Are you looking for the perfect outdoor space 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.
(more…)
Menu
Posts Tagged ‘Playgrounds’
My Kids Loved the Brand New Playground at Juanita Butler Community Center
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?
This Awesome Park in Greenville Offers Multiple Playgrounds, a Walking Trail, Tennis Courts & More
If you’re searching for a park that has designated play spaces for little kids and big kids plus some other features too, look no further! KAG Contributor Deborah and her kids love Butler Springs Park and think you will too! This awesome park includes multiple playgrounds, a walking trail, tennis courts and more!
About Butler Springs Park
What if you could sit in the shade for just a minute or two while your toddler happily plays on an age-appropriate playground? When my boys were all under 4, that idea felt like a dream. Butler Springs Park has an exciting playground for little ones that is fully enclosed and mostly shaded. The fenced-in area even has baby swings and a couple of benches. Restrooms are just steps away.
But, do not think that Butler Springs is just for toddlers! The playground designed for ages 5-12 has tall slides, challenging balance beams and monkey bars, swings, shifting stepping blocks and so much more. The crazy, rotating disc is thrilling, and there’s even some monkey bars hidden under the fish. A bench under the tall trees allows you to watch your children in the shade.
The large, covered pavilion complete with restrooms, drinking fountains and grills is situated between the two playgrounds. You will also find many picnic tables scattered throughout the park. We have brought dinner to this park and had large family gatherings.
We love the paved trail that weaves between the playgrounds, lighted tennis courts and baseball fields. Much of the trail is also shaded. You’ll discover some fun activities to do with your children along the way including hop-scotch.
The park is surrounded by quiet neighborhoods and only five minutes from Haywood Mall. Get your children, young and old, to this park the next time you want some good family time!
Visit Butler Springs Park
301 Butler Springs Road, Greenville
Visit the Butler Springs Park website here.
What’s your favorite thing to do when visiting Butler Springs Park?
Holmes Park near Downtown Greenville Has a Brand New Playground Your Kids Will Love
Do you want to find a new playground in an old neighborhood? Your children are sure to enjoy playing at Holmes Park. KAG contributor, Deborah, recently 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.
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 brand-new 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?
Put These 5 Awesome Parks in Greer On Your To Do List This Summer
KAG travels Northwest to explore kid-friendly parks in Greer. Straddling Greenville and Spartanburg counties, Greer has some of the most popular playgrounds Greenville has to offer.. Check out our list and spot that Apache helicopter at Veteran’s Park or see some ruins of an old mill by the Scenic Enoree river while taking your kids (and dogs) for a walk at Pelham Mill Park and Dog Park.
Find even more great parks on our Greenville Parks Page.
Century Park & Kid’s Planet [CLOSED FOR RENOVATION SEPT. 2019-EARLY 2020]
On top of our list and probably yours, Century Park & Kid’s Planet is a parent’s summer oasis. The park is getting a huge makeover and will open with all new equipment sometime in early 2020.
3605 Brushy Creek Road, Greer
Victor Memorial Veteran’s Park
Victor Memorial Veteran’s Park, located on SC Highway 101 South just north of Stevens Field, offers a lighted walking path, a gazebo, a freshly planted and landscaped lawn area, retired military equipment, and a monument honoring the men and women who have served their country in the United States Armed Forces. Kids will surely be in awe of the Apache helicopter and tank on display.
17th Street, Greer
Greer City Park
Famous for its moonlight movies, Friday concert series and etc…did you know that on top of all its amazing family events and features, it also has a musical fountain? See what our writer Jackie has to say about Greer City Park.
301 E. Poinsett Street, Greer
East Riverside Park
A part of the larger Suber Road Soccer Complex, the overall size is described as larger than a football field! East Riverside Park also offers some shade and two playgrounds for the little ones. Its unique feature are the sand volleyball court and the community garden for Greer residents at an annual membership of $50 for one garden bed.
1155 S. Suber Road, Greer
Pelham Mill Park
No playgrounds at Pelham Mills Park, but plenty of history, nature and rough trails. There is a dog park for your furry ones. Keep your little one entertained from doing a short hike and finding the Geocache hidden stash.
2770 E. Phillips Road, Greer
What park in Greer is your kid’s favorite?
The Kids and The Adults are Sure to Love Poinsett Park in Travelers Rest
Love Travelers Rest? Consider checking out Poinsett Park with the kids. KAG Contributor Lindy Wilson visited with her family and is giving us all the details so you’ll know just what to expect. You’re sure to love all this park has to offer, including multiple playgrounds and a paved trail for walking!
About Poinsett Park
This park is a little tricky to get to heading south, but worth it! If planning your day, its easiest to stop while driving northward, as you won’t have to fight traffic to turn off Main Street.
At first, I was skeptical. The park looks small, but we were there so why not check it out? It was gorgeous with a very decadent tree line and lush grass.
The playgrounds
The kids were enchanted with the tree house themed playground. I was relieved that there was a toddler area to direct my little one towards. They liked the swings and enjoyed the many slides available.
Watch out for the climbing web- preschoolers will need your help but it’s very user friendly! The forest of stairs shaped like trees also scared me, but my kids navigated them well. Little monkeys will surely enjoy all the climbing features!
For whatever reason, the rainwater didn’t pool much on the slides or swings or anywhere else for that matter. The low retaining wall surrounding playground also seemed to help waterproof the park a lot, as there were hardly any puddles. So this park may be a good bet after a rainy day.
The walking trail
Once we finally got the kids away from the playground, we took a family walk around the trail. This trail seemed popular with many people, and though there were quite a few pet owners walking their dogs, the park was very clean. It is a nice size yet had good visibility. Those with older kids could probably walk the trail by themselves yet be in sight to wave at their children over on the playground. This feature makes it very family friendly- adults can jog a bit, have an uninterrupted conversation or just enjoy the walk.
There are also some nice picnic tables and a shelter that can be reserved for special occasions. The larger trail has a cut through with tables near the playground so you can just circle nearby if needed.
Visit Poinsett Park
Poinsett Park is a great little destination for the whole family. We saw many generations there and families with kids of all ages. It’s not far from downtown Greenville and is just a stone’s throw from downtown Travelers Rest.
5 Pine Forest Road, Travelers Rest
Visit the park website here.
Have you taken your little ones to Poinsett Park in Travelers Rest yet?
RELATED: Playgrounds with Paved Walking Trails, Playgrounds with Fenced Toddler Areas
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.
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 even to know it is back there.
What you will find at Stewart Park
Stewart Park is a wonderful product of 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.
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 does lie between two streets. However, the actual playground is located at the bottom of 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 does border the playground).
Plan a trip to Stewart Park
Stewart Park
Beacon St, Spartanburg
Visit the Stewart 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.
Your Family is Sure to Love the Birds and Bridges at Timmons Park
Are you searching for a park to visit that includes more than just a playground? KAG contributor Deborah gives us the scoop on Timmons Park, a neighborhood park offering way more than a climbing structure and swings.
| [adrotate banner=”250″] |
Discover Timmons Park
“Look! A Hawk!” My boys and I were enjoying a morning at the park when we spotted a hawk in the mature trees around the playground. The large bird of prey was calling to another hawk that we heard in the distance. Then, we saw that second hawk fly into the same tree. Where are we?
Timmons Park is tucked away in the established neighborhood of Overbrook. Within Greenville’s city limits, this park is full of large trees that provide you with ample shady places to rest and listen to the songs of the birds.
The park has an excellent frisbee golf course. Even if you do not want to play, the trail is a great place to walk your dog, and children love getting to cross the stream on the various bridges. Just watch out for frisbees! Keep your children out of the stream, because we spotted a large snake while we were there.
The playground has two slides, monkey bar rings, a metal climbing structure and a four-way bouncing structure. There is a large swing set across the one-way street. The playground is not shaded, but there is a shaded section at the top of the slides.
Bring a picnic to enjoy in the covered pavilion that is beside the large swing set. The city is currently building a new restroom between the lighted tennis courts and baseball field. You can park in front of the playground, across from the pavilion, or down by the baseball field and restrooms.
Where you’ll find Timmons Park
121 Oxford Street, Greenville
Visit the Timmons Park website.
What’s your favorite thing to do while visiting Timmons Park?
My Kids Loved the Playground at Staunton Bridge Park
Have you been looking for a new playground? Staunton Bridge Community Center Park might be new to you, and it’s definitely worth a visit. This park is just 5 miles southwest of Greenville. Read on for the Kidding Around tips on when to visit Staunton Bridge Park and what to expect.
Discover Staunton Bridge Park
Staunton Bridge Community Center built an amazing playground behind the center. You can’t see it from the road. When you arrive, drive up to the center and take the road on the left around the building.
You will discover a bright orange and blue playground filled with things to climb and find as well as lots of blue slides and a large swing set. My boys were ecstatic and we played for an hour and a half. Greenville Rec was there tending the large green space behind the playground which could be a great place for playing catch.
There is no shade, so come early in the day. Bring water and put on your sunscreen. There are restrooms and a water fountain inside the center, but we had to walk around to the front doors to get in. There were a couple of benches around the playground but no picnic tables.
Add this playground to your sunny day activities this summer. And, stop by QT on your way home for some huge ice cream cones!
Staunton Bridge Community Center
165 Staunton Bridge Road, Greenville
Have you taken your kids to check out the new playground at the Staunton Bridge Community Center yet?
While you’re at it, check out our Park Guide to all the Parks and Playgrounds near Greenville, SC!
Your Kids will Love Sunset Park & Miracle League Playground in Mauldin
Sunset Park in Mauldin, SC is a popular family destination for play, holiday events, and more! They have multiple sports fields and courts plus two playgrounds, including an inclusive one your kids are sure to love! Ready the KAG complete review and plan your own trip soon.
When I decided to review Sunset Park, I didn’t realize I had been there before! This is the fun park I found at one of the first Easter Egg Drop events we went to when we first moved to Greenville. My first tip, therefore, is to check out local city park calendars for events (often cross-posted on KAG) because here in the Upstate, there’s always something happening. I vividly remember not only enjoying the Egg Drop but being delighted by the massive grounds and fun playground.
My 2nd Trip to Sunset Park
Sunset Park is a little tucked away but not too hard to find. You can find it at 211 Fowler Circle in Mauldin (though it has a Greenville address). It has about every sports field imaginable- multiple baseball diamonds, soccer fields, basketball courts/half courts, and so forth. If you swing all the way to the back, there is a older playground with some slides and monkey bars (a rarity!) among other equipment. There is also a trail for you hikers.
Plus Something You Don’t Find at Other Parks
My main focus however was the Miracle League playground. It is an all-accessible playground, the first in the area. This includes large full-seat swings and a ramp for the main playground structure along with our favorite, a bowl-shaped merry-go-round. (See our Kidding Around Greenville list of all accessible playgrounds).
The ground is made of rubber padding. This came in handy when my four-year-old took a huge spill yet didn’t even have a single bruise or scrape! I am still shocked! (See our Kidding Around Greenville list of playgrounds with rubber padding).
This playground is also fenced. (See our Kidding Around Greenville list of playgrounds that are fenced in). So petite runaways can only go so far, just make sure to watch the front entrance. There are parking spaces right nearby making it easy to pull up and play! I also found that it had a more open design, great for not losing sight of littles behind large structures.
The little music/sensory wall is fun for the tiniest of toddlers to even big kids and adults. We didn’t play on it, but there’s also a “car wash” roller line you can play pretend on! It also has rotating poles you can spin on. There is even a teeter-totter with BENCHES right off the main structure that’s perfect for kicking back while still supervising the kids.
I was absolutely enchanted by this playground and larger park. I hope you all get a chance to check it out soon. It would be wonderful to see more parks like this in the Upstate for all kids, of all abilities.
Plan a trip to Sunset Park
211 Fowler Circle, Greenville
Sunset Park
Have you taken your kids to Sunset Park yet?
Looking for other parks and playgrounds? We’ve got a massive Parks & Playgrounds Guide for the Upstate.
Greenville Guides
- Birthday Parties
- Preschools and Daycare
- Private Schools
- Greenville County Schools
- After School Care
- Summer Camps
- Things to Do Inside
- Homeschool
- Classes, Activities, and Sports
- Moving to Greenville
- Healthcare in Greenville
- Dental Care in Greenville
- Special Needs
- Baby and Maternity
- Greenville Parks
- Field Trips
- Christmas Trees
- KABOOM Awards: Greenville's Best
- U-Pick Apples and Apple Orchards