Searching for mini golf birthday parties near you? Do you want to have a birthday party at McPherson Park in downtown Greenville at the mini-golf course but don’t have putters or balls? Now you can rent them!
We love ideas for inexpensive birthday parties and McPherson Park has always been on that cheap birthday party list for it’s free mini-golf course. But you did need to provide your own putters and balls if you wanted to have a birthday party there – until now.
Are you searching for music lessons that will grow with your family? Whether you have a baby who lights up when they hear music, a school-age child begging to take lessons, or a grandparent who is revisiting their love of music, Piano Central Studios can help deepen their musical interests and develop their musical skills. Thank you to Piano Central Studios for sponsoring this article!
For over four decades, Piano Central Studios has helped people discover and reignite their joy for music. The studio has become a go-to for local families looking to connect with their innate love of music and musical talent. Offering classes and lessons for babies through adults of all ages, PCS works hard to make every student feel connected and supported, like part of a musical family. Learn why families across the Upstate love their experience at Piano Central Studios!
Unlike a lot of national chain music studios, Piano Central Studios has called Greenville home since the very beginning. PCS’s Greenville roots run deep, with the studio opening its doors in 1979. PCS’s current owner, Theresa Case, has grown the studio to be Greenville’s largest and oldest music school, with two convenient studio locations and lessons taught on campus for students enrolled at Christ Church Episcopal School.
Because PCS is rooted right here in Greenville, you’ll get that extra level of care and connection only a local studio can offer. Strong, lasting relationships between the students and teachers at PCS have created a beautiful, multigenerational community. Now, many students from the past are bringing their children and grandchildren for lessons and embracing the PCS mission of “nourishing hearts and minds with music making for life”.
Connection, care, and customization are just a few of the things that families mention when they talk about their PCS experience. That’s because the goal of PCS is for families to feel as if they belong and are part of something bigger than themselves, not just signing up for lessons. PCS does this by offering a progression path and music learning that is customized to fit the age, needs, and interests of each student.
Kindermusik families at PCS enjoy access to the Kindermusik app, unlimited makeup classes while enrolled, a free music Love Bag twice a year, milestones certificates, and more!
Lesson students thrive with recitals, performance parties, group musicianship classes, digital lesson assignments, the PCS Milestones Awards Program, and the Practice Space App.
All families receive access to the PCS app, which keeps everything they need conveniently available at the touch of a button. These extras are a wonderful enhancement to the PCS experience, making it a top-notch program for families and students of all ages.
When Piano Central Studios says they offer music lessons for everyone, they mean it!
From babies and toddlers, children just starting music lessons, teens exploring new skills, adults wanting to learn something new, and advanced students honing their craft, you’ll find lessons for all at PCS.
Kindermusik offers young children the opportunity to explore music through various stages. These classes and music lessons occur weekly throughout the year and build on skills as your child progresses. With six age-appropriate levels from Foundations through Level 5, very young children can progress through the program, growing musical skills and beginning a lifelong love of music.
In Kindermusik, families explore and play a variety of instruments, move and dance, develop listening skills, participate in Story Time, and learn musical concepts, all with the love and support of their grown-ups. Classes range from 45 minutes to 1 hour a week.
Group lessons in piano and voice are available at both studio locations with their Piano Express and Studio Singers programs. These classes give students the opportunity to learn from each other and socialize while they learn new songs, play games, do theory, and develop their technique. Group lessons are 1 hour long and meet once per week, with mid-afternoon to early evening lessons available.
Private lessons at PCS are available at the Pleasantburg and Woodruff Road locations.
30-minute, 45-minute, or 60-minute private lessons are available, and enrollment includes recitals, performance classes, contests, special events, and an awards program.
One-on-one instruction is offered for these instruments:
PCS also offers lessons right on campus at Christ Church Episcopal School. Private lessons in piano, violin, and viola are available. 30-minute or 45-minute lessons are available and also include the same perks as the studio locations, including recitals, performance classes, contests, special events, and an awards program.
If you are looking for insight into the studio, look no further than local family reviews! Google reviews for both locations are spectacular, with many reviews highlighting the patience, kindness, and dedication that Piano Central Studio instructors show to their students. Here’s what a few local families are saying about their PCS experience:
“It’s the highlight of our week to come to Kindermusik! We are looking forward to many more years of fun! ” – Ashlyn C. via Google Review
“Every time we hear those piano keys played, we are grateful for our teacher at PCS and the gift of love of music that she has brought to both our boys. The instruments from Kindermusik (glockenspiel, uke) have also been a fun addition to the family. I know our boys have learned at an early age that music can bring joy to so many.” – Nell O. via Google Review
“My daughter looks forward to her lesson each week and stays motivated to practice and earn points with their fun practice app. Highly recommend!” – Michelle T. via Google Review
“[Our Instructor] is an incredible piano teacher! She’s been working with our daughter for 3 years and has not only taught her the technicalities but also instilled a love for music. Her patience, encouragement, and guidance have made a huge difference. We’re so grateful to have her in our daughter’s life.” – Payal M. via Google Review
“[Our Instructor] at Piano Central Studios has been a wonderful teacher! She is knowledgeable, kind, patient, and communicates clearly with us about goals and expectations for each lesson. We’re so grateful for her and the entire PCS community!”– Laura B. via Google Review
No matter what age, from babies to teens and adults, Piano Central Studios offers a welcoming space to grow a love for music. With decades of experience and a fantastic community of families, Piano Central Studios would love to welcome you!
Have your kids taken lessons at PCS? Tell us what they loved!
Piano Central Studios
Info@PianoCentralStudios.com
864.232.5010
757 N Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville, SC
1622 Woodruff Road, Greenville, SC
Searching for ‘children’s consignment shops near me’? Which children’s consignment shops near Greenville, SC are the best? Here’s what Kidding Around Greenville readers said when we asked them where they shop for the best deals on kids’ clothes. This list includes shops all over the Upstate that stock everything moms and moms-to-be need!
Admittedly, my kids are not the cleanest and really, I don’t have the time or patience to keep them out of the mud or from spreading avocado all over their shirts at lunchtime, which is why I rarely ever buy new clothes for them.
Besides the fact that new clothes aren’t cheap, I know I can get cute apparel for my messy kids at a really good price, which makes it easier on my sanity when they get them dirty and easier on my budget.
Whippersnappers makes good use of their smaller space, where you can find clothes for mom and baby and kids, plus baby carriers and infant gear, shoes, books, and puzzles. I’ve been there during one of their sales and everything was affordable and in good shape.
Whippersnappers Kids and Maternity- Greenville. April and her crew are friendly and the clothes are always in great condition
India A.Whippersnappers is my favorite both to buy and sell. They pay cash on the spot for equipment and store credit for clothes/toys
Carrie R.Whippersnappers is by far my favorite. I bought 75% of my maternity wardrobe there. The store smells great and is well organized. I can get in and out wit what I need easily.
Jaimy S.One thing is true — Kidding Around Greenville readers love Once Upon A Child. I was hooked on this place during one of their semi-annual blowout sales. Almost all their clothes are in great condition and everything is organized neatly.
They have clothes, toys, books, puzzles, shoes, baby gear, winter coats, and even a play area for kids. During one of their recent sales where everything marked clearance was a dollar, I walked out with a huge bag full of clothes for two kids for less than 20 bucks. Big win.
They also sell locally made, cute hair bows and hats.
They have locations in both Greenville and Spartanburg!
it is superfast and they pay cash. They usually take a good chunk of stuff and help me clean out quickly. I wouldn’t say they pay a ton but when you have bins and bins of stuff, it’s a nice way to clear out.
Megan W.M.I had luck buying for my son up until about size 5t. If you have a daughter(s), I’d say it’s great at least for buying, for all ages. I’ve tried several times to consign there with very nice clothing, quite a bit with tags on. I’ve maybe sold 5 things there, for pennies basically since I’ve had my son.
Tracy B.Kakalaki Kids located in Anderson is raved about by Kidding Around readers! They have a large selection of quality clothing as well as essential accessories, shoes, socks, and more, including name-brand and new items.
Kakalaki Kids in Anderson for sure!!! Lots of selection-both new and used! And they are super nice and helpful!
Lindsey T. B.Kakalaki Kids!!! Hands down! They go above and beyond to get the perfect little things for our littles. Nice quality name brand consigned clothes. Not stuff you can just go and get at Once Upon a Child. They have a great mixture of both consigned and one of a kind items in Anderson. They carry some brand too that no other store in Anderson Carry!
Keri T. W.Kakalaki Kids has such a great selection of great quality pieces from high end brands but not the high prices! They also have neat items to help you find the perfect baby shower gifts!
Kayla S.Kid to Kid is located behind Haywood Mall and offers a great selection of gently used items. They have clothing, toys, shoes, and even some new items to purchase such as dish wear and accessories.
Kid to kid because they give cash or credit on the spot!
EricaKid to Kid, behind the Haywood mall. Great selection and great service from the staff.
Christie K.Kid to Kid! Upscale and amazing prices and customer service!!
Sarah D.A massive shop at 20,000 square feet, Kids & More Consignment is a deal-lovers dream. You can find clothes for the whole family. They also have furniture, houseware items, DVDs, activity tables, learning toys, and super cute hair bows for little girls.
Kids and More in Mauldin is a good one too
CharlaKids&More in Mauldin beside Tractor supply… great selection, clothes in new to lightly used condition plus they have clothes for all ages no just the kiddos.
Tara C.Consignment shops also carry gently used baby gear, strollers, toys, books, and all kinds of stuff that kids use once and then never look at again. And if you’ve got barely worn Christmas dresses or a Halloween costume your eight-year-old suddenly changed his mind about or a nursing chair in great shape or shoes your kid grew out of way too fast, many consignment stores will give you credit or cash for your items. Also, sign up for emails from your favorite shops and like them on Facebook so you can stay updated on their latest sales.
Kristina Hernandez, KAG ContributorSwitch-A-Roos Children’s Consignment is a fan favorite among Kidding Around readers. Rather than having a brick-and-mortar store, they host children’s consignment events across South Carolina a few times per year. Events are held in Greenville, Spartanburg, and Charleston, and you’ll find everything from clothing to toys to equipment and more!
Switch-A-Roos Children’s Consignment ALL the way!! They have tons to choose from and have everything you need to last all season long. They also have everything you need if you are a new mom or grandparent and you are in need of everything. They have cribs, bath tubs, carriers, toys (tons and tons) kids, teen, and adult clothes galore, and so, so much more!! The list of endless of what they have and it’s all in excellent condition. It is all so organized and efficient! Their workers are helpful and the line moves fast! I go nowhere else because they have everything needed in a one stop shop!
Katie H.We LOVE Switch-A-Roos Children’s Consignment!! The only place I get my son’s clothes! I can clothe him for a whole season in one shopping trip. They have everything you need!
Mandy A.Switcharoos Consignment Sale is the best!!! I clothe both my girls for an entire season in one Sale for a fraction of the cost of retail! I get boutique and beautiful smocked clothing for both my girls. It’s the only way I shop for my girls!!!
Jill N.Lil Savvy Sister is located in Anderson and offers women’s and kids’ clothing that are gently used and in style!
Lil Savvy Sister, All About Children. I prefer these because they each have great selections and clean stores but also very friendly staff!
Gloria C.3102 North Main Street, Anderson | 864.760.1123
Plato’s Closet has locations in Greenville, Anderson, and Spartanburg, and is a great place to find high-quality, gently used clothing for all ages. They are a great place to find those pieces you need for older children that may be harder to find in the children’s consignment stores.
…for teens/tweens, I love Platos Closet…
KA ReaderNew 2 You Consignment located in Inman offers a large selection of literally everything, including clothing, electronics, toys, children’s items, baby items, and more. They are currently taking appointments to shop.
Though not consignment, H&M has a large selection of brand-new clothes that are very inexpensive. They have a great selection of children’s clothes. They have locations in the Westgate Mall in Spartanburg and Gaffney at the Outlet Marketplace.
H&M has adorable clothes and they’re really inexpensive. We love the pants because they have adjustable waistbands
SamanthaThis is one of my favorite places to buy children’s clothing. If you subscribe to their mailing list then you will regularly receive coupons. When you combine these with sale prices and rewards credits, the prices are less than consignment stores.
I like that I can shop from home and return items to the store if something doesn’t fit. Nearly all of the pants come with an adjustable waistband, which really helps clothes last longer size-wise.
How many of us have bought an item for our child, only to have them outgrow it while the tags are still on? It’s so frustrating, I know! The good news is, depending on what brand it is and what you paid for it, you may be able to make more for it than you paid in the first place!
Regardless of how you plan to sell your items, it should start with the same process. First, you must sort through your items, being critical and honest about the condition of items when giving them a thorough inspection.
Things like stains, rips, holes, damaged elastic, pulls, pilling, and missing fasteners should automatically eliminate garments. Unless it looks practically new, the effort that will go into selling it yourself will not pay off, and if you’re trying to consign it, it will not be accepted.
The next step is trying to group any matching set pieces. This holds especially true for girl’s clothing. You will almost always get more for completed sets, for example, three-piece outfits or dresses with bloomers. If you have matching accessories keep them together with the outfits. Whether or not you plan on selling the accessories, they will come in handy if you plan to take photos.
Now it’s time to make sure everything is ironed and looking it’s best. I know, I know – you’re thinking “ohhh man, I have to iron stuff we’re never going to wear again?”
The simple answer is yes. Trust me. I’ve tried skipping this step once or twice and do you know where those items are? Still in a box, in my house. No one wanted to buy the super cute Ralph Lauren toddler dress shirt that was all wrinkled – and neither would you.
They can be the difference between an item being sold or getting donated. Well-lit photos on a plain white background allow the focus to be on the items. Everybody already has the best lighting at their disposal – the sun is usually my preferred light source.
I like to use a whiteboard panel I purchased at the hardware store as a background, however, a white poster board from Dollar Tree will work well also.
Carefully lay the items on the board and take photos making sure to include different angles. On shoes, always include photos of the soles and insoles. With pants, I always include closeup shots of the knees to show wear, or lack of it.
Including a photo of the garment tag will probably save you questions being asked later. It will also help you remember the info for that particular garment as you post the items.
Be sure if you’re accessorizing your items in photos, you include whether or not the extras are included, listed separately or not for sale.
There are abbreviations and notations that are very commonly used. If you plan on listing things online you’ll need to know the following.
NWT – new with tags
NWOT – new without tags
EUC – excellent used condition (absolutely no signs of wear)
GUC – good used condition (well cared for, with slight signs of wear)
Play condition – means that it still has life in it but definitely shows signs of wear (think pants with worn knees)
BST – buy, sell & trade (Facebook groups)
NS – non smoking home
Pet free – listing if a pet is in the home and if pet hair is on the clothing
This can be tricky. Let’s say you paid $18 for a pair of jeans from The Children’s Place. However, if a brand new pair can be purchased during frequently run sales for $7.99 you’ll be lucky to get $5 for those jeans.
And that’s only if they are new with tags.
Don’t let sentiment cloud your pricing judgement. Just because an item holds special memories doesn’t mean you can charge more! Try to keep your pricing consistent. Decide ahead of time what you’ll charge for different types of clothing items and brands. It will speed things up, too, as you list them!
Laurie J.Often times a little research can pay off. Those cute toddler Converse you got on clearance for $12, could easily sell for twice that if in excellent used condition and shined up with a magic eraser type sponge.
Some value brands of clothing would probably be better priced as a lot. The return on effort invested wouldn’t be worth it to list each item individually.
I hope you will visit these stores soon. If so be sure to let them know Kidding Around Greenville sent you! Would you add any local children’s consignment stores to this list?
Looking for other local shops near Greenville, SC? Here’s your Ultimate Shop Local Guide!
Looking for somewhere to learn archery in Greenville, SC? Let us introduce you to Upstate Archery Academy where you can learn how to perfect the art of shooting a bow and arrow!
Learning archery is a really fun endeavor and you can do it right here in Greenville at Upstate Archery Academy. Literally anyone can learn archery and the academy makes it accessible for all, offering youth, adult, and homeschool classes, date night experiences, birthday parties, and even corporate events.
We visited and have all the details on how to enjoy this cool sport!
The history of the Upstate Archery Academy is pretty fascinating. It’s a family-owned business where both owners – husband and wife Shelley and Jack Williamson – are natives of Greenville and essentially started the business to meet a need for archery instruction.
When their daughter was in 7th grade at Riverside Middle School, she took an archery class during gym and fell in love with it. Her dad researched how to become certified as an instructor and while the middle school wasn’t interested in pursuing archery as an official sport for students, once his daughter got to high school, they were able to form a team and start competing.
Word got around that Jack was trained as a coach and people in the community started to inquire about lessons. After offering archery lessons at their home for awhile, Shelley was able to partner with the City of Greer to offer instruction both outdoors and indoors at one of their facilities a few times a week. But people kept coming and Shelley and her husband realized they needed to find a space of their own to host classes.
It took three years to obtain the space they are in now right off of Wade Hampton Boulevard. The space is perfect for them as it was a former shooting range and easy to convert to an archery range. They opened there in 2023 and have continued to grow.
They offer homeschool classes, adult and youth classes, camps, date nights, birthday parties, corporate events, monthly open range hours, and private lessons. They also have a great shop where you can purchase a wide range of archery equipment. And they fix bows as well.
The main thing I learned from Shelley is that anyone can learn archery. She is adamant that the sport is for anyone who wants to learn no matter your background or skill or age. She is so welcoming and encouraging and patient that it’s hard not to believe that you can shoot bullseyes all day long.
The family-owned business offers classes for adults, youth and homeschoolers, and leagues. You can do a one-hour date night here, which I think is just so much fun. There are plenty of nearby restaurants, so you could easily pair this with dinner and make it a unique adventure.
Classes and events vary in price so follow the links to see what suits you best. Classes are usually in the afternoons so people who work or kids who are in school can come and enjoy the range.
You could also hold a birthday party or private event here. There is plenty of space to bring your own food, and Shelley is a pro at setting up the place to cater to whatever you’d like to do.
Upstate Archery hosts events, which are listed on their website. These can include things like tournaments or league nights.
Like a gym, Upstate Archery hosts open range hours where guests can pay for an hour ($10.50) or an all-day pass ($15.50). There is plenty of space to practice here so the open range is fun for anyone who has taken a basic class and wants more time to hone their skills.
If you don’t have equipment, that’s okay. You can rent equipment from Upstate Archery for around $22-$28. Or if you’d like to purchase your own equipment, they have a beautiful selection available right at the shop.
For open range sessions, you can pay by the hour or day or purchase a three or six-month membership.
I love learning new skills and while I have shot a bow and arrow before, I had not ever done so in a range with the kind of equipment we were using. It was fun to learn how to use it and how best to get that bullseye – which both my daughter and I did!
I also really like how accessible the sport is and that it is a family-owned business. Shelley and Jack are there daily and can answer pretty much any questions you have. There are also so many options to get started or dip your toes into the sport to see if you like it and want to pursue it.
The atmosphere is totally relaxed and safety is a huge part of what you learn when visiting (for good reason). There are so few places to learn archery in the Upstate and it’s obviously a growing sport given how much interest Upstate Archery has had over the past several years. And honestly, it’s just a super cool skill to learn!
Upstate Archery is located right off Wade Hampton Boulevard next to Safe Harbor resale shop and Maverick Biscuit.
To sign up for classes, visit the website. And don’t hesitate to call or email if you have questions or want to book a private event there. Shelley is happy to help you out!
Upstate Archery Academy
2830 Wade Hampton Boulevard Suite 25, Taylors, SC
864.775.5898 | shelley@upstatearcheryacademy.com
Upstate Archery Website | Upstate Archery Facebook
Are you a retiree looking for retirement communities in Greenville, SC? Or maybe you and your family have just moved to Greenville and have parents eager to follow you to the area? In this article, we’ll share some of the best senior living options at Greenville, SC retirement villages and Greenville, SC retirement communities in the Upstate.
“55+ Community” is a term you’ll hear often when researching retirement living. These communities are designed for active adults (typically age 55 and up), offering amenities and homes tailored to low-maintenance lifestyles.
Many feature:
Some offer homes for purchase, while others operate more like traditional apartment-style leases or continuing care communities. There’s something for every lifestyle and level of independence.
Interested in owning your home in retirement? These Greenville SC retirement communities offer homes for purchase:
Not ready to purchase? These Greenville SC retirement villages provide leasing options or all-inclusive living:
Retiring in Greenville, SC means access to top-notch healthcare, a walkable downtown, beautiful parks, and a thriving cultural scene. Whether you’re looking to buy, lease, or find a community that offers long-term care services, Greenville has a variety of options that fit your lifestyle.
Kidding Around has guides for every age of kid- even the grown-up ones.
Here’s our Guide to Things to Do for Adults in Greenville, SC
Ever wondered what it’s like to keep bees—without, you know, actually keeping bees? That’s exactly what we’re about to find out thanks to Happy Hive Bee Co.’s Adopt-a-Hive Program, and we’re bringing you along for the ride!
This year, we’re officially the proud owners of our very own hive at Happy Hive Bee Co. And over the coming months, we’ll be sharing what it’s like to follow the journey of our bees—from their first buzz to their sweet golden harvest.
Thanks to Happy Hive Bee Co. for giving us a hive this year so we could share this experience with our readers.
Happy Hive Bee Co. has a passion for education, bringing the experience of keeping bees and the wonder of the honeybee to others. Their Adopt-a-Hive Program gives families (like yours!) the chance to support local pollinators and experience beekeeping from the comfort of home.
Here’s how it works:
Yes, you can actually visit your hive in person—and there’s even lunch involved.
Pollinators are in trouble. Bees play a huge role in our food system and environment, but their numbers are dropping. Adopting a hive is an easy (and super fun) way for families to get involved, without actually maintaining hives themselves.
Your sponsorship supports real, local pollinator care—and your kids get to learn about science, sustainability, and teamwork from the bees themselves.
Bonus fun fact: Beekeepers mark queen bees to help spot them quickly in a busy hive. This year’s queen color is blue.
See, we’re learning things already!
When you adopt a hive, here’s what’s included:
You can check out all the program details and adopt your own hive on their website:
👉 Happy Hive Bee Co. Adopt-a-Hive
What’s happening at our hive? From the first days to our hands-on hive visit and honey harvest, we’re sharing it right here. Make sure you’re following us on social media to see our hive’s progress!
First, we got a chance to paint the outside of our bees’ new home.
Second, we asked all of you to suggest a name for our Queen Bee. You all came up with some pretty good names, but one stuck: Queen BEEyonce.
Watch below to learn about how new hives are made AND see Kidding Around’s very own hive!
We’re so excited to watch our hive grow!
Hey, Hey, Hey! We’ve got another hive update from Happy Hive!
Our hive and Queen BEEyonce are doing great!
In this video:
BEEYonce gets her special blue queen dot We learn about a honey bee parasite- mites! We watch bees bringing pollen and packing cells📅 Stay tuned for:
Did you know there are a number of community events giving away free school supplies in Upstate, SC?
Do you know of a family who needs help purchasing school supplies this year? A new school year is almost upon us. For most families a trip to the store for new supplies is imminent. These events will distribute free back-to-school supplies, so you have one less thing to worry about this school year!
A recent study revealed that most families of school-age children in the US spend between $500-700 on new school supplies. This amounts to a whopping estimated 80.7 billion dollars! That’s a lot of composition notebooks!
This list is currently being updated for 2025 as we receive information.
Some Upstate families struggle to make ends meet, and the added burden of school supply lists is often more than they can afford. Typically when families can’t afford to send the proper tools to school, heroic teachers wind up closing the gap with their own money. For this reason, communities have begun stepping up to the plate and offering families necessities at these free school supply drives.
These are often given away at fun events so that children don’t feel stigmatized. Some events also giveaway a cook-out-style lunch, have live music, and even things like bounce houses. One of the easiest ways to get free school supplies for your kids is to look for these events in your area. Many are held at human service departments or local churches. Below you will free school supply events in Upstate, SC counties. Once you get your supplies, you will be able to look at what your child’s school requires and make a few marks on your checklist.
We’ve compiled a list of local groups holding these types of events and will continue to update the list as more are announced.
Easley, SC- Getty’s Middle School
Sunshine Gantt Ministries and Caring And Nurturing
July 19, 2025, 10 am to 1 pm
The event is FREE and includes a first-come-first-served backpack giveaway, filled with school supplies. There will also be free bounce houses, food, music, and more.
Back to School Book Bag Give-a-way
Carolina High School, 2725 Anderson Road, Greenville
August 2, 2025, 9 am to 2 pm
This free school supply giveaway will include free school supplies and backpacks given to students, information on assistance programs and free and low-cost after-school activities, free food, and music.
United Way School Tools Day
Capstone Church – 601 Fairview St Fountain Inn, SC
July 26, 2025 at 11 am – 1 pm
Free school supplies, backpacks, games, and food.
Back to School Giveaway
Mauldin Cultural Center, 101 E Butler Rd, Mauldin
July 27th, 2025 from 2 pm to 5 pm
Free school supplies, games, refreshments, and prizes.
Back to School Supply
8 TCC Verizon locations across the Upstate
Sunday, July 27th, 2025, 1 pm While supplies last
Free Backpack Giveaway
Children in need of school supplies can pop into any one of 8 Upstate TCC Verizon Stores for a backpack and school supplies. One backpack is available per child while supplies last. The participating locations are:
Woodruff Road Christian Church, 20 Bell Road, Greenville
August 2nd, 2025, 11 am – 2 pm
Pack Your Bags Picnic with free school supplies, a free picnic, and more. Students must have adults in attendance.
Greenville Elks Lodge, 7700 Pelham Road, Greenville
August 16, 2025, 10 am – 3 pm
Free back to school items, food, games. Open to the public.
BTS & Community Resource Giveaway
Noble Dog Hotel, Hampton Station, Greenville
Sunday, August 17th, from 11 AM to 1 PM
In addition to their monthly market, this market will feature a back-to-school drive with school supplies for children in need. Supplies are limited, so go early if you are in need.
No Events
Spartanburg, SC
Saturday, July 26, 2025 from 9 am – 12 pm
Free school supplies, including backpacks, for students in the community in grades K – 12. There will also be back-to-school information and community resource information available
First Choice South Carolina Facebook
November
No Events
December
No Events
No Events
More events coming soon!
We hope this info helps every child in the Upstate to get off to a wonderful new school year!
It’s Time for Back to School!
Check out our Ultimate Back to School Guide to help ease the transition from summer to school!
Getting ready for “Back to School” in Upstate, South Carolina? We have all the information you need about school start dates, and education options, plus places where you can find free school supplies in Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, and Pickens, and back-to-school celebrations for that last bit of summer fun.
School supplies are expensive!
You can get free school supplies at these events in Greenville and the Upstate.
Greenville County Schools begins classes Monday, August 11, 2025
Spartanburg Districts 1 – 7 begin classes Monday, August 11, 2025
Anderson Districts 1 – 5 begin classes Tuesday, August 5, 2025
School District of Pickens County begins classes Friday, August 1, 2025
Educational Options in the Upstate: If you have questions about your schooling options, this is the place to start. Find summaries and resources for all the public school, private school, virtual school, and homeschool options the Upstate.
The Greenville County School District’s first day of school is Monday, August 11, 2025. The 2025-2026 School Calendar is available on the greenville.k12.sc.us website.
For more information about public schools in Greenville County, check out our Guide to Greenville County Public Schools! We have school calendars, menus, registration information, a tutorial for GCS Backpack, and lots more! You’ll want to bookmark this guide.
You can find out more about private schools in our area in our Private School Guide to Greenville.
If you or someone you know needs help purchasing school supplies for this year, don’t miss this list of Events with Free School Supplies. And if you’re not sure what supplies your child needs, check with your child’s school website for a detailed list.
Spartanburg County Schools operate as seven separate districts. Each district starts the 2025-2026 academic year on Monday, August 11, 2025 You can find registration requirements, bus information, and more on each district’s website, which is listed below.
Spartanburg District Sites:
If you want to find more specific information about each district or you are new to Spartanburg and our area schools, see our Guide to Spartanburg County School Districts.
You can find out more about private schools in our area in our Private School Guide to Spartanburg.
Need help with school supplies? Here’s a list of events where kids can get free school supplies in Spartanburg. If you need to find your child’s school supply list, visit their school’s website.
Anderson County Schools operate by 5 separate districts. Classes will start on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, for all districts for the 2025-2026 academic year. Information about each district’s schedules, bus information, registration, and more can be found on their individual websites.
Need help finding school supplies in Anderson, SC? Check out our list of free school supply events in the Upstate. You can find a detailed list of school supplies need for your child on their school’s website.
The School District of Pickens County begins classes on Friday, August 1, 2025. The 2025-2026 academic calendar can be found on the School District of Pickens County website, with additional information about registration, bus schedules, specific schools, and much more.
Planning to enroll in a charter school? Pickens County offers several charter schools that can be an alternative to your child’s education.
In need of school supplies in Pickens County? We have a list of dozens of free school supply events throughout the upstate where you can get supplies for your child.
Looking for school uniforms shouldn’t be hard, right?!
Here’s Kidding Around reader advice on the best places to get school uniforms that will actually fit your kids!
Start the school year off well!
See these Back-to-School Hacks from our readers.
The Children’s Museum of the Upstate
130 Magnolia Street, Spartanburg 29306
Friday, August 1, 2025 from 5 – 7 pm
This FREE event prepares children and families for an exciting kindergarten year. Geared toward families with children entering 3K, 4K, and Kindergarten, this event gives families an opportunity to connect with an array of community partners focused on student success and childhood development. Please RSVP (Free Event)
Countdown to Kindergarten
Carolina High School | 2725 Anderson Road, Greenville, SC
9 AM – 2 PM
Saturday, August 2nd, 2025
Free school supplies, along with backpacks, binders, notebooks, and more. You’ll also receive information on free or low-cost community resources, free food, family fun, and more.
United Way School Tools Day
20 Bell Road, Greenville
Woodruff Road Christian Church
Saturday, August 2, 2025 from 11 am
Back to School Picnic with free school supplies. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Town of Duncan
121 South Spencer Street, Duncan
Tuesday, August 5th, 2025, 5 pm – 8 pm
Back-to-school supplies, Duncan’s Police, Fire, Mayor, Council, and more!
National Night Out
Elks Lodge, 7700 Pelham Road, Greenville
Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 10 am
Free school supply giveaway, food, and games. There will also be touch-a-truck!
Elks Lodge Back to School Bash
4 Points Church, 2355 S Highway 101, Greer
TBD for 2025
In partnership with the Middle Tiger Community Center, there will be lots of fun and goodies.
Back to School Bash at 4 Points Church
projectROCK Easley
TBD for 2025
The Back to School Bash will have live music, food trucks, shaved ice, and an opportunity to check out both sides of the facility.
projectROCK Easley Back-to-school Bash
Group Therapy Pub & Playground
TBD for 2025
Live music, burgers and hotdogs, drink specials, and Big Air outdoor games. The event is free and family friendly.
Group Therapy End of Summer Party
Morningside Baptist Church
TBD for 2025
Fun inflatables, games, popsicles. Please bring a towel!
Back to School Splash!
The Children’s Museum of the Upstate- Greenville
TBD for 2025
Along with access to the museum, there will be a pool noodle obstacle course, dino dig sensory bin, exploding chaulk, pies in the face, and much more!
TCMU Back to School Bash Greenville
Find A LOT more Back to School events on our Kidding Around® Event Calendar
Are you ready for back-to-school Greenville, SC families? Let us know if we missed an event!
Have you been searching for a music store to rent musical instruments in Greenville, SC? Whether your child is joining an ensemble at school or taking private lessons, renting is a great way to try an instrument. We have compiled a list of places that rent student instruments across the Upstate to help you in your search.
Are you or your kids wanting to get an ear piercing? Greenville, SC has some phenomenal piercing shops to go to. If you’ve got a little girl, chances are you’ve talked about piercing her ears or if she’s old enough to ask, she’s asked you about getting her ears pierced.
When we asked our readers where to get ears pierced around town, most of them said either the pediatrician’s office or a tattoo/piercings shop. I never would have thought of a professional tattoo or piercings parlor but after doing some research, I will likely consider them when my kids want their ears pierced.
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