Sunset Park in Mauldin, SC is a popular family destination for play, holiday events, and more! They have multiple sports fields and courts plus two playgrounds, including an inclusive one your kids are sure to love! Ready the KAG complete review and plan your own trip soon.
When I decided to review Sunset Park, I didn’t realize I had been there before! This is the fun park I found at one of the first Easter Egg Drop events we went to when we first moved to Greenville. My first tip, therefore, is to check out local city park calendars for events (often cross-posted on KAG) because here in the Upstate, there’s always something happening. I vividly remember not only enjoying the Egg Drop but being delighted by the massive grounds and fun playground.
My 2nd Trip to Sunset Park
Sunset Park is a little tucked away but not too hard to find. You can find it at 211 Fowler Circle in Mauldin (though it has a Greenville address). It has about every sports field imaginable- multiple baseball diamonds, soccer fields, basketball courts/half courts, and so forth. If you swing all the way to the back, there is a older playground with some slides and monkey bars (a rarity!) among other equipment. There is also a trail for you hikers.
Plus Something You Don’t Find at Other Parks
My main focus however was the Miracle League playground. It is an all-accessible playground, the first in the area. This includes large full-seat swings and a ramp for the main playground structure along with our favorite, a bowl-shaped merry-go-round. (See our Kidding Around Greenville list of all accessible playgrounds).
This playground is also fenced. (See our Kidding Around Greenville list of playgrounds that are fenced in). So petite runaways can only go so far, just make sure to watch the front entrance. There are parking spaces right nearby making it easy to pull up and play! I also found that it had a more open design, great for not losing sight of littles behind large structures.
The little music/sensory wall is fun for the tiniest of toddlers to even big kids and adults. We didn’t play on it, but there’s also a “car wash” roller line you can play pretend on! It also has rotating poles you can spin on. There is even a teeter-totter with BENCHES right off the main structure that’s perfect for kicking back while still supervising the kids.
I was absolutely enchanted by this playground and larger park. I hope you all get a chance to check it out soon. It would be wonderful to see more parks like this in the Upstate for all kids, of all abilities.
Are you looking for a wonderful park in Mauldin? City Center Park is a beautiful park with a cultural center, a fabulous playground, an ice cream shop, and more! This large park in Mauldin, South Carolina, also hosts several family-friendly events a year.
Got an hour or two to take a walk on the wild side at the Greenville Zoo in Greenville, SC? The Greenville Zoo offers a quick and easy zoo experience. While not large, it includes many animals kids love, and it’s an easy activity even if you only have an hour or two. Here’s all you need to know to plan your visit.
Do the Zoo! A Wildly Good Time Awaits at the Greenville Zoo
The Greenville Zoo, nestled on a hillside next to Cleveland Park, opened in 1960 and has surely brought smiles to generations of families. My family has been regularly visiting for about seven years, shortly after the birth of my eldest child. Thinking about going? Here’s all you need to know before you head out.
Popular Exhibits at the Greenville Zoo: Reviews of our Favorites
Some exhibits to look forward to at the Greenville Zoo include Primate Row, which includes dens that allow visitors to see what goes on behind the scenes.
The preschooler playground near the Africa area also offers Africa-inspired murals along the fence of the area, which are bright and beautiful.
Zoo residents include over 90 species of animals. Some of my family’s favorites are the baby giraffe that you can also spot on the Greenville Zoo Paddock giraffe cam, the orangutans (which also includes a baby right now), the playful red pandas, and the amur leopards. Exhibit areas include Primates, Reptiles, Farm Animals, an aviary, a lagoon, South America, Africa, and Asia.
Both my preschool and I love going through the reptile exhibit. It’s a welcoming exhibit since it is located inside, great for a quick cool down on those hot summer days. The building houses turtles, snakes, and various amphibians. It is really cool to see the Burmese Python at the end of the exhibit because of how huge it is!
One of the BIG residents is about 12 feet long and weighs 500 pounds. The gator is a real treat when you go into the viewing room and are surprised by its size!
New Primate Exhibits at Greenville Zoo
New Exhibits
New to the Greenville Zoo in November 2024 was the Porcupine Duo, Brillo and Spike! This father and son are making their new home at the Greenville Zoo in the Mary H. Huse Africa Plaze near their new giraffe and tortoise friends. The Porcupines can be seen out in their yard space on warmer days, typically coming out into their open space when the temperature is 60 and above. We caught a glimpse of one of the pair, and were super excited to see their gorgeous quills!
New! Giraffe Encounters
The Greenville Zoo has been working over the last two years to construct the Jim and Janice Cordes Giraffe Encounters exhibit! Here, guests can purchase an experience package to hand feed the giraffes (with the help of a zookeeper) from a beautifully constructed platform. The experience takes you up close and personal with Miles and Autumn, the resident giraffes at the Greenville Zoo.
The zoo is open seven days a week — except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. It also has an annual maintenance closure for one month from January to February. Their Spring/Summer run from March through November, with hours are 9 am to 5 pm. The last ticket sale is at 4:00 pm and the gates close at 5 pm. (This is a good reminder for me. I am ALWAYS running late.) Fall/Winter hours are 10 am to 5 pm.
Want to catch the animals when they are active? We always find them more lively in the mornings and afternoons during the summer. (Kind of like me. The noonday heat of a South Carolina summer apparently does a number on all of us.)
What To Expect When You Visit the Greenville Zoo
I always like to hype my kids up before we do something new. You may want to print a Greenville zoo map beforehand so they can “help” navigate. (Printed copies of the map are not available at the zoo.) The zoo is about a mile-long loop nestled on a tree-covered hillside. Be prepared to push a stroller up a few small hills or help your toddler navigate a few stairs. There are also a few downhills on which I clench my teeth and wonder if I have Band-aids in my bag as I watch my preschooler zoom down the hill.
You can bring your own picnic and snacks or you can promise the kids a tasty treat at the concession stand. There are several covered areas that are perfect for a picnic spot. My kids and I always enjoy snacks with giraffes at the shaded benches in front of their enclosure.
With the exception of the reptile house, all of the zoo is an outdoor experience. However, the tree cover of the zoo is a relief on hot days.
Greenville Zoo
Things to Know Before You Go to the Greenville Zoo
The Greenville Zoo has the option to reserve tickets in advance online. When you buy tickets, you have a 30-minute window in which to arrive. So, if you buy tickets for 1 pm, you need to be there by 1:30 pm. The cost of admission for kids between the ages of 3-12 is $10 and adults are $13. A $1 discount is offered to active and retired military families and seniors. Children 2 and under get in for free. There is currently not a discount for purchasing online.
If you decide to purchase a membership at the end of your visit like we did, you can swing by the ticket kiosk to have your day’s admission applied to your membership purchase. We got a household membership for $90, which seemed like a steal when I consider tickets for me and my two kids cost $30. Our membership has already paid for itself in less than 2 months.
One of the things I like best is that if we go there earlier in the day or later in the day, parking is a breeze. There are several parking lots nearby and parking is FREE.
If anyone in your group needs to rent some wheels for getting around the park, you can now rent single strollers, double strollers, wheelchairs, and electric scooters. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are available at the entrance.
Greenville Zoo Special Events
The event calendar for the Greenville Zoo is pretty terrific. First, they offer some of their free educational programming (great for homeschooling kids!), such as Tell Me About It Tuesdays, from September through May each year.
Nearby Attractions: Things to do Near the Greenville Zoo
On average, a zoo visit will take your family about an hour to an hour and a half. If you want to make a day of it, there are several attractions nearby.
Our zoo abuts Cleveland Park. (Note: On hot summer days, there is often a shaved ice vendor parked at the park.)
Cleveland Park in Greenville SC is Right Beside the Greenville Zoo!
You can also pick up the Swamp Rabbit Trail. Not too far and accessible via the Swamp Rabbit Trail are two play areas for smaller kids: a play train area and a smaller playground near the Julie Valentine Monument.
North along the Swamp Rabbit Trail are also the Major Rudolph Anderson Memorial plane and the Rock Quarry Garden.
Of course, being near downtown there are plenty of other family-friendly options close by, including Falls Park, the museums and library at Heritage Green, and all that downtown and Main Street have to offer.
Are you wanting to plan a picnic? Greenville, SC has dozens of restaurants that offer picnic-worthy food for takeout. Summertime means dining outdoors and dining outdoors equals picnics. We’ve gathered 10 of the best options for procuring picnic provisions in Greenville, SC. These places will provide you with things to eat and drink, whether your picnic is happening lakeside, poolside, or at the park. We also have some of the top tips for planning a picnic, so that your outside meal goes perfectly.
If the creation of Falls Park was the spark that set Greenville, South Carolina on track to become a beloved hometown and vacation destination to thousands, then it’s the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System that has become the locomotive still pulling us forward today!
This Guide To the Swamp Rabbit Trail Offers:
🚴♂️Overview of the entire SRT! 🚶♀️Travelers Rest portion of the SRT and Things to Do While in TR. 🏃♂️Furman University SRT > West Greenville & Things to Do! 🦮Downtown Greenville > Laurens Road on the SRT: Greenville Zoo & more! 🌲SRT in Conestee Nature Preserve, Simpsonville, Fountain Inn, and Laurens.
Which Section of the Swamp Rabbit Trail Should You Explore?
The Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System: From Travelers Rest to Laurens County
The old Carolina, Knoxville, and Western Railway line was nicknamed for the large cottontail rabbit that roamed these parts back in the day. Although the tracks have been replaced by a paved trail (and locomotives by runners, walkers, and cyclists), the name stuck.
The 28-mile network of trails stretches from Travelers Rest to downtown Greenville, with additional sections in Lake Conestee Nature Park, Simpsonville, and Fountain Inn. There is even a section that opened in 2023 in Laurens County with the Loop Trail. The Loop Trail is the official starting point of the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail.
There is yet another extension off Laurens Road that rides by Holland Park called the Green Line Extension. It was completed in June 2023 and runs from the Greenville Zoo to Verdea Boulevard.
It could be that in the future the entire length of the Reedy River will be covered. Then, residents would have a multi-use trail connecting the Upstate to the Saluda River. The SRT project will continue to add trails and extensions, branching from the main trail into the community to increase accessibility and improve commutability throughout Greenville County!
Northern Greenville County: Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System
The trail starts in Travelers Rest (often referred to as “TR”), the gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains. What used to be a sleepy mountain town was transformed with the advent of the Trail into a hub for outdoor adventure. Today, TR is a destination in itself, not just a stop on the way to Caesars Head and Table Rock.
Local Swamp Rabbit Businesses
The trail system has become so intertwined with the legend of Greenville that dozens of local businesses have jumped on the train; for example, in Travelers Rest you will find the Swamp Rabbit Brewery & Taproom, Swamp Rabbit Inn, Swamp Rabbit Storage, and Swamp Rabbit Tees.
Travelers Rest
For ideas on what to do with a day in TR, check out this sample itinerary that includes parks, restaurants, and shops all within an easy walking radius. If your visit falls on a Saturday, be sure to stop by the TR Farmers Market in Trailblazer Park and check out the kids’ table that features a new activity every week. You can also rent bikes from Sunrift Adventures if you do not have your own, making TR the perfect place to start the SRT.
Soon after crossing Roe Ford Rd. (and passing mile marker 26) you’ll reach Furman University. A couple of access points allow visitors to connect to the path that circles Swan Lake, and just before Duncan Chapel Road (about MM27.5), you’ll spot the old rail car that marks the location of a public parking lot and rest stop. Be sure to check out the Kidding Around Furman University article for more on this beautiful campus!
Just after the intersection of the trail with Sulphur Springs Road, you’ll find Swamp Rabbit Station. There is a pocket park at MM29 with train cars (a boxcar and locomotive) – a perfect stop for those kids who love everything train-related!
Swamp Rabbit Café and Grocery
Then push on another two miles to reach the Swamp Rabbit Café and Grocery (MM31.5) and the outskirts of downtown Greenville.
Hampton Station Orange Line of the SRT
Once you begin your adventure from the Swamp Rabbit Cafe toward downtown, you can make a pit stop by veering off of the main trail onto the Orange Line of the SRT, and check out Hampton Station. Here you will find restaurants, a coffee shop, some breweries, and even art classes and axe throwing. Learn more about Hampton Station, and why it is a wonderful stop-off point on the SRT, in our KA Guide to Hampton Station.
As you pass the Kroc Center and head toward Downtown Greenville, you come to Unity Park, one of the best places to ride the SRT. Here, you can grab food at one of the various places to eat, let your kids play at the immaculate park, hang out in the open fields, or explore the wetland preserve.
Where the Swamp Rabbit Trail turns to pass under South Academy Street, you know you’ve reached the Children’s Garden at Linky Stone Park (MM33.5), a perfect place to stop and rest before entering downtown.
After passing through River Street underpass you’ll be right alongside the Reedy River all through Falls Park on the Reedy. There are dozens of adventures waiting for you here with trails leading every which way. Falls Park is a highlight of the trail you won’t want to leave! Regular trail users are pretty familiar with this portion of the SRT, simply because it is one of the best parts.
As you leave Falls Park, you will come across Cancer Survivors Park. Here, there are gorgeous gardens, statues, and memorial sites to take a rest and ponder over.
From Cancer Survivors Park, it’s just a short ride to Cleveland Park. Cleveland Park is an old favorite; the trail passes Maj. Anderson’s memorial F-86 Saber jet fighter plane (MM35), numerous picnic shelters and playgrounds, and spur trails to the Fernwood Nature Trail and Greenville Zoo.
Once at the Greenville Zoo, you will find one of Greenville’s most popular children’s playgrounds which is filled with play equipment ranging from swings and monkey bars to slides and other amazing activities that will have your child moving. There are covered shelters with picnic tables within the park.
Opened in June 2023, the Green Line Extension was a major addition to the SRT. It connects the Greenville Zoo with Verdae Boulevard! There are plenty of places to stop along the way, including Holland Park, where you can hang out at a brewery, or even explore the aerial ropes course at Flying Rabbit Adventure.
Take the SRT Green Line Extension to Holland Park, where you can do an aerial ropes course at Flying Rabbit Adventure Park!
The Final Stretch of the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System
The continuous trail currently stops just north of Greenville Technical College’s main campus, at South Pleasantburg Drive. It then resumes north of Lake Conestee Nature Park at Parkins Mill and Mauldin Road. There is then another large jump from Conestee to Simpsonville and a final jump to Fountain Inn.
There are suggested connection routes to take you to Conestee. These travel busy thoroughfares and aren’t recommended for younger cyclists. These segmented portions of the Swamp Rabbit Trail will hopefully be connected in the future! They are great for a short bike ride or walk while exploring the family-friendly downtown areas of Simpsonville and Fountain Inn, SC.
Conestee SRT Trail
However, once you reach Conestee you’ll find an oasis of calm. A spur trail within the park connects the trail system to Conestee Park (where the playground and dog park are), while the main trail winds around with the Reedy River to the historic Conestee Mill and dam. Here you’ll find a parking area and kiosk at the trailhead, mile marker 41, and the terminus of the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System.
The Simpsonville, SC portion of the SRT is another jump from Conestee to the heart of downtown. Here, you can ride from West Trade Street down Main Street Simpsonville for 0.93 miles. You will find dining options, places for a picnic, and more!
The final stretch of the Swamp Rabbit Trail is located in Fountain Inn. It’s a large jump from Simpsonville to Fountain Inn. This portion is best explored when visiting the growing town at the bottom of Greenville County. You will find a 0.87-mile extension of the SRT at 107 Mt. Zion Drive in Fountain Inn.
The official beginning of the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail officially opened in 2023 with the two-mile Loop Trail. The trail is mostly shaded, and will hopefully one day connect to the trails fully into Greenville County as the expansion of the SRT continues!
For more information on the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System, please visit the Greenville County Rec website, where you will also find a detailed trail maps. You can also text swamprabbit to 99000 for alerts about closures, special events, and more. Be courteous while your ride, and follow all road crossings safely. Happy trails!
Swamp Rabbit Trail Itinerary: Fun Ideas for Using the SRT with Kids
If you are looking to enjoy the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail, but have young children who can only peddle (or be patient) for so long, explore one of these connections between fun places in Greenville County.
Cleveland Park to Linky Stone Park: Downtown Greenville (~ 1.2 miles)
Begin at Cleveland Park, explore the monuments, and hang out under the trees as you pass by the gardens at Cancer Survivors Park. Then, cruise by the Medusa tree in Falls Park, and travel past the Liberty Bridge and the Peace Center until you reach Linky Stone Park. Here, you can explore a mini gingerbread-style house with your kids.
Downtown Greenville to Travelers Rest (~ 9 miles)
Begin in Falls Park, head toward Unity Park, and travel along the SRT past Hampton Station. You can continue on past Furman University, and head to Downtown Travelers Rest for lunch before heading back.
Greenville Zoo to Holland Park (~1 mile)
Begin at the Greenville Zoo and Cleveland Park and head toward Laurens Road until you reach Holland Park. This is a shorter trip and is great if you have younger kids. Take a pit stop at Holland Park and enjoy some delicious food and maybe a brew or two. This stretch of the SRT is part of the Green Line Connector and continues on toward Verdae Boulevard.
What’s your favorite portion of the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System?
Have you ever been tubing in Helen, GA? We know our readers love floating down the river in the cool river water during the hot, summer months so we decided to check out Cool River Tubing in order to give you the deal on how it works and why you should check out this particular tubing outfitter two hours away from Greenville, SC in Helen, Georgia. Tube down the Chattahoochee, or, as they say, Shoot the Hooch.
I’d heard of Helen, GA for a while now while living in Greenville and had seen photos of the Bavarian-themed architecture. And tubing was synonymous with Helen just as much as German beer and brats (at least in my mind). This isn’t your water park lazy river, so we were ready for an adventure. When I finally got the chance to visit Helen, tubing was absolutely on my mind. So I gathered my two young kids and decided to try out Cool River Tubing for our next tubing trip.
Cool River Tubing is a tubing company in Helen that offers a tubing adventure down the Chattahoochee with a shuttle service.
Inside: Get up close and personal with giraffes at the Greenville Zoo in Greenville, SC with their new feeding platform. We got to visit and have all the details!
Ever wanted to feed a giraffe and get a selfie in front of the cool creatures? You can do that at our very own Greenville Zoo. Thanks to private donations, the Jim and Janice Cordes Giraffe Encounters is now complete and ready for guests!
Watch! Feeding Giraffes at the Greenville Zoo
🦒 The Giraffe Feeding Platform at Greenville Zoo
Giraffes are the tallest animals on Earth, standing up to 14–19 feet tall! And here’s a fun bonus: they’re herbivores, so families can relax — there’s no raw meat involved when feeding these gentle giants.
During your visit, giraffes might stroll up to the feeding platform to snag a snack from guests — think crunchy biscuits or leafy greens. It’s a cool way to get eye-level with these amazing animals!
🖐️ The Giraffe Feeding Experience
The Jim and Janice Cordes Giraffe Encounter at the Greenville Zoo is just as awesome as it sounds. Families can step onto the special feeding deck and, if the giraffes are feeling friendly, hand-feed one right from the platform!
🕒 When Can You Feed a Giraffe?
The giraffe encounter typically runs Fridays through Sundays during:
10:00–11:30 am
1:30–3:00 pm
BUT (and this is important), the experience depends on:
Weather
Staff availability
Whether the giraffes feel like coming over!
When you arrive at the zoo, check at the front gate to see if the feeding platform will be open that day. And remember — this is a one-of-a-kind animal experience, so it’s worth being a little patient!
Cost of Giraffe Encounters at the Greenville Zoo
Purchase tokens for $5 or $4 for members. Giraffes participate voluntarily — your token grants access to the deck, but the giraffes choose whether or not they want to eat.
If the giraffes choose not to eat that day, and you have already purchased a token you can bring it back another day.
Summer Tip: If the heat index is 100 or up, the encounter will close early or not open.
The Greenville Zoo is primarily community-funded, so every encounter helps support the care of the animals and upcoming improvements. We recommend considering a membership, so if you miss the Giraffe Encounter one day, you can easily head back another day.
The zoo is currently home to Masai giraffes Miles and Autumn, who are part of the Species Survival Program. Many baby giraffes have been born at the Zoo in the past ten years, including Kiko, Kellen and Providence.
Have you visited Asheville Adventure Park? In Asheville, NC, this zipline course offers so much for adventurous kids. We visited the Asheville Adventure Park for some fun so we could tell our readers all about it, and help them plan their own trip!
Complimentary tickets were provided for this review in 2018, and it has been updated with 2025 information.
Last week the kids and I took the kind of adventure you just want to share with everyone you know. (You guys – it is just so fun to have big kids!) This adventure involved helmets and heights and wires and harnesses and conquering fears and pulling together as a team. And it was pretty close to home too.
The Adventure Center of Asheville is just a couple of minutes from downtown Asheville, NC. As soon as I heard about their KidZip, the first kid zip line in the country to be built especially for kids ages 4 to 10, I wanted to try it with my kiddos. (Our family received tickets for writing and reviewing and sharing about the park. Our opinions are absolutely all our own.) P
Plus, they have one of only a few Asheville zip-line canopy tours located only minutes from downtown Asheville with beautiful views of downtown. Sounds like the perfect day trip to me!
Find a place to stay in Asheville, NC. This article contains Stay22 affiliate links.
Our day at the Asheville Adventure Park at the Adventure Center of Asheville
We arrived a little early because I wasn’t certain how long the drive would take or the length of the paperwork process. The check-in process was laid back and simple. There was a waiver to sign per kid, of course. And this time, for the first time, I actually had my writers fill in their own info and sign their own names. Man – that made that process so much faster.
We watched zip liners climb way up high on the adult course and wondered if our zip lines would be that high. Turns out – they were not. For which all of the kids were grateful.
At the course, we were given helmets and harnesses and instructions. I’m not going to lie – the older I get the more young adults look like children to me. And a lot of the workers at the KidZip area certainly looked young. I watched closely as they harnessed my kids in and checked the equipment. I can tell you this – these young men and women were professional, calm, well-spoken, and careful about their work. I saw zero cell phones in their hands. They all kept their own helmets on and they were focused on their jobs at hand.
Maneuvering the KidZip Course at Asheville Adventure Park
After we received our instructions we started on the kid zip line. There were nine ziplines I think and each had an obstacle before you zipped off down the line.
At first the zipping and the obstacles were easy but goodness, they got more complicated. You are always attached by your trolley to the zipline and always harnessed in but you had to maneuver your trolley over several tracks and something they called “sharks” which could be a little tricky for tiny hands and arms. The kids did a stellar job though.
At tough obstacles, they talked through them and worked together to help their younger siblings reach the sharks and conquer the heights.
If I had realized this would be helpful, I would have positioned myself between the kids differently. Once your trolley is on the zipline you can’t change orders or get off so occasionally I was several kids behind Otto and Piper and they could have really used a grown-up’s helping hand. Or – if you were zipping with multiple grown-ups you could plan to stagger grown-ups and kids accordingly. We managed just fine in the end since Berg and London and Mosely really helped out a lot.
(Actually – I think one thing I most valued about this entire experience – aside from the fabulous just plain fun factor – was the fact that the kids really pulled together. They spoke encouraging words. They laughed. They gave each other a helping hand. They were a family – up high and all together.)
The climbing wall on the next-to-last zipline was my least favorite – I seriously did not like balancing on that high-up wall and trying to pull down the sharks for my trolley to pass over. Piper almost panicked at that one, but she reigned it in bravely and conquered it.
Can you guess which little Keigley was the least afraid throughout the entire experience? If you guessed Otto then you guessed right. That little man is as fearless as they come. He was usually the leader on our excursion and would continually look back at us and ask, “Can I head to the next one guys?” with the biggest happy grin all shining out of his sweet boy face.
One thing I really appreciated about the Asheville Adventure Park was that, after we finished our zipping, I assumed we were done. One ride, so to speak. But nope – the staff smiled and said, “Want to go again?” Which we did, of course! Because on the second round, you felt more like an expert and could be a little bolder. By the third round, yep – the third round – Bergen was putting his hands behind his head, relaxing style, and zipping across like a champ. I loved that you could go round and round as often as you wanted. It certainly would make you feel as if you received your money’s worth.
The Big Courses at Asheville TreeTops Adventure Park
After we had all the zipping we could handle, we stared up in wonder at the Asheville TreeTops Adventure Park, situated right beside the KidZip area. It looked fascinating and terrifying and awesome and challenging and exactly like something we all wanted to try but were afraid to try – all at the exact same time. The TreeTop Adventure park ages range from 4 and up, though some of the higher-up and more difficult courses should be reserved for older kids and adults.
The obstacles were wild – lily pads two stories up that you jumped across, a kayak strung between trees about five stories high that you paddled across on ropes and air, skinny wires to walk on, trapezes to swing through the trees, hula hoops dangling between trees, ropes swinging for balance, a slide to come down and so so much more. We gulped and decided we’d try that adventure too.
The really great thing about the TreeTops Adventure Park is the fact that its appeal is so wide to so many ages. There are five courses of varying levels and enough dizzying challenges to frighten even the most adventure loving grown up big kid.
The hook-up and safety procedures for the TreeTops Adventure Park were a bit different. You are always attached to your harness and the wires through the use of two hooks and a cleverly designed system using tweezles. (Yes, that’s a real word.) It is impossible for both tweezles to be unlocked at the same time so you can trust that you (and your beloved kiddos) are safe and sound and secure.
There is definitely a learning curve to the tweezles and I’d say the kids got the hang of it before I did. It was certainly a big part of the challenge to switch your carabiner from side to side while balancing on a little platform far up in the trees. There were several obstacles for which I was legitimately scared. I think I would have liked to have tried to challenge myself to some of the even harder courses but time didn’t allow for that bravery. (Yep, I’m blaming time when it was probably because I was too scared!)
We could have stayed for hours and hours longer but we did eventually grow hungry and exhausted. We had so much fun and we all were steady non-stop talking about which obstacle was the scariest and how hard it was or how easy it was or how scary it was. London, my stay-at-home-every-day kind of kid, pulled me aside as we were turning in our gear and whispered, “Momma – I’m sorry for not having the best attitude about this trip when you told us about it. It was way more fun than I ever thought it would be.”
Planning Your Family Trip to Asheville Adventure Park
Asheville Treetops Adventure Park features lots of other options for adventurous souls. There is one of the more popular Asheville zip line canopy tours, a bungee-style jump, and the Kolo bike park for mountain biking with bike rentals and pump tracks.
I know I have an unusually large family. (Although, ironically, lately London says she feels as if our family is small. I think I agree with her. It’s all perspective, people.) But I know not everyone has to fork over entry fees for five kids when they take adventures.
The prices at Asheville Adventure Park seem high. It’s pricier than a movie, for sure. (Although, not by much!) You certainly do get a lot of bang for your buck. After having spent a long morning at the park though, I can guarantee, the prices are worth it!
The adventure is fun. The challenges are great. The bonding can’t be beaten. Sharing pictures and telling others what you can’t even believe that you conquered – just the perfect amount of thrill. It’s so conveniently located that you can treat it as a staycation option or as a choice for when out-of-town friends come for a weekend visit. Reservations are recommended, especially if you plan to travel with a larger group.
Asheville Treetops Adventure Park 1 Resort Drive Asheville, NC 28803
I hope you decide to go.And I hope you take lots of pictures and I hope you get to make as many sweet and solid memories with your cool kids as I got to make with mine.
Are your kids brave enough for Asheville Adventure Park?
Have you explored Falls Park? Greenville SC, has one of the most gorgeous parks in the country! Falls Park on the Reedy River is the statement piece of the West End of Downtown Greenville, South Carolina.
Quick Take: Why You’ll Love Falls Park on the Reedy in Greenville, SC
✨ Stroll across the iconic Liberty Bridge for breathtaking city views 🌿 Relax in lush gardens, perfect for picnics and family fun 🎭 Enjoy seasonal events like Moonlight Movies and Shakespeare in the Park 🍽️ Dine nearby with park views—from French bistros to dessert bars 🎄 Don’t miss the magical Christmas Market during the holiday season
With the Liberty Bridge as the centerpiece, grassy fields to frolic in, gardens to explore, and even some special events throughout the year, the park makes a great place to play. Find out why Falls Park was voted as one of the Top 10 Reader’s Choice Awards for Best City Park by USA Today in 2025, and why we love it too!
What We Love To Do at Falls Park
If you are looking for something family-friendly to do in Greenville SC, Falls Park on the Reedy River is a wonderful place to spend the day. Its natural beauty has been amplified by strategic gardening and architectural planning, adding to its charm and Southern romanticism.
What used to be a grist mill has transformed into a charming area to relax and connect with our community, in large part due to a combined effort of Furman University, the City of Greenville, and the Carolina Foothills Garden Club. Good thing they put in so much effort because Falls Park is thriving!
Take in the Sights on Liberty Bridge
The suspension bridge, plastered on postcards, magazine articles, and Greenville merchandise, is stunning. The bridge is an architectural masterpiece that offers spectacular views of the falls.
If you walk out onto the bridge, it is a great place to take photos while taking in views of the falls and downtown Greenville. Liberty Bridge is particularly beautiful at night, as the area is lit up with lights, and the downtown area is illuminated.
Enjoy a Picnic on the Grassy Spaces
Located around Liberty Bridge are several open field areas to lie down a blanket for a picnic, play with your kids, or watch street performers and buskers on a warm afternoon. Though you may be tempted to take a dip in the river while playing in the grassy spaces, know that it is forbidden to play in the Reedy River. The river has a high level of bacteria that can make you sick!
Explore the Gardens
The Carolina Foothills Garden Club Sanctuary and Pedrick’s Garden at Falls Park are two of the most popular downtown attractions. These gardens feature mixes of foliage, literal tons of gorgeous stonework, and are a great way to have your kids burn off some energy. We always see a lizard or two while there.
Be sure to get the obligatory photo with the Medusa tree located near the Governor’s School. Many of the gardens run along the river, so be careful not to damage the plants while exploring. There are also a number of ducks, geese, and other wildlife you will want to be sure to avoid. Never feed the ducks bread!
Every spring, thousands descend upon Falls Park to watch little yellow ducks float over the falls in hopes of winning a grand prize. Don’t worry, they are little rubber ducks, but the event is so much fun! Before the ducks fall over the falls, there are tons of family-friendly activities throughout the park, including face painting, duck-related crafts, and more.
This FREE festival runs from the end of May until the end of July each year in Falls Park. Performances on held on the stage located down the stairs and to the right of Liberty Bridge on the grassy field at the TD Amphitheatre.
Shows are around 2 hours long, and showcase classic Shakespearean plays such as Macbeth, The Merry Wives of Windsor, King Lear, and more! Bring a lawn chair, a picnic blanket, and maybe even a bottle of wine (21 and older with a $1 wristband) to have a perfect night out!
Every Thursday in September and October, you can watch a free movie on the lawn of Falls Park. There are local food vendors, and alcohol is allowed if you purchase a $1 wristband. The movies are typically teen and adult-friendly and include some popular titles that you will actually enjoy watching.
The annual Greenville Christmas Market is located right off the end of the Liberty Bridge on the grassy field in front of the Grand Bohemian Lodge. This outdoor market runs from late November to Early January and has gifts, treats, and more for the perfect gift. Your kids can also meet with Santa. There is also a stunning 20ft Christmas tree you can smell from the other side of the bridge.
There are dozens of dining options near Falls Park, but if you’re looking for views of the park, then these restaurants and cafes will fit your criteria.
If you’re craving a sweet treat after a day at the park, you’ll be blown away by the delicious dessert at Carmella’s Cafe and Dessert Bar. We loved the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake, you have to try it!
This cafe has delicious coffee, gourmet ice cream, milkshakes, and more. If you want to eat inside, they have a window view of the falls, but you can sit outside around the fountains and enjoy your sweet treat as well.
The bistro sits right off the stairs that lead down to the Liberty Bridge. They offer French cuisine, indoor and outdoor seating, and the perfect date night atmosphere.
Known for its modern Italian cuisine, this upstairs restaurant is a fantastic option if you’re wanting a great meal with fantastic views of Falls Park and Main Street. They have a diverse menu and lots of great wines.
Inside: The new Saluda Lake Landing just outside downtown Greenville, SC is now open and offers lots of family-friendly fun. Kristina checked it out and has all the details!
Saluda Lake Landing is just seven miles from downtown Greenville, SC and offers lots of great summer fun, including water rentals and a delicious on-site restaurant. They also do several events throughout the summer and into the fall. It’s very much a hidden gem.
Floaters on the lake
Watch! Check out our visit to Saluda Lake Landing
About Saluda Lake Landing
Saluda Lake Landing has been a staple in Greenville for many years until the owners weren’t able to care for it any longer and needed to sell. It closed for years until the new owners, Dawn and her husband, Tobias, bought it in 2022.
It’s located on the private Saluda Lake, a fairly large lake super close to Greenville. The Saluda River flows into it and it’s the lake where the Saluda Dam resides and releases water into the river. If you’ve ever tubed with the Saluda Outdoor Center, you’ll enter right at the dam to the lake.
Dawn and Tobias opened an AirBnB right on the property soon after opening, which you can rent today – it’s a great location! The property offers two bedrooms and one bathroom and can fit six people, which is perfect for staycations and family who come to visit.
Saluda Lake Landing is also pet-friendly but pets must be on a leash at all times.
Get Your Float On
Floating is the name of the game at Saluda Lake Landing. The atmosphere is very chill and laid back. When we got there midday on a Saturday during a holiday weekend, there were people just floating on tubes in the lake and just having fun. A DJ was blasting some seriously good tunes and everyone was really nice and happy. It’s always good to see happy employees.
Saluda Lake Landing has lots of rentals to choose from: kayaks, paddleboards, pedal boats, super SUPs, canoes, and tubes. Rentals range from $20-$25 for the single kayaks and paddleboards for two hours. You have to be age 15+ to paddle alone. Ages 5 and under must wear a life jacket when on the dock or in the water. There is no minimum to tube but the business asks that parents accompany kids 13 and under.
Just floating around
Tubes are rented for $5/each.
This is such a chill thing to do and a fun experience for the summer, especially on those crazy hot days. And it’s so close to Greenville!
Eats & Drinks at Saluda Lake Landing
The menu for Saluda Lake Landing consists of nachos, burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, wraps, fries, and tacos. They also have breakfast Saturdays and Sundays, plus coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.
We got the burger, chicken sandwich, nachos, and sweet potato puffs. Everything was really good and the prices were reasonable (~$12 for a chicken sandwich, $10 nachos – which is a huge portion). They also offer a kids menu.
Yum, nachos
If it’s summer on the water, grabbing a cold brew is a nice treat. They have mimosas, wine, craft beer, ciders, and non-alcoholic drinks.
Thursdays are Kids Eat Free night with one free kids meal for every adult meal purchased. They have live music on Saturdays and Sundays and karaoke on Friday nights.
No outside food or drink are allowed.
Swimming, Fishing, and Floating at Saluda Lake Landing
While there is no admission charge to visit Saluda Lake Landing (unless they are having some special event), they do charge $5/person for swimming during operating hours.
Don’t expect a mountain lake here with clear water. There are no swimming advisories for this lake or river so it’s fine to jump in. But it is cloudy, which honestly doesn’t matter when it’s 99 degrees outside with crazy high humidity.
You can bring your own kayak, paddleboard, or canoe and pay $5 to get in the water here. You can bring a boat, which costs $10.
You can also fish at Saluda Lake Landing. Kids under 12 are free and everyone else is $3/person. They have a nice dock with chairs but you can bring your own as well.
Honest Mom Review
I had heard of Saluda Lake Landing in the past year but only in passing. I was thrilled to get the chance to visit this new small business, meet the owners, and get a feel for what they are doing right outside of Greenville. I loved just hanging out with my kids on the water and while it wasn’t the typical burning hot summer day when we went, I was imagining that the water would feel really awesome on those days.
I really liked its close proximity to Greenville, which meant we could go and eat and hang out and have fun but also be home soon after and not have a long drive from other places I usually go in the mountains. The owners are very nice and want their guests to have fun and make memories together. They have worked hard to bring to life their vision of a fun, family-friendly experience in Greenville and I think they nailed it.
Safety first!
Hours and Location
Summer hours are:
Monday – Friday: 3 – 8 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 8 am – 8 pm
Be sure to check out the Saluda Lake Landing website and sign up for their newsletter for deals on rentals and information on upcoming events.
Giraffes participate voluntarily — your token grants access to the deck, but the giraffes choose whether or not they want to eat.
Summer Tip: If the heat index is 100 or up, the encounter will close early or not open.
