Searching for ‘things to do with preschoolers inside near me’? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up some of the best things to do with preschoolers inside in Greenville, SC. Let the indoor fun begin!
I love kids. I especially love my kid. Want to know what I don’t love? I do not love sitting at home for hours trying to come up with a variety of activities that both entertain and accommodate his non-existent attention span.
Enter Kidding Around Greenville.
We have compiled a list of 25 things to inside to keep you and your preschooler busy! This list focuses on indoor and cold weather activities so stay tuned for a future sequel that focuses on the summer months. Of course, regardless of the weather outside unless the activity requires cold weather most of these activities are a fun choice any time of year!
Have you seen the Duck Derby in Greenville, SC? No, it’s not a giant bathtub with thousands of rubber duckies – it’s the 19th Annual Reedy River Duck Derby! Sponsored by the Rotary Club of the Reedy River Greenville, it is certainly a bucket list item if you live in the Greenville area. The Duck Derby is not only a fantastic way to spend an afternoon but it’s also a great way to support wonderful charities.
The 19th Annual Reedy River Duck Derby is set for Saturday, May 6, 2023, at 2:30 pm. The entire event is from 11 am – 4 pm with the duck race starting at 2:30 pm.
If you haven’t visited Hampton Station in Greenville, SC yet, go ahead and put it on your bucket list. Located just minutes from Main Street and directly on the Swamp Rabbit Trail, it’s in a great location. Before you head there, we’ve got you covered on things to do, places to eat, and things you should do with your kids.
Play Cafe at Judson Mill in Greenville, SC is about to make every parent of little kids dreams come true with their huge indoor play area and cafe.
Austin Motes and Daniel Kingsbury are both dads with little kids. They acutely understand the challenge of finding fun, safe, and affordable places for their kids to play indoors but not at the expense of the sanity of the parents. And with Greenville growing so fast and so many new families coming to put down roots here – many of whom work from home – they also saw the need for a massive indoor space that allows parents to work but where their kids can get out energy and play.
They started dreaming up something big. Like really, really big.
Enter the new Play Cafe of Judson Mill, a massive new indoor play space with structures up to three stories tall and a cafe and comfortable tables and chairs for parents to get some work done.
The photo below is a possible rendering of what one of the playgrounds at the Play Cafe will look like.
Possible rendering of one of the playgrounds at Play Cafe | Photo Credit: McMillan Pazdan Smith
About the Play Cafe
Austin Motes works in construction and has extensive knowledge of what it takes to navigate building codes and permits. Daniel Kingsbury owns SC Party Rentals so his expertise lies in entertainment. These Greenville natives are the co-owners of the Play Cafe and it’s their experience as parents and their knowledge of their respective industries that will make this new business venture appealing to families in Greenville (and beyond).
The vision behind the Play Cafe, they both told me, was to have a fun and relaxing place for kids to play safely but also to make sure parents didn’t need a vacation after spending a couple of hours there with their kids.
To that end, there will be no arcade, no loud air blowing through inflatables, and no musical aspects. Of course, kids will be loud but none of the play structures will add to that noise.
The Indoor Playgrounds
Austin and Daniel have quite literally scoured the world to find the coolest indoor play structures to bring to Greenville. They have gone to the biggest convention of theme park operators and inventors to find unique aspects to bring to the Play Cafe. This is no small deal to say the least.
The entire Play Cafe will occupy more than 14,500 square feet, which is enormous.
There will be two huge play structures, one of them two stories high and the other three stories high. They will be netted, and have slides, climbing structures, balls to throw and play with, tunnels, ladders, and other surprises.
Possible rendering of one of the playgrounds at Play Cafe | Photo Credit: McMillan Pazdan Smith
Smaller kids will have an enclosed area to play apart from the bigger kids as well as a sensory area to explore. One side of the enclosed space will have a bartop counter where parents can sit with their coffee and laptops and watch their kids.
The Play Cafe is designed for kids ages 12 and under and while kids can play on any structure they’d like, one structure will be geared more for kids under 5 years old and the other for kids ages 6-12.
It’s obvious two dads and their wives planned this space, which I so appreciate!
Imagination Stations
For kids who may not want to play on the larger structures, the Play Cafe will have several Imagination Stations. These are small areas that are themed where kids can use their imaginations to become whatever their little hearts desire.
Some of the themed Imagination Stations will include a veterinarian’s office, a fire station, a princess castle, and a doctor’s office.
Safety at the Play Cafe
Safety is, of course, of utmost importance at the Play Cafe. All the play structures are sturdy, strong, and basically indestructible. These aren’t flimsy structures.
Additionally, when parents and their kids come to play, they will be given wristbands. To exit the facility, the kids must have the same wristband as their parents or they cannot leave. And there is only one entrance and exit so parents don’t need to worry about their little escape artists wandering off.
The Cafe
The Cafe will have comfortable seating throughout the space and service coffee, smoothies, pizza, and sandwiches.
The Play Cafe will also be working with Feed & Seed, also located at Judson Mill, to offer healthier options if parents want to choose those.
And working parents, this is your place to bring the kids so you can get some work done. There will be plenty of space to bring your laptop, connect to the Wifi, and let your kids get some energy out while you meet your deadlines.
Birthday Parties & Special Events
The Play Cafe at Judson Mill will offer several different birthday party packages for guests, ranging from a more budget-friendly version to an all out turnkey event where the parents only need to reserve the room and everything else will be handled for them. Um, yes please.
There will be 10 birthday party rooms – yes, 10. So if the weather looks bad for your outdoor party, you have a pretty good chance of snagging one of the birthday party rooms here at the Play Cafe.
Additionally, all the party rooms will be the same with the option of projecting a theme throughout the room. Think a princess castle or jungle full of dinosaurs.
Possible rendering of one of the playgrounds at Play Cafe | Photo Credit: McMillan Pazdan Smith
Play Passes & Memberships
The pricing for a day of play has not been finalized yet but it will be competitive and there will be discounts for siblings.
Memberships, homeschool days, tot times, and special needs hours will also be part of the new Play Cafe at Judson Mill.
Opening Date
It took an entire year for Austin and Daniel to find the location and get the permits for the Play Cafe and while they have a lot in place already, the space will not be ready for business for around six months – so hopefully by September 2023.
In the meantime, be sure to follow the Play Cafe on Facebook and we will be updating our readers as soon as it’s open!
Play Cafe at Judson Mill 701 Easley Bridge Road, Greenville Play Cafe Facebook
Looking for free Easter fun? Your child can get a free photo with that famous rabbit, the Easter Bunny. Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops will host the Easter Bunny in April 2023. We have everything you need to know about this opportunity for free family fun and memory-making at Cabela’s.
Cabela’s Easter photo from reader, Laura N.
We are answering the 4 biggest questions about visiting the Easter Bunny at Cabela’s in 2023:
Special thanks to our readers who provided some adorable photos of their children with the Easter Bunny from previous year’s events!
Will the Easter Bunny Be at Cabela’s in 2023?
Yes! Guests who would like to a get a 4×6 professional photo with the Easter Bunny and your family or adorable kids, can do so this year at Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops.
No Plexiglass for 2023: The Easter Bunny will not be behind plexiglass this year. Also, you can expect to find more details on Cabela’s Easter Event Page.
Free Easter Bunny Photo from reader Angela G.
The Free Photo
The photo is a professional 4×6 photo, printed free by Cabela’s. This is not just a photo op with mom or dad behind the cell phone camera. Mom and Dad can even get in the photo, too! We love opportunities for free fun and memory-making. Free holiday photos are definitely a rare treat for families.
Easter Bunny: Cabela’s Schedule (2023)
The 2023 schedule us here with MORE visits than ever!
Look for the Easter Bunny to visit your local Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops April 1st through April 9th, 2023.
Saturday, April 1st, 11 am to 6 pm
Sunday, April 2nd, 11 am to 4 pm
Monday, April 3rd, 5 pm to 8 om
Tuesday, April 4th, 5 pm to 8 pm
Wednesday, April 5th, 5 pm to 8 pm
Thursday, April 6th, 4 pm to 8 pm
Friday, April 7th, 11 am to 6 pm
Saturday, April 8th, 11 am to 6 pm
Sunday, April 9th, 11 am to 3 pm
Do check with your local store as the times may vary from store to store!
Free Cabela’s Photo from reader, Ashley V.
How do I register my kids?
Registration to see the Easter Bunny at Cabela’s will open on March 25th, 2023.
Yes. You do need to register in advance to visit with the Easter Bunny at Cabela’s or Bass Pro Shops. The registration link for visits and photos with the bunny, all free, can be found on the Cabela’s Easter Event page.
Can I get more than one photo?
If you really love your photo, you can purchase packages with additional photos starting at $15.
The 2023 Bunny Photo Packages are:
Digital image: $15
Basket package: 1 5×7 and 4 wallets: $15
Jelly Bean package: 1 6×8, 2 5×7, 2 4×6, 4 wallets and a digital image: $20
Have you visited Cabela’s for photos?
More Free Things for Kids and Families
Kids Bowl Free: Your Kids Can Go Bowling for Free All Summer Long
Get a FREE Photo With the Easter Bunny at Cabela’s (2023)
Bond With Your Kid FREE: Quality time at Home Depot Kids Workshops (2023)
FREE Lowe’s Kids Workshops (2023)
13+ Totally Free Things to Do With Kids Near You
FREE Kids Craft Events at JCPenney Kids Zone
Looking for more? Did you know Cabela’s also hosts Santa at Christmas time, and you can get another free 4×6 professional photo of your kids with Santa? It’s true. Read all about in our review of Santa at Cabela’s. Then mark your calendars to check back for a registration date in November.
Planning your spring calendar and don’t want to miss any of Greenville’s kid-friendly festivals this spring? Pack up the kids because you’ve got some amazing options for great family memory-making. Here’s your ultimate list of the best kid-friendly spring festivals in the Upstate.
Looking for Free Things to Do in Greenville? We have some great ideas on this extremely packed list. This list is an ode to that song, “The Best Things in Life Are Free.” Make memories and take advantage of all the great things around Greenville. Enjoy!
Do you want to keep tabs on all the things to do in the Upstate? Don’t skip our giant list of Things to Do Near Greenville, SC, full of fabulous family fun any time of the year.
Are you looking for places to zip line near Greenville? Zip-lining is a recreational activity that guarantees to wow your kids and one that they won’t stop talking about for a while. There’s something about braving those tracks and feeling a sense of accomplishment (and relief) upon completing it. Check out our list of zip-lining experiences that range from our local playgrounds, indoor gyms to farms and forest reserves.
For a safe and awesome experience, we do recommend going to an organization that follows industry safety standards and pay careful attention to staff instructions.
Playgrounds with Park-Style Zip Lines for Kids
You don’t have to go too far for your kids to have some zip-lining fun. Much of our local playgrounds feature a short track appropriate for young ones. Our writers are always on the lookout for new features parks including zip-lining in these three parks. Here’s an extensive review of the newly renovated Benson Automotive Kid’s Planet in Greer (formerly Kid’s Planet) which has multiple zip lines.
Always on-trend, first it was trampoline parks, then ninja courses and then zip lines, these adventure zones never run out of ideas to make jumping and flying in the air a true thrill. Find out more about what they have to offer by reading trampoline parks near the Upstate. If you don’t want to pay for grip socks (non-slip socks), don’t forget to bring your old pair from your last visit when going to one of these indoor parks.
Outdoor Aerial Adventures Sites With Zip Lines Near Greenville, SC
We love these new aerial parks which have you zip-lining from tree to tree outfitted in helmets, harnesses, and gloves. It’s the perfect outdoor activity for sunny days. Our thrill-seeking editors have visited a couple of these parks on the list to give you the inside scoop about these parks and places to eat nearby. Although younger children may not be able to do the steeper adventures, most of these locations have a kid’s course so they don’t miss out.
181 Barefoot Acres Way Fountain Inn | 864.484.3879 We haven’t been to Barefoot Acres but we are super curious about their kid-friendly farm programs which have gotten rave reviews from past visitors and of course we can’t wait to zip line around their farm.
821 Laurens Road, Greenville | 864.230.0191 We love the kid’s course and the larger ariel adventure course which contains 5 ziplines and lots of other elements. Check out our review of Flying Rabbit Adventures.
With multiple courses to fit a variety of ages and skill levels, Treetop quest is a good option for family fun. The attraction includes 88 obstacles, 27 zip lines, and a net trampoline. The highest zipline is 40 feet from the ground. Check out our full review of Treetop Quest. Note: Treetop is currently closed for winter. It will reopen on March 4th.
Treetop Quest course
Zip-lining Courses in Western North Carolina
Craving higher elevations and beautiful views? These outdoor centers will have you flying through a river gorge or an old forest and are certainly worth a day or weekend trip. Also, Lauren has some great tips on visiting the Nantahala Outdoor Center.
Are you looking for a Greenville County or Spartanburg County spring break camp for your kids? Greenville County Schools’ spring break is March 18-22, 2023. Spartanburg County districts will have their spring break April 3-7, 2023. Greenville and Spartanburg parents have their choice of a few local venues offering spring camps over the school break
See our spring break camp list below and be sure to let us know if we missed one.
Did you know FREE 4D ultrasounds are available in Greenville? Greenville Tech in Greenville, SC offers free 4D ultrasounds. Spots are limited, and we tell you what you need to do to take advantage of this unique opportunity.
Photo courtesy of Greenville Tech
Expecting? Don’t miss our Guide to Baby, Maternity and Postpartum Care. It’s full of resources for families with new little ones like health care options and fun things to do with babies!
