Are you looking for free or cheap family-friendly things to do in Spartanburg? 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.
Thank you to Christ Church Episcopal School for supporting Kidding Around Greenville by sponsoring this article! To learn more about the how advertising helps make Kidding Around Greenville possible please click here.
The Greenville area is home to many excellent schools and parents truly have an array of educational institutions they can choose from to meet their child’s needs. But it can be overwhelming to say the least and as a parent, how do you know if you’ve made the right decision in the end?
There is one school that stands out for its exceptional curriculum which aims to fulfill the needs of every student and seeks to gives them the necessary skills to excel in the classrooms, on their sports team and in their community. If you are looking around for a great school where your child is given every opportunity to fulfill their potential, from pre-K through 12th grade, take a good look at Christ Church Episcopal School (CCES).
(more…)Have you ever wondered about the colorful and perhaps haunted history of the South Carolina town of Greer, SC? 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 now through October 31st, 2022.
Thank you to Greer Heritage Museum for providing tickets so we could review this tour for our readers!
Leaves crunching underfoot, the smell of pumpkin spice wafting from a coffee cup, and all things apple-related usher in the fall season. Another thing to look forward to during the close of summer is festivals! Spartanburg has no shortage of celebrations, so let’s get to planning the fun you and your family can have this fall!
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.
For more fall festivals and other events not listed here, check out our Events Calendar.
(more…)Would your family like to spend time by a beautiful lake in Spartanburg but you’re not sure where to go? Whether you like fishing, kayaking, or just somewhere peaceful and relaxing, we’ve got just the place for your family!
We have everything you need to know about Lake Cooley, including how to obtain a fishing license, how to rent a kayak, and more.
Lake Cooley is a 330-gallon watershed located in Wellford, just about 10 minutes north of Wade Hampton road. This hidden gem is home to the Lake Cooley Outdoor Education Center. The center is a two-story building that includes a classroom filled with live & mounted wildlife. Please contact the Outdoor Education Center to make an appointment to visit. The ground level of the center houses the 40-person rental facility.
Several different styles of kayaks and paddleboards are available for rent on a first come first serve basis. The rates start at ten dollars for a two-hour rental and are currently available Thursday through Sunday. Swimming at the lake is prohibited to the public, so keep that in mind when the temptation to go for a swim arises.
The current rates and hours can be viewed on the Lake Cooley website.
Things you will need to bring include a driver’s license, a credit/debit card or exact change, and a life vest for children under 10 (not provided). Lifevests for children and adults over 10 are available.
If you are fortunate enough to have your own kayak, then you’ll need to purchase a permit decal from SJWD in person Monday through Friday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. The office is located on Highway 29 in Wellford. The permit is $40 for Spartanburg County residents, is good through December of the year purchased, and is only valid for Lake Cooley.
Our family recently spent a day on the lake. My son received a kid-size kayak for Christmas, and this was his kayak’s maiden voyage. He used his kayak, and we rented a tandem kayak. If you are bringing children under 10 and plan to use a rental, you will need to provide a life vest for them to wear. They are required the entire time you are on the lake. Also, be sure to allow plenty of time to check-in, fill out waivers, and get fitted for life vests.
Our day on the lake was memorable. Our son took to his kayak like it was second nature and the toddler was surprisingly well behaved. Towards the end of the rental time, she was getting ready to jump off the kayak and go swimming (which is prohibited, even though you might see it happening).
I like this lake because it seems like the boat traffic is minimal. Most of the traffic was kayaks or paddleboards. We did see a few pontoon boats, but they were anchored. We were already planning our next trip to the lake before we had left.
If you are a fishing enthusiast, you’re in luck. There are two fishing piers at the lake and they also offer specialty fishing kayak rentals. Small fish are plentiful around the shore and make the perfect bait for the bass fish that lurk deeper in the lake, just be sure to bring a net. I can’t say I’ve caught one, but the bass have taunted me while swimming past my hook.
A freshwater fishing license can be obtained from the SCDNR website and is only $10 for an annual license. Children do not need a license if with a licensed adult.
The Discover Your Watershed event, hosted by USC Upstate in May, is a great way to meet the environmental and conservation groups in the community. There are activities for kids, free giveaways, and the opportunity for everyone to receive a free boating permit from SJWD.
If you pack a picnic or would like to grill at the lake – there are two picnic shelters available for rent as well as two picnic tables available first come first serve. There are also restrooms available. Not to worry if you forget snacks or refreshments! The rental area has drinks, bagged snacks, and frozen treats for just $1 each.
As if we haven’t already given you enough reason to head to Lake Cooley, the playground is all the more reason. This is a great, small playground with lake views and right next to a huge picnic shelter.
This lake has everything you could want, and it’s conveniently close. I hope that you decide to check Lake Cooley out this summer. I promise you won’t regret a day on the lake with your family.
Lake Cooley
100 Cooley Dock Road, Inman | 864.949.1002
Looking for a place to cool off in Spartanburg, SC? Once it gets to be summer in Spartanburg, it’s time to find the nearest place to cool off.
That’s why we have created this list of splash pads that are in Spartanburg, plus a few bonus spots to head to this summer.
(more…)Are you looking for a fun and educational indoor activity geared specifically for children five years of age and under? If so, make sure to check out The Children’s Museum of the Upstate Spartanburg. This location of the museum is perfect for your littlest ones. With padded play areas, water play, and a mini grocery store, there’s plenty for them to explore!
Looking for more indoor activities to entertain the kiddos this summer? Check out our Indoor Guide to Spartanburg!
(more…)Need to plan an inexpensive birthday party in Spartanburg, SC? Birthdays are special. Do you want to celebrate your child’s big day in style but can’t spend a fortune on a party venue in Spartanburg? Believe it or not, you can throw a birthday party for your child for $100 or less! Here’s our list of inexpensive birthday parties in Spartanburg.
(more…)Are you looking for local roller skating rinks near Greenville and Spartanburg, SC? For those of us that were born in a year starting with a “1”, chances are you have some kind of childhood memories involving a skating rink. Tik Tok is making the art of rolling around on skates cool again, and luckily there are roller skating rinks in Upstate, SC where you can show the young ‘uns how it’s done.
This article includes:
Roller Skating Rinks Near Greenville, SC
Roller Skating Rinks Near Spartanburg, SC
Looking for Kids Eat Free options in Spartanburg? Dining out with kids doesn’t have to be expensive! Many restaurants in Spartanburg County offer special deals (including free kid’s meals) on certain weeknights. We’ve done the searching so you don’t have to! So enjoy a night off from cooking, you deserve it!
Looking for kid’s meal deals in Greenville? Check out our list of Kids Eat Free in Greenville!
Quick Links to Find Kids Eat Free Offers For The Day You Need!
Monday Kids Eat Free in Spartanburg
Tuesday Kids Eat Free in Spartanburg
Wednesday Kids Eat Free near Spartanburg
Thursday Kids Eat Free near Spartanburg
Friday Kids Eat Free near Spartanburg
Saturday Kids Eat Free in Spartanburg
Sunday Kids Eat Free near Spartanburg
We attempt to keep this list as accurate as possible. Location participation may vary, so be sure to contact the restaurant before ordering to confirm they offer their kid’s meal promotional deals.
This list does not imply restaurant endorsement and is simply for our reader’s convenience.