Love some family-friendly outdoor music and free concerts? Greenville, SC sure does! Especially in the summer, Greenville and the surrounding areas host a number of free outdoor (and sometimes indoor) concerts. These concerts provide a great way to enjoy time as a family or couple while keeping expenses down. This list includes a wide variety of concerts.
There are so many free and cheap things to do this summer near Greenville, SC!
Inside: One local mom reviews the art opportunities for kids at TR Makers Co.
Looking for a place to make some art in Travelers Rest, SC? TR Makers Co offers art activities for both children and adults. You can plan a birthday party or girls’ night here, or take advantage of summer sessions, playdates, and even homeschool classes.
Looking for more fun places to make art in Greenville, SC? Check out our 10+ Places Kids Can Make Art in Greenville post!
“I want to help people express themselves,” Kristin LaRoy told me at her shop in Travelers Rest called TR Makers Co.
I sincerely hoped that did not mean she would let my fiery toddler express herself by banging the mallet on Kristin’s finger as she held the print stamp in place for the handmade design my daughter was attempting.
That’s some serious trust and she won me over quickly.
In 2019, Kristin was brought into the SmartARTS program organized by the Metropolitan Arts Council, which is a pretty big deal. She uses her style of multi-disciplinary arts integration teaching to educate students in schools across Greenville County. And she also received the 2019 Carrie and Skip Gordon Emerging Teaching Artist Award for my work with SmartARTS. Brava!
TR Makers Co. is right on Main Street in downtown Travelers Rest and is home to a beautiful little shop that sells goods from local artists, including soap, printed shirts (that are the softest I’ve ever felt, by the way) and sweatshirts, jewelry, dolls, and pottery. But the coolest part, at least for the kids, is all of the neat stuff Kristin has for the art section of TR Makers.
Seated at an art bar, my kids were able to make their own designs for cards and paper. They designed what the art on their little handbags would look like, and with Kristin’s help and patience, had a lot of fun becoming little makers themselves.
Adults also can get in on the action. TR Makers offers Play Dates for groups of one to six people. These can be for families or friends or girls night outs – pretty much anything. Grown-ups need to play, too. TR Makers also offers homeschool classes, art camps, and tons of art experiences for kids and grown-ups.
If you have a young child wanting to explore art, the Mini Makers program will help! One Saturday and some Wednesdays, TR Makers Co. offers Mini Makers, where your child can explore a theme through art. Parents participate as well, and your kid can take their art home after they are finished.
TR Makers Co offers homeschool classes called Arts Lead Learning.
Classes are held throughout the fall and spring. Each half day arts-integrated lesson covers an age-appropriate academic study in areas of either Science, Math, English, Social Studies, or cultural studies.
Students get the opportunity to make 2-3 projects during the lesson and come home knowing more about the chosen topic of study. Detail on current classes as well as general information on this program can be found online: Arts Lead Learning at TR Makers.
TR Makers also offers Summer Maker Camps and Summer Maker Days for students age 7-16. Camps are half-day events with the kids meeting from 9 am- Noon and or 1-4 pm. Classes are a 5 day week long.
The Summer Maker Days are flexible. Students can join for one, two, or more classes during the week. They offer discounted passes for 2-Day maker days.
Summer classes and camp this summer look like a lot of fun with hands-on creating, problem-solving, and eating all in the name of art.
TR Makers also offers unique birthday parties where the birthday boy/girl receives a special block print t-shirt made during the party. Parties include art instruction and materials for 9 guests ages 4 and up and cost $250. Options are available to add food but parents can also bring in their own food or order in (Sidewall Pizza is just down the street, you know, for reference).
TR Makers Co has always carried local goods, jewelry, art pieces, and unique gifts. They are always adding a ton of new items to their inventory, including DIY at-home art kits, new items from local, regional, and global artists, and artisan gifts. They offer free local pick-up daily as well.
If you’re in Travelers Rest, be sure to stop by TR Makers Co., or make a trip just for this place. It’s definitely worth it. Travelers Rest has so many gems. Don’t miss any of them.
TR Makers Co. Website
3 South Main Street, Travelers Rest
864.610.0996
Open Monday 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Tuesday – Saturday 10:30 am – 5:30 pm
Closed Sunday
Are you looking for more fun things to do in Traveler’s Rest, SC? Check out our Kidding Around Guide to Travelers Rest.
Does a play date at TR Makers Co. sound like a great night out to you?
If you are looking for salons offering mommy and me nails near Greenville, SC, you’ve come to the right place! Kidding Around readers recommended several nail salons that accommodate little kids by giving them the pint-size version of the nail treatments many parents enjoy. We hope you and your little one have a great time bonding while being pampered with mommy and me manis and pedis!
Enjoying a little pampering with your child can be a wonderful and fun bonding activity. While little ones might not hold still long enough to benefit from lengthy services, a slightly older child may love it. I know promises of pretty polish are the only sure way to bribe my preschool daughters into letting me trim their nails.
Below are some reader suggestions of favorite salons offering child nail services throughout Greenville.
Remember that details about these particular locations may change. We recommended calling ahead to confirm deals or services.
Lavish Nails and Spa is highly recommended due to the salon’s cleanliness and relaxing environment. They offer manicures and pedicures for children under 12 and use new tools when working with children, and are excellent with kids!
850 East Suber Road #140
Greer, SC 29650
Nail Story’s stunning salon offers a Kid’s Menu of nail services for children. They currently offer a Kid’s Manicure, Kid’s Pedicure, Delux Pedicure, Top Shelf Pedicure, and additional add-on services like gels and nail designs.
838 Woods Crossing Road
Greenville, SC 29607
Located off Wade Hampton near Belk’s in Greer, Lily Nails is recommended by a few KA readers thanks to their adorable ‘Mommy and Me’ section in the salon. The facility is clean and organized, with adjoining adult/child chairs that can accommodate children as young as 3 years old!
810 West Wade Hampton Blvd
Greer, SC 29650
Located in Greer, Hampton Nails & Spa offers multiple services for children under 12, including pedicure and manicure (ages 9 – 12), gel polish, hand polish, and feet polish. They have two special child-size chairs available to make them more comfortable.
217 West Wade Hampton Blvd Suite E
Greer, SC 29650
Multiple KA readers love Oscars Nails & Spa because of the salon’s cleanliness and friendly staff! The salon is very popular amongst adults looking for their own manicure and pedicure, as well as for child nail services.
2435 East North Street #1102
Greenville, SC 29615
Oscar’s! Super friendly, they do great work and it’s clean.
SherriOscar’s is the best. Best going there for years. Clean. Affordable and the owners are amazing.
ChristineMagic Nails & Beauty offer a children’s manicure and pedicure. Its facility is highly rated because of its welcoming staff, cleanliness, and sanitation practices.
1417 Laurens Road
Greenville, SC 29607
Located off of White Horse Road across from Walmart, Nail City has two child-size chairs available.
6135 White Horse Rd
Greenville, SC 2961
RELATED: Best Kids’ Haircuts in Greenville
You may also want to check out where to get the best kids’ haircuts in Greenville.
Any others we skipped? Please let us know in the comments where your favorite mommy and me nail salons are!
Saturday morning at the Hub City Farmers Market in Spartanburg, SC, is charming, with local farms, artisan vendors, and all coming together for the Spartanburg community. Here is our review.
If you’re searching for the perfect place to find local produce in Spartanburg, SC, then you’ll be delighted by the Hub City Farmers Market. You’ll find all kinds of local goodness, from produce to plants, from lovely vendors and makers from our community!
Up for a cheap new adventure, only a short drive from Greenville, SC, that the whole family will love? Tryon International Equestrian Center is only an hour or so from Greenville, and a unique experience you will look forward to visiting again and again!
We’ll fill you in on where this hidden secret is, what they offer, and why you should visit!
When we first heard of the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), it sounded cool, and we knew we had to go. A beautiful oasis of horses, a carousel, and fun (and cheap) events? Um, yes! So we went and checked out Saturday Night Lights. Total gamechanger. We’ve been so many times now, and it really never gets old.
We’ll tell you all about why you should head over the border to the TIEC in 2026!
Looking for free and cheap things to do? See our 30+ Free/Cheap Things to do Over the Summer for ideas.
The forty-five-minute ride to Tryon was like driving across the picture on a postcard. Please note: as you drive up Highway 26, drive the speed limit. Troopers literally tuck themselves along the side of the road in an attempt to catch you speeding. The only reason I know this is because a friend told me. Really, it is. (Wink).
I perked up the moment we arrived. There is a security guard stationed at the gate to answer all your questions. Having never been, we had a lot. Although the festivities didn’t begin until the evening, the kind officer encouraged us to “have a look around.” So we did.
Four words came to mind: Who needs Churchill Downs? As soon as you enter the grounds, there is so much see. We went when there was nothing going on. I can only imagine what it looks like during events! The first thing our little one spotted was the carousel. There were restaurants and food/drink vendors galore. I won’t go as far as to compare it to Disney World but, during an event, Tryon International Equestrian Center could easily be the happiest place in North Carolina.
Before I go any further, allow me to share with you the best part of our journey. It wasn’t the shops, food or horses; nope, my favorite thing was the freshly squeezed lemonade. The real-life lemonade stand was parked right up front (at least it was the day we went) and they squeeze your drink right in front of you. It cost more than a quarter, but was well worth it.
But let me tell you about an event at the TIEC that just may rival some time at Disney – and it’s free except for parking.
One of the coolest things about the TIEC is their free Saturday Night Lights program that starts in early summer and runs through October. The 2026 season kicked off on May 2nd, with summer dates through July 18th, 2026. Fall dates from September 19th to October 24th, 2026. You really won’t believe it’s free once you get there and find all the stuff they have for you to do.
The Venetian carousel is a fan favorite, and anyone can see why – it’s so pretty. And it’s not just for kids. I’ve ridden it many times, and it’s just as fun for me as for my kids. You can ride it as many times as you like at Saturday Night Lights. For free. Yup, just keep riding.
Saturday Night Lights has had pony rides in the past, but not every time we’ve come. It’s pretty hit or miss. So if your kid really, really loves pony rides, maybe just don’t tell them anything about it until you get there and see if they have them that night.
These are wildly popular, and they are the first things you’ll see when you enter the facility, so get in line right away if you want to do it. You’ll have to sign a waiver, and your kid will get fitted for a helmet and get a ride around once or twice in a circle. The horses we saw were really pretty, and the staff was great.
Most evenings at Saturday Night Lights, they do have face painting, but get in line early as they tend to fill up fast. For the past several years, face painting has been free, but a reader informed us that it is no longer free this year (2026), so if you’d like it done, be prepared to pay for it.
Saturday Night Lights really has things for every age. There is a horse bounce house, a mechanical horse (like a mechanical bull you may have seen in a country western bar, but for any age!), and a great band. We loved listening to the band while we ate dinner, and the kids played with hula hoops and ran and jumped over kid-size horse jumping obstacles.
There are vendors with fresh-squeezed lemonade and adult beverages, plus places to grab dinner. There are different food trucks every time, plus a sushi restaurant, a taco and nachos place (delicious by the way), an Italian restaurant, a diner, and an American grille.
You can sit anywhere you like, but we love to sit on the green hill on the west side of the stadium because kids can roll down it in between horse jumping. Or you can sit and listen to the band, or wherever else you want to sit and eat.
One pro tip during the cooler months of early fall: bring blankets! It gets chilly, and we saw so many people with blankets and considered them geniuses. They also looked very cozy. In the General Store, they sell coffee and hot chocolate, which I’d definitely recommend as well.
While all the excitement of the free activities is a lot of fun, there is also a pretty incredible horse jumping competition that happens at 7 pm during Saturday Night Lights. You can sit anywhere you want in the stadium. I love sitting really close to the arena so I get a good look at the horses as they jump right in front of me.
Let me just say: I know nothing about this kind of competition. Like, zero. What I’ve gathered is that the rider loses points if the horse knocks down one of the bars they have to jump over or goes over the amount of time they have to complete the course. And the winner gets a lot of money. You also cannot be cheering and clapping while the horse is jumping the obstacles but you can cheer after they are done with their run.
All that to say, even though I have zero clue what is happening, I absolutely love it, as do my kids. The horses are stunningly beautiful, agile, and just so amazing. We all love watching them.
There is a $10 parking fee starting at 3 pm for Saturday Night Lights. If you arrive before 3 pm, there is no charge. They take cash or credit cards.
All the free events happen from 5-7 pm, and then the competition goes from 7 pm to around 10 pm. Most nights are themed.
Here is the 2026 schedule:
Spring
Summer
Fall
In addition to Saturday Night Lights, TIEC hosts a wide array of events that are also open to the public. See the complete TIEC calendar of events. They also have lodgings right there at the equestrian center, which we imagine would be awesome to stay in.
Tryon International Equestrian Center
4066 Pea Ridge Road, Mill Spring, NC
828.863.1000
Would your family love a visit to Tryon International Equestrian Center?
For more things to do near the TIEC, see our Guide to Landrum (a really cool, nearby town)!
City of Spartanburg, SC has a 13-acre botanical garden with paved, stroller-friendly trails just a couple miles off I-26 and 5 minutes from downtown! Hatcher Garden & Woodland Preserve is one of Spartanburg’s top nature spots for its gorgeous flowers and waterfalls, and you can enjoy free things to do like going on a nature walk, taking some family photos, or exploring the growing Children’s Garden.
🌸 Gardens: 13 acres of native plants, conifers, azaleas, and more
🌊 Water Features: Abundant ponds, streams, and small waterfalls
📸 Scenic Spots: Stone and wooden bridges, gazebos, and overlooks
👟 Trails: 1-mile interconnected loop of paved, gently sloping trails
♿️ Accessibility: Fully accessible for strollers and wheelchairs
🎟️ Admission: FREE but donations are appreciated
⏰ Hours: Dawn – dusk, 365 days of the year
📍 Address: 820 John B. White Sr. Blvd, Spartanburg, SC 29306
🚻 Amenities: Restrooms, water fountains, covered picnic shelter, gift shop
Hatcher Garden & Woodland Preserve is one of my family’s absolute favorite places to get outdoors in Spartanburg, SC. It’s completely free, centrally located, and family-friendly. This beautiful space is full of ponds, waterfalls, wildlife, mature trees, and a wide variety of leafy and flowering plants. Whether you’re local to the Upstate or just visiting the area, this is one of the best places to visit at any time of year.
In 1969, Harold and Josephine Hatcher made the decision to retire in Spartanburg, South Carolina to be closer to family. They immediately set to work reviving the land around their home, converting eroded cotton fields slowly but surely into thriving gardens.
Over time, the couple started opening their gardens to the public, allowing volunteers from community organizations, and expanding the property. In the 1980s, the Hatchers donated the property to Spartanburg County Foundation, ensuring its preservation for public enjoyment for years to come.
Josephine and Harold passed away near the turn of the 21st century, but their legacy lives on through every seasonal bloom, smiling visitor, and committed volunteer at the gardens.
Hatcher Garden is truly a fully immersive nature experience, and we are so thankful that they have built up the garden with both beauty and accessibility in mind. Wide, paved paths wind through the entire garden with gentle slopes, perfect for wheelchairs and parents pushing strollers.
Visitors can wander over 1 mile of interconnected trail loops, and you can easily spend anywhere from just 15 minutes to several hours here. The trails are almost entirely shaded, meaning they’re perfect for any time of year and make one of Spartanburg’s best summer hikes to avoid the heat.
If you’re planning to hike, park in the main parking lot and just enter through the main garden entrance. You’ll find no-barrier entry to the trails and a smooth descent into the rest of the gardens there!
As you explore, you’ll discover a stunning range of themed gardens with different plants in bloom throughout the year. My children are particularly fond of the Butterfly Garden with larger-than-life bug statues, while I personally love the Water Wise Demonstration Garden, which shows off drought-resistant varieties that are pretty all year round.
Before your visit, you can check out Hatcher Garden’s Bloom Guide for details on which flowers may be in bloom at any time of year and where to find them on the property.
Please remind children not to pick any flowers at Hatcher Garden, as they are carefully maintained for everyone to be able to enjoy. If you want to bring the gardens home with you, then keep an eye out for their annual Spring Plant Sale!
There are multiple scenic bridges, including the large Children’s Garden Bridge, also known as Stone Bridge, connecting the main parking area to the Children’s Garden. This one is the perfect photo spot when the flowers overhead are blooming! There are a few large wooden bridges, too, like the one crossing between Cypress Pond and Duck Pond.
A well loved local favorite is known as Corrie’s Bridge. Named for former Board Member Corrie Miller Whitlock, this short, covered bridge overlooks Hatcher Garden’s largest waterfall, a lovely 10-foot cascade. You can also view the waterfall from the Stone Patio at Corrie’s Garden Room near the waterfall’s base.
Another popular spot to stop is the Garden of Hope and Healing, where you can find covered benches around a sand garden and small pavilion. As a homeschool family, we also appreciate the John A. Nevison Amphitheater, where my kids can work on their schoolwork, make presentations, and balance and leap across the stone levels.
Preview even more spaces you’ll have the chance to see and explore with Hatcher Garden’s online list of Event Spaces. And yes, these places are all available to rent for private events!
Every parent in Spartanburg County needs to know about the incredible growing Children’s Garden at Hatcher Garden & Woodland Preserve. While the entire gardens are family-friendly, the Children’s Garden has rapidly expanded into an attraction all its own.
The large open sand garden in front of the maintenance shed is one of the main draws to the Children’ Garden. This large open area is complete with a sand toy library, covered picnic tables, and even a changing table. A short paved path connects the sand garden to the restrooms and water fountains, ensuring maximum convenience for visiting families.
Just past the sand garden, you’ll discover a Little Free Library, fully accessible gazebo, and a small fish pond. This water feature is for fish, not splashing, and parents should keep a very close watch on children around the water. The Sensory Loop connects these spaces, inviting children to use their senses to look, listen, smell, and feel their way through play.
My kids adore the trail of leapfrog rocks, complete with a rock sculpture of a frog, which kicks off the Altrusa Adventure Trail. This trail was made possible by Altrusa International of Spartanburg, SC, a non-profit focused on community improvement which has a long history of supporting Hatcher Garden & Woodland Preserve.
The Adventure Trail is designed to engage balance, movement, and spatial awareness: “Learning through Fun and a Little Risk!” It now includes a crawl-through tunnel, rope ladder, and hanging rope swings in a fantastic shaded naturescape right by the water.
While Hatcher Garden & Woodland Preserve is steadily growing in popularity, it remains a generally uncrowded and quiet place for families to enjoy during the week. This has made it one of our favorite spots to homeschool outdoors in the Spartanburg area.
With accessible trails, abundant seating options where you can read or do workbooks, and plenty of nature to explore, you can easily fill a homeschool day in the gardens.
Need ideas? We’ve got some for you!
Every visitor to Hatcher Garden—whether you come to learn, to work, or just to enjoy—is a steward of its continued beauty. Visiting as a family is one of the greatest opportunities we have had to teach our children how to appreciate and engage with nature with a strong sense of responsibility for it.
The Children’s Garden is the best place for kids to really set their imaginations loose and play on all the structures provided, but they are welcome to explore other areas of the larger gardens as well. We’ve seen some fantastic forts built with sticks and stones in the woodland areas, but just help kids remember not to pick the flowers or disturb wildlife.
Outside food and drink are allowed in the gardens, so packing a picnic can be a great way to stretch your visit and enjoy some extra time in the great outdoors. Be sure to clean up after yourselves and take any trash to the provided cans near the garden entrances.
Interested in volunteering? Hatcher Garden & Woodland Preserve is one of the greatest places in all of Spartanburg County for kids and adults to volunteer. You can be a Horticulture Helper, Garden Guide, Office Assistant, Special Events Helper, and more! Individuals and groups are welcome, including church groups and scouting troops, with regular volunteer opportunities every Tuesday through Saturday from 9 am to 12 pm.
You can also make a financial gift or visit the gift shop in person or online to buy a souvenir. Many of the items in the gift shop are created by local artists, such as watercolors, walking sticks, jewelry, and more. This is also a great place to shop for unique and meaningful gifts for your local friends and family.
Note: A dog named Major, lovingly considered the mascot of the gardens, can often be found in the gift shop. He is generally friendly, but those with pet allergies or small children may want to be aware of his potential presence before visiting the store.
Looking for more local businesses where you can buy unique gifts? Don’t miss our Local Shopping Guide to Spartanburg, SC!
What are you waiting for? With free admission, free parking, year-round operations, and new nature finds on every visit, Hatcher Garden & Woodland Preserve is one of City of Spartanburg’s greatest local treasures.
Admission: FREE but donations welcome
Open Hours: Dawn till dusk, 365 days a year
Location Address: 820 John B. White Sr. Blvd, Spartanburg, SC 29306
Hatcher Garden Website
Hatcher Garden on Facebook
Hatcher Garden on Instagram
Phone Number: 864.574.7724
Email: info@hatchergarden.org
At Your Own Risk: Visitors to Hatcher Garden & Woodland Preserve enter and participate in any and all activities at your own risk. This is a nature space with all the risks inherent to spending time in nature, such as encounters with wildlife, falling limbs, and water-related risks. Parents are responsible for their children’s safety and behavior at all times.
Inside: Find the updated 2026 Home Depot Kids Workshop Schedule.
See how these workshops work from moms who actually attend with their kids. Get the inside scoop AND watch a video to see what the in-store workshops look like before you go.
Hey There! Are you looking for the next FREE Home Depot Kids Workshop Kit? The Home Depot Workshops for kids have always been a Kidding Around favorite. We’ve been, we love them, and our readers do, too!
We’re going to tell you what we love, why we love it, how to register, and some parent tips to help you make the most of your visit to the free workshops for kids at Home Depot.
By the time you’re done, you’ll be an expert on the Home Depot Kids’ Workshops, just like us!
Table of Contents:
Here’s our latest video about our visits to these super fun workshops
We sat down with local news outlet, Fox Carolina to share our expertise about these workshops.
It’s all free! Home Depot offers workshop kits for kids, including all materials needed to complete the project, totally free. These projects are an amazing way to spend some quality time with the kids, without spending a dime.
“I have always looked forward to the first Saturday of the month for the past several years as it has been my mommy-daughter date at the Home Depot kids workshop. I grab my coffee and my two young kids get their hammers and paintbrushes and we build whatever the kids’ workshop has deemed the project of the month at our local store.” -Kristina
We love taking kids to the Home Depot workshops. We pooled the experiences of our KA Team in this review, so you’ll know what you can expect when you attend.
Check out your local Home Depot by going to the kids’ workshop link to make sure they have the kids’ workshop available. Most of the stores in the area have them.
Show up between 9 am and Noon and the nice people at Home Depot will give you a packet that contains the craft, along with a kid’s apron, commemorative pin, and step-by-step instructions. Expect the project to take about 30 minutes to complete, or longer if you really get into it.
Pro tip: You can register online at Home Depot’s website to be sure you get a kit. If inventory levels of the kits are low, those who registered online will get them first. But usually, there isn’t a problem!
For the kids’ workshops, Home Depot has benches and tables set up where you can get to work at these in-person workshops. They provide the little paintbrushes, the hammers, and the paint. I try to have my kids wear clothes they can get paint on because it can get a little messy.
These projects always involve building AND painting.
The kids love these projects and while we’re working, I have to stop myself from helping them too much because it’s so fun. I’ve seen parents really get into it and do all the painting while their child watches.
But, it’s a kid’s thing so let the kids do it! And, they are learning how to woodwork in the process, which helps build their confidence.
We have made all kinds of stuff together – a birdhouse, a car, a plane, a mailbox, a little sled, a planter (these are all kid-size, not big people, normal-sized things).
I started taking my oldest daughter when she was 3-years-old, which worked out great and my youngest when she was around two-and-a-half. It really depends on the child and how many kids you can control at once.
I have found it’s an awesome parent-kid date idea, especially for parents whose time is more limited during the workweek.
My daughter has a bunch of commemorative pins from each project on her Home Depot apron, which she wears each time we visit. It’s fun to see all of the projects we’ve created together.
Free Home Depot Kids kits are available the first Saturday of the month for completion at in-person workshops.
January 3rd, 2026: Tow Truck
February 7th, 2026: Penguin Mailbox
March 7th, 2026: Leprechaun Trap
April 4th, 2026: Farm Planter
May 2nd, 2026: Keepsake Box
June 6th, 2026: Goalie Game
July 4th, 2025: Go Kart
August 1st, 2026: Rocket Game
September 5th, 2026: School Bus Organizer
October 3rd, 2026: Witch Candy Box
November 7th, 2026: Dump Truck
November 21st, 2026:Christmas Car
December 5th, 2026: Holiday Train
January 2nd, 2027:
The Home Depot Kids page also has virtual workshops and virtual field trip videos about plants that kids may enjoy.
Thanks for sharing your awesome Kids’ Workshop Projects. We love them!
Want to send us your project? Email a photo to Maria@KiddingAroundGreenville.com and you may see it right here!
Sign-up at Home Depot Kids. It just takes a minute and it’s the best way to make sure there will be a kit there for your kids.
Don’t worry. Picture instructions are included and you don’t need any special prior knowledge of building things to complete the project with your kids. Just go and have a good time. It doesn’t have to be perfect.
Yep. Totally free. Sign-up and then spend a little time building something fun with your kids. Few things in life are free anymore and opportunities to do something cool with your kids for free are definitely limited. We love that Home Depot is keeping these workshops free. Go make some memories. You’ll never regret spending time with your kids.
We’d recommend about age 3 and up. At 3, the kids will need lots of help from you. but as kids get older they’ll be able to do more and more of the project independently.
We LOVE free things to do!
Find more in the Kidding Around Guide to Free Things to Do for Kids
So mark your calendars and have fun!
Want your child to learn how to cook? Here’s a list of local venues that offer kids’ cooking classes. From baking basics to hands-on snack-making, these classes help kids build confidence in the kitchen—and the best part? No mess for you to clean up.
Food plays a big role in family life. In many homes, the kitchen is where everyone gathers. When kids learn how to prepare their own food, they gain valuable life skills, boost their confidence, and create meaningful opportunities to connect with family.
See something you like? More information below.
| Venue | Section | Best Ages | Type of Experience | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| After School Plus (Mauldin) | Dedicated Kids Programs | 5–12 | Camps & hands-on classes | Great for beginners; themed cooking + life skills |
| Tip Top Cake Shop (Easley) | Dedicated Kids Programs | 6–14 | Baking & decorating | Best for creative kids who love sweets and design |
| The Cook’s Station | Dedicated Kids Programs | 8+ | Cooking & baking classes | Mix of kids-specific and family-friendly classes |
| Mauldin Cultural Center | Family-Friendly Venues | 6–12 (varies) | Community classes | Occasional offerings; schedule varies |
| Bluebird Homestead (Bread Classes) | Family-Friendly Venues | Families / 8+ | Breadmaking workshops | Parent-child experience; hands-on from start to finish |
| Greenville Tech CHI | Family-Friendly Venues | 12+ | Culinary instruction | Professional kitchen setting; great for teens |
| Le Petit Croissant | Advanced / Older Kids | 12+ (with parent) | Baking workshops | More advanced techniques like croissants & macarons |
Best for: Ages 8+ (with occasional younger options)
515 Buncombe Street, Greenville | 864.250.0091
The Cook’s Station offers a mix of dining, shopping, and cooking education. Their kids’ classes range from beginner baking to fun, hands-on recipes. Some classes are specifically designed for kids, while others may allow family participation.
The Cook’s Station
Best for: Ages 5–12 (elementary & middle school)
After School Plus offers cooking-themed camps and classes for kids throughout the year, especially during school breaks and summer. Programs often include:
Schedules and themes change seasonally, and programs are held at various school locations, so check their website for the current offerings and locations near you.
After School Plus
Best for: Ages 6–14 (younger bakers & creative kids)
601 Williams Avenue, Easley | 864.850.2807
Tip Top Cake Shop offers cake and cupcake decorating classes perfect for kids who love baking and getting creative. These classes focus more on decorating and design than full cooking techniques.
Top Top Cake Shop Events
Best for: Ages 12+ (teens & serious beginners)
556 Perry Avenue, Greenville | 864.250.8183
CHI offers hands-on classes in a professional teaching kitchen. While most classes are geared toward adults, they occasionally offer teen or family classes—ideal for older kids ready for a more advanced experience.
Truist Culinary & Hospitality Innovation Center Recreational Classes
Best for: Families & older kids (with parent participation)
If your child (or your whole family!) is interested in learning how to make bread from scratch, this hands-on class is a fun way to learn real baking skills together. You’ll work through the full process—from mixing and kneading to baking fresh bread.
We tried out these classes! Here’s our full review: Bread Making with the Kids at Bluebird Homestead
Classes may be hosted at different locations or partner venues, so be sure to check the listing for current details, dates, and location information.
Best for: Ages 6–12 (varies by program)
101 East Butler Road, Mauldin | 864.884.4941
The Mauldin Cultural Center occasionally offers cooking classes for kids as part of its programming. Class types and age ranges vary, so check their current listings.
Best for: Ages 12+ (with parent )
640 S Main Street, Greenville
This bakery offers hands-on baking workshops like croissants, macarons, and breads. Classes are small and interactive. Many are geared toward adults, but older kids and teens can often participate with a parent. Class availability varies, so be sure to check current listings before booking.
Le Petit Croissant Workshops
Looking for cooking-themed summer camps?
Check out our guide to Summer Camps That Teach Kids to Cook in Greenville, SC.
For more kid-friendly events and things to do, visit the Kidding Around Event Calendar.
If you are looking for art classes for kids in Greenville, SC, then you have to try Yellowbobbypins! Make art, get messy with paint, learn something new, and take home their creation. What could be better?
My four-year-old daughter and I were invited to create some art at one of Yellowbobbypins’ art classes at their Hampton Station location. It was such a joyful experience that further strengthened her interest in the creative arts. Yellowbobbypins has art playgroups, art classes, party packages, and even art camps for the budding artist in your life. Find out more about Yellowbobbypins below.
A special thank you to Lauren Runion, owner of Yellowbobbypins, for having us for this review!
My daughter loves to create art, but finding art classes for kids that fit her age range hasn’t always been easy. Good thing Yellowbobbypins has art classes for kids ages 2 – 12! From the moment we walked into Yellowbobbypins owner Lauren Runion’s studio space at Hampton Station, I knew we were in the perfect place to create comfortably.
Firstly, Lauren exudes creativity and kindness. It was beautiful watching her interact with the children in a kind, calm, and direct way. Her passion for art is delightful and she is such a talented art educator. Her knowledge stems from many years of experience as an art teacher in the public school system.
Throughout the class, she patiently guided the kids through each step of their project and addressed each child by name. She was helpful and attentive to each child and their project.
My daughter is a little nervous in new situations (as am I), and Lauren made it a point to ask her questions about her art pieces and to include her with the other children who regularly attend classes. This really brought out her creativity and interest in the class, making for a memorable experience for both of us.
For the budding artist in your life, Yellowbobbypins offers semester classes, drop-in art classes, homeschool classes, holiday camps, summer camps, and classes for ages 4 and under. Classes strengthen creative problem-solving, build confidence, and teach about various art techniques such as painting, drawing, and mixed media art.
The in-person art classes are located at the Hampton Station studio. Kids of all ages are welcome, with classes in groups of different age ranges. Parents can opt to have their child in the classes for the full semester, exploring a core theme throughout. Or, drop-in classes are also available, where the child can join the group to explore the theme for that day.
There are class options for morning, afternoon, and evening classes throughout the week. When my daughter went for a drop-in visit, she explored Mexican Hojalata metal and mirror art! These classes are 1 hour long, guided classes with the instructor, and the kids constantly learn as they go. Classes are available throughout the school year, but there are no classes during the summertime (but there are summer camps your child can join!). Find out more and register for art classes at Yellowbobbypins on their website.
Have a young kid who loves to make art? Worried about the mess that usually comes along with arts and crafts with small kids? Worry no more! Yellowbobbypins offers Wee Create art playgroups for ages 2-6. Plus, you do not have to worry about cleanup. These classes are currently offered twice per month during the school year.
Here, parents and children can engage in art play that strengthens creativity through engaging and interactive lessons. Kids will build on their fine motor skills, explore with their hands with art materials, socialize with other kids, and engage their senses through sensory play.
During the art playgroup, the kids will explore different sensory stations with different topics, like oceans and cities. Adult participation is required for the art playgroups, but parents will have just as much fun creating as their kids will. Art playgroups are 1-hour long morning classes, with some parent/child activity classes occasionally offered during evening hours. You can register for classes on the Yellowbobbypins website.
Summer camp at Yellowbobbypins is a fun way to keep your child engaged during summer break! They have several themed art camps available to choose from, with camps like Interior Design, Mythical Creatures, or Harry Potter! There are several additional camps to choose from. Each camp is 1 week long from Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 12 pm. Check out the current availability for summer camps on the Yellowbobbypins website!
Of course, you can see all the summer camps in Greenville on our huge Summer Camp Guide to Greenville, SC.
Yellowbobbypins also hosts parties for ages 2 and up! The space is perfect for an intimate birthday party centered around art and learning new things. Parents can choose from three party packages, including painting parties for ages 7 and older, Little Parties for ages 2-6 years old, Deluxe Parties for ages 6 and older that involve potions and slime, or a custom event of your choosing! Party packages start at $339 and can be offsite or at the Yellowbobbypins studio at Hampton Station in Greenville, SC.
For 2026, Yellowbobbypins even won Best Kids Birthday Party Venue in our KABOOM Awards!
Would your child love a visit to Yellowbobbypins?
Yellowbobbypins
1320 Hampton Avenue Extension
Greenville, SC
One of Spartanburg’s lesser-known parks, is also one of its best. Tucked away in the historic neighborhood of Converse Heights, Happy Hollow Park spans one block at the corners of S. Fairview and Glendalyn Avenue. Small and secure, Happy Hollow Park provides a safe and shady place for children of all ages to play.
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