The 2023 KABOOM Awards: Discover Greenville’s Best

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2023 KABOOM Family Favorites 1st Place: Indoor Family Fun
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites 1st Place: Best Birthday Party

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Educational Family Fun

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Summer Camps
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Field Trip
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Baby/Toddler Programs

With two locations in Greenville and Spartanburg, TCMU is a family favorite for learning and play. The TCMU-Greenville location is the 7th largest children’s museum in the nation and offers 80,000 square feet dedicated to play-based learning. The TCMU-Spartanburg location offers 6,000 square feet and is dedicated to early childhood development and Kindergarten readiness for children ages 6 and under. Exhibits and weekly programs at both locations encourage hands-on play, unique discoveries, and intentional learning opportunities–especially on rainy, cold or extremely hot days!

TCMU’s birthday parties are a fantastic way to celebrate your child’s upcoming birthday. All birthday party packages include a fully decorated and private party room, ALL DAY play for all party guests, cupcakes for every child, and a party host to manage all set-up and clean-up.

Aside from indoor fun and birthday parties – TCMU is also honored to be a finalist for Educational Family Fun, Summer Camps, Field Trips and the Baby/Toddler Program.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites 1st Place: Family Theatre & Performing Arts
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites 1st Place: Theater Program

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Indoor Family Fun
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Youth Organization

Now celebrating its 35^th year, SCCT is the largest children’s theatre in South Carolina and serves over 30,000 children and their families annually through performances and special events, theatre classes, on-site residencies, school tours, and outreach programs. SCCT recently opened its brand-new theatre facility in downtown Greenville, and envisions a community where ALL children experience the transformational impact of theatre, which nourishes creativity, grows empathy, and inspires confidence.

We hope you and your family will join us in the fun!

SCCT produces five (5) MainStage productions per year. Join us for our 22-23 season! This year’s productions are:

• Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! (Sept 23 – Oct 9, 2022) (Ages K5-3rd)
• Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Nov 18 – Dec 11, 2022) (All ages)
• The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane (Jan 27, 2023 – Feb 5, 2023) (Ages 3rd-8th grade)
• The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show (March 3 – 12, 2023) (Ages Pre-K-3rd grade)
• Once on This Island (May 5 – 21, 2023) (Ages 3rd-adult)

SCCT also offers FREE Tell-Me-A-Story Theatre performances for little ones (pre-K to early elementary) in our lobby throughout the year. At these lobby shows, favorite children’s books are acted out for our youngest audiences, and we encourage audience participation! Check our website for dates. 

SCCT’s Theatre Arts Conservatory offers year-round drama classes for students ages 3-18. Theatre classes develop skills that help students academically and socially while also providing students with a positive place to belong, develop friendships, and discover their potential and abilities. Click here to learn about our Theatre Arts Conservatory and be sure to check our website throughout the year for current class listings!

2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites Finalist: Indoor Family Fun
2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites Finalist: Birthday Party
2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites Finalist: Field Trips
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Sports Programs

Located in Simpsonville, Palmetto Gymnastics offers a Play Time for kids up to the age of 10. Cost is $5 per hour on Wednesdays and Friday from 10-11 am and 11 am – 12 pm. Families must pre-register by calling the gym. They also offer gymnastics & ninja classes, birthday parties, field trips, and summer camps.

Birthday Parties: Parties at Palmetto Gymnastics include gym time and time for refreshments. Various packages are available for both structured gym time and non-structured gym time, ninja course, tumble track, and more, depending on your preferences.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Indoor Family Fun
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Kids’ Birthday Party

This giant trampoline park, with a location in Greenville and in Spartanburg, includes a rock wall, jousting, a ninja course, a laser maze, a slam dunk basketball area, a foam pit, a zipline, a toddler area, and much more! They also offer special toddler times, birthday parties, and group events.

Birthday Parties: Choose from 60, 90, or 120 minute jump party packages to fit your party’s needs. From pizza & drinks, to dedicated party host & clean-up – it’s ALL INCLUDED! All you do is bring the cake and enjoy the party!

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Indoor Fun
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Educational Family Fun

The Greenville County Library System offers a large variety of virtual and in-person programs for babies, preschoolers, children, and adults! Some programs include take-home kits that can be requested online. Topics include history, art, and science.

The Greenville Library offers field trips including story times, a look-and-find tour, reference tours, and more.

• Age: Programs available for multiple age groups
• Subject: English, Reading, Literature
• The library can also bring programs to your location for groups.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites First Place: Outdoor Fun

Fun comes first at Takeoff Mini Golf! Every hole is designed to be amazing from start to finish. It is aviation themed and each player takes off on hole 1 and ends with landing on the runway on hole 18. The finale hole 19 has a real life beacon that lights up…if you are skilled enough to get a hole in one! Or stop in to enjoy our shaded patio and pavilion areas while treating yourself to locally roasted coffee, delicious snacks, or premium shaved ice while watching the planes takeoff near footsteps from us!

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Outdoor Fun

Flying Rabbit Adventures is an aerial high ropes course park located on 5 acres in Greenville, SC. They offer 60 unique athletic experiences for all abilities.

You can find everything you need to know before visiting Flying Rabbit Adventures in our Kidding Around Review!

They offer an Aeriel Adventure Course, Orville’s Kid Course, and the Pump Track
The course can be reserved for group sessions in addition to birthday parties!

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Outdoor Fun
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Farms

A KAG reader favorite, Sky Top Orchard offers mountain views, ponds with ducks and geese, farm animals, play structures, and apple and fruit trees. Don’t miss the amazing apple cider donuts. Last year there were some concerns about Sky Top getting too crowded so maybe try to go during the week if you prefer smaller crowds.

2022 season-opening date: August 1st

Offers:
U-pick apples
Farm Store with Cider donuts
Farm animals
Wagon Rides
Playground
Gold Rush Gem Mine (new for 2022!)

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites First Place: Best Park

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Outdoor Fun

The newly-renovated Century Park features the fairytale-themed Benson Automotive Kids Planet. Kids Planet is located in the shade and sun and includes:

• Two fence-enclosed age-appropriate play areas
• Misting play area
• Musical activity space
• Ziplines
• Hillside slides
• A ground-level trampoline
• Special needs child/parent swing
• Sno Hut Shaved Ice concession stand

Century Park also offers:

• Paved walking trail, picnic shelters, baseball diamonds, frisbee golf
• Restrooms
• Free parking lot

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Outdoor Fun

The South Carolina State Park system offers 47 state parks throughout the state. Each park offers unique outdoor activities for the family to enjoy, including hiking, swimming, camping, lodging, mountain biking (select parks), equestrian trails (select parks), and more!

Find all the information you need about each park in our Ultimate Guide to all 47 SC State Parks

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites First Place: Educational Family Fun
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites First Place: Field Trips

Located just minutes from downtown Greenville, Roper Mountain Science Center is one of the nation’s most unique learning experiences. As a pinnacle of innovative learning, an engine for community engagement, and a national leader in science education, Roper Mountain’s mission is to ignite the natural curiosity of all learners to explore and shape their world.

The beautiful 62-acre campus contains an array of state-of-the-art educational facilities including a Planetarium and Observatory, Marine and Ecology labs, a Rainforest, a Living History Farm and a new Environmental Science and Sustainability Center.

Each year, more than 50,000 students, 6000 teachers and 30,000 families experience the latest in explorative STEM education through these interactive exhibits and hands-on learning opportunities. Families can attend numerous events throughout the year including Friday Starry Nights, Afternoon Explorations, Summer Adventure, Laser Days of Summer, Summer Exploration Camps, and seasonal holiday laser shows. Regardless of age, Roper Mountain provides everyone the opportunity to explore, discover, imagine and grow.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Educational Family Fun

Learn about the history of the Upstate area and enjoy traveling exhibits. There’s usually one traveling exhibit that’s perfect for kids, and the rest of the museum has lots of audio, video, and hands-on sections of exhibits that the whole family will enjoy. You can find a list of their family-friendly events and fantastic exhibits on their website.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Educational Family Fun

Home of George the Unicorn. Hidden Pastures offers seasonal farm events, birthday parties, field trips, and lots more. Visit the farm to learn about farm animals, hold baby animals, and much more. Public hours vary by season. Check their website for more information.

The party area has outdoor picnic tables, pony rides, and lots of cute farm animals to see and learn about.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Indoor Fun
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Educational Family Fun

The Greenville County Library System offers a large variety of virtual and in-person programs for babies, preschoolers, children, and adults! Some programs include take-home kits that can be requested online. Topics include history, art, and science.

The Greenville Library offers field trips including story times, a look-and-find tour, reference tours, and more.

• Age: Programs available for multiple age groups
• Subject: English, Reading, Literature
• The library can also bring programs to your location for groups.

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2023 KABOOM Family Favorites 1st Place: Indoor Family Fun
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites 1st Place: Best Birthday Party

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Educational Family Fun

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Summer Camps
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Field Trip
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Baby/Toddler Programs

With two locations in Greenville and Spartanburg, TCMU is a family favorite for learning and play. The TCMU-Greenville location is the 7th largest children’s museum in the nation and offers 80,000 square feet dedicated to play-based learning. The TCMU-Spartanburg location offers 6,000 square feet and is dedicated to early childhood development and Kindergarten readiness for children ages 6 and under. Exhibits and weekly programs at both locations encourage hands-on play, unique discoveries, and intentional learning opportunities–especially on rainy, cold or extremely hot days!

TCMU’s birthday parties are a fantastic way to celebrate your child’s upcoming birthday. All birthday party packages include a fully decorated and private party room, ALL DAY play for all party guests, cupcakes for every child, and a party host to manage all set-up and clean-up.

Aside from indoor fun and birthday parties – TCMU is also honored to be a finalist for Educational Family Fun, Summer Camps, Field Trips and the Baby/Toddler Program.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites 1st Place: Family Theatre & Performing Arts
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites 1st Place: Theater Program

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Indoor Family Fun
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Youth Organization

Now celebrating its 35^th year, SCCT is the largest children’s theatre in South Carolina and serves over 30,000 children and their families annually through performances and special events, theatre classes, on-site residencies, school tours, and outreach programs. SCCT recently opened its brand-new theatre facility in downtown Greenville, and envisions a community where ALL children experience the transformational impact of theatre, which nourishes creativity, grows empathy, and inspires confidence.

We hope you and your family will join us in the fun!

SCCT produces five (5) MainStage productions per year. Join us for our 22-23 season! This year’s productions are:

• Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! (Sept 23 – Oct 9, 2022) (Ages K5-3rd)
• Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Nov 18 – Dec 11, 2022) (All ages)
• The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane (Jan 27, 2023 – Feb 5, 2023) (Ages 3rd-8th grade)
• The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show (March 3 – 12, 2023) (Ages Pre-K-3rd grade)
• Once on This Island (May 5 – 21, 2023) (Ages 3rd-adult)

SCCT also offers FREE Tell-Me-A-Story Theatre performances for little ones (pre-K to early elementary) in our lobby throughout the year. At these lobby shows, favorite children’s books are acted out for our youngest audiences, and we encourage audience participation! Check our website for dates. 

SCCT’s Theatre Arts Conservatory offers year-round drama classes for students ages 3-18. Theatre classes develop skills that help students academically and socially while also providing students with a positive place to belong, develop friendships, and discover their potential and abilities. Click here to learn about our Theatre Arts Conservatory and be sure to check our website throughout the year for current class listings!

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Family Theatre and Performing Arts

The Carolina Ballet Theatre produces multiple professional ballet productions throughout the year.

The Spring 2023 production is “Snow Princess.”

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Family Theatre and Performing Arts

Greenville Shakespeare Company brings family-friendly productions of Shakespeare’s works and other classic literature to the stage. Performances occur at Bob Jones University, as well as other venues around the Upstate.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Family Theatre and Performing Arts

The Greer Children’s Theatre produces three family-friendly musicals or plays. These productions are performed at Greer, SC area venues.

The 2023 Spring musical show is the Lion King Jr.

Classes Offered:  Multiple theater, dance and drama classes and camps. Students learn all aspects of theatre from make up to stage presence to dance to set design.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Family Theatre and Performing Arts

The Logos Theatre brings high-quality performances with family values to life.

The 2023 season includes:

• The Pilgrim’s Progress
• Master’s Showcase
• The Scarlet Pimpernel

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2023 KABOOM Family Favorites 1st Place: Indoor Family Fun
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites 1st Place: Best Birthday Party

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Educational Family Fun

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Summer Camps
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Field Trip
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Baby/Toddler Programs

With two locations in Greenville and Spartanburg, TCMU is a family favorite for learning and play. The TCMU-Greenville location is the 7th largest children’s museum in the nation and offers 80,000 square feet dedicated to play-based learning. The TCMU-Spartanburg location offers 6,000 square feet and is dedicated to early childhood development and Kindergarten readiness for children ages 6 and under. Exhibits and weekly programs at both locations encourage hands-on play, unique discoveries, and intentional learning opportunities–especially on rainy, cold or extremely hot days!

TCMU’s birthday parties are a fantastic way to celebrate your child’s upcoming birthday. All birthday party packages include a fully decorated and private party room, ALL DAY play for all party guests, cupcakes for every child, and a party host to manage all set-up and clean-up.

Aside from indoor fun and birthday parties – TCMU is also honored to be a finalist for Educational Family Fun, Summer Camps, Field Trips and the Baby/Toddler Program.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Kids’ Birthday Parties
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Dance Program

Dance Without Limits offers dance classes for young children through teens. Classes start at just 18 months old with a parent and child class, continue with preschool programs and dance training for tweens and teens. Styles of dance include ballet, jazz, lyrical, hop-hop, and acro.

Birthday Parties: Dance Without Limits offers Dance birthday parties with themes like Princess Ballerina, Disco Diva, Hip Hop Star and Tumbling Fun. Parties include instruction, set-up, clean-up, invitations, and decorations.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Kids’ Birthday Party
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Family Friendly Farms

Eden Farms offers horseback riding, lessons, horse boarding, special events, Happy Hooves therapeutic riding, and more.

Birthday Parties: Eden Farms offers party options for kids of any age. Parties include riding time, use of a picnic area or party room, and the choice of fun extras like games, crafts, and/or party gifts.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Indoor Family Fun
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Kids’ Birthday Party

This giant trampoline park, with a location in Greenville and in Spartanburg, includes a rock wall, jousting, a ninja course, a laser maze, a slam dunk basketball area, a foam pit, a zipline, a toddler area, and much more! They also offer special toddler times, birthday parties, and group events.

Birthday Parties: Choose from 60, 90, or 120 minute jump party packages to fit your party’s needs. From pizza & drinks, to dedicated party host & clean-up – it’s ALL INCLUDED! All you do is bring the cake and enjoy the party!

2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites Finalist: Indoor Family Fun
2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites Finalist: Birthday Party
2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites Finalist: Field Trips
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Sports Programs

Located in Simpsonville, Palmetto Gymnastics offers a Play Time for kids up to the age of 10. Cost is $5 per hour on Wednesdays and Friday from 10-11 am and 11 am – 12 pm. Families must pre-register by calling the gym. They also offer gymnastics & ninja classes, birthday parties, field trips, and summer camps.

Birthday Parties: Parties at Palmetto Gymnastics include gym time and time for refreshments. Various packages are available for both structured gym time and non-structured gym time, ninja course, tumble track, and more, depending on your preferences.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites First Place: Best Park

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Outdoor Fun

The newly-renovated Century Park features the fairytale-themed Benson Automotive Kids Planet. Kids Planet is located in the shade and sun and includes:

• Two fence-enclosed age-appropriate play areas
• Misting play area
• Musical activity space
• Ziplines
• Hillside slides
• A ground-level trampoline
• Special needs child/parent swing
• Sno Hut Shaved Ice concession stand

Century Park also offers:

• Paved walking trail, picnic shelters, baseball diamonds, frisbee golf
• Restrooms
• Free parking lot

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Best Parks

Your children will love watching the planes take off and land at this fully-enclosed park right beside the Downtown Greenville Airport. You can even enjoy a scavenger hunt!

• Paved trail for wheels, picnic shelter
• Big kid and preschool playgrounds in the sun
• Restrooms
• Free parking lot

Read our review of Runway Park.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Best Parks

The huge Unity Park is now open and it is gorgeous. Families will love the wide-open spaces, playgrounds, shelters, paved trails, and of course, the splash pad.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Best Parks

Stroll across Greenville’s iconic Liberty Bridge, picnic by the river, and let your kids cool off at the city’s only splash pad. You can also turn your visit into a scavenger hunt if you look for the butterflies from the Butterfly Keeper Project.

• Iconic suspension bridge, paved walking trail, bench swings, picnic tables, splash pad
• Sunny and shady areas
• Restrooms
• Street-side parking or city parking garage

Read our review of Falls Park.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Best Parks

Perfect for a hot day, head to this park for an enclosed playground, bench swings, a paved walking trail or even a train ride.

• Train, paved walking trail
• Shady, enclosed playground
• Restrooms
• Free parking lot

Read our review of Heritage Park.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites First Place: Local Sports Team

Enjoy a Minor League Baseball game with the Greenville Drive at Fluor Field in Downtown Greenville. The Greenville Drive also offers special events and birthday party packages.

The Greenville Drive 2023 season begins in April!

Check out our 5 Tips for Visiting the Greenville Drive before catching a game! 

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Local Sports Team

Check out a professional soccer game with the Greenville Triumph SC. The Greenville Triumph offers camps and clinics, special events, and special programs for the Greenville community.

The 2023 Greenville Triumph SC season begins March 25th!

Check out the top 5 Things You Need to Know About the Greenville Triumph in our KA review! 

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Local Sports Team

Enjoy watching the Greenville Liberty Soccer Club, a professional women’s elite soccer team in Greenville, SC, during home and away games. Greenville Liberty also offers special events, camps, and more!

The 2023 Greenville Liberty season will be announced soon, stay tuned!

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Local Sports Team

Experience a professional hockey game with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Downtown Greenville. The Greenville Swamp Rabbits regularly host themed nights, special events, and birthday party packages.

2022/2023 Greenville Swamp Rabbits season runs from October 2022 through April 2023

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites First Place: Pediatrician Office

Parkside Pediatrics offer care from newborn through adolescence. They have six locations in the upstate, including one in Spartanburg and one in Downtown Greer. Virtual visits and 24/7 on-call hours are available.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Pediatrician Office

Children’s Medical Center offers care for newborns through teens. They have five locations throughout Greenville County. The Greenville location on Verdae offers Saturday morning appointments.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Pediatrician Office

Prisma Health Pediatrics – Patewood is a physician practice featuring extended office hours and same-day appointments for sick children. They offer subspecialists within the same building. Saturday hours are offered from 8:00 am- 11:00 am.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Pediatrician Office

Offer care for newborns through teens. Eastside Pediatrics utilizes preventative care techniques, and only performs testing and administers prescriptions when absolutely necessary. They perform well checks, immunizations, growth assessments, and treatment of illnesses and injuries.

2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites Finalist: Pediatrician Office

Prisma Health Pediatrics – Mills Avenue/Maxwell Pointe, formerly Christie Pediatric Group, provides comprehensive services for children in two Greenville area locations. One location is at Mills Avenue near Greenville Memorial Hospital. The Maxwell Pointe location is located on Woodruff Road. Both locations house on-site laboratories, 7-day on-call physicians, and after-hours nurse triage.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites First Place: Orthodontics

Drs. Lance Fogle, Andrew Marshall and Russell McCracken have a passion for orthodontics and taking excellent care of their patients. With advanced training in orthodontics, our doctors are specialists in the art and science of tooth movement. We offer orthodontic treatment for children, teens, and adults, which include traditional metal braces, clear braces, and clear aligners.

The next step toward achieving a beautiful smile is to schedule your complimentary consultation at one of our convenient locations in Greer, Taylors, Greenville, or Five Forks, SC. We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you into the Carolina Family Orthodontics family!

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Orthodontics

PalmettoFamily Orthodontics offers Invisalign and braces for the whole family.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Orthodontics

Offers a range of orthodontic services for people of all ages, including children and adolescents. The first exam is complimentary.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Orthodontics

We know receiving orthodontic treatment is a big decision, so we want to give you the opportunity to check out our offices, meet our team and learn about your treatment options, allowing you to proceed with confidence.

If you’re considering orthodontic treatment in the Greenville, Greer, Simpsonville, Berea, Anderson, Walhalla, Clemson, Spartanburg, or the surrounding area, book your complimentary consultation online (drbuddy.com) or by calling us at (864) 801-3500.

Not only will we help you achieve amazing results quickly, comfortably, and aesthetically, but we’ll also make the process easy and stress-free with flexible scheduling and financing

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Orthodontics

Summers Orthodontics offers Invisalign and braces for children and adults.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Pediatric Dentist

Dental care for infants, toddlers, adolescents, and children with special needs

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Pediatric Dentist

Greer Pediatric Dental care specializes in dental care for children and young adults. They offer a free initial consultation for children under 2.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Pediatric Dentist

There’s nothing quite as wonderful as seeing your child’s smile, and at Cherry Orchard Pediatric Dentistry, our goal is to keep those grins shining bright. Each patient’s care is tailored per their individual needs with the goal of creating a long-lasting positive appreciation for dental hygiene. Come experience the FUN!

Call to schedule your child’s appointment today 864.603.2603!

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Pediatric Dentist

Maverick Smiles Pediatric Dentistry offers a wide range of pediatric dental services.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Pediatric Dentist

Smile Place ffers pediatric dentistry with a focus on preventative and restorative care. They also offer sedation dentistry and emergency care.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites First Place: Hospitals

The Greenville Memorial Hospital is part of the Prisma Health not-for-profit health company and is located in Downtown Greenville.
The hospital also houses the Upstate’s only comprehensive children’s hospital, a comprehensive stroke center, the Family Birthcenter, and the Bryan Neonatal Care Unit.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Hospitals

The Greer Memorial Hospital is a part of the Prisma Health not-for-profit health company. The hospital offers a personalized healthcare experience.

Some of the services and departments include 24-hour Emergency, Heart Care, Women’s Health, Pediatric Services, Women’s Health, The Birthplace at Prisma Health Greer Memorial Hospital, and Cancer Institute Greer.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Hospitals

Shriner Children’s Greenville specializes in over 85 different pediatric orthopedic conditions and is home to the largest team of pediatric orthopedic surgeons in the Carolinas. Over the course of its 95-year history, the hospital has served not only children from the Upstate but also from around the country and the world.

Honored by the South Carolina Hospital Association for its commitment to safety, Shriners Children’s has also ranked among the Top 5 percent of all comparable hospitals in the nation nine times since 2013. With physical and occupational therapies, prosthetic and orthotic services as well as low-dose radiation X-ray abilities and an in-house motion analysis clinic – comprehensive treatment is provided under one roof, regardless of a child’s insurance status or family’s ability to pay.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Hospitals

The Pelham Medical Center offers both inpatient and outpatient care, emergency care services, primary physician care, diagnostics, surgery, and a cancer center.

Pelham Medical Center is part of the Spartanburg Regional system.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Hospitals

St. Francis Eastside is a hospital in the Bon Secours Health System. The facility is open 24 hours and houses 93 beds and two medical offices at its location in Greenville, SC.

Some departments include Emergency, Labor and Delivery, Neonatal Care Unit, Orthopedic Surgery, Breast Health Center, physician’s offices. A complete list of services and departments can be located on the St. Francis Eastside website.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites First Place: OB-GYN Office

Parkside OB-GYN offers individualized care for women throughout life, including maternity care services. They seek to provide personal support, educate patients, and peace of mind for patients.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: OB-GYN Office

Piedmont OB-GYN offers obstetric and gynecological care. Annual exams, contraceptive counseling, and a variety of specialized care services are available, including endometriosis treatment, infertility treatment, and cancer screenings. Several physicians specialize in adolescent gynecology, including STD prevention and vaccinations. Piedmont OB-GYN offers two locations in Greenville.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: OB-GYN Office

Provides compassionate obstetric and gynecological care. Elle OBGYN treats women from adolescence to menopause. Some additional services the clinic provides include menstrual dysfunction care and preconception counseling.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: OB-GYN

Greenville Midwifery Care is a practice of Certified Nurse-Midwives that offer midwifery services, gynecological services, and obstetrics. Midwives provide primary care from adolescence through menopause, breastfeeding support, family planning, and preconception counseling.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: OB-GYN Office

Upstate OB-GYN is part of the Bon Secours hospital system. They offer women’s health and maternity services while taking patients’ concerns seriously and working with them toward better health.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites First Place: Pediatric Therapy Office

Word Play Therapies offers speech, occupational, and physical therapy services for children. Parents and caregivers are involved during sessions with the therapists. Sessions are play-based, creative, and interactive.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Pediatric Therapy Office

Kidnetics is a department of the Prisma Health Children’s Hospital. They offer a wide range of therapeutic services to children, including occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physical therapy.

Kidnetics has multiple locations: Academy Street in Greenville, at GHS Children’s Hospital on the Greenville Memorial Medical Campus, and in Spartanburg at North Grove Medical Park

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Pediatric Therapy Services

McCulloh Therapeutic Solutions offers the speech and language services you are looking for to help your child continue his or her development. For the past 15 years, MTS has been the recognized name in motor planning, speech, sensory, and oral-motor therapies for the Upstate of South Carolina. The best part is your child’s speech or language screening at our locations in Spartanburg and Greenville is FREE! If you have concerns about your child’s speech development, fine or gross motor skills, picky-eating or feeding habits, or if your child has been diagnosed with apraxia, autism, auditory processing, we can help. You are not in this alone! Our team of speech-language pathologists is ready to work with you and your child to reach your goals. MTS accepts many forms of speech coverage including SC Medicaid, SC BabyNet, private pay, Health Savings accounts, private insurance, and TRICARE. It’s easy to schedule an appointment to learn more. 

Spartanburg office: call (864) 576-7188

Greenville office: call (864) 244-3474

Email us anytime at [email protected]

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Pediatric Therapy Office

Did you know 1 in 6 children are affected by a mental health disorder? That is over 32% of children nationwide. However, with early diagnosis, families can make a huge difference in the lives of their children. This starts with finding the right Provider. When your child is struggling, the whole family is struggling, and we are passionate about walking alongside you and your child so that you can experience a more healthy and vibrant family dynamic. Our providers have client-centered approaches and often use experiential therapy, play therapy, and/or art and creative therapies to help children on their path to healing.

VIVE also offers several specialized treatment options for pediatric clients, including PCIT (Parent-Child Interactive Therapy) and Parent Management.

● PCIT is a proven, evidence-based approach to treating young children (ages 2-7) with behavioral problems. Working with our certified therapist, a parent and child are observed while the therapist provides in-the-moment coaching.
● Parent Management is a behaviorally-based treatment that helps parents learn to positively shape their children’s behaviors, promote compliance, and encourage growth. If you have any questions or want more information about counseling services for children, adolescents, or adults, please give us a call. We would be happy to discuss how we can come alongside you and your family to create positive growth and change.

Visit vivepsych.com or call 864.239.4110

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Pediatric Therapy Office

Speaking Life LLC offers speech and language therapy services for children in Greenville county. The service can be provided at home and in a community setting.

2023 KABOOM Family FavoritesFirst Place: Family Photography

Abbey Vitou Photography is a newborn and family portrait photographer in the Upstate area. You can see her work on Abbey Vitou Photography on Facebook.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Family Photography

Anna Bargeron Photography offers family mini-sessions, portraits, lifestyle sessions, and wedding photography. You can see her work on her Anna Bargeron Photography website.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Family Photographers

Shining Star Studios offers a wide variety of photography services for both families and businesses. They do family mini-sessions, as well as headshots and corporate photography.

 2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Family Photographer

Shawn Salley Photography specializes in portrait and pet photography in Greenville, SC. This photographer also offers family photography.

 2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Family Photography

Angela Maria Photography offers maternity, newborn, family, kids, couples, and headshot photography.

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2023 KABOOM Family Favorites 1st Place: Childcare Center 
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites 1st Place: After School Care

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Sports Program 

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Summer Camps

For more than a century, the YMCA of Greenville has strengthened the foundations of the community we serve. We are committed to nurturing the potential of children through Youth Development, improving the nation’s health and well-being by promoting Healthy Living, and fostering a sense of Social Responsibility by providing opportunities to give back and support our neighbors. 

The YMCA of Greenville is proud to be selected by our community as a ‘Family Favorite’ in the categories of:

• Favorite Childcare Center – At the Y, children can gain confidence, make friends, and explore their interests in a safe environment. The YMCA staff is committed to helping the youth of today grow into the leaders of tomorrow.  
• Favorite After School Care Program – Let your kids learn, grow, and thrive while we provide homework assistance, enrichment activities, and a healthy snack. 
• Favorite Summer Camp – Summer is made for adventure! Let your child craft their summer story at the YMCA of Greenville!
• Favorite Sports Program – The YMCA of Greenville offers the community many opportunities for children and adults to participate in sports. Each of our four family branches specialize in a variety of sports for our youth. 

Favorite Youth Organization (Youth in Government) – The Youth in Government (YIG) program helps to create the next generation of good citizens. Though our programs, we demystify local, state, and national governmental systems so tomorrow’s adults will know how to effect change within these systems. We expand horizons so young people will understand their role within a global society.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Childcare Center

Offers: K2-K4, elementary K5- 7th Grade

Our objective at Abiding Peace Academy is to provide exceptional education, instilling a love of learning in each student by nurturing his or her intellectual, spiritual, social, emotional and physical development in a safe, loving, Christian community; while imparting a strong faith in the truth of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Abiding Peace Academy can make a difference in your child’s life. You’ll love being a part of this warm and safe community, and you’ll be rewarded as you watch your child have fun growing each day.

Schedule a tour and find out more at Abiding Peace Academy. 

2023 Family Favorites 1st Place: Private School

2023 Family Favorites Finalist: Childcare Center

First Presbyterian Academy (FPA) at Shannon Forest, K3 – 12th Grade, and First Presbyterian Academy Downtown, K2 – K6, both offer a unique, premiere college preparatory school experience, rooted in a Christian worldview.   All classes are characterized by small classes.

PRESCHOOL: 

• Students are taught by experienced, degreed teachers, utilizing the very best research-based instructional resources.
• Related Arts classes include Music, Physical Education, Art, and Chapel.

K5 – 5TH GRADE:

• FPA’s Elementary School prepares students for the rigors of Middle School while celebrating the differences of all God’s children. 
• An average week includes challenging, hands-on classroom time, instruction in STEM, Art, Physical Education, Music, Chapel, and daily Bible lessons. 

MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL:

• The Middle School program provides an important bridge from Elementary to High School.
• Students learn to think in the highest of categories but do so with the truth of a Christian worldview.
• A full-time College Counselor works closely with students and their families as they prepare for college.
• 100% of students are accepted to college and are ready to impact the world for Jesus Christ.

Shannon Forest (Main Campus K3-12th Grade) 829 Garlington Road, Greenville | 864.678.5107

Downtown (Preschool K2-K6) 200 West Washington Street, Greenville | 864.565.0990

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Childcare Center

Ivybrook Academy is a nationally-recognized, NAEYC-accredited Montessori and Reggio Emilia inspired half-day preschool for children 18 months through transitional kindergarten. The school offers both morning and afternoon sessions and an award-winning curriculum with everything from yoga to organic gardening, to music and foreign languages.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Childcare Centers

Offers: Ages 1-4

St. Giles offers an enriching Preschool program focusing on Emergent Literacy which includes reading, writing, speaking, listening. We also focus on Math, Art, Music, Creativity, and Play. We nurture children as they grow in their ability to manage their behavior, develop language, interact with friends and teachers, as well as grow in their academic skills.

St. Giles offers classes for ages 1-4 with 2,3, and 5 day programs. Classes are 9 am – 12 pm with an optional late stay Monday-Thursday from 12-1 pm.

Email St. Giles at [email protected] or visit them at St. Giles!

2023 Family Favorites 1st Place: Private School

2023 Family Favorites Finalist: Childcare Center

First Presbyterian Academy (FPA) at Shannon Forest, K3 – 12th Grade, and First Presbyterian Academy Downtown, K2 – K6, both offer a unique, premiere college preparatory school experience, rooted in a Christian worldview.   All classes are characterized by small classes.

PRESCHOOL: 

• Students are taught by experienced, degreed teachers, utilizing the very best research-based instructional resources.
• Related Arts classes include Music, Physical Education, Art, and Chapel.

K5 – 5TH GRADE:

• FPA’s Elementary School prepares students for the rigors of Middle School while celebrating the differences of all God’s children. 
• An average week includes challenging, hands-on classroom time, instruction in STEM, Art, Physical Education, Music, Chapel, and daily Bible lessons. 

MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL:

• The Middle School program provides an important bridge from Elementary to High School.
• Students learn to think in the highest of categories but do so with the truth of a Christian worldview.
• A full-time College Counselor works closely with students and their families as they prepare for college.
• 100% of students are accepted to college and are ready to impact the world for Jesus Christ.

Shannon Forest (Main Campus K3-12th Grade) 829 Garlington Road, Greenville | 864.678.5107

Downtown (Preschool K2-K6) 200 West Washington Street, Greenville | 864.565.0990

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Private Schools

Southside Christian School (SCS) partners with Christian parents in providing an excellent education consistent with biblical truth. We encourage students to discover, grow, and achieve all God has for them.

Elementary, Middle, and High School students are encouraged to excel in every area of their education. At SCS, we believe learning should be challenging and fun.

SCS also offers Student Success Services to meet each child where they are in the learning process.

Students have multiple opportunities outside of the classroom through service, clubs, athletics and fine arts.

Students participate in chapel, Spiritual Life Conferences, and small groups led by faculty and staff.

The community of students, families, faculty, and staff truly make a difference at Southside Christian School. The SCS community is like a family, which encourages a fun and loving learning environment.

We would love for you to experience our school through a private tour or an open house. Visit southsidechristian.org to complete your inquiry or RSVP for an open house. We hope to see you soon!

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Private Schools

Greenville Classical Academy models classical education in a Christian environment and strives for excellence in academics as well as in every other aspect of life. Offers K4 – 12th grade.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Private School

Offers: K2-K4, elementary K5- 7th Grade

Our objective at Abiding Peace Academy is to provide an exceptional education, instilling a love of learning in each student by nurturing his or her intellectual, spiritual, social, emotional and physical development in a safe, loving, Christian community; while imparting a strong faith in the truth of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Abiding Peace Academy can make a difference in your child’s life. The foundation of our education is Christ, and children grow in the Christian teachings and values each day. Our small class sizes and dedicated teachers ensure that each child receives the nurturing attention they deserve. APA students routinely score above national averages on standardized test scores.  Aftercare is also available each weekday.

Now enrolling middle school grades 6 & 7! Schedule a tour to see our clean, bright, spacious campus by visiting Abiding Peace Academy. 

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Private Schools

Upstate Montessori Academy offers a Montessori education for students in 2K through 3rd grade. 2K and 3K have half-day or full-day programs, and 4K through 3rd grade has a full-day program.

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2023 KABOOM Family Favorites 1st Place: Childcare Center 
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites 1st Place: After School Care

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Sports Program 

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Summer Camps

For more than a century, the YMCA of Greenville has strengthened the foundations of the community we serve. We are committed to nurturing the potential of children through Youth Development, improving the nation’s health and well-being by promoting Healthy Living, and fostering a sense of Social Responsibility by providing opportunities to give back and support our neighbors. 

The YMCA of Greenville is proud to be selected by our community as a ‘Family Favorite’ in the categories of:

• Favorite Childcare Center – At the Y, children can gain confidence, make friends, and explore their interests in a safe environment. The YMCA staff is committed to helping the youth of today grow into the leaders of tomorrow.  
• Favorite After School Care Program – Let your kids learn, grow, and thrive while we provide homework assistance, enrichment activities, and a healthy snack. 
• Favorite Summer Camp – Summer is made for adventure! Let your child craft their summer story at the YMCA of Greenville!
• Favorite Sports Program – The YMCA of Greenville offers the community many opportunities for children and adults to participate in sports. Each of our four family branches specialize in a variety of sports for our youth. 

Favorite Youth Organization (Youth in Government) – The Youth in Government (YIG) program helps to create the next generation of good citizens. Though our programs, we demystify local, state, and national governmental systems so tomorrow’s adults will know how to effect change within these systems. We expand horizons so young people will understand their role within a global society.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Afterschool Care

Offers: Before and after school care for children up to age 12.  Centers and zones for enrichment including art, science, media, and construction.

Two Greenville County locations: 
390 Westmoreland Road, Greer
125 Verdin Road, Greenville 

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Afterschool Care

Greenville County Schools offers an Extended Day Program at its schools providing afterschool care. The Extended Day Program is staffed by education professionals. Contact your child’s school for information on the EDP offered at that school

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Afterschool Care

Primrose Schools is a family of accredited, high-quality early education and care schools for children ages 6 weeks to 6-years-old (including Private Kindergarten) and after-school care for children up to age 12.  Our Balanced Learning® System has been developed by and taught exclusively at Primrose Schools. It is a research-based curriculum that blends teacher-guided and child-initiated activities with a special emphasis on character development.

We have an onsite Chef who follows a balanced menu plan that includes all of your child’s meals and snacks throughout the day. Good nutrition is a key part of our Healthy Bodies program that promotes healthy eating and an active lifestyle. We know the right food at the right time not only boosts energy, but also can elevate a child’s mood and thinking skills during a crucial development stage. At Primrose, you will also receive digital “daily reports” of exactly what your child ate that day, how long they napped, pictures throughout the day, etc.

Children can continue after preschool into Primrose’s high quality private Kindergarten program that combines math and literacy with important skills such as character development, music, and Spanish. Our Kindergarten program is designed to promote social, emotional, physical, cognitive, creative and character development, so your child is prepared to take on elementary school and beyond.

For additional information, please visit www.PrimroseSimpsonville.com, email [email protected], or call 864.729.8811.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites First Place: Faith Community

The Grace Church-Pelham community is “passionate about experiencing the life changing power of Jesus Christ, and helping others to do the same.”

They offer services Thursdays at noon, Saturdays at 5 pm, and Sundays at 9 am and 11 am.

Find out more about their community at the Grace Church- Pelham Website.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Faith Community

Messy Church is part of Central United Methodist Church in Spartanburg, SC. They offer family programming like the downtown Spartanburg Sheep Trail, and “a place to get messy and grow in faith together.”

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Faith Community

Prince of Peace is a Catholic Church in Taylors, SC, as well as a Catholic School. You can learn more about their ministries and mass schedules at their Prince of Peace website. 

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Faith Communities

The Brushy Creek Baptist Church’s mission is to “Rescue, Grow, & Serve.” They offer both contemporary and traditional services, as well as a wide array of youth services, programs like book clubs, and other events like the Upstate Marriage Conference.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Faith Communities

Hope Church’s Simpsonville campus offers programs for youth and adults to connect with each other and worship. Services are Sundays at 9:15 am and 11 am.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites First Place: Kid’s Clothing Shop

Once Upon a Child Greenville is a buy and sell children’s consignment shop.
The shop buys and sells gently used children’s clothing, shoes, toys, children’s furniture and baby gear.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Kid’s Clothing Shop

Our Kid to Kid of Greenville store has been proudly serving the Upstate community for almost 5 years since 2018. We are a resale store specializing in maternity clothes, children’s clothes, toys, baby equipment, shoes, and books. At Kid to Kid, parents receive cash on the spot for the things their kids have outgrown. They can also shop from a huge selection of high-quality, slightly used replacement items at bargain prices. They can donate items that don’t quite meet our standards to our local Miracle Hill charity. It is a win-win-win for families.

We have also recently opened a second store for young adults called Uptown Cheapskate located at 1451 Woodruff Road, Suite Q, Greenville SC 29607. It is the same concept as our Kid to Kid store. We buy in gently used adult fashionable items and pay out cash on the spot. As local small business owners, we appreciate your continued love and support for our businesses. Thank you for shopping small and local!

2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites Finalist: Kids’ Clothing Stores

Whippersnappers is a resale shop with two locations, one in Greenville and one in Spartanburg. They carry baby and children’s clothing and gear, plus they boast the largest gently used resale maternity selection in the Upstate.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Kid’s Clothing Shop

Vann & Liv is a children’s clothing shop located in Greenville, SC. They offer boutique clothing and accessories for girls and boys that are one of a kind.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Kid’s Clothing Shop

The Grey Goose offers traditional children’s clothing with simple, classic patterns.
The boutique also offers accessories and shoes for both boys and girls from infant and up.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites First Place: Family Lawyer

Elliott Frazier Law Firm, LLC is a family and divorce attorney located in Greenville, SC. They offer legal services in Family Law and Estate Planning.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Family Lawyer

The Law Office of Brian P. Johnson offers legal services in Family Law, Child Support, Divorce, Domestic Violence, and multiple other areas of expertise.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Family Lawyer

The Law Offices of John M. Musseto provides legal services in Greenville, SC. The firms areas of expertise include Family Law, Divorce Law, DUI Law, and Criminal Law.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Family Lawyer

Patat Law Firm is located in Greer, SC and offers legal services in Family Law, Estate Planning, and Probate.
The firm specializes in divorce, separation, estate planning, child custody, alimony, marital discontent, probate, and a multitude of other legal services.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Family Lawyer

Christine M. Howard is a Family Law attorney located in Greenville, SC. The firm specializes in divorce, family law, child custody, child support, mediation, and a multitude of other legal services.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites First Place: Family Oral Surgery

Cherry Orchard Oral & Implant Surgery serves the Greenville area and offers a board-certified oral surgeon, Dr. Cherry.
The clinic provides a multitude of oral surgery needs, including wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, bone grafting, and more.

2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites 1st Place: Summer Camps

WELCOME TO SUMMER ENCOUNTERS, CAMPS FOR CURIOUS KIDS!

2023 camps will begin May 31! Summer Encounters is a day camp program in Greenville, SC. It hosts a comprehensive, diverse, and exciting collection of summer camps that provide meaningful opportunities for any child in grades K4 to 12. With almost 300 camps (75 are NEW) over 11 weeks, Summer Encounters offers something for everyone! Adventures in sports, creative pursuits, cooking, science and technology, service learning, and more! There are even some fun academic camps to give kids a “jump start” on the next school year. Last year approximately 1700 campers from over 100 schools explored with us.

Summer Encounters Camps would be honored to invite your family to join us for an exciting summer of new discoveries, friendships, and lasting memories. Registration opens on February 15th. If you would like a brochure or need assistance in any way, please contact Traci Weldie at [email protected] or 864.299.1522 x1242.

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2023 KABOOM Family Favorites 1st Place: Indoor Family Fun
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites 1st Place: Best Birthday Party

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Educational Family Fun

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Summer Camps
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Field Trip
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Baby/Toddler Programs

With two locations in Greenville and Spartanburg, TCMU is a family favorite for learning and play. The TCMU-Greenville location is the 7th largest children’s museum in the nation and offers 80,000 square feet dedicated to play-based learning. The TCMU-Spartanburg location offers 6,000 square feet and is dedicated to early childhood development and Kindergarten readiness for children ages 6 and under. Exhibits and weekly programs at both locations encourage hands-on play, unique discoveries, and intentional learning opportunities–especially on rainy, cold or extremely hot days!

TCMU’s birthday parties are a fantastic way to celebrate your child’s upcoming birthday. All birthday party packages include a fully decorated and private party room, ALL DAY play for all party guests, cupcakes for every child, and a party host to manage all set-up and clean-up.

Aside from indoor fun and birthday parties – TCMU is also honored to be a finalist for Educational Family Fun, Summer Camps, Field Trips and the Baby/Toddler Program.

2023 Family Favorites 1st Place: Youth Organization

2023 Family Favorites Finalist: Summer Camp

The Girls Scouts of South Carolina- Mountains to Midlands offers programs to girls scouts of all abilities and backgrounds.

They offer special events, camps, cookie sales, and so much more! Upstate, SC troops are available for ages Kindergarten and up.

2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites Finalist: Summer Camp

Learning and fun go hand in hand this summer at EDUcamp Jr. and Jr. Bruins Sports Camps at Bob Jones University.

Your elementary and middle school kids will explore a different imaginative adventure each week as they make new friends and develop creative skills in a Christian environment. Some highlights:

• Robotics and Technology
• Tour de Pizza
• Global Expeditions
• Theatre
• Bug Biodiversity
• Intro to Coding

There are 20 exciting EDUcamp Jr. programs in all, plus five Jr. Bruins Sports Camps, led by experienced coaches, that focus on developing skills and sportsmanship while having fun.

Your child is sure to have an awesome experience at EDUcamp Jr. and Jr. Bruins Sports Camps. The adventure begins the week of May 21.

Take advantage of our early bird special. Get $25 off any camp if you register by April 1.

Input Code: KiddingGville, 10% off all camps! Expires on July 29th.

Explore camps and register

https://educamp.bju.edu/

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2023 KABOOM Family Favorites 1st Place: Childcare Center 
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites 1st Place: After School Care

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Sports Program 

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Summer Camps

For more than a century, the YMCA of Greenville has strengthened the foundations of the community we serve. We are committed to nurturing the potential of children through Youth Development, improving the nation’s health and well-being by promoting Healthy Living, and fostering a sense of Social Responsibility by providing opportunities to give back and support our neighbors. 

The YMCA of Greenville is proud to be selected by our community as a ‘Family Favorite’ in the categories of:

• Favorite Childcare Center – At the Y, children can gain confidence, make friends, and explore their interests in a safe environment. The YMCA staff is committed to helping the youth of today grow into the leaders of tomorrow.  
• Favorite After School Care Program – Let your kids learn, grow, and thrive while we provide homework assistance, enrichment activities, and a healthy snack. 
• Favorite Summer Camp – Summer is made for adventure! Let your child craft their summer story at the YMCA of Greenville!
• Favorite Sports Program – The YMCA of Greenville offers the community many opportunities for children and adults to participate in sports. Each of our four family branches specialize in a variety of sports for our youth. 

Favorite Youth Organization (Youth in Government) – The Youth in Government (YIG) program helps to create the next generation of good citizens. Though our programs, we demystify local, state, and national governmental systems so tomorrow’s adults will know how to effect change within these systems. We expand horizons so young people will understand their role within a global society.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites First Place: Educational Family Fun
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites First Place: Field Trips

Located just minutes from downtown Greenville, Roper Mountain Science Center is one of the nation’s most unique learning experiences. As a pinnacle of innovative learning, an engine for community engagement, and a national leader in science education, Roper Mountain’s mission is to ignite the natural curiosity of all learners to explore and shape their world.

The beautiful 62-acre campus contains an array of state-of-the-art educational facilities including a Planetarium and Observatory, Marine and Ecology labs, a Rainforest, a Living History Farm and a new Environmental Science and Sustainability Center.

Each year, more than 50,000 students, 6000 teachers and 30,000 families experience the latest in explorative STEM education through these interactive exhibits and hands-on learning opportunities. Families can attend numerous events throughout the year including Friday Starry Nights, Afternoon Explorations, Summer Adventure, Laser Days of Summer, Summer Exploration Camps, and seasonal holiday laser shows. Regardless of age, Roper Mountain provides everyone the opportunity to explore, discover, imagine and grow.

SCCT offers many opportunities for daytime performance field trips, visits from performers to your location, and specialized residencies.

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2023 KABOOM Family Favorites 1st Place: Indoor Family Fun
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites 1st Place: Best Birthday Party

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Educational Family Fun

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Summer Camps
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Field Trip
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Baby/Toddler Programs

With two locations in Greenville and Spartanburg, TCMU is a family favorite for learning and play. The TCMU-Greenville location is the 7th largest children’s museum in the nation and offers 80,000 square feet dedicated to play-based learning. The TCMU-Spartanburg location offers 6,000 square feet and is dedicated to early childhood development and Kindergarten readiness for children ages 6 and under. Exhibits and weekly programs at both locations encourage hands-on play, unique discoveries, and intentional learning opportunities–especially on rainy, cold or extremely hot days!

TCMU’s birthday parties are a fantastic way to celebrate your child’s upcoming birthday. All birthday party packages include a fully decorated and private party room, ALL DAY play for all party guests, cupcakes for every child, and a party host to manage all set-up and clean-up.

Aside from indoor fun and birthday parties – TCMU is also honored to be a finalist for Educational Family Fun, Summer Camps, Field Trips and the Baby/Toddler Program.

2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites Finalist: Field Trips
2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites: Baby/Toddler Programs

The Little Gym of Greenville’s age-appropriate activities for kids are designed to facilitate maximum fun and ongoing skill development through movement, music, learning and laughter. Children progress at their own pace, having fun and building confidence as they develop new skills.

2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites Finalist: Indoor Family Fun
2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites Finalist: Birthday Party
2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites Finalist: Field Trips
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Sports Programs

Located in Simpsonville, Palmetto Gymnastics offers a Play Time for kids up to the age of 10. Cost is $5 per hour on Wednesdays and Friday from 10-11 am and 11 am – 12 pm. Families must pre-register by calling the gym. They also offer gymnastics & ninja classes, birthday parties, field trips, and summer camps.

Birthday Parties: Parties at Palmetto Gymnastics include gym time and time for refreshments. Various packages are available for both structured gym time and non-structured gym time, ninja course, tumble track, and more, depending on your preferences.

2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites 1st Place: Best Family-Friendly Farms

Find your perfect pumpkin, other locally-grown produce, dairy goods, and more at Happy Cow Creamery!

Happy Cow Offers:
Pumpkin patch
Farm stand
Ice Cream
Fresh Milk
Picnic space

Eden farms offers English riding lessons for ages 6 through adult with private or group lesson options. They also offer birthdays, field trips, summer camps and more.

Homeschool at the Barn- Includes an hour long riding lesson or trail ride, learning about life on a working horse farm (grooming, saddling, equine anatomy, feeding and more), horse themed crafts, bible study, snack, and time to play on the new playground.

Field Trips: Eden Farms has offered educational field trips for all ages and sizes including church groups, Scout troops, and schools. Groups rotate through their 40-stall barn to different hands-on horse stations to learn about grooming, saddling, healthcare, horse breeds, feeding, healthcare, and more! Horseback riding, playground, and time for a picnic are also available.

2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites Finalist: Family-Friendly Farms

This 900-acre farm located just north of I-85 between Anderson and Clemson boasts one of the largest corn mazes in the southeast. In addition to the maze, they offer a wide assortment of activities including play areas, farm animals and a u-pick pumpkin patch. The activities are all covered under one admission price. Denver Downs Farm is open daily late September through mid-November.

Offers:
Pumpkin Patch
Many Kids’ Activities- cow train, jumping pillow, zip line, and more!
Farm Animals
Corn Maze 

2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites Finalist: Best Family-Friendly Farms

Located in a picturesque part of Hendersonville with views of the mountains, Justus Orchard is the perfect place to go apple picking. Their apple cider donuts are also a treat not to be missed. This apple orchard in Hendersonville, NC was one of the first in the state to invite customers to not only buy apples already picked but allow visitors to go into the orchard and pick their own apples.

Open for 2022 season
Due to weather issues, check the Justus Orchard Facebook page for current u-pick status, before heading up. 

OFFERS:
Blackberries – July thru August
Apples – Mid August thru Early November
Bakery
Apple cannon
Jumping pillow
Playground
Farm animals

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Outdoor Fun
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Farms

A KAG reader favorite, Sky Top Orchard offers mountain views, ponds with ducks and geese, farm animals, play structures, and apple and fruit trees. Don’t miss the amazing apple cider donuts. Last year there were some concerns about Sky Top getting too crowded so maybe try to go during the week if you prefer smaller crowds.

2022 season-opening date: August 1st

Offers:
U-pick apples
Farm Store with Cider donuts
Farm animals
Wagon Rides
Playground
Gold Rush Gem Mine (new for 2022!)

2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites 1st Place: Dance Program

International Ballet (IB) offers the highest quality of classical ballet training for students ages 3 to adult, and offers Mommy & Me classes for ages 18 months-3 yo.

IB is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that awards over $30k annually in need and merit based scholarships to students in Ballet 1 and up. World-class faculty teach Vaganova based technique, and dancers (8 yr+) are eligible to audition for The Nutcracker (performed at the Peace Center with the live Greenville Symphony Orchestra). Dancers of all ages perform at an End of Year Demonstration in May.

IB provides the education needed for each student to achieve his/her greatest potential in ballet, while also teaching life skills (self-discipline, self-respect, teamwork, and much more) that facilitate success in life beyond dance.  The initial trial class is FREE.

Visit www.internationalballetsc.org for more information.

2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites Finalist: Best Dance Program

The Carolina Dance Collaborative is a mobile dance outreach 501(c)3 Organization that seeks to make dance education accessible to all people regardless of location, ability, or resources. Collaboration, equity, and empowerment are the basis for all our classes. We do not maintain a facility but rather bring our services into the community to make dance accessible to everyone.

YMCA DANCE CLASSES

Where?
CDC partners with all the YMCA Branches in Greenville (Caine Halter, Eastside, GIT, Verdae, Adams Mill YPC) as well as the Powdersville YMCA. YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE A YMCA MEMBER TO ATTEND THESE CLASSES.

What?
Little Learners I & II: Ages 2-4
Tap I & II : Ages 3-8
Pre-Ballet, Ballet I, & Ballet II: Ages 5-12
Jazz/Hip-Hop I & II : Ages 5-12
Tumble Bugs I & II: Ages 3-8

Classes are 45 minutes – 1 hour, once a week and range from morning through late afternoon (no evenings with YMCA studio availability). View the schedule HERE!

How Much?
$90 Tuition for 8 weeks (30 minute classes) and $30 registration fee
$130 Tuition for 8 weeks (45 minute classes) and $30 registration fee
$170 Tuition for 8 weeks (1 hour classes) and $30 registration fee

Scholarship Program:
CDC has a Scholarship Program for individuals and families who need additional resources for enrichment classes. Apply now!

You can enroll on our website HERE. For questions, please contact [email protected].

For more information about our After School Programs or Adaptive Programs for students with disabilities, visit CDC’s Website or our special needs ad!

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Family Theatre and Performing Arts

The Carolina Ballet Theatre produces multiple professional ballet productions throughout the year.

The Spring 2023 production is “Snow Princess.”

2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites Finalist: Best Dance Program
2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites Finalist: Kids’ Birthday Parties
2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites Finalist: Baby/Toddler Program

Dance is for everyone, regardless of age, shape, size, or ability at Dance Without Limits. Dance classes are offered for students ages 18 months to 18 years old.

Offerings include the Twinkle Toes preschool program (ballet, tap, and hip hop/tumbling combo) and elementary through high school classes in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, acrobatics, and hip hop. A special Limitless Friends class is also offered for students with disabilities. All classes are inclusive, and Dance Without Limits enjoys offering a family-friendly, non-competitive dance program.

Class Listings:

Twinkle Toes Preschool Dance Program

Twinkle Baby and Me: (ages 18-24 months) A 30-minute introductory class containing ballet, tap, and creative movement. Young dancers will learn the basics in a positive environment. Engaging age-appropriate music is used to get these little ones inspired to dance. An adult is required to participate in this class.

Twinkle Babies: (ages 2-3) A 45-minute introductory dance class containing ballet, tap, and creative movement. Young dancers will learn the basic steps while learning how to follow directions and imitate movement in a positive environment. Engaging music is used to get these little ones inspired to dance. The use of props, like Twinkle Bears, hula hoops, and bubbles, enables the young dancers to use their imagination and creativity, but mostly to have fun!

Twinkle Stars: (ages 3-4 and 4-5) An age-specific 45-minute class containing tap, ballet, and jazz/creative movement. The purpose of the class is to introduce young dancers to the three styles of dance and inspire movement and creativity within a positive environment. Dancers will also learn basic steps and terminology in all three styles. The use of fun age-appropriate music engages the young dancers’ minds and bodies. Plus, hula hoops, scarves, and bubbles for free dance makes the end of class so much fun!

Tot Hop & Tumble: (ages 3-5) This upbeat 45-minute class introduces our young dancers to basic elements of hip hop, creative movement, and beginner-level tumbling. We incorporate obstacle courses and fun props, such as our mini trampoline and hula hoops! The perfect way to release the wiggles while learning hip hop fundamentals.

Twinkle Ballet: (ages 3-5) This 30-minute class for our young dancers incorporates all the ballet elements from our regular Twinkle Stars class, without the tap portion. The perfect class for little ones who enjoy a bit of a quieter setting.

Elementary, Middle, and High School Classes

Tap: (ages K5-18) A percussive style of dance which gets its name from the sound made when the metal plates on the dancer’s shoes contact the floor. Emphasis on rhythm and clarity of sounds from the feet.

Ballet: (ages K5-18) A class which progresses from beginning ballet steps to advanced technique and placement. Each class will begin at the barre, then move to center floor work and across the floor. Ballet is the building block of all other forms of dance and necessary to excel in all other forms. For this reason, we strongly encourage all students to take a ballet class.

Jazz: (ages K5-18) Jazz builds on the fundamentals learned in ballet and is very structured in technique. The class progresses from a center warm-up with emphasis on strength and flexibility, then moves to across the floor combinations, finishing with a fun combo in center floor. Jazz takes many forms, and is often performed to upbeat, popular music.

Lyrical/Contemporary: (ages K5-18) Lyrical/Contemporary is a fusion of jazz and ballet which uses movement to interpret a song’s lyrics. The class progresses from a center warm-up with emphasis on strength and flexibility, then moves to across the floor combinations, finishing with a combo in center floor. Typically, lyrical is very fluid and quite beautiful!

Hip Hop: (ages K5-18) Also known as street dance, hip hop is an upbeat dance style that has become hugely popular with fun and exciting choreography and engaging music. All music and dance moves are age appropriate. All-boys hip hop class also available.

Acrobatics: (ages K5-18) This class teaches the basics of floor tumbling (such as forward and backward rolls, backbends, cartwheels, etc.) and progresses to advanced tumbling (such as handsprings and aerial work). Teachers work with students on their individual level.

Limitless Friends: This is a movement class for students ages 6 and up with disabilities. Elements of jazz, hip hop, and acrobatics are incorporated in this fun class, along with games and free dance.

Find out more at Dance Without Limits.

2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites Finalist: Best Dance Program

Dianne’s School of Dance offers dance classes for ages 2.5 and up with professionally-trained teachers and choreographers. Instruction focuses on various styles of dancing and life lessons.

In-studio and virtual homeschool classes are available for elementary and middle school students. Topics include poetry, math, topography and more all in a hands on maker environment. Read class descriptions and register on-line.

2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites Finalist: Art Program

Offers:The Treehouse Cafe and Studio offers sandwiches, sides, coffee and treats with toys, coloring, painting and crafts for children and families. An art teacher is available to work with your child on crafts and painting projects you can purchase at the studio.

See our review of the TReehouse Cafe and Studio.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Art Program

ReCraft GVL is a creative reuse center for all things that can be used for crafting!
The center offers reuse retail, a Makerspace to make crafts, a donation station, special events, and special programs.
ReCraft works to repurpose and upcycle reusable materials by diverting these materials that would ultimately end up in landfills back into the retail environment in a creative way.

2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites Finalist: Art Programs

Art classes, camps, and playgroups for ages 1-11 in a spacious in-home art studio.

2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites Finalist: Art Program

Color Clay Cafe is a Paint-Your-Own Pottery Studio that also offers classes in addition to open studio time.

South Carolina Children’s Theatre offers classes year-round for new and returning students in Acting, Musical Theatre, Production, and more for ages 3-18!

Classes include:

• Acting
• Musical Theatre
• Audition Prep
• Improv
• Design
• Production

Check the SCCT website for full class listings, additional workshops, scholarships, classes for kids with processing or developmental challenges, and information about the teachers and curriculum.

Registrants ages 3-5 must be fully potty-trained. Any questions or needs regarding SCCT classes can be addressed with SCCT Registrar Jill Wolf at 864.235.2885 or by email at [email protected].

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites First Place: Music Program

Studio Green is a music studio located in Spartanburg, SC that provides lessons for musical instruments and choir. Hours are by appointment only.
They also offer a Homeschool Choir for ages K5-12th grade and Homeschool Piano that meets weekly.

Located at Converse College, it offers a wide range or private and group classes including piano, strings, wind & brass, vocal, and specific music programs for young children including Musikgarten

2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites Finalist: Music Programs

These groups offer an ensemble opportunity for student musicians both homeschooled and traditionally schooled. Auditions are required.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Music Program

Pecknel Music is a music school that offers music lessons in multiple instruments, instrument rentals, instrument repairs, and everything music!
Music lessons can be individual instruction or group instruction.

2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites First Place: Baby/Toddler Programs

2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites Finalists: Music Program

For over 40 years now, students of all ages have fallen in love with learning to make music at Piano Central Studios.

Whether you’re bringing your little one to Kindermusik for their very first music class, or signing up your school-age student for private lessons, or enrolling as an adult because you always wanted to learn or wished you’d never quit, you will discover a warm, friendly environment, and caring and qualified instructors who take the time to individualize your progress musically.

You’ll find that you will absolutely thrive in your experience with a program that’s been purposefully and thoughtfully designed to inspire a lasting love for music and a lifelong skill for singing or playing an instrument.

From Kindermusik® to music lessons in Piano, Voice, Strings, Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion, Guitar, Ukulele, there’s something for everyone at Piano Central Studios – from babies to adults!

Best of all, you can get started at any time – even part way through the month.  You don’t have to wait to experience all that your music classes or private lessons will come to mean to you!

PCS has three studio locations for your convenience:

• 757 N. Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville
• Bob Jones University, Greenville
• 1622 Woodruff Road, Greenville/Simpsonville

2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites 1st Place: Sports Programs

Girls on the Run is a program that inspires girls to build confidence and make intentional decisions. Trained coaches use running and other physical activities to build social, emotional and physical skills in every girl while encouraging healthy habits for life.

Girls on the Run has two program seasons: Spring (February – April) and Fall (September – November). The program is available to girls in 3rd-8th grades and encourages girls of all abilities to recognize their individual strengths and celebrate connections with others.  Programs meet twice per week after school for 75 – 90 minutes. At the end of each season, the Girls on the Run teams come together for a celebratory 5K.

Many schools and community centers serve as program host sites including the Caine Halter YMCA and The Pavillion in Greenville and the Thomas Hannah YMCA in Spartanburg. Visit the Girls on the Run website to find a program near you.

Register for the Fall season now!

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2023 KABOOM Family Favorites 1st Place: Childcare Center 
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites 1st Place: After School Care

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Sports Program 

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Summer Camps

For more than a century, the YMCA of Greenville has strengthened the foundations of the community we serve. We are committed to nurturing the potential of children through Youth Development, improving the nation’s health and well-being by promoting Healthy Living, and fostering a sense of Social Responsibility by providing opportunities to give back and support our neighbors. 

The YMCA of Greenville is proud to be selected by our community as a ‘Family Favorite’ in the categories of:

• Favorite Childcare Center – At the Y, children can gain confidence, make friends, and explore their interests in a safe environment. The YMCA staff is committed to helping the youth of today grow into the leaders of tomorrow.  
• Favorite After School Care Program – Let your kids learn, grow, and thrive while we provide homework assistance, enrichment activities, and a healthy snack. 
• Favorite Summer Camp – Summer is made for adventure! Let your child craft their summer story at the YMCA of Greenville!
• Favorite Sports Program – The YMCA of Greenville offers the community many opportunities for children and adults to participate in sports. Each of our four family branches specialize in a variety of sports for our youth. 

Favorite Youth Organization (Youth in Government) – The Youth in Government (YIG) program helps to create the next generation of good citizens. Though our programs, we demystify local, state, and national governmental systems so tomorrow’s adults will know how to effect change within these systems. We expand horizons so young people will understand their role within a global society.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Sports Program

The Simpsonville Recreation Department offers year-round youth sports teams.
Teams are available for ages K3 and up depending on the sport.
Play venues are located throughout Greenville County, including Simpsonville, Greer, Fountain Inn, Mauldin, and Greenville.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Sports Programs

Soccer Shots is a children’s soccer program with a focus on character development. A caring team positively impacts children’s lives on and off the field through best-in- class coaching, communication and age appropriate curriculum.

HOME OF STATE AND REGIONAL CHAMPIONS &
NATIONAL AND US CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIERS

PGA offers a variety of classes, such as gymnastics for boys and girls, preschool, ninja, tumbling, just bars, special needs, and adult classes. PGA also offers Playtime, Mom’s Morning Out, summer and holiday camps, and Parent’s Night Out.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites First Place: Tutoring Program

STRIDES Systematic Tutoring is for your child, age 6-20, who struggles in reading/math. Students with disabilities are welcome. Our instructors encourage students through a systematic plan drawn up for each child by Dr. Everett, whose Ph.D is in Special Education. Unlike most approaches, ours succeeds without emphasizing rules and sight words. It was developed by a speech language pathologist, so students with memory issues make good progress. Our seven locations in Easley, Greenville, Ft. Inn, and Boiling Springs (plus online option) reach all of Upstate, SC. For two decades STRIDES has provided individual tutors for kids who have a tough time learning. About half have documented disabilities, but all are at risk for school failure. Over 50% of students in Upstate SC are below grade level, according to state- wide testing, but all students deserve a chance. Our instructors are here to give them that chance.

Our curriculum develops visual memory, phonemic awareness, automaticity, spelling, comprehension, number sense, and strategies. We retest students monthly to track progress. Most students reach grade level in 3-6 months, and then succeed independently. This is life changing. Our instructors want success for your child, not only for the current school year, but throughout a lifetime.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Tutoring Program

If you want real results, Sylvan delivers better than anyone else. For over 4 decades, our proven, personalized instruction has given families solid results – guaranteed!  With Sylvan, you’ll see skills, confidence, motivation, and focus grow with lasting results.

Like you, we believe education should meet your child’s specific needs and learning preferences. That’s why at Sylvan, learning is personal!

When You Choose Sylvan, You Can Expect:

• A deeper understanding of your child’s individual needs with our state-of-the-art Sylvan Insight™ Assessment which provides a personal and adaptive plan to meet your child’s needs.
• Engaging, motivating, effective, and fun instruction for skill mastery, higher scores, and increased confidence. (Up to 3x more academic growth)
• Expert teachers who love to teach and know how to inspire and engage students with the best methods and school-aligned curriculum.  
• A proven approach to skill mastery with our Sylvan Method™ that ensures long-term success – not a “band-aid” approach.
• Caring, dedicated staff that listens to your concerns and provides regular updates on your child’s progress.
• Convenient scheduling and affordable hourly rates with flexible payment options.
• A locally owned business invested in the success of our community.

For real results, start with Sylvan today. Waiting doesn’t work. Sylvan does!

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Tutoring Program

Along with working through their customized learning plans, Mathnasium students receive homework help to solidify their understanding of concepts that are being covered in their current classwork. They even offer private tutoring!

For more information email or visit Mathnasium.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Tutoring Program

Wired Minds offers tutoring, ACT/SAT prep, summer camps, after school homework mentoring, study skills.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Tutoring Program

The Tutoring Center provides academic tutoring through one-on-one tutoring and a rotational learning approach.
The center has three locations available in Greenville County:

Greer Location: 433 The Parkway, Greer; 864.655.4664 
Greenville Location: 215 Pelham Road b202, Greenville; 864.777.0050
Simpsonville Location: 926 Northeast Main Street, Suite a-2, Simpsonville; 864.757.8338

2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites First Place: Baby/Toddler Programs

2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites Finalists: Music Program

For over 40 years now, students of all ages have fallen in love with learning to make music at Piano Central Studios.

Whether you’re bringing your little one to Kindermusik for their very first music class, or signing up your school-age student for private lessons, or enrolling as an adult because you always wanted to learn or wished you’d never quit, you will discover a warm, friendly environment, and caring and qualified instructors who take the time to individualize your progress musically.

You’ll find that you will absolutely thrive in your experience with a program that’s been purposefully and thoughtfully designed to inspire a lasting love for music and a lifelong skill for singing or playing an instrument.

From Kindermusik® to music lessons in Piano, Voice, Strings, Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion, Guitar, Ukulele, there’s something for everyone at Piano Central Studios – from babies to adults!

Best of all, you can get started at any time – even part way through the month.  You don’t have to wait to experience all that your music classes or private lessons will come to mean to you!

PCS has three studio locations for your convenience:

• 757 N. Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville
• Bob Jones University, Greenville
• 1622 Woodruff Road, Greenville/Simpsonville

2023 Family Favorites 1st Place: Art Program

2023 Family Favorites Finalist: Baby/Toddler Program

Spend some time in creative play with the teaching artists at TR Makers Co! You can choose from a wide variety of options for all ages. Whether you are looking for preschool art activities, art-driven content classes for homeschoolers, art adventures in literature for elementary age kids, or play time for the grown-ups, you’ll find all of that and more at TR Makers Co. Come and learn a new craft, like watercolor painting or needle-felting, and enjoy hanging out with friends, new and old. Or book a private event, and choose the project best suited for your group, whether it’s in the studio or off-site!

Students can come create with us for an hour or join us for a semester-long program! There are so many ways to engage your mind. And don’t miss out on all the fun artisan-created merchandise available! With eclectic products from both local and global artists, you are sure to find something that tickles your fancy!
Everyone is creative! Let TR Makers Co. help you explore and expand your personal creativity!

Check out their website, or follow them on Facebook or Instagram to stay up to date on all the great ways to play!

2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites Finalist: Field Trips
2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites: Baby/Toddler Programs

The Little Gym of Greenville’s age-appropriate activities for kids are designed to facilitate maximum fun and ongoing skill development through movement, music, learning and laughter. Children progress at their own pace, having fun and building confidence as they develop new skills.

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2023 KABOOM Family Favorites 1st Place: Indoor Family Fun
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites 1st Place: Best Birthday Party

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Educational Family Fun

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Summer Camps
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Field Trip
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Baby/Toddler Programs

With two locations in Greenville and Spartanburg, TCMU is a family favorite for learning and play. The TCMU-Greenville location is the 7th largest children’s museum in the nation and offers 80,000 square feet dedicated to play-based learning. The TCMU-Spartanburg location offers 6,000 square feet and is dedicated to early childhood development and Kindergarten readiness for children ages 6 and under. Exhibits and weekly programs at both locations encourage hands-on play, unique discoveries, and intentional learning opportunities–especially on rainy, cold or extremely hot days!

TCMU’s birthday parties are a fantastic way to celebrate your child’s upcoming birthday. All birthday party packages include a fully decorated and private party room, ALL DAY play for all party guests, cupcakes for every child, and a party host to manage all set-up and clean-up.

Aside from indoor fun and birthday parties – TCMU is also honored to be a finalist for Educational Family Fun, Summer Camps, Field Trips and the Baby/Toddler Program.

2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites Finalist: Best Dance Program
2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites Finalist: Kids’ Birthday Parties
2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites Finalist: Baby/Toddler Program

Dance is for everyone, regardless of age, shape, size, or ability at Dance Without Limits. Dance classes are offered for students ages 18 months to 18 years old.

Offerings include the Twinkle Toes preschool program (ballet, tap, and hip hop/tumbling combo) and elementary through high school classes in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, acrobatics, and hip hop. A special Limitless Friends class is also offered for students with disabilities. All classes are inclusive, and Dance Without Limits enjoys offering a family-friendly, non-competitive dance program.

Class Listings:

Twinkle Toes Preschool Dance Program

Twinkle Baby and Me: (ages 18-24 months) A 30-minute introductory class containing ballet, tap, and creative movement. Young dancers will learn the basics in a positive environment. Engaging age-appropriate music is used to get these little ones inspired to dance. An adult is required to participate in this class.

Twinkle Babies: (ages 2-3) A 45-minute introductory dance class containing ballet, tap, and creative movement. Young dancers will learn the basic steps while learning how to follow directions and imitate movement in a positive environment. Engaging music is used to get these little ones inspired to dance. The use of props, like Twinkle Bears, hula hoops, and bubbles, enables the young dancers to use their imagination and creativity, but mostly to have fun!

Twinkle Stars: (ages 3-4 and 4-5) An age-specific 45-minute class containing tap, ballet, and jazz/creative movement. The purpose of the class is to introduce young dancers to the three styles of dance and inspire movement and creativity within a positive environment. Dancers will also learn basic steps and terminology in all three styles. The use of fun age-appropriate music engages the young dancers’ minds and bodies. Plus, hula hoops, scarves, and bubbles for free dance makes the end of class so much fun!

Tot Hop & Tumble: (ages 3-5) This upbeat 45-minute class introduces our young dancers to basic elements of hip hop, creative movement, and beginner-level tumbling. We incorporate obstacle courses and fun props, such as our mini trampoline and hula hoops! The perfect way to release the wiggles while learning hip hop fundamentals.

Twinkle Ballet: (ages 3-5) This 30-minute class for our young dancers incorporates all the ballet elements from our regular Twinkle Stars class, without the tap portion. The perfect class for little ones who enjoy a bit of a quieter setting.

Elementary, Middle, and High School Classes

Tap: (ages K5-18) A percussive style of dance which gets its name from the sound made when the metal plates on the dancer’s shoes contact the floor. Emphasis on rhythm and clarity of sounds from the feet.

Ballet: (ages K5-18) A class which progresses from beginning ballet steps to advanced technique and placement. Each class will begin at the barre, then move to center floor work and across the floor. Ballet is the building block of all other forms of dance and necessary to excel in all other forms. For this reason, we strongly encourage all students to take a ballet class.

Jazz: (ages K5-18) Jazz builds on the fundamentals learned in ballet and is very structured in technique. The class progresses from a center warm-up with emphasis on strength and flexibility, then moves to across the floor combinations, finishing with a fun combo in center floor. Jazz takes many forms, and is often performed to upbeat, popular music.

Lyrical/Contemporary: (ages K5-18) Lyrical/Contemporary is a fusion of jazz and ballet which uses movement to interpret a song’s lyrics. The class progresses from a center warm-up with emphasis on strength and flexibility, then moves to across the floor combinations, finishing with a combo in center floor. Typically, lyrical is very fluid and quite beautiful!

Hip Hop: (ages K5-18) Also known as street dance, hip hop is an upbeat dance style that has become hugely popular with fun and exciting choreography and engaging music. All music and dance moves are age appropriate. All-boys hip hop class also available.

Acrobatics: (ages K5-18) This class teaches the basics of floor tumbling (such as forward and backward rolls, backbends, cartwheels, etc.) and progresses to advanced tumbling (such as handsprings and aerial work). Teachers work with students on their individual level.

Limitless Friends: This is a movement class for students ages 6 and up with disabilities. Elements of jazz, hip hop, and acrobatics are incorporated in this fun class, along with games and free dance.

Find out more at Dance Without Limits.

2023 Family Favorites 1st Place: Youth Organization

2023 Family Favorites Finalist: Summer Camp

The Girls Scouts of South Carolina- Mountains to Midlands offers programs to girls scouts of all abilities and backgrounds.

They offer special events, camps, cookie sales, and so much more! Upstate, SC troops are available for ages Kindergarten and up.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Youth Organization

Upstate Home School Co-Op is a home school cooperation that provides educational classes for elementary level, middle school level, and high school level students.
Their goal is to provide spiritual, social, emotional, and academic enrichment to students and their families.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Youth Organization

Scouts BSA is offered to boys and girls, and involves a traditional scouting experience for youth ages 11 – 17.
Children learn through providing services for their community while enhancing leadership skill building through fun and engaging activities.

Multiple troops for both boys and girls can be located throughout the Upstate.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Youth Organization

The Youth in Government (YIG) program helps to create the next generation of good citizens. Though our programs, we demystify local, state, and national governmental systems so tomorrow’s adults will know how to effect change within these systems. We expand horizons so young people will understand their role within a global society.

South Carolina Children’s Theatre offers classes year-round for new and returning students in Acting, Musical Theatre, Production, and more for ages 3-18!

Classes include:

• Acting
• Musical Theatre
• Audition Prep
• Improv
• Design
• Production

Check the SCCT website for full class listings, additional workshops, scholarships, classes for kids with processing or developmental challenges, and information about the teachers and curriculum.

Registrants ages 3-5 must be fully potty-trained. Any questions or needs regarding SCCT classes can be addressed with SCCT Registrar Jill Wolf at 864.235.2885 or by email at [email protected].