Your Guide to Visiting Lake Jocassee with Kids

The Lake Jocassee Gorges have been featured as National Geographic’s “50 of the World’s Last Great Places – Destinations of a Lifetime” and it’s only an hour from Greenville, SC. Devil’s Fork State Park and its Lake Jocassee are an easy and beautiful spot to explore this local wonder.

For more destinations within a couple hours of Greenville, see our popular day trip page.

I love the outdoors and grew up hiking, biking, camping, and doing all kinds of great activities outside. Hoping to instill that same love in my young children and searching around for outdoorsy things to do, I’m continually amazed at the Upstate and all that it offers for not only outdoor enthusiasts, but for those same outdoor lovers who have kids.

Lake Jocassee has been on my South Carolina bucket list since I heard of it last year. I then saw that the Lake Jocassee Gorges were featured as one of National Geographic’s “50 of the World’s Last Great Places – Destinations of a Lifetime.” Um – I live really close to this destination of a lifetime. I needed to go, like now.

About Lake Jocassee

Lake Jocassee was created in 1973 through a partnership with the state and Duke Power. The dam at the Jocassee Gorges is 385 feet high and 1,750 feet long. The lake itself fills 9,000 acres with water that reaches depths of over 385 feet deep. There are even companies that take scuba divers out on the lake!

Lake Jocassee is known for its crystal clear waters that are fed with cool Appalachian waters that fall from dozens of gorgeous waterfalls that are only accessible by boat. Areas of the lake are also part of the only temperate rain forest east of the Rockies. The shoreline is undeveloped, which makes you feel like you are deep in the wild.

The lake is incredible, breath-taking, and stunning. I had seen photos but really, they just don’t do it justice. Being there, breathing that mountain air, swimming in the water, listening to the silence of nature, and just being awed by the entire environment is a wonderful feeling.

What to do at Lake Jocassee with Kids: Kayaking

There’s plenty to do with kids at Lake Jocassee but the first time I ventured out to the lake, I chose to rent a tandem kayak and take my two kids out on a little boating adventure. A tandem kayak – specifically a sit on-top one like the one we had – normally fits two adults, each of whom are paddling. In my instance, I sat in the back seat, my nearly-three-year-old in the middle, and my six-year-old in the front seat. I did all the paddling (of course).

We rented the tandem for four hours, which included life vests for each of us plus a waterproof case for my phone and keys, an emergency whistle, and a map of the lake.

I really wanted to see at least one magical waterfall so we started out on our adventure. I also brought along a bag of snacks, water, and sunscreen, plus we all wore hats. Being out of the water can be brutally sunny and the last thing I wanted was for anyone to get sunburned (spoiler: I got some sunburn because apparently I failed to reapply the sunscreen when I should have).

It was really easy paddling in the kayak. I’ve kayaked before – not tandem with kids along though – but it is easy to learn if you have never done it. The water was so clear and we could see little fish and rocks. My girls loved the new experience.

Since the water level was low enough, we stopped a bunch of times in different coves, secluded beaches, and sandbars to jump into the water, take photos, and have snacks. I’ve since gone back to the lake several times and now have my own kayak so I can drop it in further up the shoreline from the rental place, which cuts down on the time to get to the waterfalls. I made it last time but it’s pretty far, especially in a kayak.

There is also a little island near one of the waterfalls to dock the kayak and swim around. That place was really fun.

For an awesome kid kayaking clinic, check out our review of doing one with Jocassee Wild Child.

If you have your own kayak or SUP

I’ve since gotten my own tandem kayak, pretty much for the purposes of kayaking at Lake Jocassee, and the best way to see the waterfalls is to drop the boat in the furthest parking lots at Devils Fork State Park. A handy map of the waterfalls is here. It’s a FAR paddle, about an hour to Wright’s Creek Falls. It’s worth it but be prepared, especially for the intense storms that pop up on the lake.

When you get into the park (go early, it gets crowded), make a left and pass the first parking lot on your right. Drive past the campgrounds and to the unmanned gate where you pay your entrance fee. Keep going down the curvy road until you come to a fork where there are two signs: “non-motorized boats/motorized boats” and “non-motorized boats only.” Go left to the non-motorized/motorized boats drive.

You’ll come to a parking lot and boat ramp where you can drop the boat in. Then head directly across the lake. Here is a map of the waterfall locations.

Devils Fork opened a new boat ramp in 2020 that is right past the campgrounds on the right. If you choose to drop in here, the paddle to the waterfalls will be even further. But you can just paddle around the area and still have a blast if you don’t want to go that far.

The lake is also an awesome place to go stand up paddleboarding. You can use your own off any boat ramp or rent them.

What to do at Lake Jocassee: The Beach

Really, there’s a beach. It’s surrounded by rocks that you need to climb down but it truly is a beach, albeit a small one. I wasn’t prepared with chairs and an umbrella so we used towels and rocks and it worked fine. I saw later that could have rented chairs, umbrellas and tubes from Eclectic Sun though, since they are set up right next to the beach. The lower the water level, the bigger the sandy beach. If the water level is high, you may only have rocks to sit on.

There are no lifeguards, just a yellow flotation line in the water, which is probably more for the boats than swimmers. The water felt great and we ended up having our lunch there on the beach.

There is also a small playground near the front of the parking lot near the Pavilion, plus picnic benches and grills.

Be sure to note that the lake is inside of Devil’s State Park, which means you have to pay the entrance fee, which is $8/adults, $4/ages 6-15, free for kids six and under. It is also free entry every Tuesday all year round. During the busy summer months and holiday weekends, you need to get to the park early (no later than 8:30 am) in order to park. Capacity is always reached during summer weekends early in the day.

If the lot fills up, you’ll have to wait to get in. Check the website and SC State Parks Facebook page or Devils Fork on Twitter since they will update it when the parking lot is full. You could choose to reserve a parking spot ($50, which includes admission for two guests and a paved parking spot).

What else to do at Lake Jocassee with Kids

Jocassee Wild Child

Take your kids on an awesome nature expedition around the lake with Jocassee Wild Child. The tour is around four hours and includes waterfalls, nature exploration, and really cool history lessons. Read our review here.

Boat Tours

Since many of the waterfalls are only accessible by boat, enterprising companies offer boating tours. Jocassee Lake Tours was the one that I was leaning towards for this excursion. They have tours where they take you to the waterfalls and let you jump in the water and swim around before going to the next waterfall.

Fishing

I don’t know anything about fishing. I do know that we saw some fish in the lake and that, according to Google, there are tons of great fish in the lake just asking to be hooked. We saw some people in canoes fishing so if you want to teach your kid the right way to do things, this could be the lake to do it in.

There are also fishing tours available to choose from. Be sure to purchase your SC Fishing license before casting a line.

Vacation Rentals

Jocassee Outdoor Center features several different rental properties on their website for guests to browse through if they are looking for the right place to take their family for a vacation.

You can also look through the SC State Park website to find cabins and villas.

Camping

Camping at Lake Jocassee is awesome. Primitive tent sites line the lake and there is a short path to a private beach behind tent site #1. There is a bath house on site and bathrooms. You need to reserve sites far enough in advance, usually a year, especially the ones that are right next to the lake. You may get lucky if you keep an eye on the state park website or by calling the Ranger station. You can also camp at an island at the lake that is accessible by boat only. I totally want to do this!

There are only two campgrounds at Lake Jocassee run by South Carolina State Parks and more info can be found here on camping at Devils Fork State Park.

Hiking

You can hike an easy one-mile loop at Lake Jocassee named after the rare wildflower that blooms there in the spring: Oconee Bells Nature Trail. More info here on the trails at Devils Fork State Park. This is the only hiking trail inside Devils Fork. There are miles and miles of trails within 30-40 minutes of the park though like at Gorges State Park, Twin Falls, Kings Creek Falls, and other waterfalls on the Foothills Trail.

But don’t forget…

Sunscreen
More sunscreen
Bug spray
Hats
Towels
Water shoes or shoes that you don’t mind getting soaked
Water
Food/lunch/snacks – the food options at the park are very limited. If you can bring your own, do it.
Any personal tube or water toy you would want to relax with in the lake by the beach
Beach chair and umbrella
Sunglasses
Change of clothes and extra diapers

Places to rent boats, kayaks, canoes

*Make sure to call ahead and reserve your boat. Some days, especially the weekends and holidays, are crowded.

Eclectic Sun LLC
This outfitter is located at the Pavilion right when you enter Devil’s Fork State Park. They will drop your kayak/canoe/paddleboard right in the water for you. They also have a small concession stand. This is what they have available to rent:

Single kayak
Tandem kayak
Stand up paddleboards
Canoes
Pontoon boats
Beach umbrella
Beach chair
Lake floats

238 Buckeye Drive, Salem, SC
864.944.1191

Jocassee Outdoor Center
They aren’t directly on the lake but only a few minutes away and will drop your rental at various points in the lake. This is what they have available:

Pontoon boat rentals
Four-hour Waterfall Tours by boat (call for pricing)

Jocassee Keowee Rentals
Stephanie, the owner, is consider the Jocassee Lake Lady. She knows her stuff and is a wealth of useful information. She rents out canoes and pontoon boats.

864.704.0004

Jocassee Lake Tours
This company offers boat tours, kayak tours, full moon rising tours, senior tours, and adventure tours. They also have a kids kayak camp and rent kayaks by the day.

Jocassee Dive Shop
When the kids are big enough to SCUBA dive, this company will help make it happen. They offer charters to the lake and have lots of rentals available like masks, fins, snorkels, wetsuits, etc.

710 Dive Buddy Lane, Salem
864.944.9255

Jocassee Charters
These people are ones the go to for an awesome fishing experience at Lake Jocassee.

421 Jocassee Lake Rd, Salem
864.280.9056

Has your family ever visited Lake Jocassee?

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Thirty of the most beautiful natural places in South Carolina

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

Find That Amazing Outfit at These Consignment Stores for Women near Greenville, SC

Are you looking for ways to look stylish and save money at women’s consignment shops near Greenville, SC? Here is our list of the best women’s consignment stores to visit. Get ready to find great deals!

For even more deals be sure to see our list of children’s consignment stores.

Resources and services guide to the Upstate of South Carolina

Looking for other resources? We’ve got a round-up of the best resources and services for families in the Upstate!

(more…)

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

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

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

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

1. Acrosmith Gymnastics

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

Acrosmith Gym

2. Paris Mountain State Park

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

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

Paris Mountain State Park

3. Tell Me a Story Theatre

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

Tell Me a Story Theatre

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Corn Maze & Dairy Tours at Greyrock Farms

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

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

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

Birthday Parties & Group Fun at Greyrock Farms

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

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

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

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

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

Visit Greyrock Farms

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

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

October 6th10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Visit the Greyrock Farms & Green Acres Produce Facebook page.

Seasonal farm hours:

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

Has your family visited a local farm yet this fall?

Piney Mountain Bike Lounge Has a Pump Track Out Back

Local mom Liene reviews Piney Mountain Bike Lounge in Greenville, SC. This unique bicycle shop and taproom should be on your summer bucket list!

There is one spot that definitely needs to be on your bucket list this summer if you live in Greenville and have kids who enjoy riding bikes – Piney Mountain Bike Lounge!

Piney Mountain Bike Lounge is a cross between a bicycle shop and a taproom, complete with a pump track out back! Located between downtown and Paris Mountain, the Lounge caters to mountain bikers on their way to and from the mountains. It has also become a gathering spot for the local community to come together and share their love for riding – or share their love for craft beer while their kids are busy wearing themselves out on the dirt bike course!

Why we love Piney Mountain Bike Lounge

Our most recent visit was a weekday. The boys were all still running full steam, wearing on my last nerve. We still had several hours of daylight, and so we loaded up three kids, three bikes and three helmets and headed to Piney Mountain Road.

Although the exterior looks much like it did when it was the Landscapers Supply, the interior has been completely revamped. On one side is the bar, serving up craft beer alongside what is the bicycle repair space. On the other side is a lounge, complete with couches, a foosball table and handlebars in the place of mounted trophies. The center is filled with all the latest cycling gear and bicycles, trail maps on the walls of favorite dirt biking destinations in the area. Finally, in the back you’ll find the former loading dock, converted to outdoor patio. Full of picnic tables, the space overlooks the pump track, a small, looping trail system that you can ideally ride continuously without pedaling.

Since their grand opening in March, Piney Mountain has settled in with a rotation of food trucks to make the Lounge truly a one-stop evening hot-spot. Including Upstate favorites such as Automatic Taco, Ellada Kouzina and Chuck Truck, for the current schedule check the website or follow Piney Mountain Bike Lounge on Facebook. For the beer enthusiasts, a list of the 14 regional and local craft beers on tap can be found here. The pump track is closed when it’s wet for safety reasons as well as to protect the track, and a waiver must be signed before use. Usually one of us will take the boys & bikes around to the track and get them set up, while the other orders food and beer and gets settled in at one of the tables by the track – then it’s just a matter of shouting out a few encouraging words to keep them circling the track while we enjoy our meal.

Piney Mountain offers a variety of tune-up and service options as well as a demo option if you’re looking to buy a bicycle but not quite ready to commit. For those with kids in middle or high school that might be interested in a mountain biking team, NICA (the National Interscholastic Cycling association) is coming to Greenville and often meets with Piney Mountain – check out Upstate Composite on Facebook for more info.

When it comes down to it, I’m really more of a Swamp Rabbit Trail gal than a Paris Mountain cyclist, but Piney Mountain is a great addition to the cycling scene in the Upstate. Whether you’re looking to get your bike ready for the season, catch up with friends after a day at Paris Mountain, or just ‘cycle’ through some of that energy in the kids on these long days, make sure to swing by the Lounge this summer!

Plan your own trip to Piney Mountain Bike Lounge

20 Piney Mountain Road, Greenville
864.603.2453

For more information about Piney Mountain Bike Lounge visit their website. They can also be found on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook

See Liene’s original post on her blog, Femme au Foyer, here.

Does your family love to bike together? Don’t miss our list of places to ride your bike in Greenville.

Would your family love Piney Mountain Bike Lounge as much as mine does?

Meet Liene

Mother of three young boys, Liene is constantly on the move since returning to Greenville in 2012. Whether she’s exploring the state parks and natural areas of the Carolinas or teaming up with other moms to organize activities for the kids, she’s always searching for the next adventure in the Upstate. For everything from hiking, travel, cooking and crafts to multicultural & global education posts, visit her blog, Femme au Foyer.

Mom Review: The Old Exchange in Charleston

Local mom Jackie Vest shares her experience taking her children to The Old Exchange in Charleston, SC.

The Old Exchange is touted as a “must-see” when visiting downtown Charleston. Located right on the water, it is a historical gem of both the Colonial and Revolutionary eras – being at times a Revolutionary-era prison, a place where George Washington visited, a post where slaves were sold, a building for 18th Century assemblies, a platform for trade and business, a dungeon for pirates, and the place from which South Carolina’s delegates ratified the Constitution.

There is more history here than can be absorbed. Visitors are welcome to wander around before and after tours, take a guided tour, and even sign the Constitution!

Our Time at The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon (aka The Custom House)

Below the building is a huge brick dungeon complete with full-size pirate figures, gun powder kegs, and more. The only thing my boys loved more than that awesome dungeon was standing in the great hall where our delegates once stood and signing their names on the Declaration of Independence! The tours are very informative, yet can be a bit lengthy for toddlers – bring diversions. The whole building itself is a mystery as so many things took place upon that foundation, it is incredibly fascinating! Of course, we couldn’t leave without visiting the gift shop, my boys are now the proud owners of gunpowder holders made from cow horns and leather.

Plan Your Trip to The Old Exchange

Open every day of the week 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

122 East Bay Street
Charleston, SC 29401

(843) 727-2165
(888) 763-0448

Visit the website here.
Plan to spend 1-3 hours here depending on your kids.

Would your kids love a visit to The Old Exchange?

Meet Jackie

Jackie Vest is a writer and at-home-mom of two energetic little boys. She enjoys adventuring around the beautiful Upstate, the hilarity of kiddo-raising, outdoor fitness with friends, and her Favorite 5 C’s: cooking, crafting, camping, coffee, and chocolate. You can connect with her via her blog at: JackieVest.com.

Saving Money on Vacation Doesn’t Mean You Can’t Have Fun

Whether it’s the beach or the mountains, the city or the country, many families take their vacation time during the summer. School is out and it’s the perfect time to get away together for a week (or more!). But someone’s gotta pay for it and planning for the costs ahead of the time can help to reduce the stress and increase the relaxation. But even if you didn’t think ahead, there is still time to enjoy a break. ~Kristina Hernandez

Thank you to Parent Financial for sponsoring this content. To learn about planning for your own family’s financial future and getting your budget on track, be sure to check out our great sponsor Parent Financial and read our introduction to the company here.

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Tip #1: Plan Ahead for Summer Vacation

You plan ahead for flights and hotels and time off work so why not start planning in advance for all the costs associated with your dream trip? Court Creeden, who runs Parent Financial, advises that families should first figure out what the trip will cost and then incorporate those costs into their annual and monthly budgets, where a certain amount of money can be saved each month.

“From there you can start by determining how many months you have until the trip and then calculate how much you should be putting away each month to have the trip saved for when the vacation starts,” Creeden explained.

“As an example, if you are planning on spending $2,500 to take the family to the beach in July, you could start at the beginning of the year knowing you have seven months until the trip. To be ready for the total cost, you should have been saving $357/month leading up to the vacation and then you would have been fully prepared for the trip. The earlier you start the better and the less likely you will need to dip into savings or use a credit card to help handle the costs!”

Tip #2: Don’t Forget the Smaller Costs – They Add Up

This is so easy to overlook but those extra costs of a vacation, both before and during, can really add up. Maybe $100 for clothes, another $50 for shoes, $20 for sunscreen, a few dollars here and there for games for the car or plane ride all adds up. Then once the vacation starts, don’t forget about extra food and snacks, drinks, magazines, taxis or Uber, or the t-shirt and photos from the theme park.

“These small expenses can add up to hundreds of dollars if not planned for,” said Creeden. “As a result, many parents find that they look at the hotel and flights for a trip to figure out the ‘costs’. Once the vacation is over they realize that the trip was hundreds of dollars more because they didn’t take into consideration the park passes, new clothes, beach toys, etc that were purchased and increased the total cost. “

So plan wisely for all those extras ahead of time or put away a special fund for purchases.

Tip #3: Consider Less Expensive Alternatives

Some of you are reading this and saying, “But I want to take a summer vacation now and I haven’t budgeted seven months for it!” Hang in there.

“Consider hotel alternatives and look at Airbnb or VRBO to find less expensive lodging options,” suggests Creeden. “Don’t book hotels online or from a 1-800 number. Call the front desk and see if there are any special prices or availability to potentially get a better rate. If flying, consider two ‘one-way’ tickets rather than roundtrip to find some potential cost savings.”

There are also some great day trips to local spots that don’t cost much where you and your family could leave early in the morning and make a long day of it. And if you left early enough, you could drive to the beach, have fun all day, and drive back in the evening and save money on a hotel.

Tip #4: Do Your Homework

Besides planning ahead and thinking of incidentals and special gifts or purchases beforehand, there is a lot you can do to be smart about vacationing.

Creeden suggests to “do your homework and look for off-season passes, Groupon specials, and discounted rates. Don’t forget to consider using your rewards miles or points to offset costs for flights or hotels.”

Using those reward miles is how my family paid for our summer vacations. We got free flights and hotels and my parents taught us how it works but that you need to be smart and pay off the credit card bills while racking up the miles or points!

Tip #5: Remember that the Amount of Money Does Not Necessarily Equal the Amount of Fun

Remember that your children don’t know how much you spend, so a great weekend at the beach could be just as fun as one at an expensive amusement park.

Tip #6: Pack Your Lunch and Snacks

Pack lunches or buy snacks for the plane flight or car ride.

Tip #7: Pack a Souvenir

Buy the kids a fun souvenir ahead of time to give them when you arrive at Disney rather than paying a much higher price buying gifts the theme park.

Tip #8: Consider Listing Your Home for Rent While You Are Gone

Consider listing your home for rent on AirBnB while gone to make some extra money.

Try to think ahead and be financially smart so that taking well-earned your summer vacation won’t cause stress afterwards.

To learn about planning for your own family’s financial future and getting your budget on track, be sure to check out our great sponsor Parent Financial and read our introduction to the company here.

Do you have a tip to add that helps you save for your summer vacation?

Court Creeden is a registered representative of and offers securities, investment advisory and financial planning through MML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC [www.SIPC.org] 6000 Fairview Road Suite 400, Charlotte, NC 28210 (704) 557-9600. Court Creeden is not authorized to give legal or tax advice. Consult your own personal attorney legal or tax counsel for advice on specific legal and tax matters. CRN 201807-203641

Meet Kristina, KAG Food Expert

Kristina Hernandez is a mom of two girls, freelance writer and photographer and New Jersey native who is thrilled to call the Upstate her new home. She loves cooking, trying new foods, and checking out all that Greenville has to offer.