Looking for toddler or kid open gymnastics play? Local mom, Kristina, visited Acrosmith Gymnastics for family gym time where her kids got to play on all the equipment for an hour.
A great activity for little kids any time of year, but especially when it’s brutally hot, unbearably cold, or rainy, is Family Fun Gym Timeat Acrosmith Gymnastics (formerly Tot Time) located just off West Georgia Road near I-385 in Simpsonville. It’s just $6 for one full hour’s worth of kid-friendly free time at the gym.
Family Fun Gym is offered Monday-Thursday at 9:00 am and 10:15 am and Fridays at 10:15 am. The 9 am time slot is for kids walking through six years old and the 10:15 am time slot is for kids up to age 12.
Have you visited Stewart Farms in Enoree, SC? This family-owned farm has an off-the-vine u-pick pumpkin patch in the fall that is charming and so much fun! The farm is perfect for a family outing because of the number of family-friendly activities there are to enjoy! We ventured off to Enoree, SC to explore the pumpkin patch, enjoy a hay ride through the woods, and get lost in a corn maze to see just how much fun you can fit into a day at Stewart Farms!
Arriving at Stewart Farms
Stewart Farms is located in Enoree, SC, about 40 minutes from downtown Greenville. Once you arrive, you will pass the market to your right. The market store is where you will pay for the activities you participated in or for the pumpkins you picked. However, you pay when you are leaving the farm, not before. An attendant will give you a sheet of paper with all the activities available down on the farm, and they will be marked off as you go through your day. Some tips before you arrive include:
Bring hats, sunscreen, or even a sunshade umbrella. The pumpkin patch and corn maze get hot, even in the fall, and do not have shade.
Parking is free, and is located near the pumpkin patch entrance.
There are plenty of shaded picnic tables, so you can bring your own lunch if you would like, or concessions are available to purchase.
Strollers are recommended for younger children, but we recommend a carrier for babies and toddlers for the wagon ride so you’re not having to hold them still the entire ride.
There are port-o-potties on site.
Stewart Farms has a strict no-pet policy.
The U-Pick Pumpkin Patch
When you walk up to the pumpkin patch, you will be greeted by an attendant who will offer a wagon and sheers to cut your pumpkin off the vine with. Take the wagon! You will need it for the pumpkin collecting you are about to embark on, and it makes things so much easier. The farm has pumpkins of varying shapes and sizes located throughout dozens of rows, so you can choose what works for your fall decor or Halloween decorating ideas. If the rows near the entrance are a little lackluster, head to the back of the patch where there are usually more pumpkins available.
Pumpkins cost $0.60 per lb. Once you’re finished picking your pumpkins, the attendant will weigh your pumpkins and mark your slip of paper to turn into the farm market for payment, and you can haul your pumpkins to your car using the wagon. Remember, do not cut a pumpkin off the vine if you do not plan to buy it. Also, be mindful of the vines when cutting yours off. Keep the patch happy so everyone can enjoy it. The patch closes at dark, so make sure you arrive in time to explore it!
The SC Corn Maize
Ready to get lost in the corn? The Stewart Farms corn maze is a welcome challenge for families to enjoy together. The 2022 maize can be challenging, so make sure you allot enough time to enjoy it. If you have young children, we definitely recommend taking a stroller or personal wagon through the maze, those little legs will get tired. It costs $8.00 for ages 6 and older to go through the 2022 “Old Blue” Corn Maze.
Wagon Rides
The wagon ride through Stewart Farms is charming, making it one of our favorite activities. The wagon is tractor led and pulls a large trailer with seats and gates. The majority of the wagon ride is through the woods, where you can look for fall decorations, Halloween displays, and old farm equipment while taking in the earthy smells, leaves changing color, and cooler weather. The wait to get on the wagon can take some time on busy days, but most of the line forms in the shade and the ride itself is worth it! The wagon ride takes about 25 minutes to complete, so make sure your kids take a snack and bathroom break beforehand. The wagon ride costs $5 per person and is free for children 2 and under.
Nighttime Activities
If you’re looking for some spooky activities to go along with your trip to Stewart Farms, then make sure to go in the evening! The farm offers several nights in October where you can take a Nightime Wagon Ride or explore the Big Boo Haunted Maize. The wagon ride ventures through the woods where you will see lit jack-o-lanterns and spooky Halloween scenes and decorations. The Big Boo Haunted Maize is family-friendly, but it does get a little creepy in the maize at night so it is only recommended for ages 6 and older. The night activities begin at sundown and go on until 10 pm (gates close at 9, farm closes at 10).
Farm Animals to Visit
Stewart Farms has a small section of farm animals that your kids will love visiting. The goats are the most interactive, and the attendant will give your kids some hay to feed them through their enclosure. There are also ducks, pigs, and a cow to meet.
The Courtyard and Concessions
Located at the center of the farm is the courtyard. There are snowcones for purchase from Brain Freeze and a concessions truck that sells food, sweet treats, drinks, and more. There are also 12 shaded picnic tables to enjoy your food at, or you can snag one of the standing shaded tables as well. The courtyard is the perfect place to rest and let your kids get their energy out and run around the field. There are also several photo opportunity spots lined along the cornfields. The Bee Barn is also located in the courtyard, and is a fascinating way to watch the bees maintain their hive!
Stop, Park, and Pay Before you Leave
Unlike some places where you pay beforehand, Stewart Farms has you enjoy the farm activities before paying. Once you leave the activity area and drive out of the parking lot, you will head back to the market store you pass when you first entered. Remember to stop, park, and pay! This is where you will pay for the pumpkins you purchased, and any other activities you engaged in down on the farm. You can also stock up on local goods, home decor, and seasonal flowers at the market before you leave the farm.
2022 Fall Season Admission Costs and Hours
The season runs from September 24th – October 30th
Fridays 4 – 10 pm (Gates close at 9 pm)
Saturdays 10 am – 10 pm (Gates close at 9 pm)
Sundays 1 – 7 pm (Gates close at 6 pm)
Monday – Thursday CLOSED
MAiZE $8 person plus plus tax – ages 6 and up / 5 and under FREE Last ticket sold 1 hour before closing
Wagon Ride $5 per person plus tax / 2 and under FREE The last daytime wagon ride departs at 6:30
Big Boo Haunted Maize $12 per person plus tax for anyone ages 6 and up (October 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, & 29 only) Big Boo is family-friendly, but not recommended for kids under 6
Nighttime Wagon Rides $7 plus tax for anyone ages 2 and up. (October 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, & 29 only) The last nighttime wagon ride departs at 9:30 *Prices are subject to change.
Fall will be here before we know it and you may be planning an apple-picking trip with your family. Use these tips to make your apple-picking adventure a fun and memorable day for everyone!Let your expectations for “perfect” be low and your expectations for “enjoyable” be high.
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!
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.
Carolina Raptor Center is located just north of Charlotte in Huntersville, NC. The center is home to falcons, hawks, owls, eagles and vultures from all over the world. Visitors can view these magnificent raptors up close, and learn about their individual stories and unique characteristics that help them survive in the wild. The center also offers educational programming for groups. KAG contributor, Maria Bassett, shares a visit she and her children took to the Carolina Raptor Center.
What is a Raptor?
Raptors. We see them in the sky far above us, soaring and circling, their sharp eyes keenly searching out their next meal. They don’t sing, or entertain us with their bright colors at our feeders. They don’t visit our backyard feeders at all (except maybe to snack on the songbirds themselves). In fact, we rarely get the chance to see anything but their silhouettes overhead. And yet they catch our attention. What makes these birds so unique? If you want to know, you will find the drive to Carolina Raptor Center well worth it!
Raptors are meat eating birds that catch their prey with their talons (unlike other birds who may eat meat that catch their prey with their beaks- think birds and worms, or penguins and fish). They are equipped with many special features that give them the ability to accomplish this task. From sharp talons, to third eyelids and tiny bones that act as sun visors, you’ll be amazed at all you’ll learn in just a few hours at the center.
How About a Field Trip?
Educational groups who plan a visit to the center can schedule a presentation from a very knowledgeable staff member. Our group was able to view and learn about three different raptors. We learned about each bird’s special features, how they train the raptors, where the birds come from, what they eat and more, all while getting an extremely close view of these magnificent creatures.
This presentation was easily the best part of our visit. The children (and adults) in attendance were so excited to see each bird as our guide brought them out. The guide kept everyone interested and engaged. Being a homeschool family that likes to school as much as we can through experiences, I have to say, this was one of the best educational presentations we’ve ever had the pleasure to view.
Fieldtrip groups also have the added benefit of a significant per person discount. The center has pre-planned programming, but will also customize for your group. Homeschoolers, you do not have to be part of an organized group to schedule these field trip programs! Gather some adventure-loving homeschool families with children of similar ages and make your own group!
The Trail
The trail at CRC is open to all paying guests. The trail area is where you will view the center’s various raptors in their habitats. It’s a mostly shaded, gravel path and easily walkable. We had a few strollers in our group who had no problem with the path. Along the trail you’ll see raptors divided by their types; a grouping of owls, a loop of falcons, a section of vultures, the eagle aviary, and lineup of hawks. This allows you to easily compare them within their raptor families.
The trail also contains an exhibit showing the center’s raptors who regularly help out in the educational presentations, as well as an exhibit showing some of the work the raptor hospital onsite does regularly. The hospital is not regularly open to the public; however, they offer a behind-the-scenes tour and the exhibit “A Day in the Life of a Raptor Hospital.”
Spending the Day at Carolina Raptor Center
If you plan to spend a large portion of your day at CRC, you should know that there is no onsite food vendor. The gift shop sells snacks, ice cream bars, and popsicles. If you plan to have lunch, you’ll need to bring it with you. (There isn’t much in the way of fast food nearby, either.)
The center has several places to picnic, one is alongside a nature play area. The play area contains teeter totters made out of sanded logs, a sand pit, sliced log blocks, a wooden play house, and a small area where children can view pictures of raptor nests and try to recreate them with nearby materials.
Getting to CRC
Carolina Raptor Center is located about 20 minutes north of Charlotte. As you approach the center, follow signs for the nature preserve. As you pass the preserve, you’ll soon approach the raptor center on your left. The first entrance is for the raptor hospital, the second entrance is the clearly marked main entrance to Carolina Raptor Center. Google Maps brought us right to the visitor center parking lot with no problem.
Address: Carolina Raptor Center, 6000 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC 28078
Admission and Hours
Hours are 10 am to 4 pm daily. They close from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm, meaning the gift shop, ticketing and restrooms are closed from 12:30 to 1:30 pm, but guests already on the Raptor Trail do not have to leave.
Admission: $12 adults, $10 seniors, teachers, military, $8 Students ages 4 and up, Free for children ages 3 and under.
Bring the Learning Home
Here are some great books you can find on Amazon or at the library about raptors:
Birds of Prey (Peterson Field Guide)- J 598.9L
Discovering Birds of Prey by M.J. Thomas- J 598.9 T
Animal Lives: The Barn Owl- J 598.97
Eyewitness Book: Eagle and Birds of Prey- J 598.9
Your family might also enjoy reading My Side of the Mountain, by Jean Craighead George, as well as the sequels. The main character in these stories trains a peregrine falcon to help him hunt as he tries to live on his own, off of the land.
Consider having students bring a sketchbook and sketch a few of the raptors they see. Clearly label the sketches. When you get home, have students look up information about the raptors they drew. Consider a writing assignment, creative poster, flyer, brochure, or some other type of assignment that incorporates the sketches. Similarly, families could take photographs of the birds and complete a family project, like a bulletin board or scrapbook, about what they learned.
Love Raptors?
Enjoy your visit to CRC? Looking for a little more? Consider visiting Caesar’s Head State Park this fall to observe the migration of thousands of raptors as they pass above the cliff on their way to their winter homes. Check out the Kidding Around Greenville story on Hawk Watch. You are likely to only see them from the sky, but they are still quite impressive.
Has your family been to Otter Creek in Greenville, SC? As one of three waterparks operated by Greenville County Recreation, Otter Creek has multiple waterslides, a huge sprayer pad, and a beach access pool to splish and splash around with your kids. It is the perfect waterpark for your family to cool off from the humid southern heat or lounge by the pool under the gigantic sun shade umbrellas. Your family can spend a day of fun in the sun at a waterpark, without ever having to leave Greenville!
Otter Creek Waterpark in Greenville, SC
A special thanks to Greenville County Recreation for providing us with media passes to Otter Creek to help write our review!
What Otter Creek Has to Offer
Waterslides
Otter Creek has four awesome water slides in total. The 32 ft tall tower houses three of the slides, including two body slides and a tube slide. The body slides require you to be 42” or taller to enjoy, but children shorter than 42” can enjoy the tube slides with an adult.
The green body slide has lots of twists and turns, which I thought was exciting and not too intense. This slide goes fast but not too fast, so even younger kids can enjoy it. The white slide, however, is for the more adventurous at heart. It features a steep drop at the beginning that will have you slightly hovering during takeoff (as my husband says) and is pretty fast. The blue tube slide has inflatables, and younger children can ride with their parents down the 100-yard slide.
There is also an adorable kiddy slide that will allow younger children a taste of what a water slide is like. The slide is very wide so parents can go down with their children, or multiple children can slide down together into the pool below.
Beach Entry Leisure pool
The beach entry pool is wonderful and baby-friendly! It is large enough so that you can have some space between you and those around you, which is nice considering how packed the waterpark can get a prime time. There is a shallow area for small children to practice their swimming skills, and a slightly deeper area if you’re wanting to go for a swim yourself. Surrounding the pool are lots of lounge chairs, so you can find a spot to lay out a towel before going in and out of the pool. There are also a dozen or so extra-large umbrellas that provide ample shade, but be sure to get to the waterpark early to secure a spot.
Splash Pad
The splash pad was the highlight of my three-year-old daughter’s waterpark adventure, and I enjoyed it myself. The 2,400 square foot splash pad has several sprayers, a bucket dump, and geysers that my 8-month-old enjoyed sticking her toes in. The splash pad is a great size, and it is something everyone can enjoy to cool off from the heat, even if you are just enjoying the lounge chairs instead of a swim.
Party Hut Rentals
Otter Creek offers four party hut rentals located at the back of the park closer to concessions so your birthday celebration can be intimate when you want it to be. Party packages are for groups of 10 or more and include waterpark admission, a pizza and cake meal with beverages, a party hostess, and more. The party huts can be rented for $22 per person for 2 hours of fun! You can reserve party hut time slots for the day you need, just make sure to book ahead of time. And just an FYI, you can also rent the entire waterpark!
Otter Creek Splash Pad in Greenville, SC
Before Going Into The Park
Tickets
Otter Creek offers affordable ticket prices that include reentry if you need to leave for a few minutes to have a picnic or grab something from your car. Tickets for adults and kids over 42 inches are $13.00 while anyone under 42 inches is $9.50. Children 2 years old and under are free! Just be aware that if you purchase your tickets online, they are all $13.00 because of the inability to check height beforehand. You can also purchase an individual waterpark season pass, including the Rec’N Crew Annual Pass which allows you to visit all three parks for the summer season.
What to Bring
Of course, bring towels and your swimsuit, but make sure to bring lots of sunscreen to avoid those pesky sunburns. Water shoes or sandals are amust so that you and your kids can easily travel from the water areas to concessions or your lounge chair. The ground gets HOT! If your child is under 42”, they will be required to wear a lifejacket, so bring your own or borrow one from the waterpark. Non-potty trained kids will also need a swim diaper that is fitted and snug. Lockers are available if you would like to store anything valuable while out for a swim.
Concessions Offered
Otter Creek does have limited concessions to purchase, with treats like ice cream and freeze pops available (only 30 cents per freeze pop!). They also have pizza, soda, water, chips, and a few other simple foods. You can purchase a whole pizza for $17. If you are looking for something more satiating, I recommend bringing a cooler with water and lunch with you and leaving it in the car ( you will not be allowed to bring it inside.) You can go have a picnic lunch and come back afterward for more water time.
Parking
There is deceivingly a lot of parking ( that I didn’t notice until I was waiting at the top of the water slide). The main lot is located off Darby Road, and it gets full quickly, but drive up past the fork and you will find additional parking. If you are lucky, you may even find a spot in the shade!
More Details
101 W. Darby Road Greenville, SC 29609 864.834.4108 Monday – Saturday, 10:30 am – 5:30 pm Sunday, 1:00 – 5:30 pm Otter Creek Waterpark
Have you taken your family to Otter Creek waterpark yet?
Don’t forget to check out the other two waterparks managed by Greenville County Recreation, including 7th Inning Splash and Discovery Island!
With three waterslides, a huge splash pad, pool, and concessions, 7th Inning Splash Waterpark in Greenville, SC is a great option to cool off during the summer with your family. Thanks to Greenville Rec for giving us media passes so we could write this review.
Summers in Greenville are full of great spots to cool off – and it’s needed. It’s hot. But Greenville Rec’s 7th Inning Splash Waterpark is a fantastic option for summer fun for families who need some relief from the heat. With a huge pool, waterslides, and splashpad, the park is can provide hours of summer entertainment.
7th Inning Splash Waterpark: Slides, Pool, Splashpad
The waterpark is run by Greenville Rec and is one of three that they operate in Greenville County. It is located right off I-85 in Piedmont, SC, not 15 minutes from downtown Greenville. It’s at the same location as Lakeside Park, which has a playground and baseball fields.
The park has three waterslides, including a giant funnel slide, plus two smaller ones that look like they belong on a playground. My kids loved all three of these and had a blast sliding down all of them. The two smaller slides drop into a 13-foot deep pool and the funnel slide drops into an 8-foot pool.
There is also a baseball-themed splash pad that is huge at 5,000 square feet. It looks like a baseball diamond and has lots of sprays and jets plus plenty of buckets that dump water on guests, which feels great on a hot, summer day. This is wonderful for smaller kids although my 11 and 8 year old kids certainly enjoyed it.
The main pool is huge and is only 4 feet deep. Part of the pool is as long as a Junior Olympic-sized pool but we didn’t see anyone swimming laps.
I counted eight lifeguards in total. Greenville Rec takes safety seriously. All of the lifeguards were attentive and watchful, which I certainly appreciated as a parent.
If you are concerned about crowds like summer camps coming to the park, call ahead on your desired date to see what the schedule looks like. It wasn’t too crowded when we went on a Sunday afternoon but I could see how it could get packed during really hot days or when camps are scheduled to come.
Swim Test and Height Rules
To ride the big bowl slide, they need to be 48″ tall and pass the swim test. There is a measuring board right outside the park where you buy your tickets. There is no height restriction on the smaller water slides at the pool but kids must pass a deep water swim test to ride them.
To ride any slide, you have to pass a swim test, which involves jumping into the deep end of the pool and swimming about 10 feet to a rope and then back again. You’ll get a wristband when you pass, which tells the lifeguards you can go on the slides.
Additionally, anyone under 42″ has to wear a life jacket or puddle jumper. You can bring your own or borrow one for free at the park.
Concessions, Seating, and Lockers
Like all the other Greenville Rec waterparks, 7th Inning Splash offers concessions for sale when they are open. They have pizza, lunchables, ice cream, water, soda, uncrustables, and nachos. There are plenty of tables with shade where you can enjoy your snacks and drinks. Important to note is that you cannot bring in any outside food or drink. The staff will ask you to take it to your car or outside the park. You can reenter with your wristband though so leave to eat and then come back in.
There is plenty of lounge chairs around the waterpark as well. Many can be put under large umbrellas or shade or if you want to work on your tan, there are lots of chairs in the sun places near the splash pad and pool.
If you want to secure your belongings, you can rent a locker for $5 a day. They are located past the bathrooms near the main pool. Ask the attendant when you buy your ticket if you’d like to add to that your admission.
There are men’s and women’s bathrooms as well that have showers and changing areas.
Party Rentals
7th Inning Splash has a huge pavilion right outside the waterpark that is available for rent plus other party huts. There was a party about the start the day we went and it looked so awesome! The family had decorated it so nicely.
There are three party huts to rent for parties, which include park admission, pizza, cake/ice cream, a birthday party host, party invitations and downloadable thank-you notes. The cost is $220. Time slots for parties are Monday – Sunday from 2:15-4:15 pm.
If you want to go all out for a birthday or corporate party, you can rent the entire waterpark for two hours. The cost is $940 Monday-Thursday from 5:45-7:45 pm, and $1,045 Friday-Sunday from 5:45-7:45 pm.
Best ages for 7th Inning Splash
7th Inning Splash isn’t a big waterpark, which makes it easier for parents to watch multiple kids. I think both little and big kids would enjoy this park. The splash pad is great for smaller children and bigger kids will like the slides and pool area but may get bored after an hour or so depending on their attention spans. My kids, ages 7 and 11, enjoyed playing in the pool and riding the slides the most. We probably would have stayed longer if they had brought their goggles for swimming but we forgot them!
For smaller kids who cannot swim, a parent will likely feel more comfortable going into the pool with them, even with life jackets. There isn’t a zero-entry area for toddlers and little children.
Know that you cannot bring outside food and drink or pool toys. Goggles are fine. Pets, glass, thongs, and running are not allowed.
Visiting 7th Inning Splash Waterpark
Admission to 7th Inning Splash is $7.75/48″ and taller, $6.75/47″ and under and seniors, free for kids ages 2 and under. You can buy tickets online but the cost will be $7.75 for all ages since the park cannot verify height online.
They open Memorial Day Weekend and from June 3 – August 6, 2023, are open daily. Hours are Monday – Saturday hours are Noon-5:30 pm and Sunday is 1-5:30 pm. After August 6, 2023, they are open weekends through Labor Day.
Hours can sometimes change depending on the weather or other factors so be sure to call ahead or check social media for the latest updates if you have any questions.
For more waterpark reviews and suggestions of where to cool off during the summer, see our list of Places to Swim in Greenville.
Are you thinking about bringing the family to Greenville Rec’s Discovery Island Water Park for some summer fun? The park, located inside Southside Park in Simpsonville, SC, has a little something for everyone. Find out about each of the park’s attractions and all the details you need to know for a fun day at Discover Island.
Looking for places to go with your baby in Greenville? Babies are tricky. You can often take them to places not suitable for a preschooler running around yet finding baby-specific activities is harder than general kid ones. Luckily we have a few ideas of fun things to do with your baby in Greenville. Hope you enjoy and please add your own favorites in the comments!
Nothing beats the outdoors so take your baby to the park. We have a list of parks with toddler playgrounds and they’re even fenced for extra safety! Most of these fenced-in playgrounds have baby swings so that even non-walkers can still have fun.
Pictures
So this might not be baby’s favorite, but capture those little grins now. You can do old school portrait studios or hire a freelance photographer to get some cute snaps of you at the park or anywhere you’d like. And if you’re looking for a photographer, we have a list of some of our reader favorites.
The Greenville Zoo
The zoo is full of fun animals to look at for even a baby in a stroller and the zoo playground has comfy chairs making it the perfect place to stop for a feeding.
Cloth Diaper Classes
Tired of running to the store for more nappies? Check out cloth diapers through an informative meeting! The main local group is Greenville Cloth Diaper Group on Facebook and they can point you towards a meeting.
Kroc Center
The Kroc Center in downtown Greenville, SC is a great place to take your toddler all year round to play in the water. They have an indoor water park with beach entry, so your little one can play in the shallows, climb the play structure, and ride down the slide. The pool is heated, but a wetsuit style swimsuit for younger babies is ideal.
TCMU
The Children’s Museum of the Upstate is fun for all ages but has a special corner for babies on the top floor. Grandma Betty’s Farm is where you’ll find an enclosed space for crawlers as well as story time in their special 5 and under classroom. The middle floor has some mirrors next to the climber that are great for babies, especially those just starting to sit. Downstairs, the Lily Pad has infant seats for water play.
TCMU of Spartanburg is also a great option – it’s included in your TCMU membership. They have wonderful exhibits specifically for kids ages five and under, including a crawling space for babies, water exhibits, and lots of interactive exhibits. It’s $5/person if you’re not a member.
Enjoy the children’s garden, flowers, and pretty paths at Linky Stone Park.
Attend a local playgroup
If working out isn’t your thing, try a moms group in Greenville. True your little one might not be “playing” right now but that’s no reason you can’t spend an afternoon walking around the zoo or getting some coffee with other parents.
The Little Gym
The Little Gym also offers fun classes for babies. Check their schedule for a list of current classes.
La Leche League
If you’re nursing or interested in starting (it’s possible to “relactate” even if you stopped) La Leche League of Greenville is a perfect spot. Attend a meeting and make some new “breast” friends for you and your nursling. Older siblings are welcome at almost all meetings and some are open to dads too (just ask as meetings frequently are moms only for privacy).
Hiking in a carrier or jogging stroller
Hike It Baby has an active local chapter and has regularly scheduled group hikes. Just show up and get walking. Some locales require hiking packs or baby carriers (any sling that’s comfortable for you to wear the whole hike) while others are stroller friendly. Or, check out our list of stroller-friendly hikes to plan your own play date.
Mall playground
Both Haywood and Westgate have a padded play area for little kids. It’s a great way to introduce your baby to playground equipment with less fall risks and no worries about weather.
Bouncing Babies at the library
The Greenville library system has various story times at most locations, including Bouncing Babies especially for young ones. But most story times are still a treat for your baby so don’t hesitate to bring them to whatever fits your schedule.
Kindermusik
Piano Central Studios offers lots of these classes geared toward the youngest of music lovers.
Do you have an activity to add to our list? Share it in the comments!
This post was originally written by Lindy Wilson and has been updated by the Kidding Around Team.
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