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!
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.
Goodbye to those hot, humid days of summer, and hello to the cooler, crisp air that fall brings! 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.
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 goal posts 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.
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.
The playground is great too
What is a park without a playground? Va-Du-Mar McMillan Park offers not one, but two fenced in, fun playgrounds geared toward children ages two and up. The smaller playground is designed for children age two to five and offers multiple height-appropriate slides, a tic tac toe board, steering wheel, a bridge, and multiple ways to climb onto the playground, such as stairs, an arched ladder, and a climbing wall. The playground is open underneath so your little one can run under it for added play space. With twelve swings total, four are kiddie swings for children four-years-old and under, and eight regular swings, 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 each side includes a covered “treehouse-like” area. Various slides, ranging from smaller ones with less of an incline, spiral slides that are high enough to include three spirals before you reach the bottom, and side-by-side slides so your children can race each other down, 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 mulch; however, there is soft padding at the end of each slide so your child has a soft place to land.
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.
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
If your kids have been asking non-stop since March when they go to the playground, you have an answer: now. At least for some of the playgrounds in town.
Playgrounds that fall under the management of Greenville County are now open (signs are being removed that say “playgrounds closed” currently). Signs that suggest social distancing will be put up.
“As per the Governor of SC via Executive Order No. 2020-37 playgrounds are now allowed to be used and are considered reopened,” said Bob Mihalic, Governmental Affairs Coordinator, Greenville County. “We followed the executive order, so County Rec playgrounds are open.”
Shelters and fields will re-open to the public on May 31, 2020.
City & County Parks Are Not the Same
City and county parks are totally different but Greenville City Parks have posted they will officially reopen parks on May 31st except Cleveland Park (outside the Greenville Zoo) because of storm damage.
Runway Park follows Greenville City and will reopen on May 31st. Restrooms aren’t open yet but they plan to open in a few weeks.
Other Area Playgrounds
Fountain Inn parks are now open. Simpsonville playgrounds will open on May 30th.
Spartanburg County announced last week that their playgrounds will be opening on May 31st.
Fields & Rentals
If you were hoping to have that small, outdoor birthday party for your child, you can now do that. You’ll be limited to 50 people “in a single room or in a confined indoor or outdoor space,” reads the new regulations.
The rules for sports are a little more lengthy:
Effective May 31st athletic fields may open for youth sports practices without spectators other than one parent or guardian per participant, as needed.
Effective June 15th games or similar competitions, with or without spectators.
Signage for social distancing will be posted. Bleachers would be closed (for social distancing) and water fountains not available (water fountains are not recommended for public use).
Greenville Parks Guide
Greenville certainly lives up to its name in green, open spaces and parks. We have a huge Greenville Parks Guide to help you figure out which parks have what amenities.
Also, these two lists may help when deciding which parks to visit:
Are you looking for the perfect outdoor place to walk or picnic in Spartanburg? We gathered together our 5 favorite spots to enjoy nature with our children. Our list includes a garden, a park with a gazebo, and a park that overlooks a lake.
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 more. 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 County!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 water park is open
I hope you will take the time to explore Lakeside Park and all
it has to offer your family all year long.
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.
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.
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, but you can also read the history via PDF here.
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
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?
Don’t let the start of school stop you from taking your children to the park! Another new playground has been built right off Stone Avenue and you are going to love its location. KAG contributor and local mom, Deborah, recently visited the park and tells us why this park offers more than just play.
Want to check out even more great parks in the Greenville area? Visit our parks page for info and reviews on tons of local parks!
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 new playground. Park along Becker Street or Scott Street and walk across the grass.
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. Currently under construction, this exciting new development will include 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!
Railroad Mini Park
32 Becker Street, Greenville
Have you taken your kids to the new Railroad Mini Park yet?
Are you looking for a new park to explore in downtown? KAG contributor and local mom, Deborah, has the scoop on a new playground 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!
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!
As summer sizzles to an end, you may be running out of ideas to keep your children active. We are excited to tell you about a new playground at the Juanita Butler Community Center. This park on the west side of Greenville is sure to be a big hit with your kids, after all, it includes a zip line, a rope climbing structure and more.
The playground at Juanita Butler Community Center
Zip! Zip! Zip! That is what your kids will want to do when they arrive. With time, they will learn how to go faster on the zip line and will hurl themselves from one side to the other. Don’t worry! They can’t go very fast, and it is totally safe.
Once your kids are ready to look at the rest of the playground, they will really love the rope climbing structure. It is such a challenge to get to the top and so much fun. There are lots of balancing beams and steps. The monkey bars are high which makes them perfect for your bigger kids.
The full-size basketball court is covered and lit. Invite your friends and bring a basketball to have an exciting game day or night. Behind the basketball court, twelve swings will ensure your child gets all the swing time he or she desires.
My boys were so happy when they saw a Little Free Library! Bring a book or two to exchange with a new book to enjoy once you get home. My boys sat down right there to read theirs.
There are no benches and the entire playground is in the sun. If you are looking for a place to go on a cool day, this is your park. But, it it’s hot, bring a chair or two to sit under the trees beside the playground.
Hope you can get out to this new playground very soon! There is so much to enjoy.
Where you can find Juanita Butler Community Center
2 Burns Street, Greenville
864.467.4328
Have you visited the new playground at Juanita Butler Community Center yet?
Are you looking for an awesome, new playground to visit without leaving Greenville? Gower Estates Park just installed a brand new playground and it is amazing! Including a zip line and plenty of shade, the freshly updated Gower Estates Park is one you can visit again and again all summer long!
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 of 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 very nice baseball fields.
The new playground at Gower Estates Park
But the best part is their new playground equipment! The new 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!) And last, but not least, the feature that will provoke endless giggles and be the reason why you return to the park, a zip line. Picture the zip line that everyone waits in line 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 new 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 getting a makeover!!
Visit Gower Estates Park
24 Evelyn Avenue, Greenville
Open daily 8 am – 9 pm
Visit the Gower Estates Park website.
What is your favorite thing about the renovated Gower Estates Park?
