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Posts Tagged ‘Halloween’

5 Things to Do With All That Candy: Halloween Candy Buyback Program: Greenville, SC & More

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On the search for “things to do with Halloween candy”? Did your kids bring home too much Halloween candy? On the search for “candy buyback near me”? Don’t worry! We have a couple of dental offices in Greenville to take that candy and exchange it for something that won’t result in a sugar overload or rot on their teeth. And we have a few more creative ideas for using or giving away that candy.

Halloween candy buyback at a local dentist in Greenville, South Carolina

What to Do With All That Candy!

Trade It for Money “Candy Buyback Near Me” at Greenville, SC Dentists

This is a good way to teach kids about ways that money works. There are a few local dentists where kids can bring in their candy by the pound and get a few dollars. This can work at home also where kids exchange their candy for money. 

Palmetto Family Orthodontics

Palmetto Family Orthodontics usually buys leftover candy for $1 a pound and then donates it to local charities and to help by supporting our troops overseas.
Times: Contact the dentistry directly for exact dates and times.
Location: 501 Verdae Boulevard, Greenville

Julian Thomas DMD Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

Bring in your wrapped Halloween candy to be shipped to troops overseas through the Operation Gratitude program! In previous years, the practice has exchanged candy for cash or prizes.
Times: Contact the dentistry directly for exact dates and times.
Location: 1141 East Butler Road Greenville | 864.676.0046

Greer Pediatric Dental

They will usually buy your Halloween candy for $1 per pound, up to five pounds.
Times: Contact the dentistry directly for exact dates and times.
Location: 3115 Brushy Creek Road, Greer

Feed the Switch Witch

I had zero idea what this was until several readers suggested it. The Switch Witch is basically giving your kid(s) a small gift in exchange for the majority of the candy they get. This can be especially helpful if your child has an allergy – they can still collect candy but get a cool gift instead of a boatload of stuff that makes them sick (side note: look for homes with teal pumpkins when trick or treating with a child who has allergies – these homes will have non-candy items. This is what my family does and it’s always a hit)

These are a few ideas of how to make the Switch Witch work for your family:

“I tell my kiddo that the switch a witch eats up the candy and in exchange will use her magic to make him a gift. In our house, he gets to pick five pieces of candy and the rest he can give to the switch a witch with the idea that the more candy she gets the bigger gifts she can make him. I typically do a costume, art supplies, or legos. About the same size or a bit smaller than a birthday present you buy for a kid’s birthday.”

Let Them Eat It

This is an option I know a lot of parents do which I had never even considered: let the kids eat as much candy as they want. Just go ahead and jump in the deep end. Our readers say this option essentially gives kids too much of a good thing and they are so sick of candy after Halloween. 

These are a few suggestions from our readers on how to handle this option:

“I let my daughter eat whatever she wants. It’s her candy and she won’t eat to the point of making herself sick, so I let her learn what her body wants and stop when she’s done (which is usually pretty quickly because she’s really good about that).”

“My son eats what he wants, but the novelty wears off within a day. Then we have old candy come Valentine’s Day.”

“If you’re not letting your kids go into a diabetic coma just one night of the year, are you really letting them enjoy childhood? Lol!! Mine usually get sick of it before long and I hide it in a bag and pass some out here and there and take a bunch myself lol.”

Halloween Candy Donations

Some families will let their kids choose a handful of their favorite candy and then donate the rest to send overseas to the military or use it in care packages. Candy donations can be easily shipped, and your kids can help decorate the box. You can contact your local Ronald McDonald House to see if they are taking Halloween candy donations for the families who are staying there. Or, try donating through Treats for Troops.

Use the Candy for Christmas or Gingerbread Houses

Other parents will sneakily steal some of the candy and reuse it for Christmas stockings. And not-so-sneaky parents will use leftover candy for candy houses or for use when they construct Gingerbread houses during Christmastime. 

“Let them have a little the night of and maybe the next day, and save the rest to divvy up into the Christmas stockings.”

“Let them eat it and then whatever is left in December is used on our gingerbread houses.”

What do you do with the tons of Halloween candy your kids bring home?

If you hear of any more candy buy-back programs in the Greenville area, please let us know in the comments!

Halloween Guide to Greenville, SC

Trick-or-Treat Door to Door in These Greenville Neighborhoods

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Looking for “trick or treat neighborhoods near me”? Wondering where you can bring your family to trick-or-treat in Greenville, SC? When going door to door asking for sweets in your own neighborhood isn’t the right choice, where do Upstate families go? Safety concerns, a lack of other children in the neighborhood, or just a lack of anyone at all could cause a family to look to other neighborhoods for their trick-or-treating needs.

So if you want the door-to-door trick-or-treating experience this year but aren’t sure what neighborhood to visit, this is the list for you. We asked our readers where the most “Halloween visitor-friendly” spots in the Upstate were, and this is what they told us.

If you need a map of the best places to go, we have one right here!

Halloween Guide, trick or treat in Greenville, SC

Want to see all the Halloween and Trick or Treat Events in Greenville?

Go to our Halloween Guide!🎃

You’ll find fun events, trunk-or-treat and trick-or-treats, and lots more!

Parents, these are recommendations gathered from our readers. Please always use your judgment regarding your child’s safety trick-or-treating and consuming treats in these or any other neighborhoods.

Trick or treat in Greenville SC

Great Neighborhoods for Trick-or-Treating in Greenville

Earle Street, Greenville

“Earle Street has several officers directing traffic at the red light on North Main. We usually start on one end and travel down and back up the other side. They have so many decorated houses, fire breathers, singers, bands, games, and other fun stuff at each house.

Crystal

Earle Street is off North Main in Greenville.

Half Mile Lake, Greenville

Half Mile Lake subdivision is located off State Park Road near Altamont Road.

Riverdale Subdivision, Greer

Riverdale Subdivision Greer across the street from Clayton Homes off Wade Hampton Blvd

Veronica

Riverdale is located just west of the Highway 80 and Wade Hampton intersection in Lyman.

Trick or Treat near Greenville SC

O’Neal Village in Greer

We had two readers mention this North Greer neighborhood, located off of 101.

We love O’Neal Village in Greer.

Karyn

Subdivision off hwy 101 right before oneal Baptist church on right

Gwen

Fountain Inn

While it’s not a neighborhood, it does come reader recommended, so we are including Main Street, Fountain Inn.

I grew up with amazing Halloween memories there and they’re still carrying it on.

Susan
Kids dressed up for Halloween as they trick-or-treat in Greenville

Neely Farms, Simpsonville

Neely farms hands down!!

Gabrielle

Orchard Farms, Simpsonville

Orchard Farms is located in the heart of the Golden Strip in Simpsonville and is recommended by several readers.

Woodland Creek, Travelers Rest

Woodland Creek is located in Travelers rest with plenty of houses to trick or treat at. Additionally, 110 Pipers Glen CT in Woodland Creek offers a free haunted house/experience.

Morning Mist, Simpsonville

A few readers recommended Morning Mist in Simpsonville, saying that the decorating is amazing. The neighborhood is off of Georgia Road.

Silver Leaf, Greer

At least 3 readers recommend the Silver Leaf community for trick or treating. It’s located in Greer off of Old Spartanburg Road.

Amber Oaks Farm, Greer

Someone recommended Amber Oaks Farm in Greer by Blue Ridge High school. It’s located off Pennington Road and Highway 101.

Tymberbrook, Lyman

Tymberbrook in Lyman, it’s a big older neighborhood and soooo many of the houses are involved, lots of kids and costumes lots of people having driveway parties!!!

NJ

Tymberbrook Drive is located in Lyman, north of Wade Hampton near Lake Lyman.

Lyman Mill Village

Lyman Mill Village! Park your car and go walking all around. Most of the homes give candy and there are trunk or treats from churches. Police have roads blocked for safety!

Alexandra

North Main

The Neighborhood of North Main street just above Wade Hampton got a lot of likes from our readers, too! According to Kidding Around fans, East and West Earle Street sound like a good place to trick or treat.

Honey Creek, Anderson

The Honey Creek subdivision in Anderson came highly recommended. It’s near Arnold’s and South Main Street, and is technically in Belton.

I grew up with amazing Halloween memories there and they’re still carrying it on.

Miranda

Rose Hill, Powdersville

Rose Hill for the Powdersville folks! Almost every house is decorated and most set up tables to hand out candy! Get there early to park (not on the grass) there are 500+ easy trick or treaters every year!

Maggie

Rose Hill is a newer subdivision in Powdersville off 3 Bridges Road and Mt Airy Church Road.

Neighborhood trick-or-treating in Greenville SC

Tips for Trick-or-Treating as a Guest in a Neighborhood

Local mom Dallas, had this great bit of advice for those visiting other neighborhoods on Halloween :

Parents: bring a trash bag to help pick up the discarded wrappers and random trash that inevitably happens when we visit neighboring communities for better loot. We live in a rural area and go to local subdivisions and noticed the residents are SUPER appreciative if you help out a bit and don’t leave their neighborhoods trashed.

Dallas

I once noticed something being done and have now started doing it when we visit other neighborhoods on Halloween. I bring glow necklaces and bracelets to hand out to kids walking past us trick or treating. It helps keep kids safe, we’re helping to contribute to the loot of trick-or-treaters in a non-allergenic way, PLUS everyone loves glo-sticks!

We hope that no matter where you decide to go, we hope everyone has a safe and fun Halloween!

In addition to all the places our readers shared with us, there are many community events that you can find on the Kidding Around Greenville Guide to Halloween Events and Trick-or-Treating in Greenville and Spartanburg.

Halloween Guide, trick or treat in Greenville, SC

Halloween Fun: Haunted Car Wash in Greenville, SC Gives Great Scares

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You can get your car washed while driving through a haunted house at this car wash in Greenville, SC. We checked it out and have all the details!

Having never been to a car wash nor a drive-through haunted house, I was pretty excited to try this unique combo at Whatta Wash Car Wash in Greenville, SC, right off I-85 on Highway 14. It was better than I expected and I think you’ll love this fun Halloween activity. 

We’ve got all the info on what to expect during the Haunted Car Wash and tips on enjoying it with your family.

Halloween Guide to Greenville, SC

About the Whatta Wash Haunted Car Wash

You may think that putting together a haunted car wash is easy – dress up in some costumes, be scary, and wash the car. But no, that’s not even close to the work that went into Whatta Wash’s Haunted Car Wash!

Each night of the Haunted Car Wash, there are at least 30 actors all there solely to scare you (and wash your car well). There are clowns, zombie cheerleaders, terrifying skeletons, serial killers (my own guess, I could be wrong), and other spooky characters.

The lights, other Halloween decorations, and fog machine are all part of this massive effort to create a must-do-worthy event in the Upstate for Halloween lovers. The entire Haunted Car Wash is about 2.5 minutes long – so you get a clean car and scared passengers. Fantastic.

Tips on Enjoying the Haunted Car Wash

We learned a few helpful tips on enjoying the Haunted Car Wash this Halloween at Whatta Wash Car Wash:

Get there early. This is a really popular event and waits can be long. See the next line.

Prepare to wait. The owners told us that in previous years, sometimes the wait was up to two hours. So be prepared with snacks, be sure to take a bathroom break before you go, and maybe bring games or a movie on your iPad.

Be sure to get in line by 10 pm. If you’re in line after that, you won’t be able to get in.

Drizzle is ok but downpouring rain isn’t. Light rain is ok but if it’s really downpouring, the Haunted Car Wash won’t be able to happen.

If you don’t want the characters opening your door, lock your car. The scary characters will try to jiggle the handle of your car doors and if they are unlocked, you’re in for a surprise. Lock your doors if you don’t want that kind of surprise.

Tickets are not presold. You have to wait in line.

There are things not allowed at the car wash. These include: cracked windshields, roof racks, bikes and bike racks, no dually trucks, no trucks or vehicles over 7’ 2”, no trucks with wide tires not fitting properly, and all open truck beds need to be empty and free of any loose items.

But really, how scary is the Haunted Car Wash?

Ah, the ever-important question we always get asked by parents. And rightly so. No one wants to be up at 3 am with their kid who had a clown nightmare.

But it’s really hard to answer that question because it all depends on the kid. The actors cannot touch you or bang hard on your car. But it’s a car wash and there is a lot of loud noise with the water, wind, and other contraptions. Add onto that scary characters that will get up close to your windows and run up to your car and appear out of a drenching inside the car wash.

We don’t have an answer for you. We didn’t find this as scary as say, Madworld, but the characters’ costumes look really great and to some kids, probably too realistic. It’s easy to see how seriously Whatta Wash takes their Haunted Car Wash. There are other decorations around the car wash as well like huge skeletons and creepy dolls and clowns. So take that all into account when you plan your trip here.

The owners suggest that if your kids are on the fence, go right at 6 pm so it’s still a little light out. After dark, the scare factor goes up!

Dates & Hours of the Haunted Car Wash 2024

Because this event takes a lot of work to pull together, the Haunted Car Wash will only run for six days, every Friday & Saturday the rest of October:

  • October 11 & 12, 2024
  • October 18 & 19, 2024
  • October 25 & 26, 2024

Hours are 6 pm – close. To go through the Haunted Car Wash, you have to be in line by 10 pm. Cars that line up after that won’t be able to get their scare on and have their car become all sparkly clean.

The cost is $30 per car, which gets you the experience of the Haunted Car Wash plus a car wash itself. If you want to do it multiple times, you’ll have to pay again.

A portion of their sales are going to relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Helene.

If you want to add to your Haunted Car Wash adventure, try one of our Halloween Driving Routes for extra spooky (and free) entertainment!

Whatta Wash Car Wash
2788 South Highway 14, Greer
Whatta Wash Website

10+ Haunted Places Near Greenville, SC to Visit for a Good Scare

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If you love a good scare, then these haunted places in Greenville, SC and the Upstate will give you the heebie jeebies. Allow local parent, Chad, to tell you about some of the most popular haunted places in the Upstate and the legends behind them. Then, you can decide if you want to summon up the courage and visit these spooky places.

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The Best Halloween Events for Babies and Toddlers in Greenville, SC

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Looking for fun things to do for Halloween for toddlers in Greenville, SC? Or maybe some Halloween events for babies? One of the highlights of having small children, if we are honest with ourselves, is dressing them. And costuming in October is even more rewarding and adorable. We at Kidding Around Greenville think we can help. Here’s a list of costume-happy activities without late hours or spooky décor. They are the perfect formula for toddlers and babies! Besides, we all need another excuse to coo over our little skunks and dragons.

Read on for some tot-friendly destinations in Greenville to try this year.

Halloween Guide, trick or treat in Greenville, SC

Looking for more? Don’t miss our enormous Guide to Halloween Events in Greenville and Spartanburg!

Boo in the Zoo Greenville SC
Boo in the Zoo

Ticketed Trick-or-Treating for Small Fries

Boo in the Zoo

Possibly the most well-known local Halloween event, Boo in the Zoo, is a kid-friendly path through the zoo. Twenty treat spots await you! Your baby’s or toddler’s jack-o-lantern will be stocked. While it’s unlikely you’ll see many animals out in their enclosures, the reptile house and all restrooms are open. The Greenville Zoo does a terrific job decorating the grounds in a kid-friendly way and provides popular character experiences and photo opportunities. Dress up and enjoy! Buy tickets in advance or at the gate.

The Greenville Zoo – 150 Cleveland Park Greenville, SC, 29601
Register for Boo in the Zoo!

Trick-or-Treat at TCMU

Trick-or-Treat at TCMU is perfect for little ones. On Saturday, October 26th, 2024, children and families will wind their way through the museum, collecting candy from community vendors and sponsors. This event is happening at both TCMU locations in Greenville and Spartanburg from 9 am – 4:30 pm. Note: Tickets are timed and should be purchased in advance.

Register for Trick-or-Treat at TCMU Greenville
Register for Trick-or-Treat at TCMU Spartanburg

Autumn Harvest at TD Saturday Market
Autumn Harvest at TD Saturday Market

Halloween Themed Events At Your Local Library

Greenville County Library System

October Tell-Me-a-Story Theatre” at the SCCT

During October, you can watch a FREE monster themed “Tell-Me-a-Story Theatre” at the South Carolina Children’s Theatre with a reading and performance of Even Monsters Need a Haircut by Matthew McElligott.

  • Monday, October 14th, 2024– 10 am and 11 am
  • Saturday, October 19th, 2024– 10:30 am

Free Festivals with Trick-or-Treating Perfect for Little Ones

“Autumn Harvest” at the TD Saturday Market

Main Street – Greenville, SC 29602
October 26th, 8:00 am-12:00 pm (trick-or-treating)

The last Saturday in October, the TD Saturday Market continues an adorable tradition of kids’ costumes, trick-or-treating, games, and a costume contest. The morning timing for trick-or-treating is miraculous, you must agree. Perfect for the small fries! Bring along your reusable shopping bags to stock up on autumn produce and artisan wares while your costumed kidlet is admired. Reference the TD Saturday Market website for the costume contest and group game times.

Side street parking is available for your visit, though we recommend the Richardson Street Garage for easy access to the market.

Boo Bash at the Haywood Mall

Saturday, October 19th, 2024 from 1 pm – 3 pm
Take your little trick or treating on a candy trail through the mall, visiting multiple stores for candy, while catching the Sanderson Sisters performing at the bash. There is even a costume contest. This event is great because it is indoors, which is a plus if the weather decides to change, and many of the vendors give out small toys and games instead of just receiving candy.

little girl dressed up in costume for Halloween

Not-So-Spooky Spooktacular Trail

October 26, 2024: 3 pm – 5 pm | Not-So-Spooky Spooktacular Trail | Take Heart Church

Downtown Trick or Treating in Travelers Rest

Saturday, October 28th, 2024: 3 pm – 5 pm | Downtown Trick or Treating in Travelers Rest
This trick or treating event is a lot of fun for little ones. They will get to walk around the downtown area and collect candy while wearing their favorite costume! There will also be free face painting and games at the gazebo. Just be sure to bring a stroller in case those little legs get tired of walking.

Adjusting to a new baby is challenging enough, and toddlers can prove unpredictable when out late or off-schedule. You shouldn’t have to miss out on every holiday tradition, though! Kidding Around Greenville hopes that we can play a small part in starting new Halloween family traditions for your growing family.

Our own Bethany Winston did the tiresome job of compiling these opportunities, and, boy, are we grateful. Please let us know how it goes, and happy costuming!

Halloween Guide to Greenville, SC

Looking for more? Don’t miss our enormous Guide to Halloween Events in Greenville!

Halloween Guide, trick or treat in Greenville, SC

2024 DRIVING TOURS: Spooky Halloween Houses- Greenville, SC

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Looking for some safe Halloween fun for the family? We put together this awesome driving tour of local homes with fabulously spooky Halloween displays. So load up the kids and go for a spooky drive. Which is your favorite stop?

Some people in the Upstate really get into decorating for Halloween and go all out. We’re talking 12 ft high skeletons, creepy carnival themes, flying witches, the works. And we found them and put them on a map for you to drive around and get into the Halloween spirit.

We’ve mapped out four routes for 2024: : Greenville, Simpsonville/Mauldin, North Greer, South Greer, and Five Forks – see the map. **When looking at the map below, the addresses in orange have been confirmed for 2024 and viewed by us. Any other color has not.

Bridgeton Manor
Bridgeton Manor
Halloween Guide, trick or treat in Greenville, SC

Looking for more spooky fun? Here’s our Greenville, SC Halloween Event Guide!

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

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

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

Thank you to Greer Heritage Museum for providing tickets so we could review this tour for our readers in 2022!

Halloween Guide, trick or treat in Greenville, SC

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

Greer Ghost Tours Marquee
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Did you know we have a Spooky Mini Golf in Greenville?

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👻 Did you know there is a Halloween-themed mini-golf at MadWorld? Madworld Haunted Attraction (partner)

You can enjoy playing all 18 holes while exploring the immersive spooky environment that includes:

  • The Saloon with a playable piano 🎹
  • The stocks (a great photo spot!) ⛓️
  • The Jail, where you can go sit behind the bars and experience the terrifying electric chair! ⚡️
  • The water tower 💧
  • The “scary” mini-golf attendees 🧟‍♂️

You can enter the grounds of MadWorld for free and just enjoy the mini golf (additional fee)! ⛳️🧛🏻


Halloween Guide to Greenville, SC

Watch! See our Visit to MadWorld’s Mini-Golf

MadWorld is a Great “First Scare” Experience

The grounds of MadWorld are a great first scare experience for children (or adults) who are not ready for the haunted house.

  • The actors stay in the main entrance area, so it’s up to you how long you want to face the “scares.”
  • A No-Scare medallion is available for purchase which will scare the monsters away!
  • You can also enjoy the bonfire, try Mad World’s signature drinks, play carnival games, or get snacks from the food truck!
  • Parking and Entrance to the grounds of Mad World are FREE, and don’t require a ticket to the haunted house!
  • Attractions inside the grounds are available for purchase after entrance.
Madworld Haunted Attraction

Read our full MadWorld Review


147 Country Manor Road, Piedmont, SC 29673
864.436.6307

Best Neighborhoods for Trick-or-Treating in Spartanburg, SC

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Looking for a safe place for your kids to trick or treat in Spartanburg? Local mom, Jennifer, tells us about the right way to trick or treat in a neighborhood that is not your own. Read on to find suggested Spartanburg neighborhoods for trick-or-treating and guidelines. 

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Search for Ghosts at These Haunted Cemeteries Near Greenville, SC

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Want to search out ghosts in these local haunted cemeteries? Greenville, SC, and several places in the Upstate are home to some seriously spooky cemeteries with ghost stories to go along with them. When a place has a troubled past, that usually means the alleged presence of spirits is inevitable. The Upstate has seen its fair share of disturbing things. Here are some of the creepiest haunted cemeteries to explore that might just give you the heebie-jeebies.

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