Have you been to Herdklotz Park in Greenville? It’s such a beautiful park, is close to Paris Mountain, and gives you an unexpected view of the downtown Greenville skyline. With two large playgrounds, unique climbing structures, and two multi-purpose athletic fields, this park has it all.
If there’s one thing my child loves, it’s heading to the park and playing on the playground. And to be honest—I love the opportunity for her to be outside and get some energy out. Herdklotz Park is a perfect place for her to play and run around.
First, a little history. Herdklotz Park is named for former county councilman, Dick Herdklotz, because of his desire to advance outdoor recreation in the Greenville area. So, even if the name is hard to remember, the sentiment behind it is very much appreciated. The location of this beautiful park is that of the former Hopewell Hospital, built in 1930 to treat patients with tuberculosis. The original building burned down one morning in 2002, but you can still walk by one remaining building and read about its history.
This spacious county park sits on 17 acres at the base of Paris Mountain. You will find very large athletic fields on both sides of the playground. Games and team practice are often going on, but if you’re lucky enough to find the fields open, they’re perfect for running and playing.
Herdklotz boasts one of the few county parks that has a sand volleyball court and horseshoe pits (you furnish the horseshoes). The pavilion shelter is up on the hill overlooking the park and is a lovely spot for a gathering (be sure to reserve your time in advance!). Bathrooms are just on the other side of the pavilion. And the panoramic view of downtown Greenville can be seen from the top of the hill.
Toddler Playground at Herdklotz Park
The playgrounds at Herdklotz
The Herdklotz Park playgrounds are some of the best playgrounds in Greenville (see our list of the 5 best playgrounds in Greenville for even more choices). The larger playground has a three-story tower for climbing. There are 6 slides, a climbing wall, a large swing set and a kid favorite—the sliding handle. Because it’s so large and challenging, this is definitely the place for older children or younger ones who are good at climbing.
The smaller playground is fenced in and has its own covered pavilion with a few picnic tables (perfect for a mid-visit snack!). This smaller playground is where you’ll find the swings for toddlers and the much smaller playset geared toward the little ones.
Between the two playgrounds is a .545 walking trail, perfect for exercising while the children play. You can see the larger playground no matter where you are on the path. If you want to take the children on a walk with you, there is a learning path with signs and many teaching opportunities.
fenced in toddler/smaller playground with picnic tables under a small shelter
the famous sliding handle
shade
scenic view
large athletic fields
Drawbacks:
little playground and big playground are far apart
no toddler seats on the big playground swings
Herdklotz Park in Greenville, SC
Athletic Fields and Playground at Herdklotz Park in Greenville, SC
Where is Herdklotz Park
Herdklotz Park is tucked away off Rutherford Road, right behind Half Mile Lake subdivision at 126 Beverly Road in Greenville. The parking lot is vast, with spots close to the playgrounds. And if you’re lucky, you’ll watch a train go by on your drive to or from the park.
Are you looking for some fun family things to do during school break? Here are some ideas of things to do in and around Greenville to keep the kids busy during a day off of school, or to have an amazing Staycation, without ever leaving town. Our list of ideas includes both indoor and outdoor activities your family is sure to enjoy!
Also, don’t miss our Park Guide. It will help you find the perfect park to visit!
Looking to meet other moms? Local mom Shawnee Colabella has put together this great list of places to meet other moms around the Upstate. If you’re looking for a group of moms to meet at a local park with or a group of moms to exercise with we’ve got the information you want!
Mom Escape event at Lake Cooley in 2019
If you’re new to the Upstate, you might be searching for a good way to meet other moms in your new town. Or if you’ve been here your whole life but are new to being a mommy you might want some new friends who also have children. No matter what your situation is, making new friends can be challenging and requires some effort. But luckily for all of us moms, there are some great resources that can help you connect with other moms in our area.
Out and About Moms of Greenville
Out and About Moms of Greenville (OAMG) is a local group of over 2,800 Upstate moms from all walks of life with children of all ages. In order to ensure that all moms are welcome joining OAMG is completely free! OAMG was spearheaded by one of KAG’s contributors Desiree Hempe. Out and About Moms of Greenville currently runs through Facebook. Due to the limitations, as well as, for safety reasons members are required to maintain active participation. Active participation is defined within the guidelines you agree to upon joining.
The OAMG administrators hold weekly playdates, as well as encourage each mom to create events that suit her needs and schedule. The administrators for this group consistently offer an up-to-date calendar of private events, local happenings, and deals. This forum allows moms in the Upstate the opportunity to get to know one another, plan and attend playdates, provide emotional support, as well as offer and receive much-needed advice. Join for FREE by searching Out and About Moms of Greenville on Facebook.
Out and About Moms of Spartanburg
Another option for making mom friends and getting out of the house is this Out and About Moms of Spartanburg, the sister chapter to Out and About Moms of Greenville. Moms can join this group by simply asking to be added to the closed Facebook group as long as they live close enough to the Spartanburg area to attend events. In this group, anyone can make play dates. If a mom knows of a cool event around town or has an idea for a playdate, she can create the event. They can host something as simple as meeting at the park to play. Also, there are no limits to what types of activities they do (it even includes things like walking and hiking play dates). There is no fee to join, but they do ask that moms who join the group try to attend at least some of the play dates. To join the closed Facebook group, search “Out and About Moms of Spartanburg.”
Moms of Preschoolers (MOPS)
Another great resource for moms is the International MOPS group which is short for Moms of Pre-Schoolers. There are several local chapters in the Upstate which are run separately. This group for mothers of children birth to kindergarten hosts in-person meetings, as well as online Mama Meetup video chats. Read about the local MOPS group in Greenville from mom Rachel here.
MOPS does require yearly dues; the amounts, as well as further information on this annual fee, can be found on their website. The Administrators of each local chapter will offer regularly scheduled meetings, monthly play dates, and a monthly mom’s night/day out. Each chapter provides free pre-school modeled child care through the Moppets program for their meetings. Although MOPS is church-affiliated, you do not have to be a member of the church to join.
Meetup
A great resource for moms to find a variety of groups directed at parents and mothers is Meetup. Each group is run separately and has its own rules regarding membership, as well as if any dues are required. You can search for local parenting, playdate groups, mommy and me groups, exercise groups, support groups, etc. on Meetup.
Kidding Around Greenville Community
It goes without saying that Kidding Around Greenville is an amazing resource for all things family related within the Upstate. However, you might not have known that Kidding Around Greenville has its own community on Facebook for its members to connect. Kidding Around Greenville Community is a wonderful forum open to all readers of Kidding Around Greenville!
Boiling Springs First Baptist Church MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)
This MOPS group meets at 9 a.m. in the fellowship hall of Boiling Springs First Baptist Church in Spartanburg on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday every month during the school year. There is a meeting fee. For more information, please check out their Facebook page.
MOMS Club
MOMS Club is an international nonprofit group of “Moms Offering Moms Support” that meets for a variety of group outings and activities. Joining a local moms club group means meeting local moms and their children regularly for playgroups, outings around town, and monthly moms’ nights out. MOMS Club offers a packed calendar that helps get moms out of their homes and into relationships with other moms by creating opportunities to get together with their children in various ways. Their calendar includes everything from zoo outings, baby playdates, park visits, craft get-togethers, community service activities, library events to moms-only trivia nights. Moms get to pick and choose which events they would like to attend – there are no mandatory events.
North Spartanburg MOMS Club
The chapter includes moms living in the following zip codes: 29316, 29349, 29322, 29323, 29330, and 29356. In order to be an active member of the group, there is a $20 yearly fee. For more information about joining this group, please see their Facebook page or contact [email protected]
Spartanburg MOMS Club
This chapter includes all Spartanburg area moms who do not live within the North Spartanburg county zip codes. This group has a $20 yearly fee for members. While the group has a large calendar of activities, they also offer a variety of interest groups. For more information about joining this group, please see their Facebook page or contact [email protected]
Spartanburg Stroller Rollers
This group meets to work out together at the Upward Star Center on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 9:30 a.m. for a one-hour class. The website states, “Being a mom and staying fit is a constant challenge. We strive to bring moms together to encourage one another, get fit, and form lifelong relationships.” There is a cost associated, but your first class is free and there are no contracts (you can cancel your membership at any time). If you have a stroller, check out all the fun these moms are having while exercising with their babies. Note: Spartanburg Stroller Rollers is temporarily closed.
With multiple options, moms can find the groups where they feel most comfortable. Many local moms are active in more than one of these groups! If you are trying to find out where the moms are hanging out in Spartanburg, start with these groups.
Do you have a resource for meeting other moms to add to our list?
Looking for a playground in northern Greenville? Northside Park has a newer playground in addition to picnic facilities and basketball and tennis courts. We sent KAG Contributor Kristen Alcock to visit the playground at Northside Park and give our readers a review of the facilities.
Looking for a place to play in Easley? My favorite time of year has arrived and I am so excited! Spring is working hard to break its way into the Southern summer. Recently my kids and I decided to leave the “big city” to check out the suburbs. We set out on a mission to explore some of the Easley parks and were pleasantly surprised with what we discovered!
We’ve also added some information for you about all parks in Easley and Pickens Counties, even if we haven’t had the opportunity to visit them yet.
Ready to get outside and play? Spring has been taking its time making its debut in the upstate, but the warmer weather is finally creeping its way in. You’ve read about the wonderful playgrounds that Spartanburg and the surrounding area has, but after a long winter of planning indoor activities, here is a reminder of some of the best playgrounds in Spartanburg you can revisit, or check out for the first time.
Park playgrounds are the perfect outing. They are free, offer kids a chance to run and play, and also provide a great lunch or play-date locations. We have tried to visit as many playgrounds in the Greater Greenville area as possible, and these are my family’s Top park playgrounds in Greenville. I chose these park playgrounds based on unique play structures, imaginative themes, and scenic surroundings.
Downtown Spartanburg has a fantastic park, located at the Downtown Memorial Airport with two playgrounds, paved paths for bike riding, picnic shelters, and a free splash pad. It’s perfect for the summer heat with that splash pad, plus year-round fun on the playgrounds. Here’s everything you need to know about the Downtown Memorial Airport Park.
Are you in search for a unique local park with imaginative play spaces? We recommend Century Park’s Kids Planet in Greer. This park has multiple new playgrounds with a castle, bridge, zip line and accessible playground.
After patiently waiting since September of 2019 for the new and improved Kid’s Planet playground to be revealed at Greer’s Century Park, the wait is over! The New Benson Automotive Kid’s Planet is open to the public and we are in love!
