Looking for a bike park to visit now that the heat of the summer has passed? You might want to consider Town Creek Bike Park in Pickens, SC; here are the details on how to make your visit to this unique spot a success!
Love mountain biking? Here are places to mountain bike with kids near Greenville, SC.
Are you looking for a family-friendly corn maze to visit? Would your kids love to pick their own pie pumpkin to turn into a jack o lantern at home? Strawberry Hill in Chesnee has all these fun fall activities and more for your family to do when you visit this farm that covers over 1000 acres. Whether you want to just grab some fresh produce or go for some fun, we have all the info you’ll need to know before you go.
For more fall fun, don’t miss our Guide to Fall Things to Do in Spartanburg.
(more…)If your family enjoys active, outdoor fun, Treetop Quest, an aerial adventure park just opened in Greenville at Westside Park. This park includes over four obstacle and zip-line courses for families, including a special course for ages 4-6 and a zip-line course.
Our family was hosted at Treetop Quest in order to provide this review.
Before starting your adventures at Treetop Quest, you will want to head online and reserve your climbing time to ensure your spot. Booking online is also cheaper than the prices at the door.
Arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled time. That allows plenty of time to sign your waivers, check-in, and get ready to climb.
Currently the restrooms are under construction. There are port-a-potties on site, but you can also walk or drive over to the Westside Aquatic Center.
You will be harnessed by a staff member. Once your harness is secure, you will be taken to the briefing area. Here you will be given a quick lesson on how to hook yourself correctly to the equipment, how to zip-line correctly, and how to maneuver through the obstacles. The briefing area has simple obstacles that are low to the ground that you can practice until you are comfortable with the equipment and procedures.
Your visit at Treetop Quest allows you 2.5 hours in the park. During your time you can climb as many courses as you choose. 2.5 hours sounds like a long time, but it will go quickly once you start climbing.
If your child is 4-6, they may climb on two special “Chick Pea” courses. They will be asked to wear a helmet in addition to the harness, and a parent is required to accompany the child at all times.
Ages 7+ can choose between 3 other courses.
Level 1 is a beginning course.
Level 2 has an A & B side and is intermediate
Level 3 is all zip lines.
Ages 12+ have an additional Level 4 difficult course that they can climb.
The attraction includes 88 obstacles, 27 zip lines, and a net trampoline. The highest zipline is 40 feet from the ground.
Obviously, for an aerial adventure park one of the biggest questions parents will have is what are the safety protocols. Right now COVID policies are also something that many families are wondering about.
Treetop Quest requires masks of all guests and staff on the ground when they are not social distancing. Once you’ve started the course, you can remove your mask. Staff are required to wear masks and face shields when harnessing guests. Only one person (or family) is allowed on each obstacle or platform. Harnesses are disinfected between use.
During our visit, these COVID policies were not observed. We were harnessed by a staff member not wearing a mask and observed another staff member only partially wearing a masks. We did not observe enforcement of mask wearing or of social distancing (such as limiting participants on obstacles) in the park. We have been assured that Treetop Quest is addressing these issues and will be following their COVID policies in the future.
Treetop Quest uses a continuous belay system, so once you are hooked onto a course you cannot physically unhook yourself from the rope. A staff member does adjust and check each person’s harness, a briefing explaining the equipment is required, and there is a small area where climbers can practice before going on the ropes. The briefing is not one-on-one and there is no requirement to demonstrate your ability to use the equipment before entering the park.
Be aware that Treetop is a self-guided aerial park experience. You will not have a guide with your group or even necessarily in eye sight. There are pros and cons to this sort of set-up. For those that want to move fast or slow, it allows for a lot of freedom in exploring the course at your own pace.
On the other hand, this setup does mean that as a parent you need to be aware that your family’s experience will be largely on your own without any staff supervision or interaction. While we were there, we observed that often no staff were in the main course area and when staff were present they often appeared to be busy and focused on tasks. If you or your child needs help, you will have to yell out “blue shirt!” for someone to come assist. In our experience even then the staff were busy and only offered a minimum of assistance before moving on.
My children are younger so I would only allow them to visit Treetop Quest in a situation where I knew that an adult would be personally watching them and preferably climbing with them. I would probably volunteer to chaperone if my kids went on a field trip there. Even then, I would have felt more comfortable if I had seen a staff member watching the courses while we were climbing.
The equipment was well constructed and we did feel comfortable and safe using it. The belay system does prevent guests from unclipping once they have clipped on. Treetop Quest is also a member of the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) and conducts ongoing inspections and training. It’s parent company has 20 years of experience in the adventure park industry.
Our kids were nervous about heights but ended up pushing through and having a great time. Both children said it was on the best local fun that they have had and are already begging us to go again. We are so excited to have this fun, new attraction in Greenville!
Address: 16 Alma St, Greenville, SC 29617
Website: TreetopQuest.com
Pricing: $20-50/person depending on age, season passes are available
Kayak Hilton Head let us join one of their boat tours this summer for an amazing experience on the water. Kristina shares all about what to expect and why this particular place is excellent for your next family adventure on the coast.
Media tickets were given so we could write about Kayak Hilton Head.
For more family fun on Hilton Head, don’t miss our list of our favorite things to do on Hilton Head Island.
I grew up near the ocean but never got to see dolphins, or really any other cool wildlife, up close until I started visiting the South Carolina coast. And wow, the beaches in the state are just beautiful. But then I learned all about salt marshes and the uniqueness of this kind of environment and was blown away! I’ve done amazing dolphin cruises in Hilton Head Island but I am a huge fan of kayaking and wanted to get just a tad bit closer to the dolphins and birds and salt marshes.
So I went on a two-hour kayak tour with Kayak Hilton Head. To say the experience was unforgettable is an understatement. If any of you followed our Instagram story on the kayak tour, you can plainly hear I lost my mind upon seeing dolphins up close. Sorry. I was excited.
Kayak Hilton Head is owned by a gracious and chill guy named Dave. He has been running the company for almost 20 years. And he used to work for Disney’s Hilton Head resort, so finding things to entertain kids comes naturally. That kind of experience is worth it when it comes to learning about the area, the salt marshes, and the incredible wildlife and creatures that inhabit it.
The kayak tours take place at Broad Creek, a tidal creek that rises and falls with the tide. It’s a protected area far from the open ocean which means you likely won’t be dealing with high winds and waves – or big sharks. The salt marshes provide habitats for everything from dolphins to manatees to minks to vast oyster beds and all kinds of cool birds. We got to see a Rosa Spoonbill, a pink bird with a beak that looks like a spoon, which it uses to scoop out food from shallow waters. So cool.
Our guide for the morning kayak tour we went on was Mary, a resident of the island. Mary not only provided an informative narrative tour as we were kayaking but answered our questions about literally everything from how the docks are built to the life cycle of oysters to the best restaurants on the island. She was awesome. My nine-year-old daughter and I did the tour together and I felt like we were on the best field trip ever – which I’m totally counting as homeschooling.
We learned about the Loggerhead Turtles and how they travel the world but always come back home to lay their eggs (and how a teacher once tried to take a nest off the island – it didn’t end well). We learned about how stone crabs are harvested for their meat by taking off one claw and then letting the crab go free because the claw grows back, which is why, if you see a stone crab, they will almost always have lopsided claws. We learned about the harvesting and growth of oysters as well as the island’s history of being occupied during the Civil War by Union soldiers, who used the salt grass to wrap and preserve the fish they caught.
And all of the learning was happening while we paddled along, with plenty of space between all of us in the group, in the beautiful water in the salt marsh.
Yes, we got to see dolphins. And it was amazing. All throughout high school I wanted to be a marine biologist. I wanted to swim with dolphins. I wanted to be a dolphin trainer. If it had to do with dolphins, I was in. While none of those paths were in my future, my love of dolphins remains and it’s such a ridiculous joy to see these creatures.
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One dolphin surfaced right between my kayak and our guide, Mary, surprising us for a second. She told us that many dolphins are recognizable by locals by their unique markings on their dorsal fins. Of course, I wanted to see all the dolphins and learn each one’s name. But we had run out of time on our tour. It went by fast!
As much as I loved the dolphins, I wasn’t expecting to be wow’d by all of the other wildlife we saw. As mentioned above, we got to see the pink Rosa Spoonbill. Mary was really excited to see that bird so I figured it must be extra special.
We saw lots of little spider crabs, egrets, herons, and jumping minnows. And everything we learned from Mary was just fascinating. The paddling was leisurely as we glided peacefully through the water, just observing the world around us.
It was easy to forget life for a while, to just enjoy the quiet morning and beauty that surrounded us.
We went on a kayak tour with Kayak Hilton Head during the COVID-19 pandemic and they handled everything with care and consideration. All employees were wearing masks and they sanitize the kayaks, life jackets, and paddles between each use. Kayaking is a natural social distancing activity. You’re on the water and outdoors controlling your own boat. Even if you have zero kayaking experience, it’s not hard to paddle away from someone if you want.
If you’re looking for a good outdoor activity where social distancing is easy, this is it.
Also, you are provided with a life jacket and paddle so no need to bring your own unless you want to. They have a basket on land to keep your keys (which I suggest you use – don’t want to lose your keys accidentally in the water). If you want to bring your phone or camera, maybe have a wet bag with you or something waterproof to put them in. I had no problems doing that in our kayak.
And bring water. It’s hot out there and water is essential. My daughter and I both wore hats and sunscreen as well, which certainly helped us stay cooler and of course, prevent sunburn.
Kayak Hilton Head has both double and single kayaks, which is perfect for families. My daughter and I were in a double kayak together. I own a sturdy sit on top kayak so I was a little nervous to use a sit-in kayak but I soon figured out my worrying was futile. Our kayak was a Wilderness double kayak, one of the best on the market. It was sturdy and solid and a really easy boat to paddle.
Check-in is 30 minutes prior to your tour time, which gives you enough time to get your gear, use the restroom, and have a Paddle 101 lesson from your guide. We paddled with a cute family who had two little kids, a mom, and a grandma. This grandma had never paddled before in her life but she was a rock star five minutes into our tour. Don’t worry if you’ve never kayaked before. If grandma can do it, so can you.
Kayak Hilton Head books tours all day every day during peak season in summer. Typically, summer kayak tours run at 8 am, 10:45 am, 2:30 pm, and 6 pm. Spring and fall tours are usually 9 am, 11:30 am, 2 pm, and 5 pm. Reservations must be made in advance.
Dave will tell you the best time to kayak is at 8 am. It’s relatively cooler at that time of day and you have a better chance of seeing dolphins. Seeing dolphins isn’t guaranteed on every tour though. They are wild animals and don’t have a schedule!
If you reserve your tour online, the cost is $30/adult and $15/child (12 and under). If you don’t reserve online, it’s $45/adult and $30/child.
Kayak Hilton Head does not have a minimum age to come on the tours and they leave it up to the parents. Just be aware that there is no place to stop on the kayak tour and jump out and stretch your legs or let the kids run around. They will be confined the whole time to your boat.
If you’re looking for other boat tours, Kayak Hilton Head has a shark fishing tour, a sunset cruise, and a beachcombing expedition.
Kayak Hilton Head
18 Simmons Road, Hilton Head, SC
843.684.1910
Kayak Hilton Head Website
Kayak Hilton Head Facebook
Would you go on a kayak dolphin tour?
South Carolina State Parks are open, but park operations and restrictions are changing as Covid-19 continues. In addition to capacity restrictions, masks are now required in South Carolina State Parks in any place in the park where park staff and the public congregate.
Find a South Carolina State Park in the Upstate to visit!
There are 47 state parks in South Carolina, many of which are vastly popular like Table Rock State Park, Jones Gap State Park, and Devils Fork State Park here in the Upstate.
SC State Park has several new guidelines they will be following in order to keep both visitors and staff safe while allowing everyone to enjoy the outdoors.
All visitors over 2 are required to wear a face mask in any facility at a state park that is either staffed by a park employee or is a place where the public congregates. These places include park offices and stores, restrooms, nature centers, etc. If you rent a facility such as a cabin or picnic shelter, you are encouraged to follow CDC and DHEC regulations for mask wearing and distancing but park rangers will not enforce the regulations in those situations.
The parks are honoring existing camp and cabin reservations and they are taking new reservations. Visitor Centers have also opened but with physical barriers and other precautions taken to ensure social distancing. Retail stores are scheduled to open May 15th with the same precautions taken.
All playgrounds and group rental facilities are now open.
All park programs, interpretive hikes, and tours of historic homes are suspended until further notice.
Restrooms will be open but will be closed periodically for cleaning so be patient.
We interviewed Paul McCormack, the SC State Parks Director, and asked him all our burning questions about the new guidelines:
SC State Parks was forced to shut down the parks after they saw record crowds and reached capacity in mid-March soon after the state implemented social distancing so they are implementing new regulations.
Parks initially limited capacity when they reopened but most are back open at full capacity. Even so, many of our areas parks are some of the most popular in the state and fill up fast, especially on weekends.
Before you go, be sure to check either the State Park Facebook or the website of the park you want to go to in order to check for closures.
If you have questions, call the park before you go.
Jones Gap State Park is hugely popular here in the Upstate and has a small parking lot, so oftentimes if you don’t get there early, you have to wait to get into the park.
You can now purchase a parking spot ahead of time to be sure you can get in. Parking spots will be $5 to reserve plus the cost of admission. Even if you have a Park Passport, you still need to pay to reserve a spot.
You can also pay to reserve parking at Devils Fork State Park.
If you bought a SC State Park Passport, you’ll get that month back in some form. Here’s what the park website says:
Are you looking for a place to take the kids for some fun and to cool off near Greenville, SC? Have you tried creek stomping?
What is creek stomping you ask? Well, it’s really simple. You find a creek and then, you guessed it, you stomp around in it. Or if you prefer, you can splash.
(more…)Are you new to hiking in the Upstate, SC and looking for some tips on hiking for beginners? We’ve got you covered with the best hikes for newbies plus what to take with you to make sure you’re well prepared to enjoy our beautiful trails in the Upstate and Western North Carolina.
The mountains are calling and everyone wants to go. And that’s what happened during the pandemic and really, people haven’t stopped answering the call ever since. Campgrounds are booked months in advance. Popular trailheads are packed. And hiker etiquette has been thrown out the window. But there’s a lot of hope because if you have been wanting to join the thousands of hikers on our beautiful trails and aren’t sure where to go, what to bring, and how to act, we’ve got you covered.
I’ve been hiking since I was a kid but there were many years that I was off the trail. It was only when I moved here to the Upstate that I picked it up again and now, it’s a weekly occurrence at least. I’ve taken my kids on hikes all over this part of South Carolina throughout Greenville, Oconee and Pickens Counties. I’ve hiked probably hundreds of miles through the Western NC mountains and into the Great Smoky Mountains. It’s my happy place and my kids really enjoy the experiences we’ve had together on the trails. I’m including the best trail etiquette tips to get you started and make sure you have a great time outdoors plus some of my favorite trail recommendations.Â
For important tips on creating responsibly, please see this story on the seven Leave No Trace principles.
(more…)Planning a day out at one of Upstate, South Carolina’s State Parks? There are some beautiful state parks near Greenville, SC, each with their own things to do and unique natural treasure to discover. Parks in this area have great hiking, many offer biking trails, there’s fishing, picnicking and even some putt-putt and equestrian trails. Check out what our Upstate South Carolina State Parks have to offer and plan your next little adventure.
(more…)Have you heard of the Free Forest School? Kidding Around’s Melanie recently enjoyed a Free Forest School outing with her daughter. Today she’s sharing all about this group, their mission, and what you can expect at Free Forest School outings.
COVID-19 UPDATE
“As some states around the country have initiated reopening, the leadership of Free Forest School reaffirms our stance to remain closed for the foreseeable future. “
Most of us grew up in a different world than the one in which we are raising our children. I can distinctly remember going to a friend’s house, and then the two of us ran off to go explore the woods by her home. I think I was 10 or 11 at the time and otherwise very vigilant parents didn’t even give it a second thought. We came home covered in mud and exhausted, but with memories that I still hold dear decades later.
Children now have high tech distractions to occupy their attention and parents have more things to be concerned about. Our modern world provides less opportunity for children to scamper off into the woods like we might have done when we were young. That is where the Free Forest School can help your kids create these type of memories.
(more…)Spending some time in northern Taylors and looking for a place to play? David Jackson Park just might fit the bill. This large park features a great playground, plus several baseball fields, paved walking path, and a nice mountain view. It’s a playground I often take my children to this park when we are in the area with time to spare and it’s one they often request.
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