Posts Tagged ‘Playgrounds’

Holmes Park near Downtown Greenville Has a Playground Your Kids Will Love

Do you want to find a great playground in an old neighborhood? Your children are sure to enjoy playing at Holmes Park. KAG contributor, Deborah, checked it out and found a tranquil park full of activities for children, teens and adults.

If you’re looking for more great parks to visit see our Greenville parks page.

Until just a few weeks before her 100th birthday, my grandmother lived in the quiet neighborhood of Dellwood. I have wonderful memories of walking down the street to Holmes Park where I could play at the playground and run around. Of course, as a child, I had no idea that Holmes Park is located just 3 miles from Cherrydale and 2 miles from downtown Greenville.

I didn’t think about how nice it was to not have to wait to go down the slide or how easy it was for my mom to keep track of me. I just loved being a kid. Now, I get to share this lovely park with my boys.

Holmes Park new playground in Greenville

About Holmes Park

The adventure begins the moment you get out of the car. You can barely see the playground from the parking lot which means you get to run up the path, beside the covered pavilion, all the way up to the playground.

This bright playground’s plethora of climbing structures makes it feel like an obstacle course. Your children will be challenged and determined to conquer the hanging triangle tunnel. The slide stands out from others with a climbing wall to reach the top instead of a ladder.

The teacup-like ride, rotating shuttle, and netted tunnel complete the draw this playground will have for every child aged 5-12. There is a fully shaded bench where you can sit and watch your children, but the playground is not shaded.

The giant live oak tree right beside the playground will draw your children into nature’s playground. You can climb its thick, low branches, hide in its leaves, and let your imagination run wild. An excellent frisbee golf course encircles the park. Most of the course is shaded which means you could take a nice walk even in the heat of the summer.

You will also find tennis courts and a ball field in the center of the park, and restrooms are across the field from the playground.

Visit Holmes Park

111 Holmes Drive, Greenville
6 am – 9 pm daily
Visit the Holmens Park website.

Have you taken your kids to explore Holmes Park since the new playground was installed?

parks and playgrounds spartanburg greenville

Here’s your ultimate guide to parks and playgrounds near Greenville, SC.

Gower Estates Park Has a Zip Line For Your Kids to Enjoy

Are you looking for an awesome playground to visit without leaving Greenville?
Gower Estates Park has a zip line and plenty of shade, making it an excellent choice for your next park day!

Gower Estates Park in Greenville, South Carolina

I had never been to Gower Estates Park until we were invited to a birthday party there. This little park is secretly tucked away just off Lauren’s Road. If you’re like my kids, you call it “the park with the tank”. Yes, it has an army tank and the kids can climb all over it. #funpictures! Gower has some great tennis courts and a couple of very nice baseball fields.

The Playground at Gower Estates Park

The best part is the playground equipment! The set boasts a two-level jungle gym with a slide. Next to it is a fun hanging merry-go-round sort of thing. (Try it and see if you can hang on!)

A Zipline

And last but not least, the feature that will provoke endless giggles and be the reason why you return to the park, is a zip line. Picture the zip line everyone waits for at Hertklotz, but five times longer and you get to sit on it. So much fun! My kids even forgot that it was 93 degrees for a few minutes. I’m guessing this is our new request for go-to parks.

Parents, here’s your takeaway on the new digs. Metal poles are made with this material that doesn’t get hot in the sun. Fresh mulch is not dyed, so don’t worry about stains on clothes. There is a cover on the playground and lots of trees so there’s plenty of shade. And the main attraction for parents? The bathrooms are generally clean!

Disc Golf, Tennis Courts, and Picnic Shelters to Rent

Not only does Gower Park have an excellent playground, but it also has softball fields, basketball courts, tennis/pickleball courts, and more. There is also a 9-hole disc golf course that is a fun way to spend an afternoon with your kids.

You will also find a paved walking trail, perfect for pushing a stroller or taking your young kids out to practice riding their bikes or scooters.

If you want to rent a shelter at Gower Park, you can for birthday parties, special events, or family gatherings. They offer half-day or full-day rentals, with 5 covered picnic shelters available.

Visit Gower Estates Park

Gower Park
24 Evelyn Avenue, Greenville
Open daily 6 am – 9:30 pm

What is your favorite thing about the renovated Gower Estates Park?

Check out our KA Guide to Parks Near Greenville, SC for a detailed guide of what each park offers!

Play, Fish, and Boat at Anchor Park on Lake Bowen: The Largest Lake in Spartanburg County

Inside: A real parent review of Anchor Park at Lake Bowen in Spartanburg, SC. Learn about the playground, water access, boating, and other amenities.

Looking for a family-friendly lake near Spartanburg where kids can play and parents can relax?

Anchor Park at Lake Bowen in Inman, SC offers a fully fenced playground, shady picnic spots, and easy access to water activities like fishing, kayaking, and boating—all in one scenic location. Read on for everything you need to know about what this great park has to offer!

For more ideas on outdoor activities this summer, check out our list of Things to do Outside in Spartanburg, SC!

About Lake Bowen

Lake Bowen is the largest lake in Spartanburg County, covering over 1,500 acres with approximately 33 miles of shoreline. It is managed by Spartanburg Water as a scenic reservoir which families can enjoy. Anchor Park is a fantastic place to do just that, with ample parking, playgrounds and picnic shelters, multiple ways to access Lake Bowen, and the Lake Bowen Warden’s Office.

Image shows Anchor Park sculpture, sign, playgrounds, and picnic pavilion.

Anchor Park Playground

Anchor Park offers some of the best playgrounds in Inman. It is fully fenced all the way around with gates on each side for easy access in and out. There are two different play structures, one for little kids and one for bigger kids, plus a swing set and a few different options for sensory play.

Image shows the central picnic shelter at Anchor Park.

One picnic shelter sits between the two play structures, allowing parents to easily supervise both, and another picnic shelter sits a little farther up the hill, giving a great view of the entire play area. There are a few benches around the park for additional seating, and a paved path loops around it, too, for those who want to walk, bring bicycles or tricycles, or even color with sidewalk chalk.

Men’s and women’s restrooms are conveniently located right outside the fenced play area, and there are trees scattered throughout offering some shady spots where you can get out of the heat. Plus, there is just no beating the incredible wraparound view of Lake Bowen. You’ll be able to observe all the wildlife and water sports right from the shores of the park!

Image shows fishing pier over Lake Bowen.

Fishing on Lake Bowen

Anchor Park is the ideal place to access Lake Bowen for water sports. Whether you’re interested in fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, or boating, you’re going to find a way to do it right here.

The entire shoreline is perfect for fishing. You can stand right on the rocks and drop your line in the water, take advantage of the two dedicated fishing piers, or even climb down onto a small muddy shoreline when the water level is low enough. Because the lake wraps around the park, it’s not hard to find spots in full sun or partial shade at any time of day, either.

Just remember to purchase a fishing license in advance of your visit for any anglers ages 16 years or older! Fishing licenses are not required for freshwater fishing in South Carolina on Memorial Day or Independence Day. Magnet fishing is always prohibited under South Carolina state law.

Image shows watercraft on Lake Bowen from shores of Anchor Park.

Water Sports on Lake Bowen

If you want to get out on the water, this is definitely the place to do it! We’ve seen jet skis, tubing, pontoon boats, and more come on and off the water around Anchor Park.

There is a special access point for paddlecraft, or non-powered watercraft, to enter and exit the lake if you follow the road to the right around the park and playground. There are also two boat ramps across the parking lot if you drive towards the left as you enter the park.

Image shows dock and launch for non-powered watercraft, otherwise known as paddelcraft.

Spartanburg Water requires watercraft permits for both powered and non-powered vessels on Lake Bowen. Permits start at $25 for non-powered vessels and go up from there, with lower prices for locals and highest prices for out-of-state visitors. Permits are only available at the Warden’s Office, so be sure to call in advance at 864.592.2240. Office hours are posted, but exact hours vary as the warden comes and goes.

Boat registration with South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is also required for any watercraft not relying on human power. This means that paddlecraft such as canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards are exempt, but motorized boats will need to be registered. Boat registration starts at about $20 and can be done online.

Image shows a large sign with a few life jackets hanging under it, which can be borrowed by visitors at Anchor Park.

Life jackets are required under South Carolina state law for all children under 12 years old. A limited number of life jackets are available to borrow near the non-powered watercraft dock, but it’s a good idea to bring your own in case these run out.

Image shows a close-up of play equipment at Anchor Park.

Image shows a rocky shore against Lake Bowen.

Visit Lake Bowen

Park Hours: 6 am-midnight
Restroom Hours: 6:30 am-7 pm
Watercraft Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Warden Office Hours: 7:30 am-6 pm, 7 days a week

📍 Address: 8515 Highway 9, Inman, SC 29349
📞 Phone: 864.592.2240
🔗 Lake Bowen Website

What’s your family’s favorite thing to do at Lake Bowen?

See more parks and playgrounds to explore in Spartanburg, SC

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

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!

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.

Pittman Park Has A Shaded Playground for a Hot Summer Day

Have you visited Pittman Park?
This Greenville area park has a shaded playground with mature trees that make it perfect for those hot summer days when you want to avoid the sun at all costs. The Gary L. Pittman Memorial Park is one of KAG Contributor Lindy Wilson’s favorites! It offers a shaded playground, a walking trail, space to roam, soccer fields to practice on, and more!

View of the playground at Pittman Park in Greenville, South Carolina

About Pittman Park

Pittman Park is located off Blacks Road, which runs from Pelham Road to Roper Mountain Road. This makes it a very convenient stop when running errands in that area or Woodruff Road, as well as close to the 385 and 85. It also is near the Pelham Road branch of the library. The location makes Pittman Park the perfect park to stop by on a hot summer day!

The Playground at Pittman Park

If your kids need space to run, they’ll love Pittman Park as it offers many fields and is great for soccer. Or bring your child’s bike and circle the fields on the paved trail. It’s the perfect spot to burn some energy between errands!

The playground is a bit old school with a tall metal design, but it is fun. There are lots of slides including smaller ones you can assist an older baby down. There is no toddler playground, however, there are toddler swings as well as standard ones. The ground is covered with wood chips which are much less messy than the sand found at some playgrounds. Our 1-year-old has no issue navigating the playground and loves the double slide where we can ride down together safely.

Pittman Park tends to be a good warm weather park as there is plenty of shade thanks to the trees surrounding the park. The ice cream truck even stops by occasionally. You’ll find various benches for sitting or even having a picnic. While there are no reservations for use, it’s a popular spot for birthday parties. (See our list of Inexpensive Birthday Party Ideas in Greenville for even more suggestions.)

Restrooms

The bathroom is relatively close but it’s up the hill so it can be a little trek from the play area. Keep that in mind if you have newly potty-trained toddlers. The bathrooms are outdated but are usually kept clean and maintained. You’ll also find water fountains next to the bathrooms.

Soccer & Sports Fields

The park can be busy as there are several soccer fields. However, it’s so big that crowding is almost never an issue. You will regularly see groups using the fields to practice volleyball, soccer, rugby, and even flying kites in the lower fields.

Parking & Landscape at Pittman Park

The parking lot is pretty unique in that it’s oriented longways so there are many spots right along the grass/sidewalk. This is nice because kids can jump out of the car and hit the park without crossing through the parking lot. The fact that the park is downhill from the parking lot also means it’s harder for kids to run off. The landscaping retaining wall also helps as does the more open playground design. I can usually spot my kids without running around to see past walls. This puts my mind at ease while allowing my kids to freely explore.

Kids Biking and Scootering

The park is a great place to ride a scooter or bike, but do know that there are places on the paved trail where roots have pushed up the asphalt, so it gets a little bumpy in places.

Overall, Pittman is a great park. A fun playground, a nice trail, lots of grassy fields, and some nice places to sit in the shade all make it a winner in our book. We hope you enjoy it too!

Visit Pittman Park

Pittman Park
420 Blacks Road, Greenville

What do you and your kids love the most about Pittman Park?

Looking for more parks in Greenville? Check out our KA Park Guide, with all the information you need for a perfect park day!

Explore the Reedy Creek Park, Nature Center, & Preserves in Charlotte, NC

Have you visited Reedy Creek Park in Charlotte, NC?
Local mom, Sarah, visited the park with her 3 kids and they had such a wonderful time exploring the Reedy Creek Park Nature Center, the playgrounds, natural play spaces, trails, and more!
The best part is there’s no admission. Reedy Creek Park is FREE! Read on to learn more about their visit and get all Sarah’s tips to plan your adventure at Reedy Creek Park.

Just a few short miles past the heart of Charlotte, NC you can find Reedy Creek Park, home to the nearly 1,000 acres of the Reedy Creek Nature Center and Preserve. Travel time is 1 hour 30 minutes from Spartanburg. SC, 1 hour 45 minutes from Greenville, SC, and 1 hour 50 minutes from Columbia, SC. Factor in that the park is COMPLETELY free to access, including convenient parking throughout, and this place is a dream come true for your next family excursion!

Reedy Creek Park Nature Preserve playground

Reedy Creek Nature Center

We recommend starting in the heart of the park at the small but worthwhile Nature Center. With ample parking and a short, paved path up to the building, this is a great place to start out with kids of any age and determine which parts of the park you want to explore. You’ll find free, easy-to-read maps, clean restrooms with changing tables, and a gift shop packed with educational materials and fun souvenirs for all ages. The gift shop leads straight into the Nature Center, which is one large room of hands-on exhibits for kids to explore!

When our family visited the Nature Center, we found a microscope projector with a variety of artifacts to check out, including butterflies and scorpions. There were explorer costumes to borrow, a treehouse to climb, a fairy village on display, and even a covered reading nook where quieter children could enjoy a wide selection of nature-themed picture books.

Our personal favorite spot, though, was the set of rocking chairs—with sizes for both children and adults—facing out wall-sized windows towards a beautiful hummingbird garden. Once you are ready to venture outside, be sure to ask if there’s a scavenger hunt going on! If so, bringing back a completed scavenger hunt sheet can earn your kids a prize.

You will find one of the best attractions in the whole park right outside the Nature Center: a sprawling wooded area that has been carefully curated for young explorers. The main attraction is a set of large platforms and bridges, surrounded by high railings to ensure safety. This structure has only two access points, both of which come out on the same side, making it easy to supervise children without ever having to chase them!

Beyond that, there are multiple climbing areas, all appropriately sized for preschool and elementary-aged kiddos. There’s plenty for older kids in this area, too, with a long and winding balance beam carved from real trees and a huge stockpile of long, thick branches that can be used to build any kind of fort imaginable! Plus a bonus for parents: several benches with clear visibility of the ENTIRE play area.

Dragonfly Pond

The next major attraction at Reedy Creek Park is absolutely the water features, and it could be worth making an entire trip to spend at this area alone! There are two sizable ponds, the larger of which allows fishing and has a handicap-accessible fishing pier.

Rods and reels are available to borrow free of charge from the Nature Center, but a fishing license issued by the State of North Carolina is required for ages 16 & up, so plan ahead to obtain one of those prior to your visit!

In the area surrounding the ponds, there are also several picnic structures, restrooms, a volleyball court, a disc golf course, and a Panthers Play60 playground for all ages! This area has some woods and a lot of sun, so be sure to pack sunscreen if this is where you plan to spend your day.

Play 60 Park in Reedy Creek Nature Center

Sports Complex

The last area that might be most desirable for families is the playground and sports complex right by the entrance. This is the smallest play area of the park, featuring one play structure each for toddlers and older kiddos alongside a couple of swing sets.

Here you will find another volleyball court, as well as a basketball court and what looked to be a couple of baseball diamonds. There are also picnic structures and restrooms available in this area, and the woods provide a nice balance of sun and shade everywhere except the baseball diamonds.

Hiking Trails at Reedy Creek Park

Other features of the park to note are the dog park and the hiking trails. Dogs are also allowed in all outside spaces of the park as long as they are leashed, and I cannot recommend Reedy Creek Park enough for beginning hikers or those hiking with little ones!

All trails are easily accessible from the parking lots scattered throughout the park, and trail lengths range from 1/10th of a mile to 1.5 miles. The park maps available at the Nature Center include details on each trail, specifying not only the length but the difficulty, incline, shade, and points of interest on each one!

All the hiking paths are either natural, gravel, or a mix of both. All-terrain wheelchairs are available to borrow at no cost from the Nature Center on weekdays, but reservations are required at least 4 days in advance to ensure availability. Other than that, only foot traffic is permitted on the hiking trails.

Cyclists and those walking with strollers will want to wait for the greenway currently under construction, with completion expected by Summer 2025!

Hummingbird Festival

An annual highlight at Reedy Creek Park is the Hummingbird Festival held every August! Contact the Nature Center at 980.314.1119 for details on the event and any special activities that may require advance registration. Arriving early in the morning is best to guarantee plenty of hummingbird sightings and special activities could include limited-time exhibits, science experiments, arts & crafts, and storytelling!

Tips for Visiting Reedy Creek Park

During the warm seasons, pack sunscreen & bug spray.
During cooler seasons, wear layers for indoor & outdoor fun.
Plan multiple visits or a full day trip to see all that this incredible park has to offer. You can pack your own snacks & lunch, or make a quick trip out to one of the many kid-friendly restaurants in the larger Charlotte area!
For fishing, purchase your fishing license in advance & pack your own supplies. Rods & reels are available to borrow at the Nature Center, but supplies may be limited.
For details on facility reservations, seasonal programs, offerings, or temporary closures, just call the Nature Center staff at 980.314.1119 during their open hours!

About the Reedy Creek Nature Preserve

So what are you waiting for? Plan your family’s next day trip to Reedy Creek Park today!

General Park Information:

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9 am-5 pm / Sunday, 1-5 pm
Address: 2986 Rocky River Road, Charlotte, NC 28215
Website: Reedy Creek Nature Preserve
Email: rcnp@MeckNC.gov
Phone: 980-314-1119

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Have you ever been to the Reedy Creek Nature Center?

Parks in Charlotte NC, Great playgrounds in Charlotte, NC

The parks and playgrounds in Charlotte are super fun!

Check out the Kidding Around® Guide to Parks in Charlotte, NC.

Day Trip Guide to Charlotte, North Carolina

For more day trip ideas see our list of Day Trips from Charlotte, NC.

Greer City Park is a Park Your Entire Family will Love

Have you visited Greer City Park? This park includes a playground, landscaped green spaces, and a fountain, plus hosts many local events and festivals.

An Evening Stroll in Greer City Park

Parks and playgrounds near Greenville, South Carolina

For more parks in Greenville, see our Ultimate Guide to Parks in Greenville.

Are you looking for a great local park with plenty of things for your little ones to enjoy and explore? Look no further than Greer City Park! Find it at 301 East Poinsett Street in Greer!

About Greer City Park

Located right in the heart of downtown Greer is a charming, yet modern, recreation area that boasts all of the best amenities. Visitors can enjoy playing ball in any of the park’s wide open spaces, taking a stroll or bike ride along one of the beautifully landscaped walkways, having a picnic under a pavilion, or bouncing around on the new rubber turf slab surrounding the large playground.

The park has a great mix of interesting characteristics, including a gazebo, an adorable little pond, a large fountain, bench swings, an amphitheater, beautiful rock features, and lovely brick facades.

Playground and Picnic Shelter

A large pavilion next to the playground provides plenty of tables and shade for a picnic or birthday party. Also, right next to the playground are drinking fountains and bathroom facilities. I loved that the playground was set back a good stroll away from the parking lot. In the heat of the summer, visitors might find the playground a bit hot since it is right in the direct sun.

Greer City Park Has Three Beautiful Fountains

The top of the park features a circular fountain that is a lot of fun for kids to run around. There is also a fountain right beside the large one that is great for photos. There, you’ll find a few bench swings to relax at under a pergola. Down the hill, closer to the playground, there is a huge pond with a lovely fountain and gazebo you can walk into and see some koi fish below.

A second set of restrooms is located near the fountain and amphitheater.

Lots of Sun & Access to Downtown Greer

On the particular day my youngest son and I set out to review this park, the skies were a beautiful blue streaked with puffy white clouds, the birds were out, and the flowers had burst open all throughout the park – everything was singing of Spring!

My 4-year-old loved the obstacle-course style features on the playground and kicking a bouncy ball through an adjacent open lawn. We enjoyed a picnic lunch next to the playground along with a few of our friends. Next time I’ll probably pack the scooters or a kite. We couldn’t have asked for a better afternoon!

Greer City Park
301 East Poinsett Street, Greer
Visit the Greer City Park website.

For more parks with sun for the hotter months, see our list of Sunny Playgrounds in Greenville.

If you’re looking for a special treat, the park borders downtown Greer. Frozen custard, coffee shops, and restaurants are just an easy walk away.

Explore Downtown Greer, SC

What’s your favorite thing to do at Greer City Park?

Conestee Park Has an Amazing Playground, Open Green Space, and Even a Dog Park

If you haven’t been to Conestee Park in Greenville, SC, then we highly recommend you go! This park features two playgrounds that are nature-themed, a huge open field to fly kites or laze around in, a shaded picnic pavilion, and even connects to a nature preserve that is an ecological gem in Greenville County.

What You’ll See at the Park:
🌳 Two Nature-Themed Playgrounds with fences!
🧺 Beautiful Shaded Pavilion with a covered picnic space
🪁 Huge Open Green Space that includes a walking trail and dog park
🦆 Direct Access to Lake Conestee Nature Preserve

The Conestee Park in Mauldin, South Carolina.

Here’s some Greenville trivia for you. What is the former baseball field of the double-A minor league team, the Greenville Braves? If you’ve been in the area for a while, you know that the Braves used to play at the Greenville Municipal Stadium. This is the current home of Conestee Park. What you may not know is that Conestee Park adjoins Lake Conestee Nature Preserve, Greenville’s best nature park!

What you’ll find at Conestee Park

Nature Themed Playgrounds

Upon entering the park, you will drive past the ballfield and find the playgrounds and pavilion at the back of the lot. There is plenty of parking. And, in true Greenville fashion, there is a fenced playground for younger children right next to larger playground for the older kids. The playgrounds are nature-themed, with a variety of unique climbing and balancing structures that make this park a kid favorite.

Covered Picnic Tables

The Conestee pavilion is one of the most beautiful I’ve seen at Greenville parks. With its rows of plentiful square picnic tables, wood-paneled ceilings, and a perfect view of the larger playground, the pavilion is a great place to rest in the shade for a snack or lunch. The pavilion can be reserved for events just like other parks. Right beside the pavilion and playground is a well-maintained bathroom.

Open Green Space

In addition to the playground, there is a huge grassy area perfect for kicking a soccer ball or tossing a frisbee. There are even porch swings for the adults to sit on and relax while the children play. Around the lot is a paved path for running and walking. And over to the side is a dog park tucked away in the trees.

Lake Conestee Nature Preserve

But, in my opinion (and my children’s too) one of the best parts about a trip to Conestee Park is that you can easily access Lake Conestee Nature Preserve. Several options are available for walking trails. Each trail has learning stations describing everything from river bed erosion to wild bird life. Trails are clearly marked and areas that are prone to mud have boardwalks. The trails even connect to the extensive Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail. You’re kids are going to love the nature playscape that was installed in 2025. This play area inside the preserve is a true combination of nature and play! For more about the trails and layout, in our KAG guide to Lake Conestee Nature Preserve Guide.

Check out our Guide to Lake Conestee Nature Preserve and see what makes it so special to Greenville, SC.

Plan your own adventure at Conestee Park

The large parking lot near the playground is at 840 Mauldin Road in Greenville, SC. This is just a ten-minute drive from the Butler Road exit of I-385. Make sure to use this address, which is “Greenville Municipal Stadium,” in your GPS search. If you search Conestee Park, your map might take you to other entrances to the park.

There’s something for everyone at Conestee Park. Have you ever been?

Birding at its Finest!

Find out why Lake Conestee Nature Preserve has the best bird-watching sites in Greenville, SC

Birds and birding at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve

Find the perfect park for your family in our HUGE Guide to Parks Near Greenville.

Fun Days Start Here

Find lots more things to do in Greenville in our huge guide.

Stewart Park in Spartanburg Has a Fun Playground and Splash Pad

Ever been to Stewart Park in Spartanburg? If you’re looking for new parks to explore in the Upstate, this is one to put on your list. I recently visited a new-to-me park, Stewart Park, and I have everything parents need to know! This Eastside Spartanburg park offers both a fun playground and a splash pad.

For even more park reviews, see our Things to Do Outside in Spartanburg page.

Stewart Park in eastside Spartanburg County

Where is Stewart Park?

Stewart Park is located around the corner from the iconic Beacon Restaurant on Beacon Street in the Highland area of town. Since it is nestled in an area with houses and apartments, it is possible not to even know it is back there.

What you will find at Stewart Park

Stewart Park is a wonderful product of the City of Spartanburg Parks and Recreation. The city renovated this park in 2012, and now our children get to reap the benefits! The park has a great playground, as well as a swing set with baby swings, and a splash pad! Given that I visited during one of the hottest days of the summer, I was thrilled to see the splash pad was up and working.

Additionally, this park is home to a baseball field, basketball courts, a paved walking trail, and a covered picnic pavilion. When we checked out this park, every area was in use by someone, which showed us this local park is well-loved by the community.

basketball courts at Stewart Park in Spartanburg Country

What parents need to know about Stewart Park

We visited Stewart Park on a very hot Tuesday afternoon around 4:00 pm, and it was packed! There were tons of children playing on the playground and enjoying the splash pad. However, there is plenty of room, so no one was running into one another. With its location, many locals simply walk to the park, so I imagine this is why it appeared to be busier than other parks we have visited.

The park does not have an actual restroom facility, but it does have portable toilets (aka porta-potties). Fortunately, they are located pretty close to the playground, so if your kid has a potty emergency, you can get there quickly. But, you will not find a diaper changing area.

The playground area of the park is not fenced in, and the park lies between two streets. However, the actual playground is located at the bottom of a steep hill, so little ones are still protected from running from the playground to the street.

On our visit, my kids, who are 4 and 7 years old, fit right in with the ages of the kids playing. Plus, there were older kids (pre-teens and teenagers) hanging out at the basketball court and walking the paved track. The park serves all ages.

The most exciting feature is definitely the splash pad! The splash pad is activated by the touch of a button. You may have to wait a minute or two for the water to come up after you push it, but once it does, the kids will have a blast! The splash pad is a great feature, especially because Stewart Park is not a shaded park. If you want shade, you will have to sit at the pavilion (which borders the playground).

splash pad at Stewart Park in Spartanburg

Plan a trip to Stewart Park

Stewart Park
Beacon Street, Spartanburg
Visit the Stewarst Park website.

Splash Pad is open Memorial Day through Labor Day (8 am – 7 pm)

We list additional parks with splash pads on our list of splash pads & water parks near Spartanburg.

Have you taken your kids to Stewart Park yet? What other parks in Spartanburg should parents know about? Let us know in the comments!

Looking for other parks in the Upstate? We’ve got your Park Guide to all the parks and playgrounds near Greenville and Spartanburg.

Find Out Why Legacy Park is a Favorite Park for So Many Families

Inside: Local parents share what they love about Legacy Park, Greenville, SC.

Are you searching for a park that offers something for everyone in your family? We’ve got just the place! Our review of Legacy Park in Greenville shares all that this awesome park offers, including walking trails, tons of open space to play, great playgrounds and more! Read on and plan your own trip to Legacy Park!

Quick Facts on Legacy Park:

Legacy Park is located at 336 Rocky Slope Road in Greenville.
Park space is 20 acres, including 10 acres of open green grass and miles of trails.
Legacy has two playgrounds including a fenced in playground for small children.
The park contains a picnic shelter (available for rental) and several wooden swings and benches.
Scenery includes a small man-made pond and a scenic brook with gardens.
Sports include a sand volleyball court and paved paths (perfect for strollers and tricycles).

About Legacy Park

When we ask local parents about favorite Greenville parks, Legacy Park near Verdae almost always rises to the top of the list. Inspired by NYC’s Central Park, Legacy offers a unique spread of green free spaces and scenic walking paths. It’s a favorite park for picnicking, kite-flying, and strolling.

Legacy Park in Greenville picnic shelter playgrounds walking trails

Playgrounds at Legacy Park

The smaller playground at Legacy Park is quite nice. The play area is fenced in and low enough for smaller children to play safely. Benches are available on the perimeter and the playground for older children is within sight. A sign posted on the gate requests that only children 2-5 play on the playground.

The playground for older children is not as large as some of the other parks in town offer and is sometimes overcrowded as a result. With all the space for running around though, kids will still find plenty to do.

playgrounds at Legacy Park in Greenville

Scenery at Legacy Park

The green areas are open enough where you can enjoy kite flying, Frisbee throwing, bubble blowing, or sports. Bring a blanket if you choose to picnic as the park does not have many picnic tables and it’s not unusual for the shelter to be rented out for a party.

The sand volleyball court is a fun place to let the kids play with buckets and shovels. Kids also love playing near the water areas (Note: playing in the water is prohibited).

The Pavilion at Legacy Park is a popular choice for birthday parties. The current fee is $150. You can check the availability and make reservations online.

Plan your own visit to Legacy Park

336 Rocky Slope Road, Greenville
Visit Legacy Park website.

What’s your kid’s favorite thing to do at Legacy Park?

For more reviews of local parks see our Park Guide to Greenville, SC.