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Posts Tagged ‘Playgrounds’

Mom Review: Lakeside Park in Piedmont, SC

Looking for a park to explore? South of Greenville, in Piedmont, SC you’ll find Lakeside Park. When you think of Lakeside Park, you may only think of it as the home of the 7th Inning Splash Park. But, there is so much more to do at Lakeside Park.  You’ll find playgrounds, swings, ball fields, and even mountain biking at Lakeside. It is a great place to go year-round.

Looking for information about more parks in Greenville? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Parks in Greenville and Spartanburg Counties!

Places to Play at Lakeside Park

Behind the waterpark, you will find a small playground with several covered picnic areas.  While the playground isn’t new, it is in good shape.  The play area features climbing equipment and a set of swings.  The swing set has swings for children young and old.

Lakeside Park also has walking trails that are fun to explore. They take you off the beaten path. Your family will love taking walks in these shady areas. The walking trails total almost 6 miles, that includes mountain biking trails.

Covered canopy at Lakeside Park in Piedmont, South Carolina

Four baseball fields, a football field, and basketball courts can also be found in the park. The football field would be great for playing football, tag, or maybe flying kites. The basketball courts would be a great place to play a game of horse or practice making shots.

7th Inning Splash Park

The 7th Inning Splash Park features a splash pad, funnel slide, water slide, and lap pool. While it is smaller than Discovery Island, it does have areas for children of various ages to explore. For more information about this water park, check out our review of 7th Inning Splash Park.

The 7th Inning Waterpark funnel waterslide.

7th Inning Splash Park in Greenville, SC is a excellent way to cool off on a hot summer day! Find out why we love this waterpark.

Parking and Picnics at Lakeside Park

A picnic shelter and bathrooms are also right behind the water park. The shelter features a grill, fireplace, and 16 picnic tables. You can even reserve the large shelter.

The playground shares a small parking lot with the picnic shelter. When the water park is open, water park visitors may fill the spaces in this parking lot. Keep that in mind when visiting, and wear your sunscreen!

The circular area around the baseball field is filled with parking spaces. If the other parking areas are filled, you are sure to find parking in this circular area. Most of the parks 789 paved parking places are part of this circular area.

Lakeside Park Quick Review

Favorites:

  • Shady Walking Trails
  • Swings
  • Playground with Covered Picnic Areas

Drawbacks:

  • Smaller playground
  • Parking near playground can be crowded when the water park is open

Are you ready to explore Lakeside Park?

Five Playgrounds in Spartanburg, SC Your Kids Will Beg Not to Leave

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Ready to get outside and play? These playgrounds in Spartanburg, SC are perfect for playtime! You’ve read about the wonderful playgrounds that Spartanburg and the surrounding area have, 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.

5 excellent playgrounds in Spartanburg, South Carolina
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Feeling at Home at Happy Hollow Park

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One of Spartanburg’s lesser known parks, is also one of its best.  Tucked away in the historic neighborhood of Converse Heights, Happy Hollow Park spans one block at the corners of S. Fairview and Glendalyn Avenue.  Small and secure, Happy Hollow Park provides a safe and shady place for children of all ages to play.

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Va-Du-Mar McMillan Park Makes for a Perfect Afternoon Out

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Are you looking for information about Va-Du-Mar McMillan Park? If you want to know all the reasons this is a great park for kids, you’ve come to the right place. Local mom, Erika, has reviewed all of Va-Du-Mar McMillan Park’s amenities and is sharing why it is one of her kids’ favorite parks. 

Now is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors, and what better way to do that than to check out one of the wonderful parks that Spartanburg has to offer?

One park worth mentioning, and well worth the trip to Boiling Springs, is Va-Du-Mar McMillan Park, located at 591 McMillan Blvd. Whether you have never heard of it before, or just haven’t had a chance to make it out there, there are multiple reasons to add this park to your “to-do-with-the-kids” list.

Watch! See the New Playground at Va-Du-Mar

parks and playgrounds spartanburg greenville

Want to explore other parks? Here’s a round-up of the best parks and playgrounds near Spartanburg, SC and Greenville, SC.

What’s so great about Va-Du-Mar McMillan Park?

How is the playground?  Great; but we’ll get to that part later. Va-Du-Mar McMillan Park offers a lot more than just a playground and a few swings. Seven different sports fields, with football goalposts and soccer goals, are located in this gem of a park, so bring your soccer ball along and let the kids run off some of their energy. The fields are well maintained with the grass kept short and fire ant mounds are sprayed frequently.

Inside the park, lies Shoally Creek Disc Golf Course. This 18-hole course sits on a “hilly” landscape, making it a bit more exciting, and most of the course is played through the woods. A course map is posted near the start, of course, giving you an idea of what to expect as you play. A wildlife sign is posted, so keep a lookout for the critters that call the woods home. The course is open during daylight hours and is free of charge, just be sure to bring your own discs.

If you’re a fan of Disc Golf, check out our list of more locations where you can play Disc Golf In Spartanburg.

Nestled in the back of the park, away from the noise of the playground, you will find a sand volleyball court, as well as a caged tennis court, with three courts located inside. You will also find a paved walking trail with “doggy bag” receptacles, so leashed pets are welcome on the trail.

Va-Du-Mar Mcmillan Park playgound toddlers

The playground is great too

What is a park without a playground? Va-Du-Mar McMillan Park offers a fenced-in, fun playground geared toward children ages two and up. Within the fenced-in area are two play structures: the smaller playground is designed for children age two to five and offers multiple height-appropriate slides, a steering wheel, a bridge, and multiple ways to climb onto the playground, such as stairs, an arched ladder, and a small ladder.

The playground is open underneath so your little one can run under it for added play space. With 6 swings total, two are kiddie swings for children four years old and under, two regular swings, and two swings for special needs, it’s not likely that your child will have to wait their turn for a swing!

The larger playground, geared toward children age five to 12, doesn’t lack space or fun! A large bridge connects two different parts of this awesome playground, and the bigger side includes a covered “treehouse-like” area.

Various slides, ranging from smaller ones with less of an incline to spiral slides that are high enough to include two spirals before you reach the bottom, sit on all sides of this playground. Multiple climbing walls, stepping stones, and staircases can turn this playground into a fun obstacle course, amongst other fun ways to enjoy it.

Neither of the playgrounds is made of wood, so no need to worry about pulling any splinters out at the end of the day. The ground of the playground area is rubber, so there’s soft padding when your child lands at the bottom of a slide.

Va-Du-Mar Mcmillan Park playgound swings

What else makes this park great?

Convenient options can make or break a park for parents, and Va-Du-Mar McMillan Park does not fall short in this category. Some of the most dreaded words a parent wants to hear 10 minutes after arriving at the playground are “I have to go potty!” only to realize that the closest bathrooms are all the way back home. This park has a men and women’s bathroom, located near the tennis courts, with multiple stalls and a changing table; and more importantly, these bathrooms are kept clean!

There are several benches throughout the playground area for parents to sit and relax while their children play. Shaded areas with picnic tables are easily accessible, so you can pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic with your family.

The playground area is fenced in, reducing the worry of your child running into the parking lot. Trash cans are situated throughout the park for your convenience and are frequently emptied to keep bugs away. Beverage vending machines are located near the fields closer to the park entrance, as well as a concession stand that is open during organized sporting events.

As with any public park, there are rules set in place for the safety of everyone.  Glass containers are not allowed, so keep that in mind if you decide to pack a lunch.  While leashed pets are allowed in certain areas of the park, they are not allowed in the fenced playground area; however, service animals are allowed in all areas of the park.

Va-Du-Mar Mcmillan Park playgound slide

The park is open 7 days a week, park hours vary throughout the year:
Nov. 1‐ Feb. 28: 7 am ‐ 7 pm
March 1 ‐ Oct. 31: 7 am ‐ 9 pm

You can view the full list of park rules here.

Do your kids love Va-Du-Mar McMillan Park as much as mine do?

8 Awesome Park Playgrounds Greenville, SC: Your Kids Will Beg Not to Leave

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If you are looking for a fun park day, then here are the best parks with playgrounds Greenville, SC has! They are free, offer kids a chance to run and play, and also provide great lunch or play-date locations. We have tried to visit as many playgrounds in the Greater Greenville area as possible, and these are our Top park playgrounds in Greenville. These park playgrounds are based on unique play structures, imaginative themes, and scenic surroundings.

8 best park playgrounds in Greenville, South Carolina

Best Outdoor Playgrounds Greenville, SC

You voted, and here are the 2024 KABOOM Award-Winning Outdoor Playgrounds in Greenville, SC!

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Cedar Falls Park in Fountain Inn is the Perfect Park to Visit on a Beautiful Fall Day

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Looking for a beautiful park to enjoy on a crisp fall day? Cedar Falls Park in Fountain Inn offers a fun playground, a paved walking path, a historical site, and a waterfall. We’ll give you all the information you need to plan a day at this park with your family.

Parks and playgrounds near Greenville, South Carolina

Looking for more parks? We’ve got your Ultimate Guide to Parks and Playgrounds Near Greenville, SC.

Want more ideas on parks to explore, places to hike and more outdoor fun? Check out our Things to do Outside page.

I was first introduced to Cedar Falls Park by Deirdre at JDaniel4’s Mom. Deirdre and I are friends, and she is also a local blogger. She blogged about her visit to Cedar Falls Park during the 2013 Greenville Park Hop. I could tell that she and J Daniel had a lot of fun during their visit, and I decided that my family would need to check the park out ourselves.

After our visit my husband and I agreed that Cedar Falls Park is a local secret. The playground is imaginative and great for getting kids active. But the best part about Cedar Falls Park is the paved path (yay for strollers!) that leads to a beautiful wooded area where the Reedy River rolls over waterfalls and wildlife abounds.

waterfall at Cedar Falls Park

The history of Cedar Falls Park

Cedar Falls Park doubles as not just a recreational spot but also as an historic area. The site originated as a Cherokee hunting ground and transportation hub across the Reedy River. Later in the 1800s, a dam was built to power several mills. In the 1900s, a larger dam generated electric power for the Fork Shoals Mill. A more complete history of the Cedar Falls is located on a park sign on the trail.

On the trail, you will also find a sign explaining the Cherokee history of the site as well as a sign about the environmental aspects of the Reedy River which includes a chart of wildlife in the area.

Basic Information about Cedar Falls Park

The 90+ acres at Cedar Falls Park contains so much:

  • a paved walking trail to the falls
  • a sand volleyball court
  • picnic shelter
  • restrooms
  • playground
  • parking at both the playground and a small amount of parking beside the falls
  • large grassy areas for play
Cedar Falls Park playground

The Playground at Cedar Falls Park

My kids really enjoyed the play area located at the first entrance of the park. The playground based on fairy tales, included a bean stalk ladder, rock wall, small cave window, and large fun climbing structures. As a mom of a very brave toddler, I was glad to see that even the larger playground wasn’t terribly high (not that I would have wanted her to fall off it).

The playground designed for smaller kids was a little larger than other local options. I liked how it was still challenging and fun for even my 5 year-old (though he was fascinated with the larger structure on the other side).

The playground did not have a fence and both levels of playgrounds were connected. Since the playground was beside the parking lot, you did have to watch small kids closely to make sure they didn’t wander off.

The Falls at Cedar Falls Park

The walk to Cedar Falls was not difficult. Our kids (2 and 5) complained a little and we ended up toting the toddler, but we made it there and back without too much trouble. We did not bring a stroller, but the path was completely paved down to the falls.

We noticed a lot of people playing in the water, but we did not due to it being part of the Reedy River. Parents will want to know that this portion of the Reedy River has the same toxic level warning signs as you will find near the Reedy River at Falls Park.

I wore flip flops and the kids wore shorts on our visit. I would recommend tennis shoes and long pants as you will want to explore off of the path once you reach the falls. Don’t forget plenty of water and snacks too. Basically dress and pack for a hike.

The area was beautiful and we noticed lots of interesting insects and birds.

Even though the park was a little outside the normal area we travel for park visits, I’m sure that we will visit again. The kids really enjoyed their time playing at the park, and word is that Cedar Falls Park is a must-see spot in Greenville in the fall.

Visit Cedar Falls Park with your family

Cedar Falls Park is open daily from 9 am – dusk.

201 Cedar Falls Road, Fountain Inn

Visit the Cedar Falls Park website for more information.

What is your family’s favorite thing about Cedar Falls Park?

Mom Review: The Runway Park at Greenville Downtown Airport

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If you have a kid who loves airplanes, then Runway Park near Downtown Greenville, SC is the best park ever! Please tell me you’ve been. There is a wonderful park, with swings, climbing structures, a paved trail for bike riding, and lots of different slides. But the best part is that you can watch small-engine planes take off while you play! There is also a mini golf course and family-friendly restaurant in the same parking lot. What a win!

Runway Park at the Greenville Downtown Airport in Greenville, South Carolina

If your kid is super duper into planes, check out Spartanburg’s Downtown Memorial Airport Park. The park has a playground and even a free splash pad!

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Kids Can Do More than Just Play at Railroad Mini Park

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Have you visited Railroad Mini Park? This modest park is right off Stone Avenue near Downtown Greenville, so it is perfect for a quick play date after school or on the weekend. KAG contributor and local mom, Deborah, recently visited the park and tells us why this park offers more than just play.

What to Expect at Railroad Mini Park

No railroad. No train. This park is named after the street it is near, Railroad Street. Just a quarter mile off Stone Avenue, you’ll find a large grassy area, a full basketball court, and a playground. Park along Becker Street or Scott Street and walk across the grass.

View of the playground at Railroad Mini Park in Greenville, South Carolina

This playground is perfect for children of all ages and will improve balance and strength. The bouncy balance beam is a fun twist to the classic balance beam. No one will have to wait to slide with two slides on opposite sides of the playground. In the center, there are a few games. My boys’ favorite game was the spinner. Spin the arrow and then find that symbol somewhere on the playground.

A large cover keeps much of the playground shaded when the sun is at its highest. Bring a picnic to enjoy at the picnic table under the shade beside the playground. If you don’t want to pack a picnic, drive less than a mile and enjoy Willy Taco, where kids and adults can enjoy deliciously fresh Mexican food and even play a game of cornhole.

Railroad Mini Park sits just half a mile from NorthPointe, home to Harris Teeter, stores and restaurants, apartments, and a large parking garage.

Bring a basketball and other lawn games and your whole family to enjoy the park and maybe do a little shopping too. Yet another day made great in Greenville!

Obstacles on the playground at Railroad Mini Park in Greenville, SC

Railroad Mini Park
32 Becker Street, Greenville

Have you taken your kids to the new Railroad Mini Park yet?


Park Guide to Greenville, SC

Want to check out even more great parks in the Greenville area? Visit our guide to parks near Greenville, SC for info and reviews on tons of local parks!


Kid Venture 2.0 in Anderson, SC is Full of Playful Structures and Has a Brand New Splash Pad!

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Have you been to Kid Venture 2.0, the Anderson splash pad and playground yet? We are here to tell you all about it because you are going to really love it!

Kid Venture 2.0 has been in the works for several years and cost about $3.5 million. I learned that it has really been a lesson in bureaucracy done right. Everything from the funding to the planning to the implementation has been local counties and governments working together in a way that has produced something so beneficial to the community. 

The biggest draw of the playground is the splash pad, but there’s so much more to enjoy! The splash pad is open starting Memorial Day 2023 and runs through August 13, 2023 daily from 9 am – 8 pm. Then only Saturday and Sunday plus Labor Day from August 19th – September 3rd, 2023.

The entire park is free.

Kid Venture 2.0 splash pad and shade

The Splash Pad

Let’s just start there because that’s why you’re reading this story, isn’t it? The splash pad hours for 2023 start Memorial Day and run through August 13, 2023 daily from 9 am – 8 pm. Then only Saturday and Sunday plus Labor Day from August 19th – September 3rd, 2023.

Kid Venture 2.0 Anderson splash pad

The design of the entire playground is so playful and fun, including the splash pad. There is water that comes out from the ground as well as drops from above in structures that are tall and colorful. There isn’t much shade yet at the splash pad but the county will be planting trees along the benches to help remedy that challenge. They couldn’t do it in the heat of summer or the trees would die. 

The entire splash pad is fenced in and sits right next to the path along the pond where the ducks and geese are. 

The Playground

The whole playground is ADA-accessible and part of the playground is also sensory-friendly. Glenn Brill, the Director of the Parks, Recreation & Tourism Division for Anderson County, told me this playground is meant to be for everyone. His enthusiasm was contagious and I could easily see how excited he is for the playground and splash pad to open to the public. 

There is an adorable little market area for little kids with a fire truck for them to drive, tunnels to climb through, and an imitation farmers market. It is so cute and they call it the Lil Village. Aw!

Kid Venture 2.0 playground

The sensory-friendly area is just beyond that part with cozy nooks to sit inside. 

Part of the original playground from Kid Venture is still there and it includes some of the swing and bigger slides and walkways. There’s also a spinning area called Swingin & Blues with little seats that spin, a mushroom spinning wheel kids can hang onto, and a wheelchair-accessible ground level spinning covered seat Merry Go Round. My kids loved this one. 

There are beautiful shaded areas with benches throughout the playground and the ground is quite soft. 

The Bathrooms

The bathrooms are large and beautiful and heavy duty. Glenn told me they double as a storm shelter and can sustain winds up to 120 mph. You didn’t know a bathroom could do that, did you? Don’t feel bad, neither did I. 

The bathrooms are on automatic locks and are open 8 am – 8 pm and are right inside the playground next to the splash pad for easy access. 

The Picnic Shelter

There’s a nice, big shaded picnic area at Kid Venture but the county isn’t renting it out – it’s first come, first served. So if you want to have a birthday party there for your kid (which would be pretty cool), just get there early and set up. There’s no charge for having a party there or any other gathering.

Visiting Kid Venture 2.0

Kid Venture 2.0 has a lot going for it and as a parent, the two things I noticed straight away that I thought were so key was that the entire playground is fenced in and that there are plenty of shaded areas for sitting. And the shade isn’t just some canopy. Nope. They are gorgeous butterflies and flowers, so eye-catching and pretty and useful! If you’ve been to Dollywood, these look very similar to the shade structures they have there.

Kid Venture 2.0

The playground is open daily for play, bathrooms open from 8 am – 8 pm. The splash pad is open daily starting Memorial Day, 9 am – 8 pm.

There is no fee for the playground or splash pad. The county has installed cameras throughout the park for security as well. 

I brought my kids, ages 11 and 7, to both the playground and splash pad, and they loved it. I’d say the best ages are toddlers through middle school, maybe a bit younger. Kid Venture 2.0 is such a great addition to Anderson County and I think the community will truly love this place. 

Kid Venture
7 Jim Ed, Rice Circle, Anderson
864.260.4800
Kid Venture Facebook page

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Looking for more parks and playgrounds near Greenville, SC? Here’s your ultimate guide to all the parks and playgrounds in the Upstate.

Pinckney-Fludd Park Has a Climbing Structure Your Kids will Love

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Are you looking for a new park to explore in downtown? KAG contributor and local mom, Deborah, has the scoop on Pinkney Fludd Park and some other exciting ways to enjoy your time downtown. Pinckney Fludd Park offers a fun playground, climbing structure and more, all within a short walk of Heritage Green.

What you’ll find at Pinckney-Fludd Park

The small neighborhood park of Pinckney Fludd is on Pinckney Street just up from the beautiful, historic district of Hampton-Pinckney. The first house in this district was built by William Pinckney McBee, Vardry McBee’s son, before the Civil War, so you can expect mature trees and a wide street in a quiet neighborhood.

Just three minutes away from Heritage Green, this park makes the perfect addition to a day at the Children’s Museum or the Hughes Main Library!

Parking for the Pickney Fludd Park is conveniently located on Pinckney Street right in front of the gate. The park is fully enclosed and includes a basketball net as well as a picnic table and shaded bench. The new playground equipment did not disappoint!

My boys loved trying to climb across the playground without ever touching the ground. They even made it a race by timing themselves. As your children tryout the playground’s climbing structures, they will build confidence, determination, and important motor skills.

The go-round was a highlight to the playground. You can safely spin around in it very quickly, and even when you stop pushing it, it will continue to turn around slowly when children are in it. My son was super excited when he noticed the “space ship.” He called it this because of the clear dome at the top of the slide. These kinds of features really ignite the imagination of a child!

Pinckney Fludd park in downtown Greenville

More to do after you visit the park

After the playground, we decided to drive down to the Greenville Train Station and were thrilled to watch a long train pulling all sorts of military vehicles! Trains and tanks – how can you go wrong!

Last, but not least, this park is only a block from two trolley stops on the Arts West line, or green line. Catch a free ride downtown to the farmer’s market from 10 am – 2 pm on Saturdays.

Or, enjoy our exciting downtown Thursday through Sunday evenings. Be sure to download the Trolley Tracker app so you know exactly when the next trolley will arrive.

Grab a basketball and bring your entire family out for a fun day or evening together!

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Did you know there are TONS of parks and playgrounds near you? We’ve got the Ultimate List of Parks and Playgrounds Near Greenville, SC.