You have found our giant list of experience gifts! Greenville, SC and Spartanburg, SC offer a lot of ideas. If your closet, toy boxes, and toy shelves are a little full, we get it. So, we’ve created a list of experience gifts available in Greenville, Spartanburg, and surrounding areas that families will love. You’ll make memories, learn new things, and they won’t take up any space in the toy box, either!
Being a mom, I hang out with lots of moms and one topic of conversation comes up pretty frequently, the massive amounts of “stuff” that our kids accumulate. Over Christmas, there is one solution that I think is brilliant: buy a gift that doesn’t take up space. Creating a memory is priceless. Spending time as a family is essential. These are experiences that will bring smiles, build up families, and won’t end up in a donation bin. You’ll also find some great ideas (Culinary Tour, anyone?) for the grown-ups in your life too!
Disclaimer: This list does include advertisers, partners, in addition to other businesses that we recommend. This list contains affiliate links at no cost to you.
Find the perfect gift with our Ultimate Gift Guide!
Membership Gifts
We have some pretty amazing membership options in the Upstate. Many memberships provide unlimited visits during the year. Trust me. Parents love these as gifts for their kids! Remember, this list is just for informational purposes, and we can’t guarantee pricing. We have provided links to the original sources where you can find the most current information.
Experience Gifts: Greenville, SC Memberships
Play passes – Lots of local, indoor play places have some version of a play pass, where you get either a certain number of entries or unlimited play. Try Village Play, Kids Play & Cafe, Palmetto Proper, SkyZone Fall Pass, or Big Air PLAYer Pass,
The Children’s Museum of the Upstate – TCMU is a favorite among many Upstate families and offers so many kid and family activities throughout the year that a membership would be a great gift. Also, don’t forget that in addition to their Greenville campus, they also have a campus in Spartanburg that is designed for children aged 5 and under!
Greenville Zoo – Greenville Zoo memberships include extra perks such as guest tickets and it’s a reciprocal membership which means that you can use your membership to get into other participating zoos at a discounted or free price.
Roper Mountain Science Center – RMSC memberships include admission to weekly planetarium shows, Summer Adventure, Afternoon Explorations, and discounts on other services. Memberships for a family are $95 (homeschool families can take advantage of the teacher price of $90). This membership is also reciprocal. You can read about how my family saved over $100 on vacation one year by using ours.
Greenville Water Parks Season Passes – These memberships include Greenville’s water parks. Individual memberships for parks start at $62 and go up to $95 per person. The Rec ‘N Crew pass, priced at $155, gets the pass holder admission to all three water parks plus year-round admission to The Pavilion’s Ice Rink and Bounce House.
Flying Rabbit Adventures Annual Pass – You can get an annual pass ($395) and play on the big aerial course for 2.5 hours a day when the adventure course is open. Super fun!
Family memberships to local gyms and recreational facilities offer not just access to exercise equipment and swimming pools but also discounted prices on classes, sports, and more. Joining fees and monthly fees vary on the specific facility in Greenville.
Upcountry History Museum – A membership at the Upcountry History Museum not only includes unlimited visits but also access to their Family Fun Days, UHM Kids Book Club, and more! A family membership is $105 for the year.
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Membership Gifts in Spartanburg
If you live in Spartanburg or don’t mind driving 30 minutes from Greenville, Hub City has plenty of family fun to offer!
The Children’s Museum of the Upstate – While this museum’s Spartanburg location is geared for younger children (5 years and under), the membership is reciprocal and can be used at both the Greenville museum and the Spartanburg museum.
The YMCA of Greater Spartanburg – Any kid and their parents will be thrilled with a YMCA membership because it means they have access to all the YMCA fun!
Big Air Trampoline Park – The indoor trampoline park in Greenville and Spartanburg is a super fun place to visit, but it can add up quickly. That’s why families love the monthly membership packages that include daily two-hour jump sessions.
Shipwreck Cove – Go ahead and purchase a season pass to Shipwreck Cove waterpark in Duncan and parents and kids will be thanking you for making summer wet and wild.
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Event Tickets as Experience Gifts: Greenville, SC & The Upstate
I don’t know about you but my kids absolutely love being spectators. Sometimes I catch them in a state of wonder or amazement when I take them to sporting events, plays, music performances, and even monster truck rallies. Not only do event tickets make a great gift for children but they can also be a great way to treat a whole family or plan for a special date for the grandparents and kids.
Ticket Gifts in Greenville
Swamp Rabbits Hockey – My kids absolutely love hockey. It’s a fun, family-friendly environment. Check the schedule for fun promotional night events.
Furman University basketball tickets – Grab tickets to the local university’s basketball games.
Clemson Tigers – Clemson football fans would love tickets to a home game.
Greenville Theatre – The Greenville Theatre features musicals, dramas, comedies, and more throughout the year.
South Carolina Children’s Theatre – The SCCT has performances for everyone. They also offer programming for younger audiences via their Tell-Me-A-Story Theatre. During the summer months, kids can take advantage of their classes and summer camps. And it all takes part in their bright and shiny theatre on Augusta Street!
Greer Cultural Arts Council – In addition to productions by the Greer Children’s Theatre, the Greer Cultural Arts Council also offers courses in the arts, dance, drama, literature, and music.
Peace Center – The Peace Center has many offerings including Broadway shows and music performances.
The Well also has a fun round-up of family-friendly events.
Here are two excellent options for tickets as an experience gift:
This year, you can put tickets to the circus under the tree! in February, The Well will feature the new Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus! Get your tickets now for a show from February 9th -11th, 2024 and you’ll be putting the Circus under your tree this year!
Check out our Kidding Around Review of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus!
The Well is also home to Monster Jam! You can grab tickets now for Monster Jam on April 6th and 7th, 2024. Monster Jam is always a family favorite. Here’s our Kidding Around Review of Monster Jam.
Greenville Drive – Baseball games are always fun, especially at the family-friendly Fluor Field, where they even have a playground on site.
Greenville Triumph or Greenville Liberty– The Greenville Triumph soccer team wows fans young and old.
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Ticket Gifts in Spartanburg
Spartanburg Little Theatre – Local theatre company that performs shows for various age groups
Spartanburg Youth Theatre – Local youth theatre that performs shows for kids by kids
Ballet Spartanburg – Performs beautiful ballet at Chapman Cultural Center
Greer Cultural Center – Venue for music concerts and Greer Children’s Theatre performances. It also hosts classes in a range of arts, dance, drama, literature, and music.
College Sports Tickets – Cheer on a hometown team with tickets to a local college’s sporting events. Local schools include Clemson, USC Upstate, Wofford, and Converse.
Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium – Hosts a variety of live events such as Charlie Brown Christmas and Disney Junior Live
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Local Classes as Experience Gifts: Greenville, SC & The Upstate
Purchasing a class is a great way to have fun learning. While this list is not comprehensive it includes several of our favorite options.
Class Gifts in Greenville
Dance Without Limits– Dance Without Limits offers dance classes beginning as young as 18 months in their Mommy and Me Dance Class all the way through advanced dance classes. Ballet, tap, lyrical, and tumbling classes are available as well as summer camps. Dance is for everyone at Dance Without Limits.
Kindermusik with Piano Central Studios – Kindermusik is a great way to introduce music to a baby or toddler.
Yellowbobbypins Art– This amazing art studio at Hampton Station offers virtual gift cards, so you can gift the kids in your life art classes and lessons!
Color Clay Cafe – This pottery studio offers painting and other art designs for both adults and children. You can also enjoy Open Studio times outside of classes.
I9 Sports – This youth sports league offers a range of different sports options for children.
Sylvan Learning – For kids who enjoy an extra challenge, Sylvan Learning provides a full range of interesting classes including classes on robotics and coding.
The Little Gym – This local children’s gym is a favorite of our readers!
Daily Bread Baking Class – Take a baking class at Bluebird Homestead or give as a gift.
Also, you can purchase certificates for Art Workshops through the Greenville Center for Creative Arts, Spartanburg Art Museum, and more. Many of these workshops are excellent parent and child bonding experiences.
Acrosmith Gymnastics, Airborne Athletics, and Greenville Gymnastics all offer classes year-round. If you’ve got a budding gymnast, buying them classes for a month is a great gift.
Roller Time Skating Academy offers roller skating lessons and summer camps for beginners through advanced skaters.
Goldfish Swim School offers a holiday package deal for a gift of swim! They have gift bundles with 3 months of lessons, 2 months of lessons, or $100 gift cards.
Climb @ Blue Ridge has gift cards in just about any amount, so the climber in your family can learn how to excel at the sport.
Vino & Van Gogh has gift cards available for 2-hour classes (adult and children), summer camp, after-school camps, couples painting classes, and parent/child painting classes!
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Class Gifts in Spartanburg
Spartanburg Youth Theatre – Offers theatre classes for kids preschool – high school
Sylvan Learning Center – In addition to tutoring, Sylvan Learning Center also offers Robotics for Kids.
Spartanburg Science Center Lego Robotics Club – Offers after-school Lego robotics clubs for kids 6-12 years old
Musikgarten at Lawson Academy for the Arts – Offers music classes for kids 0-7 years old at Converse College
Spartanburg Art Museum – Offers art classes from preschool through adult classes at Chapman Cultural Center
For even more ideas, see our giant Activity & Classes Guide which will help you find:
- Martial Arts Classes
- Ballet Classes
- Gymnastics and Cheer Classes
- Equestrian Experiences
- and more!
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Local Experience Gifts: Greenville, SC & The Upstate
Making memories through shared experiences and new adventures is always a win! Whether for yourself, you and your significant other, or the whole family, the Upstate has plenty of neat experiences to explore. Nothing is easier than handing over a gift voucher to something exciting!
Experience Gifts in Greenville
Greenville Culinary Tours – I was invited to experience the Greenville Culinary Tour myself and hands down, it’s an absolutely awesome gift idea. The price is an excellent value and I would definitely do it again. Tickets include food and a drink at each location.
Escape Artist Greenville – Our team here at Kidding Around has done three of the escape rooms and had a blast. This is a perfect date night activity or just for fun with friends.
Wine & Design – This art studio offers canvas painting classes for adults and even has an Art Buzz kids line of classes for children.
Trapped in the Upstate – This escape room in Greer will test your problem-solving skills while delivering a fun night of entertainment.
Ice on Main – Ice skating on Main Street would make the perfect treat for the kids (or a special someone).
Once Upon a Dream Parties – Did you know that you hire a princess for as little as $50?
Topgolf Greenville – Take a few swings and have a great meal together. Fun for the whole family (they even have kid clubs available).
Mad Smash Rage Room – Get out your frustrations by smashing a whole bunch of stuff in a smash room. Kids ages 8+ can participate.
Moo Cow Farm – Enjoy cuddles with cows at this farm in Simpsonville. It’s a great gift for the animal lover.
Flying Rabbit Adventures – They’ve got two huge ropes and obstacle courses with zip lines plus a pump track. This is a really fun experience for the whole family.
Denver Downs Farm – Get your family Denver Downs tickets for an awesome fall experience!
The Pavilion– You can get a 10-visit pass for the bounce house at The Pavilion in Taylors, SC for just $85. You can also get a youth ice skating 10-visit pass for only $65 and an adult one for $85!
Speed Factory Indoor Karting– With locations in Greenville, SC and Spartanburg, SC, this indoor karting place offers gift cards starting at $5.
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Experience Gifts in Spartanburg
Big E Gaffney – Movies, putt-putt, bowling, ropes course, and more
East Main Arts – Offers a variety of adult paint and wine parties, as well as family arts and costumed character appearances
Hearts of Clay – A Spartanburg local favorite. This is a spot to make personalized art and pottery.
Spartanburg County Historical Association – Support your local historical association by purchasing a membership, which will provide you with free or discounted admission to properties and special events
Trapped in the Upstate – Trapped in the Upstate also has a Spartanburg location with more puzzles to solve together, including Prison Break and Striking Gold.
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Good Gifts No Matter Where You Live
While the Upstate has plenty to offer, there are plenty of good clutter-busting and memory-making gifts to be found in almost any community.
South Carolina State Park Passport– State Park Passports are great for families who love the outdoors. The All Park Passport is $99 and gives you access to all 47 state parks, including some lighthouses. And if you’re shopping for someone who doesn’t live in South Carolina, there is surely a similar program for their home state’s park system!
Nail or Spa Gift Certificates – A spa gift certificate is another excellent choice – especially for busy moms. One of our local favorites is Drift Float! Buy a float for someone in your life who needs to relax (or yourself, no judgment here). We did it and it was awesome.
Pool Memberships – Even though it is too cold to swim right now, you can always plan ahead. Purchase a family pool membership so the kids can enjoy the pool all summer long.
Photography – Book a local photographer to capture photographs of your family – and don’t forget to print them out to give to the gift recipient!
Indoor Play Ideas (check our rainy day guide for a massive list of places that offer bouncing or play during the day)
Meal Delivery Services / Grocery Delivery – Help out a busy family by paying the fee for a meal delivery or grocery delivery service such as Shipt (for groceries) or Hello Fresh (for meals). Need inspiration? See how you can Get Those Groceries Delivered in Upstate, SC!
Gift cards to local restaurants – My family always loves receiving gift cards to local restaurants since we don’t eat out often. In addition to the many chain restaurant gift card options, most local Spartanburg restaurants offer gift cards as well.
Subscription Boxes – Subscription boxes are all the rage and there are a ton to choose from! Most subscription boxes allow you to choose the increment (monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly). Plus, they offer them for kids (i.e., books, arts & crafts) and adults (i.e., coffee, adult beverages, to name a few). While I’ve never tried it, I’ve heard other parents say that they love Kiwi Crate and try Tinker Crate for older children. There are also local subscription boxes you can pick up directly, like Big Play in a Box.
Streaming Services Subscriptions (Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Sling) – Help a family cut the cord by paying for a subscription to a streaming TV service.
Summer Camp – Summer camp is an amazing gift. Many places will soon open their registrations. My child had a blast last summer at Conestee Camp with Greenville Rec and Space Camp at The Children’s Museum of the Upstate. If you need inspiration, check out our massive Summer Camp Guide!
Attractions Dining & Value Guide – One of my absolute favorite ideas is the Attractions Book. You can purchase them online and they are offered for Greenville, Spartanburg, and several other parts of South Carolina. It supports local businesses and the coupons are quite good. It would make an excellent stocking stuffer! Ask around as many schools and non-profits sell this book as a fundraiser.
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Day Trip Gifts
One of the benefits of living in the Upstate is that we’re sandwiched in between several cities that offer plenty of family fun activities–many of which are easily worth an hour or so of driving!
The Georgia Aquarium – We took our child to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta several years ago for his birthday and he still talks about it!
The Biltmore – An annual pass at the Biltmore includes not only admission to the house but also to the farm where kids can pet chickens and goats, the winery, and discounts on tickets to Dollywood and Tweetsie Railroad.
Dollywood – The beloved theme park is only three hours from Greenville and is fun for the whole family, especially during special holiday events like the nightly Christmas parade or the fall Pumpkinfest. Dollywood’s Splash Country is also amazing in the summer. Plus, preschoolers can get a free season pass! (Read our review!)
Anakeesta – Also in East Tennessee, this mountaintop village is just magical. The views are stunning and you can eat dinner or watch an outdoor movie overlooking the Smoky Mountains. They have seasonal events and offer year-round passes.
WNC Nature Center – Located in Asheville, the WNC Nature Center focuses on animals and plants in the southern Appalachian mountains. The center includes lots of shade, walkways, and natural playgrounds and is perfect for a day trip with little children.
Discovery Place – A hands-on science museum located in Charlotte
Ellaberry Llama Farm – This farm in Hendersonville is amazing. You can play with llamas!
Carowinds – A theme park located in Concord (Charlotte area) with tons of rides designed for their littlest visitors!
Hands On! Children’s Museum – A children’s museum located directly on Hendersonville’s charming Main Street, the Hands On! Children’s Museum has a target audience of children aged ten and under.
Mountain Play Lodge – An indoor play space for children in Arden that features two large climbing areas, complete with steps, multiple slides, and overhead tunnels with obstacles to climb over, around, and through.
Cool Places to Stay Experience Gifts
Why not book an amazing overnight with your family or partner for an unforgettable experience gift? Here are some awesome places to do so.
Magical Mountain Resorts in Hayesville, NC – Stay in any number of themed cabins and buses! We loved the Alice’s White Bunny cabin.
The Ridge Outdoor Resort in Sevierville, TN – Stay in a glamping tent complete with a bathroom, bedrooms, kitchen, and living space.
Getaway Cabin at Lake Hartwell, SC – Experience the outdoors while staying cozy and comfortable in tiny cabins.
Saluda Outdoor Center in Greenville, SC – Either get a head start on booking a place where you can also go tubing over the summer or just get away at these nearby cabins, just five miles outside Greenville.
KOA in Travelers Rest, SC – You don’t need to go far for a unique overnight! Stay in a covered wagon at the KOA in Travelers Rest.
Emberglow Outdoor Resort in Mill Spring NC – Stay at any number of comfortable and pet-friendly glamping accommodations.
Sky Ridge Yurts in Bryson City, NC – This is one of our favorite places to stay in the region. The yurts are beautiful, comfortable, and have great views.
Westgate Myrtle Beach in SC – The resort has pools, a splash pad, and is right on the ocean.
Wilderness at the Smokies in Sevierville, TN – With three waterparks open in the summer and the largest indoor waterpark in Tennessee, Wilderness is at the top of our travel list when planning a fun family getaway.
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