Have you heard of the Kiawah Beachwalker Park? This park is one of the nation’s top ten-rated beaches, and it’s just a few hours away from Charleston, SC. Find out why the Kidding Around team enjoys this beach so that you can plan out the perfect beach trip.
If you are planning on taking a trip to the coast soon, we have a huge Guide to Charleston, SC with tips for things to do, places to stay, and adventures to enjoy!
(more…)If you are budget shopping, Greenville, SC has plenty of places with discounts, deals, and savings programs to help you keep more money in your pocket. Use these lists of consignment shops to help with clothes shopping, tips for saving money on food, and lots more.
This article includes:
Budget Shopping for Clothes
How to Save Money on Groceries
How to Save Money: School and Education items
Have you heard of people receiving unclaimed money and thought it was a scam? It’s not! Unclaimed cash is simply money owed to you, like refunds from overpaying utilities or doctor’s bills. Today, Jaime is sharing about her true experience finding $1000 owed to her. Not only is she sharing about it, but she also describes the steps you need to take to find money owed to you!
I’ve noticed several posts on Facebook, informing SC residents of a website to search for unclaimed money being held by the State Treasurer. I honestly thought it was a scam to steal my social security number, identity or bank account information, so I decided to do a little research and find out if it was too good to be true.
(more…)If you love to travel, then these Nortbrysh Carolina family vacations have so much adventure to offer! North Carolina is a popular place for both day trips, vacations, and backcountry exploration.
From the lush and adventurous mountains of the west to the stunning coastline and Outer Banks of the east, there is so much to do in North Carolina. If you’re planning a trip up to North Carolina, we’ve got some great information on places to stay, where to eat, and things to do.
Check out our list of Western North Carolina Vacation Rentals to help pick the perfect lodging for your epic adventure!
If you’re traveling to WNC for a day trip or weekend getaway, you’ll find this information handy. We’ve organized some helpful content by city, so you’ll be able to easily find reader-recommended things to do, places to eat, and lodging advice. Enjoy your North Carolina family vacations!
Looking for the perfect day trip destination? Check out our Day Trip Destinations in WNC article.
Asheville is a popular destination for many of our readers and is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. With a thriving art scene, delicious and unique food options, and a beautiful downtown to explore, no wonder Asheville is consistently named on top travel lists throughout the country. Our helpful guides below offer information to make planning your trip to Asheville a breeze.
Check out our Guide to Asheville for reviews on our favorite things to do in the area, plus some really fantastic places to eat. Lots of these places are recommended by our readers and we’ve included their quotes, so you know what to expect!
Though Flat Rock, NC has become heavily associated with the famous poet Carl Sandburg, there is so much natural beauty, food, and exploration to enjoy. For more great things to do, check out A Day in Flat Rock or look over our reviews of popular places in Flat Rock below.
Explore why A Day in Flat Rock makes for the perfect day trip to WNC!
Brevard, North Carolina is a cozy little area of NC tucked away at the entrance of the Pisgah National Forest near the SC border. Dining, river tubing, waterfalls, and a hunt for the white squirrels that populate much of the city make Brevard, NC a perfect day trip destination.
Check out our reviews of some of the fun things to do in Brevard below.
Enjoy a day trip to Brevard, NC, and maybe even explore the Pisgah Forest!
Hendersonville is a gem of WNC destinations, and it’s less than an hour’s drive from Greenville! Home to many u-pick orchards, snow tubing centers, and vineyards, activities in Hendersonville will pill your entire day’s itinerary. Don’t miss our list of Free Things to Do in Hendersonville, NC! You can find reviews of some of the best Hendersonville has to offer below.
Learn more about the wonderful Things to Do in Hendersonville, NC!
Cherokee, North Carolina is rich in both history and culture while complemented by spectacular views of the Great Smoky Mountains! If you haven’t visited national parks in a while, Cherokee makes for a easy day trip to one.
This is the place to go if you are looking for a mountain adventure where you can delve into the history of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Maybe you will even see some Elk crossing the Oconaluftee River during your visit!
Check out some of our reviews of Cherokee, North Carolina below.
Check out of KA review of Cherokee, NC, and learn why it is such a great place to spend the day with your kids.
Blowing Rock is home to Tweetsie Railroad, one of North Carolina’s oldest wild-west themed amusement parks. You can find out all about Tweetsie Railroad in our review below. You can also visit a mile high swinging bridge while you are in Highlands of North Carolina at Grandfather Mountain!
And Beech Mountain is such a fun family destination any time of the year. There are miles of hiking trails, you can kayak/canoe for free at Shane Lake, enjoy pizza and mini-golfing, ride the chair lift and dine at a restaurant on top of the mountain, and enjoy skiing and snowboarding in the wintertime.
Considered the “Jewel on the Blue Ridge Parkway”, Little Switzerland, North Carolina is the perfect stopping place when traveling between North Carolina and Tennessee. Check out our review of Emerald Village in Little Switzerland below.
You Can Hunt for Treasure at Bon Ami Mine in Emerald Village
Pan for Gold at Gold River Camp and Cabins
If you love to travel, North Carolina has in gem hidden in the mountains called Cashiers, NC. Loaded with Waterfalls, river tubing, and beachy lakes, the Highlands area is the perfect place to unwind while taking in spectacular views. We have reviews of some of the best things to do in Cashiers below.
Bryson City is an adorable little getaway town in Western North Carolina that is home to the Smoky Mountain Railroad! The downtown area offers shopping, dining, and the rich history of WNC without the touristy vibes of some of the larger cities. Plus, you are right at the door of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so you know it’s gorgeous there.
Learn more about Bryson City and everything this mountain town has to offer!
Tryon, North Carolina is a small town that borders South Carolina just above Landrum and is home to one of the country’s largest Equestrian centers. You can check out more information in our review below!
Saluda, North Carolina offers an abundance of spectaular wilderness and is only 50 minutes from Greenville. You can check out our review of one of Saluda’s most popular hikes (with a spectacular waterfall as a prize). If you love river tubing, be sure to check out the excellent tubing adventure on the Green River!
You can explore the picturesque historic downtown of Rutherfordton North Carolina during your visit to Hendersonville, its neighboring city. While you’re there, be sure to visit their amazing interactive children’s museum! You can find our review below.
If you love a mountain adventure that also involves hiking, a gorgeous mountain lake, and a sandy beach with waterslides, then the Chimney Rock and Lake Lure area of Western North Carolina is where to go!
Check out our guide to Kidding Around Western North Carolina, where you can find even more things to do in WNC!
Looking for places to hike throughout the Upstate and Western North Carolina? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Hiking to find that perfect trail to spend the day!
For those who love to explore and travel, North Carolina offers the central region with big cities and lots to do. The Central region of North Carolina includes cities such as Charlotte and Concord. With big cities comes lots of adventures to behold! Below you will find organized content that will help you plan the perfect trip to the Queen City and cities surrounding the Charlotte Metro area, including places to eat, things to do, and awesome places to stay.
The Queen City is the largest city in North Carolina. With excellent dining experiences, sporting events, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, and one of the largest amusement parks on the east coast, Charlotte is a world-renowned destination. There are also epic places like the U.S. National Whitewater Center to take your older kids for an amazing day trip!
You will find tons of information in our Ultimate Guide to Charlotte, as well as reviews of Charlotte and Concord area adventures below.
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Charlotte, North Carolina, with things to do, places to eat, and more!
Gastonia, North Carolina is just south of Charlotte and offers a great day trip destination for those looking to get away for a few hours without burning through an entire tank of gas. Check out our list of Top 10 Things to do in Gastonia, NC, and find reviews of a natural history museum in Gastonia that’s worth the trip below.
Learn more in our list of the Top 10 Things to Do in Gastonia, NC!
The town of Mount Airy, NC is like traveling to a time capsule. The small town is located near Winston-Salem, NC, and is the real life hometown of Andy Griffith! You can explore the town, ride in a squad car, and eat at Snappy Lunch. We have a full guide of things to do on a visit to Mount Airy, NC with your family!
When you are looking to travel, North Carolina has beaches galore! Plus, many of the beaches offer excellent things to do, tons of history, and even some unique qualities you may not find anywhere else (I am looking at you Outer Banks). These beaches are perfect for your next few North Carolina family vacations, especially when summertime is at its peak!
Located near Wilmington on Topsail Island off the coast of North Carolina, Surf City is a quaint and quiet beach town perfect for families with small children. The town is walkable, with small shops and local restaurants to enjoy after a day at the beach. There is even a turtle rehabilitation center you can visit. You can read our review of Surf City, North Carolina to see some of what this beach town has to offer!
Carolina Beach, North Carolina is an excellent option for a family-friendly beach vacation. This beach is less crowded than some other beaches but offers fun entertainment such as an amusement park on the boardwalk. You can read our Carolina Beach review to find some great ideas for dining and entertainment to plan the perfect beach getaway!
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!).
Plan your family trip to North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands.
The Outer Banks is absolutely stunning! Located off the northern coast of North Carolina, this 175-mile-long strip of barrier island offers quaint beach towns, humongous sand dunes (including the tallest living sand dune!), wild horses, watersports, historical lighthouses, and so much more!
Plus, Outer Banks beaches are wonderful for an adventure, including the stunning beaches in the Cape Lookout National Seashore on the southern park of the barrier islands.
Check out our review of the Outer Banks, including popular destinations along the island’s coast such as Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, and Kill Devil Hill.
What have been your favorite North Carolina family vacations? Let us know!
Always up for an adventure?
Check out our KA Travel Guide, with dozens of ideas for the best kid-friendly places to visit during your next trip!
Pigtails & Crewcuts Haircuts for Kids- Five Forks offers much more than a haircut. Their attention to detail, inviting atmosphere, and helpful stylists remove the stress out of getting your child’s haircut. Plus, what kid doesn’t want to sit in a tiny airplane or train engine while getting their new ‘do! We were invited to the Five Forks location so you will know what to expect during your next visit to Pigtails & Crewcuts. Thank you to Pigtails & Crewcuts for sponsoring this article!
We all know that getting your kid’s hair cut, especially if it is their first few times, can be overwhelming for most children. The staff at Pigtails & Crewcuts at Five Forks go above and beyond to ensure that each child feels safe and comfortable while in the stylist’s chair. We took our two-year-old for a trim, something that has been quite emotional for her in the past. However, our stylist Lexy, made the experience effortless!
When we arrived, Lexy had my two-year-old decide which of the awesome chairs she would like to sit in, and she b-lined to the model airplane. There are 5 unique chairs to choose from, including a train engine, fire engine, police car, racecar, and an airplane. There are also a couple of regular barber chairs to accommodate older children.
Lexy then engaged in conversation with her, making her feel at ease before gently spritzing her hair and beginning to cut based on what we were looking for. She even gave me some helpful tips on dealing with her fine yet curly hair texture. Lexy truly loves her job and says that her most favorite thing about working with kids is “watching them grow up. [I’ve] been here for seven years now so I have seen some go from kindergarten to middle school.”
My daughter was so distracted by the magnetic toys, Frozen playing, and the airplane chair that before we knew it, our haircut was complete! Our stylist even platted her hair in two pig tail braids before we left the chair. She was then able to pick a small toy from the treasure box.
The staff are also comfortable working with children with sensitivities, developmental challenges, medical challenges, and children who may have difficulties getting a haircut. Lexy, who has a lot of personal experience working with children on the autism spectrum, knows all the tricks for working through the process, saying the staff “try to pull out all the tricks and all the things by gently approaching and letting them get used to the environment.”
The studio provides “tons of accommodations. Whatever we got to do to get it done” while promoting a calm and relaxing environment. Parents are even welcome to bring their child in and just spend some time there, hanging out in the playroom at the back of the studio, and getting adjusted before their first haircut.
Overall, our personal experience was fantastic! Their staff was so gentle and kind to my two-year-old daughter, and they took their time to ask questions from me about what I wanted to see in her haircut. Our stylist was able to do everything so seamlessly, and my daughter was happy the entire trip. The shop is super clean, is adorably decorated, and I absolutely love the chairs! I would highly recommend this haircut studio to all families.
Pigtails & Crewcuts- Five Forks offers several packages to choose from, including:
To book an appointment with Pigtails & Crewcuts, you will need to make an account on the Pigtails & Crewcuts online portal. Making an account is super easy, and allows you to choose the the type of appointment your child needs and the stylist you would like to book with. Once your stylist is chosen, you are shown available times based on your preferred date. Once booked, you will receive reminder emails, so you do not have to worry about accidentally missing your appointment thanks to their built-in reminder system!
Pigtails & Crewcuts Haircuts for Kids- Five Forks
Pigtails & Crewcuts Haircuts for Kids-Five Forks Facebook
2815 Woodruff Road, Suite 105, Simpsonville, SC
fiveforks@pigtailsandcrewcuts.com
864.626.3338
Have you visited Travelers Rest, SC? The northern Greenville town of Travelers Rest has seen a recent revitalization that is getting the attention of people from all over the Upstate. Wonderful dining options, beautiful outdoor spaces, and affordable living make Travelers Rest a great place to work, live, and play. Our guide lists some of the best things to do, places to stay, and dining experiences to enjoy in Travelers Rest, SC.
Thinking about visiting Roam Acres Farm? Do you have a child who is curious about farm animals? Maybe you are looking for horseback riding lessons for your child. Or maybe you’re seeking a way for your kids to connect with animals through animal-centric events and workshops? We were shown around Roam Acres Farm by the lovely owner, Lacy, and met with her horses, goats, chickens, and even the cutest pigs ever!
We discovered how valuable equine therapy is to childhood development while attending one of the farm’s monthly “Fun on the Farm” events. Find out more about other events offered and learn why we think you should consider Roam Acres Farm the next time you’re looking for classes and activities for your kids!
If you didn’t know what you were looking for, you may pass by the farm regularly. I know I have! Right off Reid School Road in Taylors, Roam Acres Farm is a family-owned farm that owner Lacy has developed into an equine-assisted therapy and learning center for horse lovers.
Lacy has been around horses her entire life, and was a competitive horse rider for a large part of her life. It is safe to say that horses are a huge part of her identity! Her calm nature and vast knowledge for understanding the horse-human connection transformed her farm into a wonderful place for your child to discover that connection.
The farm is passionate about the welfare of horses, and you can tell that all of the animals on the farm are very well loved and cared for. Plus, Lacy strives to make the farm inclusive, so that anyone with an interest in learning there can benefit from it, no matter what.
When we arrived for the monthly “Fun on the Farm” event, we were both bubbling with excitement. We had visited previously for a farm tour, so my five-year-old and I were ready and headed straight to the barn.
We started off doing a fun collage craft while we waited for everyone to arrive. Then, everyone ventured out to the arena to engage with some of the farm’s adorable mini horses, Elvis and Priscilla, and the gorgeous pony Shorty.
At the arena, the kids were able to play some fun games with their own creative pool noodle horse, which had all the kids giddy as they tried to race each other. Each child was then able to help lead Elvis and Priscilla around the ring and through the cones, which my daughter loved.
During our “Fun on the Farm” workshop, each child was given the opportunity to pick a pony or miniature horse to ride around the round pen. This was by far my daughter’s favorite part of the morning, and I am sure it was most of the other kids too.
Lacy made sure that each kid felt comfortable, and if they didn’t want to ride the horses, they were able to go look at the larger horses in the pasture and meet with Hershey the goat.
After spending some time at the round pen, we headed back inside the barn to create a take-home craft. Ours was a super cute horse-themed windchime, which my daughter immediately hung on the wall when we got home.
Before we left for the day, each kid painted their hands and left a handprint on Shorty the pony, which was adorable and felt really special. As the event came to a close, the kids were led to the chicken coop to say hello, pet the younger chickens, and a few brave kids even held one!
This workshop is not just for the kids, parents will have fun too! The events are a great way to have structured time at a farm, and the morning just felt light and joyful. Not only do you get to spend the morning on a farm, but you can interact with many of the animals, which was just as fun for me.
The flow of the class was fantastic. It felt like the 1.5-hour visit flew by because we were all enjoying it. One great thing about the workshop was that you are moving from the barn to outside, and then back to the barn. This really helped beat the summer heat, though it can become a little warm.
Just make sure you dress in light clothing with close-toed shoes. Lacy makes sure to have water available. Also, the kids were happy to get a cold treat at the end of the event.
There are also all those lovely barn smells. So, it might be beneficial to let your kids know that farm life comes with lots of smells.
I would absolutely do more of these workshops as part of my daughter’s enrichment (and we already plan to). We had so much fun! Plus, it’s close to where we live and not way out in the country!
There are several different types of workshops for kids, from toddlers through fifth graders. Events can be found on a weekday or a Saturday workshop, depending on the event. This would be an excellent choice if you have home school kids. Class sizes for these events are between 6 – 10 students tops. You can view all upcoming events on the Roam Acres Farm events website, and prebook your next class before they fill up!
Are you looking for 1 on 1 private lessons? Roam Acres Farm is a great place to start! The farm offers Connection Horsemanship and Riding Lessons, Equine Assisted Learning Sessions, and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Sessions (EAP).
During Connection Horsemanship and Riding Lessons, Lacy teaches through a holistic education model by guiding students through connecting, communicating, attuning, and riding the horses at the farm. These lessons start at $50 per hour lesson, and children under 5 can participate in 30-minute lessons.
For the Equine Assisted Learning Sessions, Lacy’s focus is less on horsemanship and more on helping the client. Her approach works to “develop more self-awareness, coping skills, and nervous system regulation in partnership with the horses.” You can email Lacy at lacy@roamacresfarm.com to inquire about pricing and to receive more information about this fascinating program.
For EAP session, Lacy partners with a licensed mental health professional. This is done through the Natural Lifemanship Institute to integrate horses into the client’s treatment and therapy plan.
Roam Acres Farm
1603 Reid School Road, Taylors
Roam Acres Farm Facebook
See more Things to Do in Taylors, SC.
Visit more Farms and Petting Zoos near Greenville, SC
Are you thinking about a trip to Majestic Caverns in Childersburg, AL for a fun day with the family? We visited this family attraction and had a great day with lots of adventures! Here’s our review, what you can expect to do at Majestic Caverns, and why you should visit this cave just a little over four hours from Greenville and Upstate SC.
On a recent trip to Alabama, we wanted to find a fun family day outing that would keep our older children (age 11 and 14) entertained all day. We were looking for something that would not be in the direct sun, and that would be a unique destination with things we couldn’t find anywhere else. We ended up at Majestic Caverns (formerly Desoto Caverns) in Childersburg, Alabama, and had a day filled with fun activities and exploration, unlike any other adventure.
Majestic Caverns (formerly Desoto Cavern) includes a privately owned campground, cavern, and entertainment zone with over 20 activities.
A short walk into Majestic Cavern takes you into the majestic Cathedral Room where the ceiling reaches a stunning 12 stories and houses the second-largest onyx-marble stalagmite/stalactite collection in the world.
The tickets to the cavern include a guided tour where you will learn about the history and science of the cave and it culminates with a laser show in the cavern.
The initial path is wheelchair accessible and while there are portions of the tour that would require some walking, someone who could not walk could still see the Healing All Cathedral Room where the tour starts and ends.
The path is well lit but the cave is dim. At the very beginning, the tour starts with everyone sitting near a stage and all the lights are turned off to demonstrate full darkness. The lights are not left off for very long but it is completely dark which might scare some children.
For those that are claustrophobic, these cave rooms are fairly large and the only tighter section is one that can be easily skipped.
Our children’s favorite part was the laser show. They loved the water fountain and the beauty of the lasers against the cave walls.
If it’s hot (or cold) the cavern stays at a comfortable 60 degrees year-round.
Outside of the cavern, families will find a gift shop, cafe, and over 20 attractions. You can either purchase tickets for the attractions or an all-inclusive pass.
Before heading to the attraction, we read several reviews online complaining that the activities weren’t open or were only for younger children. You may want to ask if the attractions were open before buying tickets but everything was open the day we were there. There were staff members manning multiple areas though so sometimes you did have to find a staff member to enjoy an attraction. We didn’t have any issues finding someone as needed.
Our kids were 11 and 14, so they are entering those early teen years where kids are harder to entertain. We spent the entire day at Majestic Caverns and they had a great time. In my opinion, the activities spanned a great age range and there was plenty to entertain teens and adults.
While it was very hot, most of the activities were in the shade and several activities included water.
Some of our favorite activities were:
We are one of those families that usually skips the gemstone panning stations because it almost always costs extra. My kids were thrilled to find out that their all-inclusive tickets allowed gemstone panning as many times as they wanted to.
In the mining section, you can search the sand for hidden crystals that you can keep.
Enter a room filled with beach balls with a floor fan and hit the balls all around. Why are there not more of these?
You can enter a small hole in a box if you dare and then slither your way out (just like a cave).
My husband who wasn’t that far under the height and weight limit decided he was going to give it a try. I’ll admit I was nervous that he wasn’t going to make it out (and I think he had some doubts while he was in there), but he did survive. This is definitely not an activity for the claustrophobic or fearful.
Enter a screened room with a bunch of small foam balls with cannons on each side and have fun pelting each other with balls. Protective eye equipment is available.
Fill up a bucket with water balloons (there is a self-fill station) and then oppose each other on opposite forts and see who can get the other side the wettest.
Run around a wooden maze while trying to sneak up on each other with water guns.
Other activities include an archery range, mini-golf, a foam pit, wall climbing, a splash pad, a small train, and more.
You can add a meal to your ticket for $12.89. The food wasn’t very exciting but it came with an insulated souvenir cup that could be filled unlimited times. This cup was actually a huge perk as we stayed for hours and it made it very easy to stay hydrated.
You could also pack a lunch as there are many picnic tables outside.
Multiple levels of camping are available and the campground is within walking distance of the other attractions.
Parking is free and a short distance from the attractions.
We were lucky enough to end up at Majestic Caverns on a Monday when they were offering a Fun Day Monday special on all-inclusive tickets. You can either purchase tickets for the cavern, the outdoor activities, or both. The tickets are not cheap, but we personally did think that it was a good value as many of the activities were ones that are rarely included in all-inclusive tickets and our kids played all day.
Find a place to stay near Majestic Caverns!
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And if you’re looking for more travel guides, here’s everything you need to know about traveling from Greenville, SC!
Did you know that Greenville Tech operates several student-run clinics that offer low-cost services to the Greenville, SC community? If you’re looking for some low-cost options to sub into your routine to help fight the way inflation is hitting your budget, you’ll want to check out what Greenville Tech is offering.
Student-run clinics at Greenville Tech give students real-life practice in their field of study. They are overseen by licensed professionals, but because students are doing the work, the fees charged to clients are very low compared to professional services.
Student-run clinics at Greenville Technical College:
You will need to make an appointment at these clinics to attend.
(more…)Are you looking for restaurants in Greer, SC? Whether you’re looking for a restaurant to hold a business lunch or a casual place to bring the kids, Greer has lots of options. Check out this guide, organized by meal and category, to find the perfect restaurant! Did we miss your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
Here are some of the best restaurants in Greenville, SC!
