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.
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.
Take your kids to Music Sandwiched In
Spartanburg Headquarters Library 151 S. Church Street, Spartanburg
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
TheSpartanburg County Public Library offers some really cool crafting resources you may not be aware of yet. one of which is the SPARK Space. This unbelievable resource offers tons of classes and machines any crafter out there is going to want to know about! With over 20 specialized crafting machines to use for FREE or super cheap, the SPARK Space is a valuable resource for all crafters and makers.
Have you ever wished you owned one of those cool home die-cutting machines you see used all over Pinterest? Or have you wished you had an embroidery machine, so you could monogram your entire wardrobe? Well, maybe not your entire wardrobe… just most of it.
Well, guess what? All those items and more can be yours to use for the low, low cost of a library card!
What is The SPARK Space?
Teenage and adult patrons of the Spartanburg library system are lucky because they have access to something called the SPARK Space. This unique program gives patrons the opportunity to learn about and use die-cutting machines, embroidery machines, sewing machines, a green screen studio, VHS transfer system, and more! Not to mention several 3D printers that are available to produce small items for only a small fee.
This program also offers arts and crafts classes that only cost a small registration fee or are completely free. A few of the classes offered include canvas painting, tile mosaic art, tie dye, knitting, and floral design, just to name a few. Most of these classes teach the same things that, away from the library a person would pay ten times more to learn, with the added benefit that the library always supplies the needed materials, so all you need to do is show up.
Christina Fuller-Gregory, former Makerspace Librarian at the headquarters library, had this to share with me about the facility – “The Spark Space specializes in both high-tech and low-tech making. We wanted to build a space where both the crafty DIY-er and the techie have equipment and tools that they can use to create. We support making by offering a monthly programs in a variety of interest areas (Photoshop, Illustrator, sewing classes, How-Tuesdays, etc.). While we are an age-restricted space (12 and older) we offer programs for our young makers … These programs have an emphasis on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) but we use creativity to make learning fun.”
Take The SPARK Space home
If you don’t have the time to craft away from home, but would still like to give a new hobby a test drive, the make-away kits are just for you. These kits include different kinds of crafting sets that can be checked out for weeks at a time and used at home.
The kits include various things like a wood whittling kit, jewelry making, knitting, crocheting, rainbow loom & more. Some make-away kits also include cake-baking sets with character pans. This is especially nice because purchasing these pans is usually pricey and most people do not use them more than once. Now you can just borrow one from the library. These kits can also be transferred for loan from your local branch library.
Completed Embroidery from the SPARK Space
What does The SPARK Space offer?
Because your time may be limited, depending on which crafting equipment you want to use, it’s best to go in knowing what to expect. Any of the appropriate design files you find online at home can be loaded to a flash drive for use with the different machines once you get to the library.
3D printing
There are 3 Makerbot replicator 3D printers in the maker space. These machines print from a design that you can choose from websites like www.thingverse.com or design your own on www.tinkercad.com. 3D printing fees are currently $1.50 an hour and that covers the plastic filament used. There is currently a limit of 4 hours of print time per item, which limits your project to a small figurine-size item.
Cricut cutting machine
With so many different things that can be made with the help of a die cutter, this is an exciting item that has been made available for the public to use free of charge. Patrons only need to supply their own cutting material.
There is a selection of designs available, but I suggest going in already having a plan, so that you can be sure to have all the vinyl or paper colors you’ll need when you get there. A search on Pinterest for “free SVG files” will turn up an infinite selection of compatible files.
One of my favorite sources of free SVG files can be found here. The library also has a selection of card stock for purchase ranging from .20 – .30 a sheet.
Embroidery machine
The cost of this type of machine can be cost prohibitive, keeping most people from having access to their own personal one. It is also a great test drive opportunity for someone who might be thinking about investing in one.
The sessions have a limit of 90 minutes, and for that reason, I suggest going in knowing what you want to make. With a design in hand, you can sit down at the machine and leave 90 minutes later with a completed monogram. Several things will determine how long it takes to complete a design, including the number of thread color changes. Keeping it simple for your first design, is preferable.
You’ll need a PES file to use; Boutique Fonts is my favorite source. Free PES files are less common, but some sites like Boutique Fonts post a new downloadable free file every week. Etsy is also a good source for this type file if you are looking for something specific. Aside from a plan, you’ll need to bring the item you wish to embroider on and patience. The session fee is currently $5.00 for 90 minutes.
Sewing machines
Sewing classes are frequently available and include all the needed materials. If you want to use the machines on your own, there is no cost and you only need to supply the fabric and pattern. A limited supply of thread colors is available and you can purchase a bobbin for .10 if needed.
VHS conversion
For those who have boxes of family home movies on VHS, this is a great way to convert them without spending a fortune. There is no fee, you just need to supply the flash drive or DVD to store the digital version on. If you forget to bring them, both are available for purchase in the SPARK Space. Flash Drive – $10 , DVD – $2
Check out The SPARK Space for yourself
There are so many more things to explore in The Spark Space than we mention here! A full list of the equipment in the SPARK Space can be found online. I hope this inspires you to take advantage of this truly unique resource we have at the Spartanburg libraries. Don’t worry if all of it sounds intimidating, there is a patient, knowledgeable team at the library just waiting to show you all of the crafting fun you’ve been missing.
Have you been to The Kroc Center in Greenville, SC? One of its key features is the kid-friendly heated indoor waterpark! Greenville, SC residents can also enjoy a lap pool, tennis, indoor basketball courts, a gym, soccer fields, and so much more when they visit the Downtown Greenville location. We have all the information you need to enjoy a day at The Kroc Center, or maybe even become a member!
Local mom Andrea Beam reviews the bowling alley at Rock Springs Baptist Church in Easley, SC. This bowling alley is open to the public and offers bowling, food, and even birthday parties at their Impact Center.
I’m about to be really honest with you guys. I HATE bowling. Like, I really hate it. Everything from the unsanitary ball and shoes to the smoky atmosphere makes me want to crawl into a bathtub full of hand sanitizer. It’s really sad because our boys love to bowl, but I just can’t muster up the will to carry them. Don’t worry, I’m not passing along my disdain, I just always happen to have another activity planned when they ask.
Bowling at Rock Springs
My nephew, Preston’s, birthday was in March and guess what kind of party he asked for?
You got it.
“Great,” I thought to myself (or I may have said it out loud a few times, but that’s beside the point).
Clearly, I was less than excited about his choice of venue, but because I need all the brownie points I can get when it comes to child-rearing, I began to call around to various bowling alleys (I’m such a sacrificial aunt).
A birthday bowling party at Rock Springs
Enter my new best friend, Ashley. Ashley’s son is Preston’s best friend and they had just been to a bowling party at Rock Springs Baptist Church’s Impact Center. There’s a bowling alley there!
Say what??
“You really should give them a call, it was so nice,” she said. Faster than you could blow out a candle, we were on the phone.
The fact that it was at a church made me feel better. If nothing else, I knew the atmosphere would be family-friendly. Alcohol, tobacco, and offensive language are all prohibited in the bowling alley.
Needless to say, we booked his party. It was a win, win for everyone.
I was impressed the moment we walked through the door. To say that it was clean would be an understatement. There are twelve lanes for you and your family/friends to enjoy. And maybe it was just me, but the lanes seemed a lot roomier than your average bowling alley. Believe it or not, I ended up having a blast. Preston and all of his little friends did too, but you probably guessed that already!
A few things you should know when thinking about booking your party at Rock Springs’ Impact Center
You purchase a 2 hour time slot – I’ve found this to be true of most party venues, so no surprise here.
Pizza/Drinks are part of the package – They encourage you to have a headcount ready and pre-order your pizzas so they are ‘hot and ready’ by a certain time the night of the party. When you arrive, you’ll be given a “menu” type sheet of paper with a list of drinks. Once you turn your sheet in, you’ll be given a specific time that your order will be ready. Of course, you’ll want to plan the bowling portion of the party around the food.
Outside food and drinks (even water) are not permitted. But, you can bring cupcakes!
Bring extra cash – Even though you pay for the pizza and drinks together, you’ll want to have extra cash for the snack bar. Again, take it from me. They have nacho chips, popcorn, and other over-the-counter snack foods for a VERY minimal price. Depending on what time you have your party, the kiddos may want to snack before the pizza is ready. Who doesn’t want popcorn once the smell fills the room? Maybe you’re more disciplined than me, and if so, my hats off to you!
Party packages begin at $225 for 12 bowlers. That includes the 2 hour party with 2 pizzas, soda and more.
Plan a visit to the Rock Springs Bowling Alley soon
Regular Admission:
$5/per game and that includes shoe rental, or $18 per lane (up to 6 people, includes shoes)
On Tuesdays, Seniors bowl for $2/game from 10 am to 12 pm
Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 pm to 9 pm everyone pays $3 per game, including shoes
Lanes host up to six bowlers.
No reservations – Lanes are first come, first serve unless you’ve booked a party. Children ages 14 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
As with any other bowling alley, socks are required and available for purchase.
Hours of operation:
Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 5-9 p.m., Wednesday and Sunday CLOSED, Friday 5-11 p.m. and Saturday 12-9 pm.
The Impact Center also offers gym facilities and group fitness for an affordable cost.
I think I’ve covered everything, but if you’ve been and there’s something I’ve missed, please let us know in the comments! Rock Springs Bowling Alley is the perfect alternative for someone, like me, who isn’t a fan of traditional venues.
Searching for “things to do with toddlers near me”? Working with a tight budget and looking for free things to do with your toddler in Greenville? We get it. You and your toddler can have a blast all around Greenville…and you can do it all for FREE! Whether you want to go downtown, play outside, or visit a local bookstore, we can help you find something free to do!
Are you looking for indoor things to do with preschoolers in Spartanburg, SC? If so, local mom, Juliet has some fantastic ideas of nearby indoor activities your preschooler will love! Check out her suggestions for indoor preschool hang-outs and let us know others in the comments.
Let’s face it, walking in a winter wonderland or enjoying a warm, sunny day sounds great in theory, but not so much with your spirited preschoolers in tow! If extreme weather has nixed your usual outdoor activities and the dreaded cabin fever has hit your household like a ton of bricks, check out these low-cost, indoor activities in Spartanburg that are perfect for preschoolers. Keep it handy for rainy days, too.
Things to Do for Preschoolers Inside in Spartanburg, SC
The Children’s Museum of the Upstate – Spartanburg
Designed for children aged 5 and under, The Children’s Museum of the Upstate – Spartanburg is a cozy venue for letting little ones burn off some energy and explore. In addition to interactive exhibits for preschoolers, padded and contained areas on each of the museum’s two levels are designed for infants to crawl or cruise around safely while parents can keep an eye on an older, more independent sibling.
The museum also has an active events calendar of drop-in events, such as Random Acts of Science, Open Art Studios, and Story Time & More. Admission is $7-9 and children under the age of six months get in free. Admission is also included with a TCMU membership.
The Spartanburg Science Center
Located on East Saint John Street in downtown Spartanburg, the John F. Green Spartanburg Science Center is a great way to spend a cold winter’s day. With interactive exhibits, a reptile room, and Legos galore, preschoolers can easily spend several hours playing, exploring new concepts, and observing nature.
Other exhibits include a robotic arm, a science mini-theatre with short films, and a 3-person Virtual Reality experience. Check out the Spartanburg Science Center website for current hours, admission fees, and holiday/summer camp opportunities.
Westgate Mall Children’s Play Area
Looking for some free entertainment for the kiddos? Look no further than the local Westgate Mall! An indoor play area- perfectly sized for little hands and feet to climb and jump- is located beside the Belk department store. Bring your extra quarters and send them around the tiny carousel nearby, too.
It’s rarely crowded during morning hours, and if you bring your stroller, you can even get in some fast-paced mall walking/exercise beforehand. Head to the food court for a special lunch treat or dessert afterward.
Storytime and Playtime
We all know how important reading is for preschoolers, and Spartanburg has great options when it comes to making reading fun. The Spartanburg Public Library Headquarters, located in downtown Spartanburg, has a fantastic setup of indoor play tables with puzzles, light boards, manipulatives, and drawing tables. Combine these self-paced play opportunities with a storytime full of songs, books, poetry, and the occasional puppet show, and you have a preschooler’s paradise.
Check out Spartanburg Library Events for ALL the storytimes available in the county! Most storytimes follow up with a special child-led playtime – think of carts of toys! If you only get books at Spartanburg County Library, you are missing out!
Toddler Time at Big Air Trampoline Park Spartanburg
Every Wednesday and Thursday from 10 am -1 pm when Spartanburg District 6 schools are in session, Big Air caters to its littlest customers with their Toddler Time. Ages 6 and under have three hours to roam all of Big Air’s attractions without the intimidation factor of older children. Admission is $12 per jumper. Big Air even guarantees your little will play hard and nap harder!
Think outside the box
Looking for activities to get out of the house AND socialization opportunities for yourself and your preschooler? Join a local moms club – where activities like indoor crafts, parties, and playdates are scheduled on a weekly basis, check out church groups for Bible studies or MOPS that are kid-friendly. Join a gym with a childcare center or sign up for a weekly preschool gymnastics or music class.
What’s your favorite indoor activity for your little ones?
Are you one of the working parents out there who feels like they are missing out on the fun events in Greenville with their children due to long work hours or a full-time job? Our Working Parents Guide includes a variety of activities and ideas to maximize your time away from work, so you can have more worry-free fun with your kids.
This guide is written for working parents who can’t do things with their kids during the typical 9 am – 5 pm workday. We recognize your struggle and we want to help! Below you will find events, activities, childcare, services, and ideas to maximize the time you do have with your children outside of work.
