Did you know we have a FREE place to play mini-golf right in the middle of downtown Spartanburg, SC? Sparkle City Mini Putt is totally free! Plus, there are more fun things to do downtown in Spartanburg.
The Cottonwood Trail is the perfect space for your children to experience the seasons in the Upstate. In the summer, lush and green in the summer, crackling with autumnal colors in the fall, sparse and atmospheric in the winter, and brimming with new life in the spring, your children can observe the seasonal changes while exploring the great outdoors.
📍Located on Spartanburg’s Eastside, this 3.6-mile unpaved trail is great for walking, jogging, biking—and yes, all-terrain strollers and wagons can handle it!
🐶 Pet-friendly (just keep pups leashed!)
👀 Don’t miss the Wetlands Trail with its boardwalk, beaver dams, reptiles, and birds!
📍Trail access at Sydnor Road (across from Spartan High tennis courts) and Beechwood Drive. Open daily, dawn to dusk.
Pack a picnic and make a day of it!
Named after the majestic Cottonwood trees dot the landscape, The Cottonwood Trail Preserve is maintained by the Spartanburg Area Conservancy.
Located on the Eastside of Spartanburg, the 3.6-mile trail is perfect for walking, jogging, or biking with the family. The trails are unpaved, but all-terrain strollers and bikes, and even wagons can easily navigate most of the paths.
The Cottonwood Trail is the longest in the preserve and follows along Lawson’s Ford Creek, providing a scenic water view that is still a safe distance from the walking trail.
The trail is pet-friendly so that the family dog can get in his steps for the day, too! (Dogs are expected to remain on a leash and under the control of their owners at all times.)
Parking and entrances to the trail are found off Sydnor Road (across from the Spartan High tennis courts) and Beechwood Drive (off of Fernwood Drive). The trail is open every day from dawn to dusk.
An offshoot of the Cottonwood Trail, the Boardwalk, and Wetlands Trails offer a first-hand experience of South Carolina’s famed wetlands. The Boardwalk Trail is marked by a sign pointing to the beaver dams and quickly turns from a dirt trail into a boardwalk. Take a break on the benches and observation deck to check out the reptiles and water birds. If you’re lucky, you might spot the heron that calls this particular wetland his home.
A picnic area lies across the main bridge, crossing Lawson’s Fork Creek, so pack a snack and pause to play in the woods!
You can access a map of the Cottonwood Trail online.
Art and coffee? Add in some great sandwiches and that’s what you’ll find at the TReehoue Cafe and Art Studio in Travelers Rest. KAG’s Kristina Hernandez stopped by so she could tell our readers all about this unique cafe. Learn about the coffee, food, and activities they offer in this review.
I love coffee, I love art, and I love it when my kids aren’t fighting with each other. So it was definitely love after two full hours of coloring, painting, playing, and eating grilled cheese sandwiches at the TRee House Café & Art Studio in beautiful Travelers Rest.
If you want to support a local small business in town, from my own personal experience with Kristen, the incredible owner, this is the place to do it. I cannot say enough good things about this woman and her love for the community and her guests. If I lived closer to TR, I’d seriously go here multiple times a week.
The café and art studio is located where Leopard Forest Coffee used to be (they moved down the street), two doors down from Sidewall Pizza, and right off the Swamp Rabbit Trail. The location is ideal but the true gem is once you walk through the doors.
I’ve been in lots of cafes but none as interesting as this one. There is an entire art bar down the center of the café, strewn with crayons, paint brushes, coloring books, paper, and brightly colored ornaments and painted rocks. There are checkers and a few Mr. Potato Heads. My kids made a beeline for the art bar as soon as we walked in and started coloring and drawing.
That made me happy.
On the far wall, there are shelves full of blank canvases ready for your inspired paintings, plus tons of paint and brushes. The table next to the shelves has been decorated to look like a painter’s palette, which I had to admit I was a bit jealous of because it was so cool. The owner, Kristen, told me she had it made years ago to remind her of her dream to open a café and art studio.
Opposite the shelves is a cozy nook with a fireplace, more buckets of crayons, and comfy chairs. It’s quite inviting. And of course, there is the food and drink part of the café. Gene runs the kitchen and he’s a culinary genius using pretty simple ingredients. I’ve never been disappointed with the food here.
I ordered a grilled cheese with chips for my two kids and I had the Chicken Pesto panini with chips and chamomile tea. The grilled cheese was enormous and plenty for my kids. It was a good size and very tasty, way better than I expected. They also sell bagels, pastries, and muffins.
So what in the world did we do for two hours? Not even everything the café had to offer (which means we are going back, yay!). We painted rocks – the ones that people hide at random places around town, we drew and colored, my kids colored parts of the cardboard house and played inside, they tried hula hooping, played with the Mr. Potato Heads, and I blissfully colored by number Van Gogh’s famous painting “The Starry Night”, which was beyond therapeutic.
The café sells canvases in various sizes that you can paint, along with other projects to paint.
Kristen is an art teacher by trade and she was so engaged with not only my kids but the other kids who were there enjoying the café. She has a seemingly endless amount of patience and encouraged us to try anything we wanted to do. Their Facebook page is the best way to stay updated on what’s happening there, for special events and more.
The café also has wifi available, which I saw many patrons using as they tapped away on their laptops. I was almost unhappy I didn’t bring my laptop to do the same since my kids were so occupied but then I would not have been able to enjoy my own coloring adventure!
For up-to-date info on events and hours, follow the TRee House Café & Art Studio on their Facebook page.
TRee House Café & Art Studio
27 South Main Street
Travelers Rest, SC
864.610.2266
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Open Wednesday through Sunday, 8 am to 5 pm.
Would your kids love a visit to TRee House Café & Art Studio?
🎨 Check out More Places to Make Art Near Greenville, SC!
Are you looking for a kid-friendly race in Greenville this season? Check out this list of some of the fun races for the whole family.
Greenville is a great place to go for a run, a jog or a walk. The weather is fairly cooperative, even during the colder winter months, to run outside all year round. But as the trees bloom and the milder temperatures are more predictable, getting in daily exercise is pretty easy and enjoyable. If you have little ones and a jogging stroller, running is a great way to get in a workout and entertain your kids. While you may not be as fast as you are without the jogger, entering a local race is a fun way to enjoy the great weather, meet other runners, and run your way around Greenville.
There are so many fun things to do this spring in Greenville, SC!
Are you looking for the perfect Easter Egg hunt in Greenville, Spartanburg, or Upstate, SC? We have an amazing list of egg hunts, Easter bunny photos, Easter farm events, crafts, and all sorts of kid-friendly 2026 Easter events in the Upstate SC area. Bookmark this list!
Looking for fun and inexpensive ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day as a family? We’ve got you covered with these cheap family Valentine’s ideas that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re looking to stay in or head out on an adventure, these affordable activities will help you create lasting memories without spending a lot.
Inspired by my 4-year-old, we’re going all in this year. My husband and I are planning a simple, fun celebration with cupcakes, balloons, and plenty of music. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy to be a hit—just gather your family, add a few decorations, and enjoy a low-key yet special time together. Whether it’s playing games, dancing, or just enjoying some sweet treats, hosting your own family Valentine’s Day party is a perfect way to make the day memorable without the fuss!
Skip the generic store-bought cards and get creative this year! Homemade cards are a fun way to show love, and you can go wild with all the glitter, glue, and markers. The kids will have a blast making personalized cards for their grandparents, classmates, and other special people in their lives. Not only does it make the cards extra meaningful, but it’s a great opportunity for the whole family to get crafty together!
Cozy up on the couch with blankets and pillows. Pop popcorn and watch a classic movie like, A Charlie Brown Valentine, or a family favorite. We will definitely have Lady & the Tramp in our rotation.
Want to actually go to the movies? Here are the movie theaters in Greenville, SC.
Include the kids in your dinner plans! Dress everyone in their Sunday best and head out to an amazing restaurant. Just make sure your children are old enough to conduct themselves accordingly in a “fine dining” establishment. If not, dine at a kid-friendly eatery.
Check out these Kid-Friendly Spots: Best Places to Eat & Play in Greenville, SC
Here are Great Restaurants to Take Your Kids (That Aren’t Fast Food).
Don’t forget about our Kids Eat Free Directory.
Groupon offers a list of local restaurants that currently have discount deals that would be perfect for a family on Valentine’s Day!
Bake heart-shaped cookies, cupcakes, or even a Valentine’s Day cake as a family. This is a fun, affordable way to celebrate, and the best part is enjoying your creations afterward!
Get creative with a DIY craft session! Gather some basic supplies and make fun Valentine’s Day crafts with your kids. From homemade cards to heart-shaped decorations, the possibilities are endless. For inspiration, check out our list of where kids can make art in Greenville to make this Valentine’s Day extra special.
Nothing beats a good old-fashioned picnic, and it’s one of the cheapest ways to enjoy Valentine’s Day together as a family. Pack a simple meal and head to one of Greenville’s lovely parks, such as Falls Park on the Reedy, where you can enjoy each other’s company and the beautiful surroundings. It’s a great way to spend quality time while being outdoors. Need other picnic spots? Here are the best places to have a picnic in Greenville.
Who says Valentine’s Day has to be just for couples? Turn your game night into a festive Valentine’s celebration with themed games. You can create your own “Valentine’s Bingo” or “Cupid’s Scavenger Hunt” with simple materials from around the house. Want more family fun ideas? Check out our ultimate guide to the best family board games.
For a fun and free adventure, why not head out for a family hike? Hiking is a perfect way to enjoy nature and spend quality time together, and Greenville has some fantastic trails to explore. Whether it’s a winter hike to see the peaceful beauty of the season or a stroll through one of the area’s scenic parks, it’s a great way to bond as a family. Check out our list of winter hikes around Greenville for some great options to enjoy the outdoors this Valentine’s Day.
Finally, make this a month of love. Find creative and fun was to share love with your family all month long. Whatever you decide to do, have fun!
Looking for movie theater in Greenville, SC? Fun for the family, fun with friends, or a great date night, whatever the reason, a movie at the theater is great entertainment. For the next time you are wanting to head to the theater, we have a list of the movie theaters in Greenville to help you find the best place to watch a movie.
If you want something fun to do with your kids, seeing a movie is always a hit. Rain or shine, seeing a movie on the big screen is fun for all ages. We recently took my 3-year-old daughter to her first movie, and it was a blast.
We loaded up this list of movie theaters in our area with some of the extra activities and amenities they offer.
Pro-tip: If you’re a member of a warehouse store such as Costco or Sam’s Club, check their web site or store for discounted tickets!
For more ideas of fun things to do inside, see our Ultimate Guide to Things to Do Inside in Greenville.
Located at 1029 Woodruff Road in Greenville, this theater has a lot to offer. It is situated close to several shopping centers and restaurants for a complete night out. This is one of the busier theaters in Greenville, so buy tickets in advance if you are seeing a new release and get there early for a parking space close to the box office.
Tickets can be purchased at the box office, printed at home, sent to your mobile phone, or purchased from a kiosk at the theater. Amenities include digital projection, 3-D movies, a game room, listening devices, stadium seating, concessions, and reserved seating.
The Regal Crown Club Rewards program offers reward credits just for going to the movies. Credits are earned by purchasing tickets and concessions, which can then be redeemed for a variety of rewards, including free movies and concessions.
Membership is free, so make sure to ask the next time you visit or check the Regal Crown Club Rewards website. Special events can be held at this facility such as birthday parties, meetings, and private screenings. Also featured at this theater is My Way Matinee, a regularly -scheduled sensory-friendly movie program that features films with lower sound and brighter lights.
Located at McAlister Square, 48 E Antrim Drive in Greenville, this independent, locally owned theater is quite a bit smaller than some of the others in the area. It features concessions (which include beer and wine), clean facilities, and friendly staff.
The facility is also available for special events such as birthday parties, group events, fundraisers, corporate functions, and spirit nights. There is rarely a long line to purchase tickets or concessions, and there is ample parking. Camelot Cinemas also has the cheapest ticket prices around!
This theater is located at 3221 Pleasantburg Drive in Greenville and is in close proximity to some excellent restaurants and shopping. They offer mobile tickets, print-at-home tickets, and a ticket kiosk in the lobby. Movies can be viewed in standard format, RPX, or 3D.
This theater also offers the Regal Crown Club Rewards program which gives rewards for going to the movies. Credits are earned by purchasing tickets and concessions and can be redeemed for a variety of rewards, including free movies and concessions.
Membership is free, so make sure to ask the next time you visit. Tickets can be purchased at the box office, printed at home, sent to your mobile phone, or purchased from a kiosk at the theater. Amenities include digital projection, 3D movies, and concessions. Special events can be held at this facility such as birthday parties, meetings, and private screenings.
This theater is located at 780 South Street in Simpsonville. If you haven’t seen a movie at an IMAX theater, you are missing out! The booming sound, huge screen, and overall experience are incredible. The theater is situated close to several shopping centers and restaurants in town so there is plenty to do for several hours of fun.
Tickets can be purchased at the box office, printed at home, sent to your mobile phone, or purchased from a kiosk at the theater. Amenities include a game room, listening devices, mobile tickets, a party room, print at home tickets, reserved seating, stadium seating, 3D and IMAX viewing options, and wheelchair accessibility.
The Regal Crown Club Rewards program offers rewards for going to the movies. Credits are earned by purchasing tickets and concession and can be redeemed for a variety of rewards, including free movies and concessions. Special events can be held at this facility such as birthday parties, meetings, and private screenings. See theater management or click here for more details.
While it is about a 40-minute drive from Greenville, the NCG Cinema in Spartanburg—and its reclining seats—might be worth your while! Located at 1985 E. Main Street in the Hillcrest Shopping Center, NCG Cinema gets consistently high marks for its comfortable theater, quality snacks, and friendly staff.
While my family usually foregoes concessions, NCG offers free refills on sodas and popcorn! That’s a game-changer!
The NCG Rewards program yields you points for every dollar spent at the theater, which can then be used to earn free concessions. Their Sensory Friendly movie series is at 10 am on select days, during which the volume of the movies is lowered, the lights are up, and moviegoers are welcome to walk around, talk, or even shout if they want to.
Don’t forget the summer movie deals that happen at several theaters throughout the Upstate.
Which Upstate theater is your favorite?
While the Toasty Farmer has closed, you can find additional Winter farmers’ market options here: Greenville, SC Winter Farmers’ Markets.
CLOSED: Toasty Farmer is no longer in Greenville, SC.
Miss the local farmer’s markets in the winter? We’ve got the scoop on Greenville’s longest running indoor farmers market, and it’s really a lot more than a farmers market. The Toasty Farmer is no longer an Upstate secret; however, parents in the know have discovered that the family-friendly winter farmers market can be the perfect outing on a dreary winter’s day.
After years at an Upstate brewery, the Toasty Farmer had a new location last year: New Realm Brewery right in downtown Greenville, at the old Cigar Warehouse. It continues to reside there for the 2025-26 winter season.
Our love of supporting local businesses, artists, and makers makes The Toasty Farmer a perfect fit for all of us at Kidding Around, and we so appreciate the opportunity to enjoy the best of the Upstate all in one place, especially during the drearier winter months.
The Toasty Farmer launched in 2015 as an outlet to provide farm produce and goods during the winter season (in addition to bringing customers to the brewery).
Adrienne Hawkins, the creative force and the first Executive Director of the Travelers Rest Farmers Market at Trailblazer Park, is the founder of The Toasty Farmer. She wanted to create a cozy indoor experience during the colder winter months where artisans and farmers could thrive.
The Toasty Farmer had its home at Brewery 85 for seven years but moved locations after the brewery shut its doors in 2023. After one year at Fireforge, the market moved to New Realm Brewing, which offers an indoor/outdoor setup across from the Greenville Drive stadium.
And because of the new location, the Toasty Farmer’s market has been able to add many new vendors, which is awesome! Guests will be able to shop from over 50 local vendors every week.
“Market goers can expect a unique experience with these partnerships providing high-quality coffee, lunch and treats from Fireforge Kitchen and Sum Bar, food trucks, and local crafted brew each Saturday, plus the best vendors come from all around to join the winter farmers market, and it is like a reunion every year,” said Hawkins.
Doors are open Saturdays from 11 am to 2 pm starting in mid-November through March.
The Toasty Farmer will be located at New Realm Brewery in Greenville. In addition to the 50 vendors, there is also music and food trucks.
Indoors you’ll find all the great, local vendors that make the Toasty Farmer the Upstate’s longest-running winter farmers market, selling things like soaps, candles, farm-fresh produce, trout, cheese, elderberry and ciders, tomato pies, pimento cheeses, and many unique specialty sweets from cupcakes to delicate and perfect macarons.
I’ve been to many farmers markets and the Toasty Farmer has some of the very best vendors. They are all local and make their own products. I’ve found some local artisans there that I still purchase from years later. A vendor list will be added to the Toasty Farmer website but they also do a great job of highlighting them on their Facebook page and Instagram page.
The kids’ favorite vendor has a sweet pastry that we allow them to dig into while shopping, and I enjoy browsing cheeses from the creamery and perhaps purchasing a local wine or beer. When the weather is warmer, the kids can run around outside while the parents enjoy a beverage at one of the picnic tables, while in cold and rainy weather we seat them with a snack and relax and enjoy the atmosphere indoors.
This is the eleventh season for the Toasty Farmer, which runs November through April, 2025 and 2026 every Saturday except for some additional select dates.
912 South Main Street, Greenville, SC
864.300.4809
For more information, visit The Toasty Farmer Facebook page.
Will you be visiting The Toasty Farmer this winter?
There are lots of places to Shop Local in Greenville! Check out our whole Shop Local Greenville Guide. You’ll find everything from local food to locally owned shops, and places to purchase great locally-made gifts.
More and more, families are using the holiday season to spread kindness and teach children the spirit of giving. We have a number of ideas about how to include young children and volunteer as a family. Spread some cheer this season and give back!
For more volunteer opportunity ideas for older kids and adults see our list of ways to volunteer with kids in Greenville.
Our family celebrates the season leading up to Christmas with an activity-filled advent calendar, which includes fun Christmas activities, as well as acts of kindness, giving, or service. But with three children under 4, finding age-appropriate opportunities can be challenging. While they are too young to volunteer at soup kitchens, hospitals, or food banks, there are still many things they can do in the Upstate to help our community.
Last year when my son was 2, and we were looking for a charity he would both understand and be excited to help, we chose the Greenville Humane Society. After setting a budget, my son helped us choose food, beds, and treats for the dogs and cats waiting for homes. He loved helping load up the shopping cart and carrying the bags.
When we drove to the Humane Society building on Airport Road, he very proudly handed over the items we were dropping off. He got to meet some of the puppies and was so proud of himself for helping the animals. For more information and see the Greenville Humaine Society wish list.
Young children can help collect items by asking neighbors, friends, or family members to donate. They can also sort items into boxes and help deliver everything to the designated drop-off spots. Families can also organize donation drives through several local charities. Items can be collected at Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or even playdates.
This is a great idea for little ones because the bulk of their volunteering can be done at home. Colorful paper chains, garlands, or pictures really brighten up hospitals, fire stations, retirement communities, children’s homes, or animal shelters. Be sure to call before delivering your cards or decorations. I’ve had several friends ask about sending Christmas cards to soldiers.
One of the more popular organizations is Operation Gratitude. This organization sends care packages and letters to those who serve. Additionally, they collect Beanie Babies for soldiers to give to children in combat zones, and they also run a Halloween Candy Give-Back program.
The Salvation Army of the Carolinas has several opportunities for families to serve throughout the holidays including their Adopt a Family and Angel Tree Program. Adopt a military family through Soldiers Angels.
This is not a local organization; however, you can request families in particular states. Operation Christmas Child is an international charity that delivers shoeboxes filled with toys and necessities to children in need all over the world. Many of my friends with small children do this because it’s something the kids will understand and can help with at home. This Christmas, you can still donate and have them create a box for you online.
Young children can help collect items by asking neighbors, friends, or family members to donate. They can also sort items into boxes and help deliver everything to the designated drop-off spots. Families can also organize donation drives through several local charities. Items can be collected at Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or even playdates.
Bake cookies and make decorations to drop off at your local fire station, police station, hospital, urgent care, assisted living facility, or doctor’s office. Be sure to call first to make sure there is a good time to do this. Write letters or draw Christmas pictures to give to your mail carrier, neighbor, or teacher.
My son is very shy, but one thing he has loved doing lately is handing out stickers to people he meets throughout our day. We recently bought a sheet of Christmas stickers, and so far he has handed them out to the cashier at the grocery store, the librarian, a friend who came over, and the UPS guy.
Oftentimes we wish we could do more, but the time left in our day just doesn’t allow it. There are easy things that your family can do, that will make a difference.
There are also plenty of ways to help without making a huge financial commitment. For most parents, there’s no greater feeling than seeing your child helping another person, and we’ve included ways to help make that happen.
When your family has time to offer – these local non-profits have creative ways your entire family can lend a hand.
For more ways to make a difference, check out our Guide to Volunteer Opportunities In Greenville & Spartanburg
Hagood Mill Historic Site and Folklife Center was built as a grist mill in 1825 by Benjamin Hagood. Today the site is managed by Pickens County Museum and features a grist mill, a working water wheel, historic buildings, and nature trails. It is a beautiful and interesting place to visit, especially if you enjoy stepping back in time and learning what life was like for the people who lived here years ago. Local mom, Kristen Alcock, brings us all the details and helpful hints to make your visit to Hagood Mill a wonderful spring adventure!
Walking around Hagood Mill, you will see two restored log cabins, a moonshine distillery, a blacksmith shop, and a cotton gin. Inside the cabins are a giant loom, spinning wheel and other historical items. My son loved watching the cotton gin demonstration and touching the raw cotton. “Our favorite part was seeing the grist mill!” said Christel Price, a KAG reader. “The kids loved seeing it in action and learning how the whole process works.”
The walking trail, through the woods and around historical buildings, is great for hikers of all ages. The trail is unpaved and a little bumpy. It’s short enough for little walkers to manage, and is usually very shady. My family did not walk the entire trail, but Elizabeth Lamb from Hike it Baby Greenville said, “It’s a beautiful 3/4 mile trail with a fun bridge. It’s perfect for young walkers.”
This fascinating archeological site highlights 32 distinct petroglyphs, mostly human forms, and is one of the best petroglyph sites open to the public. Discovered in 1993, it is estimated that the drawings were left by a prehistoric culture 1,500 to 2,000 years ago. The drawings are pretty eroded but the exhibit has a great audio presentation, photographs and explanation of the historical significance of the drawing and the people who left them.
My family was lucky enough to visit Hagood Mill during one of their monthly festivals which included banjo and fiddle music, local pottery, as well as moonshine, cotton gin, and gristmill demonstrations. The once-a-month events are noted on their calendar. Hagood Mill holds a kid’s fest in the spring, military celebrations and various music festivals.
This video was originally published on The Stinehart’s YouTube channel and showcases the Storytelling Festival.
Other upcoming events include the annual Fiddling Championship and Storytelling Festival. Look for a Native American Celebration in November and a Celtic Christmas in December.
Hagood Mill also occasionally offers some really interesting classes. Past classes include Hearth Cooking, fermenting wild foods, a Sketchbook workshop, and learning how 19th-century southerners survived winters on the homestead.
Shop local at the Hagood Mill gift shop. You can buy products such as jams, honey, and jewelry, pottery and soaps made by local artists. They also have books about local history, t-shirts and CDs. The gift shop also sells cornmeal and stone ground grits made right there at the grist mill!
138 Hagood Mill Road
Pickens, SC 29671
864.898.2936
Hagood Mill, the trails and the petroglyph site are open every week; Wednesday through Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm. Admission is free, however on Saturdays with a festival there is a $5 parking fee.
Festivals are the third Saturday of each month. For a complete list and calendar of events visit their website.
We read a book that mentioned mills and what they do before our visit and it helped my son understand what he was seeing. Here are a few books that mention gristmills and petroglyphs:
Books that mention or explain mills, grain, flour, etc:
Pancakes, Pancakes by Eric Carle
Any version of the Little Red Hen
The Grist Mill Secret by Lillie V. Albrecht
Books that describe or mention petroglyphs:
There Was an Old Man Who Painted the Sky by Teri Sloat
Early Humans (DK Eyewitness Book)
Magic Treehouse #7: Sunset of the Sabertooth by Mary Pope Osbourne
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Would your kids enjoy visiting Hagood Mill?
