Looking for teacher appreciation gifts for the favorite teachers in your life? Whether you’re looking for a holiday gift, something for teacher appreciation week, or an end-of-the-school-year celebration gift, our readers came through with some thoughtful gifts and great ideas.
Want to Buy Your Child’s Teacher an Awesome Gift and Skip the Reading?Choose from these gift ideas!
How do you show your appreciation to the person who helps shape your child’s days? It can be tricky! Budgets vary, and many families are shopping for more than one teacher. So we asked real Upstate SC teachers what they love—and what they’d be happy to skip. Here’s what they said…
Gift Cards for Teachers
DO: Give Gift Cards They’ll Actually Use
Amazon is the universal go-to. One teacher told us she used hers before the school day even ended.
Target, Hobby Lobby, and big box stores are also popular picks.
Local favorites: Maple Street Biscuit Company, Bridge City Coffee, and other Greenville shops offer e-gift cards if you’re in a last-minute pinch.
Restaurants or Experiences: Email the teacher (or class parent) to find out their favorite spots. A gift card to a favorite dinner place or a Greenville History Tour Chef’s Table is a creative group gift idea!
Spa or Salon Gift Cards: Several teachers mentioned how much they appreciate a self-care experience.
“Gift cards, lip balm or lotion to keep in the classroom, picture frames—these are my go-tos.” – Local Teacher
Local Gifts are a DO! Greenville Local Restaurants and Businesses with E-Gift Cards
You can also gift your teacher an experience! TheseLocal Experience Gifts for Greenville, SC will give them the opportunity to venture out and explore the city.
DON’T: Give Office or School Supplies as a Gift
Yes, teachers need them. But giving sticky notes, paper clips, or dry-erase markers doesn’t feel like a personal thank you. Instead…
DO check their class Amazon wish list and contribute outside of gift-giving holidays.
Coffee Gifts For Teachers
Caffeine is a Definite DO!
DO: Fuel Their Day with Coffee (and Maybe Chocolate!)
Coffee pods, local beans, or a travel tumbler with a gift card tucked inside = teacher joy.
Fun Add-ons: Gourmet syrups, reusable pod cartridges, or even a cute sampler set.
“Coffee gift cards were always my favorite.” – Local teacher
“Coffee + chocolate = the winning combo.” – Kidding Around Reader
DON’T: Buy Another Coffee Mug
Trust us. They have dozens. Unless it’s hand-decorated by your child, skip it.
Add these coffee gifts to your cart now, and make your teacher gift-giving easier this year!
Help your child’s teacher fix the perfect cup of coffee with this Coffee Syrups Gift Set.
Take your teacher on a trip around the world with this coffee sampler in a cute book package.
Not sure what flavor of coffee your child’s teacher loves the most? This Gourmet Ground Coffee Variety Pack is the perfect gift with 8 different flavors.
Homemade Gifts Ideas and Kits for Teachers
DO: Let Your Child Make Something Meaningful
Teachers love homemade ornaments, cards, and crafts—especially if your child made it just for them.
DIY kits like a homemade card set or ornament craft make it simple.
A decorated tote bag or even a sewn one (yes, we’ve seen it done!) makes a unique keepsake.
“I still have a little handprint ornament from a student 20 years ago—it hangs by my desk.” – Local teacher
The best gifts are those that students make or pick out themselves. It makes them proud to show their teacher something they have done for them. My advice to parents : let the kids pick.
Michaela
A handmade card or personal note from the parent about how I have helped their child in some way
Whitney
DON’T: Stress If You’re Not Crafty
Homemade doesn’t have to mean hard. A heartfelt note or a small ornament your child picked out still means a lot.
Maybe even have your child decorate an adorable tote bag for your teacher! You can even have your kid sew one together with this easy tote bag tutorial, what teacher wouldn’t love that?
Ornaments are small, budget-friendly, and memory-filled.
Look for personalized ornaments that include your child’s name or the year.
Consider gifting a set of 5 to cover multiple teachers affordably.
DON’T: Worry About It Being Too Small
Teachers often put up extra trees just for student ornaments! This is a great “something small” that really adds up.
Jamie M. gave me a tiny homemade elf my first year of teaching, and I still use it to decorate with every year. Christmas ornaments are great mementos too. They allow me to revisit a special person or time, every year at Christmas.
Mary
I love an ornament that’s personalized to remember the student. I still have one from one of my students who is now 21! I also love a handwritten note! Of course gift cards are fun and all teachers love bags of all kinds!
Amy D.
This pack of 5 Teacher Ornaments is a very economical way to give all your child’s teachers a little holiday cheer.
The Personalized Teacher Ornament is perfect for any teacher of any subject or any grade. Personalized gifts of any kind are always a good idea.
Chocolate and Sweet Gifts for Teachers
DO: Bring the Sweet Stuff!
Hot cocoa bombs are always a hit.
Homemade cookies or brownies? Yes, please (as long as you know the teacher doesn’t have allergies).
A cute jar of chocolate-covered espresso beans = chocolate + caffeine bonus.
A few years ago, a student brought me a jar of chocolate covered coffee beans. The child had beautifully decorated the jar and they filled it with my favorite chocolate snack! That was probably the most memorable gift I ever received. It was something the child had helped to make, something they knew I loved PLUS and extra kick of caffeine on mornings I needed it.
Dan
DON’T: Forget to Add a Note
If you’re gifting a treat, a quick “Thanks for all you do!” tag from your child adds that personal touch.
I had twin girls from Louisiana. They gave me hot sauce and Cajun foods, chips, cookies, ornaments and hot peppers. Even the card they gave me was Cajun!
Amy W.
Here are a couple of delicious treats your child’s teacher will love!
Small self-care items: Fuzzy socks, a soft blanket, lip balm, hand cream, or Bag Balm (yes, teachers love this stuff—one reader said hers lasted all year!)
Add a little luxury to their day with a DIY at-home spa kit.
“Gift cards, lotion, cozy socks—anything that helps us relax is always appreciated.” – Local Teacher
DON’T: Assume Teachers Expect Big Gifts
Many said they don’t expect anything fancy—just something thoughtful and personal.
Some teachers do appreciate a bottle of wine or a fun cocktail-themed gift—but only give these if you know it’s welcome.
One teacher shared she received a bottle of wine and a recipe book and still uses the book a decade later!
Another got a tequila shot set with a funny note—and yes, she laughed.
DON’T: Assume All Teachers Drink
Unless you know their preferences, it’s safer to stick to chocolate or coffee.
Support the Classroom (but not with school supplies!)
DO: Personalize Their Gift
A monogrammed sweatshirt, notepad, or garden flag with their name.
Picture frames or photo gifts from class parties.
Something related to their hobbies (Clemson fans, we see you!).
“A fuzzy blanket, a personal note, and something that reminds me of the student—those are my favorites.” – Dana
DON’T: Wrap Up a Box of Pencils
Help stock the classroom, sure—but do it as a separate act of kindness, not in place of a gift.
The Best Gift of All: Your Support
Even if you can’t spend money, your help and encouragement matter. One parent once planned the class party from start to finish—and the teacher said it was the best gift they got all year. A simple note or kind email can go a long way.
DO: Include a Card or Note
Many teachers said a handwritten card or thoughtful message meant more than anything else.
I hope this helps you decide what to do to show your
appreciation to this special person in your child’s life. It truly is a labor
of love and something your child has made with love is never a bad idea.
Do you have more suggestions for things that make great (or not-so-great) teachers’ gifts? Let us know in the comments!
You have found our giant list of experience gifts Greenville, SC! Greenville, SC and Spartanburg, SC offer a lot of ideas. If your closet, toy boxes, and toy shelves are a little full, we get it.
So, we’ve created a list of experience gifts available in Greenville, Spartanburg, and surrounding areas that families will love. You’ll make memories, learn new things, and they won’t take up any space in the toy box, either!
Being a mom, I hang out with lots of moms and one topic of conversation comes up pretty frequently, the massive amounts of “stuff” that our kids accumulate. Over Christmas, there is one solution that I think is brilliant: buy a gift that doesn’t take up space. Creating a memory is priceless. Spending time as a family is essential. These are experiences that will bring smiles, build up families, and won’t end up in a donation bin. You’ll also find some great ideas (Culinary Tour, anyone?) for the grown-ups in your life too!
Roper Mountain Science Center
Disclaimer: This list does include advertisers, partners, in addition to other businesses that we recommend. This list contains affiliate links at no cost to you.
Membership Gifts
We have some pretty amazing membership options in the Upstate. Many memberships provide unlimited visits during the year. Trust me. Parents love these as gifts for their kids! Remember, this list is just for informational purposes, and we can’t guarantee pricing. We have provided links to the original sources where you can find the most current information.
The Children’s Museum of the Upstate – TCMU is a favorite among many Upstate families and offers so many kid and family activities throughout the year that a membership would be a great gift. Memberships bought in November or December usually include an extra month. Also, don’t forget that in addition to their Greenville campus, they also have a campus in Spartanburg that is designed for children aged 5 and under!
Greenville Zoo – Greenville Zoo memberships include extra perks such as guest tickets and it’s a reciprocal membership which means that you can use your membership to get into other participating zoos at a discounted or free price.
Roper Mountain Science Center – RMSC memberships include admission to weekly planetarium shows, Summer Adventure, Afternoon Explorations, and discounts on other services. Memberships for a family are $155 (homeschool families can take advantage of the teacher price of $150). This membership is also reciprocal. You can read about how my family saved over $100 on vacation one year by using ours.
Greenville Water Parks Season Passes – These memberships include Greenville’s water parks. Individual memberships for parks start at $70 and go up to $104 per person. The Rec ‘N Crew pass, priced at $175, gets the pass holder admission to all three water parks plus year-round admission to The Pavilion’s Ice Rink and Bounce House.
Flying Rabbit Adventures Gift Cards– They offer a variety of gift card packages so your giftee can play on the big aerial course for 2.5 hours a day when the adventure course is open. Super fun!
Family memberships to local gyms and recreational facilities offer not just access to exercise equipment and swimming pools but also discounted prices on classes, sports, and more. Joining fees and monthly fees vary on the specific facility in Greenville.
Upcountry History Museum – A membership at the Upcountry History Museum not only includes unlimited visits but also access to their Family Fun Days, UHM Kids Book Club, and more! A family membership is $105 for the year.
Indoor rock climbing– Have a climber in the family? Bloc Haven and Climb at BR offer memberships and gift cards for day passes. projectROCK in Easley does as well, with the added bonus of purchases for 6+ sessions at various price points.
If you live in Spartanburg or don’t mind driving 30 minutes from Greenville, Hub City has plenty of family fun to offer!
The Children’s Museum of the Upstate – While this museum’s Spartanburg location is geared for younger children (5 years and under), the membership is reciprocal and can be used at both the Greenville museum and the Spartanburg museum.
The YMCA of Greater Spartanburg – Any kid and their parents will be thrilled with a YMCA membership because it means they have access to all the YMCA fun!
Big Air Trampoline Park – The indoor trampoline park in Greenville and Spartanburg is a super fun place to visit, but it can add up quickly. That’s why families love the monthly membership packages that include daily two-hour jump sessions.
Shipwreck Cove – Go ahead and purchase a season pass to Shipwreck Cove waterpark in Duncan and parents and kids will be thanking you for making summer wet and wild.
Spartanburg Athletic Club– This sports club in Spartanburg has a family pass starting at $95 per month.
Spartanburg Area Conservancy– If you know a true nature lover, this will give them access to special events with SPACE plus the knowing that they are helping conserve Spartanburg’s most beautiful natural places.
Spartanburg Science Center– For the science lovers in your family! Memberships start at $15/month or $150 per year.
Event Tickets as Experience Gifts: Greenville, SC & The Upstate
I don’t know about you but my kids absolutely love being spectators. Sometimes I catch them in a state of wonder or amazement when I take them to sporting events, plays, music performances, and even monster truck rallies. Not only do event tickets make a great gift for children but they can also be a great way to treat a whole family or plan for a special date for the grandparents and kids.
Ticket Gifts in Greenville
Swamp Rabbits Hockey – My kids absolutely love hockey. It’s a fun, family-friendly environment. Check the schedule for fun promotional night events.
Clemson Tigers – Clemson football fans would love tickets to a home game.
Greenville Theatre – The Greenville Theatre features musicals, dramas, comedies, and more throughout the year.
South Carolina Children’s Theatre – The SCCT has performances for everyone. They also offer programming for younger audiences via their Tell-Me-A-Story Theatre. During the summer months, kids can take advantage of their classes and summer camps. And it all takes part in their bright and shiny theatre on Augusta Street!
Mauldin Cultural Center– Offers theatre performances throughout the year, grab some tickets!
Greer Cultural Arts Council – In addition to productions by the Greer Children’s Theatre, the Greer Cultural Arts Council also offers courses in the arts, dance, drama, literature, and music.
Peace Center – The Peace Center has many offerings including Broadway shows and music performances.
Ballet Spartanburg – Performs beautiful ballet at Chapman Cultural Center
Greer Cultural Center – Venue for music concerts and Greer Children’s Theatre performances. It also hosts classes in a range of arts, dance, drama, literature, and music.
College Sports Tickets – Cheer on a hometown team with tickets to a local college’s sporting events. Local schools include Clemson, USC Upstate, Wofford, and Converse.
Local Classes as Experience Gifts: Greenville, SC & The Upstate
Purchasing a class is a great way to have fun learning. While this list is not comprehensive it includes several of our favorite options.
Class Gifts in Greenville
Dance Without Limits– Dance Without Limits offers dance classes beginning as young as 18 months in their Mommy and Me Dance Class all the way through advanced dance classes. Ballet, tap, lyrical, and tumbling classes are available as well as summer camps. Dance is for everyone at Dance Without Limits.
Yellowbobbypins Art– This amazing art studio at Hampton Station offers virtual gift cards, so you can gift the kids in your life art classes and lessons!
Color Clay Cafe – This pottery studio offers painting and other art designs for both adults and children. You can also enjoy Open Studio times outside of classes.
I9 Sports – This youth sports league offers a range of different sports options for children.
Sylvan Learning– For kids who enjoy an extra challenge, Sylvan Learning provides a full range of interesting classes including classes on robotics and coding.
The Little Gym – This local children’s gym is a favorite of our readers!
Roller Time Skating Academyoffers roller skating lessons and summer camps for beginners through advanced skaters.
Goldfish Swim School offers a holiday package deal for a gift of swim! They have gift bundles with 3 months of lessons, 2 months of lessons, or $100 gift cards.
Climb @ Blue Ridge has gift cards in just about any amount, so the climber in your family can learn how to excel at the sport.
Vino & Van Gogh has gift cards available for 2-hour classes (adult and children), summer camp, after-school camps, couples painting classes, and parent/child painting classes!
Companion Skatepark has lessons for kids and adults, so it’s never too late (or early) to learn to skate! (Companion is moving at the end of this year, but their new location will also offer classes and lessons.)
Local Experience Gifts: Greenville, SC & The Upstate
Making memories through shared experiences and new adventures is always a win! Whether for yourself, you and your significant other, or the whole family, the Upstate has plenty of neat experiences to explore. Nothing is easier than handing over a gift voucher to something exciting!
Experience Gifts in Greenville
Greenville Culinary Tours – Erin took the At the Chef’s Table tour in 2025 with John, and it was hands down one of her favorite experiences. She visited multiple locations, walked around downtown, and learned some super interesting things about Greenville (and she’s lived here her entire life!).
Escape Artist Greenville – Our team here at Kidding Around has done three of the escape rooms and had a blast. This is a perfect date night activity or just for fun with friends.
Big Balls Ranch – Take a tour of this beautiful bison ranch in northern Greenville County and get up close with the giant animals.
Wine & Design – This art studio offers canvas painting classes for adults and even has an Art Buzz kids line of classes for children.
Trapped in the Upstate – This escape room in Greer will test your problem-solving skills while delivering a fun night of entertainment.
Ice on Main – Ice skating on Main Street would make the perfect treat for the kids (or a special someone).
Topgolf Greenville – Take a few swings and have a great meal together. Fun for the whole family (they even have kid clubs available).
Mad Smash Rage Room – Get out your frustrations by smashing a whole bunch of stuff in a smash room. Kids ages 8+ can participate.
Moo Cow Farm – Enjoy cuddles with cows at this farm in Simpsonville. It’s a great gift for the animal lover.
Flying Rabbit Adventures – They’ve got two huge ropes and obstacle courses with zip lines plus a pump track. This is a really fun experience for the whole family.
Denver Downs Farm – Get your family Denver Downs tickets for an awesome fall experience!
The Pavilion– You can get a 10-visit pass for the bounce house at The Pavilion in Taylors, SC for just $87.50. You can also get a youth ice skating 10-visit pass for only $67.50 and an adult one for $87.50!
Speed Factory Indoor Karting– With locations in Greenville, SC and Spartanburg, SC, this indoor karting place offers gift cards starting at $5.
Upstate Archery Academy– Offers gift cards for range time at the center or lessons with the instructors.
Discovery Flight Lessons– Give the gift of flying from the Downtown Greenville Airport with a 2 hour flight for $225.
Happy Helicopter Tour– Experience Greenville in a different light, with a helicopter tour!
Jocassee Lake Tours& Kayak Rentals – You can have an epic boating experience of the beautiful Lake Jocassee all year around. Eclectic Sun Paddlesports is nearby as well, so gift a reservation for warmer weather so they can have a kayaking adventure. Through November 30th, get 20% off gift cards for kayak, SUP, and canoe rentals at Eclectic Sun with the code HAPPYRENTING.
Hearts of Clay – A Spartanburg local favorite. This is a spot to make personalized art and pottery.
Spartanburg County Historical Association – Support your local historical association by purchasing a membership, which will provide you with free or discounted admission to properties and special events
Trapped in the Upstate – Trapped in the Upstate also has a Spartanburg location with more puzzles to solve together, including Prison Break and Striking Gold.
Monster Mini Golf – Tons of fun at this glow-in-the-dark mini golf course.
🎉 An invite to a spring pollinator picnic and hive visit
It’s the perfect gift for nature-loving kids (and grown-ups too)!
South Carolina State Park Passport– State Park Passports are great for families who love the outdoors. The All Park Passport is $99 and gives you access to all 48 state parks, including some lighthouses. And if you’re shopping for someone who doesn’t live in South Carolina, there is surely a similar program for their home state’s park system!
Nail or Spa Gift Certificates – A spa gift certificate is another excellent choice – especially for busy moms. One of our local favorites is Drift Float! Buy a float for someone in your life who needs to relax (or yourself, no judgment here). We did it and it was awesome. There is also an amazing head and scalp spa now in Greenville that Kristina got to try out.
Drift Spa
Pool Memberships – Even though it is too cold to swim right now, you can always plan ahead. Purchase a family pool membership so the kids can enjoy the pool all summer long. (This may have to be a gift card until pool registration opens up, but make it fun by gifting it with some goggles and inflatables!)
Photography – Book a local photographer to capture photographs of your family – and don’t forget to print them out to give to the gift recipient!
Indoor Play Ideas (check our rainy day guide for a massive list of places that offer bouncing or play during the day)
Meal Delivery Services / Grocery Delivery– Help out a busy family by paying the fee for a meal delivery or grocery delivery service such as Shipt (for groceries) or Hello Fresh (for meals). Need inspiration? See how you canGet Those Groceries Delivered in Upstate, SC!
Gift cards to local restaurants – My family always loves receiving gift cards to local restaurants since we don’t eat out often. In addition to the many chain restaurant gift card options, most local Spartanburg restaurants offer gift cards as well.
Subscription Boxes – Subscription boxes are all the rage and there are a ton to choose from! Most subscription boxes allow you to choose the increment (monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly). Plus, they offer them for kids (i.e., books, arts & crafts) and adults (i.e., coffee, adult beverages, to name a few). While I’ve never tried it, I’ve heard other parents say that they love Kiwi Crate and try Tinker Crate for older children. There are also local subscription boxes you can pick up directly, like Big Play in a Box.
Streaming Services Subscriptions (Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Sling) – Help a family cut the cord by paying for a subscription to a streaming TV service.
Summer Camp – Summer camp is an amazing gift. Many places will soon open their registrations. My child had a blast last summer at Conestee Camp with Greenville Rec and Space Camp at The Children’s Museum of the Upstate. If you need inspiration, check out our massive Summer Camp Guide!
Attractions Dining & Value Guide – One of my absolute favorite ideas is the Attractions Book. You can purchase them online and they are offered for Greenville, Spartanburg, and several other parts of South Carolina. It supports local businesses and the coupons are quite good. It would make an excellent stocking stuffer! Ask around as many schools and non-profits sell this book as a fundraiser.
One of the benefits of living in the Upstate is that we’re sandwiched in between several cities that offer plenty of family fun activities–many of which are easily worth an hour or so of driving!
The Georgia Aquarium – We took our kids to the Georgia Aquarium after the holidays one year, and it was such a magical experience!
The Biltmore – An annual pass at the Biltmore includes not only admission to the house but also to the farm where kids can pet chickens and goats, the winery, and discounts on tickets to Dollywood and Tweetsie Railroad.
The Biltmore
Dollywood – The beloved theme park is only three hours from Greenville and is fun for the whole family, especially during special holiday events like the nightly Christmas parade or the fall Pumpkinfest. Dollywood’s Splash Country is also amazing in the summer. Plus, preschoolers can get a free season pass! (Read our review!)
Anakeesta – Also in East Tennessee, this mountaintop village is just magical. The views are stunning and you can eat dinner or watch an outdoor movie overlooking the Smoky Mountains. They have seasonal events and offer year-round passes.
WNC Nature Center – Located in Asheville, the WNC Nature Center focuses on animals and plants in the southern Appalachian mountains. The center includes lots of shade, walkways, and natural playgrounds and is perfect for a day trip with little children.
Discovery Place – A hands-on science museum located in Charlotte
Ellaberry Llama Farm – This farm in Hendersonville is amazing. You can play with llamas!
Carowinds – A theme park located in Concord (Charlotte area) with tons of rides designed for their littlest visitors!
Hands On! Children’s Museum – A children’s museum located directly on Hendersonville’s charming Main Street, the Hands On! Children’s Museum has a target audience of children aged ten and under.
Mountain Play Lodge – An indoor play space for children in Arden that features two large climbing areas, complete with steps, multiple slides, and overhead tunnels with obstacles to climb over, around, and through.
Cool Places to Stay Experience Gifts
Why not book an amazing overnight with your family or partner for an unforgettable experience gift? Here are some awesome places to do so.
Alice’s White Bunny Cottage
Magical Mountain Resorts in Hayesville, NC – Stay in any number of themed cabins and buses! We loved the Alice’s White Bunny cabin.
The Ridge Outdoor Resort in Sevierville, TN – Stay in a glamping tent complete with a bathroom, bedrooms, kitchen, and living space.
Saluda Outdoor Centerin Greenville, SC – Either get a head start on booking a place where you can also go tubing over the summer or just get away at these nearby cabins, just five miles outside Greenville.
KOA in Travelers Rest, SC – You don’t need to go far for a unique overnight! Stay in a covered wagon at the KOA in Travelers Rest.
Emberglow Outdoor Resort in Mill Spring NC – Stay at any number of comfortable and pet-friendly glamping accommodations.
Sky Ridge Yurts in Bryson City, NC – This is one of our favorite places to stay in the region. The yurts are beautiful, comfortable, and have great views.
Buffalo Creek Vacations in Clyde, NC – Stay in a real caboose on a buffalo ranch. It’s as cool as it sounds.
Westgate Myrtle Beach in SC – The resort has pools, a splash pad, and is right on the ocean.
Wilderness at the Smokies in Sevierville, TN – With three waterparks open in the summer and the largest indoor waterpark in Tennessee, Wilderness is at the top of our travel list when planning a fun family getaway.
The Glamping Collective in Canton, NC – Stay in a luxury dome or glass cabin with views of the Smoky Mountains and your own hot tub. This is absolutely a bucket list trip.
Have you ridden the Polar Express in Spencer, NC? The North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer, North Carolina, is home to an impressive collection of trains, automobiles, aviation, and other transportation equipment representing over 100 years of transportation history. But every year as Christmas approaches, the North Carolina Transportation Museum transforms into a popular stop for the famous Polar Express. Climb aboard for a magical ride to the North Pole!
The trip my family took to the North Carolina Transportation Museum for this event is fondly remembered by my children. We are talking about a highlight of Christmas memories, the top ten favorite adventures ever, easy.
If you are familiar with the famous movie and book, you really feel like you have stepped straight into the screen and deep into the pages of the Christmas favorite. Waiting passengers can hear the train approach, and then the iconic “All Aboard!” is heard as the conductor, lantern in hand, leans out of the train. The opening scene between the boy in the pajamas and the conductor is acted out for all to see, and as the boy decides to come aboard, the waiting passengers are invited to follow.
While there are a lot of guests on each ride of the Polar Express train ride, the getting in line and onboarding process is very easy. There are clearly marked signs for each car and groups of rows. It is simple and somehow they are able to move a large number of people, without making passengers feel like they standing right in the middle of a herd of cattle.
Once onboard the magic continues as passengers are treated to song and dance with hot chocolate and cookies. My family sprang for the First Class seats with the table. This included souvenir mugs and extra treats. It was nice and convenient to have the tables to set our drinks and snacks on. I appreciated the less crowded environment of this section, too. Don’t forget to keep your ticket handy! The conductor will be by to punch it, of course.
Arriving at the North Pole
Once the train arrives at the North Pole, passengers disembark and watch Santa give the first gift of Christmas to the boy in the pajamas. All the children from the movie are present, along with the elves. The “North Pole” is set at the museum’s 37-bay roundhouse built in 1924, with the museum’s other buildings standing tall behind. It is decorated for Christmas, and fodder for little imagination to envision Santa’s workshops and a village full of elves.
Back on board, children and adults get a chance to visit with Santa and receive their very own sleigh bell. During the rest of the ride, the Polar Express book is read and on our ride, there was even a little time left to sing Christmas carols.
The fun wasn’t over when the ride ended, either. The museum sets up with crafts, campfires, smores (available for purchase), model trains, and of course pictures with Santa. The gift shop is also pretty impressive.
Spend the Day at the North Carolina Transportation Museum
The North Carolina Transportation Museum is a destination in and of itself. The buildings the museum occupies have a transportation history of their own, including an 1898 train depot, a 37-bay roundhouse built in 1924, and a Back Shop built-in 1905 for overhauling steam locomotives.
Those buildings are packed full of historically significant automobiles, aviation exhibits, steam locomotives, diesel locomotives, and so much more. While we loved looking at the old cars, we all found the 1924 roundhouse and the 40 restored locomotives it houses to be quite impressive and fun. Rides are available on the turntable as well, though we did not purchase one of those.
Admission to the museum is separate from the Polar Express tickets, and the museum closes prior to the Polar Express arrival each night. Plan to eat dinner in downtown Spencer or bring a picnic. There are not many local restaurant options. I recommend hopping online and checking out your options in advance so that if there’s nothing to your liking you can plan to bring your dinner.
The museum grounds are large and there are plenty of places to settle in and enjoy a picnic while you wait for your ride on the Polar Express. Additionally, there are some train cars outside the museum that children can explore during this time. The museum also had several campfires with smores kits available for purchase right next to the spot where you will hop on the Polar Express, as well as hula hoops, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, and other items that will help keep the little ones occupied while they wait.
2025 Polar Express: Spencer, NC North Carolina Transportation Museum Details:
The 2025 Polar Express runs November 7-9, 14-16, 21-23, 28-30, 2025, and December 5-7 and 11-23, 2025. While trains depart in the afternoon, the departure times vary by date, so be sure to check the NC Transportation Museum’s website for the schedule.
Prices begin at $40.25 for children and $46.75 for adults. If you have a group, purchase as soon as possible for the cheapest optinos. Check the Polar Express website for available dates and times. Trains sell out fast. If you want to go, don’t wait to get your tickets!
Has your family ever taken a ride on the Polar Express?
Wondering about the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad’s Polar Express in Bryson City? This is one of the most magical experiences of a kid’s life. It’s a themed train ride based on the book The Polar Express. Whether you love an early beginning to the holiday season or wish you could put it off, this North Carolina attraction is one very good reason to start your own planning early this year. KAG Contributor Liene has all the information you need to know about this very popular holiday attraction.
Polar Express Quick Facts (2026 Season)
Where: Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, historic Bryson City Depot, Bryson City, NC — about 2½ hours by car from Greenville or Spartanburg, SC
Season: November 6, 2026 through January 3, 2027. No trains on Tuesdays in November (November 10 and 17), Thanksgiving, or Christmas Day. Christmas Eve trains do run.
Departure times: 5 pm, 6:40 pm, and 8:20 pm — most dates run all three; Mondays and Wednesdays usually run two
Ride length: 1¼ hours round trip. Arrive 1 hour before departure to pick up tickets.
Ages & tickets: Child pricing ages 2–12, adult 13 and up, infants 0–23 months ride free in Coach but need their own seat
Starting prices: Coach from $33.52 child / $50.85 adult; Crown from $57.50; Premium Crown from $66.16; First Class from $71.94 per seat. All-in pricing; peak, steam, and Christmas Eve dates run higher.
Parking: 45 Mitchell Street, across from the depot — fees already included in your reservation
Dates and prices confirmed on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad’s own site and booking calendar as of September 25, 2026. GSMR updates pricing and availability through the season — always confirm at booking.
The Polar Express: Bryson City, NC
Bryson City is a gateway city to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but is it also home to the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad depot, with scenic rail excursions through the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. Beginning November 6, 2026, a very special train will be departing from the historic Bryson City depot: The Polar Express. This is one of two very popular train rides on the Polar Express near Greenville, SC, so get your tickets soon!
Based on the popular children’s book written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg, this magical train ride recreates the journey to the North Pole complete with hot cocoa and a warm cookie. At the end of the train ride, Santa Claus himself will be waiting at Santa’s Village to board the train and present each child with their very own silver sleigh bell.
Things to Know About the Ride on the Polar Express
You’ll want to arrive in Bryson City at least an hour before your departure time. This will give you time to park, which is not an easy task in this little town, which draws tens of thousands of Polar Express passengers over the eight-week season. Parking is located across the street from the depot at 45 Mitchell Street, and parking fees are already charged to your reservation (RVs pay a separate $16 cash fee). Parking attendants are on hand to direct traffic.
Once you’ve walked to the depot you might want to explore the GSMR train museum, and you’ll find a dozen little souvenir and snack shops lining the street to explore while waiting for your train’s boarding time. Tip; the Smoky Mountain trains museum is free with tickets, but you can purchase pictures with Santa if you arrive early.
When it is time to climb on board, passengers join the queue at their assigned boarding station, which correlates to the train car in which you will be riding. The beautifully restored vintage coaches date from the 1920s to the 1940s, and the interior has been festively decorated in the holiday spirit. Friendly employees are on hand to help the boarding process and get everyone situated, and before you know it, the whistle blows, and the Polar Express is off, headed for the North Pole!
While music plays in the background (from the motion picture The Polar Express), the conductor comes through to stamp the ‘golden train tickets.’ These tickets, based on the book, make a cherished souvenir for the children. Hint: make sure to bring your copy of “The Polar Express” on the trip so that you can read along while enjoying the hot chocolate brought to you by the singing and dancing chef.
Like most parents, we had changed the kids into their pajamas so that they would be cozy and comfortable on the journey. And, the singing of Christmas carols and antics of the Polar Express characters kept them mesmerized the entire trip.
Tips to Make the Most of Your Trip
With four different ticket options (First, Premium Crown, Crown, and Coach), families have a variety of choices concerning seating, snacks, and memorabilia – only reserve your tickets soon. GSMR’s 2026 tickets are on sale now, and the railroad’s own advice is that “certain dates and car types will sell quickly,” so weekend and Christmas-week departures are the ones to book first. We opted for Coach and were completely satisfied with the seating, the service, and the benefits that came with our package.
We purchased tickets on the 5 pm train, meaning it would still be light out for the first 1/2 hour of the journey (and we could watch the gorgeous mountain scenery roll by). The sun had set and darkness descended just before our arrival at the North Pole, and so the Christmas lights adorning ‘Santa’s Village’ twinkled in the darkness, helping convince reluctant believers… On our return trip, lights from homes along the route sparkled in the distance, adding a magical dimension to the ride.
When selecting seats, you might want to choose to be on the left side of the train (that would be the opposite side where you board the Polar Express), as the river and the majority of North Pole lights will be on that side. Also, Santa boards on the front of the train, so be prepared for him to come through rather soon after stopping if you’re in Coach; have your copy of “The Polar Express” ready for him to sign, and the kids ready to tell him what they would like for Christmas. He even makes some time to ask some disbelieving adults about what they would like under the tree – so make that list and check it twice!
More information on the Polar Express: Bryson City, NC
The first Polar Express departure is on November 6, 2026, and the train operates through January 3, 2027. It doesn’t run every single day: in November it’s dark on Tuesdays (November 10 and 17) and on Thanksgiving (November 26), and in December the only day off is Christmas Day. They do run on Christmas Eve if you want a truly memorable night. Departures are at 5 pm, 6:40 pm, and 8:20 pm — most dates offer all three, while Mondays and Wednesdays typically run just the 5 pm and 6:40 pm trains. Tickets sell out quickly.
For detailed information on the different seating available, visit the Polar Express website.
Bryson City is about 2 ½ hours by car from both Greenville and Spartanburg, optimally a weekend destination, but doable in a day (since the kids will sleep on the way home!).
There are several classes to choose from, with Coach Class the cheapest, starting at $33.52 for kids ages 2-12 and $50.85 for adults (ages 13 and up). Infants under 24 months ride free in Coach but still need their own seat. Moving up, Crown Class starts at $57.50 per seat, Premium Crown at $66.16 per seat, and First Class at $71.94 per seat, with the upper classes sold as whole 2- or 4-seat tables and sections. Those are GSMR’s all-in prices, which already include the Historic Preservation Fee and Ticket Fee — but the railroad notes that peak dates, steam-engine service, and Christmas Eve can run higher. Depending on what ticket class you choose, you’ll receive a cookie, hot chocolate, and a souvenir of some type for a full Polar Express experience.
You can book tickets by calling 800.872.4681 or you can book them online.
Where to Stay Near the Polar Express in Bryson City, NC
If you want to enhance your Polar Express experience with a super cool place to stay in town, try Sky Ridge Yurts, only about 20 minutes away from the city center and the railroad. The yurts are spacious, clean, and very comfortable. We tried them out over the summer and fell in love with the unique structures. Enjoy some warm cocoa and the mountain views during your trip!
The 2026 season runs from November 6, 2026 through January 3, 2027. The train doesn’t run on Tuesdays in November (November 10 and 17), on Thanksgiving, or on Christmas Day, but it does run on Christmas Eve.
How long is the Polar Express train ride?
It’s a 1¼-hour round trip from the Bryson City depot to the North Pole and back. GSMR asks guests to arrive one hour before departure to pick up tickets, and we’d give yourself even a little more than that for parking and the shops.
How much do Polar Express tickets cost?
Coach Class starts at $33.52 for children ages 2–12 and $50.85 for adults. Crown Class starts at $57.50 per seat, Premium Crown at $66.16, and First Class at $71.94. Those are all-in prices including the Historic Preservation Fee and Ticket Fee; peak dates, steam service, and Christmas Eve cost more.
Can kids wear pajamas on the Polar Express?
Yes — GSMR encourages passengers to dress warmly, and pajamas are welcome. Closed-toe shoes are required.
Is the train museum included with a Polar Express ticket?
Yes. Admission to the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum is complimentary with any train ticket purchase. Without a train ticket, admission is $9 for ages 12 and up, $5 for ages 3–11, and free for under 3.
What happens if there’s bad winter weather?
GSMR runs all trains, including special event trains, through winter weather. If the North Carolina Highway Patrol or DMV closes I-40 or Highway 74, call reservations at 1-800-872-4681 — rescheduling is available for a nominal fee.
“At one time, most of my friends could hear the bell, but as years passed, it fell silent for all of them. Even Sarah found one Christmas that she could no longer hear its sweet sound. Though I’ve grown old, the bell still rings for me, as it does for all who truly believe.”
From The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg
Would a ride on The Polar Express be a trip your kids would cherish?
This post was originally published on Femme au foyer and is republished with permission.
Love a good Christmas Train? There’s more where this came from! We have a whole list of GREAT Christmas Train Rides for every budget level! Christmas Train Rides Near Greenville, SC
Are you thinking about cloth diapering? There are many benefits to cloth diapering and great resources in Greenville to help you along the way. Today local mom Kristina Hernandez is telling us why she loves cloth diapers. She’s also sharing her tips and tricks on where to buy cloth diapers, how to wash them, and more!
When I was pregnant with my first child, my husband casually mentioned we should look into cloth diapering. I was mildly appalled. Didn’t they do that in my grandparent’s generation – and wasn’t it awful? My husband, being from Central America, was actually more familiar with cloth diapering than myself since it’s more common there, so he figured why not look into it. And oh man, did I look into it!
Turns out that there is an entire subculture of cloth diaper enthusiasts who can’t wait to get their hands on more fluff for their little baby’s bottoms. For a multitude of reasons, we ended up cloth diapering our kids and it has been more fun than I could have imagined.
Cloth diapers have come a long my friends. Invention is the key to necessity here. Cloth diapers are essentially reusable diapers that will be washed when soiled and used over and over again, sometimes with multiple children (which saves parents a ton of money but more on that in a minute). There are all kinds of fibers – cotton, hemp, microfiber, bamboo, wool – that have various absorbencies.
Types of Diapering Systems
There is also a dizzying array of options available. You can get an all-in-one diaper (AIO), which is like a disposable in that you don’t have to mess around with inserts. You just put it on the baby, take it off when dirty, and throw it on the laundry bag. All-in-twos (AI2) are similar except you can snap in an insert for absorbency and then take that out when dirty.
There are pocket diapers that literally have a pocket to stuff the inserts or prefolds (these look like big hand towels that you fold up and put into a diaper). There are diaper covers, which are waterproof, and pre-folds where you have a system to build the diaper to your child’s individual needs. Fitted diapers are either sized or come in one size (snaps make them bigger or smaller) and will need a diaper cover. There are extra-absorbent nighttime diapers available too.
You will also want to try out snaps vs. Velcro. I found that velcro worked best for smaller babies because you can get a more snug fit. However, once my babies grew, we used more snap-style diapers. Most cloth diapering systems, aside from using prefolds, are meant for babies around 8-10 pounds up to toddlers. Prefolds are a great way to use diapers on small newborns, and you can find attachments like a Snappi, to hold the prefolds together. Green Mountain Diapers is a great resource on how to use a Snappi to hold together a prefold diaper, so you do not have to feel intimidated! When in doubt, Youtube is your best friend!
Finding What Fits Your Family
It’s a huge world out there of cloth diapers and, in my own experience, a lot of the learning comes down to trial and error and really finding out what works for you. My oldest child was sized differently than my youngest so my favorite diapers that worked the best were different the second time around.
But you’re not alone if you go the route of cloth diapers. The online world of cloth diapers enthusiasts is enormous and Greenville alone even has its own cloth diapering community.
Why choose cloth diapers?
Cost Effective
A big reason we chose cloth diapers was the cost. Simply put, it’s a heck of a lot cheaper to use cloth diapers than disposables. One detailed analysis of cloth vs. disposables over 30 months came out with spending about $770 on cloth diapers (including the cost of washing the diapers) to over $2,300 for disposables.
There are a lot of different comparisons on the cost but in the end, the cloth is almost always cheaper – and they have resale value (more on this later). The expense of cloth diapers is mostly upfront since you need to start building up your stash right from the beginning. But because of the huge variety of options, cloth diapers can fit almost every budget.
Less Harsh Chemicals on Baby
Another reason is the gentleness of cloth vs. the chemicals of disposable diapers. Baby skin is sensitive and cloth diapers have no chemicals to interact with that soft baby bum. As a sometimes paranoid mom, I’m just more comfortable with something that doesn’t have chemicals constantly touching my baby’s skin.
Also, cloth diapers are better for the environment because they don’t contribute to the millions of diapers piling up in landfills every year.
Convenience
I also chose cloth diapers out of convenience. Sure, it may seem like an oxymoron. I mean, you need to wash the diapers every few days, let them dry, fold them up, and stash them away – only to just do it all over again in the next 48 hours – but I loved the idea of being able to get new diapers in just a few hours with washing and drying and not having to leave my house at 9 pm because I just remembered I ran out of diapers.
May Help With Potty Training
One other thing I heard when I was researching cloth diapers is that kids who use them are potty-trained earlier than kids with disposables. The theory is that with cloth diapers, they can feel when they are wet and therefore are more motivated to go to the bathroom on the toilet. They also supposedly get an earlier handle on bodily functions. Honestly, I have no clue if this is true. My oldest was potty-trained before she was two but it could have been for reasons other than cloth diapers (she was in overnight diapers longer). But I know other kids who were in cloth diapers who were potty-trained later.
Cloth Diapers are Adorable!
And lastly, I chose cloth diapers for the simple fact that are adorable. And they have names like Fuzzibunz, BumGenius, and Applecheeks. Your baby may look like he/she has a little bit of junk in the trunk – but hey, it’s cute. The cuteness factor could actually be a downfall because once you get into cloth diapers, you are going to be tempted to buy all the fluff you can. It’s an addiction.
Washing cloth diapers
So it gets a bit tricky to wash the diapers. Depending on how many diapers you have and how often you change your baby, you will likely need to wash the diapers every couple of days. I use baking soda and distilled vinegar for the prewash (wash on cold) and then wash the diapers in hot water with Tide Original powder. You can’t use a liquid detergent without ruining the diapers because it will hamper absorbency. There are a lot of options for cloth diaper-safe detergent though (see this list). The last time we checked the Swamp Rabbit Café & Grocery in Greenville sells a couple of cloth diaper-friendly detergents as well.
For drying, you will need to hang up the diaper covers to dry. Everything else can go in the dryer. I try to get my diapers outside in a sunny spot as often as possible since the sun naturally bleaches them and gets out the stains. If you can’t go outside, running a tension line over your bathtub is a great option, or even in your laundry room. Then, the diapers can dry out with the heat coming off of the dryer.
The wash routine can come with challenges for sure. This awesome Facebook group, Fluff Love & CD Science, is an excellent resource to help get answers on troubleshooting issues that come up with cloth diapers.
As for where to put the dirty diapers in between washes, I use a wet bag, which is a waterproof bag. I also use a small one in my diaper bag for when we are on the go and I need to put a dirty diaper somewhere.
Where to get cloth diapers in Greenville
When I first started cloth diapering, I went to a meeting with other cloth diaper mamas and it was so helpful to see the diapers firsthand (I had ordered everything online at that point) and ask questions and get solutions.
One of the neat things about cloth diapers is that they actually have resale value. When I first started cloth diapering, I got almost my entire stash from resellers. I thought it was pretty gross at first until I realized what cloth diapers were and that they can work the same as new ones when taken care of properly. I also ended up selling some of the diapers that didn’t work as well for my kids as I would have liked.
You can check out the private Baby Center swap group or other swap groups on Facebook.
Other Things You Need to Know about Cloth Diapering
One big thing you need to know about cloth diapers is that you can’t use traditional diaper cream with them (think stinky Destin). You have to use something that doesn’t contain zinc. I used coconut oil and the GroVia magic stick. There are plenty of cloth diaper-safe rash creams out there if you need them. But don’t feel bad if you need to switch to disposables for a few days to use the hardcore diaper creams if the baby has a bad rash!
Also, there are cloth wipes you can use instead of regular baby wipes. They are pretty awesome and you just use them with water when you change the baby and wash them when you wash diapers.
When the baby is breastfeeding and poops, you can just throw the diaper in the wet bag or diaper pail. But when the baby starts on solids, you need to dump the poop in the toilet before you can wash them. It’s kind of gross but I use GroVia liners, which make it a heck of a lot easier.
You can also buy spray wands that attach to your toilet like this one of these diaper sprayers. These make removing solids a lot easier. You just hang the diaper over the toilet, spray all the gross stuff away, and throw it into a wet bag.
Looking for more resources and local services? Check out our Resources and Services page to help your family thrive!
Have you been searching for restaurants that are a little fancier, but are kid-friendly? Greenville, SC has several that are both! If you’re looking for a nice restaurant to celebrate something special or just something a bit nicer than chicken nuggets, check out this list of the best restaurants for kids in Greenville, SC.
Dining out with kids isn’t only for intrepid parents who’ve taken their kids to dinner since birth. Parents deserve some fun and creative dining experiences that don’t involve chicken tenders! To make it a more fun and memorable experience, in addition to providing you with a few dinner suggestions (not the usual suspects), we’ve also shared some of our tips below based on our dining experiences around town.
Tips for Eating Out with Kids
Skip the kid’s menu. We have our 6 and 7-year-olds either share a main course or we order appetizers (a couple of small things in case they don’t like one of them).
Request that all the food come out at the same time instead of the kid’s meals coming out first. This will ensure that the kids will be busy while parents are enjoying their own food.
Always try to reserve a table if you can or eat early. Also, attempt to stick to your child’s routine to avoid meltdowns.
Let them do the ordering; this makes the evening more interactive.
This is your chance to teach your kids about table manners and how to behave when eating out in public. Be sure to brief them before you leave the house.
Reward their adventurous spirits with something yummy from the dessert section.
Restaurants to Dine at That Are Kid-Friendly: Greenville, SC
If you are raring to go, here are a few places to get you started. We’ve listed a range, from elegant (good for special occasions like Valentine’s Day) to casual (a nice alternative to fast food). Greenville has such a great selection of restaurants, that we hope we’ve given you some options when dining out with the whole family.
In the heart of town, this restaurant offers some of the best city views in downtown. There is no children’s menu, but their entrees are big enough to share. The restaurant is located in Camperdown Plaza, so your kids can run around the area or play in the waterfall fountain while you wait. Call ahead to reserve a table.
Best paired with a visit to Campbell’s Bridge or after a visit to a nearby state park, Restaurant 17 is a half-hour drive from downtown Greenville. It belongs to Hotel Domestique, a boutique hotel beautifully nestled at the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains with sprawling views of the countryside. We love taking visitors here, to enjoy the fabulous views and their chef’s bold take on artisanal southern cuisine. If weather permits, you can request a table outside on their patio overlooking the pool.
While waiting for dinner to arrive, we usually take a stroll around their plaza which has an interesting water feature. Try to go before sunset so you can catch the amazing pink skyline. Though they don’t have a separate children’s menu, their kitchen has graciously whipped up a pasta dish for our kids. Call ahead to reserve a table.
Asian food with flair. Otto Izikaya is a sleek-looking restaurant in Greenville. A bit hidden, the place surprises with high ceilings, great lighting, and a metropolitan atmosphere. Lots of small plates to choose from and a long list of house non-raw and traditional sushi rolls. The edamame with garlic and parmesan brings a new twist to this Japanese vegetable side dish.
Some fun things that our kids like on their menu are the pork buns, fried dumplings, and chicken satay which are non-spicy and children-friendly items. If you still have room for dessert, try the fried Oreos, which has received rave reviews. Call ahead to reserve a table.
This tavern-style downtown eatery serves barbeque and southern favorites. We usually request a booth inside but there’s also a patio to enjoy if it’s a nice day. The place is usually loud and busy so one doesn’t have to be too worried about kids and their voices being too loud. For dessert, we walk a block down and have some frozen yogurt at Blueberry Frog. Call ahead to reserve a table.
23 West Washington Street, Greenville, SC 29601 | 864-451-7490 Price: Moderate
It’s dark, cozy, and usually busy in this popular Belgian-inspired downtown restaurant. We love their Carbonade Flamande, a traditional Belgian stew, their Moules and Frites (mussels and fries), and the extensive European beer menu. With their fries, you’ll have a choice of three mayo-based dipping sauces of which I usually just order three of their truffle mayo.
The kid’s menu offers a choice of fries and either a vegetable or fruit bowl. Our kids get a kick out of their restrooms decorated with comic strips from the adventures of the junior detective Tin Tin. For dessert, we usually go to Rosa Luna next door to enjoy one of the best gelatos in town. Call ahead to reserve a table. No Reservations Required
1 N Main Street Greenville, SC | 864-451-6200 Price: Moderate
If you love delicious southern cuisine, then Tupelo Honey Cafe is the place to go! Their menu is a hit with our kids, because who doesn’t love chicken and waffles? You can dine inside or outside on the open patio. It gets pretty loud, so you do not have to worry about your kids being too loud, it’s also close to the fountains and open space at One Greenville, so if your kids need a break from the table they can run around there and you can easily see them. We recommend reservations, especially on the weekends.
116 S Main Street, Greenville, SC 29601 | 864-373-7300 Price: Moderate
The Nose Dive in Greenville is a local favorite. The atmosphere is a little louder, so you don’t have to worry if your kids fuss or have an indoor voice that’s really more appropriate for a stadium. They also have a fun kids’ menu! No reservations are required, but they are available.
241 North Main Street, Greenville, SC 29601 | 864-373-9233 Price: Deal
If you want a quick dinner but not the usual fast food joint, head to the downtown location of this authentic Japanese noodle shop located at NOMA Square. Great for winter weather and ready in minutes, order your own or share a bowl of hot broth served with thin slices of pork, ramen noodles, bean sprouts, and egg. My daughter loves the gyoza (fried dumplings). If you don’t feel like soup, they also serve Japanese-style curry with rice.
217 Laurens Road, Greenville, SC 29607 930 E Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302 Price: Deal
Willy Taco is one of the best kid-friendly Greenville, SC restaurants! While there is no kids’ menu, you can easily order a single taco for your child or share a meal. Bonus: They have cornhole games set up outside.
This place has the BEST tacos, especially their Korean Bulgogi taco. You can sit inside or outside, the vibe is nice and cozy, and you can have dessert at Waffle Drop. Hampton Station also has a few other shops to explore, an open area for kids to run around in while you wait for food, and your kids will enjoy the quesadillas at White Duck too, so win-win.
Kids Eat Free at these Local Restaurants near Greenville, SC!
Have a few hours after school but unsure how to spend them? Local teen Brylan put together this list of school night outings that are perfect for teens. Whether you have one night without homework or many free evenings, you’ll find an idea or two that just might be exactly what you need this school year!
I’m completely able to relate to the desire to get out of the house and do something, but have little to no options for reasonable activities that will have me back home and in bed so I can get a full eight hours of sleep. Believe it or not, there are indeed some fun things you can do with friends or alone on a school night.
Swing Dancing at Upstate Swing
One of my personal favorites, every Wednesday night Upstate Swing hosts a swing dancing lesson from 7 pm – 8 pm and then has a night of dancing from 8 pm – 10 pm. It’s a great way to meet more people and such a fun way to set the tone for the rest of the week! Here’s the Upstate Swing link with details.
Hit the mall
Haywood Mall closes at 9 pm, ensuring that you’ll be back at home at a reasonable time. Maybe it’s just me, but shopping helps me clear my head even if I don’t purchase anything.
Get some outdoor time at a local park
Having an hour or so of exercise in places like Cleveland Park will help you clear your mind and feel great before enduring school the next day. The Swamp Rabbit Trail runs through Cleveland Park to Downtown Greenville.
Get a part-time job
If you find yourself nearly dying of boredom on a regular basis consider applying for a part-time job around town to fill up your schedule and make some extra money! See my article on part-time jobs for teens in Greenville here.
Visit a school athletic event
Check the news for the upcoming sports events and support your school! Most school calendars include athletic games so check your school, or visit another school.
Spare Time Entertainment
This arcade/bowling alley/laser tag/escape room haven is super fun for students! Grab some friends and visit! Keep in mind that you have to book an escape room ahead of time.
Go Climbing
There are several places in Greenville where you can harness up and go indoor rock climbing. It’s a great way to get your body moving so you can get a good night’s sleep or focus on homework. Some gyms even offer high school student climb nights. Check out these indoor climbing gyms near Greenville.
While the options for school night activities are few and far between, there are some reasonable mid-week activities that will help you get your mind off school for just long enough to feel refreshed and like you have a life outside of school and homework. If you find a night of freedom, take a step back from the chaos and enjoy an evening without stress. You never know when you’ll get another one.
Are you thinking about taking a family vacation to Edisto Beach, South Carolina? Luckily, we have put together a guide to everything you need to know to plan the perfect vacation. Local mom Julie has tips on lodging, fun, food, and more!
In a sea of beach destinations full of traffic and tourists, Edisto Island, SC is a hidden treasure. With minimal commercial development, you can enjoy the many local restaurants, shops, and miles of palmetto-lined beach, without the traffic and crowding that many South Carolina beaches are famous for.
Where to Stay on Edisto Island
This map contains Stay22 Affiliate links.
A little about Edisto Island
With both of us working full-time and only having 2 weeks of vacation per year, my husband and I wanted to get the most out of our vacation. We did a lot of research and considered many of the popular destinations in this area, but eventually settled on Edisto for many reasons.
We wanted something that would not be crowded with tourists. Traffic is minimal in this area. The accommodations nearby fit our budget. Plus, there were plenty of options for entertainment within a reasonable distance from our cabin.
Edisto Island is famous for having a clean beach and for having an unusually high number of fossils and seashells to collect.
Where to Stay at Edisto Beach
There are many houses to rent at varying price points at Edisto Island, but our favorite places to stay are the cabins/villas at Edisto Beach State Park. Located on the salt marsh at Scott Creek, the cabins are about 1½ miles from the ocean and are historic Civilian Conservation Corps locations. Available are five one-bedroom cabins/villas (can accommodate four people) and two three-bedroom cabins (can accommodate six people).
These are modern cabins, so you can expect all of the comforts of home, such as air conditioning and heat, queen beds, linens and towels, dishes, appliances, a television with satellite, a screened-in porch, Wi-Fi, and a grill with a picnic table outside. Guests of the cabins have access to a private dock for fishing or just relaxing by the water.
Also available at the park, about a mile away from the cabin site,s are 111 RV sites with electricity and water access and five tent sites. Discounts may be offered in the slow season, generally in the fall and winter.
Things to Do on Edisto Island
Although Edisto Island is not highly commercialized, there is still plenty for a family to do to keep busy and entertained. Here are just a few of the activities that many families enjoy:
Visit the Edisto Beach State Park Nature Trails. These trails are for biking or hiking and will take you deep into the forest and along the marshland for an unforgettable day trip. Visit a 4,000-year-old Native American shell mound and experience the marshes and wetlands up close.
Search for seashells and fossils on the beach (Edisto Beach is famous for this).
Go on a guided kayak tour where you may get a glimpse of dolphins up close! The island is home to a maritime forest, so there is a lot of wildlife and beautiful things to see.
Explore the Edisto Island Museumto learn more about the island and its history. You’ll learn about the island, African American history, Gullah culture, and more.
Visit Botany Bay Plantationand see the boneyard beach, a beach full of petrified trees with unique structures that are great to explore and photograph.
Eat at one of the unique, local restaurants such as McConkey’s Jungle Shack or the SeaCow Eatery, just to name a few. Enterprise Pavilion is a waterfront bar, restaurant, and gift shop, and is a great place to check out, as well.
Play golf at the Plantation Course at Edisto.
Take a day trip to Charleston, South Carolina, which is only about an hour’s drive away from Edisto Beach!
If your kids love fish and ocean life, a trip to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, should be on your list.
The attraction is a super neat experience. You’ll see live shows, learn about creatures in the touch tanks, walk under sharks swimming above you in an underwater tunnel, and so much more.
We have everything you need to know to plan your trip to this family-friendly and educational attraction.
Thanks to Ripley’s for the media tickets so we could do this review.
My dream as a teen was to work at an aquarium. I even went so far as to look at colleges that have excellent marine biology programs. While this career wasn’t meant to be, I still really enjoy learning about all the creatures of the sea – and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is just the place to get up close with some of the coolest of them.
The aquarium is truly state-of-the-art and houses thousands of ocean creatures like sharks, eels, stingrays, sea horses, and even penguins (awww!). The building sits right in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg and there is a parking garage adjacent to the aquarium. It’s across the street from the Greystone Lodge and Anakeesta.
They offer unique add-on experiences that let guests get up close and personal with many of their animals. Maybe even while sitting in a glass bottom boat! While we weren’t able to participate in those attractions, I’m hoping to do so if I’m able to go back. Maybe next time you are visiting the aquarium in Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg, you will get to experience one!
Your Vacation to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge: Aquarium Must-Sees
A huge pool of sharks and fish
When you enter the aquarium, you’ll walk through the beautiful lobby with a giant sea turtle skeleton hanging from the ceiling and see opportunities for kids to play on some equipment. But keep going through the small tanks of creatures and head to the ginormous tank full of sharks and thousands of gallons of water. You can look right into the water and see all the sharks just chilling and swimming. If you are lucky, you’ll get to see a shark feeding!
Seeing this giant tank is really cool, but also a bit unnerving. The animals are so close, and there isn’t a huge barrier to you know, falling in. I don’t think this happens, but I can be paranoid because let’s just admit it, I’m scared of sharks. We do have it on good authority that people do drop their cell phones into the tank pretty often.
The shark tunnel
Not gonna lie, I kind of sped through some of the tanks of sea creatures to get to the main attraction: the shark lagoon! This giant tunnel makes you feel like you’re swimming with the sharks. You are guided on a slow conveyor belt through a glass tunnel surrounded by sharks, a dangerous reef, and other fish that swim so, so close to you. It’s really incredible and easily our favorite part of visiting the aquarium.
Seeing the movement of the animals from below them was unusual and memorable. You usually don’t ever see that and even if you did nothing else at the aquarium, this alone would probably be worth the cost of admission.
Pet a penguin at the penguin playhouse
Penguins are adorable. I melt whenever I get to see them and find them so much fun to watch. At Ripleys of the Smokies, you can actually pet a penguin as an add-on experience ($49.99/person) and get a take-home photo with one. If you’d like to be super adventurous, you can paint with a penguin. How many people can say they’ve done that? Well, you can and it costs $75/person to do so.
The penguin exhibit at Ripley’s is well done. You actually can even step outside and stand under one of the tanks in this certain way that allows the penguins to burst forth in swimming directly above your head, but in a way that feels like they are swimming straight toward you. You feel somehow in the tank with them.
All the penguins also have individual profiles – like a dating site – where you can learn more about them like when they were born, where they are from, and which ones like to take walks around the aquarium at sunset.
Touch tanks
Since no good aquarium is without opportunities to feel the creatures that roam the seas, Ripley’s offers guests the opportunity to touch stingrays while a guide gives information about them. For a small fee, you can buy food and have the rays swim right up to you to eat.
There were several other touch tanks throughout the aquarium. You could touch horseshoe crabs – who did not seem to care one ounce what was happening in their lives. You could even touch jellyfish if you wanted. That was super cool and a little bizarre.
The aquarium staff keeps the jellyfish extra cold so that all of the people touching them won’t damage their gel-like “skin”. They felt sort of rubbery and smooth. As weird as jellyfish are, and as painful as their sting can be, they’re kind of fantastic to look at as they glide and float through the water.
Live Shows at Ripley’s Aquarium
If you have a favorite animal or mythical creature like say, mermaids, be sure to check the live show schedule when you plan your visit. You’d hate to miss the penguin parade if you came all the way from Greenville to watch this.
There are neat coral reef dive shows and animal feedings as well.
Special Events and Field Trips
Sleepovers
If you’d like to get together a group of your closest friends, scouts, or family and have a sleepover they’ll never forget, you can make it happen at Ripley’s of the Smokies. They have several options to choose from and pre-planned sleepover dates for some programs.
I do think it’d be pretty awesome to sleep in the aquarium. At least I’d have something interesting to look at when I would inevitably wake up at 3 am thinking about how sharks are swimming over my head.
Homeschool Programs
Ripley’s is currently offering homeschool programs once a month to homeschool students and their teachers. You can check out their homeschool programs on their website.
If you are homeschooling and can’t make one of those programs, Ripley’s offers homeschool discounts for walk-ups of $10.99 per student and sibling(s). Teaching parents cost $19.99 plus tax. You’ll need proof of homeschooling to take advantage of this great discount AND to fill out the form on the Ripley’s Aquarium website.
Tips on Enjoying Ripley’s Aquarium
Here are a few suggestions on how to best enjoy the aquarium:
Get there early. Gatlinburg has soared in popularity over the last few years and downtown is packed. It’s best to go here early to avoid the worst of the crowds and spend time at the exhibits that interest your kids the most. And weekdays usually have fewer crowds than weekends.
Any age person will like this. The aquarium is a great crowd-pleaser because just about everyone in your family, no matter their age, will find something they like.
Park next door. If you can, park right next to the aquarium so it’s an easy walk. You do have to pay to park unless you stay across the street at the Greystone Lodge (which we highly recommend). You can make a day of seeing the aquarium and some other attractions within walking distance, like Anakeesta, the Sky Bridge, or other Ripley’s attractions along the main drag.
Plan to spend a couple of hours there. While it’s possible to speed through the aquarium, there is a lot to see and kids may want to linger in some areas so plan to spend around two hours at the attraction.
Strollers are fine but babywearing may be better. You’re allowed to bring strollers but if there are a lot of people, it may be easier to use a baby carrier instead to better navigate the aquarium.
Tickets are good for a year after purchase. This is good knowledge in case you need to bail on a scheduled trip. You don’t need a reservation either unless you are doing an add-on experience.
Plan Your Visit to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Tickets to the aquarium alone are $39.99/adult, $24.99/ages 6-11, and $9.99/ages 2-5. Ripley’s also offers several combination ticket packages where you can visit the aquarium plus one, two, three, etc. attractions.
Ripley’s is open daily from 9:00 am – 11:00 pm. If you think you’ll want to come back over and over again, which you may after going once, an annual pass may be the way to go.
So, next time you are on your family vacation to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, aquarium visits are a must for your itinerary!
Where to Stay Near Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Find a place to stay in Gatlinburg, TN. This article contains Stay22 affiliate links.
North Carolina’s Tweetsie Railroad theme park is full of nostalgic family fun. Wondering if a trip is right for your family? Elizabeth Faulkner shares her own Tweetsie Railroad experience so you’ll know what to expect when you visit, plus all the great mom tips.
Media passes were provided for the visit to Tweetsie Railroad. However, all opinions shared in this post are Elizabeth’s own.
Plan Your Visit to Tweetsie Railroad in 2026
Location: 300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 (approximately 3 hours from Greenville, SC)
2026 Hours: Saturdays & Sundays, 10 am – 6 pm through November 1. Hours vary by season. Always check the official 2026 schedule before you go, especially for a weekday visit.
Admission (2026): Adults (13+): $65 | Children (3–12): $45 | Children 2 & under: Free. Admission includes rides, shows, unlimited train rides, and Deer Park Zoo.
Best Ages: All ages; especially great for toddlers through tweens. Nearly every ride accommodates young children.
Upcoming 2026 Events:Ghost Train – Fri & Sat nights, Sept. 25–Oct. 31 | Tweetsie Christmas – select evenings Nov. 27 – Dec. 30. Separate tickets required for both; general admission not valid.
Confession of a bad mom: My family has spent a lot of time in the North Carolina mountains, specifically the Boone, North Carolina area. Lots of time. For years. And we’ve driven right by Tweetsie Railroad many times. Since my oldest daughter, who is now seven, was able to speak, she’s been begging me to take her to that ‘place with the ferris wheel’ that we pass on our way to the mountains. And I (the bad mom) had never taken my girls to Tweetsie Railroad. Until today.
If you don’t know Tweetsie Railroad, it is not exactly a new theme park. Nope. I have lots of friends who tell me about their childhood memories visiting Tweetsie. It’s been a theme park since the 1950s. Heck, it was the very first theme park in the state of North Carolina. But a theme park was not how Tweetsie Railroad began.
The history behind Tweetsie Railroad
Tweetsie began as a railway between Tennessee and North Carolina in the late 1800s. The extension into Boone, NC began in the early 1900s, both as a passenger train and a way of moving lumber out of the mountains. The train was referred to as Tweetsie because of the train’s “tweet tweet” whistle sound that echoed through the hills. And the name stuck.
Many years later, road development brought competition from automobiles, and later flooding in Boone brought an end to the much-adored Tweetsie Railroad. Though Tweetsie Locomotive No. 12, the only original of the 13 steam engines from the rail line, initially moved to Virginia, it eventually returned to Boone, NC, and the Tweetsie Railroad that we know today began. If you’re a history buff, you can read the Tweetsie Railroad history for yourself.
Today’s Tweetsie Railroad is a sweet theme park in Blowing Rock, North Carolina that children have loved for generations. If you are like I was, unaware of all the fun hiding in those hills, you’re in for a real treat.
Photo: Tweetsie Railroad
Our day at Tweetsie Railroad
Our first stop after entering the gates was the train ride, of course. After all, I’d never ridden a 100+ year-old steam locomotive. Winding through the nearby hills, this short train ride was complete with replica old mountain towns, cowboys, and even a shootout. The train ride was so fun we did it again later that afternoon.
Once we got off the train we decided to take in a show. There are many shows featuring cowboys, can-can girls, magicians, musicians, dancers, and more. Though there were lots of fun shows to see, we only made it to one. The girls and I loved it. I’d say their favorite part was when they got to get on stage and try a little can-can dancing of their own.
We rode a few rides next. I think one of the great things about Tweetsie Railroad was that we didn’t run into a single ride my seven-year-old and and three-year-old were too little to do (though there was one ride I was too big for). Now, that said, we did not get to one portion of the park that included the bigger rides, the few I’m pretty sure my little ones wouldn’t be able (or brave enough) to ride. We’ll check that out next time.
After a yummy pizza lunch, we took the chair lift up to Miner’s Mountain, the little kid portion of the park. The chair ride up to Miner’s Mountain was an adventure all on its own. If you’ve been on a ski lift it’s the same idea. Beautiful views, and a little bit of praying no one wiggles along the way as it’s a long way to the ground. I thought for sure my husband would have us walking back down the mountain because he’s not a fan of heights. But we rode the chair lift back down the mountain.
Deer Park
Honestly, once we got to Miner’s Mountain, we were running out of steam, so after the girls played on the playground a little while we headed to Deer Park Zoo. We’ve been to a bunch of zoos, so I didn’t have very high expectations for this one, but it may have been my favorite part of the day.
This animal park petting zoo includes about 90 animals visitors can get up close and personal with, including several kinds of goats, deer, emus, llamas, miniature horses, and many more. Plus, we were able to buy ice cream cones filled with feed before we walked in which made for a ton of fun. Picture animals eating feed right out of your little ones’ hands. It just doesn’t get sweeter than that!
I really loved watching the animals when they finally got to their favorite snack – the ice cream cone. What a riot. I could’ve spent all afternoon in Deer Park, but we did finally head out. It was way past nap time after all.
Though there were many rides we never got to ride and shows we didn’t see, we were all tired out after spending most of the day at Tweetsie Railroad. All in all, it was a great first (though not last!) visit to the park.
Tweetsie Railroad Review
Truth be told, I’m not sure who had more fun, the kids or me. The park is small enough to easily navigate without feeling overwhelming, which is perfect for little ones. It never felt crowded at all. It’s also full of super friendly staff.
I also really appreciated that the tickets include everything – all the rides and shows, unlimited train rides, and the zoo. This old-fashioned, family-oriented theme park is a local and regional favorite and now I understand why. Tweetsie Railroad will become a family tradition for my family, like it is for so many others.
Tips for visiting Tweetsie Railroad
And now that we’ve finally made it to this tourist hotspot I have some tips for you when you go:
Check the seasonal schedule before you visit. Hours vary throughout the year. As of late summer/fall 2026, the park is open Saturdays and Sundays only, 10 am – 6 pm (through November 1). Special nighttime events (Ghost Train, Tweetsie Christmas) have separate tickets and hours. View the full 2026 operation schedule.
If you do go early, make sure the top parking lot is full before you park in the lots right inside the entry. You can save yourself a little extra walking to get inside the park.
Yes, there is a mock robbery with “bad guys,” but this doesn’t occur on the train itself. Rather you watch the show from the train. I was relieved that it wasn’t at all scary to my little ones.
If you want the best view of the show from the train, choose the second, third, or fourth car and sit on the right side of the aisle.
Though I didn’t see this happen, I was told that kids can get embers from the train in their eyes. You may want to bring along some sunglasses for your kids to wear.
Walking can get tiring for little legs, so bring a stroller or wagon. Plus, you’ll have somewhere to hold your drinks and purchases. Should you not have a stroller and need one, several options are available to rent (single strollers, double strollers, and wagons). Check with the park for current rental rates.
There are several places in eat inside Tweetsie Railroad if you don’t want to pack a lunch.
Don’t feel like spending money on lunch? No problem! You can bring your own food into Tweetsie.
Take pictures! There are lots of beautiful photo opportunities at Tweetsie. After all, the mountains are the backdrop. Our family shot in front of No. 12 is going to be a perfect Christmas card this year!
Find the perfect place to stay near Tweetsie Railroad with the map below. Kidding Around earns when you book through the links in the map as part of an affiliate relationship with Stay 22.
General daytime admission is $65 for adults (13+), $45 for children ages 3 – 12, and free for children 2 and under. Admission includes rides, shows, unlimited train rides, and the Deer Park Zoo. Ghost Train and Tweetsie Christmas require separate tickets and are not covered by general admission.
What days is Tweetsie Railroad open in 2026?
Tweetsie Railroad’s hours vary by season. As of late summer through fall 2026, the park is open Saturdays and Sundays only, 10 am – 6 pm through November 1. Always check the officialoperation schedule before your visit, especially for a weekday trip. Special evening events (Ghost Train, Tweetsie Christmas) have separate tickets and run on different dates.
How far is Tweetsie Railroad from Greenville, SC?
Tweetsie Railroad is approximately three hours from Greenville, SC. It’s a manageable day trip, though many families make a weekend of it and explore the Boone/Blowing Rock area. The park address is 300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane, Blowing Rock, NC 28605.
Is Tweetsie Railroad good for little kids?
Absolutely. Tweetsie Railroad is one of the most toddler- and preschooler-friendly theme parks in the Southeast. Nearly every ride is open to young children, and the Deer Park Zoo petting zoo is a highlight for little ones.
What is Ghost Train at Tweetsie Railroad?
Ghost Train is Tweetsie Railroad’s annual Halloween event. It’s safe, spooky fun for the whole family featuring Halloween shows, trick-or-treating, and an evening train ride. In 2026, it runs every Friday and Saturday night, September 25 – October 31, with gates opening at 7:30 pm. Ghost Train requires a separate ticket; general daytime admission is not valid.
Take a trip back in time to the Wild West at Tweetsie Railroad in North Carolina!
