Category: Family & Parenting

Editor’s note: We are so proud of all of this year’s graduates and we loved this list of ways to embrace your first year of college. So, caps off to all the graduates and we can’t wait to see what you do next.

23 Ways to Embrace the First Year of College

1. Say yes. Say yes when a friend asks you if you want to go to dinner. Say yes, when that guy from your class asks if you want to go to the weekend concert. Say yes to trying new things with new people. Get out of your comfort zone. College goes by quickly. Take advantage of all it offers.
2. Go to class. This seems so simple, but so much in life is just about showing up.
3. Get to know your professors. Go to their office hours to ask questions or just chat. They are there for you and want you to succeed.
4. Drink water. Fill your water bottle and take it with you.
5. Take some classes that interest you. Not just for your major or minor. Take an archeology class. Study sociology or a period in art history. Learn for the sake of learning. You’ll be a more interesting person.
6. Eat something green.
7. Study abroad if you can. Sometimes you need to step back to see what’s really going on. This applies to art, to self, to your country.
8. Get enough sleep.
9. Get involved. Join a club. Volunteer. Be a part of something bigger than yourself. You and our world will be better for it.
10. Play. Put your phone down. Go outside. Go out to the quad and throw a frisbee. Ride a bike. Join a club that will get you moving. Have a snowball fight. You’re still a kid. Act like it.
11. Be a good roommate. It would be awesome if you were friends with your roommate, but that doesn’t always happen. Be polite. Be respectful of their space and time.
12. Do your laundry. This means sheets and towels too.
13. Meet new people. Put yourself out there. Ask questions. And listen. People want to talk. Make it easy — Where are you from? What’s your major? Why did you pick this school?
14. You have privilege. Remember that. Use it to help others. Make sure everyone has a voice, a seat at the table.
15. It won’t always be easy. Classes will be hard. You’ll fail a test or forget to turn in a paper. You might miss home. It’s ok to be sad. Maybe college will be amazing right away. Maybe it will take time to adjust and settle in. That’s ok and it’s normal. Reach out when you’re feeling overwhelmed. To your family, a friend, or a counselor. People are here to help you through.
16. Remember your manners. Hold doors. Say thank you to your professors, to the cafeteria staff, to the custodian. Push your chair in. Clean up after yourself. Kindness is free. Spread it like confetti.
17. Notice the little things. That’s where the magic lives. The first flower buds in spring. The shine of a beetle’s shell. Life is made of the tiny moments tucked in between the big.
18. Ask for help. You aren’t expected to know everything. College is about learning. Your school has tutors and a writing lab. Use them. There’s strength in learning when you need help.
19. Stand up straight. Take up space. You are worthy. Believe in yourself.
20. Call your mom. Text your dad. Send your sibling that ridiculous meme you just saw. We miss you.
21. Love big and love loudly. Give hugs. Give compliments.
22. Life is beautiful and horrible and beautiful all over again. Sometimes you need to hold on. Sometimes you need to let go. You’ll learn the difference. You’ll grow. You’ll change. Be gentle with others. Be gentle with yourself.
23. Know that we are so proud of you. For what you’ve done, yes. But also for who you are and who you are becoming. Since the day you were born, we’ve delighted in your wisdom and humor and love. That will never change. We will always be your home.

More Great Reading:

12 Things Every Student Should Do in Their Freshman Year of College 

Do you enjoy a lovely day at the botanical gardens? Athens, GA has the perfect ones to explore! With 313 acres of gardens, trails, and even play areas, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia is a must-see if you’re in the Athens, Georgia area. And it’s under two hours from Greenville, SC.

As a garden, flower, and plant lover, I was excited to check out the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, which is part of the University of Georgia. I’ve somehow managed to convince my kids that botany is cool so they were also excited to see what was in store for us there. Turns out, there were a lot of neat things to explore here and many unexpected finds at these neat gardens in Athens, Georgia, less than two hours from the Upstate of SC.

Visitors Center at the Botanical Gardens: Athens, GA

We started at the Visitors Center, a huge glass-enclosed building with a cute gift shop and an indoor tropical garden. It was beautiful. The tropical garden has huge trees you’d find near the equator that are growing papayas and cacao (where chocolate comes from). Most of the trees and plants are labeled for you to take it as a learning opportunity!

There is also a cafe here although it wasn’t open when we went due to a lack of staff. There are plenty of places to sit inside and just enjoy the beauty before heading outdoors to explore the rest of the gardens. Be sure to pick up a map here, too. It will save you from wandering around as we did. There are nice bathrooms here as well.

The Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum

Once we exited the Visitors Center, we headed outdoors to explore the other gardens on our way to find the Children’s Garden, which was our true aim of visiting the botanical garden.

We got completely lost and wandered into the Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum for directions. This misdirection turned out to be the best mistake. We were warmly greeted as soon as we walked in and the nice employee started telling us the history of the building and the art we were looking at. I didn’t have the heart to ask about the Children’s Garden because she wanted us to know all the things so we listened and learned and it was fascinating!

The building houses exquisite porcelain art of animals, flowers, and birds plus an astounding collection of porcelain plates, cups, vases, pitchers, and tea sets. The entire building was designed for this collection, which was originally housed in the Days Inn Corporate headquarters. Why? Because Deen Day Sanders’ family founded the corporation and she has been an avid gardener and supporter of the arts, This was one of the ways she decided to share her love. The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10:30 am – 3:30 pm and Sunday from 12:30-3:30 pm.

There are two floors in this museum – the lower one has porcelain animals that make noises if you press the buttons plus some carved flowers and birds (bathrooms are also downstairs). Upstairs is a massive collection of porcelain plates and vases and plant and flower art. The people who work there are a wealth of knowledge and are happy to answer any questions – including where the Children’s Garden is located! I only asked after we had spent a half-hour looking at all the interesting collections there.

The Alice H. Richards Children’s Garden

After an unexpected lesson in porcelain china and where I got a map to the gardens, it was onto the Alice H. Richards Children’s Garden, which we finally did find (it was very close to the Visitors Center, next to the statues of kids wouldn’t you know it). There are two-and-a-half acres for kids to explore here and everywhere we turned, it was like discovering another world. They have misting mushrooms, a small sandpit, spinning chairs, and a rope bridge that connects to a slide which allows kids to then either choose a little cave to explore or to see what it looks like under the roots of plants. So cool. 

I thought we were done at the Children’s Garden when I saw the edible garden and lots of kale, broccoli, and herbs but then my kids saw a big tunnel that looked like it went through the remains of dinosaur bones. We followed it to a hidden natural playground that is totally shaded and consists of rope hammocks, sawed-off trees for sitting, huge sticks for building, and climbing apparatuses. This place was awesome. 

Visiting the Botanical Gardens: Athens, GA

The gardens have several miles of trails through the woods as well. We saw some people getting in their morning runs, which just looked lovely. It was really hot when we went so we didn’t walk through the trails but most of them did look shaded.

There is no admission to the Botanical Garden. The gardens are open daily 8 am – 7 pm.

2450 South Milledge Avenue, Athens, GA 

Zoo Atlanta: Watch Adorable Panda Cubs Romp and Play in Atlanta, GA!

Have you considered Athens, GA for a family getaway? Athens, GA is a small city that packs quite the punch for budget-conscious families looking to enjoy something new.

If your family is looking for a fun place to go for a getaway that is budget-friendly, fun, and entertaining for the whole family, let me introduce you to Athens, Georgia. There are a lot of reasons to love Athens – which I’ll tell you all about – but especially for families looking to stretch their dollars while on vacation, this is absolutely a fantastic destination. 

Thank you to Visit Athens GA for hosting us. 

This article includes:
About Athens. GA
Where to Stay in Athens, GA
Things to Do in Athens, GA
Where to Eat in Athens, GA
Dessert in Athens, GA
Pools and Splashpads in Athens, GA

About Athens, GA

Athens, Georgia is the state’s smallest county but it packs a punch even so. It’s home to the University of Georgia and the Dawgs but also is rife with culture, art, food, gardens, awesome playgrounds, and places for kids of all ages to enjoy themselves. 

Athens is under two hours from the Upstate, an hour north of Atlanta, and a little over an hour from Helen, Georgia. While it is a city, it’s by no means anywhere near as large as the Atlanta metro area yet has an astounding number of things to do, tasty places to eat, and an array of activities for families. 

The arts are a big part of Athens and I was amazed to find so many free things to do to really enjoy that culture in the city. 

Where to Stay in Athens, AG

We stayed at the Homewood Suites by Hilton in Athens, a beautiful hotel with one and two-bedroom suites. All of them have kitchens!

We stayed in a spacious one-bedroom suite that had comfortable queen beds, a living area with a pullout couch, and a small kitchen. It was perfect for my two kids and I and would certainly work for a larger family as well. The hotel can accommodate adjoining rooms and is pet-friendly.

The hotel is centrally located to restaurants and entertainment. We walked to almost every place we ate at and we didn’t drive more than 15 minutes to any place we ventured off to. The hotel is within walking distance of the University of Georgia campus and stadium.

You can play shuffleboard or pool in the game room and there is a full bar area downstairs to have an adult beverage. Coffee and tea are served for free in the lobby all day and the hotel offers free breakfast every morning from 6-9 am on weekdays and 7-10 am on weekends. They had a large variety of breakfast foods like yogurt, cereal, bagels, English muffins, eggs, bacon, grits, and fruit. My kids really loved it. 

Your stay includes free wifi and a Wednesday social. Parking is an extra fee of $18/night. You can either self-park or use their valet service. 

750 E Broad Street, Athens, GA
706.548.3500

What to do in Athens

Georgia Museum of Art 

I’m an art lover. When I lived in Washington, DC, I spent so much time at the National Gallery of Art and loved every second. This museum of art in Georgia on the campus of the University of Georgia is seriously on par with the one in DC, just smaller. It is so beautiful in design but also has more than 20 galleries that consist of all kinds of art like oil paintings, sculptures, and even silver spoons and trays and armor and medals. So neat. 

I was totally blown away. They have all varieties of art also like impressionist art, modern art, Renannaise art, everything. All the staff were so helpful and kind. One tipped off my daughter that she could open one of the drawers under an exhibit of armor and swords to find medals from royalty. It was so cool! 

They also have Backpack Tours for kids, which can be checked out at the front desk. These include activity cards, touring tips, and some goodies. While the museum is free, they do ask that you reserve tickets online for a time slot. Parking is free as well. We spent about an hour and 15 minutes there.

90 Carlton St, Athens, GA
Hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 am – 5 pm, Thursday from 10 am – 9 pm, and Sunday from 1-5 pm. Closed on Mondays.

Bear Hollow Zoo & Memorial Park 

A free zoo with bears, owls, gators, and snakes? It exists and it’s at the Bear Hollow Zoo in Athens, GA. This zoo is small, perfect for little legs, although we only saw adults when we went on a Friday afternoon! The zoo houses rescued animals and is nice and shaded. 

They have black bears, river otters, a bald eagle, turkeys, snakes, and other native animals. My kids and I really loved the owls – the Screech Owl was seriously the cutest little thing but the Great Horned Owl and Barred Owl were beautiful as well.

You probably won’t need more than an hour here but if your kids love to go slowly in zoos and spend time hanging out with their favorite animals, you may be there longer. There is also a small play area and lake with ducks you can feed.  Over the summer, you can swim at Memorial Park Pool, located right next to the zoo where the restrooms are. See below for details on hours. 

293 Gran Ellen Drive, Athens, GA
Open daily 9 am – 5 pm

World of Wonder Playground 

This enormous playground has ten slides, including a three-story one (which I totally tried out myself) plus several climbing apparatuses and a spinning rope tower. 

There are several swings, including ones where the parent/big sibling can swing facing a baby. Those are cool. There is also a handicap swing as well as a ramp to provide access to the elevated parts of the playground geared for smaller kids plus ADA access to one of the spinning things on the playground for bigger kids. 

Some kids brought small bikes and scooters to ride around the paved trail that circles the enclosed playground. For more adventurous families, there are a few trails, one that is nice and shaded, in the park. 

One thing I really appreciated was the many areas of shade over the playground equipment and over the seating areas for parents. It was much appreciated since the day we went, the temperature had already climbed to the 80s in the morning. 

There are bathrooms at the park and admission is free. 

325 Whit Davis Road, Athens, GA
Monday-Friday 8 am – sunset
Saturday-Sunday 9 am – sunset 

The State Botanical Gardens of Georgia 

As a garden, flower, and plant lover, I was excited to check out the Botanical Gardens. I’ve somehow managed to convince my kids that botany is cool so they were also excited to see what was in store for us there. Turns out, there were a lot of neat things to explore here. There were hidden gems – even hidden playgrounds – all over the gardens. I wrote a full review of the State Botanical Gardens of Georgia because there’s a lot to say about it!

There is no admission fee to the Botanical Gardens. 

2450 S Milledge Ave, Athens, GA 
Open daily 8 am – 7 pm 

Sandy Creek Park 

Sandy Creek Park has it all: a playground, shaded picnic areas, a lake with boat rentals, 28,000 square feet of sandy beach, and trails. It’s a great spot to cool off during the summer and walk the trails during the cooler months. It’s only 15 minutes outside of downtown Athens. There is a $2/person fee for daily entry. 

400 Bob Holman Rd, Athens, GA
Hours are Tuesday – Sunday from 7 am – 8:30 pm and closed on Mondays.

Where to Eat in Athens

The Rook & Pawn

If you love board games, you will never want to leave the Rook and Pawn in Athens, GA. The cafe is counter service only with several options for sandwiches, salads, coffee, and drinks. I got the Monte Cristo sandwich ($12) while my kids got the grilled cheese with carrots and ranch ($6) and the pita pizza with bacon ($6). Everything was delicious but I think the real fun was in the huge wall of board games to choose from. We ended up playing a road trip geography game that was appropriate for my kids’ ages and had so much fun. 

To play the games, adults ages 13+ are charged $7. Kids are free as long as they are with a paying adult. 

294 W Washington Street, Suite 300, Athens, GA
Sunday-Thursday 11 am – 11 pm
Friday-Saturday 11 am – 1 am

Mama’s Boy 

Mama’s Boy is known for its made-from-scratch breakfast meals like Biscuits & Gravy, Georgia Peach French Toast, and Strawberry Lemonade. Don’t miss the Strawberry Lemonade. I got it for my kids and was really bummed I hadn’t ordered one for myself after trying theirs! My kids both had the biscuit sandwich with egg and cheese and I had a roasted garden vegetable bowl over grits with poached eggs that were perfectly cooked. It was delicious. The biscuits are soft and fluffy with just the right amount of sweetness. 

They serve breakfast all day as well as lunch and are counter-service only so they don’t take reservations. They have two locations. Highly recommend! 

197 Oak Street, Athens, GA
8851 Macon Hwy, Suite 403, Athens, GA
Open daily 7 am – 2:30 pm, closed major holidays

Cali ‘n Titos

Cali ‘n Titos was my favorite place that we ate at for a few reasons: the food was amazing, they have an outdoor play area for kids, and the music and decor were just really fun. 

The food is full of Latin flavors like cilantro, lime, and some spicy elements if you want them. We ordered the chips & queso, which was devoured pretty fast given how my kids and I probably could have just eaten the queso with a spoon because it was so good. We had the veggie quesadilla (huge), fish tacos, and fried yuca. The quesadilla and yuca were our favorites next to the chips and queso. A fellow diner suggested the empanadas but we had already ordered too much food by then! 

The play area is perfect – it has a slide, a boat kids can climb in, and there is sand everywhere for them to dig in. You order at the counter and then choose a picnic table anywhere you want and servers bring out the food to you. It’s very casual and fun and would be my first choice if we were to go back to Athens!

1427 S Lumpkin Street, Athens, GA
1245 Cedar Shoals Drive, Athens, GA 

Where to Get Treats

Alumni Cookie Dough | 480 N Thomas Street, Athens, GA
Amazing edible cookie dough plus milkshakes and cookie dough/ice cream combos. They offer keto, vegan, and gluten-free cookie dough as well. They also have a really cool angel wing mural in the shop where you can take a photo, post to social media, and get 10% off your bill.

Vampire Penguin | 115 Hickory Street, Athens, GA
Deliciously light and tasty shaved snow ice with lots of options for flavors and toppings. We got cookies & cream and coconut ice with white chocolate and strawberries. It is nothing like anything we’ve had before. The flavors were really good and the texture light and airy.

Condor Chocolates | 1658 S Lumpkin Street, Athens, GA
We really wanted to try this place but we got there after they closed at 6 pm. Next time! They have bean-to-bar chocolates, truffles, gelato, and hot chocolate. 

Bubble Cafe | 247 E Broad St, Athens, GA 
Bubble tea is definitely a thing in Athens and we passed several places before I finally gave into my curiosity and tried one. I had to ask the very kind employee to explain it all to me and for suggestions of what to order. I ended up with taro tea and strawberry bobas (little balls of strawberry goodness). It was amazing. I gave my kids a taste and they had seriously too much fun trying to get the bobas with the straw. Bubble Cafe also offers poke bowls, rice bowls, and udon soup plus several other kinds of tea.

Where to Cool Off

No pools or splash pads were open when we visited Athens, Georgia but during the summer months, from Memorial Day to the end of July and some weekends after, they are all open. All pools and splash pads are closed on Mondays for maintenance. Admission is $1/per person per visit or get a summer pass for $20/person or $40/family of four and swim/splash all summer long.

Walker Park Splash Pad
200 Trail Creek Street, Athens, GA
Open Tuesdays-Sundays 10 am – 5:30 pm

Bishop Park Pool
705 Sunset Drive, Athens, GA
Closed for repairs during 2023 season

Heard Park Pool
400 McKinley Drive, Athens, GA
Open Tuesdays – Fridays and Sundays from 1-5:30 pm and Saturdays Noon – 5:30 pm 

Lay Park Pool
297 Hoyt Street, Athens, GA
Open Tuesdays – Fridays and Sundays from 1-5:30 pm and Saturdays Noon – 5:30 pm 

Memorial Park Pool
293 Gran Ellen Drive, Athens, GA
Open Tuesdays – Fridays and Sundays from 1-5:30 pm and Saturdays Noon – 5:30 pm 

Rocksprings Park Pool and Splash Pad
291 Henderson Extension, Athens, GA
Open Tuesdays – Fridays and Sundays from 1-5:30 pm and Saturdays Noon – 5:30 pm

Will you be visiting Athens, GA anytime soon?

Are you looking for VBS? Greenville, SC and Spartanburg, SC have dozens to choose from. Maybe you’re looking for the VBS closest to home, or maybe you’re looking to visit a Vacation Bible School that fits your vacation schedule! Either way, we’ve got the list of the 2023 VBS Greenville, SC, and Spartanburg, SC programs from June through August.  All of these have a link to the church so you can get all of their contact information, directions, and information.

This list is currently being updated for 2023.

For accuracy and to ensure that the programs were open to the public, we only listed VBS programs that were publicly listed online or submitted by the coordinator of the event. If you would like your church’s VBS program added or modified, please email [email protected]

While we try our best to provide accurate information, we always encourage our readers to check original sources before making plans. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement.

This article includes:
June 2023 VBS in Greenville, SC
June 2023 VBS in Spartanburg, SC
July 2023 VBS in Greenville, SC
July 2023 VBS in Spartanburg, SC
August 2023 VBS in Greenville, SC
August 2023 VBS in Spartanburg, SC

VBS Near Me for June 2023: Greenville, SC

May 30-June 1, 2023, 5:30-8 pm – Honea Path First Baptist, Honea Path

June 4-7, 2023, 6:30 – 8 pm – Morningside Baptist Church, Greenville. For rising 1st – 5th graders.

June 4-7, 2023, 5:45-8 pm – Cedar Shoals Baptist Church, Enoree.

June 4-8, 2023, 6-8:30 pm – Pelham First Baptist, Greer. There will be classes for children ages 3 through adults. 

June 4-8, 2023, 6:30 – 9 pm – Victor Baptist Church, Greer. For kids 3 years old – 5th grade.

June 4-8, 2023, 6-8:45 pm – Church at the Mill, Moore. For kids who have completed K3 (must be 4 years old by Sept. 1) through 5th grade.

June 4-7, 2023, 6-8 pm – Locust Hill Baptist, Greer. For kids 3 yrs old* through completed 5th Grade (as of June 2023) *Three-year-olds must be potty-trained

June 5-9, 2023, 5:15 pm to 7:45 pm – Fairview Presbyterian Church

June 11-15, 2023, 6-8:30 pm – Bethany Baptist Church, Fountain Inn

June 6-9, 2023, 6-8 pm – Roper Mountain Baptist Church, Greenville. For K4 – 6th grade.

June 5- 8, 2023, 6 – 8:00 pm – Redeemer Lutheran Church ELCA, Greer. Ages 2 years through 12th grade. Dinner is served nightly beginning at 5:30 pm.

June 5-8, 2023 6-8:30 pm – Taylors First Baptist Church, Taylors. For kids who have completed K3 – 5th grade. $10/household

June 11-14, 2023, 5:30-8 pm – Buncombe Street UMC, Greenville

June 11-15, 2023, 5:45- 8:15 pm– Boulevard Baptist Church, Anderson. Rising Kindergarten through Rising 6th grade.

June 11-15, 2023, 5:40-8:30 pm – Community Bible Church of Holly Springs, Inman. Kids ages 5-12 are welcome.

June 12-16, 2023, 9 am-Noon – St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church; Kids going into K-6th grade. $30/child.

June 12-16, 2023, Time TBA – Crossroads First Baptist, Greer. Kids who have completed K5 – 5th grade.

June 13-17, 2023, 6-8 pm – Sandy Springs Baptist Church, Pelzer

June 19-23, 2023, 9:30 am – 12 pm – Faith Free Presbyterian Church, Greenville. For children ages 5-12.

June 19-23, 2023, 5:00 – 8 pm – Immanuel Lutheran Church, Simpsonville. For kids in K3 – 5th grades.

June 19-22, 2023, 6:30-8:30 pm – Pebble Creek Creek Baptist, Taylors

June 19-23, 2023, 9 am to noon – Fellowship Presbyterian Church, Greer. For kids who have completed K4 to 6th grade.

June 19-23, 2023, 6:15-8:30 pm – Trinity Bible Church, Greer. For those who have completed K4-6th grade

June 19-23, 2023, 9 am-Noon – Christ Church Episcopal, Greenville. Children in rising K4–3rd grade will enjoy a traditional VBS. Children in rising 4th–5th grade will go into the Greenville community to serve others by participating in projects at several agencies during the week. A registration fee of $60 per child is waived for full-week VBS teachers and volunteers.

June 19-22, 2023, 8:30 am – 12 pm – Calvary Baptist, Simpsonville. For children entering K5 – 5th grade. Registration opens May 1,2023

June 19-22, 2023, 9 am-Noon – First Presbyterian Greenville. For K5 to rising 4th graders.

June 19-23, 2023, 6-8 pm – Fork Shoals Baptist Church, Pelzer. For children who have completed K3-5th grade

June 25, 2023, 6:00-8:30 pm – Bible Baptist Church, Simpsonville. For rising Kindergarteners – 5th graders.

June 25-28, 2023, 5:30-8 pm – Brushy Creek Baptist Church, Taylors. For kids who have completed grades K4-5th.

June 25-28, 2023, 6-8 pm – Edwards Roads Baptist, Greenville

June 25-29, 2023, 5:30-8:30 pm – Crosswell First Baptist Church, Greenville

June 26-30, 2023, 9 am- Noon – Community Bible Church of Holly Springs, 1st through 6th grade

June 26-30, 2023, 8:30-11:30 am – Rock Springs Baptist Church, Easley. Open to all 3-year-olds (before 9/1/21) – finishing 5th grade.

June 26-30, 2023, 6-8:30 pm – Apalache Baptist Church, Greer. For kids 4K-5th grade.

June 26-29 or June 26-28, 2023, 9 am 12:15 pm or 6-8:30 pm- First Baptist Simpsonville, Simpsonville. Kids who have completed K4-5th grade.

June 26- June 30, 2023, 8:30 – 11:30 am – Standing Springs Baptist Church, Simpsonville. Completed Grades K5-5th Grade.

June 26-30, 2023, 9-11 am – Rocky Creek Church, Greenville. This event is for 4K-5th grade (born on or before September 1, 2018). Childcare for babies-K3 will be provided for VBS volunteers only. 4K is currently full and will open up if more volunteers are added.

June 2023 TBA – Abner Creek Baptist Church, Greer. For rising 1st through 7th grade.

June 2023 TBA –  Lee Road Baptist Church, Taylors. For 5-6th grade students.

June 2023 TBA – Bethel Baptist Church, Greenville

June 2023 TBA – Woodruff Road Presbyterian Church, Simpsonville. For rising K3-7th grades.

June 2023 TBA – White Oak Baptist Church, Greenville. For kids ages 6 -12.

June 2023 TBA– Mauldin United Methodist Church, Mauldin. For ages K3 – 5th grade.

June 2023 TBA – Monaghan Baptist Church, Greenville. Bible study, crafts, recreation, and music. A light dinner will be served and is free. Family Night will be on June 23rd at 6:00 PM. Ages 3 (potty trained) through 5th grade. Register here.

June 2023 TBA – Pendleton Baptist Church, Greenville

June 2023 TBA – Seacoast Church – Greenville. For Rising K’s through 5^th graders.

June 2023 TBA – Siloam Baptist Church in Easley

June 2023 TBA – River of Life Romanian Church, Greer

VBS Near Me for June 2023: Spartanburg, SC

June 4-7, 2023, 6 – 8:30 pm, View Church, Boiling Springs

June 4-8, 2023, 5:45- 8 pm, Philadelphia Baptist Church, Pauline

June 4-8, 2023, 6 – 8:45 pm, Church at the Mill, Moore

June 5-8, 2023, 9 am – 12 pm, First Presbyterian Church, Spartanburg

June 5-8, 2023, 10 am – 12 pm, Milestones Church, Spartanburg, Part of their “Summer Shine” program for 4-year-olds through rising 6th graders.

June 11-12, 2023, 6 – 8:30 pm, Crossroads Church, Spartanburg

June 11-15, 2023, 6 – 8:50 pm, Boiling Springs First Baptist, Boiling Springs

June 11-15, 2023, 9 am-Noon – Inman First Baptist. June 11th is a kickoff party from 5-6 pm and the rest of the week is 9 am-Noon. Open to kids who have completed K3-5th grade.

June 11-15, 2023, 5:45-8:00 pm – Zion Hill Baptist Church, Spartanburg, Free dinner for kids provided.

June 12-15, 2023 9 am – 12:15 pm, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Spartanburg

June 12-15, 2023, 9 – 11:30 am, First Baptist North Spartanburg, Spartanburg

June 12-16, 2023 9 am – 11:30 am Grace Bible Church– “Summer Blast” instead of traditional VBS. in Moore, SC, 1st through 6th graders.

June 25-29, 2023, 6:30 – 8:45 pm, Lake Bowen Baptist Church, Inman

June 2023 TBA, Woodruff First Baptist Church, Woodruff

June 2023 TBA, Cannon’s Camp Ground United Methodist Church, Spartanburg

June 2023 TBA, Episcopal Church of the Advent, Spartanburg. 

June 2023 TBA, Believers’ Fellowship Assemblies of God, Spartanburg

June 2023 TBA, Lyman United Methodist Church, Lyman

June 2023 TBA, Arrowwood Baptist Church, Chesnee

VBS in July 2023: Greenville, SC

July 9-13, 2023, 6-8 pm, Bethesda UMC in Easley.

July 9-13, 2023 at Mt. Airy Baptist Church in Easley. 4k through 8th-grade welcome.

July 16-20, 2023, 6:30-8:30 pm – Advent United Methodist Church, Simpsonville. For 3-year-olds to 5th graders.

July 16-23, 2023 – Totus Tuus at Prince of Peace Catholic Church for kids entering 1st through 12th grade.

July 16-20, 2023, 6:00-8:30 pm – Five Forks Baptist Church, Simpsonville. For 3 yrs old through rising 6th grade. Dinner will be served from 5:15-5:45. (Preschoolers must be potty-trained)

July 16-20, 2023, 6-8:30 pm– Mount Moriah Baptist Church, Piedmont. For completed kindergarten through 5th grade. Family night will be on July 20th from 6:00 to 8:30 pm.

June 10-14, 2023, 6:30 – 8:30 pm- Faith Baptist Church, Simpsonville, Ages K5- 6th grade.

July 23-27, 2023, Time Varies – St. James Episcopal Church, Greenville

July 23-27, 2023, 6-8:30 pm – Northgate Baptist Church, Greenville, ages 4 – adult

July 23-27, 2023, 6-8:30 pm – Springwell Church, Kidz Camp.  Kids 5 years old through those who have completed 5th grade are invited to come out for awesome music, nonstop fun, and more.

July 24-27, 2023, 6:30-8:30 pm- New Covenant Christian Fellowship, Greenville. For kids ages K4-rising 6th grade.

July 24 – 28, 2023, 9 am-Noon – Westminster Presbyterian, Greenville. Open to rising K5- rising 5th grade.

July 2023 TBA, Temple Baptist Church, Simpsonville. Ages 3 – completed 5th grade.

July 2023 TBA – Fountain Inn First Baptist Church, Fountain Inn. This event is for kids entering 4K – 5th grade.

July 2023 TBA, Messiah Lutheran Church, Mauldin- 2022 will be Backyard VBS, hosted over three weeks in July in the backyards of volunteers. Please contact Alysia Nathan at MLC for more information.

July 2023 TBA– Praise Cathedral, Greer

July 2023 TBA, St. John’s United Methodist Church, Anderson

July 2023 TBA, Hope Church, Simpsonville & Spartanburg. For kids in K5-6th grade.

VBS in July 2023: Spartanburg, SC

July 2023 TBA, Poplar Springs Baptist Church, Moore

July 2023 TBA, Lifespring Church, Boiling Springs.

July 2023 TBA, Hope Church, Spartanburg & Simpsonville

July 2023 TBA, St. James UMC, 3k-5th grade

VBS August 2023: Greenville, SC

August 2023 TBA, Reedy River Missionary Baptist Church. Contact Rev. Lee Montgomery at [email protected] or [email protected] to register.

VBS August 2023: Spartanburg, SC

2023 Spartanburg, SC VBS TBA

Would you like to see your church’s VBS on this list? Please have an official representative of your church’s program email Bethany at [email protected] with full listing information including, dates, times, church, and link to register.

More Things to Do Near Greenville, SC

Vacation Bible School Near Greenville, SC| VBS 2023

30+ Super Cheap or Free Things to Do this Summer near Greenville, SC

The importance of math science and its knowledge. Arguments in favor of successful math homework completion. Tips on where to get specialized help. 

Why We Need Math: Some Statistics 

We all know that math is one of the hard sciences. The hard sciences are often the building blocks of a successful career. It is even said the following. Math is one of the most important subjects for a successful career. A student can study to become a physicist, a programmer, or a successful businessman. Regardless of who they dream to become, arithmetic will be an integral part of their studies. In particular, according to the US National Center for Education Statistics, we have the next statistics. More than 70% of job openings require a high level of algebra skills. These are jobs related to engineering, technology, and science. In addition, the professions of a data analyst, financier, businessman, or investor also require strong math skills. They are needed to make effective decisions and predict risks.

Statistics also show that learning math affects success in further education and career. According to the study, learners who successfully studied arithmetic in high school have an average of 15-20% higher income in the future compared to their peers who had problems with math. As you can see, math skills are very useful in various professions. They also contribute to successful career development.

However, for many students, math can be a challenge. The studying process can be complicated. It also requires a lot of time and effort from learners. Therefore, arithmetic homework help can be especially important for students who are planning a career that requires strong math skills.

 

The Challenges Students May Face In Doing Math Homework

Doing homework helps students consolidate the knowledge they have gained at school. It also helps to develop problem-solving skills. The teacher plays an important role in this studying process. They give learners enough explanations to understand the topic. However, math homework can be complicated. Especially when a student has difficulties in learning the material. In such cases, homework help can be indispensable. Whether you’re studying algebra, calculus, or geometry, you may encounter some obstacles in your tasks, so math homework help on Plainmath can improve your understanding and grades. You may also get the support you need to succeed in your math studies. It also may help students to solve their math problems. All of this is necessary because the proper completion of homework ultimately plays a crucial role in students’ academic success.

 

The Importance of Expert Help

Statistical data confirms the importance of helping students complete their algebra homework. It has a direct impact on their academic performance. Statistics to support these points show the following. Students who regularly get help with their math homework do better on exams and have more confidence in their knowledge. Studies also show that using online resources and expert help for arithmetic homework has a positive impact on academic performance. One such study, conducted in 2013 by the University of Connecticut, examined the impact of using web-based resources on students’ math performance. It included more than 500 students from different schools in the United States. Students who used web resources scored higher on arithmetic tests. They also passed math exams at a higher level than students who did not use these resources.

Another study (conducted by the University of Columbia in 2015) found that using online resources for algebra homework can help students from poor families access high-quality math education. In turn, this can help them succeed in the future. Years have passed since then, but new data has consistently confirmed the usefulness of using help from specialized online resources.

 

Additional Benefits of Doing Math Homework

Math homework helps learners gain confidence and develop problem-solving skills. Doing such homework requires not only knowledge of theory. It requires the ability to apply this knowledge in practical tasks. Therefore, students can often face various challenges when doing math homework. However, with the right help and support from the teacher and parents, students can pass the test and succeed. Arithmetic homework help can help students reinforce key concepts and problem-solving skills. 

In addition, doing homework regularly will help students practice their focus, patience, and perseverance. These qualities are essential for success not only in school but also in life. After all, it is the attentive and persistent who often win. Patience also plays an important role.

Conclusion on the Importance of Math Homework Help in Education Success

It is therefore important to note that math homework help can play a crucial role in academic success. Studies showed that students who receive such help achieve better results on final exams than those who do not.

Moreover, they have more confidence in their knowledge and skills. However, many learners face challenges when it comes to learning math.

Nevertheless, arithmetic is considered one of the most important subjects in school, which can affect students’ futures and careers.

Therefore, doing homework is a must. But many students feel pressure when faced with algebra assignments. This can lead to a loss of motivation to study. One solution to this problem can be math homework help. This can include both personal help from the teacher and additional help from external sources.

Such sources include math courses and online resources with help. Therefore, using such resources will be a useful tool to help students improve their knowledge and gain more confidence in their skills.

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Summer in South Carolina can be, um, intense, to say the least! In this guest post from realtor Elizabeth Faulkner, she shares her top 5 favorite spring activities that you and your family should tackle before the heat dictates what you can and can’t joyfully (or even safely) do! Outdoor activities are still manageable, so check out the list and plan your family’s next outdoor adventure now—before it’s too late!

As spring winds to a close I find myself bracing for the dog days of summer. Lucky for us here in the Upstate of South Carolina, June tends to be a month with some lingering beautiful spring-like days! So, before my family hunkers down at our neighborhood pool for the hottest part of the summer, we make every effort to get outside and enjoy SPRING while we still have it! Here are a few of our favorite things we try to do every year in the short season we love so very much.

This article was formerly sponsored by Elizabeth Faulkner.

Visit a brewery

Checking out a local brewery is a go-to activity on a pretty spring or summer day for my family. There are so many family-friendly breweries in our area! Many breweries offer the perfect balance for my family. My husband and I get to enjoy a locally brewed beer. My kids find a fun game to play as breweries typically offer a wide array of things to do while hanging out. The best part – we all get to sit outside and enjoy a beautiful day. Plus, many breweries offer fantastic food too! For the breweries that don’t have a kitchen, we’ll often find an on-site food truck! Double bonus! In my book, that’s a well spent spring afternoon.

Fireforge in downtown, 13 Stripes in Taylors Mill and Birds Fly South are a few of my family’s favorite breweries but there are many, many more options in the Upstate! Many of which I’ve yet to even get to. Yet.

Tip: One of my family’s favorite breweries has an arcade right next door! Pac Man anyone?

Need a few more breweries on your list? Check out Kidding Around’s list of family-friendly breweries.

Ride a bike

This seems like such a silly thing to even put on my list of favorite things to do list, but it could very well be my number one thing. Hitting the Swamp Rabbit Trail with my family doesn’t happen nearly enough but it definitely happens every spring. Typically, we load our bikes onto the back of our car and head to Cleveland Park to hit the trail. We like to ride north, through downtown Greenville and Falls Park, past Furman University and on to Travelers Rest. TR makes a great place to grab a meal and rehydrate before making the return trip to the car.

Admittedly, there are lots of amazing distractions along the way so the ride could take a very long time if we let it! Over the years my family has enjoyed a game or two of hide and seek in The Children’s Garden at Linky Stone Park, explored the beautiful Furman campus, and visited the ducks at Falls Park along the way. Like I said, lots of “distractions” can make the ride as long as we want it to be!

Looking for other great family-friendly bike rides? The Upstate offers plenty of other places to ride!

Visit a local market

Another thing my family loves to do in the spring or summer is visit a local market. We have a few favorites. The downtown Greenville Saturday Market is, by far, our favorite. I won’t even call this one a farmer’s market. We can spend hours strolling along Main Street in downtown with coffee in our hands. While, yes, we buy produce at the market, we always find so much more. We have discovered some fantastic homemade pasta, homemade soaps my daughter loves, plants for our yard, fresh seafood and the most amazing pastries EVER at the market in Greenville. Hours are easy to remember for the Saturday Market if you want to go. It is open every Saturday from May – October from 8 am until noon.

Downtown Greer, one of our favorite places to go on a nice day, offers a variety of markets during the spring and summer. Farmers markets happen on the weekends, sometimes on Tuesday, plus there are several festivals throughout the summer months! Keep up with their Facebook page so you’re in the loop with their happenings!

The Traveler’s Rest Farmers Market in Trailblazer Park has been another market we love for the variety of local vendors and the ample green space!

No matter where you live, you’re sure to find a market your family will love as they seem to happen in just about every town in the Upstate!

Take a road trip  

A couple of my family’s favorite day trips happen in the spring. I love a good arboretum – exploring flowers, learning about plants, and meandering through a beautiful garden makes my heart happy! So come warmer temps, my family will seek out somewhere to go where we can walk, enjoy the beauty of the season and spend a day relaxing in nature.

One of our very favorite spring day trip locations has been the Biltmore Estate. The gardens are breathtaking, and the grounds are amazing in the spring and summer! Walking the property in the spring and visiting the gardens in bloom is not only beautiful but also a great way to learn about a new plant or flower to try in my own yard! They even have a pretty great nursery if I want to take home something to plant when we return to Greenville.

Also in Asheville, the North Carolina Arboretum is a short drive away and makes a great place to spend a spring day. My family loves exploring the gardens and the trails here. There is certainly plenty of room to roam as this botanical garden is spread over 65 acres of property. This is a great spot for some hiking and biking too if you’re up for a little more activity after taking in the gardens!

Another great garden exploration option that isn’t quite as far away is Hatcher Gardens. Located right in Spartanburg, Hatcher Gardens is a great way to spend a beautiful sunny day. Walk the trails, feed the wildlife, explore the flowers and plants – just get lost in nature! Hatcher Gardens is a perfect spot to have a picnic too as there is so much room to roam here!  

Kidding Around also has a really great list of other day trip ideas worth checking out!

Take a hike

One of my very favorite things about living in Greenville is the proximity to the mountains and some amazing hiking. For a short drive we like hiking at Paris Mountain State Park or Nine Times Preserve in Pickens. Paris Mountain is close and has some great hikes, no matter what skill level and distance we’re up for at the time. Nine Times Preserve is a favorite because there are a variety of trails offering some pretty amazing mountain views. Plus, if we don’t get an early start we know we won’t be turned away because the parking lot is full. Perfect!

When we are up for a bit of a drive, we have really enjoyed some hiking north of Greenville County too. Dupont State Forest is a great choice as this area offers a lot – hiking, views, waterfalls and swimming holes. Dupont even works well on a warmer day since its higher in elevation and has some fun places to cool off too! One of our most memorable hikes was a bit further away, on Grandfather Mountain in Banner Elk, NC. Grandfather Trail to Calloway Peak made my heart race and is something none of us will forget anytime soon!

Check out Kidding Around’s Guide to Hiking for even more excellent family-friendly day hikes!

I hope this list of my family’s favorite spring activities gives you some ideas on where to enjoy spring in the Upstate! It is a beautiful time of the year, and our area has so many amazing places that make the perfect spot for taking in an amazing spring or early summer day!

In the tenth season of the podcast, our cohosts, Mackenzie Johnson and Dr. Lyndi Buckingham-Schutt, explore research and reality on all things kids and food. On this page, you’ll find an outline of the season’s content and a brief description of each episode.

S10: Ep. 1 – Kids & Food: Why We Eat What We Eat
When it comes to food, so many factors influence what we (and our kids) eat. Come explore those influences and meet a new face on the podcast!

S10: Ep. 2 – What I Bring to the Table: Feeding Styles
Which feeding style do you bring to the table? Listen to hear about the four styles. Plus, learn one of our cohost’s favorite food strategies!

S10: Ep. 3 – Food Parenting Practices
We may have strong beliefs and values around food and our kids, but what we actually do and say has the most impact. In this episode, you’ll hear practical strategies for raising a healthy and independent eater.

S10: Ep. 4 – A Taste of Temperament
By now you’ve heard our hosts tell you that everyone has a natural temperament, come explore how your child’s may be influencing how they eat!

S10: Ep. 5 – Feeding in the First 1000 Days
Your child’s first 1000 days of their life are a great opportunity to establish their eating habits. Listen in to learn why this time is so important and hear strategies for making the most of this important time!

S10: Ep. 6 – Feeding & Eating with Kids
As children transition into school, the family lifestyle can shift, which means eating can change too! In this episode, you’ll learn about specific developmental changes that impact our kids’ eating habits and what you can do to support healthful eating at this age.

S10: Ep. 7 – Feeding & Eating with Teens
Parents of teens are sometimes asking, “how do I get them to eat enough, but not too much?” Well, it turns out that is a layered question! With so much development in this age group, there is a lot to take in. Hear all the insights, strategies, and recommendations in today’s episode.

S10: Ep. 8 – Perservering Through Picky Eating
If you are dealing with picky eating, you know the struggle is real. But you might be asking “Why?” and “What can I do?”. Get research-based answers and reality-centered solutions in today’s episode!

S10: Ep. 9 – Final Thoughts on Food & Feeding
In the last episode of the season, the cohosts revisit some highlights of this season and share more tips and insight for raising our kids to be healthy and independent eaters.

BONUS – Baby-Led Weaning or Spoon-Feeding
Baby-Led Weaning is an infant feeding method that’s been getting more attention in recent years, but some parents are wondering if there is science to support it. In this episode, our special guest cohost will help us explore the research and reality on this infant feeding approach!

Remember you can listen to these episodes (and others) on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app! You can also follow us on Facebook or Twitter @scienceofparent. Or send us an email with a specific parenting question: parenting@iastate.edu

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For the full non-discrimination statement or accommodation inquiries, go to www.extension.iastate.edu/diversity/ext. 

A few years ago, I picked my daughter up from work. I’d been crying for hours and was still trying to get ahold of myself. She’d had a great night at work, had gotten a really big tip, and couldn’t wait to talk to me about it. 

I’d just had (another) disagreement with the man I was seeing about his drinking habits and was beside myself with anxiety and worry. I realized on our drive home that I was barely present for my daughter when she wanted to share something important with me.

I apologized to my daughter for not being present for her

We sat in the garage, and I forced myself to clear what was going on with me out of my mind and focus on her. Then, I apologized to her for being distracted because even though she didn’t ask me what was wrong, I knew she knew my head was somewhere else. 

That night while lying in bed, I had to look hard at myself and my relationship — a relationship that had taken up a lot of my time and energy. That wasn’t the first time I’d struggled to be present with my kids because of him, and I felt tremendous shame.

I allowed someone into our lives who was only taking from us

While my kids really liked the man I was seeing, it hit me that I was letting someone into my life which was taking from me. And because I was allowing that, my kids were seeing me upset, anxious, and unhappy, which was taking from them.

Being divorced with teenagers has been one of the loneliest feelings I’ve ever had. My kids are involved in their own social and work lives. They also spend a few nights a week with their father, so I have more time than ever. I had to admit that the loneliness clouded my judgment regarding who I spent my time with. It wasn’t fair to me, and it wasn’t fair to my kids. 

If my relationships hurt me, they impact my teens negatively as well

The night I picked up my daughter and was so upset I could barely concentrate on what she was saying was when I stopped allowing anyone into my life. I knew I needed to end the relationship and be more protective of my time and who I let into my life. Because even if my kids never meet everyone I come in contact with, whether it’s a friend, lover, or work colleague, if these relationships are having a negative impact on me, they are going to have a negative impact on my kids, too. 

Of course, there are certain people we have to deal with in life, and I’m not saying to shut everyone out that makes you upset. That’s not always realistic. We are all responsible for how we react to certain people and if we let it affect the rest of our lives. 

I am saying that single mothers have children who are watching them and are often directly affected by their moods. I knew in that relationship I wasn’t my best self. I didn’t feel as safe or comfortable as I should have. And I was letting it bring me down, knowing there was no way for me to detach myself from the emotions and feelings I was having by staying with him. 

I can’t afford to have more drama and angst in my life

I’m now so conscious about who and what I let into my life. When my kids are with me, I need (and want) to be my highest and best self. My priority is to enjoy the last few years they will be living with me. Dealing with extra drama or angst isn’t something I will put up with. 

My love for my teens is unconditional. There are conditions when it comes to friends, partners, and even family members I spend time with. You have to enhance my life, not make it more difficult. It needs to be an equal partnership. And these days, if I sense someone is wasting my time or they will make me upset, I have no problem creating space or cutting them off completely. 

As a single mom, I am responsible for who my teens are exposed to

Life can be difficult. And life as a single mother can be extremely difficult. I refuse to get distracted or consumed with anything or anyone that causes more turmoil. It directly affects my kids, and that’s not something I’m willing to do ever again. 

If you are a single mom, feeling like people or situations in your life are bringing you down, don’t be afraid to eliminate them. Don’t worry if people tell you you are being too harsh or you need to let things go. 

You know what’s best for you and what’s best for your kids better than anyone else. 

The author of this post wishes to remain anonymous.

More Great Reading:

How to Help Your Teen Step Away from a Toxic Friendship

The more conversations my colleague Sima Bernstein, EdD, and I had with women, the more we realized the fertility industry had grown both in the number of people seeking help and the high costs of infertility, emotionally and financially. We discovered some promising changes already in effect or on the horizon that could be a boon for so many. Here’s what she and I learned:

Mary Ellen, whose name has been changed to protect her privacy, confides to us why she only had one child. It was a chain reaction, she said. She delayed motherhood because of her career, then needed in vitro fertilization (IVF), and was so wiped out physically and financially from the experience that, at age 47 when her son was born, she decided: That’s it! She was having just one.

Abbey Sangmeister, a 42-year-old a therapist and coach in New Jersey who recently gave birth to a daughter and used IVF, was 40 when she began fertility treatments. She had always wanted kids but was waiting for the “right guy to come along.” Sangmeister found the pain of treatments tolerable, but the cost—$50,000 in her case—prohibitive. As a result, she decided a second child is out of the question. “My insurance covers nothing because I work for myself,” she says.

Rachael Jones, a registered nurse, mother of a child conceived with IVF, and director of clinical client implementation at WINFertility—a Connecticut company that coordinates and manages fertility benefits for employers and health care plans—didn’t experience the same financial struggle personally. The health plans she and her husband had provided coverage for fertility treatments, so out-of-pocket costs were minimal. But in her role with WINFertility, she’s encountered many who found the financial burden crushing.

“I definitely know people [who] put a second mortgage on their house or sell their car … to get through this,” Jones says. “It can be a very hard journey.” For Jones, the biggest challenge wasn’t money but the sheer amount of time invested before fertility treatments worked. “It took two-and-a-half years, and I was not expecting that,” she says.

Fertility treatment is both science and art, not a one-size-fits-all protocol, Jones explains. That includes making difficult choices like how many embryos to freeze, as those undergoing treatment decide how many children they hope to have. The protocol may also call for more than one attempt and can be a difficult emotional journey.

Trending

If these narratives ring familiar, they should. They reflect some clear demographic and healthcare trends. Multiple studies tell us that first-time American moms, as a group, are more likely to be older today and to turn to IVF or other fertility treatments to help them conceive.

A 2022 U.S. Census Bureau report put the median age of first-time mothers at 30, marking a gradual but almost steady rise in age since 1990. Unsurprisingly, there was also a substantial drop in fertility nationwide over the same time period.

The fertility rate in the 35 to 39 age group, though, moved in a completely different direction. It rose sharply—from 31.5 to 52.7 births per thousand in 2019—an increase of 67 percent.

We also know from financial data that Americans’ expenditures on fertility treatments are growing rapidly, wreaking havoc on the finances of many people struggling to become parents.

Growth in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)

The sharp rise in the number of women undergoing fertility treatment is similarly well documented. Since the first birth of an American baby as a result of IVF in 1981, the use of assisted fertility treatment, or ART, has been steadily rising.

One-third of Americans have undergone fertility treatment or know someone who has, according to a Pew Research Center poll. Among those with a college degree, that number rose to 43 percent.

Many of the women undergoing fertility treatments are older mothers because fertility declines with age. “When you’re older, you don’t have as many beautiful embryos that lead to healthy children. You may only make one or two,” explains Shahin Ghadir, a physician in Southern California who is double board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology and reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Age-related fertility challenges are “the number one reason we see patients in my clinic,” Ghadir says. “People are putting their work-life first.”

Egg Freezing: A Turning Point

Sangit Jindal, President of the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) and Professor, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, agrees that some norms in childbearing have changed. And she believes that new technologies may be at the root of it.

“Egg freezing is the biggest achievement in ART in the last decade in a field that has been around for 40 years. It’s become standard,” Jindal reports. “Now women are much more comfortable deferring motherhood if they can freeze their eggs.”

Increased Coverage Means More Options

People coping with fertility concerns in the near future may face a landscape quite different from the one navigated by the mothers we interviewed, as more states require insurance coverage for fertility treatments. More people are getting coverage—either through their employers, or because of the state mandates. Twenty states have already passed laws mandating fertility insurance coverage. Of these laws, 14 include IVF coverage.

That’s bringing cost into an affordable range for many. But it’s not the only market force putting fertility treatments within reach for more people who are seeking to overcome difficulties having children.

Less Expensive Treatments

Less expensive fertility treatments could also provide another option for some having trouble getting pregnant.

One new product that’s expected to be on the market by this summer or early fall is designed specifically to reduce costs for infertile couples. The creator behind this new product is Jennifer Hintzsche, CEO and founder of PherDal Fertility Science, who has a Ph.D. in bioinformatics, a field that combines the study of computer science and biology. With assistance from her husband, a mechanical engineer, Hintzsche designed the first, sterile, over-the-counter, assisted reproduction kit, which women can use at home. Hintzsche estimates the kits will cost $200, compared to the $300-$4,000 cost of a cycle of Intrauterine Insemination IUI, or the $12,000 clinics typically charge for a cycle of IVF. Hintzsche is in the process of getting FDA approval.

Hintzsche knows the struggles of fertility treatment from personal experience. She and her husband underwent treatment for 16 months before her daughter was conceived. She said it caused a strain not only on their marriage but also her finances, and that having a second child using clinic-based treatments would have required taking out a substantial loan.

“We decided that if we were going to have a second child we were going to apply to adopt—because we didn’t feel like we could put our marriage through infertility [treatments] again.”

Hoping to spare other women the same anguish, Hintzsche developed a kit that allows women to conduct a basic, first-step fertility treatment themselves. Although not a cure-all, she tells us her preliminary data reflects the same live birth rate as IUI. (Note: The authors have no relationship with Pherdal.)

Certainly, anything that eases the financial burden of fertility treatments—whether increased insurance coverage or new options—is welcome. For many struggling to get pregnant, accessible, affordable help can’t come soon enough.

Related: “Should Young Women Freeze Their Young Eggs?“

Copyright @ 2023 by Sima Bernstein & Susan Newman

Looking back at my four years in college, I can truly say that it was a transformational period of my life. I experienced some of the best moments of my life and moments where I absolutely grew as a person.

Top 10 moments from college I would relive if I could

1. First day of classes freshman year

I had set the alarm to get up almost two hours before my first class so I could get ready and wear my cutest outfit. I remember feeling so nervous to go to class alone, but then I passed by a few girls in the dorm hallway talking about attending the same class that I had, and I asked to join them, and they said yes.

I loved how everyone was so eager to make new friends. During our first class, the professor introduced the class and reviewed the syllabus. I had been so worried that my classes would be difficult, but hearing the professor speak about the assignments, didn’t seem too bad, and all my nerves disappeared. 

2. The first sports game of the season 

This was one of my favorite days in all of college. All my friends and I got ready together, doing our hair and makeup and cutting our T-shirts into cute crop tops. We arrived at the stadium very early to get good seats, and once the game started, it felt like a scene out of a movie — everyone chanting, wearing our school colors, and cheering on our team. It was almost like I was living an event I had looked forward to for years.

3. Eating alone in the dining hall for the first time

The first time I ate alone at the dining hall was terrifying — I was sure that everyone was watching me, thinking I had no friends. I anxiously walked in and timidly grabbed my food as quickly as possible. I had planned to eat soon so no one would see me eating alone. But once I sat down and looked around, I realized everyone was minding their business, and I had nothing to worry about. It felt empowering because I realized that I could eat alone anytime I wanted to and that no one would judge me. 

4. The late-night group study session in the library 

My friends and I would create study groups within our classes. We would all head to the library together, with snacks and coffee to prepare for a long night of test preparation. This doesn’t sound like something that would be fun, but we made it fun by testing each other and taking short breaks to eat and share snacks. We often stayed at the library late — sometimes until midnight, getting as much studying done as possible, and then we would bike back to our house together. 

5. Picnics while watching the sunset 

I attended UC Santa Barbara, a coastal university. My friend group and I would sit together and do a potluck-style dinner, sometimes bringing along canvases and paint, while we watched the sunset. It was a fantastic way to connect and wind down after a stressful week. I highly recommend doing sunset nights like this with friends or even alone to relax and enjoy the changing colors of the sky. 

6. First Family Weekend

Seeing my family again after being gone from home for weeks made me so happy. We went out to eat together, and I showed them around campus and gave them a glimpse of what my life had been like for the past month. It was great being able to actually show them where all my classes were and introduce them to my friends.

7. When a professor truly made me feel so cared about

I went through a very rough time in my freshman year of college, and many personal things caused my mental health to suffer. One day, I hadn’t gotten any sleep and had been up all night so stressed and worried about the exam I had that day. I went to the class early and explained to the professor some of the things that were going on in my life and how it was affecting my mental health, and that I was unprepared for the exam. And she told me to go home, rest, and take the test in a few days.

It made me feel like she cared about me as a student and clarified that my mental health is the most important thing. I realized that honesty is always the best thing, and many professors are very understanding. 

8. Returning home for winter break during freshman year

I entered the door and saw my dogs rushing up to me, jumping on my legs, wagging their tails, and so excited that I had finally returned. It almost felt surreal being back home after being away for three months. It was like life had moved on but also stayed so similar.

Some new buildings that were just being started when I had left for college were almost completed. Plus, it was an amazing feeling to see all my high school friends again. We all had exciting things to tell each other about our different experiences at college. I also loved returning to my favorite sushi restaurant and the coffee shop in my hometown. 

9. Getting straight A’s on my report card for the first time in my entire life

I had been highly overwhelmed during high school since I was in cheerleading and theater and also worked. While I was a strong student, I had a problem with procrastination, which caused me to end up with some A’s and many B’s, which was still something to be proud of, but I promised myself that once I got to college, I was going to do better with academics.

I remember studying so much and putting academics before anything else because I wanted to achieve this goal. I almost studied too much, but when I got my report card after all my final exam grades had been entered, I was ecstatic to have gotten straight A’s — something that once seemed impossible, and I realized that my hard work paid off.  

10. Getting the position I applied for in a student club

I had applied to be a part of the student newspaper but had no journalism experience. I researched the student newspaper and learned as much about it as possible to be prepared for the interview. I thought the interview went well, but I was still very anxious. A few days after the interview, I received a call that I had been selected for the role I had applied for. I was so happy and immediately called my mom to tell her the great news. 

Of course, graduation was the highlight, a culmination of everything I had achieved and experienced during my four years at college. On graduation day, I felt a massive sense of accomplishment, and I was energized and ready to take on the world!

Overall, college is a time of your life that will be filled with many beautiful and defining moments. Be sure to cherish your college life as much as possible because it goes by quickly. I will always look back on my memories with fondness, as they made me who I am today.

More Great Reading:

Seven Things I Wish I Had Known Before Freshman Year of College

I screwed up this weekend.  My daughter told me a story, and all of my learning, all of my grownupedness, and all of my feminism went out the window, and I was a teen again, living in my insecurity. I know better than that. I expect better than that. She deserves better than that.

The story: My daughter is 13 and went to the town center to hang out with a friend. While they were walking around, a group of teenaged boys (according to her, much older) walked by, and one said, “My friend thinks you’re cute,” laughed, and kept walking.

Here’s the part where I screwed up: She was upset, and I said, “So what, that’s nice.” Oof. The look she gave me. In her eyes, I could see my failure as a parent and woman. It wasn’t until later that I understood where my comment came from.

I was very insecure as a girl in middle school

Like most girls, I was hugely insecure in middle and high school. I hated my looks. I looked like a child in middle school while other girls were already womanly. I was tiny (not even 5 feet yet), flat and straight, my hair wouldn’t perm, my nose was too big, and my eyes took up my whole face. In high school, I suddenly grew curves and a C cup, and thank God grunge was in, and I could hide it all under huge shirts. No one could want me. I was sure of it. 

None of these thoughts are or were unique to me. 

And then I got a boyfriend and suddenly found my body and saw it was of use, and it became my everything. It was the thing that was attractive about me. Because it couldn’t be my mind, or my ideas, those hadn’t changed. My body had. So I lapped up the attention. I broke up with boys and dated others.

I laughed when men made comments on the street. I wore tight tops, hoped for comments, and was saddened when they didn’t come. I put all of my hopes in that body of mine. My mistake came in thinking my body had given me control. 

I gave my body away so easily

But I gave that body away so quickly. To their comments, their leers, their wants, and needs. I thought I would gain something by giving it up, though even now, I can’t tell you what. I starved that body. I worked that body into shape. I dressed it up and put it out for the show as though the rest of me was useless.

I thought that if a boy or a man loved my body, he loved me. So I gave it away again and again, looking for love. But when I finally met the man who would be my husband and the father to my children, I had put that girl behind me. I had put my passions toward teaching and theater and friends. I had grown tired of separating body from mind and found a way to work them equally, sometimes even like them both.

I was terrified about how I would raise a daughter

I became terrified that I would have a girl when I was pregnant. With all of my past harboring squatting rights in my heart, how could I raise a daughter? How could I strengthen her and keep her safe? How could I let her know her beauty without making that beauty all important? There are so many minefields. How would I avoid them all?

Now that very daughter is going to high school next year, and she looks just like I did, and God, she is beautiful and strong, funny, insecure, intelligent, and so much more worldly than I was at 13. And I am terrified. But I have brought her this far. We have almost finished middle school, and I have walked that fine line just above the minefield, only occasionally setting one off.

But there is no right answer here, as much as I want one. I will make my mistakes, and she will make hers. And we will keep walking that line, hopefully together, for as long as we can.

My daughter and her friends have a body positive outlook

She and her friends, her generation, have a different relationship with their bodies than I did as a child in the 90s. They wear sports bras to school and show off their midriffs, but it is not for the boys. I believe her when she tells me that.

She is comfortable with her body in a way I never was. She thinks it’s gross that a boy, three years older, would look at her or say she’s cute. Her body is not for him. It’s for her. She is already so far ahead of where I was, and while it doesn’t mean I have nothing to fear in the future, she’s undoubtedly starting in a stronger place. I think that’s all I could ask for. 

More Great Reading:

Tips for Body Positivity: Ways to Feel Better About Our Bodies (The Jed Foundation)

Dear Mom of High School Freshman

Middle School Survival Guide for Parents from a Teacher and Mom of 4

While walking to the self-checkout at Walmart the other day, my son and I passed through an area that smelled very strongly of marijuana. Showing my age, I mentioned that it smelled like we had just walked through a Cheech and Chong movie. Of course, my son had no idea what I was talking about. But on the way home, he said, “You experimented with marijuana in high school, right?”

“Yes,” I answered. I told him that I had first smoked pot when I was 13 and had smoked it several times in high school. I never really liked it, I admitted, but my usage was born out of rebellion, like most of the things I did back then. 

As a parent, my job is to keep my son safe

My son is a junior in high school and has not touched alcohol or other drugs. He has Asperger’s and is very frank and direct in his conversations, so I’m confident that he will tell me if he ever does. But with teenagers, things can change quickly.

As a parent, and particularly as the parent of a special-needs child, I consider it my number one job to keep my son safe. And part of that job is to help him make the right decisions. I’ve always tried to be honest with my son about my own past. To do otherwise, I believe, would be hypocritical. One thing I remember from my younger years is how much teenagers loathe a hypocrite. If you lie to your child and they find out, they’ll hold it against you forever. And they will find out, because teens sniff out lies like bloodhounds. 

I made a lot of mistakes in my teenage years. Probably more than most kids. I’d like to use my experiences, good and bad, to help guide my son through his own turbulent teenage years. In fact, my mistakes and regrets are probably more valuable in this regard than the things I’m proud of.

I find it best to tell him the whole story. Not details – he doesn’t need to know the name of who I first got high with behind the gazebo before a junior high school dance. I just try to express my honest thoughts and opinions about what I’ve done and haven’t done. 

I am honest with my son about my history with alcohol

I’ve been honest with him about my history with alcohol and what I’ve learned. Both of my parents were alcoholics. Alcoholism runs in our family, which puts him at greater risk of becoming dependent on it. He’s never seen me drunk. But for a lot of years, before I met my wife, I drank heavily.

As with marijuana, I started young, when I was around thirteen. When my son recently asked if I’ve ever had a hangover, I told him that I have had thousands of hangovers. He stared at me in surprise, and with some disappointment. Sometimes it’s difficult to sugarcoat the truth. 

There are a lot of bad things that can happen from drinking. One night of drinking, one mistake, can change your life and the lives of others forever. But you can also have a lot of fun drinking. If it wasn’t fun, teenagers wouldn’t want to do it.

I explain how quickly alcohol pulled me in

When talking with my son, I make clear that I often had fun when drinking. And that’s what is so dangerous about it. I had lots of friends who drank, too. But they could take it or leave it. Just normal teenage experimentation. For me, I loved it from the first sip. Well, maybe not the first sip. It tasted awful. But alcohol pulled me in quickly. 

He understands the risks as well as I do. Maybe better, because he spends a lot of time researching the impact of alcohol and other drugs on the brain. He plans to be a psychologist and it seems as though he is going to be very prepared.

He and my wife, who is currently pursuing a master’s degree in counseling, have long conversations about what drugs do to certain parts of the brain. They sometimes use me as an example. Not sure how I feel about that, but I suppose it’s nice of them to include me.

I don’t pretend to know everything. The information I’m giving him is more personal experience than facts gathered from research. Maybe my experiences can help him. I wish someone had taken me aside to give me an honest talk when I was younger. I wish I’d felt loved and confident enough to ask the difficult questions that most teenagers have. I can’t change the past, but I can try to change the future. My son’s future.

More Great Reading:

No One Ever Starts Out Saying They Want to Be an Alcoholic

Up for a FREE new adventure only a short drive from 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!

Recently my mom and I met a lady from Landrum who shared with us her love for the Tryon International Equestrian Center. She was a really nice lady, but I honestly didn’t pay her much attention. You’ve been there, right? No offense to the lady, but I was just smiling and nodding my head to be nice. I had no intention of actually visiting Tryon, NC. I knew nothing of the town, so no thanks. (And why would I leave Greenville to visit a town no one’s ever heard of?)

Later that day we were sitting in the living room wondering why in the world we were sitting in the living room. The weather outside was gorgeous. The sun was shining and the temperature was pleasant, for lack of a more colorful word. We found ourselves falling into the abyss of, “so what do you want to do today?”

Mom finally spoke up and said, “You know, we could drive to Tryon and check out the Equestrian Center.”

Why not, I thought. It’s not far from Greenville and it was something to do. We grabbed the kiddos and set out to find this unfamiliar destination. Despite the cloud of pessimism hovering over my head, I slapped on a smile and decided to enjoy the day.

What we discovered in Tryon, NC

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.

Saturday Night Lights at Tryon International Equestrian Center

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 2023 season kicks off May 13, 2023. You really won’t believe it’s free once you get there and find all the stuff they have for you to do.

They have a beautiful Venetian carousel, pony rides, hula hoops, a magician or two, and face painting. In the past, they’ve had fire performers, live music, and a mechanical horse. Then they have the actual horse jumping competition, which is blast to watch, even if you have little to no idea of what’s happening. The horses are gorgeous and the sport is delightful to watch.

There are vendors with fresh-squeezed lemonade and adult beverages plus places to grab dinner. Seating is first come, first serve but our favorite spot to see if the green hill on the west side of the stadium because kids can roll down it in between horse jumping.

One pro tip during the cooler months of October: 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.

Yes, it really is free

You don’t have to pay for any of the activities. There are tip jars out if you want to leave something for the people who operate the carousel or do face painting but nothing there costs a cent. Even the parking is free. The only thing you’ll pay for is if you choose to purchase food or drinks.

2023 Schedule

Here is the 2023 schedule:

• May 13th
• May 20th (Touch A Truck)
• May 27th (Military Appreciation Night)
• June 3rd (Arts Market)
• June 10th (Dog Night)
• July 1st (Flag Night)
• July 8th (Beach Night)
• July 15th (Blacksmith Event)
• July 22nd (Christmas in July)
• July 29th (Touch A Truck)
• September 23rd (Teacher Appreciation)
• September 30th (Pumpkin Weekend)

Plan your own trip to Tryon International Equestrian Center

In addition to Saturday Night Lights, TIEC hosts a wide array of events that are also open to the public. See the complete calendar of events here. 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?

Bryson City, NC: Things to Do and Places to Stay in the Great Smoky Mountains

Thinking about hosting an outdoor birthday party in Greenville? Searching for “outdoor birthday party venues near me”? You’re in the right spot. One of the great things about Greenville is our moderate weather. This means birthday parties outside are often a reasonable option. We recently compiled your ideas about indoor birthday party spots but for those who like fun in the sun (or just being outdoors as long as it’s not pouring and/or freezing!), here’s a list of fabulous outdoor birthday party spots.

Outdoor Birthday Party Venues Near Greenville

Outdoor Parties at Parks in Greenville

Depending on the location, you can reserve a gazebo at one of the many local parks. If you’d rather skip the fee, you can press your luck or just plan on picnic blankets at one of the parks that doesn’t take reservations. This tends to be a popular option for young kids and can be as easy as sending out a few e-invites and grabbing some cupcakes. Also great for your sports fans as you can do a soccer party or basketball, etc.

Paris Mountain State Park– you can simply rent a shelter in the park or with so many spots throughout the park, you have many options including camping.

Venues for Outside Birthday Parties

The Greenville Zoo has birthday party packages for children. You can also reserve a shelter at the nearby Cleveland Park or look into group rates for admission. This, of course, lends itself to lots of fun themes of lions, tigers, and bears as well as safari or jungle adventure!

Pools or splash pads – Pool parties in Greenville have various fees, though your local community/neighborhood/apartment pool maybe an inexpensive option (see their specific rules for guest limits and so forth). The Greenville Recreation Department has party packages for their waterparks and aquatic center (which technically is indoors so nice weatherproof option). Don’t forget Shipwreck Cove – they offer birthday party packages too! You could also check out the splash pad downtown near the Reedy River or the Duncan splash pad.

Roper Mountain Science Center– We attended a party at their butterfly garden which included a scavenger hunt on their trails! That theme was fairies but butterfly (Fluttershy!), bugs, mountains, dirt (think construction site cakes), frogs, nature, trees, and more all would work.

Takeoff Mini-Golf– Airplane-themed mini golf beside the Greenville Airport Park. This birthday package allows kids to take a birthday plane ride!

Restaurant patio options

The Runway Cafe at the Greenville Airport Park has a patio right next to the playground. We’ve done two birthdays there. Reserve a few patio tables and order drinks and food for your guests (we do a bunch of appetizers and then guests can order additional items depending on their needs and dietary restrictions). Bigger groups can even reserve a hanger! Airplanes are an obvious theme but we also did Rainbow Dash!

O-Cha Tea Bar– They offer birthday party packages; call for your custom package. With windows all around you get a good view of the Reedy River or you can go on the patio, the grass or even the nearby splash pad as mentioned above. Perhaps a standard tea party, Alice in Wonderland, or Mulan theme are all a given but maybe a modern Tokyo theme for preteens? Lots of fun concepts here! Maybe a trip to the nearby splash pad if it’s sunny!

Farms

Happy Cow Creamery– This looks like the ultimate dairy party! See the animals, tour the farm, and play some old fashion games!

Hidden Pasture Farm– Birthday parties with a unicorn? Is there anything better?

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What’s your favorite outdoor party spot? Let us know in the comments!

Thank you to the YMCA of Greenville for sponsoring this article.

Wish you could go back to being a kid during summer camp season? We do! Nothing beats the feeling of being dropped off by your parents to spend the day outside running around, acting silly, learning something new and having fun with other kids.

When our kids are young, they get to experience this time that we all crave to do over again. To disconnect from screen time, connect with other kids and positive adult role models and just focus on being a good kid and having fun at camp.

At the YMCA of Greenville, summer day camp offers all of that, and they strive to help campers develop character by instilling the Y’s core values: respect, caring, honesty, and responsibility. 

A chance to try new things (without committing to a whole season).

Summer day camp is the perfect opportunity to try something new – a new sport, craft, or hobby. The YMCA offers specialty camps where kids can spend a week learning how to dribble up and down the basketball court, build cities with Legos, plan and cook a meal, and even learn about the great outdoors. And if your child wants to try a little bit of everything, they can register for traditional day camp, which offers introductory activities in sports, arts and crafts, swimming, music, and more – depending on the theme of the week. Summer day camp is the perfect occasion for your kids to test out a new sport or skill to make sure they like it before committing long term to a season.

A chance to meet new people and broaden horizons. 

After a year in the same classroom at school, it can be nice to change up your summer social scene and make new friends. The Y welcomes everyone, and every child has a different story to share. Many parents say their children make lasting friendships through summer day camp, and learn to be more open, caring, and kind people. 

Social interaction is critical for kids – it’s necessary for their development and it’s what they crave. The connections they’ll make at the YMCA of Greenville could be the best part about camp.

A chance to burn off some energy and get stronger.

Kids are always ready for the summer – that has not changed for centuries! Exercise and stimulating activities with new friends are some of the best ways kids can release stress, build a stronger heart and muscles, improve concentration, build their immunity and sleep better – all which will help them when it comes time to go back to school in the fall.

A chance to learn from positive adult role models.

YMCA of Greenville staff are committed to delivering a safe, fun, and enriching experience for all participants of summer day camp. Their passion is serving those who walk through the doors of the YMCA of Greenville, and they love instilling the Y’s core values through all activities (reminder: those are respect, caring, honesty, and responsibility). 

A chance to breathe fresh air.

Fresh air is good for the soul, isn’t it? It also has serious health benefits, like reducing blood pressure and heart rate, supporting mental clarity, and even improving digestion. Being outside in the summer sun (with plenty of sunscreen for protection, of course) is one of the best parts of summer day camp.

When they are indoors, you can rest easy knowing that YMCA facilities have been equipped with bi-polar ionization filtration systems, which are hospital-grade air quality control. How great does taking a moment to breathe deeply and enjoy the moment sound?

The YMCA of Greenville is a cause-driven, non profit organization. Through funds raised during our Annual Campaign, the Y is able to offer financial assistance those in need so that no child is turned away, regardless of ability to pay.  

To learn more about all the different summer day camps offered through the YMCA of Greenville, visit our website.

Isn’t summer break great? When there are tons of free things to do, it’s even better! So, pull out the sprinkler, blow bubbles, and send the kids outside to play. But, what do you do when you’ve already exhausted your go-to summer fun list and perhaps your budget at the same time? Fortunately, free things to do in Greenville, SC are abundant, and we also have tons of options for families looking for cheap fun. In fact, here is our list of 30+ Free (or Cheap) Things to Do This Summer.

P.S. Our definition of “cheap” is approximately $5 or less per person. For fun activities that cost more but are still fun, see our calendar.

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This list may contain unpaid mentions of Kidding Around Greenville sponsors.

The Top 5 Free Things to Do in Greenville This Summer

Your kids can bowl free all summer long with the Kids Bowl Free program.

Splash in a waterfall pool or swimming hole. Here’s a list of natural swimming places near Greenville.

Play at Unity Park playground and splash pad.

Go Park Hopping and win prizes! Upstate, SC Park Hop

See a Free Outdoor Movie, there are so many in the Upstate!

Scavenger Hunt Fun in Greenville

Work as a family to complete some scavenger hunts this summer! Explore downtown areas using clues to help you find mini sculptures of mice or toads. Or, see if you can complete this summer’s park hop!

Hike and Bike, Explore Greenville’s Outdoors

• Visit Greenville’s Unity Park, with paved trails, a free splash pad, and a huge playground.
• Bike the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail. (Don’t forget to stop at Swamp Rabbit Cafe.)
• Mountain Bike at one of these Mountain Biking Parks near Greenville, SC.
• Go on a hike on one of our favorite trails. Join Hike It Baby Greenville to learn even more about family-friendly hiking in the Upstate.
• Visit Musgrove Mill State Historic Site, enjoy a hike through a historic Revolutionary War battle or splash around at Horseshoe Falls.
• Blow bubbles, play in the sand, or throw a frisbee at Legacy Park.
• Pack the putters and head to McPherson Park for a free game of mini-golf.
• Go on a picnic using our list of tips.
• Visit Carl Sandburg’s home in Flat Rock, NC, and play with goats for free. Hiking on the grounds is free.
• Enjoy a round of disc golf at one of the many local courses.
• Try one of these affordable activities in Clemson. (The SC Botanical Gardens is a great free choice).
• Grab your club and play a round of mini-putt at Sparkle City in Spartanburg.
• Explore one of these gardens in Upstate SC.
• Find one of these local trains (which includes real train cars & train-themed play structures).
• On a breezy day, fly a kite at one of these perfect kite-flying spots.
• Find one of Greenville’s top-secret spots.
• Pick fruit at one of these great orchards, farms, or berry patches.
• Ride the train at Heritage Park.
• Birdwatch at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve
• Find fairies and gnomes at the Fairy Trail at Bullington Gardens in Hendersonville, NC
• Go fishing for free thanks to the South Carolina Fishing Tackle Loaner program. You can borrow a reel, rod, and tackle box.

Splish Splash Your Way Through Summer

Keep Learning all Summer Near Greenville, SC

Free and Inexpensive Dates in Greenville

Free Day Trips from Upstate, SC

We know day trips aren’t exactly free when you factor in gas and maybe food. But these destinations all have super fun free things to do and will make at least a very cheap day-trip adventure for your family!

Botanical Gardens in Athens, GA

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia, part of the University of Georgia, is totally free to visit. We love the hidden playgrounds, trails, and beautiful grounds. It’s worth a day trip! Plus, find more to do in the area in our Guide to Athens, GA.

Things to do for Free in Hendersonville, NC

Hendersonville, NC may have some of the coolest things to do, and the most variety we’ve ever seen. You can visit museums for history, geology, airplanes, and model trains totally free. Visit the coolest obstacle course playground or learn something new on a hike in an educational forest. Play a round of mini-golf for just $3, or learn about ocean life and reptiles for just a couple of dollars per person. Check out all the free and very cheap things to do in Hendersonville, NC.

Free and Cheap Things to Do in Columbia, SC

The South Carolina State Capital has lots of free and very cheap things to do for families. We are seriously impressed with the number of free splash pads and pools in the area, and low-cost lake access for swimming. Plus you can rent a kayak for just $5 at Sesqui State Park, and they have a gorgeous splash pad. If you’re looking to learn something new, you can tour the statehouse for free, or go on a public art tour. How can you go wrong? Here’s our list of Free and Cheap Things to Do in Columbia.

Looking for more free things to do?

FREE Kids Craft Events: JCPenney Kids Zone

10+ Story Times: Greenville SC’s Fun Way to Instill a Love of Reading in Your Kids

Graduation season is here, and we love suggesting unique gift ideas for your students. Whether you are looking for a perfect send-off present for a neighbor’s child, you have watched grow up, or your son or daughter, we have a list of unique gifts from one of our favorite sites, Uncommon Goods.

We are a reader-supported site and receive compensation from purchases made through links in this post. 

Unique grad gift ideas for 2023 grads

1. Collegiate Pouches

Zipper pouches are a handy way for your college student to store make-up, charging cables, earphones, or other valuables inside a backpack or a desk drawer.

2. Wishbeads Necklace

These gorgeous pendant necklaces are available in rose quartz, lapis lazuli, coral jade, and grass agate. The pendant has a cylinder with room for a message of love and encouragement.

3. Bedside Essentials Pocket

One major design flaw with the weirdly elevated twin beds found in most college dorms is the lack of a high nightstand to store glasses, phones, water bottles, etc. The flap of this felt pouch slips underneath the mattress and will keep your teen’s essentials close at hand. Available in two sizes.

4. Long Distance Friendship Lamp

Light up loved ones’ lives — across town or the world — with these in-sync lamps. Buy a pair, and when you touch your lamp, their lamp lights up in the same glow, sending a little “thinking of you” to a faraway loved one.

5. Shattered Glass Ceiling Necklace

This symbolic necklace pays tribute to all the women who have shattered the glass ceiling — displaying the milestone breakthroughs achieved in the past, present, and future. It is an excellent gift for any girl to portray women’s empowerment.

6. The Popcorn Bowl with Kernel Sifter

Your student will never have to worry about popcorn kernels again with this clever design that filters out all popcorn kernels (perfect for movie nights!).

7. Dear Graduate Gift Set

This trio of presents is the ideal way to send your student on their way with a Dear Graduate Book filled with thought-provoking questions to help them discover things about themselves and what they want to do with their life, an Adulting Merit Badge Mug that will reward them for the everyday successes of being an adult, and The Things They Don’t Teach You in School Card Game, with 400 fun facts and bits of hilarious knowledge for adulting.

8. A Question A Day for Self-Care: A 3-Year Journal

This unique journal is great for anyone who loves self-care journaling and reflecting — and they can tune into their feelings and emotions with a different question for each day for three years.

9. The Path Necklace

This beautiful necklace is designed with a combination of meaningful stones. According to the artist, green tourmaline promotes creativity, smoky quartz is calming, and the silver bar symbolizes your grad’s path. With a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson, this necklace will thrill and inspire any graduate.

10. Microwave Pasta Pot

Going to the dining hall for a quick meal isn’t always convenient. This ingenious microwave pasta post makes fixing a snack in the dorm so easy. Add water and noodles and pop them in a microwave, and it’s done! The lid is a strainer, so your college student will have all they need without leaving their dorm.

11. Guiding Compass Bracelet

This compass bracelet reminds your grad that they are headed in the right direction. It is made of stainless steel and even features a real compass.

12. The Graduate Keepsake Library

This will help your grad keep everything organized, with a container for diplomas, pictures, and more than 50 individually illustrated labels for complete organization, making saving memories and keepsakes easy.

13. Long Distance Friendship Frame

Touch this unique frame, and different colors light up, showing your teen that you are thinking of them while they are away.

14. Microwave Popcorn Popper

Having a snack of freshly-popped popcorn will be super easy with this innovative silicone popper. No oil is needed, wipes clean, and is collapsible for easy storage.

15. Personalized Hand-Written Letter Blanket

This handwriting blanket is perfect for a throw blanket — but also to remind them how much you love them.

16. Academic Adventure: Graduation Mapmaking 

Okay, maybe your grad didn’t go to wizard school. No matter what, everyone’s journey is the stuff of legend, and a biographical map is a magical way to commemorate graduation. Learn how to make one as a gift or gift the experience to your grad; an expert artist leads this 90-minute session.

17. Stoneware Microwave Veggie Steamer

This microwave veggie steamer makes cooking veggies easier than ever, especially if your student lives in a dorm without a stove. It cooks in just minutes without any added fat.

18. Guide Birds

Your grad can choose a new bird each week to be their “guide” for the week. Each bird is a different color with a different meaning, including gratitude, love, patience, honesty, courage, joy, and generosity. These adorable birds make great decor too.

19. The World is Your Oyster Necklace

This inspirational necklace will remind your grad that they have the entire world in their footsteps. It has a motivational message and a shimmering crystal pearl in the center.

20. Charging Cord Bracelet

This bracelet doubles as a charging cord — so your teen never has to worry about forgetting a charger.

21. Therapy Dough

This dough is modeled after clay used by art therapists and is infused with essential oils for stress relief. Available in orange, peppermint, and lavender scents.

More About Uncommon Goods

Uncommon Perks Membership

Thinking of shopping at Uncommon Goods for multiple recipients this year? Pay $19.90 a year for the “Uncommon Perks” membership, and you will receive free standard shipping on all purchases plus double the regular donation in the Better to Give program.* As a bonus, members will also receive two $5 credits during their membership.

*One more thing — We love Uncommon Goods as a company.  They have a fantastic collection of unique gifts, and we could pour over their website Gift Finder all day long shopping for our grads and, truthfully, everyone in our families.  But they are also a company with altruism in their DNA.

Their Better to Give program connects its customers to nonprofits around the world. Uncommon Goods donates $1 to a Better to Give partner with every purchase made when customers designate a recipient non-profit at checkout. Since the program began in 2001, Uncommon Goods has donated over $2,000,000.

Still, Looking for Other Gift Ideas?

25 Uncommon Gifts from Uncommon Goods 

Local artist Brandi Grover has always loved art, developing her passion in elementary school and growing into a mixed-media artist here in South Carolina. And she’s turned that passion into a book, or really several books, that let others join in on the fun. Yep, we’re talking about coloring books, specifically Brandi’s newest coloring that will take colorers on a trip across the Carolinas.

About Brandi

Brandi dabbles in lots of art including minimalist portraits, digital art, and window paintings. In fact, if you visited Gio’s Pastry Shop, you may have seen her work there along with other Upstate businesses. But today, we’re talking about her coloring books. She has 10 in total.

Her newest book features scenes from across both North and South Carolina. Brandi says these pages illustrate some of the most loved places across the Carolinas, as they are the result of social media polls where her friends and clients weighed in to determine what should be included. The project grew from just scenes of local gems, to become an exploration of the most beautiful spots from Charleston, SC all the way to Hendersonville, NC, and lots of places in between.

Color Your Way Through the Carolinas

The new coloring book, called Explore the Carolinas, is available for sale on Brandi’s website, as well as at several local spots including Steam Coffee and Cream and Gio’s Pastry Shop in Fountain Inn, SC.

You can also order Explore the Carolinas on her website. Actually, you can order several of her books on her website, including a cute coloring book with trucks and tractors, another with dinosaurs, and yet another with sweets and yummy-looking desserts. She also has a Mandala book for older colorers looking for a quiet way to wind down and relax.

The books can be purchased online directly from her and picked up locally in Gray Court, or shipped. But, you also have the option of purchasing her books from Amazon. Her website has a link to purchase on Amazon as well, so it’s easy to find exactly what you’re looking for.

Brandi’s books check all the boxes for a great local gift. Explore the Carolinas would be great for anyone who loves the outdoors, visiting the Carolinas, or maybe someone moving or new to the area.

Want to Try a Few Pages?

We have the coolest bonus for Kidding Around readers. Brandi made a 6-page Greenville, SC Heritage Green coloring book for us, featuring our very own explorer, Golly! We know your kiddos are going to love them. We love them, too. The pages of this book are totally free for our readers!

Download your free 6-page Greenville, SC: Golly on Heritage Green Coloring Book

The download contains coloring pages for:

• Heritage Green
• The Children’s Museum
• The Upcountry History Museum
• Greenville County Museum of Art
• Hughes Main Library
• Greenville Theatre

So, what are you waiting for? Print your free Golly Coloring Pages, then keep the fun going and go order one of Brandi’s coloring books!