Awesome Splash Pads in Spartanburg, SC Where You Can Cool Off During the Summer

Looking for a splash pad in Spartanburg, SC? Once it gets to be summer in the Upstate, it’s time to find the nearest place to cool off. That’s why we have created this list of Spartanburg splash pads, plus a few bonus spots (water parks in Spartanburg!) to visit this summer.

INSIDE: A detailed list of the splash pads in Spartanburg, SC.

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Splash Pads

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Splash Pads in Spartanburg, SC

Splash pads in the City of Spartanburg are usually open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, while splash pads in Spartanburg County may open a bit earlier. Please confirm they are in working order before heading out, as splash pads are high-maintenance amenities.

Spartanburg Splash Pads

Spartanburg County Splash Pads

Tyger River Park
Va-Du-Mar McMillan Park

City of Spartanburg Splash Pads

Airport Park
Barnet Park
Stewart Park

City of Woodruff Splash Pad

McKinney Park

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Playing at Tyger River Splash Pad — Splash Pad at Tyger River Park in Duncan, SC

Tyger River Park

195 Dillard Road, Duncan, SC
Open May 16, 2026 – Labor Day | 9 am – 8 pm
Tyger River Park’s splash pad is a family favorite for being fully fenced with some shaded seating for parents.This massive park also boasts a large playground for big kids, and a fun separate playground for little ones…sandbox included! Just keep in mind that the playgrounds get a lot of sun, so bring your sunscreen and check the temperature on play equipment before setting your kids loose.

Read this mom review of Tyger River Park in Duncan, SC for more info!

Playground at Tyger River Park in Duncan, SC.

Va-Du-Mar McMillan Park

591 McMillin Blvd, Boiling Springs, SC
Open May 16, 2026 – Labor Day | 9 am – 8 pm
This park has one of the best splash pads in Spartanburg County, with everything from a water table for tots to a big bucket that dumps water when it fills up! There’s a big playground near the splash pad, plus a smaller one up the hill across the parking lot.

Find out the latest updates on the playgrounds and park amenities in our review of Va-Du-Mar McMillan Park!

Airport Park

500 Ammons Road, Spartanburg, SC
Open Memorial Day – Labor Day | 9 am – 7 pm
Airport Park lives up to its name with aviation-themed play equipment a view of the planes taking off at Spartanburg Memorial Airport. It includes a towering play structure for big kids, plus a smaller one for little kids. The splash pad is so fun with spinning airplanes and hoops to run through! We also love it for its close proximity to Hatcher Garden, with stroller-friendly paths and plenty of picnic spots.

Here’s everything you need to know about Downtown Memorial Airport Park in Spartanburg, SC.

The playground at Spartanburg Airport Park

Barnet Park

248 East Saint John Street, Spartanburg, SC
Open Memorial Day – Labor Day | 9 am – 7 pm
Located in the heart of downtown Spartanburg, this park is primarily greenspace with a splash pad at the entrance. If you’re spending a day in downtown Spartanburg, consider including this and a round of free mini-golf in your itinerary!

Want the full review of Barnet Park in Spartanburg, SC? Find it here!

Stewart Park

453 Beacon Street, Spartanburg, SC
Open Memorial Day – Labor Day | 9 am – 7 pm
Stewart Park not only includes a splash pad, but also two outdoor basketball courts, a paved walking path, covered picnic area, and a big playground with tall slides!

Plan your family’s first visit with our parent review of Stewart Park!

A vibrant water playground with slides and climbing structures, perfect for kids to enjoy hot summer days in Woodruff, SC. — Splash Pad and Playground at McKinney Park in Woodruff, SC

McKinney Park

231 E. Hayne Street, Woodruff, SC
Open Memorial Day – Labor Day | 8 am – 8 pm
We know “hidden gem” is overused, but McKinney Park in Woodruff seriously is one. This mostly fenced park has one of the coolest playgrounds in the county, with huge tube slides and tons of climbing features. A splash pad separates the big playground from a smaller one for babies and toddlers, and parents will appreciate the benches and covered picnic shelter.

See the splash pad and playground up close with all the details in our new review of McKinney Park.

Why not swim while you splash? We put together a complete guide to community pools for Spartanburg, SC!

Pool Memberships to purchase in Spartanburg, SC

Water Parks in Spartanburg, SC

Shipwreck Cove

119 S. Spencer Street, Duncan, SC
Opening for the season on May 23, 2026!
Shipwreck Cove is a great place to cool off and have fun this summer. A water slide, huge pool, and lazy river are big attractions for big kids. Plus, little ones will love the pirate-themed wading area with great splash features! Park hours, prices, and special event details can be found on their website.

Find out why Shipwreck Cove in Duncan, SC makes for an awesome day out in this busy mom’s review!

Don’t miss our guide to even more fun things to do this summer near Spartanburg, SC!

Find More Places to Swim and Splash in Upstate SC

Want to find more places to splash and swim around Upstate SC? Check out these frequently asked questions for leads on the best places to cool off with your family!

Are there any places to go creek stomping in Spartanburg?

Creek stomping is a great option for kids and pets to splash and play together! Some of our favorite spot for this around Spartanburg County include Croft State Park in Spartanburg, Glendale Shoals in historic Glendale, and River Place Park in Lyman. Be sure to check on water contamination levels with local management before entering natural bodies of water, and keep a close eye on your children!

Where can kids splash AND swim around Spartanburg?

You can get day passes, summer memberships, and annual memberships at community pools around Spartanburg County, and we’ve put all those details together in this guide! Another super fun option is Shipwreck Cove Water Park in Duncan, or you can check out even more water parks near Greenville.

Are pets allowed at splash pads or community pools?

No, pets are not allowed at local splash pads or in community pools. Your best bet for cooling off with your pet will be natural swimming holes, but keep an eye out for the rare Doggy Swim Day at CC Woodson, too!

Don’t forget to check our Ultimate Guide on Where to Swim & Splash in Upstate SC to find even MORE splash & swim options around the Upstate!

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

The Ultimate Summer in Greenville, SC Guide

For more fun things to do this summer with our Ultimate Guide to Summer in the Upstate!

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

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

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

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Your Kids Will Love the TCMU Location in Spartanburg, SC

Have you been to the children’s museum in Spartanburg yet? TCMU Spartanburg offers indoor fun geared specifically for children five and under. With padded play areas, water play, a Publix mini grocery store, and a new Storyburg, there’s plenty for them to explore!

Looking for more indoor activities to entertain the kids this summer?
Check out our Indoor Guide to Spartanburg!

About TCMU Spartanburg

Located at 130 Magnolia Street in the heart of downtown, TCMU Spartanburg has two levels of interactive exhibits. The hours are 9 am – 4:30 pm Tuesday – Saturday and 11 am – 4:30 pm on Sundays.

Tickets are $10 for SC residents and $15 for non-residents. Educators, homeschool students, seniors, and military receive a discounted ticket price of $8. Members and children under the age of six months get in free. TCMU also participates in the Museums for All Program, which means families can gain admission for $5 per person when they present an EBT card. Advance timed ticketing is encouraged for entry. You can buy tickets online.

Your admission includes ALL DAY access, and you can come and go as needed. For example, you could go in the morning, head home for naps, and return in the afternoon! You can also purchase a membership that gives your entire family access to both the Greenville and Spartanburg locations.

Public parking is available off Magnolia Street, and there is also a reasonably priced parking garage directly across from the museum (around $1 for two hours.) There are also limited free spots in front of the storefronts along Magnolia.

This museum is specifically designed for children five and under and includes lower exhibits for smaller children and areas designed for babies.

First floor at TCMU Spartanburg

TCMU Spartanburg has a friendly, helpful staff that will stamp your hand upon payment and entrance. This stamp allows you all-day access to the museum.

The first floor also has stroller parking. As you walk in, you’ll see an enclosed padded play area for smaller babies. They can scoot, crawl, and toddle to their hearts’ content. This is a shoe-free zone, too.

Deeper into the museum is a fully stocked and recently remodeled Publix grocery store, pediatric doctor’s office, tree-themed climbing playhouse and slides, and leaf vacuum/blower.

TCMU Spartanburg Publix grocery store exhibit

Second floor at TCMU Spartanburg

Head down the staircase or elevator to check out the basement level. There is an interactive water exhibit that features water spray spouts, building and manipulating currents, fishing poles and lures, and special baby seats for the tiniest explorers to safely sit and splash in the water.

Indoor water play for toddlers at TCMU Spartanburg

Aprons are available to keep clothes dry, but you may also want to bring a change of clothes if your child doesn’t want to wear the apron.

Continue through the second level, and you’ll find a giant train table, another enclosed baby play area, and the Storyburg exhibit. A class room is towards the back of the first floor, or closest to the stairwell going back up to the main entrance.

Special crafts and storytimes are located in the classroom, and staff will invite children in to participate and create a project. This is great for kids of all ages as the craft can be as complex or as simple as the child wishes. For example, my six-year-old was prompted to create a picture of her family using pre-cut circles. My 22-month-old and three-year-old were happy just to get to use glue sticks and paste as many circles onto paper as they wanted.

What makes TCMU Spartanburg awesome

There is SO much to do! Kids love it! Even my six-year-old and her seven-year-old friend, who are technically over the age the exhibits are geared towards, were constantly occupied and having fun. It was a magical level of freedom and exploration for my 22-month-old and three-year-old. All the exhibits are just the right height for them to play independently, and without a plethora of older children, they felt confident and safe to freely explore and play.

They have never been ready to leave when I finally call it a day.

The open space of the floor plan means you can sit in a central location and still keep your children in sight as they move from exhibit to exhibit. So if one child wants to explore the grocery store, one wants to play doctor, and another wants to climb into the treehouse and slide, you can easily keep an eye on everyone without having to negotiate locations with your children.

This is awesome! As a mother of three, I cannot love this more. Staff members are always tidying, and the floors and toys are clean and accessible.

There are picnic tables outside the building if you want to pack a lunch or snack and sneak outside for a quick edible recharge. Or you can walk to one of the nearby restaurants and then head back to TCMU for more fun.

I am so excited and proud of Spartanburg for creating such a wonderful place for our youngest citizens to play and learn together. I look forward to many more playdates at TCMU.

Visit TCMU Spartanburg

TCMU Spartanburg
130 Magnolia Street, Spartanburg
864-233-7755

Tuesday – Saturday: 9 am – 4:30 pm
Sunday: 11 am – 4:30 pm

General admission: $10-15
Seniors & Military: $8
Members: Free

Here are all the best things to do in Spartanburg, SC!

Take a look at TCMU’s other location: TCMU Greenville

Roller Skating Rinks Near Greenville, SC

Are you looking for local rinks to go roller skating? Greenville, SC and Spartanburg, SC are lucky enough to have some great family-friendly skating rinks! For those of us who were born in a year starting with a “1,” chances are you have some childhood memories around the skating rink. Good news: The fine art of rolling on skates is cool again! So go on, get out there, and show the young ‘uns how it’s done!

Roller skating rinks near Greenville, South Carolina

NOTE: Hours & pricing are included where available for reader convenience. However, these are subject to change, so we encourage you to confirm details with individual skating rinks prior to planning your visit!

Roller Skating Rinks Near Greenville, SC

Roller Skating Rinks Near Spartanburg, SC

When I was in high school, I could almost always be found at the skating rink. I was friends with the owner’s son, and the staff consisted mostly of my classmates.

As with everything else lately, TikTok is making the old new again. Some things, we wish would stay gone. (Mom jeans? Really? Ok.) Other things, we enjoyed and now get to watch a whole new generation discover (like roller skating). Search #Shuffleskate on any platform and you will see grown folks having fun and zipping around skating rinks across the country! So, dust off the skates; we are going to re-live our youth at a local rink!

Roller Skating Rinks Near Greenville, SC

Roller Sports

328 W. Main Street, Taylors, SC |864.268.7397

The Roller Sports Rink has been around longer than most reading this have been alive, and they are still around for new memories to be made. Parents who are only there to watch are allowed in for free with their children. The monthly schedule of sessions can be found on the Roller Sports Rink website. They have Homeschool Skate every third Friday of the month.

Roller Sports has drop-off events on Friday and Saturday nights from 7-11 pm for kids 10 and over.

Golden Lanes & Skate

108 Balcome Boulevard, Simpsonville, SC | 864.967.8851

Both a bowling alley and skating rink. Skating is only open on weekends. Current hours for skating are Friday night 7-11 pm ($12), Saturday 1-4 pm ($7) and 7-11 pm ($12), and Sunday 2-5 pm ($6).

Skateland USA

414 Clemson Boulevard, Anderson, SC | 864.224.8175

For the weekly event and session schedule, call Skateland USA. They update the voicemail message with the week’s info. Most sessions are very affordable, and they are not open on Wednesdays.

Roller Time Family Skate Easley

719 Ross Avenue, Easley, SC | 864.671.6433

Family Skate Night is every Tuesday from 6:30-8:30 pm and it costs $6/person. Open sessions on other days range from $9-$12/person. Check their Facebook page to see their latest schedule.

Roller Skating Rinks Near Spartanburg, SC

Hot Wheels Skating Center

2345 South Pine Street, Spartanburg, SC | 864.573.5922

Originally founded in Charleston, Hot Wheels Skating Center is now in Spartanburg and offers open skating times, party packages, and even a Kids Skate Free program!

Mondays:
CLOSED
Tuesdays:
Open Skate 6-8pm | $5/person + $2/skate rental
Wednesdays:
Open Skate 12-2pm | $5/person + $2/skate rental
After-School Skate 3-6pm | $6/person + $2/skate rental
Thursdays:
Adults Only Skate 7-10pm | $6/person + $2/skate rental
Fridays:
Friday Night Skate 7-11pm | $10/person + $2/skate rental, or $55 Family Special includes 4 admissions + 1 XL pizza + 1 drink pitcher ($2/skate rental still applies)
Saturdays:
Open Skate 1-5pm | $6/person + $2/skate rental
Family Night Skate 7-10pm | $8/person + $2/skate rental, or $45 Family Special includes 4 admissions + 1 XL pizza + 1 drink pitcher ($2/skate rental still applies)
Sundays:
Open Skate 3-6pm | $6/person + $2/skate rentals

Roebuck Family Skate Center

989 Old Georgia Road, Moore, SC | 864.576.8550

The Roebuck Skate Center offers family skate and open skate events.

Thursdays:
Family Night 6:30-8:30pm | $5/person (includes skate rental)
Fridays:
Open Skate 6-9pm | $8/person + $2/skate rental
Saturdays:
Open Skate 2-5pm | $6/person + $2/skate rental
Open Skate 5-8pm | $8/person + $2/skate rental
Sundays:
Open Skate 2-5pm | $6/person + $2/skate rental

Union Skate Center in Union, SC

1753 Keys Highway, Union, SC | 864.427.4255

Union Skate Center in Union, NC is about half an hour from Spartanburg. They offer private and public skating parties, plus open skate times weekly. Hours and pricing are subject to change, so call to confirm details before visiting.

Thursdays:
Family Skate Night 6-8pm | $5/person
Fridays:
Open Skate 7-11pm | $10/person
Saturdays:
Open Skate 7-11pm | $10/person
Sundays:
Family Skate Day 2-4pm | $5/person

Skates N Stuff in Forest City, NC

206 Woods Drive, Forest City, NC | 828.248.1308

Skates N Stuff in Forest City, NC is less than hour from Spartanburg and has availability for private parties during the week and open skate hours on the weekends. Hours may be subject to seasonal changes, and we suggest calling to confirm details before visiting.

Fridays:
Open Skate 6-10pm | $7/person + $2/skate rental
Saturdays:
Open Skate 11am-4pm & 6-10pm | $7/person + $2/skate rental
Sundays:
Open Skate 1-6pm | $7/person + $2/skate rental

Guide to things to do indoors near Greenville, South Carolina

Looking for more fun? Check out our Premier Guide to Indoor Fun Near Greenville, SC!

Croft State Park: The Perfect Park for an Outdoor Adventure Near Spartanburg, SC

Have you visited Croft State Park? With a wooden dock, a clear lake, tiny minnows sparkling in sunny shallow waters, tall trees, horses, hiking trails, and a playground, it sounds like the perfect place, right? The next time you’re looking for a family adventure, check out Croft State Park!

Croft State Park in Spartanburg, South Carolina

Spend a Day at Croft State Park

This gorgeous 7,000-acre state park offers miles of hiking, biking, and even equestrian trails. On our visit, we walked the short Lake Craig connector trail and then enjoyed views of an absolutely beautiful Lake Craig. We enjoyed snacks on an adorable little dock and watched tiny minnows in the shallow water around us. Nearby fishermen were also quite entertaining for my crew.

We enjoyed a very peaceful morning in the park. My homeschoolers were able to practice making super sentences with quality adjectives about all the things they were noticing from the dock. “The sun sparkles on the backs of the wiggling minnows.” The next time we go, I’ll bring sketchbooks and writing paper so they can write down their sentences and illustrate. There were definitely plenty of places to sit near the lake, and lots of grass for blankets, if that’s your preference.

You will find bathrooms conveniently near the parking lot for Lake Craig. A short walk up the hill brings you to a nice playground with views of the park’s equestrian facilities. While there were only a handful of horses and riders when we visited, my children really enjoyed watching them as we walked past. The playground was great for my children (ages 4-8), but younger children need careful watching due to the height of some equipment.

Things to Do at Croft State Park

Hiking

There are several trails at Croft, including an easy Nature Trail that’s about one-and-a-half miles. A few of the major trails are Palmetto Trail (Croft Passage), Nature Trail, Foster Mill, Southside Loop, and Rocky Ridge/ Whitestone Springs. You’ll also find several additional mixed-use trails that are designated for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. This park has over 20 miles of mountain biking trails, which is spectacular if you love the sport.

We love taking a small portion of the Palmetto Trail to Fairforest Creek in the summer. It’s not too difficult, so our toddler and four-year-old can come along. It also leads out to the creek, which is a great place to splash in the creek on hot days.

Camping

Camping at Croft should be on your radar for places to go next time you’re ready to pack up and head to the Great Outdoors. The park offers both RV camping and tent camping sites, in addition to a primitive group camping site that can accommodate up to 100 people. Camping sites are on packed gravel and come with electrical and water hookups. There are even hot showers, which as a mom with messy kids, makes taking them camping a little easier.

Canoe, Kayak, and Paddleboard Rentals

One of the great places to do watersports in the area is at Croft. You can bring your own equipment, or you can rent canoes, small boats, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards from the park itself.

For Jon boat and canoe rentals, you pay $15 for four hours or $25 per day. For kayaks and paddleboards, the cost is $10-$15 per hour for the rental. They do not rent after 6 pm, so keep that in mind when planning your trip.

Want to go to Croft?

Admission for Croft State Park is $3/adults, $1.50/SC seniors, and $1/children 6- 15. Children under 6 are free.

Pets are allowed as long as they are leashed.

Park hours are 7 am – 6 pm daily (8 pm on Fridays), and 7 am – 9 pm daily during Daylight Savings Time.

Croft State Park Address: 450 Croft State Park Road, Spartanburg, SC

Winter hiking in Spartanburg, South Carolina

These trails in Spartanburg, SC are great places to hike during the wintertime!

The Barnyard Flea Market is the Ultimate Bargain Hunter’s Dream

Have you been to the Barnyard Flea Market in Greer, SC? If scouring Craigslist, eBay, or local yard sales is your kind of fun, then this is a place you’ll want to visit! It is equally diverse in its offerings as eBay, somewhat questionable in its taste of décor as a Craigslist ad, and customers have as good a chance of finding a great deal as their neighborhood garage sale.

Barnyard Flea Market in Greer, South Carolina

The Barnyard Flea Market is only open on weekends and offers free parking at an easy-to-find location, wide aisles for strollers, and hundreds of vendors that will sell you nearly anything you need.

What Can You Find at the Barnyard Flea Market: Greer, SC

Need a dog collar, a hunting knife, a Barbie, some dish soap, and a slow cooker? You can find all of that and more at this flea market. How about some luggage and an adjustment from a chiropractor? Yup, that too.

There are hundreds of vendors, most of which are under huge barn-like structures. Some vendors are outside as well. The aisles are easy to navigate, and I saw lots of kids and families there.

It’s a lot of fun to walk around and see what people are selling. Some vendors have tables there every week and are permanent or semi-permanent. Others, like the nice couple I bought a couple of dolls from, were just selling what they couldn’t sell at their garage sale the day before. It was their first time there – as was mine – and they divulged that they only paid $14 to rent a table and were doing pretty well with their leftover goods. If you want to vendor indoors, you can pay as little as $16 per day.

Vendors can rent a table for as little as $14 a day or pay a monthly fee to stake out their spot at the flea market.

Another plus at the flea market was that the bathrooms were really easy to locate, and they were clean. This is a huge positive for my two little girls, one of whom is potty-training.

If you get hungry, there are plenty of options to grab a snack. We saw taco booths, vendors selling pigskins, boiled peanuts, fried dough with powdered sugar, soft pretzels, and drinks. There is a little café indoors as well that sells reasonable eats.

Boiled peanut station at the Barnyard Flea Market in Greer, South Carolina

The only drawback was that the Barnyard Flea Market is perhaps one of the very last unregulated places for smoking. People are allowed to smoke wherever they like. This place definitely isn’t like bars used to be before smoking bans were instituted – it’s not smoke-filled, but the smell is noticeable, so just be aware of that when you go.

My kids and I stayed about an hour, and they loved checking out all the different stuff. They were reasonably controlled in their desires for toys, girly clothes, and dolls. I had fun too, checking out all the crazy stuff that was for sale and the rock-bottom prices of everything under the sun. It was entertaining and a great way to spend some downtime on the weekend.

Outdoor sellers at the Barnyard Flea Market in Greer, South Carolina

Plan your own trip

Office Hours
Thursday: 9 AM – 2 PM
Friday: 8 AM – 4 PM

Market Hours
Saturday: 7 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday: 8 AM – 4:30 PM

Barnyard Flea Market
2000 Highway 101 S., Greer; 864.968.1700

What would you hunt for at Barnyard Flea Market?

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You’ll save some money with our Budget Shopping Guide, with tips for Greenville, SC shops and local deals.

Enjoy Some Haunted Fun On The Greer Ghost Tour In Greer, SC

Have you ever wondered about the colorful and perhaps haunted history of the South Carolina town of Greer, SC? Ever heard of the Greer ghost tour? This fall, the chance to familiarize yourself with the spirits of the city is here. So read on, and put the Greer Station Ghost tours on your calendar.

Be sure to grab your tickets because they usually sell out fast! Tickets are on sale now. Tours happening October 10th through October 31st, 2025.

Halloween Guide, trick or treat in Greenville, SC

You’ll find more spooky fun, plus great Halloween family fun, trick-or-treat, and Halloween activities here on the Upstate’s BEST Halloween Guide.

Greer Ghost Tours: Ruffians and Scoundrels

Go on a mysterious journey into Greer Station’s rather rough and tumble past full of Ruffians and Scoundrels. You will learn about Downtown Greer’s history through masterfully told stories of past residents, some of who are rumored to still hang around. We won’t give away those stories here, but both history buffs and those really into ghost lore will love these stories.

Your tour begins at the historic train depot, and your guide will take you on a walking tour of downtown to visit the locations that some former residents are said to like to frequent.

The tour ends with a visit to the Greer Heritage Museum, which is on the national register of historic places. When the tour ends, take some time to see all the things on display from Greer’s history. There’s also a short film you can sit and watch in Greer Heritage Museum’s new Greer Theater exhibit.

Ruffians & Scoundrels Tour and Kids

The Ruffians & Scoundrels tour is not exceptionally spooky, creepy or gory. It’s a ghost tour. But it’s also a lot of interesting historical tidbits told through fun story-telling. I wouldn’t hesitate to bring kids on this tour, especially preteens and teens. We didn’t bring our kids, but they would have enjoyed it!

Trade Street Tour Dates: “Ruffians & Scoundrels”

Location: Greer Heritage Museum, 106 South Main Street, Greer, SC
Duration: ~45–60 minutes
Ticket Prices: $12 for adults; $6 for children (ages 5–15); free for children under 5

Dates & Times (EDT):

Friday, October 10 – 6:30 PM & 8:30 PM
Saturday, October 11 – 6:30 PM & 8:30 PM
Friday, October 17 – 6:30 PM & 8:30 PM
Saturday, October 18 – 6:30 PM & 8:30 PM
Friday, October 24 – 6:30 PM & 8:30 PM
Saturday, October 25 – 6:30 PM & 8:30 PM
Friday, October 31 – 6:30 PM & 8:30 PM

Greer Ghost Tour: Murder & Mayhem Cemetery Tour

The Greer Ghost Tours have been telling ghost stories around the town for quite a few years. The Murder & Mayhem tour is the newest tour full of stories about the questionable background of some of the town’s early residents – residents who still may live there in one form or another.

The Murder & Mayhem tour starts right in the Greer City Cemetery. Way to entice the crowd, right? There were about 60 people on our tour but plenty of space to see our guide, decked out in a top hat holding a walking stick and lantern.

After receiving instructions on proper cemetery etiquette, we started to learn about all the creepy and unexplainable events that happened right where we were standing, starting in the late 1800s. Because this tour focused on both murder and mayhem, we learned of how bootleggers shot the town’s police chief, leaving his young widow and children alone. We learned about a love triangle that ended badly and how the woman’s ghost has been seen by people today (right behind the playground at Greer City Park, I may add).

I can’t give away all the details though – you’ll have to go on the tour for those!

Walking Around Greer

The tour continued through the cemetery and then we walked around the backend of Trade Street to learn more creepy stories of a builder from Greenville who wanted to purchase a woman’s house and land. I can tell you it didn’t end well. We traveled over to the site of the Truist bank today, which once sat the town’s biggest hotel, which was run by a crook of a man – that story also doesn’t end well as you may have guessed by now.

The tour ended at the super cool Greer Heritage Museum with a big coffin-like contraption in the middle of the museum that our guide explained was a very old body bag. I don’t get creeped out easily, but that did it for me.

Murder & Mayhem and Kids

The tour sells tickets for kids as young as 5 years old and I took my 8-year-old and 11-year-old on this one. They can be sensitive kids and weren’t terribly scared during the tour but some of the stories sparked some fear later on when we got home. The tour is family-friendly in the sense that it’s PG-rated but the ghostly concepts may scare some kids – this very much depends on the personality of your children.

Graveyard Tour Dates: “Murder & Mayhem”

Location: Greer City Cemetery, Greer, SC
Duration: ~45–60 minutes
Ticket Prices: $16 for adults; $8 for children (ages 5–15); free for children under 5

Dates & Times (EDT):

Friday, October 10 – 7:00 PM & 9:00 PM
Saturday, October 11 – 7:00 PM & 9:00 PM
Friday, October 17 – 7:00 PM & 9:00 PM
Saturday, October 18 – 7:00 PM & 9:00 PM
Friday, October 24 – 7:00 PM & 9:00 PM
Saturday, October 25 – 7:00 PM & 9:00 PM
Friday, October 31 – 7:00 PM & 9:00 PM

Tips & Getting Tickets

The tours are about 45 minutes to an hour long and you have time to explore the Greer Heritage Museum afterwards, which we’d certainly suggest as it’s pretty cool.

Go to the restroom before you start the tour as there are no restrooms until you get to the Greer Heritage Museum at the end of the tour.
Ghost tours are a great date night! Grab a meal or a drink at Cartwright Food Hall before your tour.
The tour is accessible for anyone and involves about four blocks of walking total, maybe a bit more depending on where you parked your car.

Tickets are $7 per child ages 5 to 15, and $13 for adults for the Ruffians & Scoundrels tour and $9/child and $17/adult for the Murder & Mayhem tour. Kids 4 and under are free. Tickets will be collected at the start of the tour, either by presenting a printed ticket or a digital ticket from your phone. Children four and under are free, but please keep in mind the length of the tour and that smaller kids may not be able to hold their attention for that long.

Be sure to grab your tickets because they usually sell out fast. Tours are happening October 10th through October 31st, 2025.

Don’t Skip the Amazing Greer Heritage Museum!

Whether you explore the museum after your tour or visit Greer Heritage Museum on a different day, be sure this place is on your list. It’s filled to the brim with historic treasures from Greer’s past. There are so many stories under this roof!

Greer Heritage Museum
106 South Main Street, Greer | 864.877.3377

Find more ghosts

Express Your Inner Artist at Hearts of Clay

Are you looking for a place to take your family for some creative fun? Hearts of Clay, right here in Spartanburg, is the perfect place for almost any occasion. It’s more than just a pottery studio, and we’re going to tell you why our family loves spending time there!

About Hearts of Clay

For over twenty years, families have been creating memories with Hearts of Clay (Formerly Flying Saucers). In that time this family-owned business has expanded to include glass fusing, canvas painting, and more.

A trip to Hearts of Clay is the answer whether you’re looking for some family fun time, gifts for family members, a fun place to host a birthday party, or even a place to bring the kids for a parent’s night out.

Hearts of Clay Studio in Spartanburg, SC

Our family has visited so many times, I don’t even remember the first time we went. Since that first time, we have celebrated my son’s fourth birthday there, commemorated every month of my daughter’s first year of life, and enjoyed a mommy and son date night. I even eat my morning cereal out of a Hello Kitty-inspired bowl I made there.

If you feel like you aren’t artistically inclined, you shouldn’t be intimidated. The pieces available range from beginner to intricate, and there’s always someone around to help. If you mess up, the glaze can be rinsed off and you can start over. Any age can have fun painting pottery, the glaze used is non-toxic and will not stain clothes. For the more artistically inclined you have the option to use the pottery wheel to “throw” your own piece to paint. Once your item is painted, you leave it behind to be kiln-fired and it’s ready in about a week. There are also pre-fired items that can be painted with acrylic paint if coming back is not an option.

Hearts of Clay offers options for everyone

If pottery isn’t your thing, they also offer canvas painting and other classes in the studio. The classes and events cost between $5-$12, and reservations are encouraged. I’m always looking for mom’s night out activities and canvas painting and margaritas, sounds like the perfect night!

Hearts of Clay also offers Kids events. With their convenient location, it’s the perfect opportunity to have a date night or get some holiday shopping done. You won’t have to worry about the kids, they’ll be fed dinner and get to create something. Reservations are required, and the cost is $5-$12 per child.

Home school families can register for the art enrichment classes offered once a month on Thursdays during the school year. These 60-minute classes cost $12 per child.

Preschool age children receive $2 off the item they paint as part of the “5 & under club” on Wednesdays.

If your church or school is looking for a fundraiser idea, Hearts of Clay can help with that too! They’ll include everything you’ll need to make pottery of your choice. This can even be utilized as just a fun activity for a large group. And a percentage of your cost will be donated to your school, church, or organization!

There are so many reasons to visit Hearts of Clay! I encourage you to check out the event calendar and head over to make some memories.

Plan a visit to Hearts of Clay

Visit the Hearts of Clay website.
Tuesday-Thursday 11 am – 5 pm
Friday-Saturday 11 am – 7 pm
Sunday 1 pm – 5 pm
660 Spartan Boulevard, Suite #20, Spartanburg
864.576.2228

Have you ever visited Hearts of Clay?

(2025) Best Family Friendly Fall Festivals: Spartanburg, SC

Inside: A list of Fall Festivals near Spartanburg, SC

Another thing to look forward to during the close of summer is festivals, and we have the best fall festivals near Spartanburg, SC! Leaves crunching underfoot, the smell of pumpkin spice wafting from a coffee cup, and all things apple-related usher in the fall season. There are no shortages of celebrations in Hub City, so let’s get to planning the fun you and your family can have this fall!

The sunflower fields at Thompson Family Farms. — Sunflowers at Thompson Family Farms

*We are currently updating the list for 2025*

This list is provided for informational purposes, and events may change or be canceled at the last minute. Therefore, please be sure to confirm the status of an event before heading out.

2025 Spartanburg Fall Festivals

Upstate Renaissance Faire w/ Medieval Market

Where: Piedmont Interstate Fairgrounds – 575 Fairgrounds Rd, Spartanburg
When: September 12th-14th, 2025
What: Knights, dragons, and more! Lots of food, vendors, entertainment, and costumes.
Admission Cost: $10 – 13 and up , $5 – 4-12, 3 and under Free
Kidding Around® Review: The Upstate Renaissance Faire in Greer, SC

Spartanburg Greek Festival

Where: St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church – 697 Asheville Highway, Spartanburg
When: September 19th- 21st, 2025
What: Greek food, live music, dancing, and more
Admission: $2, children under 12 are free

Moon Fall Fest ’25

Where: 1070 Cooley Springs School Road, Chesnee
When: September 20th, 2025
What: Food trucks, artisan vendors, music, and more
Admission: TBD

Fall on the Farm at Stewart Farms

Where: Stewart Farms, Enoree
When: September 27th – November 1st, 2025; Fridays – Sundays
What: Fall activities, pumpkin patch, tractor ride, Peanuts-themed corn maze, nighttime maze, and wagon rides
Admission: Free entry, activities priced individually ($5-$12 per activity), pumpkins 60 cents per lb.
Kidding Around ® Review: Stewart Farms

Painted Hay rolls at Stewart Farms — Fall on the Farm at Stewart Family Farms

Railfest

Where: Greer City Park
When: Saturday, September 27th, 2025
What: Celebration of all things trains and rail safety. Food and drink available to purchase.
Admission: Free

Fall for Spartanburg with Cara Bella Boutique

Where: Dunbar and Magnolia Streets
When: September 20th, 2025
What: Live music, artisans, and crafters. Pet and kid-friendly!
Admission: Free

Greer Arts and Eats Festival

Where: Downtown Greer
When: Saturday, October 4th, 2025 from 10 am – 8 pm
What: Lots of food, live music, art, and more!
Admission: Free

Spartanburg International Festival

Where: Barnet Park
When: October 4th, 2025
What: A celebration of different cultures through food, dance, music, and more!
Admission: Free

Neewollah

Where: Croft State Park
When: October 4th, 2025
What: Annual Halloween celebration with bounce houses, face painting, hay rides, trick or treating, and more.
Admission: $5 Adults $2 child $10 wrist bands (activities are cash only)

More Fall Festivals with Dates TBA

Fall at the Farm

Where: Thompson Family Farms, Campobello
When: August 28th – October, 2024; Wednesdays – Saturdays
What: Sunflower maze, pick your own pumpkin patch, U-pick flowers, photo opportunities, and corn varieties to purchase.
Admission: Free admission
Kidding Around® Review: Thompson Family Farms

Fall Family Festival & Tunes

Where: Events by the River, Woodruff, SC
When: November 23rd, 2024
What: Petting zoo, vendors, food trucks, games, kids zone, fire pit, and more
Admission: Free entry

Spartanburg Soaring

Where: Barnet Park, Spartanburg
When: TBD (Mid October)
What: A festival celebrating the art of kiting
Admission: Free

Looking for more fall fun? Check out our guide to Fall Festivals Near Greenville to Check Out This Season, with more event listings in the Upstate!

Kidding Around Greenville events calendar for Greenville, SC

For more fall festivals and other events not listed here, check out the Kidding Around® Events Calendar.

Why not make even more memories this fall by knocking out some of these things to do this fall near Greenville, SC?

Play, Fish, and Boat at Anchor Park on Lake Bowen: The Largest Lake in Spartanburg County

Inside: A real parent review of Anchor Park at Lake Bowen in Spartanburg, SC. Learn about the playground, water access, boating, and other amenities.

Looking for a family-friendly lake near Spartanburg where kids can play and parents can relax?

Anchor Park at Lake Bowen in Inman, SC offers a fully fenced playground, shady picnic spots, and easy access to water activities like fishing, kayaking, and boating—all in one scenic location. Read on for everything you need to know about what this great park has to offer!

For more ideas on outdoor activities this summer, check out our list of Things to do Outside in Spartanburg, SC!

About Lake Bowen

Lake Bowen is the largest lake in Spartanburg County, covering over 1,500 acres with approximately 33 miles of shoreline. It is managed by Spartanburg Water as a scenic reservoir which families can enjoy. Anchor Park is a fantastic place to do just that, with ample parking, playgrounds and picnic shelters, multiple ways to access Lake Bowen, and the Lake Bowen Warden’s Office.

Image shows Anchor Park sculpture, sign, playgrounds, and picnic pavilion.

Anchor Park Playground

Anchor Park offers some of the best playgrounds in Inman. It is fully fenced all the way around with gates on each side for easy access in and out. There are two different play structures, one for little kids and one for bigger kids, plus a swing set and a few different options for sensory play.

Image shows the central picnic shelter at Anchor Park.

One picnic shelter sits between the two play structures, allowing parents to easily supervise both, and another picnic shelter sits a little farther up the hill, giving a great view of the entire play area. There are a few benches around the park for additional seating, and a paved path loops around it, too, for those who want to walk, bring bicycles or tricycles, or even color with sidewalk chalk.

Men’s and women’s restrooms are conveniently located right outside the fenced play area, and there are trees scattered throughout offering some shady spots where you can get out of the heat. Plus, there is just no beating the incredible wraparound view of Lake Bowen. You’ll be able to observe all the wildlife and water sports right from the shores of the park!

Image shows fishing pier over Lake Bowen.

Fishing on Lake Bowen

Anchor Park is the ideal place to access Lake Bowen for water sports. Whether you’re interested in fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, or boating, you’re going to find a way to do it right here.

The entire shoreline is perfect for fishing. You can stand right on the rocks and drop your line in the water, take advantage of the two dedicated fishing piers, or even climb down onto a small muddy shoreline when the water level is low enough. Because the lake wraps around the park, it’s not hard to find spots in full sun or partial shade at any time of day, either.

Find more great fishing spots around Upstate SC!

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

Just remember to purchase a fishing license in advance of your visit for any anglers ages 16 years or older! Fishing licenses are not required for freshwater fishing in South Carolina on Memorial Day or Independence Day. Magnet fishing is always prohibited under South Carolina state law.

Image shows watercraft on Lake Bowen from shores of Anchor Park.

Water Sports on Lake Bowen

If you want to get out on the water, this is definitely the place to do it! We’ve seen jet skis, tubing, pontoon boats, and more come on and off the water around Anchor Park.

There is a special access point for paddlecraft, or non-powered watercraft, to enter and exit the lake if you follow the road to the right around the park and playground. There are also two boat ramps across the parking lot if you drive towards the left as you enter the park.

Image shows dock and launch for non-powered watercraft, otherwise known as paddelcraft.

Spartanburg Water requires watercraft permits for both powered and non-powered vessels on Lake Bowen. Permits start at $25 for non-powered vessels and go up from there, with lower prices for locals and highest prices for out-of-state visitors. Permits are only available at the Warden’s Office, so be sure to call in advance at 864.592.2240. Office hours are posted, but exact hours vary as the warden comes and goes.

Boat registration with South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is also required for any watercraft not relying on human power. This means that paddlecraft such as canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards are exempt, but motorized boats will need to be registered. Boat registration starts at about $20 and can be done online.

Image shows a large sign with a few life jackets hanging under it, which can be borrowed by visitors at Anchor Park.

Life jackets are required under South Carolina state law for all children under 12 years old. A limited number of life jackets are available to borrow near the non-powered watercraft dock, but it’s a good idea to bring your own in case these run out.

Image shows a close-up of play equipment at Anchor Park.

Image shows a rocky shore against Lake Bowen.

Visit Lake Bowen

Park Hours: 6 am-midnight
Restroom Hours: 6:30 am-7 pm
Watercraft Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Warden Office Hours: 7:30 am-6 pm, 7 days a week

📍 Address: 8515 Highway 9, Inman, SC 29349
📞 Phone: 864.592.2240
🔗 Lake Bowen Website

What’s your family’s favorite thing to do at Lake Bowen?

See more parks and playgrounds to explore in Spartanburg, SC

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Splash Pads in Spartanburg, SC

Spartanburg Splash Pads

Water Parks in Spartanburg, SC

Find More Places to Swim and Splash in Upstate SC

Are there any places to go creek stomping in Spartanburg?

Where can kids splash AND swim around Spartanburg?

Are pets allowed at splash pads or community pools?

Don’t forget to check our Ultimate Guide on Where to Swim & Splash in Upstate SC to find even MORE splash & swim options around the Upstate!

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Graveyard Fields: Don’t Let the Name of This Awesome Swimming Hole Scare You Off﻿

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Second floor at TCMU Spartanburg

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Roller Skating Rinks Near Greenville, SC

Roller Skating Rinks Near Spartanburg, SC

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10 Hidden Gems in Greenville, SC You Need to Visit!

Greenville Drive Celebrates 21 Years of Family Fun at Fluor Field

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Spend a Day at Croft State Park

Things to Do at Croft State Park

Hiking

Camping

Canoe, Kayak, and Paddleboard Rentals

Want to go to Croft?

What Can You Find at the Barnyard Flea Market: Greer, SC

Plan your own trip

Greer Ghost Tours: Ruffians and Scoundrels

Ruffians & Scoundrels Tour and Kids

Trade Street Tour Dates: “Ruffians & Scoundrels”

Greer Ghost Tour: Murder & Mayhem Cemetery Tour

Walking Around Greer

Murder & Mayhem and Kids

Graveyard Tour Dates: “Murder & Mayhem”

Tips & Getting Tickets

Don’t Skip the Amazing Greer Heritage Museum!

Find more ghosts

There’s More to Explore in Greer, SC

Enjoy the Peace of Lake Robinson in Greer

The Ultimate Guide to 60+ Fun Things to Do Indoors in Greenville, SC

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

Thrifting on Wade Hampton Boulevard: Greer and Taylors, SC

Bricks & Minifigs is Opening in Greer, SC

Hunting for Toads on Trade in Greer, SC

About Hearts of Clay

Hearts of Clay offers options for everyone

Plan a visit to Hearts of Clay

2025 Spartanburg Fall Festivals

More Fall Festivals with Dates TBA

About Lake Bowen

Anchor Park Playground

Fishing on Lake Bowen

Water Sports on Lake Bowen

Visit Lake Bowen

Greenville Guides

Family Fun in Greenville, SC

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Graveyard Fields: Don’t Let the Name of This Awesome Swimming Hole Scare You Off