Summer is winding down, school is starting, and if you’re like me, your family is finally returning to a schedule!
Some of my kids are happy to be back in the swing of things, and others are still wishing for summer days. For those looking for a fun activity or two to help ease your family back into the school year, enjoy this list of some of my family’s favorites. This list includes the very newest and most popular Greenville attractions right along with some old classics.
Let’s get started!
Clare’s Creamery
Clare’s Creamery is Greenville’s neighborhood small batch ice cream shop, dedicated to delivering the highest quality ingredients and the most delicious ice cream ever! The shop is a lifelong dream of founder Caitlin Clare’s, and that dream finally became a reality in 2020 with Clare’s Creamery.
Beat the heat and run over to Clare’s Creamery for a locally made sweet treat. You can find Clare’s ice cream at their brick-and-mortar (1635 East North Street) or at their pop-up in The Commons shared with The Bake Room.
Chestnut Coffee House & Local Market
Chestnut brings a whole new meaning to the word community. This coffee shop and local market has proven wildly popular since its grand opening in January – so much so that the owners opened a new location this month!
Enjoy expertly poured handcrafted coffee beverages, created with house-made syrups and Methodical Roastery coffee. Kids can enjoy Chestnut Ice Cream and Scout’s Doughnuts as well as a variety of delicious lunch foods and snacks.
Chestnut Coffee House is located in the Hollingsworth community on Rocky Slope Road, and their new location is on East Curtis Street in Simpsonville. Grab an iced coffee and enjoy Hollingsworth park only a short walk away. Families with young children will especially love the two playgrounds located in the park with lots of space to run around!
Unity Park
Doubtless you’ve heard about Greenville’s newest green space and playground, Unity Park. This beautiful 60-acre park features a 4,100-square-foot splash pad, 2 huge green spaces, 4 playgrounds, picnic tables and shaded sitting areas, and so much more. Plus, the park sits right on the Swamp Rabbit Trail and provides direct access to walking and biking trails (if you’re looking for a guide to the Swamp Rabbit, I have one of those too)!
If you get tired of playing out in the sun, there are all sorts of indoor spots to enjoy right next to the park. The Commons provides tons of seating (indoor and outdoor) and multiple restaurants to enjoy (my family loves the burger at GB&D). A short walk across the Reedy River will bring you to Southerside Brewing, a brewery with a full food menu, live music, regular community markets and other events.
Group Therapy
Group Therapy is one of Greenville’s newest forms of entertainment. The indoor “playground” features an 18-hole mini golf course full of fun movie themes, ice curling, ping-pong, axe-throwing, and backyard games. You will also find a food menu with lots of delicious shareable plates.
If that August heat is getting to you, Group Therapy is the perfect place to enjoy summer (or back-to-school) family fun indoors! They do corporate events too; I’ve planned one there for my team at Hamilton & Company!
Looking for a fun parents’ night out? Group Therapy is 21+ after 7pm each night. Enjoy speciality cocktails, a 30-tap self-serve beer wall, and a transformed party atmosphere!
Group Therapy is located in the Camperdown Plaza and is only a short walk from Insomnia Cookies, Starbucks, Jeni’s Ice Cream, and other local favorites.
Discovery Island
What better way to beat the heat than to spend the day at the waterpark? Discovery Island at Southside Park in Simpsonville has tons of water activities for everyone in the family!
Enjoy two water slides, a lazy river, wave rider, and more! Discovery Island also has food available for purchase and lots of seating and shade for those not participating in the water activities.
Flying Rabbit Adventures
Flying Rabbit Adventures is a 3-story aerial park and a favorite summer activity for the Hamilton & Co. team!
No matter your experience, there’s a track here for you! Flying Rabbit has three different courses ranging in difficulty, plus courses just for kids. If you’re not a fan of heights, you can enjoy a performance bike track and challenge course, along with other great adventures!
Flying Rabbit is located at Holland Park, a mixed-use development space that is home to Greenville’s famous Home Team BBQ, Double Stamp Brewery, and more!
3’s
Have you heard of 3’s? Formally Crosswinds Par 3, “3’s” has transformed the Par 3 into a 12-hole putting course designed by world-renowned golf course architects. The putting green is perfect for a family day (or night) out, plus you’ll get to enjoy delicious food and drinks from the 3’s Grill.
This experience is truly unlike anything else in town! In addition to booking a personal tee-time, you can take advantage of weekly events like Friday Date Night and Family Sundays.
ReCraft GVL
Looking to stock up on school supplies responsibility and affordably this year? Recraft GVL is South Carolina’s first “creative reuse center,” collecting reusable materials from manufacturers, institutions, and households across the Upstate and redistributing them in their brick and mortar on Haywood Road.
In addition to shopping at ReCraft, you can donate your time or old supplies to their store! Visit ReCraft’s Website and Instagram to learn more about these opportunities.
Skateland USA
Skateland USA, located on White Horse Road, is an indoor skating rink the whole family can enjoy! There is also a toddler rink available.
BlocHaven
Get those after-school wiggles out at BlocHaven, Greenville’s community-oriented rock climbing gym and cafe. At BlocHaven, there are multiple climbing areas with routes suitable for all ages and experience levels.
On your first visit, be prepared to sign a waiver for each participant and sit through a short orientation. After that, signing in is simple. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult, so plan to stick around and watch (or even climb with) your little ones. We’ve seen children as young as three years old having a blast in the space!
We love making Greenville feel more like home for its residents by sharing our local recommendations! Interested in investing in Greenville? My team at Hamilton & Co. is the top-rated real estate team in the Upstate, and I would love to help you buy a home here. Give me a call at 864-527-7685 and tell me what you’re looking for; I’d love to help you make your real estate dreams come true! — Dan
