Archive for the ‘Things to Do Outside’ Category

300 Acres Are Waiting for You at the South Carolina Botanical Garden

Posted on by Liene | 2 Comments

Forty-five minutes west of Greenville is Clemson, home not only to Clemson University but also to the South Carolina Botanical Garden. It’s a perfect day-trip destination, and the colorful spring foliage and cool temperatures will ensure a memorable visit to one of the premier gardens of the Upstate!

See our list of gardens near Greenville for even more beautiful outdoor areas to explore.

At just under 300 acres, the South Carolina Botanical Garden encompass everything from natural landscapes to display gardens, including miles of streams, nature trails, and the 70-acre Schoenike Arboretum. Home to over 300 varieties of camellias, the Garden has an extensive collection of hollies, hydrangeas, magnolias, and native plants. Although there are multiple points of access, the parking lot off Pearman Boulevard closest to the Heritage Garden will put you in the center of this gorgeous botanical treasure.

Cadet Life Garden

Upon entering, visitors will find themselves in the Cadet Life Garden, a nod to when Clemson was a military college. Over those 60 years (until 1956), 12,314 students graduated. Of those, nearly 10,000 became Reserve Officers, about 5,600 saw active military service, and 335 died or went missing in action while fighting for the country. This information comes from plaques in the garden.

Caboose Garden

After trying out one of the swings, follow the shaded pergola to the 1939 Caboose Garden. George Williams, Assistant Vice President and Treasurer of Southern Railway (as well as a graduate of the class of ’39), donated the caboose to Clemson. They painted it red and transported the caboose to its current spot. It’s now a perfect playground (and photo op!) for budding train enthusiasts.

See our list of places to find trains near Greenville for kids that like trains.

Clemson Botanical Gardens caboose

Children’s Garden

After meandering through the Heritage Garden, you’ll emerge near the Children’s Garden. With greenhouses, a “Food for Thought” Garden, and several other interesting spaces, kids will find plenty to explore. The Peter Rabbit Garden features a cute little playhouse, perfect for an imaginary afternoon tea.

Butterfly Garden

Adjacent is the Butterfly Garden. Here, you’ll find quite a few different species of butterflies fluttering about, attracted to the early spring blooms. The bog section has really cool pitcher plants. Let the kids check to see if they’re digesting any insects!

Duck Pond and Camellia Trail

A loop around Duck Pond on a nice wooded trail takes visitors to the Camellia Trail. Benches scattered here and there give visitors a chance to stop and rest, have a snack, and enjoy the view. Hopefully, you’ll spot some migrating waterfowl in addition to the frogs, lizards, turtles, and even snakes that call this area home.

Flower Display Garden

The Flower Display Garden is also on this end of the garden, and you should definitely stop in to see what’s blooming before taking one of the dozens of trails back to the Heritage Garden. If you continue past the parking area, you’ll come to Kelly Meadow and the Meadow Pond, a beautiful panorama with a forest backdrop.

SC Botanical Gardens duck

In addition to a walk through the gardens, you might also be interested in the following attractions:

Fran Hanson Discovery Center & Gift Shop

On the very west end of the Gardens (past Kelly Meadow), is the Fran Hanson Discovery Center & Gift Shop. Built in 1998 as “The Wren House,” it was the first Southern Living Idea House. The second floor houses an art gallery that showcases local artists.

Campbell Geology Museum

The Campbell Geology Museum houses a collection of more than 10,000 minerals, rocks, and fossils. It’s a great activity for a rainy day. And admission is free! The museum is open Monday – Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm.

Cactus Gardens

The Cactus Gardens between the gift shop and the Geology Museum are interesting year-round, and the historical mining artifacts mixed in offer kids a fun game of “I Spy.”

Shoenike Arboretum

The Shoenike Arboretum honors the legacy of Dr. Schoenike, who during his career at Clemson, planted, cared for, and studied some 2,000 trees and shrubs in the arboretum.

SC botanical garden

Plan Your Own Trip to the SC Botanical Garden

There’s always something going on in the garden! From concerts to hikes, homeschool days to wreath-making, there is something for everyone. Check the event calendar for more information.

Truly a state treasure hidden away in a corner of the Upstate, the South Carolina Botanical Garden is a must-see destination for visitors and residents alike. Spring is a great time of year to visit, although autumn also brings cooler temperatures, fewer insects, and of course the colorful leaves. The gardens are in full bloom during the summer. Grab the kids and go explore. You’ll be see something new on each trip!

South Carolina Botanical Garden
150 Discovery Lane
Clemson, SC
Open daily, dawn to dusk
Admission is free!

What is your favorite spot in the Gardens?

Visiting Clemson University in South Carolina

There’s More to Know About Clemson University

Here’s Where You can Purchase Summer Pool Memberships near Greenville, SC

Posted on by Kristina Hernandez | 7 Comments

Searching for pool memberships in Greenville? We get it. Luckily there are plenty of family pool memberships near Greenville, SC for you to choose from. And Kidding Around has done the work for you! Here’s a list of local pool memberships, along with the hours and amenities they offer.

Where to go swimming and play in splash pads near Greenville, SC.

Looking for other places to cool off this summer? Here are all the best places to swim in Greenville, SC!

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The High Falls Dam Release is a Waterfall Adventure You’ll Never Forget

Posted on by Christy Gordon |

If you’re looking for a memorable adventure with kids, the High Falls dam release is hard to beat!

A few times each year, the dam at Lake Glenville releases water and completely transforms the normally calm High Falls (also known as Cullowee Falls) near Cashiers, North Carolina. As water surges down the river, the flow over the falls increases dramatically. And what is normally a steady cascade suddenly becomes a powerful wall of water pouring over the cliff.

It’s incredible to watch and something kids remember long after the day is over. Experienced whitewater kayakers add to fun by running the base of the waterfall during the release. Watching them paddle through the turbulent Class IV rapids is a bit like seeing an outdoor adventure show in real life.

Want to see the action for yourself? Here are a few tips for planning a visit.

2026 High Falls Dam Release Schedule

Duke Energy releases the dam at Lake Glenville a few times a year. Here’s the 2026 schedule:

  • April 25-26
  • June 13
  • July 4
  • July 25
  • August 8
  • August 29

Releases run from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The dam releases have become popular over the years, so arrive early to find a good viewing spot. As the release time gets closer, it gets crowded with people looking for a place along the river.

Dress to get wet, and consider bringing a change of clothes. Depending on where you sit, you’ll get a bit damp to downright soaked. I sat on a large rock beside the trailhead and got drenched. The rushing water kicks up a stiff wind, and it feels like sitting in the middle of a tropical storm. That may sound scary, but it’s a huge thrill to see, hear, and feel the power of so much water rushing over the cliff and down the river. I loved every minute of it, and couldn’t keep from grinning! It’s a truly indescribable experience.

Glenville Falls
Before the release
After the release
After the release
See the dam release
It’s so much fun to see!

Hiking to High Falls

There are two ways to reach the falls.

One option is the official High Falls Trail, which starts near The Pines Recreation Area at Lake Glenville. This trail crosses Duke Energy land and is about 1.6 miles out and back. It’s a scenic trail with plenty of parking, but steep and rocky in places. Because of the terrain, it may not be ideal for small children, older visitors, or anyone with limited mobility. When you hike back up the trail, you’ll need to make way for kayakers heading down.

To reach this trailhead, head to Pines Recreation Area at 1966 Pine Creek Road, Cullowhee, NC.

Dam Release Sign
Upper Glenville Falls
Stairs Hiking

Another option is the easier, unofficial route from Shoal Creek Mountain Road. This route is about 3.9 miles out and back. To reach this trailhead, take NC 107 North for about eight miles if you’re coming from Cashiers, then make a sharp left onto Shoal Creek Mountain Road. After about 300 feet, you’ll see the trail start behind an orange gate on the right. There’s no official parking area, and most people park along the shoulder of the narrow gravel road.

Flooded Falls
Dam release
Crowd at the Glenville Falls Dam Release

A Few Important Safety Tips

The High Falls dam release is a really fun event, but the rising water is powerful, and it’s important to stay safe. Here are few things to keep in mind:

  • Do not sit on rocks in the middle of the river. They may look safe at first, but once the water rises those rocks disappear quickly. People have been stranded and required rescue.
  • Keep an eye on the time, and listen for the dam release siren signaling the water is coming.
  • Stay back from the river’s edge once the release begins. The water becomes fast and very turbulent. You will be washed away or battered against rocks if you fall in.
  • Stay on the same side of the river you came in on. Once the water rises, it’s impossible to cross safely, and you’ll be stuck on the opposite side for hours.

High Falls is a one-and-a-half to two-hour drive from downtown Greenville. Though it requires an early morning and a bit of drive, the dam release is well worth seeing. Stay safe and enjoy the show!

Want to make a day or weekend of it? See our guide of things to do in Lake Glenville.

Enjoy Spectacular Views of the Blue Ridge Mountains at Keowee-Toxaway State Park

Posted on by Liene |

Looking for a relaxing way to spend a beautiful day? Head to Keowee-Toxaway State Park. One of eight South Carolina State Parks along the edge of the Blue Ridge Escarpment, Keowee-Toxaway State Park straddles Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway (Hwy. 11) between Devils Fork State Park and Long Shoals Wayside Park.

Keowee-Toxaway State Park in Upstate South Carolina

Known for spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the 1,000 acre park is a gateway to the Jocassee Gorges, an area defined by a series of steep-sided gorges delivering mountain rivers and streams down to the Piedmont of South Carolina. It’s also a great place for family fun!

Things to do at Keowee-Toxaway State Park

Have a picnic

Highway 11 splits the park, and the picnic shelters are on a short loop to the south. Five picnic shelters are available to rent. The picnic tables and free-standing grills throughout the park are available on a first come, first served basis.

Stop at the Visitor Center

Once you’ve finished your picnic lunch, head across Highway 11 to the north part of the park. The Visitor Center houses exhibits about the natural diversity and history of the park and its importance as a scientific research destination.

If you’re looking to check out the Visitor Center, office hours are 11 am to noon and 4 – 5 pm. Despite these short hours, the park is open daily from 9 am – 6 pm. After Daylight Saving Time, the park is open until 9 pm. Keowee-Toxaway State Park is free to the public.

Hike and creek stomp

Mom and two kids splash near a small waterfall at Keowee-Toxaway State Park

There are 5.5 miles of trails to explore at Keowee-Toxaway State Park. The two main routes are the Raven Rock Trail and the Natural Bridge Trail. Both begin at the trailhead located behind the park office, making it easy to start your adventure.

The Natural Bridge Nature Trail is a 1.5-mile loop, and at its far end you’ll find the spur for the Raven Rock Trail. Combining the two creates a 4.4-mile round-trip hike to Raven Rock and back. This hike is perfect for families ready for a longer outing with rewarding views.

Be sure to grab a Keowee-Toxaway State Park trail map before you head out to navigate the area with confidence.

Natural Bridge Trail

Hiking the Natural Bridge Loop clockwise begins with a peaceful stretch alongside Poe Creek, where you’ll pass several small waterfalls. Before long, you’ll reach the junction with the Raven Rock Trail offering beautiful views of Lake Keowee as it winds past rock outcrops and a boulder field on the way to Raven Rock.

Continuing the loop back on the Natural Bridge Trail, you’ll cross Poe Creek on the trail’s namesake—an impressive natural rock “bridge.” From there, the trail leads through an upland hardwood forest before returning you to the parking lot.

Lake Trail

The half-mile Lake Trail begins at the campground and winds through the woods before opening up near the park’s villa on the shores of Lake Keowee. It’s an easy, family-friendly walk with opportunities to fish for bass, bream, crappie, and catfish once you reach the water.

Keowee-Toxaway State Park is a great destination year-round, with something special in every season. Spring brings wildflowers along the damp edges of Poe Creek, while late spring and early summer burst with blooming rhododendrons and azaleas. In the heat of summer, the cool waters of the creek are hard to resist, offering a perfect place to splash and unwind. Fall delivers vibrant foliage, and winter rewards visitors with quieter trails and easier parking.

Camp at Lake Keowee

For those who want to stay overnight, Keowee-Toxaway State Park offers a range of camping options. Ten paved sites include water and electrical hookups for RVs up to 40 feet, while the tent camping area features 14 sites with central water, individual tent pads, and fire rings. Restrooms with hot showers and a dump station are also available, making it a comfortable setup for families.

If you’re looking for a more adventurous experience, backcountry camping is available at three designated sites along Lake Keowee. You can reach them by hiking the Raven Rock Trail or paddling in by canoe or kayak. There’s also a primitive group camping area in the backcountry for larger groups. Just be sure to register in advance as reservations are required.

Not into camping? You can still enjoy an overnight stay by booking the park’s three-bedroom villa overlooking Lake Keowee near the boat launch. The fully furnished space includes linens, kitchen essentials, a washer and dryer, satellite TV, Wi-Fi, two fireplaces, and even a private boat dock. Pets aren’t allowed in the villa.

Enjoy Lake Keowee!

Boating: Keowee-Toxaway offers non-motorized boat access to Lake Keowee. To launch a motorized boat, you must go to Fall Creek Landing, five miles southwest of the park.

Fishing: Fishing is allowed. Bass, bream, crappie, and catfish are common catches.

Swimming: Swimming is allowed. However, there are no lifeguards or designated swimming areas in the park. Swim at your own risk.

With easy access to Lake Keowee, three beautiful trails with all kinds of unique natural features, and spectacular views throughout the park, Keowee-Toxaway has plenty to offer. We’ve enjoyed our visits in all four seasons. However, spring has a special magic with the ephemeral wildflowers blooming and trees budding electric green. Head to this gem of a state park and experience the magic for yourself!

A portion of this post originally appeared on Femme au Foyer.

The SC7 expedition across South Carolina

Learn why the Jocassee Gorges are considered one of the most beautiful places in SC (and the US)!

10 Things We Love About The Playgrounds at Kids Planet, Century Park in Greer, SC

Posted on by Kidding Around Team | 3 Comments

Are you in search for a unique local park with imaginative play spaces? We recommend Century Park’s Kids Planet in Greer. This park has multiple playgrounds with a castle, bridge, zip line and accessible playground.

The Benson Automotive Kid’s Planet playground is one of our favorite places to play. And kids LOVE this fun, thoughtful, and excellently designed playground.

IMPORTANT: The playground closes for maintenance every Wednesday from 7 am – Noon.

Butterfly shade at Century Park Greer

If you want to spend the day in Greer, enjoying the new playground and the other things this cute city has to offer; we can help with our Ultimate Visitors and Locals Guide to Greer, SC

What We Love About The Benson Automotive Kid’s Planet

Fenced In Play Areas

Each of the playgrounds at Century Park’s Kid’s Planet have a perimeter fence and gates which help keep kids safe and within the play area. When you have kids like mine that both like to spontaneously run in opposite directions, this is helpful.

Inclusive Playground Equipment

inclusive playground equipment at Century Park in Greer

Differently-abled kids want to have fun, just like any other. There are special needs swings for those who need them. There’s even a special needs seat for the zipline… I love that children with special needs can also enjoy the coolest part of the playground! A tandem swing in the small children’s area allows a small child and adult to sit facing each other and swing.

Multiple Ziplines

zip lines at Century Park Greer

Speaking of ziplines, other Upstate parks have just one, if any at all. That causes long lines and other issues when I’m sure you can imagine that this is one of the most popular spots on a playground! The playground at Kid’s Planet has two separate zipline structures that offer kids a total of four ziplines to enjoy! That means more fun for more kids!

Fun Misting Area

Misting area at Century Park Greer

It gets surprisingly hot in the Upstate, so kids (and the occasional adult) will be glad to have a misting area to run through. This isn’t a splash pad, so you don’t have to worry about bathing suits and towels. It’s just a fine mist of H2O to cool off sweaty kids while they have fun!

The Hillside Slides

This is one of my favorite parts of the park! These hillside slides offer a fun and safe way to pick up speed while sliding down the hillside. The slide is embedded in the ground’s natural slope, so there’s nothing to fall off of! It’s as close to rollercoaster stomach-flipping fun as you are going to find in Greer, and it’s even fun to see grownups going down them.

  • At the time of updating, the hillside slide area is closed while the parking area on that side and the surrounding grounds receive maintenance work and upgrades. 3/26

Shaded Benches

benches and shade at playground in Greer

Good news for those hot days – there is plenty of shade at Kid’s Planet playground! Between the picnic shelters and benches with shade umbrellas, you’ll be able to enjoy some cooler shade while still having a good view of your kid’s play area. There are also trees in the playground area with plenty of shade.

The Fairytale Theme

castle play structure Century Park Greer
My son just pointed out that there’s a mythical friend waiting for you in the tower!

The castle isn’t hard to miss, but there are so many subtle features around the playground that tie together the fairytale theme! The rubber ground cover looks like a more, and there are cattails, mushrooms, frogs, and I’ve not confirmed this with Greer, but if you ask me, that trampoline looks like a little tar pit for anyone looking to harm the magical kingdom.

How many fairytale features can you find in the new Kid’s Planet Playground?

Musical Creativity Station

music station at Century Park in Greer

The music station was a popular feature from the old playground and one of the first my kids ran to at the new one. The area is large enough that your whole family can get in on the action and have an impromptu show for other guests at the playground!

It’s Got A Trampoline!

mini trampoline at playground Greer SC

At first glance, I thought this was a water feature on the playground. I was surprised to learn that it’s a trampoline! One day I might work up the courage to hop on and not care what I look like, bouncing up and down like Tigger!

Centrally Located Restrooms

This is one of the first things I look for when considering a park for my own personal preferences. When the bathrooms are clear across the park, and your children can’t time their needs to be synchronized, it’s a hassle to be running back and forth to the restroom. The facilities at Kid’s Planet are positioned right in the middle of the two playgrounds. This makes it so convenient!.

Pet Policy

No pets are allowed on or inside the playground.

Bonus Things We Love About Century Park in Greer

The Sno Hut

The concession stand will is occupied by the popular Greer shaved ice purveyors, Sno Hut. They’ve been keeping kids and grownups cooled off since 1987.

We are excited to be part of this great park!

Amanda Grainger / Sno Hut

The Perfect Spot For Parties & Playdates

The picnic shelters make a perfect place to plan a party right next to the built-in entertainment of the playgrounds. You can reserve a shelter for your special event through the City of Greer. The rentals start at $20 for a two-hour slot.

Getting Some Laps In On At Kid’s Planet

If you are training for that 5k, or just trying to shed some lbs, the playground is a perfect spot to close the circles on your apple watch!

  • 3 Laps / 1 Mile – Walking from the Sno-hut to the Hillside slides
  • 4.75 Laps / 1 Mile – Walking around the big kid’s playground and ziplines
  • 10 laps / 1 Mile – Walking around the big kid’s playground perimeter walkway
Parks and playgrounds near Greenville, South Carolina

Find even more parks on our Parks in Greenville page

What’s your family’s favorite thing about Kids Planet in Greer?

10 Places to See Cute Baby Animals Near Greenville, SC

Posted on by Kristina Hernandez |

Raise your hand if you love baby animals. We sure do! And there are lots of great places in Greenville, SC to see them. Some places even let you cuddle with the babies. Here are 10 local places to see adorable baby animals and a whole lot more!

Baby goats sleeping together

See Baby Animals Near Greenville, SC

Want to see even more animals? Check out our big petting zoo list.

Springtime means baby animals, and if you’re looking to enjoy all the extra cuteness of baby animals, this list is for you.

Split Creek Farm

Split Creek Farm has lots of baby goats in the spring along with self-guided educational tours and tastings of their award-winning cheese and fudge. Don’t miss their Spring Means Babies festival, which usually happens in late April.

Winchester Creek Farm

This farm has mini-horses, sheep, pigs, mini-cows, and alpacas. They even have baby alpacas and baby goats. How can life possibly get any better than that? They’re located in Waynesville, NC.

Famoda Farms

Head to Famoda Farms in Taylors, SC to get ice cream and visit with baby goats and cows. It’s so fun! Read our Famoda Farms review.

Calf drinking milk from bottle

Bethel Trails Farm

This farm in Gray Court, SC hosts local vendors throughout the year on certain Saturdays. See their Facebook page to learn when. In the spring, they’ve got lots of baby animals to see, like piglets, lambs, and baby goats. Awww!

Piglets nursing a mama pig

Carl Sandburg Estate

You can play with the goats at the estate for free, and some years they have baby goats in the spring. The Carl Sandburg Estate also has hiking trails, a fish pond, and so much more.

Hidden Pastures Farm

While primarily known as a unicorn farm, Hidden Pastures in Fountain Inn also has baby bunnies, goats, and chicks. You can find their schedule, current hours, and prices on their website.

Whispering Pines

This farm in Seneca has family farm days where they shear sheep, let the kids play with baby sheep and goats, and give tours. They also have opportunities for volunteering with baby goats in the spring. The Whispering Pines Facebook page is the best place to get updated info on events.

Feeding a cow at Moo Cow Farms
Moo Cow Farms

Moo Cow Farms

This cow-cuddling farm in Simpsonville is a lot of fun to visit, but you need to plan your trips months in advance since slots fill up fast. Check their website to see when they’re expecting baby cows.

Double Blessing Farm

Home of Red Clay Soap, Double Blessing Farm offers events throughout the year where you can visit the farm and the animals, including baby goats! The farm makes goat milk soap, and you can also sign up for field trips, homesteading classes, learn about the dairy, soapmaking, homeschool events, and more.

Biltmore

There’s a super cute little farm at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville where you can see baby chicks, pigs, and goats every spring. Tickets are required.

Where is your favorite place to visit baby animals?

Petting zoos and farms in Greenville, SC

Looking for more animals?

Here’s our list of over 20 petting zoos and farms where guests can pet and play with animals.

15+ Beautiful Gardens You Should Explore Near Greenville, SC

Posted on by Kidding Around Team | 4 Comments

Does your family love to visit botanical gardens? Looking for an opportunity to introduce your child to the wonders of nature? Browse our list and find the best gardens near Greenville, SC to visit on a sunny afternoon.

Gardens near Greenville, SC

Gardens are a wonderful way to spend time outdoors with your family. Kids love gardens because they can examine leaves and rocks, search for fairies among the flowers, and spot insects and other wildlife.

Gardens in Downtown Greenville, SC

Pedrick’s Garden & Old Mill Garden

601 S Main Street, Greenville, SC

The most popular garden downtown is at the scenic and award-winning Falls Park on the Reedy. With beautiful flowerbeds, grassy knolls, and waterfalls, what’s not to love? The 32-acre park is home to several beautiful public gardens along the Reedy River and Vardry Creek.

People walking across the bridge at Falls Park in Greenville, SC

Two of my family’s favorite spots in Falls Park are The Carolina Foothills Garden Club Sanctuary and Pedrick’s Garden at Falls Park.

Pedrick’s Garden is a sunflower-themed garden featuring a fountain and raised flower beds in the shapes of sunflower petals. The two-acre garden is behind the West End Market along Vardry Creek, just behind Mellow Mushroom parking lot.

Cross the Botanical Bridge at Pedrick’s Garden and visit the shady and serene Carolina Foothills Garden Club Sanctuary. This route involves uneven stone steps. If you need a flatter or stroller-friendly, path, you can reach the sanctuary by following a path just behind the amphitheater stage in Falls Park. This is a quiet, peaceful spot with old stone walls, a narrow waterfall, and a gentle creek.

Just below the Main Street entrance of Falls Park is the Frances Beattie Rockgarden. Old Mill Garden is downstream from the falls. This lovely, landscaped area with an old stone wall and arbor is a popular wedding spot.

The Children’s Garden

Reedy View Drive, Greenville, SC

Rainbow walkway and garden at the Children's Garden

The Children’s Garden at Linky Stone Park is another downtown favorite. My son loves the Storybook Garden, featuring a gingerbread house and bear statues, and the Rainbow Garden. There is also an Alphabet Garden, a History Garden, and a Five Senses Garden with musical instruments and fragrant herbs. I love that it’s so shady with plenty of places to sit.

Greenville Rose Society Garden & The Sue Simpson Garden

The Greenville Rose Society Garden and The Sue Simpson Garden are two small gardens downtown. You can find them at 200 and 300 East Camperdown Way. Peak blooming times are from May to September. Both are very pretty gardens, and the Sue Simpson has plenty of shade and paths, but they aren’t places I’d take small children. There isn’t much for them to see or do there, and there is no street parking. I could only find parking at the surrounding businesses.

The Children’s Garden and Healing Garden at Cancer Survivors Park

52 Cleveland Street, Greenville, SC

The Children’s Garden and Healing Garden are at Cancer Survivors Park. Both gardens honor people of all ages fighting cancer and inspire courage and serenity. The Children’s Garden showcases walkways lined with flowers, trees, plants, swings, human-made waterfalls, and a powerful bronze statue by Charles Pate Jr entitled “Fear Not”. The Healing Garden is tucked away in a secluded area and is designed to invoke a sense of peace.

Rock Quarry Garden

East Washington and Cleveland Park Drive, Greenville, SC

Built on the site of a pre-Civil War era granite quarry, Rock Quarry Garden is a popular site for wedding and family photoshoots. With waterfalls, flower beds, grassy hills, and a stone bridge over a rocky stream, it’s a gorgeous place to take family photos or enjoy a picnic. Located in Cleveland Park, at the corner of McDaniel and Sherwood Street, the garden is easily accessible from the Swamp Rabbit Trail.

Kilgore-Lewis House Gardens

560 North Academy Street, Greenville, SC

White gazebo amidst trees at Kilgore-Lewis gardens.

My kids and I love wandering around the gardens at the Kilgore-Lewis House. There’s something old-fashioned and whimsical about this place, and my son is positive fairies live there. Both natural and landscaped areas, grassy meadows, a pond, a creek, and some picturesque bridges make the gardens a beautiful place to walk around and enjoy nature. The gardens are a certified backyard habitat, and there is plenty of wildlife to see, including chipmunks, squirrels, and lots of birds. Both the house and garden are free to visit, and docents are available for tours.

Gardens at Roper Mountain Science Center

402 Roper Mountain Road, Greenville, SC

The Butterfly Garden at Roper Mountain Science Center is lush with flowers that attract butterflies. The garden is made up of host plants, such as Echinacea and Aster, and nectar plants like violets, hollyhock, and snapdragons. You can spot several species of butterfly in the garden, including Monarchs, Tiger Swallowtails, and Red Admirals. Stone and dirt paths, benches, and statues complete this pretty area.

The Butterfly Garden is a certified National Wildlife Federation Schoolyard Habitat. The garden is only open to the public during special events, including Afternoon Explorations from September – May and during Summer Adventure from June – August.

Bright yellow and purple wildflowers

Roper Mountain Science Center also has a Herb and Heritage Garden at the Living History Farm. Visitors can see vegetables and herbs commonly grown in the 1800s, as well as composting bins and plants used for dying fibers.

Furman University

3300 Poinsett Highway, Greenville, SC

The Janie Earle Furman Rose Garden features more than 700 rose bushes, brick pathways, a fountain, and a 19th-century Florentine gazebo. This beautiful spot is a popular place for photos. People can also rent it for small, standing-only weddings. The rose garden is just off the trail that circles the lake and is close to the bookstore.

Entrance to rose garden with white gazebo

The Furman University Asian Garden and Place of Peace is further along the lake trail. The garden has a pond with lily pads and koi fish, bamboo, uncut bonsais, Japanese Maple trees, and a Chinese Evergreen Oak. The Place of Peace, a traditional Japanese temple, is across the street from the garden and up a flight of steps.

Trees and foliage around a pond with the Furman clock tower in the background

While you’re there, be sure to check out the Susan Thomson Shi Garden just past the Bell Tower. It’s a sort of wild patch with flowers such as coneflowers and goldenrod.

Outside of the Townes Science Center, you can find a Rock and Botanical Garden, a greenhouse, and the Fiber/Dye Garden which grows cotton and lax and 15 plants for producing dyes. The plants are used in a variety of science courses.

Gardens in Spartanburg, SC

Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve

832 John B White Sr Boulevard, Spartanburg, SC

Foliage and flowers near a paved walkway

Hatcher Botanical Garden and Woodland Preserve is free to the public and a wonderful place for families to spend the day. With both paved and unpaved paths, wildflowers, waterfalls, ponds, observation decks, and several lovely places to picnic, Hatcher Gardens has a little bit of everything.

The trails are easy and about .25 miles each. Within the preserve’s 10 acres, you can find a butterfly garden, a medicinal garden, a native plant garden, and a hope and healing garden. They also offer group tours and educational programs. Hatcher Garden also has fun activities throughout the year including seasonal plant sales and workshops.

Spartanburg also has several arboretums that are free and open to the public. The spring flowers are stunning, and the fall colors are amazing.

Spartanburg Community College Arboretum

107 Community College Drive, Spartanburg, SC

Spartanburg Community College Arboretum has several unique gardens with trees, shrubs, and perennials. There is also an Outdoor Train Garden with a scale model train. The college uses the garden as an educational space for horticulture students.

Arboretum at USC Upstate

800 University Way, Spartanburg, SC

The Susan Jacobs Arboretum at the center of the Upstate University of South Carolina campus is 12 acres of walkways and indigenous foliage. There is also a large amphitheater, a creek, and a bog garden.

Wofford College Arboretum & Trails

429 N Church Street, Spartanburg, SC

The entire campus of Wofford College is considered a designated arboretum with more than 4,000 trees over 150 acres. There are three different tours of the arboretum, and the college provides guides at the start of each trail.

Milliken Arboretum

920 Milliken Rd, Spartanburg, SC

Located at the headquarters of Milliken & Company, The Milliken Arboretum is a nationally recognized arboretum. Within the 600 acres are more than 3,000 trees, many of them rare to South Carolina. There are several ponds, decorative fountains, trails, and open green spaces.

Morgan Square

Intersection of W. Main and N. Church Street in downtown Spartanburg

Not really a garden, but a lovely outdoor space, Morgan Square in downtown Spartanburg has several grassy areas, a bell tower, fountains, statues and brick pathways lined with a variety of plants and flowers. The square hosts several community events including Music on Main in the summer months, Flashback Fridays in April and May, and Skating on the Square from November through January.

Gardens Near Anderson, SC

South Carolina Botanical Gardens

150 Discovery Ln, Clemson, SC

The South Carolina Botanical Gardens in Clemson makes for a great little day trip. While the main exhibits are the Heritage Garden and the Children’s Garden, there are 295 acres of natural landscapes, nature trails, ponds, and even a red caboose.

My kids love it there, and I see something new every time. This is a wonderful place to visit again and again. There are also educational programs and events for kids and adults all year long.

Bright purple flowers growing in a garden with wooden trellis.

Gardens in Western North Carolina

North Carolina Arboretum

100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC

The North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville has garden exhibits, hiking, and biking trails, educational programs, and a cafe and gift shop. Some notable exhibits are the garden-scale model train that runs Saturdays and Sundays, a Stream Garden, a Quilt Garden, and a Bonsai Exhibit.

Asheville Botanical Gardens

151 W .T. Weaver Boulevard, Asheville, NC

Asheville Botanical Gardens are free, public gardens with a focus on plants native to Southern Appalachia. The garden’s 10 acres includes walking trails, streams, bridges, meadows, and woodland areas.

The Biltmore

1 Lodge Street, Asheville, NC

You won’t find more beautiful gardens than the ones at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville. They change out seasonally. The tulips and azaleas bloom in the spring, roses in late spring/early summer, sunflowers in late summer, and mums all throughout the fall. You can get tickets for just the gardens and grounds or both the grounds and the house. If you really love gardens, consider becoming a season passholder so you can see the gardens in their splendor all year round.

Tulips at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC.

Bountiful Cities

408 Pearson Drive, Asheville, NC

If you’re looking for a garden that’s a little different, check out Bountiful Cities in Asheville. This group maintains three edible gardens as well as two more partner gardens around town.

Find more things to do in our Asheville, NC Guide.

Gardens Near Charlotte, NC

Head to Charlotte for even more options!
There are a lot of free gardens to explore. See our guide to gardens in Charlotte, NC.

Know of a garden we should add to our list? Share it in the comments!

Rock Springs Run kings Landing

Find more fun things to do this spring!

And there are a TON of outdoor activities to do near Greenville, SC!

Bearwallow mountain

20+ Free or Cheap Things to Do in Spartanburg, SC

Posted on by Bethany Winston | 3 Comments

Are you looking for free things to do in Spartanburg, SC? Do you have an idea in your head that doing something fun with your kids in Spartanburg is going to cost money (and probably a lot of it)? We are setting the record correct today once and for all: Spartanburg has tons of fun free things to do and even more that are really cheap.

free things to do in Spartanburg, SC
Things to do in Spartanburg, SC

And here’s where you can find a giant list of things to do in Spartanburg, SC!

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Free Family Fishing Events That Will Get Your Kids “Hooked”

Posted on by Kidding Around Team |

Have you thought about taking your kids fishing? These free family fishing events are a great way to dip their toes into fishing. It can be a little overwhelming, especially if you don’t have much fishing experience yourself. Some of these events even provide the rods, bait, and more free! 

Free family fishing events

Don’t forget to register in advance!

Are you looking for a fun way to introduce your child to the sport of fishing?
Is your family looking for more ways to enjoy this activity together?

We’ve got some local family-friendly fishing events that everyone can enjoy, no matter their skill level!

We are lucky in the Upstate, that there are so many bodies of fresh water to fish from. Annual freshwater fishing permits are only $10, and children are covered with a permitted adult. Organized fishing events are nice because usually there are people there to help beginners, whether they be kids or grown-ups.

You can also find more information about events near SC for National Fishing and Boating week and where to fish for free in SC during that time.

Fishing at Lake Jocassee

Where to go fishing in Greenville, South Carolina and throughout the Upstate.

Grab your rod and reel and head to one of these excellent places to fish near Greenville, SC!

Free Family Fishing Events

SCDNR Fishing Rodeos

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources hosts several Fishing Rodeos across the Upstate annually. These are a great opportunity to enjoy fishing with your children, and at most of the events, the children receive a rod/reel combo and tackle. This is not guaranteed, so it’s best to come prepared. There are usually SCDNR officers on hand to help you and your children with tips and guidance. You will want to preregister for the SCDNR fishing rodeos.
Local events are usually held at Lake Cooley Outdoor Education Center, Croft State Park, The Draper Wildlife Area, and other places across the Upstate.
Check The SCDNR website for posted 2026 Fishing Rodeo events

2026 SCDNR Fishing Rodeos

Fishing at Croft State Park in Spartanburg, South Carolina

SCDNR Fishing Clinics

The SCDNR also hosts family fishing clinics. You will learn how to tie fishing knots, how to rig a rod and reel, casting, and everyone will get to test their skills fishing. Kids from ages 4 to adults are welcome, so plan to attend and enjoy the outdoors by making this a Family Fun Day! There are several clinics at Table Rock State Park.
Check The SCDNR website for a full list of 2026 Family Fishing Clinic events

2026 SCDRN Family Fishing Clinics

Fishing Events at Bass Pro Shops in Greenville

We love the events at Bass Pro Shops. They are fun, free, and full of information about fun outdoor activities. They offer these demonstrations throughout the year, but they are not regularly scheduled.
Check the Greenville Bass Pro Shops Facebook Page for posted events

Camping Near Greenville, SC: 25+ Campgrounds That Are Perfect for Kids

Posted on by Jackie Vest | 1 Comment

Want to go camping with kids in Greenville, SC? When it comes to hitting the Great Outdoors, there are lots of great options for unforgettable camping adventures! From primitive camping to RV sites, our area abounds with family-friendly campgrounds. Travel a bit further to camp in the wilderness or near sandy beaches. Read on to learn more about some of our readers’ favorite spots!

For even more outdoor adventure ideas, see Things to Do Outside.

Where to camp with kids near Greenville, SC
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Greenville Guides

Family Fun in Greenville, SC

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