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Posts Tagged ‘Spartanburg SC’

These Escape Rooms in Upstate, SC Will Have You Racing to Beat the Clock!

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Are you looking for a fun, yet challenging escape room in Greenville, SC? With unique storylines and challenging puzzles, escape rooms have steadily been growing in popularity over the last decade. We gathered a list of escape rooms throughout the Upstate that are perfect for date nights, birthday parties, teambuilding exercises, and other group events. Time to pause that mystery podcast you’ve been listening to for hours and unlock your inner Sherlock Holmes to solve all the clues before time runs out!

This article includes:
Greenville County Escape Rooms
Spartanburg County Escape Rooms
Pickens County Escape Rooms
Anderson County Escape Rooms

Escape Artists Greenville
Escape Artists Greenville, SC

Escape Rooms: Important Things to Know

  • Before heading to the escape room venue, it is highly recommended (and sometimes required) to book your appointment ahead of time.
  • Many of the escape rooms in the Upstate have an age limit or require a parent to accompany any minor. Some rooms are not recommended for children due to the theme.
  • Please contact the escape room you wish to attend for additional rules, pricing, booking an appointment, and information about their location.

Escape Rooms in Greenville County

Escape Artists Greenville- Downtown209 East Stone Avenue, Greenville | 864.509.9305 
Offers 6 private escape rooms of varying levels of difficulty. Requires at least 2 players to complete (some rooms require a minimum of 4 players). Players under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, with some themes being inappropriate for younger players. Read our Kidding Around review of Escape Artists Greenville to see if Bethany beat the clock!

Best for kids: Yuletide Magic Maria took her kids to do Yuletide Magic during their Greenville Staycation.

Escape Artist Yuletide Magic

Escape Artists Greenville- Hampton Station1320 Hampton Avenue, Bay 11C, Greenville | 864.509.9305
Offers two 60-minute private escape rooms. Escape rooms require a minimum of 2 players, with an 8-player maximum. 

Breakout Games614 North Main Street, Greenville | 864.326.0190 
Offers 8 private escape rooms with varying difficulty levels. Require a minimum of 2 players to play. Open to all ages (under 14 must be accompanied by an adult).

Trapped in the Upstate556 Memorial Drive Extension, Suite D, Greer | 864.416.1539
Offers 6 private escape rooms that require at least 2 players. Puzzles take about 60 minutes each. The minimum age to play alone is 13. Children under 10 are welcome, but some puzzles are not appropriate for younger players due to difficulty and theme. Read our Kidding Around review of Trapped in the Upstate for more details.

Servus VR 928 South Main Street, Greenville | 864.509.1077
Offers 11 virtual reality escape games. Games require at least 2 players, with options for 2 player, 3 player, and 4 player games. Games run for 60 minutes. 

Spartanburg County Escape Rooms

Escape Room Adventures and Virtual Reality–  1220 John B White Sr Boulevard, Spartanburg | 864.586.5086
Offers 6 escape rooms of varying levels of difficulty. Games require a minimum of 2 players. In addition, several VR escape games are available. Recommended age is 12 and older. Anyone under 18 must have a parent sign a waiver, and under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Escape Room Adventures requires an appointment.

Robert's Relic Room
Trapped in the Upstate, Greenville SC

Pickens County Escape Rooms

Seneca Escape Zones115- C Eagles Nest Drive, Seneca | 864.557.9663
Offers 3 escape rooms of varying levels of difficulty. A minimum of 2 players is required for each game, and each room holds up to 6 people. Puzzles are designed for ages 10 and up. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Book an escape room before attending the location. 

The Escape Quest277 Market Street, Seneca | 864.626.5995
Offers 4 escape rooms of varying levels of difficulty. 2 players are required for 2 of the three rooms offered. Recommended party size is 4 – 8 players. Booking ahead is highly recommended, walk-in gameplay is not guaranteed. Each escape room is approximately 60 minutes. Children are allowed as long as accompanied by an adult. 

Anderson County Escape Rooms

Electric City Escapes– 4103 Liberty Highway, Anderson | 864.328.9908
Offers 4 escape rooms with varying levels of difficulty. Three rooms are appropriate for all ages. The Mystery Parlor is PG13. The games are 60 minutes long. Booking online is recommended. 

Do you have a favorite escape room in Greenville or the Upstate?

10+ Bakers Making Custom Cookies Near Greenville, SC

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Searching for “custom cookies near me”? There are several places that will have your family in awe of your superpower ability of finding cool custom cookies in Greenville, SC for your next party or celebration. We’ve hunted down the local talent in Greenville and Spartanburg who can give you these tiny, unique, and edible works of art, no matter the occasion. See who our readers recommend for your custom cookie needs.

Looking for more great ways to celebrate birthdays in Greenville? Don’t miss Kidding Around’s Ultimate Guide to Birthdays near Greenville.

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Where to Buy School Uniforms That Fit Your Kid

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Searching for “school uniforms near me”? If you have a child attending a school that requires school uniforms, finding the best school uniforms can be frustrating and time-consuming. We’re always aiming to help you save time, so we’ve rounded up a list of places to find school uniforms, including a list of where to find school uniforms with specific features such as adjustable waists or uniforms for taller kids. 

We’re answering questions about school uniforms like:

  • Which school uniforms have adjustable waists?
  • Where can I buy sensory-friendly school uniforms?
  • What are the best school uniforms for tall kids?
  • What are the most comfortable school uniforms?
  • Where can I find school uniform deals?

Whether you need a black, blue, pink, or red shirt and navy or khaki bottoms, we’ve got you covered. Luckily, there are plenty of places in Greenville and Spartanburg where you can buy school uniforms. And, of course, you can always buy them online.

the best school uniforms
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(2023) Where You Can Find Free School Supplies Near Greenville, SC

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Did you know there are a number of community events giving away free school supplies in Upstate, SC? Do you know of a family who needs help purchasing school supplies this year? A new school year is almost upon us. For most families a trip to the store for new supplies is imminent. These events will distribute free back to school supplies, so you have one less thing to worry about this school year!

A recent study revealed that most families of school-age children in the US spend between $500-700 on new school supplies. This amounts to a whopping estimated 80.7 billion dollars! That’s a lot of composition notebooks!

This article includes:
Free School Supplies Events in Greenville, SC
Free School Supplies Events in Spartanburg County
Free School Supplies Events in Anderson County

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The Ultimate Guide To All Seven School Districts in Spartanburg, SC

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Have questions about Spartanburg County schools? With seven different Spartanburg County school districts, it can be a little confusing for newcomers or parents with rising kindergartners. We are breaking down the different districts and providing the most used info, so parents can easily navigate the schools in Spartanburg, SC. 

spartanburg county schools

A Little About Spartanburg County School Districts

Spartanburg County is the fifth-most populated county in the state of South Carolina with a population of over 300,000. Spartanburg County schools serve over 45,000 students.

For those who have relocated to the area, the primary difference about the schools in Spartanburg is that there is not a central Spartanburg County School District. Instead, Spartanburg County schools are operated by seven different school districts; each school district operates as its own entity. There is not a singular Spartanburg County school district or one school board website, but each of the seven Spartanburg County School Districts has a website where you can find the information you need for each school.

We have also created the Guide to Spartanburg Private Schools, which not only lists all the contact information and website links for each public school district, but also lists all of the charter, virtual, and private school options in Spartanburg.

Applying For School Choice In Spartanburg County School Districts

Spartanburg County School Districts offer parents the option of applying for limited school choice. Students may attend another school in the same district if there is space available. Remaining in the program is dependant on discipline and attendance. However, once a student is accepted in most cases their place is secured for the duration of them attending that particular school. Any younger siblings would also be grandfathered in. Availability varies by district, as well as school, and other circumstances. School choice applicants are not able to ride the school bus home, as the buses that service that school, would not be zoned for your neighborhood. 

Should parents want their child to attend a school in a different Spartanburg County District, students would need to apply for out-of-district status and be accepted. Additionally, out-of-district residents are required to pay out-of-district tuition of several thousand dollars per school year for their children to attend. This includes the option to transfer to a Greenville County School District School

School buses lined up

Quick Guide To The Seven Spartanburg School Districts 

More information about each district in not only Spartanburg County, but the entire state, can be found on the South Carolina Deprtmant of Education’s Website.

The Great School’s Website can provide parents with additional info like school rating, and ratio information. Ratio is the average student-to-teacher ratio and is an important factor when selecting a school. 

Quick Profile of Spartanburg County School District 1

Spartanburg School District 1 is primarily made up of students from Campobello, Landrum, and Inman.

  • Campobello Gramling School
  • Holly Springs-Motlow Elementary
  • Inman Elementary 
  • Inman Intermediate
  • New Prospect Elementary
  • O.P. Earle Elementary
  • Landrum Middle
  • Mabry Middle
  • Chapman High School
  • Landrum High
  • Swofford Career Center (Shared with District 2) 

Spartanburg School District 1 Quick Links

Quick Profile of Spartanburg County School District 2

Spartanburg School District 2 is primarily made up of students from Boiling Springs, Chesnee, Mayo, most of Valley Falls, and a portion of Southern Shops.

  • Boiling Springs Elementary School
  • Carlisle-Foster’s Grove Elementary School
  • Chesnee Elementary School
  • Cooley Springs-Fingerville Elementary School
  • Hendrix Elementary School
  • Mayo Elementary School
  • Oakland Elementary School
  • Shoally Creek Elementary School
  • Sugar Ridge Elementary School
  • Boiling Springs Middle School
  • Chesnee Middle School
  • Rainbow Lake Middle School
  • Chesnee High School
  • Boiling Springs High School
  • Swofford Career Center (Shared with District 1) 

Spartanburg School District 2 Quick Links 

Quick Profile of Spartanburg County School District 3

Spartanburg School District 3 is primarily made up of students from Cowpens, Pacolet, and other areas of Spartanburg.

  • Cannons Elementary School
  • Cowpens Elementary School
  • Pacolet Elementary School
  • Clifdale Middle School
  • Gettys D. Broome High School
  • Daniel Morgan Technology Center

Spartanburg School District 3 Quick Links 

Quick Profile of Spartanburg County School District 4

Spartanburg School District 4 is primarily made up of students from Woodruff. 

  • Woodruff Primary
  • Woodruff Elementary
  • Woodruff Middle
  • Woodruff High

Spartanburg School District 4 Quick Links 

Quick Profile of Spartanburg County School District 5

Spartanburg School District 5 is primarily made up of students from Greer, Duncan, Moore, Reidville, and Wellford.

  • Abner Creek Academy
  • Duncan Elementary School
  • Lyman Elementary School
  • Reidville Elementary School
  • River Ridge Elementary School]
  • Wellford Academy
  • Beech Springs Intermediate School
  • Berry Shoals Intermediate School
  • D.R. Hill Middle School
  • Florence Chapel Middle School
  • Byrnes Freshman Academy
  • James F. Byrnes High School

Spartanburg School District 5 Quick Links

Quick Profile of Spartanburg County School District 6

Spartanburg School District 6 is primarily made up of students from Moore, Pauline, Roebuck, and Spartanburg.

  • Child Development Center
  • Anderson Mill Elementary
  • Arcadia Elementary
  • Fairforest Elementary
  • Jesse S. Bobo Elementary
  • Lone Oak Elementary
  • Pauline-Glenn Springs Elementary
  • Roebuck Elementary
  • West View Elementary
  • Woodland Heights Elementary
  • Fairforest Middle
  • Gable Middle
  • R. P. Dawkins Middle
  • Dorman Freshman Campus
  • Dorman High School
  • RD Anderson Applied Technology Center

Spartanburg School District 6 Quick Links

Quick Profile of Spartanburg County School District 7

Spartanburg School District 7 is primarily made up of students from Spartanburg (Eastside and Downtown).

  • Adult Education of Spartanburg County
  • Carver Middle School
  • Cleveland Academy of Leadership
  • Daniel Morgan Technology Center
  • Drayton Mills Elementary School
  • E.P. Todd School
  • Jesse Boyd Elementary School
  • Mary H. Wright Elementary School
  • McCarthy Teszler School
  • McCracken Middle School
  • Meeting Street Academy
  • Pine Street Elementary School
  • Spartanburg High School
  • The Franklin School
  • Valkyrie Middle College
  • Viking Early College
  • Virtual Program – Spartanburg County
  • Whitlock Flexible Learning Center

Spartanburg School District 7 Quick Links

Details about Swofford Career Center

Swofford Career Center is open to students in the 10th-12th grades in Spartanburg Districts 1 and 2. There are multiple programs; enrollment is limited for each one and priority is given based on grade level. They partner with multiple businesses in Spartanburg County to help support their programs.

To enroll, students should request a form during registration at their home high school in District 1 or 2 and turn the form in to their guidance office.

Swofford Career Center Programs

  • Auto Collision
  • Automotive Tech
  • Carpentry
  • Culinary Arts
  • Electricity
  • Engineering Drafting & Design
  • Graphic Communications
  • Health Science
  • Horticulture Sciences
  • Intro to Teaching
  • Machine Tool Technology
  • Media Technology
  • Networking
  • Protective Services
  • Welding

Important Facts About Spartanburg School Districts

When shopping for a home, parents should find out which school district the home is zoned for. A general map of the school districts can be found on the Spartanburg County Website. However, you will need to contact the individual school district to find out which schools your child will attend. It is common for families to purchase homes in a specific school district with the intention of their children attending those schools. Take into consideration the growth of the area and possible overcrowding at schools when basing your home purchase on school selection. 

Staying Informed During Inclement Weather And Closures

Each School Spartanburg School District offers parents multiple ways of keeping in touch during the year. Your child’s Spartanburg School District will have a Facebook page, where things will be posted like weather closures, and other important info. You can also follow Kidding Around on Facebook and join our Kidding Around Spartanburg community group, where we often share updates posted by the different school districts. Usually once one Spartanburg County School district announces a weather-related closure, they almost always follow suit. 

Registering A New Student In Spartanburg County Schools 

For your child to attend kindergarten, they must be 5 years old on or before September 1st of that school year. You will need your child’s birth certificate, current proof of residence (such as a mortgage statement or utility bill), and a South Carolina proof of immunization certificate from your child’s pediatrician. Most online registration links for each district can be found in their “Quick Links” section. 

Continuing Education In Spartanburg County, SC

Spartanburg is also home to several higher education institutions including Converse College, Wofford College, USC Upstate, Spartanburg Community College, Spartanburg Methodist College, and Sherman College of Chiropractic

Where You Can Find the Best Milkshakes in Spartanburg

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Searching for ‘best milkshakes near me’? Love a good milkshake? We here at Kidding Around were tasked with the difficult (self-imposed) job of seeking out the best milkshakes in Spartanburg, SC. Grab one of these great milkshakes in the lovely Hub City.

Rocky Moo best milkshakes Spartanburg SC
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Top 9 Parks in Spartanburg, SC with Playgrounds for Kids

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Are you looking for the best parks in Spartanburg, SC? With a little help from our readers, we’ve put together a list of the best parks in Spartanburg County based on their suggestions. Whether you’re looking for a park with a giant playground or one with a great walking trail, you’re sure to find it on this list!

Spartanburg County is home to several outstanding parks that each offer unique features. For example, some parks are perfect for hot summer days because they offer splash pads, while others offer lots of shade. Other parks offer walking trails or disc golf courses.

spartanburg parks

Discover ALL of the Spartanburg’s Amazing Parks in our GIANT Upstate Park and Playground Guide.

No matter what your family is looking for, there is sure to be a park that meets your family’s desires. The list of park options is huge, so, to make help you narrow down your choices, here are a few of the best parks in Spartanburg, SC.

Tyger River Park

179 Dillard Road, Duncan

Within this large sports complex, there is a great park for kids to run, climb, dig in the sand, and get wet. It has a brand-new playground and lots to explore!

It’s big, has a splash pad, and has shade!

Ashley R./cite>

We love Tyger River Park because it has two age-divided playgrounds, a climbing pyramid, and a splash pad along with a walking trail and disc golf. It’s just a great selection, and it’s really close to our house.

Amanda H.
Tyger River Playground

Downtown Memorial Airport Park

500 Ammons Road, Spartanburg

The City of Spartanburg’s airport park is located right by the Downtown Memorial Airport, and the park is aviation-themed! In addition to the fun airplane theme, there is also a splash pad.

Airport is our new favorite.

Kayla L.

Note: The splash pad is slick so we recommend water shoes that grip well and to watch your kids carefully to make sure that they don’t run in the area.

The playground at Spartanburg Airport Park

Happy Hollow Park

Glendalyn Avenue between South Fairview Street and Connecticut Avenue, Spartanburg

Hidden within Converse Heights, this fenced-in park is well-loved by the community and is open to visitors.

Happy Hollow – shaded, fenced in, a short walk from parking to play.

Kristie M.

Happy Hollow…because shade.

Heidi W.
Happy Hallow Park in Spartanburg County

295 Park

2100 Southport Road, Spartanburg

A reader describes this park as “a little playground on Southport near Big Lots. The park has soccer fields and baseball fields. The playground got rebuilt within the last year or so.”

*Recommended by a local kid!

Cleveland Park

141 N. Cleveland Park Drive, Spartanburg

Located in the middle of Spartanburg, Cleveland Park is a gem. This large park offers a nice playground, as well as a lake and walking trails. It is the perfect park to visit to have a picnic, and there are a number of picnic shelters available, as well.

Cleveland Park Playground

Miracle Park at North Spartanburg

1160 Old Furnace Road, Boiling Springs

North Spartanburg Park in Boiling Springs is also home to Miracle Park. Miracle Park is a fun and unique park with a 100% handicapped-accessible playground. The playground is designed with ramps and a rubber surface.

*Recommended by a local kid!

Boiling Springs Community Park

182 Rainbow Lake Road, Boiling Springs

Located behind a fire station and across the street from Walmart, this enclosed local park is also a fan favorite. It has a playground and a walking trail.
Boiling Springs Community Park

Boiling Springs community park is our favorite.

Blair T.
Boiling Springs Park Playground

Va-Du-Mar McMillan Park

591 McMillin Boulevard, Boiling Springs

This sports complex also includes a huge fenced-in playground area. Additionally, it offers a disc golf course and a wooded trail.

Va-Du-Mar McMillian Park is always a favorite. It has one large playground and another one on the right when you first pull in. Not a lot of shade but they do have trails that are used for disc golf. I take the kids up in there. There’s also a little creek that the kids like to play in. Lots of soccer fields, and I believe tennis courts. Also has a nice bathroom, the only downfall is that it is a hike with small kids to walk.

Audrey S.
Va-Du-Mar Park Playground

My Family’s Personal Favorite Park . . . Anchor Park

Anchor Park at Lake Bowen
8515 Highway 9, Inman

My family lived in Boiling Springs for several years. When we lived in Boiling Springs, our favorite park to visit was Anchor Park at Lake Bowen. This park offers a large fenced-in playground overlooking beautiful Lake Bowen. Additionally, it has ample amounts of shade and separate play areas for little ones and big kids. Even though we live on the westside now, we still take trips to this park.

Anchor Park playground next to Lake Bowen

Did your favorite Spartanburg County park make our list? Let us know which parks you recommend in the comments!

Is Spartanburg the Hot Dog Capital of the South? I Think So!

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If you are looking for good hot dogs in Spartanburg, SC we have you covered! With several popular spots, we are listing our reader’s favorites. Chime in and let us know if we missed your favorite hot dog space in Spartanburg.

As a hot dog aficionado, the high number of places to get a fancy frank makes me happy. Once upon a time, I visited Old Salty Dog in Florida, a place featured on Man Vs. Food, just to try the famous hot dog. It’s “salty dog” is a hot dog dipped in a beer batter that is deep-fried and served in a bun, and it is topped with onions, mushrooms, sauerkraut, bacon, and a whole lot of cheese. Get in my belly.

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Ohana’s: Shaved Ice With Beachy Vibe in Duncan, SC

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Have you tried the shaved ice at Ohana’s in Duncan? We visited and loved the beachy decor, fun outdoor setting, and of course, the ice was delicious. The kids enjoyed picking some candy toppings for their icees to compliment their syrup flavor choice, creating their own custom dessert. This is one spot we’ll be back to visit again.

Hawaiian Shaved Ice at Ohana's in Duncan, SC

Sometimes, when life gets busy, it’s best to make a little time for something simply enjoyable with the people you love. That’s how we found our way to Ohana’s one afternoon. My husband had been out of town for work all week, the kids were grumping at each other, and had definitely a bit too much Minecraft for the day, so I decided it was time to try that cute shaved ice spot we’d been driving by. Their beachy set-up looked so fun, and, we needed a little break.

Order at Ohana's, Duncan SC

Order Your Shaved Ice: Ohana’s in Duncan

We probably don’t need to explain this part to you. The menu board beside the window has your flavor options and topping choices. But, do take a look at the specials posted on the window, though. You’ll find unique creations like a blueberry donut icee, strawberry cake flavor, or even a coffee-flavored shaved ice. If none of those are quite what you’re looking for, go ahead and pick your flavors and toppings.

My kids chose:

  • Blue raspberry with gummy worms
  • Blue bubblegum with sour gummy worms
  • Bubblegum with caramel sauce
Icee at Ohana's

Are these combinations that sound appetizing to me, as an adult? Nope, nope, nope. I picked the boring pina colada with no toppings. And I walked away without a brightly colored blue tongue. A fact, which I was very happy about. I, however, am not a kid. And the whole point of this small excursion was simple fun, and apparently, when you’re 10, a blue tongue is just that. So, they had at it with their choices and I wasn’t going to stop them.

Outdoor seating at Ohana's Duncan, SC

Ohana’s Beachy Atmosphere

Ok, you’ve ordered your icee. You get to sit back and relax at the pretty teal picnic tables with bright umbrellas, or kick back in an Adirondack chair and wait for the delicious magic to happen inside that colorful little building. But wait, what’s this? Your shaved ice creations are being delivered to you on a wooden surfboard-shaped platter? How cool is that? Beach theme through and through.

Ohana's Ice on a surfboard

Take your time, enjoy your ice, and maybe play some ladder toss, climb up in the big chair for a photo, or make some chalk art on the sidewalk. The Hawaiian music is playing, and getting back to the real world will come soon enough.

Ohana’s
128 West Main Street, Duncan
Open 12 pm to 9 pm daily

Bonus, Your Summer Day in Duncan, SC: Shipwreck Cove, the popular waterpark at Stoneledge Park, is just a minute or two from Ohana’s. Both are super popular with our readers, and Ohana’s will make a nice treat after an afternoon at the park!

Snow cones Greenville sc

Love Snow Cones and Shaved Ice? Try some more!

Here are a few more snow cone places in the Upstate.