The holidays are the perfect time to get outside, and even with the weather being a little unpredictable, the Upstate is full of great spots for outdoor play. We finally made it to Brooks’ Playground in Greenville, SC, and it did not disappoint. It’s the city’s first fully inclusive playground, thoughtfully designed so every child can play, move, and explore at their own pace.
Every December, a tiny town outside Charlotte transforms into something straight out of a Christmas movie… and it’s completely FREE to experience! Welcome to McAdenville, NC — Christmas Town USA — a beloved holiday tradition that has been dazzling visitors for more than 60 years.
If you’re searching for a fun, festive, and completely FREE holiday outing, Kannapolis’ Village Park should be at the top of your list. This charming Christmas experience has plenty to enjoy, but two things truly steal the show: the beautiful Christmas lights and the absolutely adorable Singing Bear Orchestra.
After years of anticipation, Columbia’s beloved Finlay Park has officially reopened — and the transformation is stunning. This newly renovated 18-acre urban park now blends natural beauty with modern play spaces, making it one of the best family-friendly destinations in the Midlands.
If you're looking for a family-friendly winter road trip that’s fun, educational, and packed with hands-on play, Kaleideum is an easy favorite—just 3 hours from Greenville, SC. This four-story wonderland blends science, art, and imagination into one unforgettable experience for kids of all ages.
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.
