Downtown Spartanburg has a fantastic park, located at the Downtown Memorial Airport with two playgrounds, paved paths for bike riding, picnic shelters, and a free splash pad.
The Spartanburg Airport Park is perfect for the summer heat with that splash pad, plus year-round fun on the playgrounds. Here’s everything you need to know about the Downtown Memorial Airport Park. (Updated 2026)
Playground at Airport Park in Spartanburg, SC
About the Downtown Memorial Airport Park: Spartanburg
The Downtown Memorial Airport Park includes something for everyone. Have a little one? Great! There’s a whole separate playground for them. Have a big kid? This park has a really cool 3-story climbing structure, aviation-themed of course, complete with 3 slides for big kids.
Have a kid who wants to ride their bike? Perfect! They will love the paved trails around the playgrounds. Have a child obsessed with airplanes? Then this is the go-to park for your family because where else can they get up close and personal with small airplanes taking off or landing?
Playground at Airport Park in Spartanburg, SC
The big kid area is complete with a massive climbing structure, 3 slides, swings, a kid spinner, and a couple of learning stations too. This playground will keep the kids busy for a while!
Should your own little one need to stay a bit closer to the ground, then they may prefer the playground specially designed for kids 2-5 years old. The little kid playground has another set of swings, a smaller climbing area with slides, and a couple of toddler-sized vehicles to climb on. And if you don’t feel like climbing the play structures or pushing your kid on the swings, each playground has a couple of benches perfect for parents.
Rocking airplane at Airport Park in Spartanburg, SC
Splash Pad at Spartanburg’s Airport Park
Not only does this park have 2 great playgrounds, but it also offers a couple of other things your family may enjoy as well! The aviation-themed splash pad is open for the summer and is 100% a big hit on a hot day.
Splash pad at Airport Park in Spartanburg, SC
Watch! SEE the Splash Pad for Yourself
Picnic Area
Want to spend the day? No problem! This park offers a covered picnic shelter and restrooms. With a vast 7-acre footprint, this park also includes a couple of soccer fields and ample green space to spread out and spend the day. Trust me, your kids won’t want to leave!
Tips for the Spartanburg Airport Park
Bring water shoes and caution your kids against running in the water area as the surface is slick.
Wear sunscreen and water as the park has limited shade.
Bring a bike or scooter to enjoy the paved loop and runways inside the park.
Are you new to hiking in Upstate, SC, and looking for tips on hiking for beginners? We’ve got you covered with the best hikes for newbies, plus what to bring to ensure you’re well prepared to enjoy the beautiful trails in Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina.
The mountains are calling, and everyone wants to go. That’s what happened during the pandemic, and people haven’t stopped answering the call. If you want to join the hikers on our beautiful trails and aren’t sure where to go, what to bring, or 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 to the Upstate that I picked up hiking again. Now, it’s a weekly occurrence. I’ve taken my kids on hikes all over this part of South Carolina throughout Greenville, Oconee, and Pickens counties. I’ve probably hiked hundreds of miles through the Western North Carolina mountains and into the Great Smoky Mountains. It’s my happy place, and my kids really enjoy the experiences we’ve had 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.
I see posts on social media all the time asking about trails for kids, best hikes in the area, or how to start hiking alone. It’s pretty simple: just go. I mean, do your research first, but just go. It’s walking, just in a way cooler setting than you would normally find in a parking lot or your neighborhood.
To find trails that you may enjoy, I highly recommend the free AllTrails app. I love it (for the most part). You can search for trails by mileage, difficulty, distance from you, if they include a waterfall, etc. I’ve found some pretty amazing trails through the app. But be aware that AllTrails sometimes reports trail lengths incorrectly. I usually try to double-check through Google and local hiking groups I’ve joined (more on that below).
SCTrails.net is another great resource. I browse that site more on my laptop than my phone, and it doesn’t have as many trail reviews as AllTrails. But it does have some hidden gems.
Joining local Facebook groups is another great way to find lesser-traveled trails or discover new ones. I love Girls Who Hike SC, Girls Who Hike NC, North Carolina Waterfalls, South Carolina Hiking & Adventures, and Hiking the Smokies. All of these groups offer really fantastic advice on trails to hit, including length and difficulty. And if you have questions, just ask.
Trail Etiquette and Tips
It’s very important to know basic trail etiquette tips and regional laws when you go hiking. Most are common sense, but people don’t always use that gift. Follow the tips listed below to ensure you have a great time and others around you also have fun!
Wear proper clothing and bring enough water and snacks. Flip flops and slides aren’t a good hiking shoe of choice. And the summer is hot. Bring water.
Be prepared and take the 10 essentials. Take the following on every hike: water, food, a flashlight, navigation, insulation, a first aid kit, sun protection, matches or a fire starter, a basic repair kit, and emergency shelter like a space blanket. I also carry pepper spray. Day hikers are the most vulnerable hiking population to get in trouble and possibly not survive if something goes wrong because they aren’t prepared.
Leave no trace (LNT). The LNT principle is simple: whatever you bring into the forest goes out with you. Leave no trash and no sign you were ever there except for footprints. You also shouldn’t disturb the environment, go off trail, pick flowers, or trample on brush. Here’s how to follow all seven LNT principles.
Keep your kids in sight at all times. Sure, it’s fun for them to run all over the place, but there are many, many unforeseen things on trails that a cute little person may not see as harmful. Hazards might include a well-hidden snake, an unleashed dog, or a fallen tree. Keep them in sight at all times.
Leash your dog. Leash laws apply everywhere, and there are signs at every trail I’ve visited that tell owners to leash dogs. It doesn’t matter if your dog is friendly. Many people have a fear of dogs, are allergic, etc. By not leashing your dog, you’re infringing on everyone else’s right to enjoy the outdoors. Plus, the liability of a possible, even accidental, attack on a child, adult, or other dog/wildlife just isn’t worth it. Unleashed dogs are behind the majority of severe conflicts between dogs, humans, and bears.
Stay on the trail. Going off trail can not only be dangerous due to unforeseen slips or hidden snakes, but there are wildflowers, micro ecosystems, and animals that depend on the environment. It’s also really easy to get lost if you go off trail.
Lock your car and keep electronics out of sight. There have been several cases of car break-ins at trailheads all over Western NC and Upstate SC. Leave your valuables at home, take them with you hiking, or stash them out of sight in your car.
Stay off waterfalls. I cannot emphasize this enough. Read the news. One week over the summer, three people, including a teenager and a rescue worker, fell to their deaths at waterfalls. And watch your kids because they don’t know the dangers of these beauties. All it takes is one slip, that’s it. And the rocks at waterfalls are often very, very slippery even if they don’t look like it.
Don’t do this!
Know your fitness level and your kids’ attention span. Choose a trail that you know you can do and that won’t be too long for your kids. And bring snacks because they’re perfect for bribery.
Do your research. There are many hugely popular trails here in the Upstate and within a reasonable driving distance. If you get to a trail too late, you may be turned away at the gate or you won’t be able to find parking at the trailhead. Have a backup plan if that happens or go really early in the day.
Get a map or use one on your phone. I can’t tell you how many times my AllTrails map, or even better, the free Gaia app, saved me from getting lost. Better yet, carry a paper map as cell signals fail and batteries die. When I didn’t have a map on my phone or a paper map, I’ve accidentally added several miles to a hike with my kids. They somehow don’t hate me for that hot, very long day.
Tell someone where you’re going. I do this when I’m hiking alone or with my kids. I mention where I’m going and what time I expect to return. It’s a basic safety precaution.
Great Hiking Trails for Beginners and Families
Now for the fun part! Our huge Hiking Guide includes trails that are great for kids, trails that have a big waterfall reward, and other favorite local hikes.
Here are my favorite trails in the area.
Carrick Creek at Table Rock: This is a two-mile loop that is fairly easy. It does have some inclines, so you’ll get a workout. It’s a good one for kids, but be sure to watch them since it crosses bridges without rails and runs next to a fast-moving creek. It’s a fun trail that begins and ends at Carrick Creek Falls. You can wade here, which feels amazing on a hot day. If you don’t have a Park Passport, the park entry fee is $6 for adults, $3.75 for SC seniors (age 65 & older), and $3.50 for children ages 6-15. Children five and under are free.
Carrick Creek Falls
Rainbow Falls at Gorges State Park: This trail is an hour and twenty minutes from Greenville and across the border in North Carolina. It’s around four miles round trip, and reaching the falls, which are enormous and gorgeous, isn’t difficult. But going back, you’ll be huffing and puffing. My kids first did it when they were six and three and made it with a lot of breaks. We’ve done it again since, but always pack enough water, especially in the summer heat.
Moore Cove Falls: This waterfall is in North Carolina’s Pisgah Forest. It’s such a fantastic trail because it’s easy, about 1.4 miles round trip, and ends at a spectacular waterfall you can walk behind. The trailhead is just past Looking Glass Falls, which is a stunning roadside waterfall. Plan to drive about an hour and twenty minutes to get there. Go early as parking for both falls gets very crowded very quickly in warm months.
Moore Cove Falls
Wildcat Wayside: This trail is perfect for kids because it’s an easy mile loop and starts and ends at a waterfall with a shallow wading pool. The parking lot is a roadside pull-off on Hwy 11. There’s usually someone selling boiled peanuts or hats there. It’s about 50 minutes or less from Greenville. Remember not to climb or play at the top of the small waterfall or the larger waterfall upstream. Several people have been injured or killed here because they slipped and fell.
Conestee Nature Preserve: Located in Mauldin, Conestee is a great introduction to hiking for young kids. With a combination of paved trails, unpaved trails, wooden walkways, and a wildlife habitat, this is a fun place to see turtles or even a snake or two. There’s no entrance fee, and there’s a playground and shelter.
Twin Ponds at the Blue Wall Preserve:This is an easy, 3.5-mile roundtrip hike that combines two loops around two ponds. I especially like this one in the fall because the colors are fantastic. There’s a small parking area so get there early to find parking. It’s near Landrum and really close to Greenville.
Twin Ponds at the Blue Wall Preserve
Raven Cliff Falls: This waterfall tumbles more than 400 feet over a sheer cliff and is so pretty. This trail is about four miles and will take you to an observation overlook. You’re not going to get close to the falls, but you can see them, especially in the winter. I like this trail for its beauty and the fact that it’s not very hard. The trailhead parking lot is really small so you need to go early. It’s a little over an hour from Greenville.
Frying Pan Lookout Tower: If you’d like a wow factor hike without having to go to a waterfall, this is it. The Frying Pan Lookout Tower is an old fire tower in Pisgah Forest off the Blue Ridge Parkway. If you have no fear of heights, you can climb the rickety metal stairs to get a 360-degree view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s a short 1.5-mile trail, but the first half is almost all uphill. It’s not terribly hard though (when I went, we had kids ranging from ages two to eight, and they did fine). The drive is around 90 minutes from Greenville.
View from Frying Pan Tower
Bearwallow Mountain: I love this trail because the views from the top are gorgeous and 360 degrees. And you can get there via a trail or a gravel road (walking, not driving). It’s a two-mile roundtrip hike, and I’ve done it many times with kids as young as toddlers. There’s also plenty of space for children, or anyone, to run around at the top. You may even see the resident cows grazing. The photo opps are fantastic, and it’s a little over an hour drive from Greenville.
Adults can have fun at Bearwallow Mountain, too!
Our readers really love Dupont State Forest, just an hour from Greenville, as well as Jones Gap State Park. Both are hugely popular and are almost always crowded. If you choose to go, arrive early. There are several easy trails there, but make sure you have a paper map or a map on your phone.
If you go to Jones Gapon the weekend, you need to reserve a parking spot ahead of time. It’s $5, even if you have a Park Passport. If you don’t have a Passport, you’ll also need to pay the entry fee. South Carolina State Parks also limit the number of cars in the park and will close once they hit capacity.
Now that you know the basics and have a few trails to try, head out on your hike!
If you’re looking for more hikes that aren’t as crowded, email me and I’ll give you some suggestions. You can reach me at kristina@kiddingaroundgreenville.com.
If you’re looking for a fun family summer adventure that works either as a day trip or weekend getaway, whitewater rafting in the Smokies may be just the experience. Kristina took her kids to SMO Rafting and tells us why it is was a great experience and fun introduction to white water rafting, even for little kids.
⚠️ Important Update for 2026 Visitors
Whitewater rafting on the Pigeon River in Hartford, Tennessee, reopened in May 2025 after major Hurricane Helene damage closed the river for nearly six months.
Visitors should know:
Some rapids and river features changed significantly after the storm due to major boulder movement.
Several guides report the rafting experience is now “splashier” in some sections, while parts of the original rapids have disappeared.
Due to ongoing I-40 reconstruction, rafting companies are currently using temporary launch areas approximately one mile downstream from the original put-in locations.
Traffic delays and construction near the TN/NC state line are still possible. Always check road conditions before your trip.
We strongly recommend calling your rafting outfitter ahead of time for the latest river and access updates.
I’m a fairly adventurous person, spending as much time on rivers and lakes as possible, hiking trails deep in the forest, camping in the woods, and anything else I can come up with that involve the outdoors. I’ve been waiting until my youngest would be old enough for one particular adventure though and this was the year for it: whitewater rafting.
When the opportunity came up to finally go rafting on a river, I went for it because it’s a boatload of fun. Truly.
Stay Near Smoky Mountain Outdoors (SMO Rafting)
As you plan your rafting adventure, use the map below to find lodging that’s perfect for your family near Smoky Mountain Outdoors Rafting.
Through an affiliate relationship with Stay22, Kidding Around earns when you book through this map.
Rafting in the Smokies
There are several rivers in the Smoky Mountain region where you can go whitewater rafting, but the most accessible and popular option for families coming from Greenville is the Pigeon River in Hartford, Tennessee, about 2-2.5 hours away depending on traffic and road construction.
The Pigeon River reopened for rafting in May 2025 following extensive Hurricane Helene recovery work. While the river experience has changed somewhat due to storm damage and shifting boulders, rafting outfitters are operating again and welcoming visitors back.
We chose the Lower Pigeon River because the rapids are smaller, scenic, and beginner-friendly for families with kids.
With whitewater rafting, the rapids are classified as Class I-V with I and II being fairly tame and III, IV and V being a crazy wild ride. I’ve done the latter classes on the New River in West Virginia when I was much younger and invincible. It was super awesome but definitely not for kids. I knew the lesser rapids would be fine and a lot of fun for kids who loved the outdoors but who weren’t quite ready for a wild river ride.
We booked a trip with Smoky Mountain Outdoors Rafting, which is near Interstate 40 in Hartford, Tennessee. Visitors should note that portions of I-40 near the TN/NC border are still undergoing long-term reconstruction following Hurricane Helene damage, so allow extra travel time, about a three-hour drive from Greenville. We were camping nearby for the weekend but you can definitely do this as a day trip.
Current Pigeon River Rafting Outfitters (2026)
Several rafting companies are currently operating on the Pigeon River in Hartford, TN following post-Helene recovery efforts.
Popular outfitters include:
Smoky Mountain Outdoors (SMO Rafting): where we went
Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC Pigeon Outpost)
Smoky Mountain River Rat
Rapid Expeditions
Raft Outdoor Adventures
Big Creek Expeditions
Big Bear Rafting
Because river conditions and launch logistics may continue evolving during reconstruction work, we recommend checking directly with outfitters for current trip options, age requirements, and road access updates before visiting.
Getting on the Pigeon River
There are different options to choose from when rafting with SMO and we went with the Lower Pigeon River because my youngest was too little for anything else. True story. This trip is a fairly leisurely 5.5 mile float down the Pigeon River with some smaller rapids and all-around stunning views. I can’t ever get enough of the Smokies so anytime I can marvel at them is a good day.
This trip is available May – September and takes anywhere from an hour to an hour and a half depending on water levels. Our trip was about an hour.
You can save time by filling out waivers online when you book.
Most rafting trips still check in at the outfitter’s Hartford Road outpost, but due to ongoing I-40 bridge and roadway reconstruction, many companies are currently using temporary launch locations about one mile downstream from the original put-in areas.
Your outfitter will provide current parking, shuttle, and launch instructions when you book. Because river access conditions may continue changing during reconstruction, it’s a good idea to confirm details before arrival.
Once you park (get there 45 minutes before your scheduled trip), you’ll check-in at the shop and they’ll give you your time of departure and group number and tell you to wait under the covered deck. If you want to pre-purchase photos, do so at check-in since you’ll get a small discount and have them emailed to you during your trip.
They have lockers available for $2 each where you can store your keys and valuables. Don’t take your keys rafting. Just don’t do it. The gift shop does sell waterproof packs and lots of other fun things.
Once your group is called, you’ll be assigned a guide and get your life jacket, helmet, and paddle. From there, you’ll walk down to the river and get in your boat. Your guide will give you a quick safety lesson as you paddle away from the river bank and off you go.
Paddling the River
There isn’t much effort in paddling the raft down the Lower Pigeon River, which gives you time to enjoy the beautiful scenery and take in the experience. The rapids give you some nice bumps along the way, which is fun for the kids. We learned about the area, some of the trees, and asked about how crazy the Upper Pigeon River rafting ride is.
We had a couple who did the Upper Pigeon ride that morning on our boat with us and they were telling us it was a blast. That trip is a 6.5 mile fast ride over more than 70 rapids including class iii and iv, with few breaks in between. To do that Upper River trip, kids need to be at least 8 years old or weigh more than 70 pounds.
Smoky Mountain Outdoors also offers an extreme Upper Pigeon River rafting trip that’s on a smaller raft and where they hit the meat of the rapids down the river. Kids need to be 12 years old for that trip, know how to swim, and previous rafting experience is highly recommended.
Our guide did a great job as well. She was telling us about some of the neat hiking she’s done in the area plus what mountains we were looking at as we paddled down the river. The guides are all well-trained and love what they do – I mean, I’d love it too if I got to raft all day in the Smokies!
Once the trip ended, we unloaded on the riverbank while the guides got the rafts onto the buses, which we used to head back to the outpost.
How Hurricane Helene Changed the Pigeon River
Local rafting guides say Hurricane Helene dramatically reshaped portions of the Pigeon River in 2024.
According to outfitters and river managers:
Massive flooding shifted large boulders throughout the gorge
Some rapids in the first mile of the river disappeared completely
Other sections became faster and splashier
The overall rafting experience is still family-friendly on the Lower Pigeon River, but returning visitors may notice significant changes from previous years
Despite the changes, rafting companies worked throughout 2025 to safely reopen the river for recreation.
Tips on Whitewater Rafting
We went on July 4th weekend and to say the place was packed would be an understatement. However, everything ran smoothly and it was obvious Smoky Mountain Outdoors was well-run. Every staff member and guide we encountered was kind and helpful and they all knew their jobs and did them well.
You don’t need to bring much on your trip but you will need:
Shoes with a strap or sneakers. No flip-flops or sandals (we saw an entire family wearing flip-flops who were instructed to either wear different shoes if they had them or purchase shoes in the store). The rafting company tells you this multiple times via emails before you come to the outpost.
A change of clothes and towel if you want to get out your wet clothes before driving back to your campsite or hotel.
Sunscreen. There’s no shade on the river and you’ll be in the direct sun.
Reservations are encouraged as well, especially during holiday weekends. Since this place takes smaller kids, it’s popular with families and you don’t want to get there and not be able to go out rafting if you didn’t have a reservation.
Tickets for the Lower Pigeon River trip are about $37 a person but be sure to check the website and sign up for their email list as they do run specials. We were able to get a lower ticket price since they were running a deal on the site when we booked.
That’s pretty much it. It’s not complicated. Families have enjoy time rafting and a trip down the river that adds a little adventure to a scenic float. It makes for a memorable day and an amazing experience with your family and friends. When my youngest is old enough, I’ll write about the Upper Pigeon River next time!
Before You Go: Road & Access Updates
Because Hurricane Helene caused extensive damage in the Pigeon River Gorge area, road construction and traffic changes are still ongoing near the Tennessee/North Carolina border.
Before your trip:
Check I-40 traffic conditions
Confirm your rafting company’s launch/check-in instructions
Arrive earlier than usual during weekends and holidays
Expect possible delays during peak summer travel
Current reconstruction work in the gorge is expected to continue through at least 2027.
FAQ: Whitewater Rafting on the Pigeon River
Is whitewater rafting open in the Smokies after Hurricane Helene?
Yes. Rafting on the Pigeon River in Hartford, TN reopened in May 2025 after Hurricane Helene recovery work. Some launch areas and traffic patterns have changed due to ongoing I-40 construction.
Is the Pigeon River safe for families?
Yes. The Lower Pigeon River is a popular family-friendly rafting trip with mild rapids suitable for beginners and kids. Most outfitters provide guides, helmets, life jackets, and safety instruction.
Which rafting companies are currently open in Hartford TN?
Current operators include Smoky Mountain Outdoors, NOC Pigeon Outpost, Smoky Mountain River Rat, Rapid Expeditions, Raft Outdoor Adventures, Big Creek Expeditions, and Big Bear Rafting.
How long is the drive from Greenville to the Pigeon River?
The drive from Greenville, SC to Hartford, TN is usually about 2–2.5 hours, depending on traffic and I-40 construction delays.
Did Hurricane Helene change the rapids?
Yes. Hurricane Helene reshaped parts of the Pigeon River by moving large boulders and altering several rapids. Some sections are now splashier, while others lost rapids entirely.
Inside: A list of outdoor volunteer opportunities serving Greenville and the Western Carolinas. (Last updated May 2026.)
I know what you’re thinking: “Where are the best outdoor volunteer opportunities near me?” You’re in luck because Greenville, SC has lots of organizations that need help keeping the Upstate beautiful!
With the mantra of “give back to places you love” guiding our family’s approach to volunteer work, we’ve discovered there are plenty of opportunities to invest time in cherished outdoor spaces. Here are some of the volunteer stewardship opportunities in the Upstate and how to help protect our shared lands!
Planting with Trees Upstate and Save Our Saluda
Outdoor Volunteer Opportunities Near Greenville, SC
The Greater Greenville Parks Foundation created the Park Heroes program to get some love for our public spaces. When you sign up to be a Park Hero, you’ll join other like-minded people who share a passion for public lands and giving back. Register online to receive notifications as volunteer opportunities arise.
Spartanburg County Parks has a similar program. The first step to help Spartanburg’s parks, community centers, and programs be best they can be is to complete the form on the Parks Department website.
Build bluebird boxes, participate in clean-ups, remove invasive species, or contribute observations for Conestee Nature Preserve. Whether you and your family are interested in adopting a trail or just want information about future volunteer events, the Preserve’s website is the place to go.
TreesUpstate volunteers have planted over 10,000 trees in parks, schools, and neighborhoods throughout Greenville and Spartanburg counties. Our family recently helped TreesUpstate plant native trees and shrubs in northern Greenville County. It was really cool knowing we were helping to protect the watershed for future generations.
Another website to keep your eye on is United Way’s Hands On Greenville. Hands On Greenville Day is South Carolina’s largest day of service and usually takes place in late April or May. Volunteers spread throughout Greenville and surrounding areas to repair cabins at campgrounds for the disabled, paint playground equipment and murals at our public schools, landscape the grounds of local shelters, and beautify state and city parks. Companies and organizations can create teams to participate and leave with the satisfaction of knowing they’ve helped make a difference in our community.
The Greenville Zoo has many volunteer opportunities, including those in guest services and horticulture. Teens interested in volunteering as zookeeper assistant or working as a horticultural volunteer should check the zoo’s website for new postings.
Pulling invasive species and cleaning a park with Friends of Reedy River
Riverkeepers: Volunteer on the Water
Friends of the Reedy River (FORR) hosts two large public cleanups per year, one in the spring and one in the fall. FORR can help with private cleanups for small businesses, organizations, and community groups. Learn more and sign up on the Friends of Reedy River website.
Save Our Saluda’s mission is to protect and restore the Upper Saluda Watershed through education and increased awareness of the watershed, water resource issues, and the need to help protect our rivers.
Save Our Saluda often partners with other local conservation organizations. We planted native trees and shrubs along a tributary to the Saluda River with Save Our Saluda in cooperation with TreesUpstate. It was a very rewarding and educational experience. Volunteers also assist with live staking, kudzu control, and trash removal. For events and other information, visit Save Our Saluda or email info@saveoursaluda.org.
The Chattooga Conservancy protects the watershed of the Chattooga River, and you can get involved in one of their ongoing projects or join them for trash pick-ups. Check the Chattooga Conservancy website for current info.
Do you have children interested in environmental issues or know kids who love citizen science? South Carolina Adopt-a-Stream might be the program to look into. Through a network of watershed stewardship, engagement, and education through involvement, volunteers play an important role in monitoring and tracking water quality while sharing information about local water resources with their communities. We help monitor two creeks near our home, and while the data collection aspect of this opportunity requires adult participation, my older kids help with everything from collecting water samples to taking scientific measurements. Learn more at The SC Adopt-a-Stream Program.
Botanical Gardens That Rely on Volunteers
Hatcher Garden calls their volunteers the Hearts of Hatcher because “that’s what they give each time they visit.” Whether it’s working in the garden, helping the office, or walking the paths as a tour guide, volunteers keep Hatcher Garden growing with their time, talent, and expertise. Learn more at the Hatcher Garden website.
Outdoor Volunteer Opportunities Near Me: Community Pickups
Palmetto Pride fights litter in South Carolina by addressing prevention through education, supporting enforcement, connecting community groups to resources, and mobilizing volunteers. Get involved with one of their pickup events or programs.
Keep Greenville County Beautiful has a wide range of volunteer opportunities, including environmental art, planting native species, litter cleanups, and community garden assistance. Learn more on their website.
Volunteer Opportunities at Conservancies Near Greenville, SC
Conserving Carolina has helped protect nearly 46,000 acres, from the waterfalls of DuPont State Forest to the rock faces of Hickory Nut Gorge. In South Carolina, they serve the Landrum area, which includes parts of Greenville and Spartanburg counties.
If you’re a parent who wants your child to experience the wonders of nature, getting involved with Conserving Carolina is one way to do that. My kids love volunteering with them because not only do they get to use cool tools to build trails and remove invasive species, they get to hike really cool trails. The knowledgeable and friendly Conserving Carolina crew teach my kids the names of plants and animals, find salamanders for them, and show them all the best spots! Check out volunteer opportunities here.
There are multiple ways to volunteer with the Foothills Trail Conservancy, but trail maintenance is the main focus. The trail stretches from Table Rock State Park to Oconee State Park, so there are 77 miles that can use your help! For more information about volunteering, please contact maintenance@foothillstrail.org or visit the Foothills Trail website.
The Palmetto Trail has passages in Oconee, Greenville, and Spartanburg counties (and goes all the way to Charleston), so this is another opportunity to get involved on trail workdays. Learn more and sign up at Volunteer – Palmetto Conservation Foundation.
Upstate Forever is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects critical lands, waters, and the unique character of Upstate South Carolina. They currently offer two categories of volunteer work: event volunteers and stewardship visits. If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, please visit the Upstate Forever website.
Volunteering with Upstate conservation organizations has really proven to be a great way for our family to get outdoors, grow together, and give back to some of the organizations that protect the wild places we love. As a mother, I feel it’s important to motivate and educate a nation of outdoor advocates to take care of the places we share and cherish. And as a citizen of the Upstate, I feel it’s imperative that we reverse the negative trends impacting our natural areas. Now tell me, what’s your favorite place to volunteer outdoors?
Less than a 30-minute drive from Greenville, SC amongst the pastures, back roads, and farmhouses lies Twin Creeks Lavender, one of two u-pick lavender farms in the Upstate. We have all the details on how to experience your U-pick adventure at this beautiful farm. U-Pick opens May 28th, 2026!
Picking lavender at the farm
Twin Creeks Lavender Farm is more than a century old and the current owner, Michelle Ducworth, is a fourth-generation farmer. Her father raised Beefmaster cattle during her childhood on the same land and worked as an ER doctor because, well, farming ain’t cheap. It was this bond between father and daughter that ultimately led Michelle to take over the farm and turn it into a place where people could come and pick the sweet-scented lavender flowers.
Originally, Twin Creeks was a cattle farm that consisted of 300 acres. It’s now about 200 acres and Michelle lives in the same house she grew up in at the farm. Her dad, Dr. Lyman Ducworth Jr., farmed and worked in the ER but was diagnosed with cancer and died at age 66 in 2015. He died in the very farmhouse where Michelle was raised and his death was devastating to the family. But it ultimately opened up a whole new life for his daughter.
Michelle is such an open book about her life and speaking to her about this brought up memories of my own mother’s death – also from cancer – and how it affected me and really changed how I live my life. Michelle is easy to connect with like that, which I think is part of the unique charm and welcoming atmosphere of the farm.
She had noticed I had a lot of mosquito bites from a recent camping trip and she so thoughtfully put together a basket of lavender remedies for me back at the barn, including the Lavender Flower Water that helped take away the itch. I thought it was such a kind and thoughtful gesture and one that revealed a lot about who she is and how she runs the farm.
Michelle Ducworth explaining how to pick lavender flowers
There’s something really special when it’s so obvious that someone has deep roots to where they live and intentional reasons behind their business.
Shortly after her father passed away and while working as a successful surgical sales rep, she felt a call to follow in her dad’s footsteps. So she answered.
But how exactly did lavender come into the picture? It’s not a South Carolina crop and is very hard to grow here. Its roots cannot be oversaturated, which is exactly what the red clay in our soil here does. But Michelle wanted lavender because of the many things you can do with it and its many healing properties.
So she flew out a lavender consultant from Washington State and worked with Clemson, where she graduated from, to figure out how to dig deep enough in the ground to get past the red clay and ultimately change the pH balance of the soil to be lavender-friendly.
This massive chemistry experiment led to the first lavender plants going into the ground in May 2017. It’d be two years before she could open for u-pick.
So Much Lavender
Today, there are 10 acres of more than 6,200 lavender plants at Twin Creeks. While there are more than 400 different types of lavender, Michelle grows seven of them at the farm: Grosso, Grosso Bleu, Royal Velvet, Violet Intrigue, Melissa, and Provence.
Each have their own properties and uses from oils to cooking to ornamental. Those are all explained at the farm in the different rows of lavender that you can pick from.
While I was impressed with the rows and rows of purple and nearly blue lavender flowers, the barn and the lavender products that Michelle has inside blew me away. And she makes nearly everything available for sale there.
Lots of lavender goodies to choose from
She makes goat milk lavender soaps in scents that will whisk you away to some peaceful place. There are sprays for everything from linens to bug bites. There are lotions, body butters, hand soaps, sachets, bath bombs, foot moisturizers, and honey. The entire barn smells like heaven.
You can also purchase already dried lavender to use for future lavender projects.
While you can only shop at the barn during u-pick season, you can find Twin Creeks Lavender Farm all over the Upstate at farmers markets (that’s how I first heard of them – thanks, Toasty Farmer!). They have a booth at the TD Saturday Market in downtown Greenville over the summer.
Lavender Honey Ice Cream & Lavender Lemonade
When you go to Twin Creeks, you are more than welcome to take a picnic blanket, lunch, and hang out, relax, and stop and smell the lavender.
But don’t miss the Lavender Honey Ice Cream made by Honest Scoop ice cream. They have an adorable ice cream truck with amazing ice cream, some of which they make for Twin Creeks Lavender Farm. It is delicious.
Honest Scoop Lavender Honey Ice Cream
The other don’t-miss item is the Lavender Elderberry Lemonade made by Mama K’s Elderberry. If you have followed us for some time, you know we are big fans of Mama K’s! They have sold out of this delicious concoction in the past so be sure to get some when you arrive.
2026 U-Pick Lavender
By this point, you’re wondering how to pick your own lavender, right? Well, you totally can!
Here’s how it works: Parking is free, and you pay for lavender based on how much you picked. The smallest bundle is an inch in diameter and is $5 and the largest is two inches and is $15.
Look how pretty!
2026 U-Pick dates are Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9 am – 2 pm starting May 28th. They plan to run through June 30th, 2026. There will also be an end-of-season celebration will be on July 4th. You will also want to check out the Twin Creeks Lavendar calendar for special events throughout the month!
If you’re a photographer or family who would just love their family photos at Twin Creeks Lavender Farm, the farm typically offers a beautiful place to host a photo shoot for a small fee, just Contact Michelle to arrange your photoshoot.
Special events like a painting and sunset class, Mimosas and Masterpieces, are also happening so stay tuned to their website and social media channels for the most up-to-date info.
These are great opportunities to find new favorite people in the Upstate and support local business.
Tips on Visiting Twin Creeks Lavender Farm
To make the most of your visit to Twin Creeks Lavender Farm, here are a few suggestions:
Wear closed-toe shoes. It’s a farm and there are ants and that kind of thing. Come prepared and don’t wear sandals or flip-flops.
Wear or bring sunscreen. It’s the summer in South Carolina. A hat would also be great.
Bring lunch or snacks and hang out. The farm is very peaceful.
Hang onto your smaller kids and don’t let them have scissors or if they do, keep a close eye on them.
Don’t bring your own scissors – Twin Creeks has some waiting for you.
If you have been looking for “lavender u pick near me”, then give Twin Creeks Farm a try and let us know what you think!
Nearby Things to Do
If you want to make it a day trip down to Twin Creeks Lavender Farm, there are lots of great things in the area to do. Here are a few ideas:
If you’re from the South, creek stomping may have easily been a wonderful summer memory from your childhood. Now that you’ve got kids of your own, it’s time to show them how to enjoy the fun of playing in the creek, looking for critters. We have gathered an excellent list of creeks near Greenville, SC for you to enjoy with your family. 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.
Inside: What it’s really like to slide down Sliding Rock in Brevard, NC, plus lots of tips to make it an epic day trip. We did it and now we’re sharing it.
If you’ve ever wanted to slide down a huge natural waterslide into the freezing cold water during the heat of summer, Sliding Rock in Pisgah Forest, less than two hours from Greenville, SC, is the place to go.
While there are a few places with the name “Sliding Rock”, the one in Pisgah Forest right outside of Brevard, NC in Western North Carolina is certainly the most famous. It’s an iconic summer experience that everyone should do at least once. Maybe more if you’re super brave and have lost all feeling in your body from your first cold plunge at the base of the falls.
While Brevard did get hit from Hurricane Helene, the damage was nowhere near as extensive as other places, which they are very grateful for. Western NC is open and there are many places to go and support recovery through tourism. Sliding Rock is one of them.
Sliding down
Watch! Sliding Rock
Here’s what you’ll see at Sliding Rock in Brevard, NC.
Taking the Plunge
Sliding Rock is less than two hours from Greenville, SC and a hundred percent worth the day trip or weekend adventure. I’ve been exploring this area for years and it never ceases to leave me amazed. On the days I venture to Pisgah Forest, I always hate to leave. There is so much beauty in that area, so many waterfalls to explore, trails to hike, restaurants to try, and peace and fun to be had.
Sliding Rock in Pisgah Forest is super cool for a few reasons:
It’s literally a natural waterslide.
It’s in the midst of a stunningly beautiful forest.
It has lifeguards over the summer from 9 am – 6 pm daily Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Cold plunging is good for your body, according to Google.
Sliding Rock is just past Looking Glass Falls and the trailhead for Moore Cove Falls off Highway 276, which winds its way through Pisgah Forest. If you’re coming from Greenville, Sliding Rock will be on your left.
Sliding Down Sliding Rock
Once you pay the $5 admission, you’ll be able to park, grab your towel and courage, and head over to the waterslide. You’ll pass the bathrooms and changing rooms, walk down some stairs, and then you’ll have to cross the river to get to the rock itself where you’ll slide down.
The crossing is about 10 feet in length and not deep. I recommend getting at least up to your chest wet here so your body isn’t as shocked when you plunge into the cold water from sliding. Be mindful of where you put your feet as the rocks are slippery.
Yes, it’s frigid
After you cross, you’ll grab the railing and make your way up the left side of Sliding Rock. Once you get to the top, you need to sit down and scoot your way to the best position. If you’re at the top looking down the rock, the right side is the slow side (that’s the side I chose!), the middle is a little faster, and then the left side is the fastest. A lot of water flows down Sliding Rock each minute: 11,000 gallons per minute!
The deepest part of the plunge pool is about 8 feet. I never got to that point because I was wimpy and chose the right side, which is also pretty shallow.
Going down that first time was exhilarating and really fun. I’ve been down natural waterslides before but not with this kind of cold water. It was absolutely frigid. But the sun hits the railing area and the entire rock face, which is helpful in trying to warm back up.
You won’t have any control once you start sliding so just go with it and be prepared for a dunk. There are lifeguards to help if you need but they told me most people actually need to be helped before they ever go down the rock due to falling and hurting themselves on the river crossing to get to the railing.
Sliding Rock Tips
A few things to note about Sliding Rock that will make your experience even better:
The best times to go are before Noon and after 4pm if you want to avoid the crowds.
They have bathrooms and changing rooms.
You MUST be able to swim to do this.
Wear jean shorts and water shoes since the rocks, while slippery, could tear up a bathing suit bottom.
Bring a change of clothes and towels. Riding home in wet clothes is no fun.
No tubes, floats, or boards allowed. Life jackets are permissible.
Pets are allowed but must be leashed and cannot slide down.
Kids 7 and under must slide with an adult.
Sliding Rock is 7.6 miles from the entrance to Pisgah Forest coming from Greenville, SC.
Leave No Trace – pack out what you pack in and leave the place cleaner than when you got there.
Sliding down Sliding Rock
Be Waterfall Aware
There are more than 200 waterfalls in Pisgah Forest alone and about 500 in Western North Carolina. This means there is incredible beauty to behold but also lots of room for fatal mistakes.
Don’t be like this person
While you’ve probably read tips on being waterfall aware, we are going to put it to you more forcefully: don’t be an idiot and stand on top of a waterfall. Just don’t do it. Not only are you putting your very life at risk, but you are also being a terrible example to people looking at you. This is a truly dumb thing to do, so don’t do it.
The risk of serious injury or death is very high. Don’t believe us? Go Google “waterfall deaths NC” and you’ll read about people who fell to their deaths because they thought they would be safe stepping out just a little further or standing on a rock that looked dry but was slippery. Then you’ll read about the rescuers who risked their lives to go recover the body and who died in the process.
It is never worth it to sit on top of a waterfall or stand anywhere near the top of one.
Here are some more tips because we cannot reiterate waterfall safety enough:
OBSERVE all posted signs leading to waterfall areas.
STAY on marked trails and observation areas.
DO NOT jump off of waterfalls or dive into pools.
DO NOT climb on rocks above waist height.
DO NOT swim or wade upstream near a waterfall.
WATCH for slick rocks around waterfalls.
WATCH your children and pets at all times.
More Fun Near Sliding Rock
This area of Western NC was hit by Hurricane Helene but not as powerfully as other areas and everything is open. They really need your tourism business and appreciate you coming to see the beautiful scenery, hikes, and waterfalls, and making a day of it by eating at local restaurants and shopping at the cool boutiques.
So here are some fun things to do in and near Sliding Rock:
Go hiking
We love Moore Cove Falls (1.5 miles roundtrip) and Fryingpan Tower (1.5 miles roundtrip) because they are beautiful and very close to Sliding Rock. You could also take a picnic or order from a local restaurant and go sit on one of the overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway, which you can access just by going straight up 276. For longer trails, try Looking Glass Rock or John Rock. Both will end up amazing views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Moore Cove Falls
Go eat
We really enjoyed lunch at Pescado’s & Sunrise (20 Mclean Road, Brevard, NC), which is really close to the entrance to Pisgah Forest. They have sandwiches, burgers, and wraps at affordable prices. A recommendation we got but didn’t go was the Pisgah Bakehouse (1980 Asheville Hwy, Brevard, NC), which also has sandwiches and baked goods. We love Pisgah Roasters for coffee. Downtown Brevard has several restaurants.
Go shopping
One of our favorite shops in Brevard is Next Venture Outdoors, a consignment shop for all things outdoors – clothing, gear, shoes, tents, paddles, backpacks. The original O.P. Taylors toy store is in downtown Brevard and it’s so cool! You can see other shops at Brevard’s website. Walking around Main Street in Brevard is worth it. It’s an authentic little mountain town that you’ll love as much as we do once you go and visit.
Go tubing
Brevard Tubing is very close to the entrance to Pisgah Forest. You can tube all you want for $30. It’s a relaxing trip and the owners are really nice!
Ride an indoor helicopter
Did you know you can ride an indoor helicopter at the Cradle of Forestry just minutes from Sliding Rock? We love this cool spot for its Blue Ghost Fireflies tours, amazing display of the history of forestry in the region, beautiful trails, and old log cabins. Definitely put the Cradle of Forestry on your list when you are out that way. They are open April – November.
Check out festivals
Brevard hosts some pretty awesome festivals throughout the year so be sure to look at their latest event calendar before planning your trip. You may find your new favorite festival!
Where to Stay
If you want to go to Brevard for a weekend, there are some great spots to stay overnight.
Located right off 276 with several campsites on the Davidson River, this campground is one of my favorites. It’s fun to play in the river, fish, and enjoy all the local hiking trails just minutes from your campsite. This is a very popular campground so be sure to make your reservation months in advance and/or sign up for alerts for cancellations.
A favorite place of ours to stay in Brevard, Pilot Cove has absolutely beautiful cabins at the entrance to the forest. They have one and two bedrooms plus hammocks on the decks and full kitchens. We cannot recommend this place enough as its the perfect home base for all your mountain adventures.
Wondering about ISR swim lessons in Greenville, SC? Many Upstate parents have heard of Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) lessons, especially when looking for water safety options for babies and young children. Greenville mom Erica McCall shared her family’s experience with ISR lessons and why the program made such a big impact on their confidence around water safety.
ISR lessons focus on survival swimming skills designed to help children learn how to respond if they unexpectedly enter the water. These lessons are different from traditional swim lessons and are centered around water safety and self-rescue skills.
If you’re researching ISR swim lessons in Greenville, Simpsonville, or the Upstate, here’s what one local family experienced during the program. Last updated, May 2026.
You know when you find something amazing and you wonder how you ever went without knowing about it? And then you see stuff about it everywhere and you think, “Did I have blinders on?!” This is that story for me. -Erika
Infant Swim Rescue (ISR)
At the start of the summer, I wrote a list of places where you could take swimming lessons. I included the instructor that I’d planned for our son’s summer, Brennan Townsend with ISR. I mentioned that it wasn’t the same as swimming lessons, but MAN! I have to tell you why Infant Swim Resource is definitely the way to go from now until forever.
Let’s start from the beginning. ISR was founded in 1966 by a man who had the unfortunate life experience of having a neighbor’s child drown while he was growing up. He decided right there that it was high time drownings were ended. He dedicated his studies and career to ensure that Not One More Child Drowns.
Now, ISR is a leader across the globe in survival swim lessons. Like I said, these aren’t your usual swim lessons. These are about survival. They have over 300,000 graduates with over 800 stories of survival of when kids had to put their skills to use during an accident and they were successful!
Children from 6 months and up can learn different skills with ISR, starting with the basic float and wait for help. My son’s age group learns the swim-float-swim sequence to get to safety. Children a little older learn this as well as strong swimmer skills that allow them to enjoy safe water play.
Families often search for “ISR swim lessons Greenville SC” because the program is different from traditional swim instruction. ISR focuses on helping children learn water survival skills like floating, breath control, and the swim-float-swim sequence used to reach safety.
🌟 Looking for an ISR instructor near Greenville? Families in Greenville, Simpsonville, Mauldin, Five Forks, and surrounding Upstate communities can search for certified ISR instructors using the official ISR locator tool.
Tip: ISR instructors often book quickly for spring and summer sessions, so joining a wait list early is a smart idea.
Finding an ISR Instructor in Greenville
Several ISR instructors serve families across the Greenville area, including Simpsonville, Five Forks, Mauldin, and surrounding Upstate communities. Since ISR lessons are one-on-one and scheduled daily, spots can fill quickly during warmer months.
When choosing an instructor, parents may want to ask about:
Pool location
Age requirements
Session schedules
Wait lists
Parent orientation information
Current lesson fees
Because instructor pricing and availability can change frequently, families should contact instructors directly through the official ISR website for the most current information.
My Family’s Experience with ISR
Lessons were short daily sessions held five days a week. ISR lessons are typically scheduled Monday through Friday and often continue for several weeks depending on the child’s age, comfort level, and skill progression.
Oh yeah- and each lesson is about 8-10 minutes, with most of it being one-on-one direct instruction pool time and a small part spent discussing the sheet you fill out on your child’s eating/sleeping/pooping.
Yes. 8-10 minutes a day, 5 days a week. It is NOT convenient, but c’mon. Is your child’s safety really about your convenience? Nope. On the plus side- that was just enough daily time for me to get a lovely tan this summer without burning!
We had to have a swim diaper and two or three towels each day in order to have a double layer of towels in between wet baby and the pool edge. I was pretty surprised about that until I learned why- germ prevention. I was totally on board after that. We ended up using our coupon to also buy a long sleeved swim shirt from the ISR store because I didn’t want to put on sunscreen every single day. Love that thing!
The first three days went pretty much like I thought they would. He sputtered a little when he had to put his face in because he didn’t have much breath control yet. He didn’t like having to lay flat for the float. None of that was surprising though because it was all what I already saw at bath time or when we swam at the pool ourselves.
Then day four happened. He decided it was high time he demanded that he never have to float again. He cried. THE. ENTIRE. TIME. Yep. I felt terrible, but mostly for our instructor! I know what a pain it is to try to concentrate when they’re unhappy, so I figured she was miserable. Not so. Apparently, most kids experience days where they are just not cooperating and cry throughout the lesson. I ended up seeing a lot of different age kids (elementary to baby) cry at some point or other during the weeks of lessons. Our little guy only cried for about a week. Now I know that sounds like a long time, but let me just tell you what a big faker my kid was. He’d sing about “simmie-poo” and “simmie-yessens” and ask me aaaaaall day when we would go, cry during the lesson, and then say “simmie poo fun” when we got in the car. *facepalm* So- don’t think it was some sort of traumatic week and he must hate the water now. Nope. He just didn’t like having to do something he didn’t want to do, and then he got over it.
After our week of being cuh-razy, everything was fantastic. He would ask me every day when we would get to go and then he’d ask for his teacher… and then ask when we could go… and then say he loved his teachers… you get the picture. He loved going to ISR.
He had some days where he reverted to an old mindset instead of following directions, but for the most part I felt like I saw progress every single day.
Let me break down what they did every day. They had four things they did together each day (which became a broken record mantra for my son to ask me about): he’d swim to the steps, he’d float, he’d grab the bar, and he’d get to her hand. That translated into him saying “fwim thepths, fwoat, bawr, hannnd” approximately seventy-four thousand, nine hundred three times each day because he was so excited about going and then about what all he did after. The different areas were all building blocks that allowed him to learn the different means of swimming, floating, and rescue that were available. It required him to be actively looking in the water for a way to get out. In order to graduate, he had to be able to do a swim-float-swim sequence to get from the teacher to an exit area. It was truly amazing to watch as all these steps scaffolded together in order to form a survival swim.
By the time graduation day came, he had to perform the swim-float-swim sequence in full winter clothes. Many people questioned this when I told what we’d be doing, but think about it. How often do kids drown in just a bathing suit? How often do we see on the news that a kid wandered into a neighbor’s pond or pool, meaning they were wearing whatever they’d been dressed in? Exactly. They need to be able to do the skills they learned regardless of what they had on. I dressed our son in a long sleeved shirt and the thickest jeans we own. Why? I wanted to be darn sure he could still do it, even if his legs were way heavier than usual.
It worked! He was given all his usual tasks to complete, plus a couple that were new to the last week of lessons, including new ‘placements’ from different positions that simulated ways he might enter the water. Not flung or dunked or anything, just gently placed in different positions to ensure they could regain a sense of where up was and problem-solve, even if he was a bit disoriented. Man! It was amazing to watch our little bug, not even two years old, get himself to the surface, relax into a calm float, and then flip himself over to kick towards safety. He even stopped along the way to flip back into his float to take a breath.
You wanna talk about being a proud mama! I definitely teared up watching his success. In just six short weeks, we’d gone from liking swimming to loving it and being totally confident in how to be safe in water.
Now that it’s behind us…
I do not regret one cent of one dollar that we spent on these lessons. I do not regret one minute it cost me or one ounce of gas we paid for. I can’t imagine how I ever questioned whether or not these would be right for us or if the cost was worth it. IT WAS and then some. I even saw a five year old, who took close to two weeks to put her face in the water, end up swimming all the way across the pool to the wall at the deep end! I also saw a little baby doing his float perfectly. (I loved seeing the different aged kids learn all their skills! Such confidence blossomed in each of them!)
There are now several instructors in the upstate area, which is wonderful since you’re going to want to get on the wait-list for these ASAP, even if your kids have taken swim lessons already. Remember- these are about survival for when the worst happens as well as how to enjoy the water safely when swimming. I feel a thousand times better about his safety now that I’ve watched him grow into a confident, capable little fish. He’s one of over 300,000 graduates from the ISR program and he has the medal to prove he can do it!
Your Turn: Signing Up for ISR
For this Greenville family, ISR lessons felt like a meaningful investment in water safety and confidence. Watching their child learn survival swimming skills over several weeks was both emotional and encouraging.
Families interested in ISR swim lessons in Greenville, Simpsonville, and the Upstate can visit the official ISR website to search for certified instructors, learn more about the program, and request current lesson pricing and availability.
ISR lessons are available for children beginning around 6 months old, with lesson goals adjusted based on age and development.
How long are ISR swim lessons?
Most ISR lessons last about 10 minutes and are held five days a week for several weeks.
How much do ISR swim lessons cost in Greenville?
Pricing varies by instructor, lesson location, and session length. Families should contact local instructors directly through the ISR website for current fees and availability.
Are ISR lessons worth it?
Many families choose ISR lessons because they focus on water survival and self-rescue skills in addition to swimming ability.
Visit infantswimupstate.com to get your child signed up. Tell them Kidding Around Greenville sent ya’ and enjoy watching your little fish grow!
Looking for a playground near West Greenville? The playground at Freetown Community Center might be just the right fit. Featuring two play structures in the fenced playground, Kidding Around Contributor India Menon found Freetown Community Center’s playground a great place to spend some family time. Find out all about what this park has to offer!
Saturday morning at the Hub City Farmers Market in Spartanburg, SC, is charming, with local farms, artisan vendors, and all coming together for the Spartanburg community. Here is our review.
If you’re searching for the perfect place to find local produce in Spartanburg, SC, then you’ll be delighted by the Hub City Farmers Market. You’ll find all kinds of local goodness, from produce to plants, from lovely vendors and makers from our community!
