Archive for the ‘Things to Do Outside’ Category

Want to learn to skateboard? Head for Greer, SC!

Have you ever wondered “Where can I go skateboarding in Greer?”. Maybe you have a kid who wants to learn, but you don’t have the skills to teach them. There’s a skateboard program in Greer, SC that is sure to interest anyone who loves skateboarding in the Upstate!

Skateboarding lessons in Greer, South Carolina

Skateboarding has looked pretty fun to me but since I’ve never had any lessons and don’t want to crack my mom body on purpose, I haven’t ever taken up the sport. But my kids – that’s another story. I have one very athletic little girl who found a skateboard recently and has been practicing. It’s really cute. But she needs lessons and the City of Greer Parks and Recreation Department’s Beginner Skateboarding program may be just the answer.

There are tons of classes and activities to explore in the Greenville, SC area!

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Adventure is Waiting at Congaree National Park

Are you planning a trip to Congaree National Park in Hopkins, SC? Whether you want to kayak, canoe or hike through the old-growth forest, Congaree National Park is a fabulous adventure. With unique hiking trails for all skill levels, plus so many natural features and animals to observe, there’s something for everyone at Congaree National Park.

This article includes:
Kayak or Canoe Congaree National Park
Congaree National Park Visitors Center
Congaree’s Old-Growth Forest
The Boardwalk Loop Trail at Congaree National Park
Things to Know Before You Go to Congaree National Park
Places to Stay Near Congaree National Park

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Adventure is Waiting at These South Carolina State Parks in the Upstate

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.

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3 Ways to Have Fun with Your Toddler in Greenville for $5 or less!

Exploring Greenville with your toddler on a budget? Local mom Lauren has put together a list of fun things to do in Greenville for $5 or less. This list includes indoor and outdoor activities your little one will love!

(Prices are based on one adult and one toddler age 3 or under.)

While we strive to include up to date information, sometimes information changes. Please check with the original source to ensure correct dates and times and of course let us know if you notice something that needs to be fixed.

1. Acrosmith Gymnastics

If your toddler has lots of energy, Acrosmith is the perfect way to spend an hour of your time! Miss Jackie developed Tot Time when she saw the need for her own toddler and his friends to get their energy out on those days when they’d rather be inside. Your toddler will love running, jumping, climbing, and swinging all around the gym! There is no commitment to join the gym, just pick a class to try for only $5 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 10 am or 11:15 am, or Fridays only at 10 am.

Acrosmith Gym

2. Paris Mountain State Park

Located at 2401 State Park Road, you and your toddler can spend the entire day here and find nature at it’s finest! Choose to spend your time in the shade or in the sunshine, eating lunch at picnic tables or under picnic shelters, on trails or at the playground, bird watching or geo caching. Spend the day? You may want to spend a week!

$5 adults; $3.25 SC seniors (age 65 & older); $3/ child age 6-15; Free for children 5 and younger.

Paris Mountain State Park

3. Tell Me a Story Theatre

Ms. Traysie is a joy to watch as she brings to life various characters from children’s picture books. Although this is advertised to a “Pre-K” audience, my active toddler always loves going! I think it’s a great opportunity for my toddler to be in comfortable and forgiving environment where she can observe older children sitting, listening, and participating. Every time we’ve been, the crowd of children have been so excited, and many younger siblings are in tow. Stories are told at 9:30 am and 11:00 am on scheduled Tuesdays. At $1 per person, it is hard to beat this price!

Tell Me a Story Theatre

If you try out one of these places, don’t forget to tell them that you saw them on Kidding Around Greenville! And, come back and let us know what you think.

Note: This post features several KAG partners and advertisers but they were chosen by independently by Lauren with no influence by KAG. Proof again that our advertisers come reader-recommended!

Find Your Way Out of The Corn Maze at Greyrock Farms at Night

Greyrock Farms is moving locations in 2024. They will not be open Fall 2024.

Fall is here and it’s time to head to a local farm for a corn maze, hayride and more! Local mom Kristina visited Greyrock Farms in Moore and is giving us all the details here. This local farm includes multiple corn mazes, fresh produce and pumpkins, and a working dairy farm!

Corn maze scary fun at night, kid family fun at the farm during the day is exactly what Greyrock Farms and Green Acres Produce is all about. With one of the last remaining dairy farms in the Upstate, they have a farm stand with fresh produce and fruit from April through October, and the Fall is all about pumpkins, dairy tours, and old-fashioned fun on the farm.

One of the great things I really loved about Greyrock Farms is that it is the perfect size to let your kids run around where you keep an eye on them. For no cost, the farm has playgrounds, swings, and different play structures made out of typical things you’d find a farm.

They have parking on-site, just follow the signs. The largest sign you will see when you pull up is for “Green Acres Produce” – that’s the place you are looking for. Also, be sure to wear sneakers or closed toe shoes. It’s a farm where there are ants and other crawly things so just be prepared.

Corn Maze & Dairy Tours at Greyrock Farms

If you really want to get lost in the six-acre corn maze (which is fairly easy to do), it’s $8/person and kids under two are free. You can also tour the dairy farm for $6/person and see a cow getting milked and check out all the baby cows. The tour is conducted on a hayride and ends at the pumpkin patch, where you can pick your own pumpkin right off the vine. Tours are Saturdays at 10 am and 2 pm and Sundays at 2 pm.

If you want to do both the tour and the corn maze, it’s $12/person and kids two and under are free. There are actually two corn mazes – a smaller one and a big one – which is great for kids of all ages to choose from.

Nighttime corn maze entertainment happens every Friday and Saturday night in October until 9 pm. But you have to bring your own flashlight!

Birthday Parties & Group Fun at Greyrock Farms

If your child has a fall birthday, Greyrock Farms is a perfect venue to host a party. They have a huge picnic shelter right in the middle of the big play area so kids can enjoy the farm and celebrate the birthday child.

The Standard Dairy Farm Birthday Package includes an hour shelter reservation, wagon ride and dairy tour and costs $150 for 12 children ($8/each additional child). The Ultimate Dairy Farm Package includes everything on the standard package plus goody bags, cow train, and paper products and decorations. That package is $200 for 12 kids ($10/each additional child).

If you want to go all out, choose the Cooowww-riffic Dairy Farm Package which includes everything in the aforementioned parties plus a cow cake, 12 cupcakes and ice cream cups, and a baby calf at the party that can be bottle fed by guests (awwww!). This package is $250 for 12 kids ($12/each additional child). All packages include a party hostess, set up and breakdown, and access to the play areas. Parents are free to bring food, ice cream and cake.

The farm also hosts lots of church groups and field trips over the fall as well. The corn maze especially sees lots of activity for group outings (and it makes a great date activity, especially at night!). They will even do a big bonfire if your group wants to really get in the fall spirit.

Greyrock Farms is ideal for family fun during the fall but don’t forget they also have strawberry picking come April. That’s actually how I first heard of them – my oldest daughter had a field trip there one spring to pick strawberries. They were absolutely delicious and I was delighted to learn about all the activities the farm has for families in the fall season. They are open through the end of October so be sure to put this great farm on your fall bucket list.

Visit Greyrock Farms

Greyrock Farms & Green Acres Produce
5750 Anderson Mill Road, Moore
864.576.2784

Looking for a fall event that your whole family is sure to enjoy? Check out Greyrock Farms Second Annual Fall Farm Day! Enjoy a family fun day on the farm! During fall farm day there will be hayrides, pumpkin picking, playground fun, inflatables, kids crafts, games and more!

October 6th10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Visit the Greyrock Farms & Green Acres Produce Facebook page.

Seasonal farm hours:

Monday – Saturday 10 am – 6 pm
Sunday 1 pm – 6 pm
Fridays and Saturdays in October – open until 9 pm

Has your family visited a local farm yet this fall?

My Kids Loved the Brand New Playground at Juanita Butler Community Center

As summer sizzles to an end, you may be running out of ideas to keep your children active. We are excited to tell you about a new playground at the Juanita Butler Community Center. This park on the west side of Greenville is sure to be a big hit with your kids, after all, it includes a zip line, a rope climbing structure and more.

The playground at Juanita Butler Community Center

Zip! Zip! Zip! That is what your kids will want to do when they arrive. With time, they will learn how to go faster on the zip line and will hurl themselves from one side to the other. Don’t worry! They can’t go very fast, and it is totally safe.

Once your kids are ready to look at the rest of the playground, they will really love the rope climbing structure. It is such a challenge to get to the top and so much fun. There are lots of balancing beams and steps. The monkey bars are high which makes them perfect for your bigger kids.

The full-size basketball court is covered and lit. Invite your friends and bring a basketball to have an exciting game day or night. Behind the basketball court, twelve swings will ensure your child gets all the swing time he or she desires.

My boys were so happy when they saw a Little Free Library! Bring a book or two to exchange with a new book to enjoy once you get home. My boys sat down right there to read theirs.

There are no benches and the entire playground is in the sun. If you are looking for a place to go on a cool day, this is your park. But, it it’s hot, bring a chair or two to sit under the trees beside the playground.

Hope you can get out to this new playground very soon! There is so much to enjoy.

Where you can find Juanita Butler Community Center

2 Burns Street, Greenville
864.467.4328

Have you visited the new playground at Juanita Butler Community Center yet?

Plan the Ultimate Greenville Staycation this Summer

This summer seems to have flown by faster than any other, and with only a few weeks left before school, you might want to plan a vacation. Stumped on where to go? Look no further than your own city. We’ll give you lots of ideas on what to do and where to stay so you can create your very own perfect staycation!

Right here in Greenville are some exciting places to stay in town, and complete a day trip that will make this summer stand out from all the others. The hotels and suites around town and the surrounding areas with all of the lakes, parks, and amusement activities will make you feel like a tourist in your own town. So why travel when you can vacation in Greenville?

Start with the perfect hotel

While there are tons of hotels to pick from in Greenville, we’re highlighting a few in different parts of town.

Embassy Suites on Verdae or Downtown on the Reedy both offer free hot buffet breakfast, happy hour, and indoor pools. Book Verdae or Downtown.

Off of Pelham Road, hotels on The Parkway and Beacon Drive are close to restaurants and the Interstate! Choose from The Marriott on the Parkway, Home2U Suites or Fairfield Inn and Suites.

In the middle of all the action, along Woodruff Road, options include Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton Inn.

And to book the Westin Poinsett in smack dab Downtown Greenville, click here.

Plan your day

Whether you stay in town or drive for about an hour, here are some ways to make your stay-cation the best.

Carowinds

In Charlotte, only about an hour and a half away, Carowinds is an amusement park with tons of roller coasters, attractions, and rides for all ages! Purchase tickets here. Find out why KAG Contributor Jennifer’s family loves Carowinds so much!

Discovery Island Water Park

In Greenville, this awesome water park is barely a drive away! For all ages, tickets can be purchased at the gate, and season passes are available here. Also, be sure to read our review of Discovery Island.

Bike the Swamp Rabbit Trail

If you don’t have your own bike, Reedy Rides bike rentals is affordable and reliable for renting bikes by the half day, day, weekend, or full week! Right off Main Street Downtown, Reedy Rides is close to the trail and hotels and restaurants! We have a handy Swamp Rabbit Trail itinerary and a Family Guide to the Trail that you’ll want to check out before you go.

Dollar Movies

On Tuesdays during the summer, Regal Theaters host dollar movies! You may even be able to find a free movie this summer. After all, doesn’t everyone love going to the movies?

US National Whitewater Center

It may be a bit of a drive as it’s in Charlotte, but for a day’s worth of fun and exercise, it is well worth it! No reservations need to be made, but you can check out prices here.

The Greenville Zoo

Check out the fish, reptiles, and elephants right downtown Greenville at the Greenville Zoo! Tickets can be purchased at the time of arrival, but here’s the calendar of events planned this summer.

Greenville stay-cations are the route to take when you’re in a bind for time but still want to get one last vacation in before school starts back up in August. In the blink of an eye, we’ll all be back into the full swing of things, so before gearing up and getting back in routines, look no further than your own wonderful city to squeeze in one last vacation. After all, Greenville is the best place to be, so why go anywhere else?

What’s your favorite thing to do on a staycation?

Put These 5 Awesome Parks in Greer On Your To Do List This Summer

KAG travels Northwest to explore kid-friendly parks in Greer. Straddling Greenville and Spartanburg counties, Greer has some of the most popular playgrounds Greenville has to offer.. Check out our list and spot that Apache helicopter at Veteran’s Park or see some ruins of an old mill by the Scenic Enoree river while taking your kids (and dogs) for a walk at Pelham Mill Park and Dog Park.

Find even more great parks on our Greenville Parks Page.

Century Park & Kid’s Planet [CLOSED FOR RENOVATION SEPT. 2019-EARLY 2020]

On top of our list and probably yours, Century Park & Kid’s Planet is a parent’s summer oasis. The park is getting a huge makeover and will open with all new equipment sometime in early 2020.

3605 Brushy Creek Road, Greer

Victor Memorial Veteran’s Park

Victor Memorial Veteran’s Park, located on SC Highway 101 South just north of Stevens Field, offers a lighted walking path, a gazebo, a freshly planted and landscaped lawn area, retired military equipment, and a monument honoring the men and women who have served their country in the United States Armed Forces. Kids will surely be in awe of the Apache helicopter and tank on display.

17th Street, Greer

Greer City Park

Famous for its moonlight movies, Friday concert series and etc…did you know that on top of all its amazing family events and features, it also has a musical fountain? See what our writer Jackie has to say about Greer City Park.

301 E. Poinsett Street, Greer

East Riverside Park

A part of the larger Suber Road Soccer Complex, the overall size is described as larger than a football field! East Riverside Park also offers some shade and two playgrounds for the little ones. Its unique feature are the sand volleyball court and the community garden for Greer residents at an annual membership of $50 for one garden bed.

1155 S. Suber Road, Greer

Pelham Mill Park

No playgrounds at Pelham Mills Park, but plenty of history, nature and rough trails. There is a dog park for your furry ones. Keep your little one entertained from doing a short hike and finding the Geocache hidden stash.

2770 E. Phillips Road, Greer

What park in Greer is your kid’s favorite?

My Kids Loved the Playground at Staunton Bridge Park

Have you been looking for a new playground? Staunton Bridge Community Center Park might be new to you, and it’s definitely worth a visit. This park is just 5 miles southwest of Greenville. Read on for the Kidding Around tips on when to visit Staunton Bridge Park and what to expect.

Discover Staunton Bridge Park

Staunton Bridge Community Center built an amazing playground behind the center. You can’t see it from the road. When you arrive, drive up to the center and take the road on the left around the building.

You will discover a bright orange and blue playground filled with things to climb and find as well as lots of blue slides and a large swing set. My boys were ecstatic and we played for an hour and a half. Greenville Rec was there tending the large green space behind the playground which could be a great place for playing catch.

There is no shade, so come early in the day. Bring water and put on your sunscreen. There are restrooms and a water fountain inside the center, but we had to walk around to the front doors to get in. There were a couple of benches around the playground but no picnic tables.

Add this playground to your sunny day activities this summer. And, stop by QT on your way home for some huge ice cream cones!

Staunton Bridge Community Center playground

Staunton Bridge Community Center
165 Staunton Bridge Road, Greenville

Have you taken your kids to check out the new playground at the Staunton Bridge Community Center yet?

While you’re at it, check out our Park Guide to all the Parks and Playgrounds near Greenville, SC!

Your Kids are Sure to Love Mauldin City Park

Though a little hidden from view, Mauldin City Park is one you won’t want to miss. Offering multiple fields and courts, a fun playground and even a little shade your kids are sure to love it! Read Lindy’s complete review and plan your own trip!

Sometimes you miss the most obvious things in life. Like say the park you’ve literally driven by pretty much every week for ballroom dance lessons. In my defense, the City Park in Mauldin is sort of hidden behind the Mauldin Open Air Market farm stand at the corner of Butler and Bridges roads. It’s also home to the Ray Hopkins Senior Center. If you didn’t know there was a full park with playground there either, well now you know to go check it out!

About Maudin’s City Park

Parking is a little sparse next to the park but there are many spots right along the sidewalks, which means no crossing hazardous parking lots with kids! It’s nearest Butler Road- you’ll find basketball courts near Bridges Road. There are many sports fields, including lots of baseball fields, a batting cage and some soccer areas. You’ll find convenient benches for parents to sit and some nice tree shade. We stopped after a rain drizzle and the park was only slightly wet with almost no puddling on the equipment. The ground is covered in sand though so be warned as it can be messy, especially if your kid insists on wearing shoes with no socks!

This park features many slides- tube and two different sizes of double slides. You’ll find infant swings but not standard ones. This is nice as it means no trying to switch between pushing an older child and taking turns to put baby in a swing, but you may have to warn your big kids there are only swings for the littles so they don’t get jealous. There’s a bridge which is fairly unique for the parks around here, as well as a rare fireman’s pole to slide down! You’ll find a climber, balance beam, tic tac toe and even old school style rockers reminiscent of the McDonald’s of your youth.

This park is fairly easy to get to (once you know it’s there). While in Mauldin, it’s also close to the south side of Greenville and the 385 as well as Five Forks, Simpsonville and other nearby municipalities . While you’re there, consider spending the day exploring. Up the road are reader favorite Mexican restaurants Azteca and the super kid friendly Chicora Alley. You can also stop by the Mauldin branch library. You can check out other Mauldin parks like Sunset. You can even try to spy a princess at Once Upon a Dream Parties boutique! Or you can bird watch on the trails at Conestee Lake Park.

Plan your own trip to Mauldin City Park

203 Corn Rd, Greenville
Visit their website here.

Have you stopped by City Park in Mauldin yet?

See our Park page for even more local parks.

Archive for the ‘Things to Do Outside’ Category

Want to learn to skateboard? Head for Greer, SC!

Adventure is Waiting at Congaree National Park

Adventure is Waiting at These South Carolina State Parks in the Upstate

3 Ways to Have Fun with Your Toddler in Greenville for $5 or less!

1. Acrosmith Gymnastics

2. Paris Mountain State Park

3. Tell Me a Story Theatre

Find Your Way Out of The Corn Maze at Greyrock Farms at Night

Corn Maze & Dairy Tours at Greyrock Farms

Birthday Parties & Group Fun at Greyrock Farms

Visit Greyrock Farms

My Kids Loved the Brand New Playground at Juanita Butler Community Center

The playground at Juanita Butler Community Center

Where you can find Juanita Butler Community Center

Plan the Ultimate Greenville Staycation this Summer

Start with the perfect hotel