Looking for Greenville animal care? Or maybe an animal shelter in Greenville, SC? Maybe you’re looking for dog adoption information. Or maybe you need care for your own pet or rescue for a stray animal that keeps coming to your house. One of the beautiful things about our area is that there are several different animal care facilities, animal shelters, and animal rescue organizations in Greenville and Spartanburg.
Each organization and facility operate a little differently. Some have brick-and-mortar facilities, while some operate only as foster homes. We’ve compiled a list of the animal shelters in Greenville, SC as well as the animal care facilities and rescue organizations throughout Spartanburg.
When I was a little girl, my dream was to be an Olympic gymnast. I took gymnastics classes for years but I met my end when I became too tall. But my love of gymnastics hasn’t waned and I loved watching my daughter during her classes and I seriously cannot wait to watch the Olympics. If you have an aspiring gymnast in your household, there’s a great facility to check out that’s been voted the “Best Gymnastics Facility” and “Best Parent/Child Program” in the Upstate. They even have Boys Gymnastics, one of only a few in the Upstate! Plus, Foothills Gymnastics & Cheer was voted by readers as a 2024 finalist in the Kidding Around® KABOOM Awards for Best Gymnastics Program!
Thank you to Foothills Gymnastics & Cheer for supporting Kidding Around Greenville by sponsoring this website post.
What Classes are Offered at Foothills Gymnastics & Cheer?
Foothills Gymnastics & Cheer is based in Easley, SC, and opened its doors in 1996. Ever since, the gym has been putting smiles on the faces of children of all ages with a variety of dynamic, age-appropriate classes.
The gym is a large 12,000 square feet and is the only gym in South Carolina that has a separate, 5,000 square foot preschool facility equipped with the finest apparatuses for smaller children. Foothills is a United States Association Gymnastics Member Club whose mission is to “further the happiness and health of our clients” by teaching gymnastics and other fitness specialties in a fun environment that supports and develops the student’s self-confidence and self-esteem.
Classes Offered
Ninja Monkey
Ninja Monkey, geared towards ages four and up, consists of flips, rolls, and jumps. These are integrated into an obstacle course designed to challenge the imagination and body. Maybe kids want to be the next “American Ninja Warrior” or maybe they just want to test their own strength and agility using bars, ropes, and an obstacle course or maybe they think the skills are just really fun to learn. Whatever the reason, Ninja Monkey is one of the the gym’s most popular classes. Classes are grouped by age, with ages 4-6 year olds engaging in “Lil Ninjas”, while ages 7 and up are a part of the Ninjas classes.
Preschool Classes
Preschool classes make use of the vast array of preschool equipment in the special area of the gym specifically set aside for children of this age. The classes focus on achieving skills of listening, coordination, rhythm, imagination and promoting a healthy self-image. Classes have a low student-to-teach ratio and have changing themes and age-specific equipment.
Parent and Tot
The Parent and Tot classes (walking to 3-years-old) is also a popular class. It encourages quality time between parents and kids in an interactive and positive environment. These classes are great for fine motor and gross motor skill progression.
Basic Skills
Gymnasts start out with the Basic Skills classes. These classes help to develop skill progression and the ability to overcome cognitive challenges. Each child is placed into their age and skill appropriate class. The gymnasts will progress to the next level as they master the basic skills.
Cheernastics
Foothills focuses on also offers Cheernastics, which combines both cheerleading and gymnastics into one class, and beginner through advanced tumbling. These classes are great for kids ages 4 and older who are wanting to learn more cheer techniques.
Boys Gymnastics
Boys Gymnastics is the perfect way for your kid to get in on the action as well. They will develop athletic skills through gymnastic classes.
Birthday Parties at Foothills Gymnastics and Cheer
For a unique and fun birthday party, Foothills is the place to go. Their facility is a great place to host a birthday party! Plus, the gym has a variety of packages to choose from, including a Ninja-themed party. The parties provide fully supervised playtime, and ages 5 and under can add a bounce house to the party package.
Need some time to relax? Heard of a spa called Drift in Greenville, SC? Kidding Around’s Kristina Hernandez headed to Drift Float & Spa to check out their unique spa and saltwater pods for floating. She thought it was really relaxing! Find out about her experience and what you can expect at Drift Float & Spa.
Floating by myself in the dark in a super epsom salt bath was not necessarily at the top of my list of things I thought would be relaxing. But there I was, doing that exact thing at Drift Float & Spa in Greenville recently. Honestly, it was my curiosity that got the best of me and having heard about what you do at the spa and how relaxing it was, I wanted to try it out.
Pigtails & Crewcuts Haircuts for Kids- Five Forks offers much more than a haircut. Their attention to detail, inviting atmosphere, and helpful stylists remove the stress out of getting your child’s haircut. Plus, what kid doesn’t want to sit in a tiny airplane or train engine while getting their new ‘do! We were invited to the Five Forks location so you will know what to expect during your next visit to Pigtails & Crewcuts. Thank you to Pigtails & Crewcuts for sponsoring this article!
Our Experience at Pigtails & Crewcuts- Five Forks
We all know that getting your kid’s hair cut, especially if it is their first few times, can be overwhelming for most children. The staff at Pigtails & Crewcuts at Five Forks go above and beyond to ensure that each child feels safe and comfortable while in the stylist’s chair. We took our two-year-old for a trim, something that has been quite emotional for her in the past. However, our stylist Lexy, made the experience effortless!
When we arrived, Lexy had my two-year-old decide which of the awesome chairs she would like to sit in, and she b-lined to the model airplane. There are 5 unique chairs to choose from, including a train engine, fire engine, police car, racecar, and an airplane. There are also a couple of regular barber chairs to accommodate older children.
Beginning the Haircut
Lexy then engaged in conversation with her, making her feel at ease before gently spritzing her hair and beginning to cut based on what we were looking for. She even gave me some helpful tips on dealing with her fine yet curly hair texture. Lexy truly loves her job and says that her most favorite thing about working with kids is “watching them grow up. [I’ve] been here for seven years now so I have seen some go from kindergarten to middle school.”
My daughter was so distracted by the magnetic toys, Frozen playing, and the airplane chair that before we knew it, our haircut was complete! Our stylist even platted her hair in two pig tail braids before we left the chair. She was then able to pick a small toy from the treasure box.
A+ Effort While Working With Children
The staff are also comfortable working with children with sensitivities, developmental challenges, medical challenges, and children who may have difficulties getting a haircut. Lexy, who has a lot of personal experience working with children on the autism spectrum, knows all the tricks for working through the process, saying the staff “try to pull out all the tricks and all the things by gently approaching and letting them get used to the environment.”
The studio provides “tons of accommodations. Whatever we got to do to get it done” while promoting a calm and relaxing environment. Parents are even welcome to bring their child in and just spend some time there, hanging out in the playroom at the back of the studio, and getting adjusted before their first haircut.
My Personal Opinion Of Pigtails & Crewcuts at Five Forks
Overall, our personal experience was fantastic! Their staff was so gentle and kind to my two-year-old daughter, and they took their time to ask questions from me about what I wanted to see in her haircut. Our stylist was able to do everything so seamlessly, and my daughter was happy the entire trip. The shop is super clean, is adorably decorated, and I absolutely love the chairs! I would highly recommend this haircut studio to all families.
What Types of Haircut Packages Do They Offer?
Pigtails & Crewcuts- Five Forks offers several packages to choose from, including:
Kids Cut: This is the basic haircut package for both boys and girls. Prices start at $24.95.
1st Haircut Package: The 1st haircut is always a big deal, and Pigtails & Crewcuts will help make it a special experience. Your child will even get their picture hung on the 1st Haircut Wall, what an honor! Prices start at $29.95.
Bang Cut: Looking to shape up your child’s bangs and get them out of their eyes, then this package is for you.
Dad’s Cut or Mom’s Cut: You might as well shape up your own ‘do while your little one gets a cut. The studio offers cuts for Mom’s and Dad’s!
Detangling: In need of some TLC for your kid’s tangled hair. The stylists can help gently remove those tangles to improve hair health.
Fairyhair: Add a little sparkle to your kid’s hair with Fairyhair, we promise they will love it!
Neck Trim: Short hair shape up? Get a neck trim to keep it sleek.
Up-Do/Style: Have a special occasion where your kid needs to look a little more spiffy? The stylists can create a stylish hairstyle or up-do for your kid.
Making an Appointment With Pigtails & Crewcuts – Five Forks
To book an appointment with Pigtails & Crewcuts, you will need to make an account on the Pigtails & Crewcuts online portal. Making an account is super easy, and allows you to choose the the type of appointment your child needs and the stylist you would like to book with. Once your stylist is chosen, you are shown available times based on your preferred date. Once booked, you will receive reminder emails, so you do not have to worry about accidentally missing your appointment thanks to their built-in reminder system!
Did you know you can get a FREE 3D ultrasound in Greenville, SC? Greenville Tech in Greenville, SC offers free 3D/4D ultrasounds. Spots are limited, and we tell you what you need to do to take advantage of this unique opportunity.
Photo courtesy of Greenville Tech
Expecting? Don’t miss our Guide to Baby, Maternity and Postpartum Care. It’s full of resources for families with new little ones like health care options and fun things to do with babies!
