Posts Tagged ‘Free Things to Do’

The Wienermobile is Headed to the Upstate, SC

If you’ve ever dreamed of getting a photo in front of the famous Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, you’re in luck. The literal hot dog on wheels will be in town November 11th – November 18th, 2024!

Coop Dawg and CornDog Kait of the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile — CornDog Kait & Coop Dawg, Drivers of the Wienermobile

The Wiernermobile is over 85-years-old so it’s more than likely you’ve heard of this American icon, if you’d like to describe the mobile hot dog as such. At every event, fans of the 27-foot headturner will be able to take photos of and with the Wiernermobile, peek inside, and even better, receive an honorary Hotdogger name and iconic Wiener Whistle.

If you are a collector of unique items, you’ll be pleased to know that it is only when you see the famous Wienermobile in person can you obtain the mini hot dog on wheels. Fun fact: the Wienermobile does not sell or distribute hot dogs. Sorry to disappoint!

There is no cost to attend the events where the Wienermobile will be stationed and as the press release sent to us aptly said when encouraging people to come, that this event “could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” Quite the high bar to clear but then again, this is THE Wienermobile.

Where to See the Wienermobile in the Upstate

Monday, November 11th, 2024: Arriving mid-morning

Monday, November 11th, 2024: MEAT – and – greet at Sunshine Retirement Home from 1:00 – 3:00 pm, 150 Verdin Road Greenville, South Carolina.

Wednesday, November 13th, 2024: Swamp Rabbits School Day Game from 9:00 am – 10:30 am
650 North Academy Street Greenville, South Carolina

Friday, November 15th, 2024: Shriner Children’s Hospital from 9:30 am – 11:30 am
950 West Faris Road Greenville, South Carolina

Friday, November 15th, 2024: Healthy Hustle at TCMU from 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm
College Street Greenville, South Carolina 29601

Friday, November 15th, 2024: Bullwinkle’s Tavern from 6 pm to 8 pm
2613 Woodruff Road, Simpsonville

Saturday, November 16th, 2024: Paint the Town Purple from 12 pm to 1 pm
506 South Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville

Saturday, November 16th, 2024: Cranksgiving from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
1320 Hampton Avenue Extension Greenville, South Carolina 29601

Saturday, November 16th, 2024: Daschhounds of Greenville Walk from 5:30 pm to 6 pm
320 South Hudson Street, Greenville

Saturday, November 16th, 2024: Chili Cook-Off from 7 pm to 8 pm
197 East Saint John Street, Spartanburg

Sunday, November 17th, 2024: Breakthrough T1D Walk at Fluor Field, 2 pm to 3 pm
945 S Main St, Greenville, SC

Monday, November 18th, 2024: Meals on Wheels from 10 am to 12 pm
15 Oregon Street, Greenville

Wienermobile Fun Facts

The Wienermobile was born in 1936 as a way to lift spirits during the Great Depression. Starting in 1988, a dozen Hotdoggers are trained every year to drive the Wienermobile and act as brand ambassadors and spokespeople.

Here are some fun facts about the Wienermobile:

More people have been to space than driven the Wienermobile.
The Wienermobile has visited all 50 states and 10 countries.
The Wienermobile is 60 hot dogs long (27 feet), 24 hot dogs high (11 feet), and 11 hot dogs wide (18 feet).
There have been 12 versions of the Wienermobile over the years.

Have you ever seen the Wienermobile in person?

(2024) FREE Fun & Photo With Santa at Cabela’s & Bass Pro Shops

If you are thinking about bringing your kids to Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s, Santa will be there too! Kick off the holiday season with Santa’s Wonderland and the magic of Christmas at Cabela’s Stores and Bass Pro Shops. Truly FREE, a visit to Santa’s Wonderland includes not only a chance to talk to Santa, but also a free studio-quality printed 4×6 photo. You’ll enjoy free activities, candy cane, games, and more. This is one place where holiday magic is really, actually free, and we love it.

Cabela’s Santa 2024 Details

Santa’s Parade: November 2nd, 2024

Free Photo with Santa at Cabela’s & Bass Pro

Cabela’s Santa: Our Parent Tips

See Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s Santa in 2024

Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s: Santa arrives on November 2nd, 2024!
Free 4×6 high-quality photo
Lots of Free fun all season long!
Reservations open October 27th, 2024! Make your reservation to see Santa at Cabela’s!

Saturday, November 2nd, 2024: Santa’s Arrival Parade at 5 pm in front of Bass Pro Shop.
November 3rd, 2024 through December 24, 2024: FREE photos with Santa at Cabela’s.

New in 2024! Santa’s Wonderland Video and Gift

While supplies last, kids will get an adorable pair of reindeer glasses this year when they visit Santa at Bass Pro Shops or Cabela’s. Plus, parents will also receive a shareable video of their child’s visit with Santa. The grandparents are really going to love this one!

Just check with your local Cabela’s or Bass Pro Shop for their Santa’s Wonderland schedule.

Santa arrives via boat at Cabela's — Photo credit: Cabela’s

See Santa and Where to Mail Your Letter: Video

FREE Santa’s Arrival Parade Event

Santa will arrive on a boat straight from the North Pole at Cabela’s & Bass Pro Shops on November 2nd, 2024 at 5 pm.

The arrival event will include:

Carolers
Free giveaways
Hot chocolate and cookies
Various vendors
Free games and activities

Free Photos With Santa and Visit to Santa’s Wonderland: Yes! It’s Really Free!

Make a reservation in advance for Free Santa Visits at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s. Use the same link for both stores.
Visits include a FREE 4×6 studio-quality photo with Santa that you will receive on-site.
A visit to Santa’s Wonderland includes FREE crafts and games, plus free reindeer glasses new in 2024.
Use the letterbox to drop off your list to Santa
New this year, get a shareable video link!

Want more photos? Purchase Additional Photos with Santa at Cabela’s or Bass Pro Shops

Love your free photo? Copying is prohibited, but you can purchase a photo package for additional photos. They’ll print right in the store.

But, remember, no purchase is necessary to visit Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s or Bass Pro Shops. No purchase is necessary to receive a free photo with Santa. You can have a great time with the kids and spend nothing at all.

Santa’s Wonderland: What you need to know before you visit with Santa

Kidding Around Guest Contributor Lauren Justus brought her family to Cabela’s of Greenville for a visit with Santa. Here are her parent tips: everything you need to know before you go for your visit with the big man in red.

Plan Ahead

In order to visit Santa’s Wonderland, you are required to make a free online reservation with Santa. It takes just a minute to register and you will receive a confirmation email with your booking date and time.

Reservations are available up to seven days in advance, November 3-December 24, 2024. No walk-ins are allowed at this time.

Visiting Santa at Cabela's — Photo Credit: Cabela’s

How It Works

Upon arrival, one of Santa’s helpers will ask to see your booking confirmation. After your photo is taken, each family will receive a complimentary 4 x 6 print as part of their free online booking. There are additional photo packages available for purchase.

Extra Touches

Before our exit, Santa’s helpers provided our children with an individually packaged holiday activity kit full of festive surprises. They were also given a huge candy cane and a “Letter for Santa” printout to send to the North Pole in the coming weeks!

Santa’s Letterbox

There is a letterbox at Santa’s Wonderland so you can send your list! You can take some time to fill out your list right away and mail it, or bring it back to the store to mail when you’re done.

Do some shopping or enjoy the displays

Don’t forget to take a walk through the store before or after your visit so you can enjoy the large aquariums and wildlife displays throughout each store. That’s actually something that’s great to do any day, but even more fun when you’re making a day of it and visiting Santa, too!

Santa letter box — Photo Credit: Cabela’s

Free photo with Santa from Cabela's — Photo Credit: Cabela’s

Where will your family visit with Santa this year?

Festival of Trees at the Hyatt in Greenville, South Carolina

The holidays do not always have to be expensive! Check out these Free Things to Do This Christmas Near Greenville, SC!

Hatcher Garden & Woodland Preserve: Take A Garden Walk in Spartanburg, SC

Have you enjoyed Hatcher Garden in Spartanburg, SC? Just a couple miles off of I-26 in Spartanburg, among shopping and restaurants on the busy main thoroughfare of John D. White, Sr. Blvd, is a 10-acre botanical garden and woodland preserve.

The beautiful space is full of ponds, waterfalls, wildlife, trees and gardens with a wide variety of leafy and flowering plants. Hatcher Garden is open free to the public and should definitely be on your list of places to visit in Spartanburg.

Here’s your guide to all the fun things to do in Spartanburg, SC!

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Upstate, SC Birds: Birds and Birding at Conestee Nature Preserve

Have a love for the birds of Upstate, SC? My family enjoys visiting Conestee Nature Preserve not just because of its wonderful play areas but for its easy trails that are teeming with wildlife, especially birds. I didn’t realize until recently that Conestee Nature Preserve is an Upstate, SC birds watcher paradise with over 200 different species of birds.

Birds and birding at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve

I’m so excited that Paul Serridge from the Greenville County Bird Club has agreed to share with us more about the birds at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve and the presentations and free guided bird walks that they offer to the Greenville Community. All of the following photos are taken by local Greenville County Bird Club member Don Faulkner and depict birds that you can look for at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve.

Birding at Conestee Nature Preserve

Are you interested in birds and want to know more?

Cedar Waxwing bird at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve

Cedar Waxwing (Photo Credit: Don Faulkner) – learn more about the Cedar Waxwing

There are currently 1138 species of birds on the ABA (American Birding Association) checklist for the area covered by the Continental US and Canada.

Wood Duck at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve

Wood Duck (Photo Credit: Don Faulker) – learn more about the Wood Duck

There are 472 species on the official bird list for South Carolina.

And….there are 226 species on the checklist for Conestee Nature Preserve birds of Upstate, SC that live right here in Greenville. Use this Conestee Nature Preserve Bird Checklist.

Red-shouldered Hawk at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve

Red-shouldered Hawk (Photo Credit: Don Faulkner) – learn more about the Red-shouldered Hawk

In other words, a birding bonanza is right here on your doorstep in Greenville, SC. Of course, many of the birds found at Conestee are common and some will visit backyard feeders or eat insects from your yard. The accompanying photographs by Don Faulkner show some of the species regularly found in the park but which many people are not aware of in our local area.

Killdeer at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve

Killdeer (Photo Credit: Don Faulkner) – learn more about the Killdeer

Some common birds of South Carolina you may catch a glimpse of at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve include Carolina Wren, Northern Cardinals, Chipping Sparrows, Blue Jay, Red Bellied Woodpecker, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Chickadee, Brown Headed Nuthatch, Red Shoulder Hawk, Mourning Dove, European Starling, American Robin, and the star of the park, the Great Blue Heron. Many of these birds can be seen in fall and winter, so you can visit any time of year and still go birding at Conestee Nature Preserve.

Free Guided Bird Walks at Conestee Nature Preserve*

The Greenville County Bird Club (GCBC) offers free guided bird walks on the third Saturday of each month at Conestee Nature Preserve (CNP). Details can be found on the outings page of the GCBC website. Check the website before heading out, because the club occasionally adds walks or changes the weekend. It is not necessary to be a GCBC member to participate. (Please note that minor children should be accompanied by an adult.)

Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker at Conestee Nature Preserve

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Photo Credit: Don Faulker) – learn more about the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Birding Events at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve

In addition to exploring the beauty of the Preserve, you can also participate in any of their events. They offer small Community Events and Youth Programs. Their Annual Events are larger in size and include Hops & Herons in the fall and the Great Blue Gathering in the Spring. They also offer occasional bird-watching events. You can stay tuned to their Events page for more details.

Blue Heron nests at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve — Blue Heron Nest at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve

Check out our full Conestee Nature Preserve Guide before heading out on your bird-watching trip.

More Birding Opportunities

Want to see an incredible hawk migration? You can visit Caesar’s Head in the fall for the hawk watch.

Sassafras Mountain is another great place to catch the fall hawk migration.

Have you been birding at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve? We love seeing the Blue Heron nests!

Duke World of Energy: Learn About What Powers The Upstate

Do you have a young one with an inquisitive mind? Bring them to the Duke World of Energy where they can learn how the electricity that keeps the lights on at home is generated and brought to local houses and businesses.

Did we mention this exhibit is FREE?

We know our readers love free things to do near Greenville so we visited the Duke World of Energy and we’re bringing you all the information you need to plan your own visit soon!

Looking for more Free Things to do in the Upstate? Here’s our list of free and low-cost things to do near Greenville, SC!

Located on the southern shore of beautiful Lake Keowee, The Oconee Nuclear Station provides energy to nearly 2 million homes via nuclear power. There is a multitude of steps that go into producing so much energy, and families can learn all about it at the power plant’s educational center.

Inside the Duke World of Energy

The Duke World of Energy is a free hands-on exhibit. Visitors will learn how electricity is generated at the plant and how the surrounding lakes contribute. You’ll start off with a short film, followed by a variety of interactive educational displays about energy production at the plant. The experience takes about 30-45 minutes.

As you enter each exhibit room, the presentation is started by an interactive touchpad. As you move from room to room you will learn about the process the plant uses to create the power that flows into homes. The way the exhibit is set up, in multiple rooms will keep kids from toddler to school-age entertained. About halfway through, you’ll find a huge picture window overlooking the power plant – a perfect photo opportunity. I was surprised to learn that this is the fifth-largest nuclear plant in the country.

The exhibits towards the end seemed to be the stars of the show for my children. My son loved the security display which features half of a car and the mirrored tool they use to check underneath cars entering the facility. The last two rooms – my daughter’s favorite – feature a simulated outdoor space, complete with taxidermy animals and an adjoining room that looks like a home. She loved looking out the window back into the “outdoor” room and waving to us.

The topography map is really neat – you can see the entire Jocassee Gorges, the Foothills Trail, the SC State Parks near there, and Lake Jocassee and Lake Keowee. These kinds of maps are always fascinating!

Topographical map at Duke Energy World of Energy

Nature Trail and More at Duke Energy: World of Energy

After visiting the World of Energy exhibit, head outside to the quarter-mile nature trail by the lake. You’ll find a covered picnic shelter, a fishing pier, and even a butterfly garden that’s open during the warmer months. Unfortunately, there is a shortage of dining options nearby, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead and bring a picnic.

We sat on the dock to eat lunch and finish our homeschool work and it was very relaxing. There’s a path that winds its way down to a small beach as well where you can hang out and enjoy the beautiful view. Stay off the helipad though, as the signs say!

You can also fish on the pier if you like. This is such a great way to spend a leisurely afternoon and a fun field trip. The view is breathtaking, and you just might learn something while you’re there.

FREE Special Events at Duke World of Energy

Don’t forget to check the Duke Energy website for events. In the past, The World of Energy has hosted several community events, including a National Hunting, an Orchid event (currently scheduled for February 15-17, 2024), a Fishing Day event, and a home school day.

Find More FREE Things to Do in Summer

Want to Visit Duke World of Energy?

Duke World Of Energy
7812 Rochester Highway | Seneca, SC 29672
864.873.4600

Hours:
Open 10 am-4 pm
Wednesday through Friday
Please confirm the hours before you head to the World Of Energy.

This article was originally written by Melanie Coblentz and has been updated by the Kidding Around Team.

Hunting for Toads on Trade in Greer, SC

If you’ve never hunted for the Toads on Trade in Greer, SC, add it to your list of things to do. Inspired by Greenville’s Mice on Main, the downtown Greer scavenger hunt features 16 tiny toad statues tucked away on historic buildings. And if you’ve never ventured to find all 16 toads? We’ve got everything you need to know (including a short history lesson) before you go toad hunting.

For more fun, check out The Kidding Around Ultimate Visitors and Locals Guide to Greer, SC.

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See Historic Planes for FREE! Western North Carolina Air Museum in Hendersonville, NC

Did you know Hendersonville, NC has a FREE airplane museum? The Western North Carolina Air Museum is in a hangar beside a small runway full of historic airplanes. Learn about the history of the planes, how they’re made, and how they fly. There are even aircraft that kids can climb in, explore, and experiment with the controls. If you have an aviation enthusiast in your family, no matter their age, this is not a place you’ll want to skip. Let us introduce you to this amazing little gem in Hendersonville so you can plan your visit soon!

What is the Western North Carolina Air Museum?

The museum consists of a single hanger filled to the brim with interesting and historic aircraft, informational exhibits, and knowledgable staff there to answer your questions and explain everything about these planes. There is also an aviation library that takes up almost an entire wall of the hanger, full of information for anyone researching an aviation topic whether it’s historical, technical, or anything in between.

Is the WNC Air Museum a Place for Kids?

YES! Definitely bring kids to this museum. Signage at the museum asks parents to supervise their children at all times, which makes sense since there are so many valuable aircraft and exhibits densely packed into the space.

That said there are definitely things for kids to touch, explore, play with, and enjoy. There are photo ops for kids in the form of a wooden painted plane. And your kids may also notice some stuffies doing a little piloting. Both a plane and a gyrocopter are available for kids to climb into the pilot’s seat and move the controls. They’ll actually be able to move the rudder, ailerons, and elevator. This was definitely my kids’ favorite part of the museum.

The staff at the museum were very kind to my kids, answering all their questions and complimenting us on their inquisitiveness and behavior. And really, what parent doesn’t want to hear things like that about their kids?

On our way out, my kids were offered copies of some aviation magazines which they eagerly accepted. Members of the Air Museum donate copies they are done with to the museum so kids can bring them home to learn more.

When Can We Visit the Western North Carolina Air Museum?

The regular hours of the museum are as follows:

April – October: Wednesday & Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday 12 pm to 5 pm
November – March: Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, 12 pm to 5 pm

The museum may also be open for additional hours for special events, like the Hendersonville Apple Festival. Visit the Western North Carolina Air Museum website for special event information.

Getting to the WNC Air Museum

When you plug the address into your GPS or maps app you should have no trouble getting to the museum. It’s located just a few miles from downtown Hendersonville, but the area is residential and you may feel like you’re headed off in the wrong direction. The drive is gravel and you’ll see the hanger from the road.

Western North Carolina Air Museum
1340 Gilbert Street, Hendersonville
FREE admission and parking

There are so many more free and fun adventures in Hendersonville, NC!

Here’s our list of totally free fun in Hendersonville, NC.

See Model Trains for FREE at Apple Valley Model RR Club in Hendersonville, NC

Did you know there is a free model railroad museum you can visit in Hendersonville, NC? The Apple Valley RR Club is located in the historic train station in Hendersonville and visitors can check out the indoor and outdoor model trains, and climb aboard a real caboose, totally free. Read on to find out all the details to plan your visit to the Apple Valley Model RR Club.

Railroad scene at Apple Valley Model Club, Apple Valley Model RR Club

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I planned a stop on our day in Hendersonville, NC at the Apple Valley Model RR Club. But, I figured with free admission and several kids who enjoy model trains, it was worth a stop.

Wow, was it worth the stop! The station is full of some of the coolest displays we’ve seen. How rare it is to find something like with without an admission cost! We loved our time watching the trains and look forward to stopping by again.

Take a Peek!

Here’s a fun video from our visit so you can see some of the trains at the Apple Valley Model Railroad Club.

Things to See at the Apple Valley Model RR Club

The model train displays at the Apple Valley Model RR Club flow through the several rooms that make up the historic train station. In one room you can watch club members work on trains and scenery and beyond that are rooms full of elaborate scenery, tunnels, and HO scale model trains.

The station is filled with the sounds of running trains chugging and whistling across the displays. Train lovers young and old can watch as the trains go by, and meander from room to room to check out the different displays. Take as much time as you’d like, it’s free and there is a lot to see!

Outdoor Train Display at Apple Valley

A G-scale model train runs outdoors behind the station and there are some very special features of this outdoor display. First, young ones should head here to visit both Thomas the Train and Percy. They both chug through the large outdoor display.

G-scale outdoor train display with Thomas

Next, notice the mirrors along the back of the display. You’ll be able to watch the trains moving behind the display on their way to the other side.

But the biggest special feature is the onboard camera running on one of the outdoor trains. You can see this onboard view from the lobby. My kids enjoyed positioning themselves outdoors to be seen on the camera while their siblings watched for them in the lobby.

Climb Aboard the Caboose

Beside the train station is an old caboose. When the station is open, the caboose is also open. Climb aboard and check out the interior with its coal stove and storage, benches, and even a toilet.

Where to Find the Apple Valley Railroad Club

The Apple Valley Model Railroad Club is located in a historic 1902 train station beside the railroad tracks in downtown Hendersonville, NC. There is free parking beside the station and it is an easy walk to or from the restaurants and shops on Main Street.

Historic Railroad station in Hendersonville, NC

Visit the Apple Valley Model RR Club

Admission is FREE!
Hours: Wednesday 1 pm to 3 pm and Saturday 10 am to 2 pm

650 Maple Street
Hendersonville, NC
Apple Valley Model RR Club

Find so many more fun and totally free things to do in Hendersonville, NC!

Hidden Playgrounds, Beautiful Trails, and Unique Museum at Botanical Garden: Athens, GA

Inside: A local mom visits the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and shares all the tips for you to plan a trip to this beautiful place!

Do you enjoy a lovely day at the botanical gardens? Athens, GA has the perfect ones to explore! With 313 acres of gardens, trails, and even play areas, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia is a must-see if you’re in the Athens, Georgia area. And it’s under two hours from Greenville, SC.

As a garden, flower, and plant lover, I was excited to check out the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, which is part of the University of Georgia. I’ve somehow managed to convince my kids that botany is cool so they were also excited to see what was in store for us there. Turns out, there were a lot of neat things to explore here and many unexpected finds at these neat gardens in Athens, Georgia, less than two hours from the Upstate of SC.

Visitors Center at the Botanical Gardens: Athens, GA

We started at the Visitors Center, a huge glass-enclosed building with a cute gift shop and an indoor tropical garden. It was beautiful. The tropical garden has huge trees you’d find near the equator that are growing papayas and cacao (where chocolate comes from). Most of the trees and plants are labeled for you to take it as a learning opportunity!

There is also a cafe here although it wasn’t open when we went due to a lack of staff. There are plenty of places to sit inside and just enjoy the beauty before heading outdoors to explore the rest of the gardens. Be sure to pick up a map here, too. It will save you from wandering around as we did. There are nice bathrooms here as well.

The Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum

Once we exited the Visitors Center, we headed outdoors to explore the other gardens on our way to find the Children’s Garden, which was our true aim of visiting the botanical garden.

We got completely lost and wandered into the Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum for directions. This misdirection turned out to be the best mistake. We were warmly greeted as soon as we walked in and the nice employee started telling us the history of the building and the art we were looking at. I didn’t have the heart to ask about the Children’s Garden because she wanted us to know all the things so we listened and learned and it was fascinating!

Porcelain museum at the Georgia Botanical Garden

The building houses exquisite porcelain art of animals, flowers, and birds plus an astounding collection of porcelain plates, cups, vases, pitchers, and tea sets. The entire building was designed for this collection, which was originally housed in the Days Inn Corporate headquarters. Why? Because Deen Day Sanders’ family founded the corporation and she has been an avid gardener and supporter of the arts, This was one of the ways she decided to share her love. The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 9:00 am – 4:30 pm and Sunday from 11:30-4:30 pm.

There are two floors in this museum – the lower one has porcelain animals that make noises if you press the buttons plus some carved flowers and birds (bathrooms are also downstairs). Upstairs is a massive collection of porcelain plates and vases and plant and flower art. The people who work there are a wealth of knowledge and are happy to answer any questions – including where the Children’s Garden is located! I only asked after we had spent a half-hour looking at all the interesting collections there.

The Alice H. Richards Children’s Garden

After an unexpected lesson in porcelain china and where I got a map to the gardens, it was onto the Alice H. Richards Children’s Garden, which we finally did find (it was very close to the Visitors Center, next to the statues of kids, wouldn’t you know it). There are two-and-a-half acres for kids to explore here, and everywhere we turned, it was like discovering another world. They have misting mushrooms, a small sandpit, spinning chairs, and a rope bridge that connects to a slide which allows kids to then either choose a little cave to explore or to see what it looks like under the roots of plants. So cool.

I thought we were done at the Children’s Garden when I saw the edible garden and lots of kale, broccoli, and herbs but then my kids saw a big tunnel that looked like it went through the remains of dinosaur bones. We followed it to a hidden natural playground that is totally shaded and consists of rope hammocks, sawed-off trees for sitting, huge sticks for building, and climbing apparatuses. This place was awesome.

Visiting the Botanical Gardens: Athens, GA

State Botanical Garden of Georgia Website

The gardens have several miles of trails through the woods as well. We saw some people getting in their morning runs, which just looked lovely. It was really hot when we went so we didn’t walk through the trails but most of them did look shaded.

There is no admission to the Botanical Garden. The gardens are open daily 7 am – 7 pm except during UGA holidays.

2450 South Milledge Avenue, Athens, GA

Need other things to do while visiting Athens, GA? We have a guide on where to stay, eat, and play in Athens to help you out.

Make it a Weekend Trip!
KA Travel Guide: Georgia

Georgia Travel Guide: Family getaways in Georgia

13+ Totally Free Things to Do With Kids Near You

Kids are expensive. Are you looking for “free things for kids to do near me?” Making family memories while doing things with the kids doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, there are a lot of free things for kids near you. In addition to great local choices like visits to parks, playgrounds, hiking, and creek stomping, there are several totally free things for kids from national retailers, organizations, and kids’ programs all across the USA.

Free things for kids and families to do, free stuff for kids, near you! That means free activities for kids, family-friendly fun, free admission to museums, and lots more. That’s great news for families spending time together on a budget!

This is the list you want.

Free things to do for kids near you all year long.

Free things to do for kids across the USA

Bucket List of Free Things to Do for Kids Anywhere in the USA

Don’t miss any of these free activities, experiences, and projects for kids. Make some family memories and don’t spend a dime!

Home Depot Kids Workshop

Home Depot offers free kids’ workshop kits once a month. On the first Saturday of every month head to Home Depot for a free kids’ workshop. Pick up your kit and complete it at home. In-person workshops will very soon again be an option. Sign-up in advance to be sure your child will get their kit, but most of the time you can just stop by and join in the fun.

Lowes Kids Workshop

Lowes Home Improvement offers free kids workshops once a month in-store. Let the kids build and make something all their own. You won’t even have to deal with paint and wood bits all over your house. Just enjoy the free activity and bring your child’s creation home. You do need to sign-up in advance for these workshops, but they are totally free.

JCPenney Free Kids Craft

On the second Saturday of each month head to JCPenney for Kids Zone free crafts. Kids can make a totally free craft with all the supplies included, and parents will get a 10% off store coupon.

Kids Bowl Free

Did you know kids can bowl free all summer long? It really is true. Just sign up for Kids Bowl Free. Two games a day are totally free. If you don’t have bowling shoes, you will need to rent shoes, but you will not pay for the games. There’s even a family pass you can purchase for a one-time fee that lets grown-ups bowl all summer long, too. Check out Kids Bowl Free for a summer of free fun away from the screens.

Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops Holiday Free Photos

At both Christmas and Easter, kids can get a completely free 4×6 photo at Cabela’s along with a holiday visit with Santa or the Easter Bunny, plus fun activities and little treats.

At Christmas time visit Santa and get a totally free photo with Santa.
At Easter, kids can visit and get a photo with the Easter Bunny for free.

Kids Eat for Free!

Meal time can get expensive, which is why we love kids eat free deals. There are a number of restaurants that offer kids’ eat-free days all across the country. Get a free kids’ meal at these national chain restaurants.

Apple Kids Camp and Kids Classes

The Apple Store offers totally free Apple camps in the summer along with kids’ class activities throughout the year. During camp kids can bring their own iPad device or the store will provide one for kids to use. Kids will learn to use various Apple apps to create music, stories, and more that they can present to the other kids in the camp. Kids also get an Apple Camp t-shirt. Reserve camps and classes in advance. In fact, camps fill up so quickly, you’ll want to fill out this Apple camp form to be notified when reservations are open.

4th Grade National Park Pass: Every Kid Outdoors

4th graders can bring their families along to National Parks for free with the Every Kid Outdoors, 4th Grade National Park Pass. In most instances, the 4th-grade pass gets all occupants of the car with the 4th grader into the park for free. So, go visit a National Park for free with your 4th grader.

Viewing wildlife at Yellowstone National Park

Kids in Parks

Have kids who like to earn free prizes? The TRACK Trail, Kids in Parks program sends prizes to kids who hike, bike, and even play disc golf at parks with Track Trails. They’ll learn about nature and even history as they complete each TRACK Trail, which makes this free thing for kids both an educational opportunity and an incentive to earn fun prizes. See how one family enjoyed Kids in Parks in this review.

Smithsonian Museum Days

Once a year you can get free admission for your family to Smithsonian Museums on Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day. Museum Day usually occurs in September.

Summer Reading Programs

Summer reading programs equal free food, books, and lots more prizes. Not only will kids earn prizes, but they’ll receive one of the best gifts of all: reading time! Check out these summer reading programs available nationally, then don’t forget to check with your local library. Many libraries give out amazing summer reading prizes!

Pizza Hut Book it!– Free personal pan pizza
Barnes and Noble– Free book
Book A Million– book-themed prizes vary year to year
Chuck-E-Cheese– Read 14 books in 14 days and get 10 free tokens or play points

Free Donuts at Krispy Kreme

Keep your eyes out for special promotions from Krispy Kreme. They do them a lot! At participating Krispy Kreme donut shops, kids can get free donuts for everything from good grades to wearing a costume on Halloween. Pick up your free donut and head to a local playground for a totally free and fun family outing.

Local Libraries

Local libraries are a treasure trove of free family fun. It’s more than books, although reading together is awesome and free! But, local libraries offer special events for kids and families that go beyond storytime. We’re talking about free family movie nights complete with popcorn, craft kits, book boxes full of treats and books to keep, concerts, game nights and so much more. Seriously, if you are looking for free family fun, spend some time on your library’s website and check out their calendar. There’s probably a lot more there than you thought!

BONUS! $2 Movies All Summer Long

It’s not free, but you can bring the kids to family-friendly movies at Regal Cinemas for just $2 per person. Find out how to get tickets in our article on Regal Summer Movie Express.a

Posts Tagged ‘Free Things to Do’

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