Early fall is one of the best times to experience the Lowcountry. The crowds thin, the pace slows, and Beaufort and Port Royal reveal their quiet coastal charm. We usually squeeze in a coastal trip during the summer, but this time I knew we’d scored the better deal—an off-season weekend in Beaufort, complete with driftwood beaches, walkable old streets shaded by moss-draped oaks, and all the local gems I bet you haven’t even heard of yet.
We love a good playground — but in the summer? We love a good playground with a splash pad even more. And when we stumble upon that perfect summer combo, you know we can’t keep quiet! South Carolina is packed with family-friendly gems, and one of our favorites is just a road trip away. In just 1.5 hours from Greenville, you’ll land at a spot that checks all the summer fun boxes — Saluda Shoals Park in Columbia, SC.
School’s out, summer is in full swing — and luckily, there’s a brand-new reason to head outdoors in Anderson, SC: Linley Park’s fully renovated playground is now open, and it’s better than ever!
Looking for a fun road trip from Greenville, SC? Chattanooga, TN is just about four hours away and absolutely packed with family-friendly adventures. Last year, we explored this vibrant city—recently named the nation’s first official City Park—and fell in love with its charm, creativity, and natural beauty.
Let me tell you about a little gem of a park. Don’t get me wrong—I adore Greenville’s big-name playgrounds. Unity Park? Love it. Runway Park at GMU? Always a hit. Herdklotz? Yes, please. But every now and then, we crave something quieter, smaller, and just a little bit different. A spot where the pace slows, the crowds thin, and toddlers can roam free without being trampled by older kids chasing each other like it’s recess.
Looking for the perfect family day trip to kick off summer fun? This is it! Whether your crew loves splashing, digging, climbing, or just soaking in sunshine, Waterfall Junction at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is a summer must-visit.
If climbing, crawling, and soaring through the sky sound like your kid’s perfect day — this playground was built for them! This brand-new net adventure playground in downtown Woodruff, SC, is an absolute blast. From sky-high climbs and twisty slides to wild net tunnels that feel like a jungle gym in the clouds, it’s made for fearless little explorers.
Kid Venture 2.0 in Anderson, SC was already an amazing spot—and now it’s even better! With brand-new climbing elements, a treehouse, and a zipline, there’s so much more for kids to explore and enjoy. Plus, the splash pad will reopen later in May!
Since making Greenville our home, we’ve turned our free time into an adventure—exploring every hidden trail, scenic park, and playful playground in the area, all while on a sweet quest to find the best shaved ice spots in town. Cleveland Park definitely checked all the boxes!
During our recent trip to Hilton Head, we discovered an absolute gem of a park, and the kids couldn't have been happier! This brand-new playground features an exciting central two-tower rope bridge with a slide exit and a charming owl-shaped play structure, perfect for the little ones. There are plenty of climbing adventures, a splash pad to keep cool on sunny days, and even a zip line. If you're planning a trip with the kids to the Lowcountry, this park definitely deserves a spot on your must-visit list!
Looking for a fun spot to let the kids run wild, shoot some hoops, or just change things up? Croftstone Park, your local neighborhood gem in Greenville, SC, is the place to explore! After a big makeover, this park reopened in January 2025 with an awesome new playground, a spiderweb climbing area, and a cool obstacle course. The basketball court’s all fixed up too, and there are shade structures to keep you cool while you play. Croftstone Park is a fantastic place to spend a few hours.
Greenville, SC, is like a hidden gem when it comes to parks – there are 37 parks spread out over more than 400 acres just waiting for you to explore! Sure, Falls Park and Unity Park get a lot of love (and for good reason), but there are so many more little treasures tucked away in quite neighborhoods that are definitely worth checking out. Whether you’re up for a relaxing stroll, letting the kiddos run wild on playgrounds, or just soaking in the beauty of nature, Greenville has so much to offer. So grab your family, pack up a picnic, and get ready to discover your new favorite spot to hang out outdoors!
Clear Lake Park is a Texas-sized waterfront playground that feels like an adventurous escape. When we first arrived, my jaw dropped at the sheer scale of it—play structures everywhere, all framed by stunning water views. Honestly, it’s the biggest playground we’ve seen to date around Houston. The park features two expansive play areas—one for children ages 5 to 12, and a separate section for younger ones, complete with a fenced-in splash pad and inviting green spaces.
