Looking for a family-friendly Halloween event that even the littlest spooks in your family will enjoy? Mark your calendar because Boo in the Zoo, Greenville, SC’s annual family-friendly trick-or-treating event, is happening this October! Boo in the Zoo kicks off on October 15, 2025. We’ll give you all the details, and some hints on what to expect, so your family will be ready to enjoy this awesome event!
Watch! Our Visit to Boo at the Zoo
This visit was in 2024 but it’ll give you a good idea waht you can expect when you head to Boo at the Zoo.
Check out our complete Halloween Near Greenville, SC list of great places to trick-or-treat, Halloween events, and more!
Fun At Greenville’s Boo In The Zoo
My family tries to trick-or-treat at Boo in the Zoo every year. We enjoy the safe trick-or-treating atmosphere, the chance to see the animals, and cute Halloween decorations and photo ops. This annual Halloween event in Greenville has been going on so long that many of us parents remember trick-or-treating at the zoo as kids.
The zoo has timed entrances and limited attendance each night to assist with crowd control. Guests can pre-purchase tickets online once they become available closer to October. With limited capacity, Boo in the Zoo usually sells out for each night. The zoo does not permit walk-up ticket sales on sold-out nights. Guests should bring their own bags for trick-or-treating.
What is Boo in the Zoo, At The Greenville Zoo?
Boo in the Zoo is a non-scary annual Halloween event for children 12 and under the last two weekends in October.
Children (and some adults) wear costumes and carry their trick-or-treat bag through the zoo and receive treats from local businesses. The animals may stay indoors the closer it gets to nighttime. (If you want to see the animals, be sure to go early in the evening when the animals will be more likely to be awake and moving around.)
Even though all non-member visitors to the zoo must pay, only children are allowed to trick-or-treat.
The Greenville Zoo is decorated with painted wooden Halloween signs, pumpkins, and even lights in the trees.
Alice’s Fun House is one of the highlights of the Boo in the Zoo adventure, where children can walk through a building full of fun, spooky decorations before receiving some additional candy. Outside of Alice’s Fun House is also a great place to take family pictures with lots of fun photo props such as bales of hay and pumpkins.
Boo in the Zoo also includes an area called Dragon Alley, where you can walk under a long archway of lights and collect candy at the popup store fronts. There are over a dozen or so trick-or-treat stations throughout the zoo, along with chances to meet and greet with Princesses, see several humongous dragons, and even a large skeleton you’ll kids will be in awe over.
Normally, it takes our family around an hour to go trick-or-treating through Boo in the Zoo. And, each year my kids have brought home a nice bag of treats with a variety of candy and toy items.
And, don’t forget to plan a little extra time to play on the playground at Cleveland Park (because you will probably end up doing it anyway).
2025 Boo In The Zoo Greenville Details
When Is Boo In The Zoo?
October 15 – October 19, 2025 3 pm – 8 pm
October 22 – October 30, 2025 3 pm – 8 pm
How Do We Get Tickets? We highly recommend pre-purchasing tickets online ahead of time. Entrances are timed, and attendance is limited each night. Walk-up tickets are sometimes available, but they cost slightly more. *Boo in the Zoo is a rain or shine event, tickets are a final sale
How Much Is Boo In The Zoo?
Boo in the Zoo Ticket prices for 2025 are as follows: Greenville Zoo Members: $10 for members and $3 if you are Trick or Treating | $10 for non-Trick or Treaters General Public: $12 plus $3 if Trick or Treating | $12 for non-Trick or Treaters Boo Babies: Ages 0-2, not trick or treating are free / Boo Babies that would like treats would need to purchase a Trick-or-Treating admission ticket.
If you adore fall, you may be planning a visit to a local farm with activities your whole family will love. One of our favorite farms is Denver Downs Farm, which offers a six acre corn maze, jumping pillows, zip lines, and much more. We have all the details of the activities they offer this season! The 2025 season begins September 26, 2025 – November 9th, 2025.
Thank you to Denver Downs Farm for sponsoring this article.
As summer gives way to fall and the weather turns a little cooler, I can’t hide my excitement for my absolute favorite time of year. I love sweater weather, boots, and the leaves changing to vibrant yellows and reds. But most of all, I look forward to this time of year more than ever because there is just so much to do that every weekend becomes an adventure.
One particular place that I cannot wait to mark on my calendar during fall is trekking to Denver Downs Farm in Anderson. If you’ve never been, read on because you’ll want to plan your visit just as much as I do.
About Denver Downs Farm
Denver Downs is currently a 250-acre agri-tourism farm, which means they are a working farm but invite people who are interested in learning about the farm. It also means they host really cool events like their annual Fall Festival, which features their nationally-recognized pumpkin patch, corn maze, live music, bonfires, pig races, and Pie Eating Contests.
The farm was started as a cotton farm in the late 1800s and then transitioned to a dairy farm. It was successful, with a milking herd of over 300 Holstein cows at one point, but then the dairy cows were sold in the mid-90s and the farm transitioned to row crops, produce, and beef cattle farming. Mrs. Garrison started giving tours of the farm back when the farm was a dairy farm in the 1960s, around 2001 a corn maze was planted and that launched their next venture into seasonal agriculture tourism!
The Corn Maze at Denver Downs
The first time I heard about Denver Downs was when I was told that the largest corn maze in the Southeast part of the United States was at this farm. Growing up in New Jersey, we didn’t exactly have enormous corn fields to run through, so I was immediately intrigued. Plus, I really wanted to imagine some big-time baseball stars coming out of cornfields (thank you “Field of Dreams”).
Although I’ve yet to see Babe Ruth make an appearance, the corn maze is enormous with 6 acres of corn stalks and paths. It’s also really easy to get lost in, which is certainly half the entertainment – as long as you are willing to let a toddler lead the way.
The Garrison Family, who have owned and operated the farm since 1869, make the corn maze a lot of fun by putting up checkpoints throughout, where maze-goers can use their smartphones to scan the numbers and track their time. We were in the maze for about 15 minutes and only came across one number. If you don’t have kids, have at it.
When you walk into the farm, at first glance it doesn’t look huge. You think you can almost see all of the activities with a quick scan but wow, you are mistaken. There is so much to do, at least a day’s worth of fun. I’ve gotten smarter each time I go and pack more food and water because we stay all day long, literally five to eight hours at least. And we still don’t even get to all of the activities they have.
There is a giant open barn full of hay with rope swings where kids can swing and then jump into the hay. Raise your hand if you want to be the adult in line with the kids? Yes, that was me too and it was a blast.
The list of activities is long including:
zip line
massive mega mountain tube slide
giant tricycles
pig derby
ropes course
sensory sandboxes
two giant jumping pillows
corn hole
tractor tire playground
gem mining
petting zoo
barnyard activities
human foosball
mini-farm house perfect for little kids to play in
swings made from tires that look like horses
spider web climb
arcade that consists of areas where you can test your basketball, baseball and football throwing skills
On the educational side, there are exhibits of crops and signs about how the crops are grown, and how the maze is made.
In addition to more than 35 barnyard activities, they also have a big pumpkin patch, bonfire pits, farm animals, live music, tons of carnival food options, kettle corn, and funnel cake.
Awesome Tube Slide & Jumping Pillows
The farm has expanded every year to add more activities and my favorite expansion so far was in 2022 with the addition of the mega slide.
Denver Downs will again have its massive mega slide, Slide Mountain! I got to try it out and oh my gosh, it was awesome! You can go as fast as 35 mph and there’s even a bridge above to watch people slide down. This is easily one of the most popular activities at the farm.
The expanded jumping pillow area is surrounded by a fence & includes two giant jumping pillows. It’s huge. The pillows are for older and younger kids, which I think is pretty smart, as long I can still go and jump because yup, I’m a big kid at heart.
Pumpkin Light Maze
In 2023, the farm added a new Pumpkin Lights Trail, complete with a pumpkin princess carriage. There is a singing pumpkin light show, carved pumpkin displays, giant candy corn, giant spider webs, and a trail that guests can walk through for a neat experience. It’s right next to the pumpkin patch (of course). It also has lights at night so you can select a pumpkin in the evening if you missed out during the daylight.
You’ll also love it during the day as there are several places to take fun photos and even sit inside the pumpkin carriage. Bring your crown!
11 Reasons to Visit Denver Downs Farm: Parent Review
11: Enjoy being a kid with your kids.
All of the barnyard activities – the jumping pillows, slides, rock walls, games, swinging from ropes – bring out the kid in me. Denver Downs is a place I can just play with my kids. And it’s a lot of fun for all of us!
10: It’s an opportunity to support a local farm.
Denver Downs is a family-run farm that first opened in the late 1800s. By supporting the farm, you are extending that heritage in our region and are able to be a part of history.
9: There are often baby animals, including my favorite: baby goats.
If there are baby goats anywhere, you should go. Or baby animals. They make anyone smile.
8: The music is fantastic.
Music at entertainment venues for families is sometimes just background noise. That’s not the case at Denver Downs. The solo acts throughout the weekend and Saturday night live bands are awesome. You’ll want to hang out and listen by the bonfires.
7: The pig derby is adorable.
Being from the north, I didn’t know pig racing was a thing until I went to Denver Downs. And now I’m the one in the front row cheering on the little guys as they race to get their treats.
6: Go through the corn maze and check off a national bucket list item.
The Denver Downs six-acre corn maze has received national accolades and landed on the USA Today’s 10 Best Readers Choice list seven times! And this year, they are listed in the top 10 Best Pumpkin Patches! It’s the only farm in the state to make theses lists.
5: The fresh squeezed lemonade, Cider Slushies and kettle corn are super tasty.
If you’re going to get lemonade, make sure it’s fresh-squeezed because it’s totally worth it. Plus the Apple Cider Slushies and the kettle corn are delicious. They’ve also got several adult beverages (think Fall Frose!).
4: Adults have just as much fun as kids.
Denver Downs isn’t just for kids – all the barnyard activities can be enjoyed by adults, too. You bet I’ve raced around on the little tricycles and swung on the ropes in the barn and ridden the zipline.
3: You can leave and come back all day and evening.
Many places don’t allow guests to leave and come back, essentially forcing them to purchase not-so-cheap eats at the location. While the farm has reasonable food for purchase, they allow guests to leave and come back the same day. You can bring a picnic for the parking area, or visit one of the many local restaurants and return back to the farm. We usually tailgate out in the parking lot for lunch before heading back in for round two of fun.
2: With over 35 activities and entertainment, the ticket prices include a lot for one price.
Some families will look at the ticket price per person and say that’s not cheap. However, for the number of available activities, it’s reasonable! Other farms and events, like carnivals, you pay individually for each attraction like $5 for a hayride, another $5 for the jumping pillow, $3 for the swing ride and so on. And that’s just for one time on each activity.
At Denver Downs, the ticket price covers all activities PLUS you can do them as many times as you like! The entertainment schedule is packed with live music, pig races, lighted pumpkin trail lights show, and the candy cannon, which you won’t want to miss!
1: It’s one of the best places in the area to make lasting family memories.
Like I said at the beginning of this list, my family makes going to Denver Downs a priority every fall and we look forward to it all year long because we just have so much fun together. It’s quality time that is so precious in today’s busy world, which is just priceless.
Planning Your Visit to Denver Downs
Denver Downs Fall Festival, which includes the corn maze, pumpkin patch, and plenty of family-friendly activities, is open from September 26th to November 9th, 2025, Friday, Saturdays, and Sundays.
2025 All Day Admission is $26.95 per person online plus tax. Flash sale tickets are $19.95 (Pre-sale tickets are 15% off through 9/25). There is also a modest online purchasing fee of less than $2, and credit card fee. Children aged 2 and under are free.
Though it may seem pricey at first glance, the tickets are well worth the cost. You get a stamp on your hand, which allows you to leave and reenter the same day. The ticket price includes all the attractions except concessions, pumpkins, and pick-your-own flowers are extra.
Things to Know: Tips from Parents Visiting Denver Downs
Pets on leash are allowed but expect to pay about $10 per pet for them to enter.
There are port-a-potty bathrooms as well as an enclosed nursing station and changing table area.
My family goes and makes a day out of it. Food selections include barbecue plates, hot dogs, all beef cheeseburgers, and tacos. Special Festival Treats include of course: Fresh Popped Kettle Corn, Fresh Squeezed Lemonade, Funnel Cakes, S’mores, Cotton Candy, Apple Cider Slushies, Fall Frose, and more.
Bring water (water bottles allowed), sunscreen, and snacks since it can still be quite warm that time of year. With all the running around and playing, it does get exhausting. My preschool-age daughter actually fell asleep on one of the tire horse swings the first time we went.
Admission includes activities like:
Finding your way through the 6-acre corn maze
Jumbo Jumping Pillow
Cow Train
Animal Races
Little Farmer’s Corral
Climbing Wall
Giant Slide
Zip Line
Tug-0h-war
Dodge Ball
Farmin Foosball
Straw Barn Play Area
Corn Boxes
Spider Web Climb
Mini-Maze
Giant Tricycles
Bonfires & Live Music
For more information, visit www.denverdownsfarm.com or head straight there: 1515 Denver Road, Anderson!
Check out our KA Guide to Fall, with over 30 fun places to go and things to do this season near Greenville, SC!
Ever experienced Fall at Strawberry Hill? If you’re looking for something fun to do with your family this fall in the Greenville-Spartanburg area, Strawberry Hill Farm needs to be on your list. In fact, it should probably be on your bucket list every year.
Strawberry Hill and Cooley Farms have been family-owned and operated since 1947, and they truly understand and value families. With a cafe, ice cream shop, and produce stand of fresh pumpkins, jellies, jams, corn, and more, you’ll find plenty to satisfy your cravings. Plus, the hay ride and corn maze provide more than enough entertainment and memory-making for a couple of hours.
We visited one late morning in September and quickly discovered we weren’t the only ones who found this local gem. We wandered around the Shed, took plenty of photos, and went on the hay ride. If you’re thinking of visiting Strawberry Hill Cooley Farms, I’ve compiled lots of info and details for you below, including some extra tips before you go.
The Cafe and Ice Cream Parlor at Strawberry Hill
While we personally didn’t visit the cafe or ice cream parlor during our trip, it was PACKED and had a long line out front. Clearly, it is popular with families around the Upstate. The ice cream parlor has 32 flavors of freshly churned ice cream made with fruit straight from the farm. The cafe serves breakfast and lunch and has a variety of items to choose from. Breakfast is served until 10:30 am.
The Shed at Strawberry Hill
We parked at the Shed, and our toddler was immediately excited about all the pumpkins she could see from the car. Strawberry Hill has a large variety of pumpkins in all shapes, colors, and sizes to choose from. Not to mention their large supply of jellies, jams, boiled peanuts, and other snacks. They even had 3 flavors of slushies while we were there: Apple, Blackberry, and Peach. We grabbed a Peach Slushie to enjoy on our hay ride. It was delicious!
If you wander outside of the Shed covering, you’ll discover more pumpkins and some other fun things to bide your time. You’ll find a couple of tractors, a swing, and stacks of hay bales and pumpkins that are styled for the perfect fall photo op.
The Hay Ride at Strawberry Hill
If you want to go on one of the hay rides, purchase your tickets in the Shed. Each ticket includes a trip to the playground, opportunity to feed the big cows, visit some other farm animals, go down the GIANT slide, and access to the big jumping pillow. We weren’t really sure what to expect, but we’re glad we went on it! This ticket is $20 per person ages 2+.
Once you purchase your ticket, you’ll wait until your group is called, and then you’ll board the wagon. Don’t worry about getting itchy by sitting on bales of hay—Strawberry Hill has cleverly covered the hay bales in plastic for your comfort.
The tractor and wagon will take you through Strawberry Hill’s property, giving you fun facts along the way. (Fun fact we learned: they plant their strawberries by hand every single year! This was mind-blowing to me because their strawberry field is massive).
While on the hay ride, you’ll see cows and get the chance to feed them a little treat! Then, the tractor will drop you off at an exclusive area that’s only accessible for those who hop on the hay ride. You’ll find more farm animals to pet (Queen Victoria, the farm’s pig, was a big hit!), a sandbox, seesaws, a variety of games, several large slides, the pumpkin patch, and a giant Jumping Pillow!
Once you and your kids are done playing, you can hop back on a wagon to head back to the Shed.
The Corn Maze at Strawberry Hill
Strawberry Hill has 3 corn mazes: two larger ones and one kiddie maze. The two larger corn mazes take 20-30 minutes to complete, and the kiddie maze takes about 20 minutes.
Admission Cost & Hours for Strawberry HillFall 2025
Cost: $10 per person 8+ years old, $8 for those 3+ years old
Hours: Monday – Sunday 10 am – 6 pm
*Last corn maze entry at 6 pm
Combo Pass: Hayride + Corn Maze
Cost: $25 per person
NOTE: There is a 3.99% fee for any credit card or debit card charges.
Tips for Visiting Strawberry Hill
Wear closed-toe shoes if you plan on visiting the Corn Maze and/or go on a hay ride. It’s sandy, dirty, and—well, there are farm animals.
If you plan on going on the hay ride, dress your kids in play clothes and not their Sunday best. Between the large sandbox, slides, and petting zoo, they’re bound to get dirty.
Use the restroom before you go on the hay ride.
Be prepared for lines and a wait at the Cafe and Ice Cream Parlor.
Keep in mind that no pets are allowed on the hay ride or at the corn maze.
Stepp’s Orchard is a family-owned orchard in Hendersonville, NC. They have u-pick apples, lots of fun family activities on weekends, and pretty amazing cider and pumpkin donuts.
Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard is the very first u-pick apple orchard in Henderson County and has been in operation for more than 50 years. They know what they’re doing, and we had to go check it out for ourselves. Honestly, I went for the pumpkin donuts. I love apple cider donuts, but pumpkin? Yes, please!
One thing that stood out to me immediately was just how super nice and helpful everyone at the orchard was. They have u-pick apples, pre-picked apples, a big store that sells homemade soap, t-shirts, and honey, a bakery, a corn maze, a pumpkin patch, a jumping pillow, an apple cannon, and a wagon ride. Some of these activities are only available on weekends, which I’ll tell you about in this review.
Sky Top Orchard has been welcoming the public since 1980 and helping families make core memories for generations. Here’s why we love them and what to expect when you visit this beautiful and fun orchard!
Sky Top Apple Barn
Watch! Things to Do at Sky Top
Experience Sky Top Orchard
The first apple trees were planted at Sky Top in 1967 and the family opened for u-pick apples to the public in 1980 – that’s a lot of time for families to make those core memories together. And that’s what so many families have done for decades.
Sky Top is more than an apple orchard to Greenville natives: it’s a place that they hold near and dear because it’s where they have memories of growing up – and it’s where they want to make those same memories with their own kids.
That’s one of the big reasons why this orchard is so unique. The orchard is truly a family-run business and even those people who aren’t family by blood, they are family by time. Some of the employees we met have worked for the orchard for the past 25 years! And they still come back year after year, which I think says a lot about the culture at Sky Top.
The orchard has more than 100 acres of apple trees, grapes, and peach trees. They offer u-pick apples and peaches starting in mid-August and run through November. They are open daily and all their activities are open, even during the week.
Things to do at Sky Top Orchard
All of these activities are open seven days a week during the season.
Pick Apples
Of course, you’ll want to pick apples while at Sky Top! They offer almost two dozen different kinds of apples, including Gala, Honeycrisp, Candy Crisp, Jonagold, Pink Lady, Cortland, and Mutsu. They have both pre-picked apples and bags that you can buy to go to the orchard and pick your own. The biggest bag they offer will hold between 15-20 pounds of apples and is $30. Prepay at the barn or in the orchard and then go picking! If you have a certain variety you are waiting on, visit their website to see which apples are currently available.
Apple Cannon
If I could stay in one place in the orchard all day long, it would be at the apple cannon. There’s something about shooting apples at targets that is both relaxing and exhilarating. I don’t even know why it’s so fun but it is and you should definitely do it. My daughters and I absolutely loved trying to hit the targets and smash the apples. At the end of the day, the goats are released to the field where all the shot apples are at for dinner so it’s a win-win. The cost is $7 for 8 apples.
Sky Top Apple Cannon
Playground
The big playground has houses to play in, slides, and giant apples to hide in. Most of it all fenced in as well, which is awesome for parents trying to herd their kids. The play area is free to visit.
Bee Train
The bee train is adorable and kids love riding around in it and they all just look so cute and happy. The suggested age to ride is 3+. The ride is $4/person.
Bamboo Forest
I didn’t really expect a bamboo forest at an apple orchard but there it was so I checked it out. It’s fun to run around and hide amongst the super tall bamboo trees (are they called trees?). The forest is free to visit and located next to the barn and gem mine.
Gem Mining
If the kids want to sort through some dirt and sand to find gems, they can certainly do that at Sky Top. And perhaps even cooler is that there’s a history of actual Zircon mining near Sky Top, which you can read about here. The cost of gem mining is based on bucket size.
Hayride
Take a hayride around the orchard and soak up the views of the mountains against the apple trees. It’s gorgeous! The ride lasts about 10-15 minutes and cost $3/person.
Observation Tower
We loved the views from the three-story observation deck at Sky Top. You can see all the gorgeous mountain views plus get a great shot of the orchard from the top. It’s free to climb and near the back parking area.
Animal Barn
Sky Top has an unusual animal at the barn: a peacocks. Several of them actually. They are so pretty! You can purchase animal feed ($3) if you want to feed the ducks, peacocks, bunnies, or turkey.
What to Eat at Sky Top
Sky Top Orchard has added some tasty treats this year and have plans to add even more to the menu.
Sparkling cider and pizza
Apple Cider Donuts
No surprise here but the orchard churns out some pretty amazing apple cider donuts. They are absolutely delicious and hot and sweet and soft and all the good things that you would imagine a cider donut to be. Get a dozen. Or several.
Apple Pies
Sky Top makes full apple pies and crisps and also individual baked apple hand pies. Everything is made from scratch. They also bake from-scratch apple bread and cookies, including a GF Snickerdoodle Cookie.
Pizza
New in 2025 is Pie in the Sky Pizza shop at the orchard. The pizza is made at the orchard and they offer a cheese or pepperoni pizza. Karolyn has worked at the apple orchard for 18 years and she is the one who stretches out your pizza and makes the magic happen in the kitchen and just loves to serve guests. She’s loving the new pizza parlor! As a pizza snob myself, this pizza was pretty good. It was nice and cheesy and filling. Yum.
Apple Cider Doughnut Float
Also new in 2025 is the Apple Cider Doughnut Float, a cider slushie with soft service ice cream. This is absolutely delicious and is topped with a donut. Your eyes will eat this creation first as it’s so pretty. And it does not disappoint – absolutely a must-try at Sky Top.
Sky Top Apple Cider Slushie
Sparkling Cider
Yet another 2025 product is the sparkling cider made at Sky Top. I’m not a huge fan of sparkling water or soda but this….this I could drink every day. I don’t know what it was that made me want to have it all the time but it was darn good. The flavor is exactly like the apple cider sold at the orchard and the bubbles aren’t overpowering.
Farmers Market
The small farmers market inside the barn has some awesome items for sale: local honey right from the bees at the orchard, jams, and jellies. They also have pottery from local makers that is gorgeous and comes with apple recipes.
Field Trips & Private Events
Sky Top is the perfect spot for a fun field trip! The orchard also does a great job accommodating large groups with hayride tours, apple picking, and educational programs which teach kiddos everything they could want to know about how apples grow through the seasons. Their field trips are geared for ages 3-10 but they can certainly tailor the educational components to be suitable for middle and high schoolers. They can accommodate groups as large as 300!
And if you’re looking for a unique corporate event or something as delightful as a baby shower, Sky Top can host you and your group. They have a beautiful barn with plenty of seating and a stage for a covered space plus you’ve got the whole orchard to roam. Just contact them directly to arrange your event.
Accessibility & Crowds
Sky Top has massively improved their accessibility and crowd control. They have a brand new paved path that goes from the big barn at the entrance all the way down to the apple cannon. This makes managing a stroller or wheelchair a thousand times easier.
Making cider donuts
And while crowds can be an issue at any apple orchard during the fall season, Sky Top has spread out their space where you can purchase pre-paid bags at more than just one location. The pizza place and cider slushie spot are further apart and overflow parking are at multiple areas, just follow the signs.
Tips for visiting Sky Top
Be sure to check out Sky Top’s FAQs for tips before you visit.
They accept credit cards! While the donut shop still takes cash, as does the orchard, you can pay for everything with your credit card.
Weekdays are ideal for visiting Sky Top. Fall weekends can get really busy but the orchard is spread out so you may only have to wait a bit for their donuts (which is worth it).
Wear sneakers or other walking shoes that are okay to get dirty.
Sky Top has real bathrooms and a space to change a baby’s diaper in the family restroom. Yay!
Apple varieties are planted in accordance of when they are in season. They plant the earliest apples closest to the entrance and it progresses further away as the season goes on. In other words, the later in the season you visit the orchard, the further you will need to plan on walking to pick apples.
Pets on leash are allowed at the orchard but not inside the barn.
Visiting Sky Top Orchard
Here is their picking schedule (which lists available varieties). All the activities at the orchard are available seven days a week, not just weekends.
Sky Top Orchard is open seven days a week from 9 am – 6 pm starting September 1. From mid-August to August 31, they are open daily 9 am – 5 pm.
Where should you go to see some colorful fall leaves near Greenville, SC? In Greenville, we’re lucky to live close to a variety of hikes and drives that showcase this vibrant seasonal display of colors. Plus, nothing is better than the Western North Carolina leaves changing in the Blue Ridge Mountains. So, grab your camera and hit the road for what promises to be another fantastic year of color!
What’s Inside: Over a dozen family-friendly Labor Day Events near Greenville, SC, along with ideas to fill up the weekend.
Are you searching for Labor Day events in Greenville, SC? From family-friendly celebrations to lively community gatherings, there are plenty of fun ways to enjoy the long weekend.
Since Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, this is the perfect time to soak up the season and make it count!
This weekend is the last chance to relax for many families before the busy school year gets underway in earnest. Check out these Labor Day events near Greenville, SC, including special events, festivals, and day trip ideas! You’ll find events throughout the Upstate and WNC.
Inside: Campgrounds with Halloween activities in Greenville, SC, Charlotte, NC, WNC and Columbia, SC.
Camping during Halloween can be really fun – trick-or-treating from campsite to campsite, carving pumpkins by the fire, and making those lasting memories with your family. There are several great spots in and near the Upstate, SC that do special events for Halloween, and we’ve got the list right here!
MidKnight Bus Magical Mountain Resorts
A few tips:
We’ve tried to keep the list to campgrounds that are three hours and under driving distance from Greenville, SC, many of these are convenient for families in Charlotte, NC and Columbia, SC.
Some of the more popular campgrounds will fill up for Halloween weekends months in advance. Make reservations early.
If your preferred campground is booked, email the owners and get on the waiting list. People cancel their reservations all the time.
While we have stayed at several of these places, we have not stayed at all of them but we tried to do the best research we could. Double check critical information before booking.
Because we love maps and find them very useful for stories like this, we made one to show you where all of these places are located:
Upstate, SC Campgrounds
Field Trip Glamping | Travelers Rest
Starting on September 21st, which is the Grand Opening Celebration, every weekend in the fall Field Trip Glamping will be doing Fall Family Fun activities on Fridays and Saturdays. This includes live music, outdoor movies on a blow up screen (including The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, The Fantastic Mr. Fox, Coco, the Parent Trap), mini pumpkin painting, Halloween candy s’mores bar, self-guided fall nature scavenger hunt, fall photo backdrops, and, of course, all the regular offerings like the slingshot range, climbing wall, play set, bonfires, and wood fired hot tub and sauna. These Fall Family Fun Weekends at Field Trip will run from September 21st through November 9th, 2025 so they are perfect for Halloween glamping.
Shores of Asbury | Anderson
The Shores of Asbury is hosting two weekends full of Halloween fun such as haunted hayrides, a magic pumpkin patch, best decorated RV and tent site contest, and a disco golf parade. The weekends are October 25th and November 1st. This is a really fun campground – read our review.
Halloween at the Shores of Asbury. Photos courtesy of the campground.
Oconee State Park | Mountain Rest
Head to Oconee State Park for their spook-tacular Halloween evening, which includes costumes, candy, games, hayrides, bounce houses, and trick-or-treating. The festivities happen on October 25th, 2025 from 2-7 pm.
Spacious Skies Campgrounds | Gaffney
This campground hosts Spooktacular Skies and Cosmic Hauntings in October as part of their seasonal fun for all families. They offer cabins, tent sites, and RV sites.
Iron City Campground | Blacksburg
This campground goes all out for Halloween with decorating contests, trick-or-treating, hayrides, and lots of fun.
Pine Ridge Campground | Spartanburg
Pine Ridge offers Halloween-themed weekends for three weekends in October. They have RV sites and vacation rentals available.
Hester’s Bottoms | Mount Carmel
Hester’s Bottoms is one of our very favorite campgrounds right on the SC/GA border with huge, private sites on the water. They hold Halloween celebrations throughout October but book up fast.
Midlands, SC Campgrounds
Ebenezer Park | Rock Hill
This park in York County has a big Halloween weekend on October 25th, 2025 from 6-8 pm.
Lake Greenwood State Park | Greenwood
Lake Greenwood State Park is hosting a themed “Trick-or-Treat in the Campground” event the weekend before Halloween on October 25, 2025, from 5–7 pm. Kids wearing costumes can enjoy candy and activities.
Creepy Campout at Lake Wateree State Park | Winnsboro
Get ready for the spookiest event of the season at Lake Wateree State Park. This campground goes all out for Halloween with an all day event schedule that includes scavenger hunts, decorated campsites, costume contests, hayrides, and trick-or-treating. All the fun happens on Saturday, October 25th, 2025 from 11 am – 8 pm. Join fellow campers for a frightfully fun day of Halloween activities, decorated campsites, and plenty of treats.
Palmetto Shores RV Resort | Summerton
This campground hosts Halloween events, including a golf cart parade, for three weekends: October 17-18, 24-25, and 31-November 1st. They have RV sites and cabins available.
Dreher Island State Park | Prosperity
Dreher Island State Park will host Boo Bash during Halloween time but no date has been announced yet.
Camp Standing Pines | Hartsville
For all weekends in October Camp Standing Pines is having spooky Halloween fun that includes non-scary trick or treating, pumpkin trails, and costume contests.
Western NC Campgrounds
Magical Mountain Resorts | Hayesville
You really cannot get any more fairytale-themed than Magical Mountain Resorts with their Alice in Wonderland cottage, Snow White tiny home, and MidKnight Bus. For Halloween on October 31st, you can expect trick-or-treating, a costume contest and face painting, bracelet making and rock painting. Read our full review on this beautiful and enchanting place!
Emberglow Outdoor Resort | Mill Spring
This beautiful property not far from the Upstate near Tryon, NC has two Halloween weekends in 2025 (October 24-25 and October 31-November 1) where guests will enjoy a spooky hayride, pumpkin carving, and trick or treating. They have lots of fun glamping options.
Emberglow playground
Jellystone Park™ Golden Valley | Bostic
This campground has six weekends of Halloween fun lined up from September 26th through November 2nd, 2026. The Halloween-themed weekends include hayrides, a pumpkin patch, trick-or-treating, and a haunted trail among other activities.
Stonebridge RV Resort | Maggie Valley
This award-winning campground at the gateway to the Smokies in Maggie Valley hosts a Spooktacular Halloween event for two days the weekend before Halloween – October 24th and 25th. They are booked but will post on their Facebook page if a site opens up.
Riverbend RV Park & Campground | Franklin
Near the Great Smoky Mountains and in beautiful Western NC, Riverbend hosts a big Halloween celebration October 31st and November 1st for both kids and adults. It includes hot chocolate, hayrides, a chili cookoff, pie bake contest, trick or treating, and lots of fun.
Cherokee Great Smokies KOA | Cherokee
Enjoy planting pumpkin seeds, trick or treating, and a scary haunted house at the Cherokee Great Smokies KOA in Cherokee, NC on October 24 and 25, 2025. They have RV sites, cabins, and tent sites.
Near Charlotte, NC Campgrounds
Broad River Campground | Mooresboro
The last two weekends in October are Halloween-themed at Broad River Campground, which offers RV sites, glamping domes, tent sites, and cabins.
Byrd’s Branch Campground | Elkin
The campground is going all out for their Halloween spooktacular, which includes cookie decorating, trick-or-treating, a movie night, and costume and decorating contest. The event is November 1, 2025.
Riverwalk RV Park on the Yadkin River | Jonesville
October 25th and November 1st are Camp-O-Ween at Riverwalk RV Park with axe throwing, trick or treating, and site decorating. They offer RV sites.
Midway Campground and RV Resort | Statesville
This campground actually hosts the Midway Wicked Woods trail and attraction. You get a discount if you stay at the campground.
Cross Country Campgrounds | Denver
Right outside of Charlotte, Cross Country Campgrounds hosts big Halloween weekend celebrations that book up fast. They have about 400 sites.
Norwood Campground | Norwood
Norwood hosts two Halloween weekend celebrations – October 17-19 and 24-26, 2025. They have RV and tent sites.
Ebenezer Park | Rock Hill (SC)
This park in York County has a big Halloween weekend on October 25th, 2025 from 6-8 pm.
Have you visited Grandad’s Apples? Fall is just around the corner, and your family might be hunting for the perfect apple orchard! We checked out Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such and had so much fun. You’ll find activities for kids at Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such, with beautiful views, and, of course, apples.
U-PICK: U-pick is open. Grandad’s asked that you follow their Facebook page for the latest updates.
Hendersonville, North Carolina is known for its delicious apples and it’s easy to see why on the drive up to Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such. There are a handful of orchards within a few-mile radius and several farm stands all selling the delicious fruit. On my quest to find the perfect apple orchard experience, I headed on over to Grandad’s, which I heard was pretty awesome.
If you are looking for the best fall festivals, Greenville, SC and the surrounding area have 30+ festivals to enjoy. These are some of the best festivals you will find all year long! Pumpkin spice, cornfields, fields full of sunflowers; all of these things are synonymous with fall. The greatest thing that the fall season ushers in is the festival season!
Family-friendly festivals celebrating apples, pumpkins, harvests, and all the other wonderful things that the fall months have to offer can be found at these gatherings. The wonderful thing about fall festivals in and around Greenville is that they are outdoors (for the most part) so you can enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons!
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.
Glowing hot air balloons at night: Hot Air Affair in Anderson, SC
2025 Fall Festivals: Greenville, SC, and the Upstate
What: Hot air balloons, food vendors, kid’s zone, and more. Event updates can be found on the event’s Facebook page. Hot Air Balloons are mostly morning/evenings and are subjected to weather. All day events include a kid’s area, vendors, food, and afternoon/evening music.
What: If you are looking for cultural fall festivals, Greenville, SC offers the Hispanic Heritage Festival. There will be cultural entertainment, food, dancing, children’s activities, crafts, and more!
This event sells out quickly for particular demonstrations, and most of the events for 2025 are sold out.There are still several events available, but we recommend booking soon!
What: Large selection of flowers, plants, and home decor for purchase. There will be educational demonstrations and gardening tips available. Food trucks will be available to purchase food.
What: One of the area’s most popular fall festivals, Greenville, SC offers Fall for Greenville in October. There will be excellent food, live music, rides, wine, and competitions
What: The 5th Annual Hampton-Pinckney PorchFest is scheduled for Sunday from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM in the historic Hampton-Pinckney neighborhood of Greenville, SC. This free, family-friendly event celebrates local music, community, and historic preservation with over 24 performers.
What: Explore outdoor activities the whole family can enjoy with tons of clinics, demos, and exhibits led by experts across a wide range of interests. Highlights include hay rides, rock climbing wall, fun run, and dog frisbee competition with live music and food trucks.
What: Celebration of the Monarch Butterfly. There will be music, keynote speakers, local vendors, food, and more! The event will be held rain or shine.
Admission: Free event but registration is required
Where: Stanton Road, Cedar Mountain, North Carolina
When:October 18th, 2025
What: Family-friendly celebration of the beauty of Dupont State Recreational Forest. There will be tons of activities related to hiking, outdoor recreation, and more!
Where: Oak & Grist Distilling Company, Black Mountain, NC (about 90 minutes from Greenville)
When: September 28th, 2025
What: Cheese! The Carolina Mountain Cheese Fest is an annual festival that benefits the WNC Cheese Trail, which is a nonprofit whose entire existence revolves around spreading the word about the cheese made in Western NC.
Admission: Starts at $20 and tastings, classes, and tours are additional costs; ages 10+ require a ticket
