dedicated kids’ menu, families can still find kid-friendly options like mac bites, regular fries, or loaded fries. If you’re looking for a casual spot near Holden Beach with great wings and a welcoming atmosphere, this one is worth a visit.
What Would Your Family Pick First?
We loved our time in the NC Brunswick Islands — it’s the kind of place where you can do a little of everything or just relax by the water and snack your way through town.
Have you been? Drop your favorite spots in the comments!
And if you’re dreaming of more family beach fun, check out our other travel guides and start planning your next adventure. ☀️
Looking for a vintage, family-friendly lake house rental on Lake Greenwood, SC? Boathouse Point is a historic, updated 1950s waterfront property in Cross Hill/Ninety Six, SC. Featuring 800 feet of private shoreline, an original boathouse stocked with water sports equipment, a private boat ramp, and a 50-yard fishing dock, it is perfect for multi-generational families, teen vacations, and outdoor enthusiasts.
But beyond the impressive checklist of amenities, this home offers something increasingly rare in the modern world: a portal to a simpler time.
Boathouse Point is stunning at sunset.
Thank you to Boathouse Point owners, Deana and Jim, for providing this stay so that we could share this special place with our readers.
Slap-bang.
It’s a sound that modern home construction has engineered out of life, replaced by soft-close hinges, weather-stripping, and magnetic seals. But the moment my husband, our four teenagers, and I arrived at Boathouse Point, that rhythmic, wooden slap of a screen door instantly rewound the clock.
The property’s website had promised that the “bang of the screen door” was the true sound of summer here, and standing on the wide, expansive screened porch, sinking into its beautiful original furniture, I realized they were right. We weren’t just staying at a stunning Lake Greenwood property; we had stepped into a living time capsule of lazy days gone by. And, we were invited to join in.
Key Property Features
Acreage & Privacy: 2-acre private point lot with mature trees and a 500-foot tree-lined driveway.
Shoreline: 800 feet of expansive, deep-water panoramic lakefront providing both sunrise and sunset views.
Accommodations: 4 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, plus a cheerful sunroom with a pull-out sofa. Comfortably sleeps up to 12 overnight guests.
Interior Style: Restored mid-century design featuring original wood paneling, heart of pine floors, a brick fireplace, and a large handcrafted dining table that seats 10. VERY clean.
The screened porch was one of my favorite spots in the house.
Baked-In Memories: Renting a Family Legacy
Boathouse Point is a piece of living family history, full of charming character. Originally built around 1948 by the current owner’s grandfather, this home has seen generations of family celebrations, lazy afternoons, and summers spent on the water. You can feel the love of this place the moment you step across the threshold.
The owners, Jim and Deana, by the way, are fabulous. They live next door, so they are right there if you have any questions. But they won’t be interrupting your vacation family time, either. So don’t worry about that.
Inside the house, my absolute favorite space was the living room. Wrapped in warm wood paneling, it balances mid-century soul with modern comforts like central air conditioning and updated appliances. The room features a wall of glass windows and doors that open directly onto the screened porch, framing expansive, panoramic views of the water. It manages to feel incredibly cozy, yet light, airy, and those windows really make all those beautiful lake views part of the room.
Analog Mornings and Expansive Shores
The home sits on a massive, two-acre lot boasting an unusually long, wrap-around shoreline. Because of its unique positioning on the point, the water views are vast and uninterrupted.
In the cool of the morning, the back porch is the place to be. With coffee in hand, my husband and I started our days watching the water and chatting before the kids were up. I could have stayed there all day.
The first morning, we launched our paddleboards at the sandy spot beside the dock. While the home generously provides a paddleboard, canoes, and a kayak, we had brought a couple of our own to supplement the fleet. Together, the two of us paddled across Lake Greenwood and then spent some time exploring the wooded shoreline of Lake Greenwood State Park. It was a beautiful, peaceful morning escape before the rest of the house, the teens, woke up.
The Landmark Boathouse: A Treasure Chest of Fun
The property’s namesake—the historic, original boathouse sitting right at the water’s edge—acts as a literal treasure chest for lake entertainment. It is fully stocked with everything a big family needs: pool floats, noodles, dozens of life jackets, folding camp chairs, and fishing poles.
Our teens (ages 13, 15, 16, and 18) immediately explored it. They dragged out two massive inflatable tubes and turned them into their own personal “floating island.” For hours, they climbed up, wrestled, and jumped off into the water. I even claimed a pool float and drifted lazily right next to the shoreline, listening to the birds and the water lapping against the sea wall.
High-speed Wi-Fi throughout, full laundry (washer/dryer), central heating & air conditioning, and a fully equipped modern kitchen with updated appliances. Books, games, and puzzles for rainy days inside.
Taking out the canoe
The Magic of the Dock
As a mother of four teenagers, I am intimately familiar with the battle against screens. Yet, Boathouse Point did what no parenting app or house rule ever could: it made the digital world irrelevant.
Two of my kids spent hours upon hours fishing on the 50-yard wooden dock. It brought such pure joy to my heart to look out and see them sitting, feet dangling over the edge, eyes staring out over the water with nothing but a pole and a line. No texting. Just quiet patience.
On our second night, as twilight was fading and they were about to call it a night to head inside for bed, both of their lines went taut.
Within minutes, they had each landed a good-sized catfish. The pumped-up excitement and wide grins that followed were a testament to the raw, classic childhood triumphs that places like Boathouse Point have fostered for decades. Oh, how these kids still need these moments, maybe more than ever.
Ping-Pong and Legacy S’mores
Our evenings naturally gravitated toward the outdoor firepit and grilling area, which sits perfectly positioned next to a covered ping-pong table.
We turned dinner into an event. The first night was juicy burgers and grilled asparagus; the second night featured grilled chicken breasts, fresh sweet peppers, and more asparagus.
While dinner was cooking, the firepit was crackling, and the kids kept up a fierce, rotating display of completely horrendous ping-pong skills.
It was a blast.
Nearby, a hammock strung up beside the firepit became the most heavily contested piece of real estate on the property, used by everyone.
There is also a horseshoe pit and a granite cornhole game across the yard. Just in case you’re wondering, yes, we are equally bad at those games. We sure did have fun, though.
To top it all off, the owners left behind a wonderfully thoughtful touch: the exact ingredients for their own family’s signature s’mores tradition—striped fudge cookies instead of standard graham crackers, paired with classic marshmallows. When’s the last time someone shared their signature family recipe with you?
Regional Proximity: Located in Upstate South Carolina, just over an hour’s drive from both Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) and Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE).
Nearby Attractions:Lake Greenwood State Park (hiking, lakeside trails, and public programs) and 15 minutes from historic downtown Greenwood and Uptown dining.
Eco-Status: Certified National Wildlife Federation habitat, offering prime birdwatching (bald eagles, herons) and premier freshwater fishing (catfish, largemouth bass, and crappie) directly from the dock.
As we packed up the car and heard that wooden screen door slap shut one final time, I was grateful for how this place reminded us to slow down, listen to the crickets, watch the birds, and collect the kind of memories that last for generations.
With such a gorgeous property, we ended up with a lot more photos to share!
We LOVED this view.
Boathouse Point FAQ
Where is Boathouse Point located?
Boathouse Point is located on Lake Greenwood, South Carolina, spanning the historic Cross Hill and Ninety Six area. It is situated in the Upstate region, roughly an hour’s drive from both the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) and the Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE).
Is Boathouse Point good for families with teenagers?
Yes, it is highly optimized for families with teens (and younger kids, too!). The property naturally encourages a summer experience away from screens, featuring a 50-yard deep-water fishing dock, a covered ping-pong table, horseshoes, a granite cornhole game, an outdoor firepit, and an original boathouse packed with water gear.
What water amenities and watercraft are included with the rental?
The rental includes a private boat ramp and a massive 50-yard dock. Guests have access to the historic original boathouse, which is fully stocked with one stand-up paddleboard (SUP), two canoes, one kayak, oversized swim tubes, pool floats, noodles, a variety of life jackets (PFDs), and multiple fishing rods.
Does this historic 1950s lake house have modern upgrades?
Absolutely. While the home beautifully preserves its original 1950s character—including the iconic wooden screen doors, original porch furniture, and warm wood paneling—it has been fully updated with modern comforts. Guests enjoy central heating and air conditioning, high-speed Wi-Fi, full laundry facilities, and a completely equipped modern kitchen with updated appliances.
Want more great spots for family vacations? Here’s our list of places we’ve stayed and loved!
Interested in blueberry picking in Greenville, SC? What about blackberry picking near Greenville? The Upstate and WNC have several places to pick those sweet, juicy berries yourself! We love picking fresh berries and filling up the freezer for this year’s blueberry muffins, oatmeal, blackberry cobbler, pies, and more. Here’s a list of local upick blueberry and blackberry farms in Greenville where you can pick your own. For 2026, most upick blueberries begin mid to late June, with blackberries slightly later.
Have you visited Ocean Isle Beach in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands? It’s a special spot full of classic family fun and lots of beautiful coastline. We got a chance to visit, and we’re sharing everything we loved because we think you’ll love it, too!
Thank you to North Carolina Brunswick Islands for hosting us so we could share this gorgeous area with our readers.
My kids are all tweens and teens. To borrow a bit of Forest Gump’s iconic phrase, living with teens is a little like a box of chocolates. Some days you get a nice, tasty coconut creme, and other days you get a stale, rock-hard nougat. That can make planning family travel a little difficult. Actually, a lot difficult. You just want to have a fun, relaxed time with your family and see them happy and enjoying being together. Oh, but how does one make that happen?
I don’t have the answer, but that’s actually exactly what happened when I took my tween and teens to Ocean Isle Beach. And while when it comes to YOUR teens, we can’t make any actual guarantees, (not like the back of the chocolate box with the key to what’s inside,) we can tell you that Ocean Isle Beach has just the right ingredients for that relaxed memory-making experience we crave with our adolescent kids.
Oceanfront Accommodations
The accommodations on Ocean Isle Beach are mostly rental condos and homes, although there are a couple of hotels. One thing I’ve always loved about beaches with this type of housing is that the beach itself tends to be less crowded. We found that to be the case on Ocean Isle as well.
We stayed in an oceanfront condo that had everything we needed, including a community pool just a few steps from the beach. With no busy streets to cross, I felt totally comfortable letting my teens move between the beach, the pool, and the condo as they liked, as long as they were with a sibling. That made running up to grab some snacks or refill a water bottle super simple.
And, for families with younger kids, being oceanfront means it’s easier to get back to the condo for a sun break or nap. Speaking of naps, it’ll hardly feel like you’ve left the beach as the kids nap while you enjoy the view overlooking the ocean from the back deck.
The condo we stayed at was called Beachin’ It. The unit was quite clean and very comfortable. We had everything we needed, lots of dishes, pans, even board games and movies. The five of us fit easily, and I’d definitely stay there again.
Another option we really enjoyed was Ocean Isle Inn. Our stay was awesome and we loved how convenient everything was. While the rooms are spacious, keep in mind that the two-queen rooms have a four-person limit and king rooms are limited to two guests, so larger families may need to book an additional room. We stayed on the marsh side and loved watching deer graze in the evenings from our room, though oceanfront rooms offer balconies and direct water views.
What really made this hotel stand out was the location. The pier was just a short walk away and offered fishing, snacks, ice cream, an arcade, and a bait shop. We could also easily walk to a large playground, the Museum of Coastal Carolina, restaurants, beach shops, and plenty of sweet treats.
The hotel itself had everything we needed for a family getaway, including heated indoor and outdoor pools, a hot tub, direct beach access, outdoor showers, and on-site laundry facilities. Breakfast was included each morning and featured a variety of options, from waffles and bagels to fruit, cereal, and pastries, all served in a breakfast room overlooking the pool and ocean.
Most of all, I was impressed by how clean everything was. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful throughout our stay, and we left already talking about coming back on our next visit.
Things to Do at Ocean Isle Beach
We wrote a full article on North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands, and Ocean Isle Beach is part of those islands. Make no mistake about it, everything in the Brunswick Islands is an easy drive away from Ocean Isle, and there are definitely gems you should absolutely check out when you visit.
But for the purposes of this article, I’m going to focus in tight to the things to do right on Ocean Isle because we loved it so much.
Watch! Our Brunswick Island Trip
You’ll see lots of these Ocean Isle adventures in the video below, plus a few more things we did in the Brunswick Islands.
The Beach at Ocean Isle Beach
We’re kicking things off with some talk about the beach, since that’s probably your main attraction, right? We found the beach to be gorgeous.
Wide-open, lots of space
We found a couple of sharks’ teeth! Actually I did, and my kids were a wee bit jealous.
Evening beach walks were stunning. Walking to the southern end of the island when the tide was out was so surreal. We were able to walk well out into the inlet.
My kids all enjoyed splashing and playing with the boogie boards in the waves. The water here stayed shallow for quite a while. However, always be mindful of ocean conditions, rip currents, and problematic marine life. There are no lifeguards here to help you. Ocean Isle Beach doesn’t have a flag warning system, but we just checked the flags online daily for nearby Holden Beach to stay aware of conditions.
Our kids loved this place so much, they had to go again! And, after watching them ALL have fun on the first race, I had the “yes, just take my money, please” mentality for the second race. How could I say, “No?”. But truly, this was probably their favorite activity.
Go-kart races are $12 per person and last about 5 minutes each. The staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming, and they all genuinely seemed happy to be there.
What we loved:
Friendly, welcoming staff
Perfect for kids and tweens
Adults can try axe throwing too!
We didn’t personally check out the axe throwing, but we watched a bit as we waited to buy our go-kart tickets. It looked like everyone was really having a good time. It’d be a great activity for adults!
Right in the heart of the island, this mini-golf spot was the perfect calm evening activity with our teens. We hadn’t played mini-golf in ages and had such a good time. The river jungle theme was cute, and at the end of the game even my 17-year-old had to say goodbye to the giant giraffe statue.
What we loved:
Walkable to the pier (parking for River Country is at the pier!)
This free public park is a must-do for any age! My kids had a lot of fun on the basketball court. We didn’t even need to bring a ball, they were just left on the side of the court for anyone to use.
The playground itself is HUGE and even has a full workout section full of playground-style equipment for adults to use. When we were at the park early one morning, there were adults running on the path and getting in a workout on the equipment.
Then there are multiple climbing structures with slides for the kids, and a beautiful splashpad. Everything is done in bright colors with a beachy vibe that we loved. It’s all totally free, and even though I was traveling with teens, we visited this park twice.
The amphitheater area has free live music events in the summer season so you’ll want to keep an eye out for those on your visit.
What you’ll find:
Big playground with equipment for all ages
Splash pad (yay, water fun!)
Free parking
Clean bathrooms and tons of space to run
Museum of Coastal Carolina
📍 21 E 2nd Street, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
The Museum of Coastal Carolina is a great indoor option for families visiting Ocean Isle Beach, offering a fun mix of hands-on learning and play. Kids can explore interactive exhibits like a wave generator, water tables, and a microscope station, then get up close with marine life in the large touch tank featuring sea urchins, horseshoe crabs, and more. With plenty of engaging displays, friendly staff, and an easy walkable location, it’s a simple way to add an educational and kid-approved stop to your beach trip.
Perfect for: Curious kids, science lovers, and rainy days.
The Swamp Park – Zipline & Eco Adventures
📍 5550 Watts Road SW, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
Another spot we’ll try next trip! From canopy ziplines to swamp boat eco tours, this place offers lots for older kids and parents!
Tip: Best for ages 10+ and great for teens.
Ocean Isle Beach Pier & Arcade
📍 1 W 1st Street Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
This classic wooden pier is a total classic — and the arcade at the base adds even more fun!
What to do:
Stroll the pier for ocean views (small fee for access), though you can walk through the pier’s backyard to the patio and beach beside the pier for free.
Watch fishermen reel in their catch
Play arcade games indoors (perfect rainy day backup!)
Grab a treat and enjoy it in the shaded pier backyard area
You’ll find Scoops Ice Cream in the building at the pier, too!
Scoops Ice Cream
📍 1 W 1st Street Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
After mini-golf or park time, Scoops is the perfect cool-down treat. We took our ice cream to the pier’s backyard area behind the pier — with direct beach access and ocean breezes.
Why it’s a fave:
Tons of flavors to choose from
Quick service, even when busy
Easy walk from most attractions
Where You Should Eat: Ocean Isle Beach Restaurants
Speaking of ice cream, let’s talk food. Here’s what we enjoyed!
Sharky’s Waterfront Bar & Grill
📍 61 Causeway Drive, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
Our dinner here was unforgettable — great food and equally amazing views. We ate outside on the deck and watched the boats go by as the sun set.
What we loved:
Shrimp & grits and poke bowls (so good!)
Ribeye steak and hush puppies
Chill waterfront vibe
It’s casual, delicious, and great for families.
Spilt Milk
📍 10 E 2nd Street, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
Donuts + ice cream = yes, please. This cute spot was our final morning treat, and the kids are still talking about it.
Don’t miss:
Spilt Milk Cookies & Creme donut was awesome!
They have rotating seasonal flavors AND classics
Everything is made fresh right there, and the ice cream looked awesome. That’s definitely something we’d do next time!
Joey O’s Brick Oven Pizza
📍 6250 Beach Drive SW, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
After a beachy travel day, this was the perfect order-in dinner. We used DoorDash and everything came hot and ready.
Family dinner wins:
Pizza, calzone, wings, salad — all tasty!
Zeppolis for dessert = amazing
The calzone was extra cheesy with ricotta and mozzarella
Drift Coffee & Kitchen
📍 1 Causeway Drive, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
Start your day or fuel up with a stop at Drift — it’s light, fresh, and totally family-friendly. We grabbed breakfast here on our first day of our trip. Everything was tasty.
On the menu:
Smoothie bowls, avocado toast, lattes
Indoor + outdoor seating with a breezy beach vibe
Ready to Plan Your Ocean Isle Beach Day?
Whether you’re zipping through the treetops, racing go-karts, or just watching the waves with ice cream in hand — Ocean Isle Beach makes family fun easy.
After several decades of combined parenting and more trips to the beach than we care to admit, the Kidding Around Team has become something of a Southeast Family-Friendly Beach expert. Add in our readers’ tips and favorites, and you have one very stout beach guide.
Have you visited Lake Robinson in Greer, SC? The J. Verne Smith Park offers gorgeous views of the lake and mountains in the distance. You can fish, boat, picnic, or just enjoy some quiet time at this park. Read on for the details.
Summer is here bringing forth all its outdoor adventures. Playgrounds, games, and trips to the splash pads abound. But if you’re looking for something a little quieter, a bit more nature and little less crowded, consider a visit to J. Verne Smith Park at the tip of Lake Robinson.
Lake Robinson is owned by Greer CPW and serves as an impoundment for drinking water. It’s a popular lake for small boats and fishing, but the park area itself seems to be rarely populated with more than a handful of people. It does not have playground facilities, yet with plenty of picnic sites, beautiful views and several small docks and a fishing pier to explore, this park should not be an overlooked outdoor destination.
Things to Do at J. Verne Smith Park
Lake Robinson is, in fact, one of my family’s favorite locations for a quiet picnic. The park’s location has a million-dollar view, and is just steps from the parking lot. This makes J. Verne Smith Park a uniquely easy destination for those with young children or mobility-impaired individuals to enjoy the beautiful views this foothills area can provide. The park has many picnic tables and ample large shade trees where guests can spread picnic blankets facing the water.
Consider bringing some sidewalk chalk for after your picnic, as there are many paved walking areas to roam. My children enjoy bringing sketching materials and watercolor pencils to try and draw bits of the view they are enjoying. We like to bring books to read quietly or out loud together (this is a great place for us to do a bit of homeschool work outside the house). And sometimes we bring Frisbees, balls, jacks, and other outside toys. Tip: The park is on a hill, sloped towards the water. It definitely won’t work as a soccer field, but is fine for young children tossing a ball back and forth.
The lake edge of the park is rimmed with large rocks (perfect for keeping a runaway ball from rolling into the water). You cannot wade or swim here. But you can walk the paved pathways, sit out on the small docks and watch the boats, or stroll out along the fishing pier and see what creatures you can spot in the water. If you plan to fish, you’ll need to make sure you obtain the proper permit. You can obtain permits at Greer CPW Warden’s Office on-site.
You can even grab a cup of coffee nearby at Flying Fox Coffee in the Lakewalk Community, on your way to the lake. The Mexican Restaurant just across the street from the park, Los Mayas, is also VERY popular.
This park has a boat launch with plenty of parking, and is also a great place to put in kayaks or paddleboards. Our family loves to paddle here. You will need a permit from the warden’s office. They can be purchased for day use or annually, but be sure to call ahead to confirm hours at the warden’s office. It can be difficult to catch them if they are out on patrol.
Things to Know
Verne Smith has a large raised picnic shelter with a fantastic view, which can be rented from Greer CPW for $300 per day, and a smaller shelter area also with a nice view, that can be rented for $150 a day.
Restroom facilities are located at the larger shelter.
The park is open sunrise to sunset. No skateboards, roller blades, or bikes are allowed on the walking paths, so it is best to leave those at home.
Park address: 2544 Mays Bridge Road, Greer, SC 29651
Did you know the Apple Store provides free classes and camps for kids? Classes include the free use of Apple technology plus instruction allowing kids to be creative with music, photography, art, video, and even coding.
Over summer break, the Apple Store even provides FREE Apple Camp for kids, which are class events that culminate in a final project. All this happens through a program called Today at Apple.
My own kids have participated in several of these camps and classes and have always enjoyed the programs, wearing their free Apple t-shirts, and sharing their creations with our family. Thanks to that experience, in this article we’re sharing everything you need to know about signing up and participating in these classes and camps at the Apple Store, plus a few tips.
Are you thinking about bringing the family to Greenville Rec’s Discovery Island Water Park for some summer fun? The park, located inside Southside Park in Simpsonville, SC, has a little something for everyone. Find out about each of the park’s attractions and all the details you need to know for a fun day at Discover Island.
Thank you to Greenville Rec for providing passes so we could bring this information to our readers.
Greenville Rec’s Discovery Island
Discovery Island is a few minutes off 385 in Simpsonville at Southside Park. There are playgrounds, soccer fields, and volleyball courts there, as well. But, to relieve the heat, head to the water park.
The water park features two large water slides, a zero-entry pool with a play structure featuring a small water slide, a climbing area, lots of sprayers, buckets, and water cannons, a lazy river, and the FlowRider.
Things to Know When Visiting Discovery Island
When you arrive you’ll likely need to wait in line to enter the park. The line for admission moves pretty quickly, but do keep in mind that once the park reaches capacity you will not be able to enter until others leave. Of course, weekends will fill up more quickly. We visited the park on Monday at about 10:45 am and there was plenty of room in the park.
Once inside, there are tons of chairs where you can drop your things, some of them are located under a large shade canopy. These, of course, go first. So get there right at opening if the shade is your goal. There are also lockers that you can rent to store valuables if you would like.
Life jackets and puddle jumpers are provided for kids. They are required for kids under 42 inches tall and are available for all.
The water park hosts birthday party rentals in huts and cabana rentals. Season passes are available to either one particular park or all of the Greenville Rec parks.
No outside food or drink is allowed in Discovery Island. We did bring in our water bottles without any problem, but they cannot be glass bottles. Clyde’s Cafe offers pizza and snacks or you can exit the park to enjoy a picnic and then re-enter. NOTE: If you leave the park when it is at capacity, someone else will take your spot and you will have to wait in line again before re-entering.
We visited the park for about two hours, which gave us ample time to do everything multiple times. On a more crowded day, we might have needed more time to play. The kids really could have stayed longer, but, I’m a fan of ending things on a high note before the kids get cranky.
Attractions at Discovery Island
While Discovery Island is not a huge park, there is a little something for everyone to enjoy. It’s perfect for a few hours of family water park fun without the long drive and expensive ticket price of the water parks at large amusement parks. Here are the attractions you’ll find at Discovery Island.
Lazy River
Grab a tube and float down the lazy river. It’s slow. It’s floating around in a vaugley oval shape. We’re not talking high adventure here. But, it’s perfect for grown-ups kicking back and relaxing or young kiddos who want to use the tubes.
And, if your older kids are on the slides, you can keep an eye on them from here. Whoever planned that out was smart. So smart.
We thought the clear tubes were pretty fun, too!
Water Playground at Discovery Island
Water Playground and Pool
In the center of a zero-depth entry pool is a playground structure with a small slide, sprayers, places to climb and mounted water cannons and sprayers kids can use. Note that one sprayer can actually reach a few of the lounge chairs, so, if you pick that as your spot, plan on some wet towels.
This area is definitely designed for younger kids, and they will most definitely have a blast here.
Just want to swim? There’s a pool area behind the water playground, between it and the water slides. You cannot bring the tubes here, but if you just want to practice a little swimming, this is the place. The pool area is 3 feet deep.
Discovery Island Water Slides
Water Slides
There are two larger water slides at Discovery Island. One is a tube slide which allows both single tube riders and double tube riders. The tube slide is pitch black for about half the ride and it’s really fun. A life guard will give you your tube at the bottom and then you’ll need to climb up three flights of stairs to get to the top of the slide.
Or, you can choose the yellow body slide, which of course does not require a tube. For part of the ride the slide is enclosed but not dark because of the lighter color of the slide. It’s a bit slower than the tube slide, but with most twists and turns.
Riders must be 48″ to ride the slides. People 47″ and under can ride the tube slide with someone who is 48″+ and at least 16-years-old.
FlowRider
The Flow Rider is a surfing and boogie boarding wave simulator. Kids have to be 4′ tall to ride the FlowRider and a waiver must be signed. New riders will get a little instruction from the life guard on duty at the bottom of the Flow RIder.
FlowRider at Discovery Island
My teens/preteens really enjoyed this attraction. My 13 year-old said he enjoyed it because it required some skill, not just a ride. There were decisions to make about steering as he tried to stay on the board. There were experienced riders at the park on the day we visited who were able to to do all kinds of twists and barrel rolls and stay on the FlowRider. It was pretty impressive.
Food
While we didn’t enjoy lunch at Discovery Island, we did check out the concessions offered. Clyde’s Cafe offers pizza, Uncrustables, candy, chips and other pre-packaged snacks. The pizza comes from Papa Johns.
Tips
For guests 42″ and under, they are required to wear life jackets, which are available for free at the park.
Riders must be 48″ to ride the slides. People 47″ and under can ride the tube slide with someone who is 48″+ and at least 16-years-old.
To ride the FlowRider, guests must be 42″. On Sundays, guests 48″ and taller can do stand-up surfing on it.
You cannot bring in any outside food or drink but may exit the park to eat and then come back inside. However, you may have to wait depending on the line to get in.
No outside water toys or floats may be brought into the park. No pets are allowed in the park.
You can rent a locker for your valuables for $7.25 at the park.
You can enjoy Discovery Island, too!
Rates $15.50- 48”+ $11 under 48” and seniors 2-years-old and under are free All tickets bought online are $15, no matter the height since they cannot verify virtually.
2025 Summer Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:30 am – 5:30 pm Sunday: 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm Opens daily on May 23, 2026 through August 9, 2026 and then on weekends through Labor Day
In need of local meat for sale in Greenville, SC? If you are searching for “meat farms near me” or “local meats near me”, then we have got you! The Greenville area has a number of local farmers that sell their meat products directly to customers. In addition, there are a number of locally run stores that sell local meats. Here’s where you can find locally raised meat near Greenville, SC.
