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Archive for the ‘Giveaways’ Category

Submit a Family Photo for a Chance to Win a Household Membership to Greenville Zoo!

Posted on by Bethany Winston |

Here is your opportunity to enter to win Household Membership to Greenville Zoo from Greenville First Steps!

Thank you to Greenville First Steps for sponsoring this giveaway.

GFS March 2023 Contest 740x400

Entering is easy. All you have to do is:

1) Take a photo of your family or children doing an activity together from March 1-30, 2023. This month’s theme is Explore through Movement and Play! What are you looking forward to exploring this spring with your family?

2) Upload the photo below OR submit it on Instagram by making a public post that includes hashtag #PalmettoBasicsGVL and tags @kidaroundsc and @gvlfirststeps. Other opportunities to enter may be announced on Facebook and via our newsletter.

3) You may submit one new photo per day. The winner will be chosen randomly, so don’t worry if your photos aren’t professional. The goal is to have fun and meaningful interactions with your children!

The Palmetto Basics

The Palmetto Basics are five fun, simple, and powerful ways to help all our children become the happiest and most successful they can be. 80% of brain development happens during the first three years of life, making this early learning the foundation for all future learning.

  • Maximize Love, Manage Stress
  • Talk, Sing, and Point
  • Count, Group, and Compare
  • Explore through Movement and Play
  • Read and Discuss Stories

About Explore through Movement and Play:

Movement and play are good for children’s bodies—their coordination, strength, and overall health. They are also ways that children explore and learn about the world. Newborns don’t have much control over their bodies. Each stage of development comes with new opportunities for learning. For example, an infant might explore by touching, grasping, chewing, or crawling. A toddler might explore by walking or climbing.

Young children are like scientists—curious and excited to explore their surroundings. See where your child’s curiosity takes them. The more you pay attention, the more you will learn about the person they are becoming.

Learn more about the Palmetto Basics on the Greenville First Steps website.

Enter the Giveaway

This giveaway starts on March 1, 2023 and ends at midnight on March 30, 2023.

If you have any issues entering the giveaway or questions, please email [email protected] Note: If the giveaway does not appear immediately, try refreshing the screen or waiting for the page to fully load.

  • You must be 18 or older and live in the USA to enter this giveaway.
  • You must use a valid email address to enter this giveaway.
  • One entry per person per day.
  • We will contact the winner via the email address provided within three [3] days of the giveaway ending. The winner will have three [3] days (72 hours) to respond via email. If the winner does not respond within the three [3] days (72 hours), the prize will be forfeited and another winner chosen. Directions for claiming the prize will be given via email. A valid photo ID and/or mailing address may be required.
  • For a complete list of Kidding Around Greenville SC’s giveaway policies and terms and conditions, see the Kidding Around Greenville SC policy page. By entering this giveaway, you agree to comply with Kidding Around Greenville SC’s terms and conditions.

Giveaway: Dance Without Limits

Posted on by Maria Bassett | No Comments

We spoke with owner, Beth Bradley, and have the scoop on how they’re bringing all the sparkly magic fun to dance class!

Plus, one of our lucky readers will win free dance class for a month in our giveaway!

Thanks to Dance Without Limits for sponsoring Kidding Around with this giveaway! 

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Giveaway: SCCT Reimagines the Classic Tale of Robin Hood

Posted on by India Menon |

Looking for a way to beat the Upstate’s (not-so-harsh) winter? Enjoy the classic tale of Robin Hood at the South Carolina Children’s Theatre! Robin Hood is reimagined for more modern times, but its main storyline remains the same: Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men champion justice and equality while also outwitting the Sheriff of Nottingham. SCCT’s Robin Hood runs for two weekends between January 28-30 and February 4-6. Tickets are on sale now! The South Carolina Children’s Theatre is also sponsoring a giveaway for two tickets to one of the performances. Enter below!

Thanks to our partner, the South Carolina Children’s Theatre, for sponsoring this article and providing tickets for the “Robin Hood” giveaway.

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Disney on Ice: Mickey and Friends {giveaway}

Posted on by Bethany Winston | 211 Comments

I’m so excited about this giveaway, and I think that you will be too. One of you will win a family pack of 4-tickets to this year’s performance of Disney on Ice: Mickey and Friends at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena! I think fellow Greenville mom Jill summed up this annual event perfectly when she described why she loved Disney on Ice on our Facebook page, “I loved how it lets everyone around the country get a little piece of Disney World.”

She is right. Disney on Ice is a chance to experience the Disney magic for a much more affordable price and without the expense and time of travel. It’s also an incredible show full of talent, music, and fun stories. Your kids will love attending.

And one of you is going to be seeing Disney on Ice for free this year because we are running a giveaway for a family 4-pack of tickets to Opening Night on Wednesday Nov. 24th at 7pm!

About Disney on Ice: Mickey and Friends

Disney on Ice: Mickey and Friends  lets your family see some of Mickey’s favorite friends in action! Toy Story, Moana, Frozen, Finding Dory, Inside Out, Fantasia–friends from these unforgettable films are all here!

Show description: “Mickey Mouse is joined by Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy on a journey to discover his favorite memory of all time. Using Mickey’s ‘Mouse Pad,’ show hosts encourage fans to be part of the action and help the gang venture though Disney stories, sharing memorable moments from treasured tales.

Along the way, families sail away with Moana as she displays courage to save her island on a high-seas adventure with the demigod, Maui.  Families will continue the journey to the wintry world of Arendelle as royal sisters Anna and Elsa discover true love is the most powerful magic of all and experience the mysterious magic of Fantasia as a Sorcerer’s Apprentice makes brooms come to life.  Celebrate true friendship with the Toy Story gang and get all the feels with Joy, Sadness and the rest of the Emotions from Inside Out plus just keep swimming with Dory and Hank as they set out to find her parents. ‘Live Your Story’ alongside Disney Princesses as they use perseverance, determination and hard work to inspire Mickey and children around the world to share their favorite Disney memories.“

Who will enjoy Disney on Ice?

Any child (and adult) will enjoy the amazing stunts, music, and personal touches that Disney excels at!

If your child can sit through a feature length film, they should have no trouble sitting through Disney on Ice. Others have told us that children even as small as eighteen months have enjoyed the show. Of course, this will depend on your child, but it’s definitely an appropriate show for even young children.

In my opinion, the preschool to young elementary age is a fun age to attend Disney on Ice. The characters will seem very real to that age of child. I remember the look of wonder on my son’s face years ago when Mickey Mouse asked the kids to all stand up at the beginning of the show.

Children two and older must have a ticket.

How should we dress for Disney on Ice?

Since the show is on the ice, expect the arena to be a little cooler than normal.  A sweater or light jacket should be sufficient to help your kids stay comfortable. Many children enjoy dressing in Disney themed costumes, but do note that Disney only permits audience members under 14 to dress in costume.

How long is the show?

Show time: 60-90 minutes with one 15-20 minute intermission

When is Disney on Ice coming to Greenville? 

  • Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at 7 pm
  • Friday, November 26, 2021 at 1 & 5 pm
  • Saturday, November 27, 2021 at 1 & 5 pm
  • Sunday, November 28, 2021 at 1 & 5 pm

Where: The Bon Secours Wellness Arena

How much does Disney on Ice cost?

Tickets start at $20. VIP and Front Row seating is limited.  Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com, GSP Box Office at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena or by calling Ticketmaster at 1.800.745.3000.

Remember to also pack cash for event parking in downtown Greenville. My family typically uses the parking garage off of Beattie Place. It’s very close to the back door of the arena and it’s usually cheaper than the other close lots. In years past, we have paid $5/parking but rates can vary from $5-15 depending on where you choose to park.

What do others say about Disney on Ice?

Customer reviews on Ticketmaster.com of Disney on Ice: Mickey and Friends give the show a 4.4/5 star rating. The reviews include some common themes:

  • Show kept even young kids entertained
  • Great finale
  • Amazing costumes and fun special effects
  • Concessions and souvenirs are expensive

Here’s some of our reader comments about why they love Disney on Ice:

Chad says, “I think one of the things that we loved about Disney on Ice is how the story telling can change because of the medium used to tell it. The actual performance is great, but then you can also talk about how things were different from the movie that is represented, and how different effects can transform ice into ‘under the sea’, etc.”

Tara says, “I took the kids to Disney on ice when they were really little. I think that they would really enjoy it now @ age 7 and 9. The event was magical for me and I am an adult. I think that it is fun for any age. I would be estatic if I won these tickets!!!!”

Wendy says, “My girl got to go for the first time last year and loved it so much.”

Jill says, “I loved how it lets everyone around the country gives a little piece of Disney World. Growing up we didn’t have money to go to Disney World, but we did get to go to Disney on Ice a couple of times. So I got to see the princesses and charters live. Would love to take some of my kids to see Disney on Ice. My 5 year old keeps asking to go to Disney, but it’s not in the budget yet. So, with 6 kids this would help a wish come true with FREE tickets!”

For one of you a wish will come true, because one of you will win 4 tickets to this year’s performance! See our giveaway rules before, and be sure to enter. It could be you!

Covid Policy: Masks Recommended.

Bag Policy: Select clear plastic bags allowed

Disney on Ice: Mickey and Friends Giveaway

Prize: A family 4-pack of tickets to Opening Night on Wednesday Nov. 24th at 7pm

This giveaway will run until midnight on November 16, 2021!

Please note our giveaway rules:

  • You must be 18 or older and live in the USA to enter this giveaway.
  • You must use a valid email address to enter this giveaway.
  • We will contact the winner via the email address provided within three [3] days of the giveaway ending. The winner will have three [3] days to respond via email. If the winner does not respond within the three [3] days, the prize will be forfeited and another winner chosen. Directions for claiming the prize will be given via email. A valid mailing address may be required. And, winner may be required to exchange vouchers for actual tickets.
  • For a complete list of Kidding Around Greenville SC’s giveaway policies and terms and conditions, see the Kidding Around Greenville SC policy page. By entering this giveaway, you agree to comply with Kidding Around Greenville SC’s terms and conditions.
  • Winner must be willing to travel to Greenville to claim their prize.
  • This prize is only valid for the 2021 Disney on Ice performance at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, SC.

Do you have any magical memories from Disney on Ice? Please share we would love to hear about it!

Giveaway: Leapin’ Lizards! Annie Takes the Stage at SCCT

Posted on by India Menon |

Looking for a fun way to settle into the holiday season? The timeless musical “Annie” is the way to go! Filled with characters and music that you know and love, this performance will surely have everyone in your family smiling! The South Carolina Children’s Theatre’s production of “Annie” runs Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between November 26 – December 19, 2021. Tickets are on sale now! The South Carolina Children’s Theatre is also sponsoring a giveaway for two tickets to one of the performances. Enter below!

Thanks to our partner, the South Carolina Children’s Theatre, for sponsoring this article and providing tickets for the “Annie” giveaway.

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Giveaway: SCCT’s Spookley the Square Pumpkin: The Musical Serves Up Joyful Halloween Spirit

Posted on by India Menon | No Comments

Want to get in the spirit of the Halloween season? Spookley the Square Pumpkin and his spider friends Edgar, Allan, and Poe are here to help! You’ll meet and sing along with these characters during upcoming performances of “Spookley the Square Pumpkin: The Musical” at the South Carolina Children’s Theatre. And, by entering the giveaway below, you have a chance to win a pair of tickets! 

Thanks to our partner, the South Carolina Children’s Theatre, for sponsoring this article and providing tickets for the Spookley the Square Pumpkin: The Musical giveaway. 

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Celebrate Halloween With The Spartanburg Philharmonic For A Magical Concert–Plus a Giveaway!

Posted on by Kidding Around | No Comments

If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly way to spend Halloween this year, a trip to The Spartanburg Philharmonic is a great way to make memories. This Halloween, The Spartanburg Philharmonic will be celebrating in an iconic way!

And if you’ve never attended a concert performance of The Spartanburg Philharmonic, you are in for a treat (no tricks, we promise!)

This isn’t your grandma’s philharmonic! Find out what to expect when you attend a “Magical” performance of The Spartanburg Philharmonic on October 30th or 31st! Plus, enter a giveaway below for a chance to win a family pack of tickets to one of the two performances!

Special thanks to the Spartanburg Philharmonic for sponsoring this giveaway.

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Goodbye, Sleepless Nights! A Chasing Dreams Sleep Consultation Can Be Yours with This Giveaway

Posted on by India Menon |

If you dread bedtime and have run out of energy or ideas on how to make it better, there is help! Erin Lawyer is a local sleep consultant and owner of Chasing Dreams Sleep Consulting. Trained via the popular Sleep Sense Program, Erin taps into her expertise to help families craft a bed time that works for them. The aim is a sleep routine that is loving, calm, and even enjoyable for parents and children alike. 

What is a sleep consultation package? After a Comprehensive Assessment, Erin develops a holistic Customized Sleep Plan that gets supported with Private Consultation, one-on-one support and guidance for 2-3 weeks, and other materials such as a digital sleep log and a resource guide.  

And right now, Chasing Dreams Sleep Consulting is giving away a FREE sleep consultation package to one Kidding Around Greenville reader. All you have to do is enter here! This is a $479 value–and one that can dramatically change your quality of life AND that of your child. 

Want to learn more? Read about Chasing Dreams and pick up a few tips for better sleep.

Enter the Chasing Dreams Giveaway. The last day to enter is Thursday, September 9!

7 Tips for Sleeping Better With Erin Lawyer of Chasing Dreams Sleep Consulting — and a Giveaway!

Posted on by India Menon |

Does your child regularly wake at night and seek you out in an effort to go back to sleep… over and over and over? If you have kids, you know that poor sleep for a child has repercussions for the child, yourself, and the whole family. However, with the right strategies, sleep challenges can turn into victories. Kidding Around Contributor India recently chatted with Erin Lawyer of Chasing Dreams Sleep Consulting and learned some pro tips that will help your child get better sleep. Plus, a giveaway! One lucky Kidding Around Greenville reader will win a free Sleep Consultation, valued at $479! Read on to learn more!

Thank you to Chasing Dreams Sleep Consulting for sponsoring this giveaway.

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These Toys Are Perfect for Kids with Sensory Processing Disorders!

Posted on by Kristina Hernandez | 1 Comment

When DJ Wetzel’s oldest daughter was around three years old, she was diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder, an inability for the brain to process senses correctly. She began therapy with occupational and physical therapists and every time, DJ’s wife would come home with long Amazon lists of different toys and tools that could help their daughter. 

DJ and his wife understood the importance of the toys and saw their effectiveness but there were two issues: the toys were expensive and not well-made. 

“I’m cheap and the expense of all these toys began to add up. I thought I could make better products at a more affordable price point,” said DJ. 

And that’s how Sensory Jungle was born. 

 Increase balance, coordination, core strength, hip flexor mobility, ankle strength and indoor surfing skills with Sensory Jungle’s Balance board

SPD-specific tools

At the time his daughter was diagnosed with sensory processing disorder (SPD), DJ was working in financial aid at a local Greenville college but still possessed an entrepreneurial spirit and drive to both help his daughter and other kids who had been diagnosed with SPD or autism. He poured himself into researching how to create, build, and supply these toys. He consulted extensively with occupational therapists who help kids with autism and SPD on a daily basis to make sure that what he was seeking to create would be beneficial.

SPD essentially means that the brain does not respond correctly to some or all of our body’s senses. DJ uses the analogy of a cup to measure sensory input: 

“For some people, a light touch on their arm may fill up their cup a little and it feels pleasant. For other kids who may be dysregulated [and have SPD], a light touch on their shoulder may feel like a bee sting where it fills that cup faster and overflows. It can be overwhelming.” The tools and toys that Sensory Jungle sells are made with the goal of helping children with SPD learn how to better regulate their sensory input response.

Why Sensory Jungle is unique

The tools and toys that DJ’s daughter used when she started occupational therapy were decent and certainly helped as she worked through therapy. But once DJ opened Sensory Jungle and began to learn more about SPD and how to create products that would help kids, it was like a whole new world opened up for their family. He saw how these toys immensely helped his daughter, giving her the tools she needed to help better regulate herself. 

The Greenville-based company is unique because DJ combines both a passion project and thoughtful entrepreneurship. He seeks to connect that passion with products that can help kids all around the country. Also, the training and professional aspect that Sensory Jungle brings to their products is a big reason for their success.

A tub or bowl full of our soft, marble-sized water beads provides a uniquely calming sensory experience for children with Autism or Sensory Processing Disorder

What sensory toys sell best?

The bestsellers for Sensory Jungle are their water beads and their wooden rocker balance board. 

“For a child who may struggle with an acute sense of touch and feeling, dipping their hands into a bowl of water beads can help train the brain on how to properly respond to that specific sensation. Plus, they are just a lot of fun!” DJ explained. 

The Bubble Timer is also a neat toy. DJ said it can provide kids with SPD or autism an easy way to find calm when they are dysregulated. 

Where to purchase sensory toys

Currently, products are only available online at the Sensory Jungle website.

DJ and his family have put immense thought into the toys they have chosen to design and stock. They know what it’s like to have a child with SPD and have sought to help families and children like theirs. 

“Our products are for kids, their parents, and teachers who are looking for a way to help children better regulate themselves or perform better in school – that’s really what our products are designed for,” said DJ. 

Giveaway

If the voting ballot does not appear immediately, wait one second to give it time to appear.

One lucky Kidding Around fan will receive a Sensory Jungle prize pack that includes a Balance Board, Water Beads, and Weight Lap Pad.

This giveaway ends at midnight on July 30, 2021. Good luck!

  • You must be 18 or older and live in the USA to enter this giveaway.
  • You must use a valid email address to enter this giveaway.
  • One entry per person per day.
  • We will contact the winner via the email address provided within 24 hours of the giveaway ending. The winner will have 24 hours to respond via email. If the winner does not respond within the 24 hours, the prize will be forfeited and another winner chosen. Directions for claiming the prize will be given via email. A valid photo ID and/or mailing address may be required.
  • For a complete list of Kidding Around Greenville SC’s giveaway policies and terms and conditions, see the Kidding Around Greenville SC policy page. By entering this giveaway, you agree to comply with Kidding Around Greenville SC’s terms and conditions.

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