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Archive for the ‘Things to Do Inside’ Category

FREE Home Depot Kids Workshops (2023): Quality time with the kids

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Looking for the next FREE Home Depot Kids Workshop Kit? The Home Depot Workshops for kids have always been a Kidding Around favorite. We’ve been, we love them, and our readers do, too! We’re going to tell you what we love, why we love it, how to register, and some parent tips to help you make the most of your visit to the free workshops for kids at Home Depot.

Home Depot Kids Workshop Schedule and news

I have always looked forward to the first Saturday of the month for the past several years as it has been my mommy-daughter date at the Home Depot kids workshop. I grab my coffee and my two young kids get their hammers and paintbrushes and we build whatever the kids’ workshop has deemed the project of the month at our local store.

It’s all free! Home Depot offers workshop kits for kids, including all materials needed to complete the project, totally free. These projects are an amazing way to spend some quality time with the kids, without spending a dime. In this article, we’ll take you along on our in-person visit to a Home Depot Workshop for kids and tell you exactly what to expect when you visit.

This article includes:
Kids Workshop: The Next Project at Home Depot
2023 Home Depot Kids Workshop Schedule
How Do the Free Kids Workshops at Home Depot Work?

Free things to do for kids across the USA

We LOVE free things to do!

Find more in the Kidding Around Guide to Free Things to Do for Kids

December 2023 Gingerbread House

Time for some festive decorations! Build your gingerbread house on December 2nd at the next Home Depot Kids Workshop Kit of 2023.

Home Depot Kids Workshops in the News

We sat down with local news outlet, Fox Carolina to chat about these workshops.

Experience The Home Depot Kids Workshop

We love taking kids to the Home Depot workshops. We pooled the experiences of our KA Team in this review, so you’ll know what you can expect when you attend.

First, the Home Depot has workshops of all kinds for their customers and they have these awesome kids workshops on the first Saturday of every month from 9 am-Noon.

Secondly, know that they provide all the materials you need to make whatever the craft of the day is. Just show up with your kid. With the take-home kits, you’ll have to do some of that yourself.

You, and your child, don’t need any kind of handyman experience. I’ve certainly made mistakes helping my daughters build all sorts of stuff but it’s a great learning time for all of us and it also helps with hand-eye coordination for the kiddos.

Building and Painting

The crafts always consist of something that you have to hammer together and then paint. My daughters both are great with handling a hammer and have only hit my fingers a few times. They also absolutely love the painting part too.

We have made all kinds of stuff together – a birdhouse, a car, a plane, a mailbox, a little sled, a planter (these are all kid-size, not big people, normal-sized things).

Thankfully there are instructions on how to put it together. I also cheat and see what the other parents do.

Free Home Depot Kids Workshop Kit, working with Dad on a project

How Kids Workshops at Home Depot Work

Check out your local Home Depot by going to the kids’ workshop link to make sure they have the kids’ workshop available. Most of the stores in the area have them.

All you do is show up between 9 am and Noon (look around for the area where they have the workshop or ask an associate) and the nice people at Home Depot will give you a packet that contains the craft, along with a kids apron and a commemorative pin, and step by step instructions.

You can register online to be sure you get a kit. If inventory levels of the kits are low, those who registered online will get them first. But usually, there isn’t a problem!

My daughter has a bunch of the commemorative pins on her Home Depot apron At the stores, Home Depot has benches and tables set up where you can sit down and get to work. They provide the little paintbrushes, the hammers, and the paint. I try to have my kids wear clothes I wouldn’t mind getting paint on because it can get a little messy.

I have to stop myself from helping them too much because it’s so fun. I’ve seen parents really get into it and do all the painting while their child watches. It’s a kid’s thing so let the kids do it! And they are learning how to woodwork in the process, which helps build their confidence.

More Details: Free Home Depot Kids Workshop

The kids’ workshops are on the first Saturday of the month. I started taking my oldest daughter when she was 3-years-old, which worked out great and my youngest when she was around two-and-a-half. It really depends on the child and how many kids you can control at once.

I have found it’s an awesome parent-kid date idea, especially for parents whose time is more limited during the workweek.

2023 Home Depot Kids Workshop Kit Schedule

Free Home Depot Kids kits are available the first Saturday of the month for completion in-store.

January 7th, 2023: Snowball Game
February 4th, 2023: Valentine’s Vase
March 4th, 2023: Pinball Game
April 1st, 2023: Poolside Birdhouse
May 6th, 2023: Flower Planter
June 3rd, 2023: Putting Green
July 1st, 2023: Fireworks Bean Bag Toss
August 5th, 2023: Treasure Chest
September 2nd, 2023: Microscope
October 7th, 2023: Rescue Floatplane
November 4th, 2023: Horseshoe Game
November 25th, 2023: Penguin Photo Ornament
December 2nd, 2023: Gingerbread House

2024 Home Depot Kids Workshop events coming soon!

Past Projects Included:

Toss Game
Valentine’s Photo Box
Airship
Window Bird Feeder
Mother’s Day Fence Picket Planter
Fish Tank
Constellation Viewer
Summer Camper
Pencil Desk Organizer
Fire Rescue Boat
Scarecrow Napkin Holder
Train Ornament
Santa Letters Mailbox

Don’t want to wait? Purchase Wood Kits for Kids

This section contains Amazon affiliate links.

You can purchase woodcraft kits for children instead of waiting for the free Home Depot kits each month. Help children develop woodworking skills, practice following written directions, get a little creative, and just enjoy some quality time with you!

You also find some of the Home Depot Kids Kits on sale at Home Depot online. You can even purchase a kid party pack. What a great idea for a kids’ party!

The Home Depot Kids page also has virtual workshops and virtual field trip videos about plants that kids may enjoy.

Bird Bungalow

Mechanical Model Cars

Candy Dispenser

Home Depot Free Kids’ Workshops FAQ

How do I sign-up for the free Kids’ Workshops at Home Depot?

Sign-up at Home Depot Kids. It just takes a minute and it’s the best way to make sure there will be a kit there for your kids.

Are the Home Depot Kids’ Kits hard to build?

Don’t worry. Picture instructions are included and you don’t need any special prior knowledge of building things to complete the project with your kids. Just go and have a good time. It doesn’t have to be perfect.

Are the Home Depot Kids’ workshops really free?

Yep. Totally free. Sign-up and then spend a little time building something fun with your kids. Few things in life are free anymore and opportunities to do something cool with your kids for free are definitely limited. We love that Home Depot is keeping these workshops free. Go make some memories. You’ll never regret spending time with your kids.

What ages are good for the Free Home Depot Kids’ Workshop

We’d recommend about age 3 and up. At 3, the kids will need lots of help from you. but as kids get older they’ll be able to do more and more of the project independently.

Are there more free kids’ workshops and events at other stores?

  • Lowe’s offers similar Free Kids’ Workshops once a month.
  • And, JCPenney offers free kids craft events each month.



  • So mark your calendars and have fun!

     

    Southernside Brewing Co: Brewery Creates Ultimate Christmas Experience in Greenville, SC

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    Southernside Brewing Co. in Greenville, SC has completely changed their brewery this Christmas season into a winter wonderland and is inviting the public to enjoy special events all season. This is Southernside’s second annual “Miracle at Southernside” with floor-to-ceiling decorations, lights, and animatronics. Favorite holiday cocktails return, along with some items to try.

    From November 21 – December 31, 2023, Southernside Brewing Co. in Greenville has completely revamped the inside of the brewery to resemble a winter wonderland and Christmas-themed pop-up bar for their Miracle event all throughout the Christmas season.

    See Southernside at Christmas for yourself

    Here’s a video of last year’s Miracle at Southernside Christmas decor.

    There are moving reindeer, snow-covered trees, lollipops, Mr. & Mrs. Clause people, lights strung throughout the entire place, and huge ornaments in the floor-to-ceiling display. Really, you must see this to believe it.

    Southernside Brewing Co. says in a press release about the event that “Miracle is sure to get even the grouchiest grinch in the holiday spirit!”

    Miracle at Southernside

    Miracle kicks off at Southernside Brewing Co. on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 exclusive holiday cocktails and specialty beers like the Christmapolitan, Christmas Crocket, and Rudolph’s Replacement. They also have amazing and delectable hot chocolate.

    So. Many. Lights.

    GVLtoday got the scoop on just how many lights and other cool things that are a part of Miracle Pop-Up:

    • 40,000: Lights
    • 1,000: Ornaments
    • 1,000: Feet of tinsel and garland
    • 800: Feet of ribbon
    • 750: Square feet of snow
    • 75: Wrapped presents
    • 50: Decorated trees and wreaths
    • 40: Elves
    • 12: Themed cocktails each in a unique glass
    • 10: Nutcrackers
    • 4: Life-sized Santa Clauses

    Weekly Happenings

    Miracle at Southernside Brewing Co. is also doing daily specials if you can’t make it to one of the bigger events!

    Wing Wednesdays: $1 wings

    Thursday: $10 burger + pint night

    Southernside Brewing Co.
    25 Delano Drive Unit D, Greenville
    Southernside Brewing Website

    A Giant List of Things to Do in Spartanburg, SC

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    Are you searching for things to do in Spartanburg, SC? You have definitely found the right article. We have all the info on every park in Spartanburg, a huge list of free things to do, lots and lots of things to do outdoors, special things to do for the holidays and every season, and lots more. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find something fabulous to do in Spartanburg, SC on this list.

    (more…)

    Top 4 Places to Enjoy Go-Karts: Greenville, SC

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    If you are thinking about spending an afternoon racing go-karts, Greenville, SC has a couple of venues nearby that offer indoor or outdoor karting. So, grab the kids for a bonding session, your significant other for a date, or your arch nemesis for a karting throwdown. Either way, check out this list of places where you can go karting in the Upstate.

    Karting venues in Greenville, South Carolina
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    South Carolina Children’s Theatre: 10 Marvelous Things to Do

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    Giveaway: One lucky Kidding Around reader will win 4 FREE TICKETS to Mary Poppins at SCCT! Scroll down to enter. Show runs Nov 17th – Dec 10th. Thank you to SCCT for sponsoring this giveaway!

    Have you heard about all the marvelous things that the South Carolina Children’s Theatre in Greenville, SC has to offer? Maybe you are excited about an upcoming theatre performance. Or, perhaps you are curious if there are theater classes and camps for your children to immerse themselves in. Spark a little magic and wonder in your child’s life with a kid-friendly play, musical, class, or camp at SCCT! You will find all the information you need about the South Carolina Children’s Theatre below in our handy guide.



    south carolina childrens museum

    Theatrical Productions at the South Carolina Children’s Theatre

    The South Carolina Children’s Theatre is pretty special, and its professional theatrical productions are a great way to entertain your children.  Productions are all family-oriented and designed to elicit wonder and excitement in your child (and you!)

    The 2023-2024 South Carolina Children’s Theatre Season

    Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse: October 20 – October 29, 2023

    Mary Poppins: November 17 – December 10, 2023

    The Watsons Go to Birmingham: January 19 – February 4, 2023

    D is for Dance Party: January 26 -February 4, 2023

    Pinkalicious the Musical: February 23- March 10, 2023

    Dragons Love Tacos: April 5 – April 21, 2023

    The Spongebob Musical: April 26 – May 19, 2024

    The SCCT events calendar is the best way to keep track of what’s to come.

    The SCCT Performance Stages

    Bell Stage

    Theatre productions are detail-oriented, bursting with color and costume, and bring to life and reimagine a popular story or play. Theatre productions run by season, with each season having around 8 performances spread out over several months. Each production has multiple showings, so you can plan a date night out with your kids! Both stages are also accessible, so productions can be enjoyed by everyone.

    Bell Stage performances use large set designs, costumes, puppets, and anything else needed to help bring the story from the pages of the book or script onto the stage. You can find big musicals and plays on this stage. Bell Stage productions have longer run times with intermissions. You can find run time information on the SCCT website. There are also assigned seats for Bell Stage productions, so make sure you purchase tickets early if you have large groups that want to sit together.

    Younts 2nd Stage

    Younts 2nd Stage performances also offer the pop, color, and costumes that the Bell Stage productions do, but performances are more intimate and held on a smaller stage. This allows performers to really engage with the audience. These productions are shorter, approximately 45 minutes to an hour long, so they are an excellent choice for younger (with shorter attention spans) audience members. Tickets for Younts Stage are also cheaper than Bell Stage productions, so that’s great on the budget! 

    Performances Right For Your Family

    All theatre productions at SCCT have an age range recommendation, so be sure to check to see which performance best suits your child. SCCT does recommend that most productions are for children 3 and older.

    The majority of these theatre productions are held on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, with daytime and evening showings available, so they make an excellent parent/child date day!

    To find out more information about the upcoming SCCT performances on both the Bell and Younts stages, head to the SCCT website.

    Cat in the Hat riding
    The Cat in the Hat at SCCT 2021-2022 Season

    Weekday School Performances

    Want to see a stage performance for a field trip? If you’re a teacher or homeschooling group, you can check out performances at SCCT through their weekday school performances on the Bell Stage and the Youths Stage. All students, teachers, chaperones, and bus drivers will need a ticket to view the performance. 

    SCCT Flex Pass for Performances

    Looking to save some money while also seeing all of the amazing upcoming shows at the South Carolina Children’s Theatre? The SCCT Flex Pass program offers first-priority seating, unlimited free ticket exchanges, discounts on classes, and discounts to downtown stores. There are three price points to choose from, Blue, Green, or Orange, that allow for a specific number of tickets per package.

    Pay What You Can Tickets

    The South Carolina Children’s Theatre offers a “Pay What You Can” ticket program for select performances of select shows throughout the year. You’ll find these performances labeled as a “Pay What You Can Performance” within each show’s schedule on the South Carolina Children’s Theatre Website.

    The first Pay What You Can Performance of the 2023-2024 season was the September 24, 2023 performance of Charlotte’s Web. When you see a Pay What You Can Performance on the website, follow the directions on that link to purchase your tickets.

    Free Performances at the South Carolina Children’s Theatre

    One of the best things about SCCT is that they offer free performance events through their Tell-Me-a- Story Theatre and Once Upon an Orchestra programs.

    Tell Me a Story Theatre is a high-energy telling of a popular children’s story or book that is engaging for younger children, think PreK to early elementary students.  The event is completely free, and is located in the Prisma Health Lobby. The performance and story reading lasts around 30 minutes, great for squirmy kids. You can check out Tell-Me-a-Story once per month.

    Once Upon an Orchestra is a partnership between SCCT and the Greenville Symphony Orchestra that brings children’s literature and music together through storytelling. Your child (and you) can enjoy Once Upon an Orchestra three times per year, for free! Performances last around 30 minutes and are perfect for children age K3 through 5th grade.  You can find upcoming performances of Once Upon an Orchestra on the SCCT website.

    SCCT Tulane

    Theatre Classes at the SCCT

    Support your child’s interest in the performing arts with classes at The South Carolina Children’s Theatre! SCCT’s Theatre Arts Conservatory offers a variety of classes for kids interested in learning about acting, drama, stage management, directing, musical theater, and so much more!

    Classes use a lot of fun activities to strengthen your child’s imagination, self-expression, confidence, and self-discipline. These classes also build a foundation for theatre arts concepts. Classes build onto one another, so SCCT encourages parents to not rush their child through the classes, but to allow them to make natural progress. Classes are grouped by age, so even your budding three-year-old Broadway star can enjoy these immersive classes!

    • Ages 3-6: Children in this age range will play games, sing songs, explore characters, and engage their imagination in a low-pressure environment. Classes are typically once per week for one hour. Multiple classes are offered, with classes in theatre exploration, singing, and stage production available. 
    • Grades 1-6: Children in this age range will explore theatre training through improv activities and high-energy games. There are several classes available for this age range where they can learn about process acting, singing, musical theatre, or improvisation.
    • Grades 6-12: Classes for this age range become more technical and build on their knowledge of the performing arts. Kids can learn about process acting, singing, musical theatre, solo singing, and improvisation.
       
    • All The Colors of the Spectrum: For children in 2nd through 12th grade with developmental or processing challenges, SCCT offers All The Colors of the Spectrum! Through modified activities, children with special needs can engage in theatre arts through immersive storytelling, sketch creation, collaboration, and more.
    • Acting for Adults: SCCT offers FREE classes for adult students college age and up! Classes are for both beginner and seasoned actors to engage in the theatre arts. 

    Workshops at the South Carolina Children’s Theatre

    Sometimes you need a date night, or a morning out. Sometimes you even need some extra help when your kids are out for holidays. SCCT can help you out with their workshops!  

    • Workday Workshops occur during school break days when children are out of school on a random Monday or Friday for a teacher workday. These workshops engage children in group-based activities but are not usually themed.
    • Kids Night Out happens once per month, where parents can drop off their kids for a few hours. Kids Night Out is a fun night of themed activities, with theatre games followed by a movie and snack. Kids Night Out is from 6 pm to 10 pm, with pre-registration required. 
    • Saturday Morning Mania is when parents can drop off their kids for a few hours of shopping or a fancy brunch in Downtown Greenville. Saturday Morning Mania happens once per month. There are themed drama games and activities with a picnic lunch. Parents should preregister ahead of time.
    SCCT Summer camp picture collage
    Summer Camp at SCCT

    SCCT Summer Camp

    SCCT’s Summer Camps are an excellent way to keep your kids busy over the summer! Summer camps are offered for ages K3 through high school. Each camp is designed to boost confidence while having fun learning about theatre.

    Parents can pre-register their kids for a variety of theme camps. Camps explore musical theatre, creative drama, improv, and more in a fun and engaging way! Camps are typically half day, with full day options available for older children by combining camps. Learn more about summer camps at The South Carolina Children’s Theatre on the SCCT website.

    Have you visited the South Carolina Children’s Theatre?

    2023 KABOOM Winner and Finalist: South Carolina Children’s Theatre

    Did you know the South Carolina Children’s Theatre was a 2023 KABOOM Family Favorites 1st place winner for both the Family Theatre and Performing Arts and Theatre Program? SCCT was also a KABOOM finalist for Indoor Family Fun and Youth Organization! Check out all of the finalists and winners in Kidding Around’s 2023 KABOOM Awards Guide.

    SCCT Ticket Giveaways

    Mary Poppins

    A spectacle of magic and music, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s MARY POPPINS will take audiences of all ages on a delightful adventure celebrating imagination and family. Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, this stage adaptation garnered critical praise on Broadway. It will bring stunning performances of memorable musical numbers close enough to touch in our intimate but spectacular Bell Stage theatre.

    Artistic Director Matt Giles: “So many of us grew up watching Disney’s film adaptation of Mary Poppins, and we are so thrilled to present the stage version. It is a rollicking good time, filled with the classic songs you know, as well as a few new additions. And best of all, it centers around two young protagonists. I know this will be a jolly holiday treat for the entire family.”

    • Directed by: Matt Giles
    • Music Directed By: Victoria Adams
    • Choreographed By: Katie Stewart
    • Run Time: 2hrs 15 min (with one intermission)
    • Age Recommendation: All ages
    • Ticket Price: $25

    Show Schedule

    Purchase Mary Poppins tickets online today! Get a multiple tickets discount with Flex Pass.

    • Friday, November 17 at 7:00 pm
    • Saturday, November 18 at 2:00 pm
    • Saturday, November 18 at 7:00 pm – Pay What You Can (date not valid for giveaway prize)
    • Sunday, November 19 at 2:00 pm
    • Friday, November 24 at 2:00 pm
    • Friday, November 24 at 7:00 pm
    • Saturday, November 25 at 2:00 pm
    • Sunday, November 26 at 2:00 pm
    • Friday, December 1 at 7:00 pm
    • Saturday, December 2 at 2:00 pm
    • Sunday, December 3 at 2:00 pm
    • Friday, December 8 at 7:00 pm
    • Saturday, December 9 at 2:00 pm
    • Saturday, December 9 at 7:00 pm
    • Sunday, December 10 at 2:00 pm

    Win 4 Tickets to Mary Poppins

    One lucky Kidding Around reader will win 4 FREE TICKETS to see Mary Poppins at SCCT. This giveaway runs from Oct 20th – Nov 2nd, 2023, 11:59PM. Good luck!

    • Winning tickets may not be redeemed for the Nov 18, 2023, 7:00 PM show.
    • Tickets are redeemable for dates based upon seat availability. Space is limited.
    • 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.
    • If you have any issues with the giveaway not appearing, please contact [email protected].

    Looking for more kid-friendly classes and activities in Greenville, SC?

    The Ultimate Guide to
    Kids’ Classes & Activities

    Class and Activity Guide

    Village Play in Fountain Inn is a Parent’s Dream for Kids Playtime

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    If you are looking for an indoor play space for your little kids to burn off some energy, then Village Play in Fountain Inn may be it. Allison Manchester opened Village Play to fill the need for a play space for young children. Plus, it doubles as a cafe and meeting space for moms and caregivers to enjoy each other and form lasting friendships!

    Village Play in Fountain Inn, South Carolina

    Allison and her husband, Chris, moved to Greenville in 2016 from Massachusetts. She is a full-time accountant and he’s a former investment banker-turned-entrepreneur in the postal business. They have two little kids and understand the importance of not only safe spaces for kids to have fun but also a space that gives parents some time to recharge. Having seen similar concepts in big cities, Allison started looking for a place like Village Play in Greenville but didn’t find exactly what she was looking for. 

    So as women are known to do, she decided to do it herself. 

    Idea Turned into Reality

    Allison had definitive ideas on what she wanted Village Play to look like. 

    Lounge area of Village Play in Fountain Inn, South Carolina

    “I want it to be a great community feel where primarily moms – but any caregiver – connect and where it’s a relaxing place for moms and kids,” Allison said. “This will have a little more of an intimate feel. Everywhere you sit in the cafe, you’ll have a view of the play area. You can have coffee, catch up with a friend, while you watch your kids.”

    Village Play: A Place for Little Kids

    Village Play is specifically geared towards kids ages 0-6 years old. There are lots of imaginative play aspects for those ages. 

    Allison wanted to create a safe place for the smaller kids to have fun without fear of older kids accidentally trampling on them. It also gives parents peace of mind that they can let their kids enjoy the space while they catch up with a friend in the cafe. 

    Village Play is not a drop-off daycare. Parents must be present with their children at all times.

    Birthday Parties & Private Events + Cafe

    What’s a new play space without the ability to host parties? Village Play has options for birthday parties and private events. Birthday parties start at $287 for the basic package and go up to $547 for the total birthday bash.

    A full espresso bar is available as well as prepackaged snacks. They don’t have a full kitchen but really, coffee and play sounds just perfect. 

    Before You Go Play

    Socks are required so be sure to bring your own. Village Play will have them for sale if you forget to bring them.

    Also, to save time, sign the waiver online before you go.

    Regular open play is available for children up to six years old. Older siblings are able to participate as well, they will just need to purchase a play pass.

    “I want people to know that this is a space designed for the kids but also for the adults in mind so that everyone can enjoy themselves in a relaxing environment,” said Allison “Think of it as a place to catch up with your friends in a more intimate setting while your children play and learn together.”

    Cafe space at Village Play Cafe
    Inside Village Play, courtesy of Village Play

    Hours, Rates, & Play Passes

    Village Play is open Monday – Friday from 9 am – 3 pm and on Saturdays from 9 am to Noon for open play.

    The drop in rate of play is $10/child and you can purchase an unlimited play membership for one child for $37/month or multiple children for $57/month.

    Village Play also offers a Homeschool Membership for play Monday-Friday between the hours of Noon-3 pm for $25/month per family. The Homeschool hours are most beneficial for children 8 years of age and younger.

    A 10-pack of play passes is available for $85, which is valid for children in the same family and expires a year from the date of purchase.

    If you’d like to reserve a play spot ahead of time, you can do that here.

    Village Play
    4 Howard Creek Drive, Fountain Inn
    864.409.2320
    Village Play Facebook


    Fountain Inn, SC

    Spend a wonderful day in Fountain Inn with our handy guide, complete with places to play, things to do, and where to eat!


    Enjoy Live Music at Spartanburg Library’s Music Sandwiched In

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    Do you wish there was an affordable way to expose your preschool children to all different types of live music without risking having to listen from the lobby? Let us tell you about Spartanburg Library’s Music Sandwiched In free music series. Whether you work downtown and would like some live music to re-energize you for the second half of the day, or you are looking for a fun lunchtime experience to enjoy with your little ones, we have the details here.

    Music Sandwiched In free music program at Spartanburg Library

    What is Music Sandwhiched In?

    Did you know that for over 25 years, The Spartanburg Philharmonic and The Spartanburg Library have been providing the opportunity to enjoy lunch to live music free of charge? The series called “Music Sandwiched In” got its start in 1997 when the current headquarters library location was dedicated. Every other Wednesday from 12:15 pm – 1:00 pm, people of all ages find themselves enjoying all types of music, from German Oompah band music to an electric cello and violin duet.

    If you don’t have time to pack a lunch, don’t worry. Lunch is available for purchase when you get there. Or you could treat yourself to a yummy dessert to go with your bag lunch.

    My son and I stumbled onto this one afternoon as we were leaving the children’s library. As we were exiting the library I could hear singing and laughing coming from the Barrett room. My interest was peeked and as I poked my head into the room, I heard a familiar tune. Selections from The Chapman Cultural Center’s production of “The Music Man” were being performed. I was thrilled, for several reasons but mostly because now my son could see what characters were being spoofed on his favorite cartoon. He loved it and so did I.

    I’m so excited to share this experience now with my young daughter. Being two, she has a mind of her own and ticketed events are still a risk for us. With “Music Sandwiched In”, we can go stress free, without worrying that I will have to walk away from a ticketed seat, if she gets cranky.

    Musician playing piano at Spartanburg's Music Sandwiched In

    Take your kids to Music Sandwiched In

    Spartanburg Headquarters Library
    151 S. Church Street, Spartanburg

    A complete list of the upcoming performances can be found at the Music Sandwiched In website.

    Free things to do in Spartanburg, SC

    Looking for more free things to do in Spartanburg, SC? Here’s your ultimate guide to free or cheap things to do.

    7 Weeknight Outings for Teens to Try This School Year

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    Have a few hours after school but unsure how to spend them? Local teen Brylan put together this list of school night outings that are perfect for teens. Whether you have one night without homework or many free evenings, you’ll find an idea or two that just might be exactly what you need this school year!

    Also, check out our huge list of things to do with teens and our list of gift ideas for teens!

    I’m completely able to relate to the desire to get out of the house and do something, but have little to no options for reasonable activities that will have me back home and in bed so I can get a full eight hours of sleep. Believe it or not, there are indeed some fun things you can do with friends or alone on a school night.

    Weeknight things to do for teens near Greenville, SC

    Swing Dancing at Upstate Swing

    One of my personal favorites, every Wednesday night Upstate Swing hosts a swing dancing lesson from 7 pm – 8 pm and then has a night of dancing from 8 pm – 10 pm. It’s a great way to meet more people and such a fun way to set the tone for the rest of the week! Here’s the Upstate Swing link with details.

    Hit the mall

    Haywood Mall closes at 9 pm, ensuring that you’ll be back at home at a reasonable time. Maybe it’s just me, but shopping helps me clear my head even if I don’t purchase anything.

    Get some outdoor time at a local park

    Having an hour or so of exercise in places like Cleveland Park will help you clear your mind and feel great before enduring school the next day. The Swamp Rabbit Trail runs through Cleveland Park to Downtown Greenville.

    Get a part-time job

    If you find yourself nearly dying of boredom on a regular basis consider applying for a part-time job around town to fill up your schedule and make some extra money! See my article on part-time jobs for teens in Greenville here.

    Visit a school athletic event

    Check the news for the upcoming sports events and support your school! Most school calendars include athletic games so check your school, or visit another school.

    Spare Time Entertainment

    This new arcade/bowling alley/laser tag/escape room haven is super fun for students! Grab some friends and visit! Keep in mind that you have to book an escape room ahead of time.

    Go Climbing

    There are several places in Greenville where you can harness up and go indoor rock climbing. It’s a great way to get your body moving so you can get a good night’s sleep or focus on homework. Some gyms even offer high school student climb nights. Check out these indoor climbing gyms near Greenville.

    Climb@Blue Ridge in Taylors, SC

    While the options for school night activities are few and far between, there are some reasonable mid-week activities that will help you get your mind off school for just long enough to feel refreshed and like you have a life outside of school and homework. If you find a night of freedom, take a step back from the chaos and enjoy an evening without stress. You never know when you’ll get another one.

    Do you have a favorite weeknight activity? Share it with us in the comments!

    Get Racing at Speed Factory Indoor Karting

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    Think racing sounds like a fun way to spend the day? The Speed Factory, Spartanburg, SC’s indoor karting facility invited Kidding Around out to see what they have to offer. We had a spectacular time pretending we were “fast and furious” during our visit, and you will be thrilled when you go yourself!

    Thanks to Speed Factory Indoor Karting for providing admission so that we could bring this review to our readers.

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    10 Great Ideas for Next Time Dad Has the Kids in Greenville, SC

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    Planning some mom time and in need of kid-friendly things to do with Dads in Greenville, SC? We’re here to help with some Kidding Around and reader-tested ideas. Here’s a list of some of our favorite places in Greenville that would be perfect for Dad to enjoy with the kids. We have lots of free ideas and some low-cost options, too! 

    Fun things to do with dads near Greenville, South Carolina
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