Author Archive

The Biggest Little Playground in Lyman, SC!

Inside: A local mom reviews all the fun things to do at Lyman Park in Lyman, SC. Is this the most toddler-friendly park in the Upstate? Let’s discuss!

Located just behind the Lyman Event Center at Pacific Place, you’ll find a variety of outdoor spaces for the whole family to enjoy: A gazebo perfect for picnics, playground with multiple playsets for toddlers, wide open greenspace, and an amphitheater!
Kidding Around’s Sarah Burnett paid this park a visit with her 3 kids and shares all the highlights below!

Lyman Park Playground — The playground at Lyman Park.

Our family recently visited the playground at Lyman Park after a friend recommended it, and we totally agree that it’s one of the best playgrounds for toddlers in Spartanburg County! But more than that, the playsets are surrounded by other outdoor options which easily make this a great place for full-family excursions.

Lyman Park: Quick Summary

🌟 Why We Love It:
✔️ Two playsets perfect for toddlers, including slides, ramps & a rocking boat
✔️ Swings for all ages, plus a merry-go-all and an accessible see-saw
✔️ Soft artificial turf (goodbye, woodchips!)
✔️ A paved path for tricycles & strollers, benches for parents
✔️ Restrooms available
✔️ A stone amphitheater (hello, little performers!)
✔️ Dog park & picnic gazebo—bring the whole family!

🌳 Plus, the Lyman Rail Trail is just a short stroll away for an easy, family-friendly walk or bike ride.
📍 Visit Lyman Park: 81 Groce Road, Lyman, SC

Playgrounds for Littles: Lyman Park

Our family has 3 kids, ages 5 and under, so we are always on the lookout for play spaces geared towards little ones. While signage onsite says the play equipment is designed for ages 5 to 12 years old, we’ve found that Lyman Park’s playground has multiple play sets perfect for littles— and zero play equipment within reach that is inappropriate for their size.

There is a little playset and a larger one, both with multiple slides and gentle ramps for easy access. The smaller playset has one baby slide and two toddler slides, with a large rocking boat with enough seats to easily fit at least 6 kids!

The bigger playset has a baby slide, two side-by-side toddler slides (perfect for races!), and one taller slide more geared towards preschoolers. If babies manage to make it up the stairs to the tallest slide, just keep a close eye for the gaps in the railing up there where ladders come up on either side! There are also both high and low monkey bars attached to the larger playset, perfect for kids eager to swing without the risk of falling too far for their height.

In the surrounding play area, there are even more options perfect for your youngest kiddos. My 5-year-old’s favorite was a low, short tunnel, with climbing handholds covering the outside and an underwater cave appearance on the inside. My 3-year-old loved the merry-go-all, featuring 4 seats so all our kids could easily spin together. Our youngest loved the accessible see-saw, also with 4 seats and easy for our oldest to bounce all by himself!

And, of course, all our kids love being pushed on the swing set, complete with several accessible swings perfect for our whole age range. Plus, the entire play area has a soft artificial base, so no need to worry about messy woodchips!

Paved Path for Parents and Kids

One of the best parts of this play space is the sidewalk encircling the whole thing. It is absolutely perfect for little ones on tricycles and toddler bikes! And it’s a small enough loop that you can walk it without losing sight of your kids or racing to catch them if one starts to wander off. And of course, there are benches, too, if you’d rather get off your feet while your kids play!

This walking path is also a great course to follow for exploring the rest of Lyman Park. At the playground, it will take you right past the picnic shelter, restrooms, and historic library which can be reserved for private events. It also takes you alongside the greenspace to see what else this area has to offer!

Greenspace and Amphitheater

If you are more interested in unstructured play, Lyman Park has two fantastic spaces for that, starting with the greenspace! This flat grassy field is adjacent to the playground, and on our visits, we have seen bigger kids playing frisbee, throwing footballs, and just having a blast chasing each other around. There is a chain-link fence on the far side of the field, creating a barrier between the grass and the road beyond.

Farther down the hill, the walking trail leads to a great stone amphitheater! Our 5-year-old is QUITE the performer, so naturally this is one of his absolute favorite spaces in the park. There are great acoustics in this space with several levels of grass seating surrounding a wide paved circle at the center.

Lyman Rail Trail

From the amphitheater, you can follow the path down the hill to cross over Spartanburg Road and hop on the Lyman Rail Trail. This paved trail runs just a little under half a mile one-way, and it is entirely level as it follows alongside an old railroad. Cyclists and strollers are welcome, and the trail concludes at Lawrence Street.

Bark Park and Gazebo

Got a furry family member? Bring them along! If you turn uphill from the amphitheater instead of downhill, the path takes you around the side of the Event Center, where you’ll find a small enclosed dog park with obstacles for pets and benches for their humans!

I also love the little white gazebo on this side of the Event Center, which has a concrete base and a small wrought-iron table with chairs, in case you are looking for a unique place for a picnic. I definitely plan to bring one the next time we visit Lyman Park!

Visit Lyman Park

81 Groce Road, Lyman, SC

Keep playing!
River Place Park is just a few minutes from Lyman Park.

Find more great places to play!

Kidding Around Greenville Guide to Parks & Playgrounds in the Upstate

River Birch Trail: A Serene Trail on the Eastside of Spartanburg, SC

Inside: A local mom reviews the River Birch Trail in Spartanburg, SC, with kids!

Originally built in 1981, the River Birch Trail in Spartanburg, SC has undergone major revitalization in recent years! Most recently, the trail was expanded to now stretch about 2 miles one direction, all along the scenic banks of Lawson’s Fork Creek. Kidding Around’s Sarah Burnett reviews this trail for all you prospective hikers out there to consider!

There’s nothing quite like going for a walk with your kids. There’s just something about getting outside, casting eyes over trees and sky, and moving all together in the same direction. It’s a breath of fresh air, both literally and figuratively!

But it can be tough to find routes that work well for parents with kids and are, shall we say, a bit more “scenic” than sidewalks wrapping around playgrounds… Not knocking those, we genuinely love them! But I have to admit my pleasant surprise when I was first introduced to the paved 2-mile River Birch Trail. A family member introduced us to this trail over the holidays last year (gotta love that post-turkey trot!) and I have found myself returning to it again and again.

Quick Summary: River Birch Trail

This 2-mile paved trail winds along Lawson’s Fork Creek, with bridges, bamboo forests, and even a hidden waterfall at White’s Mill Dam. Perfect for strollers, bikes, and little explorers! 🚲👣

📍 Access points:
🚗 McCracken Middle School
🌮 Willy Taco (midway point!)
💦 White’s Mill Dam

Watch! What We Saw on The River Birch Trail

Finding the River Birch Trail

This trail has multiple convenient access points, including McCracken Middle School at one end, Willy Taco around the halfway point, and White’s Mill Dam at the other end. Our family’s go-to starting place is the designated parking lot off Sydnor Road behind McCracken Middle School. We’ve never had an issue getting a parking spot there, and there is a paved path down a short hill that puts you right on the trail.

If you are a more regular hiker, you may also know or be interested to learn that the River Birch Trail connects at both ends to other segments of the larger Daniel Morgan Trail System. If you want to extend your hike, consider starting out on the more natural Cottonwood Trail at the Edwin M. Nature Preserve entrance, which will add roughly another 2 miles and connect with the River Birch trailhead at Sydnor Road. You can also add 2 miles coming at the River Birch Trail from the other direction if you start out at the Mary Black Campus of Spartanburg Medical Center and follow the Drayton Mills Trails down to Heywood Avenue.

Seen along the River Birch Trail — Beautiful things to see along the River Birch Trail.

Accessibility and Challenge Level

The length of the trail is comparable to the Mary Black Rail Trail, stretching about 2 miles one-way. Walking with 3 little ones, it typically takes us about 1.5 hours to walk out and back. If I’m generous with stops to play, we can add in quite a bit more time, though, so know your children’s expectations well before you set out with them!

The entire trail is wide enough for several people to walk side by side, and the trail is paved the whole way through—the only exceptions being one aluminum bridge and one boardwalk where the trail crosses over Lawson’s Fork Creek.

It is also mostly level with only a few very low-grade hills. The steepest hill is just the short one coming down from the parking lot behind McCracken, which always makes for a small final challenge on our return journey! I will say, though, I think the hill to access the trail from Willy Taco might even be a bit steeper!

The width of the trail, smooth surfacing, and easy inclines make it absolutely inclusive for strollers, wheelchairs, and cyclists. If you have walked the completely level Mary Black Rail Trail and want something just as accessible but the teensiest bit more challenging, the River Birch Trail is definitely an excellent next option for your family!

Highlights on the Trail

The entire River Birch Trail follows alongside Lawson’s Fork Creek, and I just love the nonstop view of the gently moving water. The landscape rises on either side of the creek, which means this trail is nestled for the most part between wooded hills on either side.

Each time we go, I look for some new plantlife to identify, and some of our favorites so far are the bamboo forest on the far side of the creek and the oriental paperbush flowers which bloom in early spring.

There are some interesting man-made additions to the view along the River Birch Trail, too. We’ve spotted at least 3 birdhouses which were hand-painted and installed by a local Girl Scout Troop, and one absolutely hilarious sign near White’s Mill Dam!

There are also sections of the trail that pass through more residential areas, and we’ve found a few favorite houses with pretty architecture and had fun trying to identify a few commercial buildings we’ve seen through the trees.

The water and hills regulate the temperature along the trail, making it feel just a bit milder. I remember going once on a windy winter day, and though we could see the treetops swaying overhead, we could hardly feel it ourselves, shielded as we were by the landscape. Add in the dappled shade in summer, and you are sure to get some relief from the heat!

Our family’s absolute favorite spot on the River Birch Trail, though, has to be White’s Mill Dam. This special spot is pretty close to the trailhead at Heywood Avenue, so it’s a welcome break about halfway into our out-and-back hike. There’s a small sandy area with a bench, where my kids love to get dirty and play… One of these days, maybe I’ll even remember to bring sand toys! But what I love about this place is just the water falling over the dam. It looks and sounds so serene.

Playing along the River Birch Trail — Playing in the sand along the River Birch Trail

Safety Considerations

If visiting the River Birch Trail with children, always be mindful of the need for safety around the water. There are several bridges overlooking the water, and a few places where the bank drops off steeply next to the path. Always keep a close watch on your kids, and talk to those who are old enough to understand about the importance of being careful along the creek.

Keep in mind that the River Birch Trail is somewhat secluded, being a more nature-oriented trail. There are some views of residential housing and the backs of commercial buildings, with a few places to come on or off the trail, but there are significant sections where you may be more isolated.

Our family has tended to walk this trail on weekday mornings or weekend afternoons, and we have always run into several friendly people on the trail. Even so, you might prefer to use the buddy system or plan to walk with another family as an added safety measure.

It is important to note that the River Birch Trail also suffered significant storm damage from Hurricane Helene in 2024. At the time of this writing, the path itself has been cleared and is in good condition, but there is still some safety fencing down and debris from fallen trees and branches visible along most of the trail.

Partners for Active Living (PAL) actively maintains the River Birch Trail and others in Spartanburg County, so if you would like to be involved in the clean-up effort, please consider reaching out to them for volunteer opportunities!

Find lots more FREE Things to Do in Spartanburg, SC.

Stoneledge Park: The Park That Should Definitely Be On Your List In Duncan, SC

Inside: A local mom shares all the details about the great amenities at Stoneledge Park in this full guide.

Looking for a great place to plan some activities this summer? Look no further! StoneLedge Park in Duncan, SC has it all: an indoor event center, outdoor pavilions and playgrounds, a paved walking trail, and of course—the well-known water park—Shipwreck Cove! Kidding Around’s Sarah Burnett breaks down everything you need to know to make the most use of this versatile park as the weather gets warmer!

Gazebo and swings at Stoneledge Park in Duncan. SC

Quick Summary: Stoneledge Park

2 playgrounds
Swings
Paved Walking Trail
Event Center
Water Park
Parking on site
Restrooms available

About Stoneledge Park In Duncan, SC

Whether you want to meet indoors or play outside, get wet or stay dry, go with a group or just your family—StoneLedge Park in Duncan, SC has just the space for you!

Here, you will find a private event center open to reservations, multiple covered picnic shelters, two pretty white gazebos, a small man-made waterfall, playgrounds for big kids and little ones, and a paved walking trail that is perfect for casual strolls and kids on wheels. And of course, you can’t miss Shipwreck Cove, the fantastic adjoining water park which opens every summer!

This property encompasses over 20 acres, much of which is still to be developed, and it has long been a focal point for the town’s recreation and tourism. Parking is available on either side of the Duncan Event Center, with one lot putting you right next to the playgrounds and the other putting you right next to Shipwreck Cove!

Stoneledge Park Events Center

The centerpiece of StoneLedge Park is the Duncan Event Center. No matter which way you come into the park, you won’t be able to miss this hilltop building!

Newly constructed in 2020, the Duncan Event Center is a versatile 3,500-square-foot facility. It offers a wide open, well-lit space with tables and chairs to accommodate up to 200 people, a large wall-mounted projector and screen, built-in sound system, multi-stall restrooms, and a fantastic kitchen space complete with refrigerator, freezer, and warming station.

Reservations are required, with a 4-hour minimum to book the space. Booking details are available online, including the event calendar and options for setup, cleanup, and extras.

Common uses include weddings, showers, and parties, but my family’s experience with the Event Center has been primarily community events. With convenient parking, ample seating, and its big projector screen, the Event Center has been such an ideal space for meetings and presentations! We especially love the immediate access to all the surrounding outdoor spaces, too, which allow for fun and fellowship to carry on long after a more formal gathering ends.

Perfect Playground for All Ages

As a mom of littles, the playground at StoneLedge Park is one of my absolute favorites. It’s open every day from dawn to dusk, has public restroom facilities available, and two covered picnic shelters right by the playgrounds for easy snack breaks.

There are two playsets right near each other, one geared towards ages 2 to 5 years old and one for ages 5 to 12 years old. The playset for bigger kids is really well-designed for safety and visibility, with secure rails fully surrounding the highest levels, so this is one where toddlers might be okay to tag along with older siblings or under close supervision from parents. Swing sets include baby swings, big kid swings, and one accessible swing.

Most of the entire playground area is connected by a smooth artificial surface, which is one of my favorite features for visiting with a baby: Our littlest family member has no trouble crawling and exploring this entire area while the older siblings climb and play! There are also two covered gazebos with low benches, which make great enclosed spaces for crawlers, climbers, and cruisers while grown-ups sit and supervise.

Whether you are just visiting as a family, reserving one of the picnic shelters for a party, or booking the Duncan Event Center for a private event, the park and playground make a fantastic, family-friendly addition to any outing in this area!

Water Feature and Walking Trail

At the playgrounds, you will also find a small man-made waterfall right next to the paved walking path. In summer and fall, this is a great spot to stop for a quick family or group photo!

From there, you can follow the paved trail loop for a leisurely walk around the park. It stretches about 0.5 miles, encircling the play areas and then extending down Spring Street to a broad greenspace with another picnic shelter. The small section of the trail around the play areas is wide and level, making it perfect for strollers and kids on wheels. As you approach the greenspace and then the wooded area, it narrows and introduces some pretty steep slopes, so venture down that way only if you want to build up your calf muscles!

Shipwreck Cove Water Park

Depending on the time of year, you may also want to include Shipwreck Cove in your plans! This water park typically opens over Memorial Day weekend and runs through summer each year. Typical hours are 10 am to 6 pm on Monday through Saturday, then 1 pm to 6 pm on Sundays. However, the water park does sometimes close for private events or adverse weather, so always be sure to check before visiting!

Admission rates vary by height and age, and there are also discounts available for groups, senior citizens, military personnel, and those with a qualifying handicap. With your ticket purchase, you can receive a wristband which allows you to enter and exit the water park freely throughout the day, making it a fabulous add-on to any outdoor adventure at StoneLedge Park! You can easily go back and forth from the playgrounds and picnic shelters to water slides and cabanas.

The wristband can be especially helpful depending on your dining plan: Food is available for purchase inside Shipwreck Cove, but outside food and drink are restricted to consumption outside the water park. Plan ahead for this if you want to bring a picnic!

Inside the water park, you’ll find an amazing kiddie area complete with pirate ship, two super slick water slides for bigger kids, and a lazy river complete with inner tubes. A limited number of life vests are available to borrow, but you may want to bring your own in case these run out. Lifeguards are on duty, but of course parental supervision is also expected!

Shipwreck Cove is the water park at Stoneledge Park

Learn more!

Local mom’s review of Shipwreck Cove in Duncan

Duncanfest and Community Events

Whether you are planning your own event or looking for something else amazing to do, StoneLedge Park is a fantastic place to check.

It’s a go-to site for the Town of Duncan’s community events, including their annual Duncanfest—featuring carnival rides, food trucks, local bands, and usually even a fun run! Be sure to check the Town of Duncan’s event calendar for anything that could be happening at the park, especially in the spring and summer!

Does your family enjoy spending time at Stoneledge Park?

parks and playgrounds spartanburg greenville

The Upstate is lucky enough to have a ton of parks. Check out our Park Guide to find your next adventure!

Visit the Quiet Brookwood Park in Landrum, SC

Curious about Brookwood Park, tucked quietly away in Landrum, SC? Kidding Around’s Sarah Burnett paid it a visit with her 3 kids and shares everything you need to know about what this little neighborhood park has to offer.

Quick Summary: Fun at Brookwood Park

Address: 199 S Bomar Avenue, Landrum, SC 29356
Playground for preschool to early elementary age
Paved walking trails
Pavilion
Military Memorial
Parking on site

Finding the Park

Depending on which mapping app you use, this address could take you right to Brookwood Park’s car lot, or it could land you across the street at the Land Mart Corner Store wondering where you are. Guess which one happened to me? But don’t worry! One phone call to the City of Landrum’s front desk gave me the guidance I needed: “Look behind you.” And with embarrassed laughter and a sigh of relief, I saw the sign!

To be fair, Brookwood Park is a little hidden from view. The road sits high compared to the park down below, so if you happen to miss the sign (like I did) then it’s easy to overlook the park itself. But once you catch it, oh boy! Down a steep hill and across a stretch of greenspace, your eyes take in the climbing wall, multiple swing sets, and playground with playthings to spare!

If you are a hiker, it is also worth noting that Brookwood Park is along two major hiking routes which pass through the City of Landrum. The park makes a convenient rest stop about 4 miles into the Blue Wall Passage of the Palmetto Trail, coming down from the Foothills Equestrian Nature Center (FENCE). It is also located less than 1/10^th of a mile from the conclusion of the 14-mile Peach Country Passage of the Palmetto Trail coming from Inman, SC.

Around the Playground

Brookwood Park features an older playground, with its main playset appealing mostly to preschoolers through early elementary ages. The main draws for littles will almost certainly be the stationary red car with double-steering wheels or one of the rocking toys with a spring base. With mulch all around, excellent visibility, and a small set of bleachers for seating, this play area right next to the parking lot is ideal for parents juggling multiples.

Brookwood Park Playground in Landrum, SC

Farther into the park, though, older kids will also love the open greenspace, additional swing sets, and of course, the climbing wall! My oldest delighted in running around “hunting” squirrels in the grass, and I delighted in seeing the squirrels escape into the scattered oak trees. He quickly conquered the climbing wall and then turned to jumping out at me from either end of the tunnel underneath it.

Peek at the picnic shelter right by the playgrounds, too, and you’ll find the Carolina Lily! This is the 6^th pattern of the Foothills Quilt Trail scattered throughout Landrum, SC— Finding them all could make for a great family scavenger hunt, if you feel like exploring the city!

More to Explore

On the other side of the parking lot is another, smaller greenspace. A picket fence wraps around the far side of the space, creating a barrier between your kids and the woods beyond.

Here, you’ll also find a small brick pavilion with stone tables inside and two military memorial stones flanking the entrance. We happened to be at the park when the maintenance team came through to replace one of the American flags there, and we were thankful to see the memorial being stewarded with such respect and care.

This is also where you can find the entrance to the Brookwood Park Walking Trail. It’s a roughly half-mile loop, which is mostly level and heavily shaded by trees all around. Most of the loop is paved with some boardwalks in the mix. Strollers and dogs are welcome on the trail, but bicycles, skateboards, and the like are strictly prohibited.

We visited in winter, but I have seen photos of this trail in autumn and definitely want to visit again when we can catch the changing foliage! There is a little stream that runs alongside much of the trail, and I saw several spots that would be great for family pictures once the leaves have come out.

Tips for Your Visit

While this park is located on a residential street, the view from the main road is limited and the wooded trail, in particular, has several points of isolation. Safety precautions to consider could include planning your visit with multiple families and always walking with a buddy when on the trail.
The steep hills around the park create a natural barrier between the play area and the roads, but there are no fences around the main part of this park. If you have little ones or kids who like to explore, you may want to set clear boundaries upon arrival and be sure your kids stay closer to you than to the road.
There is a picnic shelter with restrooms available, but the responsibility for maintaining these facilities is primarily up to the groups who reserve it. As a result, you might find it in varying condition, depending on the people who used it last.

Brookwood Park is maintained by the City of Landrum. If you notice a maintenance issue or other concern on your visit, be sure to let them know so they can address it!

Find lots more fun in Landrum, SC!

The Perfect Day Trip for Littles Awaits in Historic Rutherfordton, NC!

Ready to plan a day trip to Rutherfordton, NC? When you are raising little ones, sometimes the best thing you can do is just get out of the house! But where to go? Let us help! Kidding Around’s Sarah enjoys visiting Rutherfordton and she made this perfect day trip itinerary for families! Check out this plan for the perfect day trip for little ones around Rutherfordton, conveniently located in the heart of Western North Carolina.

Whether you are coming from Western North Carolina or Upstate South Carolina, you can expect Rutherfordton to be no more than 1-2 hours from your home! This makes it the perfect driving distance for a day trip for families from so many urban areas such as Charlotte and Asheville in North Carolina or Greenville and Spartanburg in South Carolina.

Start Your Day with KidSenses Children’s Museum

KidSenses Children’s Museum is the perfect place for curious kids to spend their morning! It is open on Tuesday through Saturday starting at 9 am, and arriving right at opening ensures the best possible experience for your kids.

2-hour parking is available directly outside the front door, but if you know your kids will be up for playing longer, plan to use the public parking lot directly behind the museum. Both parking options are 100% free!

Admission is $8 per person aged 1 year and older.

With 2 floors of fun for kids from birth to 10 years old, plus a special exhibit just for children ages 4 years and younger, you are sure to find this museum an ideal adventure for your littlest family members! Expect each floor to take 2 hours or more to fully explore, and consider limiting your visit to one floor if you know your kids will tire out before they make it the whole way through.

There are exhibits sure to engage every child’s personality! There is an interactive fire station for your determined hero, a veterinary hospital for your animal- lover, a grocery store, and restaurant for your budding chef, a green screen and stage for your performer, and so much more.

When you are ready to wrap up, make sure your kids use the restroom before you leave! There is a family restroom down the hall from the Bubble-Ology exhibit downstairs and two multi-stall restrooms in the center of the main floor upstairs.

Get the full scoop!

Our Kidding Around Review of KidSenses Children’s Museum

Break for Lunch at Main Street Market

Main Street and the surrounding area are packed with locally owned, family-friendly options where you can eat with your kids! If you’re feeling spontaneous, just set out from the museum and look into the restaurants you pass as you explore downtown. If you want something quick and easy, though, we recommend Main Street Market!

You will be able to spot the sign for this deli as you come out the door from KidSenses. It is across the street and just a few doors up the hill from there! They are open Monday through Saturday starting at 11 am, so they’ll be ready to welcome you whether you spend just a couple of hours at the museum or linger longer!

When you walk into Main Street Market, you’ll find menu cards on the tables directly inside the front door. Select from one of their standard subs and salads, or customize a sub precisely to the liking of your pickiest eater! Then seat yourself with no wait, and trust the friendly servers to take care of you and your kids from there!

Find more dining options! 3 Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Rutherfordton, NC

When you’re done, and if your kids are up for it, consider swinging by Main Street Coffee & Ice Cream right next door, too, for a delicious dessert to top off your meal!

Get Outside at Kiwanis Park

If you’re up for a stroll, Kiwanis Park is about a 10-minute walk from both KidSenses Children’s Museum and Main Street Market. Just follow Main Street up the hill and then back down until you come to Green Street, where you’ll turn right to see the park. If you prefer to drive, then it takes less than 2 minutes to get there!

Park in the spots available along Green Street, and head straight to the white building by the parking area. Here, you’ll find more restrooms, water fountains, a detailed town map, and a community bulletin board with details on any special events that could be happening today!

Consider bringing tricycles, bicycles, or other fun things with wheels, because this will be the time to get them out of the car! Kiwanis Park has the perfect paved path for these activities, with a completely level loop around a greenspace just past the welcome building, and a slightly hillier loop encircling the playground up ahead.

Cross one of the scenic bridges over Cleghorn Creek to get to the double-decker playground, and be sure to keep a close eye on your kids as you get near the water! This playground features two slides, a low and a high climbing wall, a short in-ground tunnel, balance beams, stepping logs, and just a few swings.

You can follow your little ones around as they explore, or find a comfortable spot on one of the available benches or rock features. Just keep in mind that the climbing walls do create something of a blind spot when supervising your children on the playground if you’re not up and moving with them!

Get all the details in our article on Rutherfordton’s Kiwanis Park.

Energy Leftover? Walk the Purple Martin Greenway!

Kiwanis Park is also the perfect starting place to enter the Purple Martin Greenway, a nearly 3-mile paved trail that follows Cleghorn Creek and runs roughly parallel to Main Street. The full length of it does cross several busy intersections, so you may only want to walk a small portion with your little ones.

Grab a pamphlet on the Overmountain Victory Trail before leaving Kiwanis Park to learn the fascinating history of this greenway during the Revolutionary War! Try to imagine what the area might have looked like for those farmers, hunters, and soldiers over 200 years ago!

Greenway at Kiwanis, Purple Martin Greenway

Signage and locals do encourage using the buddy system on the Purple Martin Greenway, so consider bringing another family along if this is a place you might like to explore further.

There are lots more parks to explore in Rutherfordton if you’re looking for more to do! Check them out: City Parks in Rutherfordton, NC.

Tips for Making Connections on the Trip

One of the things that can make a day trip TRULY great is the way it draws you closer to your kids, your kids closer to you, and you all closer to your potential. If you want even more ways to enrich your trip to Rutherfordton, consider incorporating any of these suggestions into your experience with your children:

On your drive to the museum, ask your kids what they want to be when they grow up! If they don’t know, give them some ideas. Ask what they might like or dislike about each possible job. Share different things you wanted to be when you were a kid.
After you leave the museum, ask your kids to recall what kinds of jobs they got to explore there. What did they like or dislike about each job? Did they have a favorite? Talk about ways you might be able to explore those interests more at home.
On your way to lunch, ask your kids to imagine what kinds of foods could be at the restaurant! They might suggest some of their favorites, and you can generate some fun by suggesting some crazy foods they could be cooking up in the kitchen!
While at lunch, ask your kids to describe what they are eating! Let them try to put into words what they liked or didn’t like about the different flavors. Talk about how the different foods might affect their energy as you go somewhere to play next!
On your way to the park, ask your kids to practice using their 5 senses! What do they see, hear, smell, taste, and feel? Can you point out specific things for them to try to recognize with each sense?
While at the park, ask your kids to use their senses as they explore! Have them bring you something pretty, something noisy, something scented, and something that feels interesting to them—and then reward them with a snack!
On your way home, enjoy the memories! Talk with each other about your favorite moments from the day. Share something new and wonderful that you saw in each child as they explored.
Once you get home, share your experience with loved ones! Look through any pictures or videos together. Plan another time to go again, this time with people who haven’t been yet. Ask your kids what they would want to do if they could go back.

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

Explore more of WNC!

Go Kidding Around WNC: The Biggest Guide to Western North Carolina

Three Family-Friendly Restaurants in Historic Downtown Rutherfordton, NC

Are you looking for family-friendly restaurants in Rutherfordton, NC?
Historic downtown Rutherfordton in Western North Carolina has so much to offer, and it’s easy to make a day of exploring the town! Kidding Around’s Sarah enjoys the area, including grabbing a bite to eat at local restaurants. If you want to make the most of your visit to this community, be sure to check out one of these 3 family-owned and kid-friendly restaurants for lunch or dinner in Rutherfordton, NC!

Mi Pueblito

This Mexican restaurant is right around the corner from Main Street in downtown Rutherfordton.
For nearly 30 years, Mi Pueblito has lived up to its name, meaning My Small Town, as it warmly welcomes and serves the surrounding community.

If you visit the nearby KidSenses Children’s Museum, your kids may also be extra excited to discover the Kids Pueblito Café there is based on this real-life restaurant!

Walking in the door, your children’s eyes are sure to widen as they take in the absolutely beautiful atmosphere. Paintings of huge monarch butterflies stretch across the walls, and there are murals of Spanish architecture and more as you walk around the restaurant.

With ample family-sized tables and booths, you can expect to be seated quickly no matter the size of your group or the time you arrive.

The menu features over 100 different options, plus daily specials, so everyone is sure to find something they enjoy! And those with picky kids will be thrilled to know their children’s menu includes several options, both Mexican and American in flavor!

Most of the staff at Mi Pueblito is bilingual in Spanish and English, making this an especially attractive option for native Spanish speakers or those studying the language.

Mi Pueblito Menu
Location: 139 S Washington Street, Rutherfordton, NC 28139
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11 am-10 pm / Sunday, 11 am-9 pm

Copper Penny Grill

This sports bar and grill is just one street over from Main Street in downtown. The atmosphere at Copper Penny Grill is casual, but the high ceilings, rustic décor, and string lighting provide a visually engaging environment in which to dine. TV displays throughout the restaurant also offer a variety of sports entertainment to enjoy.

Kids can be corralled into the comfortable seating area while you wait for a hostess to seat your family. Wait times are generally short, especially at lunch hour—but you’ll want to check whether any big games are happening that might draw a crowd!

There are four separate seating areas: two inside with bar areas, one more family-friendly inside area, and one outdoor seating area set up to be both pet- and child-friendly. Be sure to let the hostess know if you have a preference for where you’d like your family to be seated, and keep in mind the outdoor option may be limited by the weather!

The menu features a range of popular tavern food, and the fries and sweet tea here come highly recommended! The children’s menu offers several popular options, and there are seasonal specials.

There is karaoke every Wednesday night, and Copper Penny Grill regularly hosts live musicians in the evening hours. Be sure to check their website for any special events.

Copper Penny Grill Menu
Location: 131 N Washington Street, Rutherfordton, NC 28139
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 11 am-9 pm / Friday-Saturday, 11 am-11 pm

Main Street Market

This deli shop can be found—you guessed it—right in the middle of Main Street! It is conveniently located next to Main Street Park and just diagonal from the KidSenses Children’s Museum.

With a large open dining area where you can seat yourself, and a walk-up counter to order, the atmosphere at Main Street Market is the definition of casual. In nicer weather, the small back patio also offers a couple of picnic tables to enjoy.

The menu has several sub sandwiches on the list, all with names based on animal sounds which kids are sure to find hilarious. And of course, there are your salads, too.

But the build-your-own sub-option is one of the best things about this place: It guarantees that even the pickiest eaters will be able to get the PERFECT sandwich for them!

The servers are super friendly, and there are special events almost every night of the week, typically involving live music, karaoke, or trivia. Some events are more family-friendly than others, so be sure to check their Facebook before dropping by with your kids for dinner!

And when you finish your meal, consider popping into Main Street Coffee & Ice Cream
right next door for a delicious dessert!

Main Street Market Menu
Location: 187 N Main Street, Rutherfordton, NC 28139
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11 am-9 pm / Friday-Saturday, 11 am-10 pm

Complete Guide to City Parks in Rutherfordton, NC: Pick Your Fun

Looking for a free place to enjoy the great outdoors around Rutherfordton, NC? Check out our complete guide to the city parks in Rutherfordton, NC, all with FREE parking and located conveniently within 5 minutes of historic downtown!

Main Street Park

This precious piece of brickscape is located right in the center of historic downtown Rutherfordton! If you are looking for the perfect place to stop while browsing along Main Street, look no further.

With brick buildings on either side, shade covers this broad alley most of the day. There are benches and tables with chairs, and the archways, trellises, and a water feature make it easy on the eyes. There is even a stage where you might catch a street performer, or where little ones can put on a show of their own while mom and dad rest their feet!

Location: Right between 195 & 187 N Main Street, Rutherfordton, NC 28139

Kiwanis Park

Kiwanis Park is easily the crown jewel of Rutherfordton’s city parks. Here, you’ll find everything in one convenient place! The main building offers restrooms, water fountains, a town map, and a community bulletin board. A paved path winds throughout, perfect for walking, biking, and more.

Two different scenic bridges lead you over Cleghorn Creek, and on the other side, you find a double-decker wooden playground! There is also a cozy covered pavilion, two separate dog parks, and the perfect starting point to venture down the Purple Martin Greenway.

Location: 142 Green St, Rutherfordton, NC 28139

Check out our Kidding Around Review of Kiwanis Park in Rutherfordton!

Fairview Park (2nd Street Park)

If you are looking for a quick play-and-potty stop, Fairview Park is just the ticket! Part of Rutherfordton’s redevelopment efforts, this small neighborhood playground offers a single-covered picnic shelter, unisex restroom, and water fountain.

There is an incredibly unique climbing structure to engage curious explorers, a basketball court, and a swing set. This park is also accessible just by walking uphill on 2nd Street from the Purple Martin Greenway.

Location: E 1st Street on the block between N Toms Street & N Cleghorn Street

Crestview Park

If you are looking for the perfect play spot for little ones, the playgrounds at Crestview Park are
FANTASTIC! There are multiple options ideal for your littlest climbers, toddlers, and big kids.

There is a toddler playground, one geared towards slightly older kiddos, a climbing dome, and a
swing set. There is a paved loop path around a wide-open greenspace, perfect for free play or
riding bikes.

But one of the highlights of this particular park is the incredible expanse of baseball fields, basketball courts, and tennis courts—Come at the right time, and you could easily catch a game underway!

This park also connects by a paved path to the Purple Martin Greenway.
Location: 223 Park Street, Rutherfordton, NC 28139

Norris Recreation Complex

It may not look like much for now, but Norris Recreation Complex is under construction and bound to be a major attraction by the end of 2025! The complex will be located right behind the hospital and feature a community garden, walking track, greenway, and disc golf course.

Location: 191 Twitty Ford Street, Rutherfordton, NC 28139

BONUS: Purple Martin Greenway

While not technically a park, Purple Martin Greenway deserves an honorable mention! This is a
nearly 3-mile paved trail that follows closely along Cleghorn Creek, conveniently connecting to 3 of the major parks in Rutherfordton: Kiwanis, Fairview, and Crestview! It is handicap-accessible and open to bikes and pets.

The trail is mostly level with a few hills, and there are scattered stretches of both shade and sun. One note of caution: The Purple Martin Greenway does cross several intersections, so may not be ideal for little ones! Hikers are encouraged to use the buddy system, and there is a walking club that meets on the trail twice weekly.

Location: Best access points at Kiwanis Park and Park Crossing Apartments!

Visit the KidSenses Children’s Museum in Historic Downtown Rutherfordton, NC

There’s nothing quite like a building FULL of educational, interactive, and indestructible exhibits designed just for kids! KidSenses Children’s Museum in Rutherfordton, NC is one of the highlights of Western North Carolina for families with young children. Local mom, Sarah Burnett, recently visited with her 3 kids and shares everything you need to know to plan your own adventure!

Coming from Upstate South Carolina, our family’s experiences with children’s museums have included The Children’s Museum of the Upstate at both their Greenville and Spartanburg locations, EdVenture in Columbia, and the Hands On! Children’s Museum in Hendersonville, NC. Then a friend invited me to KidSenses—wait, what? How had I not heard of that? I thought I was becoming quite the connoisseur! But no, this was a BIG one we had managed to overlook.

KidSenses originally opened more than 20 years ago, and it offers 2 stories of indoor fun—all geared towards children from birth to 10 years old! There are also 2 major expansions in the works, with a goal to open by end of 2025: Discovery Garden, an outdoor interactive nature experience for all ages, and The Factory, a learning laboratory for tweens and teens!

Getting to the Museum: KidSenses

KidSenses Children’s Museum is located smack in the middle of historic downtown Rutherfordton, NC. This town is roughly 45 minutes from Spartanburg, SC, 1 hour 15 minutes from Greenville, SC, and 1 hour 15 minutes from Charlotte, NC. Talk about centrally located!

When you pull into the city limits of Rutherfordton, you know it: Large signs welcome you to this historic mint town, and the speed limit drops to 25-35 depending on the area. Their downtown may be small, but there is heavy foot traffic, so local police are vigilant to carefully enforce safe speeds.

There is free, 2-hour parking on either side of Main Street through almost all of downtown, and this includes several spaces directly outside KidSenses Children’s Museum’s front door! There is also free public parking directly behind the museum, and sidewalks to take you up the hill back to the main entrance.

Admission and Discounts to KidSenses

Visitors enter the museum through a small gift shop and then purchase tickets at the front desk. Tickets for adults and children ages 1 year and older cost $8 plus tax. There are discounts available for seniors aged 62 years and older and active military members.

Memberships start at $70 for one person, but you can add up to 4 more people to one membership for just an additional $20 per person. Families with more than 5 total people can add additional members for $25 each, but this option is strictly limited to immediate family only. Membership benefits include free admission for one year, one free guest pass per member, and discounts on other museum purchases.

The museum requires 1 supervising adult per every 5 children, so larger families or those visiting with groups will want to keep that in mind when purchasing tickets or memberships.

1st Floor Exhibit Highlights

Right when you walk in, you will see the At Your Service interactive fire station exhibit! It is right next to the admission counter, so my kids always run right to it while I’m buying our tickets. This exhibit features a kid-sized stationary fire truck, firefighter costume pieces, dalmatian statues, and lots of engaging noise-makers!

If you have any animal lovers, your kids will love what comes next: the PetSenses veterinary exhibit! Here, you’ll find a variety of stuffed animals for pretend play, alongside all kinds of veterinary equipment to explore. Our kids’ favorites are the x-ray machine and grooming station.

Got a child with a knack for engineering or who just love running around? The Gears and Gadgets exhibit is for them! There are gears to turn with a crank, a see-it-yourself tornado machine, and a wall of pneumatic pipes with scarves and puff balls that kids can send flying across the room!

Gears and Gadgets at KidSenses in Rutherfordton, NC

That child who loooves attention? They’ll delight in the WFUN Studio space! There is a kid-sized anchor desk, wall-sized green screen, and multiple background options to project—from weather to a parade of puppies! Your child will rest assured that all eyes are on them when they see themselves on the TV monitors all around them.

Another family favorite is the Little Family Dollar, a kid-sized grocery store complete with carts, checkout counters, and every category of food. Of course, my kids have no trouble finding the sugary stuff, but as a mom, I a big fan of the fact that roughly a third of this exhibits centers around healthy fruits and vegetables.

There is also an arts and crafts exhibit called Creation Station, where a museum employee could be leading a DIY activity depending on the timing of your visit!

The Alphabet Trail

As a mom of 3 preschool-aged kids, I cannot go without spotlighting this area of the KidSenses Children’s Museum! This is a special space JUST for kids ages 4 years old and younger, and while most of the exhibits are wide open to the main lobby, this one can only be accessed through a closed door.

Walking into the Alphabet Trail feels like entering a different world from the rest of the museum, combining a beautiful forest and farm scene. My oldest absolutely adores all the hidey-holes, and my 3-year-old delights in going up and down the baby ramp which doubles as a slide! My youngest keeps himself busy pulling up and “planting” all the crops.

Here, everything is geared towards the youngest crawlers and cruisers…and the weary parents who have been carrying them! There are busy baby toys, a couple options for little climbers, a cave crammed FULL of stuffed animals, a large play-barn, a reading area complete with sofa, and rocking chairs for both parent and child.

If you are a nursing mother, this may be your most ideal space when that need arises. Just keep in mind that other moms and dads may be coming in and out with their children, too!

Downstairs Exhibit Highlights

There are 3 ways to get downstairs to the rest of the museum: the elevator, the central staircase, or the “Big Climber” in the middle of the floor!

The Big Climber is a series of platforms surrounded by netting which extends from the ceiling, through the main floor, and into the downstairs. With a hole on each floor, it’s an exciting way for kids to travel… But parents be warned: You do NOT want to have to squeeze in there to catch one of them!

When we get downstairs, our kids run straight to Lights! Camera! Action! This exhibit is a performing arts space complete with a stage, curtain, and puppet theatre. If you’ve got a performer in your family, settle in on the benches for audience members and watch how long your child’s imagination can keep you all entertained!

Another unique space is the Bubble-Ology room. This exhibit was thoughtfully designed with non-slip floors and multiple soap stations with a variety of bubble-makers. A popular feature is the child-sized platform surrounded by a ring of soap: A rope allows a child standing on the platform to pull a ring up over their heads, encasing them in a giant bubble!

Our absolute family favorite downstairs is the Kids Pueblito Café. We have a little play kitchen at home for the kids, and they absolutely love playing “restaurant.” Imagine their excitement when they saw THIS! A play restaurant big enough for multiple cooks in the kitchen, tables and chairs for grown-ups, and all the aprons, menus, and food items they could want!

The downstairs is also home to the ZAP Theatre, where museum staff could be putting on a show about the infamous rivalry between Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla—complete with lightning bolts! The HealthWise exhibit is also downstairs and open at limited times for children to conduct real experiments to learn about the food they eat.

Private Party Packages

Some exhibits are only open when a museum employee is scheduled to lead an activity there, but you might also notice a party in progress during your visit!

KidSenses offers multiple party packages for kids, with prices ranging from about $150 to $325. All birthday packages include admission for up to 20 kids, use of the private party room, and a birthday crown, balloon bouquet, and teddy bear for the birthday child.

Parent Tips: KidSenses Museum in Rutherfordton, NC

KidSenses is a popular destination for field trips! To avoid a crowd, call ahead to find out whether any field trips are scheduled which could coincide with your visit.
The best time of day to visit is DEFINITELY when they first open! Not every child who visits will know to put things back where they belong, so arriving early ensures that your children will be able to find everything in its proper place.
Pick your parking based on how long you plan to stay! 2-hour parking is available right outside the front door, and those spots are most often available first thing in the morning. For longer visits, you will want to park in the lot behind the building.
Expect each floor to take at least 2 hours to fully explore. I was pretty intentional to keep our kids moving, and they easily could have spent a lot longer in each room. We typically only tackle one floor per visit, because my kids’ energy starts to bottom out after that much time.
If you visit in the morning, consider packing a picnic lunch and heading to Kiwanis Park after your visit! Or if you’d rather dine indoors, check out one of the great family-friendly restaurants available right in downtown Rutherfordton!

General Museum Information

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 9 am-5 pm
Address: 172 N Main Street, Rutherfordton, NC
KidSenses Website
Email: info@kidsenses.org
Phone: 828.286.2120

10 Reasons Kiwanis Park in Rutherfordton, NC Will Be Your Next Family Favorite!

Need a new park to explore with your family? Kiwanis Park is completely FREE and located within just 5 minutes of historic downtown Rutherfordton, NC! Local mom, Sarah Burnett, recently visited with her 3 kids and shares why it’s the perfect place to include in your next visit to this wonderful Western North Carolina town.

Quick Look at Kiwanis Park
📍 142 Green St, Rutherfordton, NC
🛝 Double-decker playground
🚶‍♀️ Paved walking path + StoryWalk
🌉 Scenic bridges over Cleghorn Creek
🌿 Access to Purple Martin Greenway
🧺 Picnic pavilions + restrooms

Proximity to Historic Downtown

A friend introduced our family to Kiwanis Park on our last visit to the town of Rutherfordton. There is so much history to discover in that community, and we’d spent that particular morning checking out the KidSenses Children’s Museum for the second time. We planned ahead for a picnic afterwards, and my friend found a park nearby for us to check out.

It was less than half a mile up from the middle of Main Street—an easy walk and an even easier drive! When we arrived, it became immediately apparent she’d picked the perfect spot. I knew I had to make a mental bookmark for this place: It was going to be a frequent future stop for our family!

Entrance to Kiwanis Park in Rutherfordton, NC

Community Pavilion & Restrooms

The little white pavilion which marks the entrance to Kiwanis Park is a perfect pit stop for visitors on their way into the park. It offers covered tables and chairs, water fountains, and multi-stall restrooms with changing tables.

On one side of the pavilion, there is a large, easy-to-read map on display showing the entire downtown area, along with a detailed directory of businesses, restaurants, shopping, lodging, and more. On the other, there is a community bulletin board highlighting upcoming events and the newest attractions in the area.

Paved Walking Path

A simple paved path winds from the park entrance and loops around the rest of the park. In our visits to Kiwanis Park, we have seen walking groups, casual cyclists, dog walkers, and little ones on tricycles enjoying this path. Most of the path is relatively level, but there are routes that you can take to add the challenge of hills as you circle the park. In partnership with the community libraries, there is also a delightful Story Walk updated seasonally.

Cleghorn Creek

Cleghorn Creek is just a few feet wide and runs right through the middle of Kiwanis Park. Most of its banks are either low or gently sloping, making it easily accessible for curious kids. In warmer seasons, the creek is a wonderful place to watch for tadpoles, turn over rocks, and explore nature! Always be vigilant with children around the water, but don’t worry if you prefer to avoid the creek altogether: It’s easy to put space between the water and your kids while enjoying the rest of the park.

Scenic Bridges

Two scenic bridges cross over Cleghorn Creek and make for precious photo spots for the family!
From the smaller bridge, you get a perfect view of the quaint flower mural painted beneath Main Street as it passes over the creek. The other is a lovely white colonial bridge, and quite the eye-catcher. It leads directly to the playground, which is bound to be a highlight for the kids!

Double-Decker Playground at Kiwanis Park

The central feature of Kiwanis Park is surely its double-decker wooden playground, complete with two slides and two climbing walls! The smaller of the climbing walls extends only midway up the playground, making it ideal for smaller climbers.

Playground at Kiwanis Park in Rutherfordton

The other runs straight up to the highest level and is sure to entice bigger kids with a more daring personality! There were also a few swings, a short in-ground tunnel, balance beams, and stepping logs to check out.

Cozy Pavilion

On the far side of the playground, you’ll find another covered pavilion. There is a single-space
restroom attached to this pavilion, ceiling fans to keep the air flowing in warmer weather, and a
fireplace to enjoy if you reserve this space during one of the cooler seasons!

Marshall Dog Park

Got a furry tagalong on your family adventures? There’s a place for them, too! Marshall Dog Park is embedded just a bit farther into the surrounding Kiwanis Park. In addition to doggy-friendly water fountains, there are two separate gated enclosures for dogs to go off-leash. One is specifically for large dog breeds, and the other for small dog breeds. Both have a variety of obstacles and toys for training and playing with your pet!

Purple Martin Greenway

Kiwanis Park is also the perfect entry (or exit!) point for the nearly 3-mile Purple Martin Greenway which runs along Cleghorn Creek and parallel to most of Main Street! The trail is mostly level with a few hills, and there are scattered stretches of both shade and sun. It does cross several intersections, so it may not be ideal for little ones. Signage encourages hikers to use the buddy system, and locals we met along the way confirmed this advice!

Travel Distance: Getting to Kiwanis Park

As out-of-towners, this is an especially important feature for our family. We love finding new
places to explore, but when traveling with little kids, we are sometimes limited on how far we can go.

Kiwanis Park, along with the rest of Rutherfordton, is the perfect driving distance for a day trip from cities across both Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina!

45 minutes from Spartanburg, SC
1 hour 15 minutes from Greenville, SC
1 hour from Asheville, NC
1 hour 15 minutes from Charlotte, NC

Be sure to use this address for your GPS: 142 Green St, Rutherfordton, NC 28139.

Tips for Visiting Kiwanis Park

Watch your speed while driving into town! Rutherfordton’s police are vigilant to enforce their speed limit, as are the North Carolina state troopers along the highway.

All of Kiwanis Park and the Purple Martin Trail are designated as tobacco-free zones. Make sure that any adults in your group are aware of this policy in advance and will be willing to follow it as you go exploring.

While most of Kiwanis Park has excellent visibility, the climbing walls block pieces of the view around the playground. Parents will want to keep this in mind while supervising play, especially with Cleghorn Creek nearby.

Kiwanis Park
Green Street, Rutherfordton, NC

Find lots more to do in Western North Carolina.

We have a HUGE Guide to Kidding Around WNC.