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  • A Comprehensive Guide to Eating Popcorn In Pregnancy

    A Comprehensive Guide to Eating Popcorn In Pregnancy

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    Eating popcorn in pregnancy can be a tasty, delicious, and healthy snack! Learn the facts and know what precautions to take with this comprehensive guide.

    Not sure if it’s safe to eat popcorn while pregnant? This guide has you covered! Find out all there is to know about eating popcorn in pregnancy.

    Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it also comes with many dietary restrictions and concerns. So if you’re pregnant and you love popcorn, you may be wondering – is it safe to indulge in this tasty snack? Read on to find out all there is to know about eating popcorn during pregnancy.

    Is it Safe to Eat Popcorn While Pregnant?

    The short answer is yes, eating popcorn during pregnancy is generally considered safe. Popcorn is not only a delicious snack, but it’s also packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

    Plus, there are many ways to add flavor and nutrition to popcorn without the addition of unhealthy toppings.

    However, be sure to avoid pre-packaged or microwaveable popcorn as these contain added oils, salt, and other preservatives that you should limit during pregnancy.

    Additionally, if you have a history of gestational diabetes or celiac disease it’s best to consult your doctor before indulging in this tasty treat.

     

    Potential Benefits of Eating Popcorn In Pregnancy

    fake pregnancy belly
    Image Credit
    • Popcorn is high in fiber, which can help alleviate indigestion and constipation that many pregnant women experience.
    • It’s also a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants, which may help support the immune system during pregnancy.
    • Popcorn can be a more nutritious alternative to processed snacks such as chips and crackers, particularly if you are controlling portions and cooking it yourself with healthy toppings like sea salt or nutritional yeast.

     

    How to Eat Popcorn During Pregnancy?

    For the healthiest popcorn, go for air-popped or stovetop popcorn without added sugars or fats.

    You can add a pinch of sea salt to bring out the flavor or try topping with nutritional yeast for an extra boost of vitamins and minerals.

    If you’re eating pre-prepared popcorn, avoid options that contain excess sugar, salt, and butter, as they are usually not ideal options.

    As long as you’re mindful of not overconsuming, popcorn can be a healthy snack during pregnancy.

     

    What Type of Popcorn is Best for Pregnant Women?

    Popcorn during pregnancy

    The best type of popcorn for pregnant women is air-popped or stovetop popcorn that does not have added sugar or fat.

    Pregnant women should avoid pre-prepared popcorn with excess sugar, salt, and butter. Nutritional yeast is a healthy topping to add extra vitamins and minerals, but be careful to not overconsume!

     

    Tips for Making Healthy Popcorn at Home

    Popcorn

    Making popcorn at home is a great and budget-friendly way to indulge in this delicious treat while pregnant. All you need is popcorn, oil (such as olive or coconut oil), and some seasonings.

    To make air-popped popcorn, simply put the kernels in a modern popper or pot with a lid and heat over medium heat until the popping stops. For stove-top popcorn, use just enough oil to coat the bottom of your pot and add corn kernels until they lay flat—you can always add more if you want a bigger batch.

    Shake gently to distribute the oil, cover with a lid slightly ajar for steam to escape, and get ready for some crunchy goodness once it starts popping!

    Also Read: Top 10 Best Fruits To Eat During Pregnancy

    I am sure you are part of our amazing pregnancy group “Direct From Mothers” to stay updated with the upcoming posts and videos.

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    VJ

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  • Getting Into College Is the Easy Part

    Getting Into College Is the Easy Part

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    When helping students apply to college, I am deeply impressed by their persistence at writing and rewriting what sometimes seems like an endless stream of essays. Every fall we eagerly await that exciting news flash: You’re in!

    And then the real work begins.

    High school students can prepare to be successful in college by becoming more self-sufficient before they leave home.

    Yes, applying to college is a lot of work: going on campus tours and meeting with admissions reps; deciphering the Common App, ApplyTexas, University of California Application and other platforms; creating a “brag sheet” for the school counselor; and, of course, writing those endless essays. But all of that pales in comparison to the four (or more) years that lie ahead in higher education.

    When students start college, their coursework is often more demanding than what they’re used to. But for many students I work with, the bigger challenge is managing their newfound independence. It’s the difference between being college-capable and college-ready. In high school, they’ve often been supported by a network of parents, teachers and counselors in ways that aren’t always obvious.

    Tasks parents commonly assist with that students will need to do on their own in college:

    • Getting up on time for class
    • Eating a balanced diet
    • Scheduling medical appointments
    • Speaking with their instructors about any difficulties with the coursework
    • Limiting gaming and social media use 
    • Managing money
    • Going to bed at a reasonable hour
    • Making a plan to get homework done on time
    • Remembering to turn in completed assignments 
    • Doing laundry

    For college freshmen, the transition to doing all of these things on their own can be rather sudden–but it doesn’t need to be. Savvy parents can encourage them to gradually take over many of these responsibilities prior to moving out.

    Upon arriving at college, students will have plenty of things on their plates, such as navigating an unfamiliar campus and making new friends; the more that parents can help them master life skills while still in high school, the better. It’s also vital for students to become aware of their strengths and challenges, so they will know what types of support to seek out as needed.

    What else can students do to become college-ready?

    1. If they struggle with executive functioning (EF) skills such as organization, planning and time management, they can work with an EF coach during high school to acquire tools that will help them master these skills. 
    2. Students dealing with depression, anxiety or other issues can meet with their school counselor, a private therapist or a support group. Since the pandemic began, my colleagues and I have seen far more students who struggle emotionally and need extra support to succeed at school. This is consistent with the national Healthy Minds study, which found that over 60% of students had “one or more mental problems” in 2020-2021, a substantial increase over prior years. During lockdown, students were more socially isolated and had fewer opportunities to develop coping skills outside of the home.  
    3. Some high schools offer courses in financial literacy and other life skills, which can be extremely useful. Such courses may also be available through a local community education program or online.
    4. If they’re on a special education plan in high school, such as a 504 or Individualized Education Plan (IEP), they can attend the team meetings and take an active role in shaping these plans.
    5. There are post-graduate (PG) or gap year programs that specifically focus on college readiness. Students who don’t wish to take a gap year can find shorter versions of these programs that they can join during the summer before or after senior year. These programs help build a variety of skills and ease the transition to becoming a full-time college student.

    Whether or not they’ve taken some of these steps, most students haven’t mastered 100% of the key skills prior to starting college. Fortunately, they can continue perfecting these skills while they’re in college, and there are many supports available to help them do so.

    Most colleges provide–at no extra charge–academic advising, residence assistants, peer tutoring, mental health counseling, career counseling and often specialized centers for math and writing. 

    Students with learning differences (e.g., autism, ADHD or dyslexia) often benefit from academic (i.e., executive functioning) coaching, social skills groups and guidance with independent living skills–services which are only available at certain colleges. These students may need to attend colleges that offer robust, typically fee-based, learning support programs, or hire additional support staff on their own.

    So if you’re in high school, get ready to write those college admission essays–and start working on becoming college-ready.

    More Great Reading:

    Three Things that People Get Wrong about Being “Ready for College”

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    Eric Endlich

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  • College Move-In Day: 12 Things That Will Save Your Life!

    College Move-In Day: 12 Things That Will Save Your Life!

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    College move-in day is fast approaching, and the best way to prepare for it is to be ready. Every school has its own rules and traditions surrounding move-in day, and you will soon learn what those are. But some things are universal.

    So, whether your whole family is going or just your teen moving into a dorm or apartment, the 12 things that thousands of experienced Grown and Flown parents told us were THE essential items they felt they needed for this intense and emotional day.

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

    Top 12 things to bring to college move-in day

    1. Ikea Frakta Storage Bags


    These bags are THE secret to move-in success. Lightweight, durable, and easy to stack in the car, these bags can be used for under-bed storage, function as a laundry bag, or be folded and put away so they are ready to be packed up when your kid moves back home next spring. Load up on these before move-in day.

    2. Magna Cart Four Wheel Folding Platform Cart
    moving cart

    A platform cart or a dolly were mentioned repeatedly — they’re enormously helpful for getting your stuff where it needs to go. This will make college move-in day go so much more smoothly.

    3. Belkin Surge Protector

    surge protector

    You can never have enough power in a dorm room, and many colleges do not allow the use of extension cords. This surge protector has a 6-foot cord, 12 outlets, and 2 USB ports.

    4. WOOZOO Fan

    woo zoo fan

    August can be very hot, and many dorms are not air-conditioned. Bring a fan and set it up first to keep all of you a little cooler during the move-in. WOOZOO fans have become very popular and now come in many pretty colors. They come with a remote control.

    5. Apollo Tool Set

    Apollo Tool Set

    The most recommended tools were a screwdriver, tape measure, hammer, scissors, rubber mallet, and duct tape. Leave a set like this one for your student who will use it moving in and out of dorms and apartments over the next four years…and beyond.

    6. First Aid Kit

    first aid kit

    We recommend putting together your personalized kit with all the first aid and cough/cold medicines your family prefers. But if you want to be covered with the basics, getting a set this like will do the trick.

    7. Wundermax Door Stopper

    Move in day essentials

    As soon as you get to the room, use one of these to prop the door open, and you will make your life much easier. This door stopper comes with a holder that can be attached with velcro to the back of the door, so the doorstop won’t get lost under a pile of dirty clothes (theoretically).

    8. Water bottles and snacks

    When you’re hot and tired, something to drink and nibble on will come in handy.

    BTW, since college students need water bottles, think about packing a new Hydro Flask water bottle that offers a wide selection of styles and sizes that are perfect for your students. For long days on campus, studying at the library, sports practice, bike rides, workouts, hiking, or walking to class, Hydro Flask water bottles are excellent for your teen — keeping drinks cold or hot for the whole day.

    Hydro Flask

    9. Command Hooks and Strips

    command hooks

    Command strips and hooks for “hanging” things on walls are very popular; they peel off easily without ruining the walls. Note: Check the “residence life” section of the college website to see if these are allowed.

    10. Cleaning supplies

    Fill a bucket with cleaning supplies such as Clorox wipes, trash bags, and shelf liners because you may want to wipe everything down.

    clorox wipes

    11. Paper and Pen/Sharpie

    You will probably have some of this stuff with you for your student but keep a pen handy because you may need to make notes or fill out forms. A Sharpie will come in handy.

    12. Change of clothing

    You will invariably get hot and sweaty, so it might be nice to take a backpack with a change of clothing for everyone or at least a fresh t-shirt.

    You will forget something, of course

    Everyone forgets something. Whatever you’ve forgotten, don’t panic because, luckily, we live in a time when you can get anything online, and you can get it shipped to your student.

    Finally…The most popular answer, aside from those listed above and tissues, alcohol, and tranquilizers, was to bring your smile, sense of humor, and patience. Bring an overabundance of patience because you’ll need it. And, follow your student’s lead-it’s not your room, it’s theirs.

    You are there to help but not to dictate. College move-in day can be a very long, hot, and exhausting day. However difficult the day is, it’s also tremendously exciting. Heed the crowd’s wisdom and bring your smile and ability to let go, and it might just be a day you all remember fondly.

    When the move-in is complete-it’s time to walk away, however cranky everyone got during the move when you leave your child, tell them you love them, tell them you’re proud of them, and assure them that you will be fine and so will they.

    When your teen turns 18, there are some legal forms you will want to have in place. Don’t forget to add these legal forms to your list of what should be done before you head out for campus. Click here to learn more or on this link to go directly to the forms you need. 

    More Reading: 

    17 Items to Check Off Your List Before Your Teen Leaves for College You have finished shopping for the dorm, and now you and your teen need to think about these important financial, legal, and medical issues to do before they leave.

    6 Reasons Why Moms Cry When They Leave Their Kids at College This is one of THE most popular posts on Grown and Flown.  Read Helene Wingen’s beautiful essay, especially if you have a rising college freshman.

    These college move in day hacks, tips, and tricks will save your life on the big day. When you're moving your teen into their first college apartment or dorm, you'll want these 12 things to make it so much easier. #college #dorm #collegelife #dormlife #moving #movinday #collegedormideas #teens #teenagers

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    Helene Wingens

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  • Our Ultimate Guide to Spring in Spartanburg

    Our Ultimate Guide to Spring in Spartanburg

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    Searching for things to do in spring in Spartanburg? Spring is in the air! The flowers are blooming and the birds are chirping. The kids can play outdoors! Spartanburg comes to life in the spring with family-friendly events, Easter Egg hunts, and more.

    If you are looking for ways to have fun with your family this spring in Spartanburg, you’ve come to the right place. Want to play outside? We’ve got it. Want to know about local Easter events? We’ve got the information. Want to know about some day trips for spring break? We’ve got some ideas for those, too.

    Here’s a guide to all things spring in Spartanburg. Have fun!

    Monthly Happenings

    Each month, we have you covered with the best local events. Check out what’s happening in Spartanburg this month.

    Easter Egg Hunts in Spartanburg

    Easter is April 9, 2023 and that means egg hunts are coming! The Ultimate List of Easter Events in the Upstate has all the egg hunts, bunny photo opportunities, and events happening this year near Spartanburg.

    Looking for a special place to eat on Easter? We have we are gathering Easter Brunch dine-in and take-out options and we’ll have our 2022 list soon!

    Spartanburg Spring Break Ideas

    Looking for ways to entertain your children while they are out of school for Spring Break? Here are some of our favorite ideas:

    Get Outside in Spartanburg This Spring

    With the warmer weather, your family needs to get outdoors! Spartanburg has so many wonderful places to explore outdoors – hiking, fishing, strolling, putt-putt, parks, playgrounds, etc. Follow the sunshine and check out the many Upstate options.

    If the saying “April showers brings May flowers” is true this spring, there is also plenty of things to do indoors in Spartanburg.

    More Ways to Have Fun This Spring in Spartanburg

    But, that’s not all! We’ve got more ideas for your family to help your family get the most out of this fun season.

    What are excited to do this spring?

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    Jennifer Curry

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  • Don’t Start Spring Without Reading This Guide!

    Don’t Start Spring Without Reading This Guide!

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    Searching for things to do in Greenville. SC this spring? Finally, the weather isn’t freezing and it looks like we made it through the worst of winter. There are even tulips showing their colors and trees flowering. It’s spring and time to get outdoors and enjoy all the great family-friendly events and egg hunts and festivals that come with this time of year in Greenville. We’ve gathered all our best spring content and set it up here so you can find something great to do this spring.

    Are you in Spartanburg? Here’s our Spring Guide to Spartanburg.

    Dive in and enjoy springtime in Greenville, SC!

    Feel like playing with baby goats in the spring? There are places to do that. And want to join in all the Easter egg hunting fun? We’ve got that list here. What about hiking trails or camping spots? This part of the state is perfect for those activities. What about day trips or free things to do? Got those too.

    baby goat

    Greenville is home to many local farms where you can spend some time with baby animals, especially in the spring. Not only can you see animals, but some farms even let you help out. Whether you want to bottle feed a goat, see a baby sheep, pet a horse, or just pick up some fabulous goat cheese, you’ll find a farm to visit in our list of places near Greenville to see baby animals.

    Greenville Things to Do

    Oh, does Greenville do festivals! And they do them well. Springtime has some of the best festivals the whole year like Artisphere showcasing visual and performing arts, or iMagine Upstate with robots, science and hands-on tech. And we can’t forget Greek Festival and the baklava! See our Spring Kid-Friendly Festival Guide for all of Greenville’s spring festivals.

    Easter Egg Hunts in Greenville

    What’s springtime without cute photos of your child racing for a brightly-colored Easter egg? Our Greenville Easter Guide features our Best Easter Egg Hunt list in Greenville. We’ll be updating our list as Easter gets closer. It has egg hunts, Easter Bunny brunches, bunny photo ops, and Easter activities. You’ll find tips for local egg hunts and a list of local restaurants with Easter Brunch in Greenville.

    Things to do during Spring Break

    Whether your family plans to hang out in town, head out on a day trip, or hit the road on a family vacation, spring break means fun and we have some great ideas. Our Guide to Spring Break in Greenville features our gigantic list of 100+ Fun Things to do on Spring Break plus ideas for a budget-friendly break, travel destinations from Greenville, Vacation Rentals nearby, and a whole lot more!

    Get Outside This Spring

    Hiking in Greenville, SC with kids

    There is no shortage of stellar hiking trails in Greenville and nearby in Western North Carolina. Our Guide to Hiking Near Greenville is large, and you’re sure to find an interesting trail to explore. You’ll find our readers’ favorite hikes, plus some that are perfect for families with little ones, and even a list of hikes for older kids.

    If hiking is not the outdoor adventure you want, never fear. There’s no shortage of places to play outdoors in Greenville.

    Places to Bike in Greenville
    Places to Mountain Bike in Greenville
    15 Awesome Places to Fish Near Greenville
    Lake Jocassee with Kids
    12+ Campgrounds Near Greenville Perfect for Kids
    Best Places to Fly a Kite

    Strawberry picking near Greenville, SC

    Strawberries come into season right near the end of spring and picking berries with your kids can be really fun and entertaining. Plus, when you eat with the seasons, it can be so much cheaper! Pick lots of extra berries and freeze them to eat local all year round. Check out Where to Pick Your Own Berries This Spring for some ideas. We’ll be updating this list as berry-picking season approaches.

    Hatcher Garden letters

    With spring comes gardens in bloom and there are several gorgeous ones in the area to explore, many of which kids will love. Here’s a list of more than 15 gardens near Greenville that you can visit. If you want to go a little farther, the gardens at the Biltmore are quite stunning. More on this incredible house in Asheville in our story, Visiting the Biltmore Estate with Kids.

    More to Explore this Spring: Greenville, SC

    Spring Time Day Trips from Greenville

    There are so many beautiful and fun places to go that are anywhere from an hour to three hours away that make a terrific day trip. Our list of 26 Fun Day Trips for Spring is a great place to start your planning! Bonus: If you haven’t seen Kristina’s Western North Carolina Waterfall Driving Tour, you are missing out. It would be so fun to do over spring break!

    Free Things to Do in Greenville, SC

    The more free stuff to do with families, the better, right? You’ll find some great ideas on our massive list of Free and Cheap Things to Do in Greenville.

    Kids Eat Free List
    10 Free Things to do in Downtown Greenville
    Our Parks and Playgrounds Reviews and Guide

    Garden plants in Greenville, SC

    Visit a locally owned nursery to grab some plants and start that garden. Here’s where you can buy plants for your garden in Greenville.

    Allergists in Greenville

    While Greenville is a fantastic place to live and work and raise a family, it is one of the worst places in the country for people who suffer with allergies. We understand this all too well. Thank goodness for modern medicine and good allergists.

    Reader-Recommended Best Allergists in Greenville

    What’s your favorite thing about spring in Greenville?

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    Kristina Hernandez

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  • Where to Zip Line Near Greenville

    Where to Zip Line Near Greenville

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    Are you looking for places to zip line near Greenville? Zip-lining is a recreational activity that guarantees to wow your kids and one that they won’t stop talking about for a while. There’s something about braving those tracks and feeling a sense of accomplishment (and relief) upon completing it. Check out our list of zip-lining experiences that range from our local playgrounds, indoor gyms to farms and forest reserves. 

    For a safe and awesome experience, we do recommend going to an organization that follows industry safety standards and pay careful attention to staff instructions.

    Playgrounds with Park-Style Zip Lines for Kids

    You don’t have to go too far for your kids to have some zip-lining fun. Much of our local playgrounds feature a short track appropriate for young ones. Our writers are always on the lookout for new features parks including zip-lining in these three parks. Here’s an extensive review of the newly renovated  Benson Automotive Kid’s Planet in Greer (formerly Kid’s Planet) which has multiple zip lines. 

    Gower Park Zip Line
    Park Guide to Greenville, SC

    Zip Lines at Indoor Trampoline Parks

    Always on-trend, first it was trampoline parks, then ninja courses and then zip lines, these adventure zones never run out of ideas to make jumping and flying in the air a true thrill. Find out more about what they have to offer by reading trampoline parks near the Upstate. If you don’t want to pay for grip socks (non-slip socks), don’t forget to bring your old pair from your last visit when going to one of these indoor parks.

    Outdoor Aerial Adventures Sites With Zip Lines Near Greenville, SC

    We love these new aerial parks which have you zip-lining from tree to tree outfitted in helmets, harnesses, and gloves. It’s the perfect outdoor activity for sunny days. Our thrill-seeking editors have visited a couple of these parks on the list to give you the inside scoop about these parks and places to eat nearby. Although younger children may not be able to do the steeper adventures, most of these locations have a kid’s course so they don’t miss out.

    Barefoot Acres

    181 Barefoot Acres Way Fountain Inn | 864.484.3879
    We haven’t been to Barefoot Acres but we are super curious about their kid-friendly farm programs which have gotten rave reviews from past visitors and of course we can’t wait to zip line around their farm.

    Flying Rabbit Adventures

    821 Laurens Road, Greenville | 864.230.0191
    We love the kid’s course and the larger ariel adventure course which contains 5 ziplines and lots of other elements. Check out our review of Flying Rabbit Adventures.

    Flying Rabbit Adventures
    Flying Rabbit Adventures

    Treetop Quest

    16 Alma St, Greenville | 864.907.9539

    With multiple courses to fit a variety of ages and skill levels, Treetop quest is a good option for family fun. The attraction includes 88 obstacles, 27 zip lines, and a net trampoline. The highest zipline is 40 feet from the ground. Check out our full review of Treetop Quest.
    Note: Treetop is currently closed for winter. It will reopen on March 4th.

    Treetop Quest course

    Zip-lining Courses in Western North Carolina

    Craving higher elevations and beautiful views? These outdoor centers will have you flying through a river gorge or an old forest and are certainly worth a day or weekend trip. Also, Lauren has some great tips on visiting the Nantahala Outdoor Center.  

    Nantahala Outdoor Center

    13077 US-19 Bryson City, North Carolina | 828.785.5082

    Note: Open from March to October.

    The Green River Gorge Zipline Canopy Tour

    166 Honey Bee Drive Saluda, NC | 828.749.2500

    Note: They have a minimum age of 10 years old and participants must weigh between 70 to 250 lbs.

    Zip-Lining in North Georgia

    Historic Banning Mills

    205 Horseshoe Dam Road, Whitesburg, GA | 770.834.9149

    Note: Open year round; home to the world’s longest zipline at nearly three-quarters of a mile long. Read our review of Historic Banning Mills.

     


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    Anna Arzt

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  • Day Trips near Greenville for Teens and Tweens

    Day Trips near Greenville for Teens and Tweens

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    Are you looking for a fun day trip with teens? Need a way to spend a day with your teen near Upstate, SC? These are a great way to spend some quality time exploring together or just having fun. Here’s our list of the 15 best day trips for teens & tweens near Greenville!

    If your teen is like the teens I know and love, then you know planning an outing that they will enjoy is not always easy. But, it is totally possible! Teenagers living in the Upstate are lucky to have so many wonderful places to explore in town or nearby. For example, you can travel to both Asheville and Charlotte in less than two hours. In addition, these day trips make excellent field trips for homeschooled teenagers.

    15 great day trips with teens you and your teen will love

    U.S. National Whitewater Center

    Located in Charlotte, the U.S. National Whitewater Center is an awesome place to visit for families looking for outdoor activities. In addition to offering whitewater rafting, you can also kayak, paddleboard, and mountain bike. Guests also have the opportunity to do some rock climbing, take ropes courses, canopy courses, and more. Plus, there is live music during the summer months. You can purchase a day pass for $75 that includes all activities or a single activity pass.

    Asheville Adventure Center

    If you want to head towards the mountains for outdoor adventures with your teen, then check out Asheville Adventure Center. It includes Asheville Treetops Adventure Park, Asheville Zipline Canopy Adventures, KOLO Bike Park, TreeQuest tree climbing, and Wildwater Rafting. Cost varies by activity.

    Explore the Waterfalls Near Greenville

    I don’t care how old you are – waterfalls never go out of style! Take your teen on a day trip to explore the nearby waterfalls and do some hiking. In particular, Chau Ram County Park is a great day trip idea because it takes a little more than an hour, but once you get there, you can hike and swim at Ramsey Creek for just $3.

    PS. Be prepared to take plenty of posed waterfall pictures for their Instagram and Snapchat feeds.

    Discovery Place in Charlotte

    We love Discovery Place in Charlotte! This science museum is tons of fun for kids of all ages. The interactive second floor includes several hands-on opportunities geared at this age group. Teens can lie across a bed of nails, try hydraulic arm wrestling, or compete to see who can build the largest tower. It is also home to an IMAX theatre. The cost is $23 for adults and kids age 2-13 get in for $18.

    Visit the Biltmore Estate and Grove Park Inn in Asheville

    If your teenagers are history or literature fans, a trip to the Biltmore Estate and Grove Park Inn is an absolute must. Both locations are steeped in history and give teens a real-life glimpse into the past. They will enjoy learning about the Vanderbilt Family at the Biltmore and hearing about F. Scott Fitzgerald’s time at the Grove Park Inn. The cost to visit the Biltmore Estate varies by season.

    Carowinds Amusement Park in Charlotte

    Carowinds Amusement Park in Charlotte is always a hit with teenagers. Since it is located less than two hours from Greenville, you can make this a day trip. With roller coasters and thrill rides and a waterpark, Carowinds will keep your teen entertained all day long. Also, Scarowinds, Carowinds’s annual Halloween nighttime event, draws the teen crowd. Ticket prices start at $35.

    Wilderness Cove Tubing

    Located about 45 minutes from Greenville in Saluda is Wilderness Cove Tubing and Campground. Here you can relax and float down the Green River. Since you will be tubing in cool mountain water, this day trip option is only available during the summer season. We also have a huge list of places to go tubing in and near the Upstate over the summer.

    Tubing at Deep Creek

    Linville Caverns

    Another unique day trip option for teens is a visit to Linville Caverns in Marion. Here you will be guided “inside the mountain” and experience the caverns, which stay a cool 52 degrees year-round. The caverns are also home to bats, so you may see some on your visit depending the time of year you go. Since you are allowed to take pictures inside the cave, this is another spot where your teen will ask you to take about a hundred.

    Linville Caverns

    Tryon International Equestrian Center

    The Tryon International Equestrian Center is located a little less than an hour from Greenville and was home to the FEI World Equestrian Games in September 2018 – a major world equestrian event. For this reason, the arena added more fun things to do. The center is open to the public and has restaurants and shopping, as well as the opportunity to see competition. It is free to visit.

    Chimney Rock State Park

    Chimney Rock State Park is home to Chimney Rock – an amazing peak that tourists can climb to have stunning views of Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. The state park has miles of trails and stairs to climb. And, if your teen wants to try actual rock climbing and rappelling, they can do it at Chimney Rock. You can book a two-hour, half-day, or full-day climbing adventure.

    Hike Table Rock

    Table Rock is a short drive from Greenville and offers one of the best hikes around. You could easily spend a day at Table Rock with your teen. Choose one of the many trails to hike, spend some time on the beach, and rent paddle boats.

    BMW Factory Tour

    We’re lucky to have BMW so close to us, and if you have a teen who loves cars, attending one of the factory tours at BMW would make for a great day trip. They offer a couple of tour options, anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Be sure to make your appointment because we’ve heard the tours fill up rather quickly.

    Georgia Aquarium

    The Georgia Aquarium is roughly 2 hours from the Upstate and would make a great day trip with teens. With thousands of animals and a large number of exhibits, you could spend half a day at the aquarium. The dolphin viewing area will give your teen their photo opp. You could even swim with whales, sharks, and manna rays during your visit. Read our full review of the Georgia Aquarium.

    Hendersonville, NC

    Hendersonville, NC is located about an hour away from Greenville and offers plenty of things to do on your day trip with your teen. If it’s fall, you could visit an apple orchard or pumpkin patch. There’s an aquarium, too. Or if you have a teen who loves views, a visit to Jump Off Rock would be fun. Play all day at the Appalachian Pinball Museum. Or, just walk around downtown Hendersonville, grab lunch somewhere, and then have a fun afternoon activity before heading home. Take a look at all the things you can do in Hendersonville.

    Appalachian Pinball Museum

    Day Trip to Athens, GA

    Athens, GA is only a couple of hours from the Upstate. Home to the Georgia Bulldogs, it has a great downtown area full of retail stores and restaurants. Spend a day in Athens with your teen walking around the University of Georgia campus and wandering around downtown. We have an entire guide to your day trip to Athens.

    Do you have a day trip for teens idea to add to our list?

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  • Parenting 101: 10 Great Economical Activities to Keep Your Special Needs Kids Busy Over March Break

    Parenting 101: 10 Great Economical Activities to Keep Your Special Needs Kids Busy Over March Break

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    We have arrived. It is March Break! And if you moms and dads out there are like me and my husband, we cannot go out of town for a whole week, and though I am home with my son as I work from home, Dad only can manage to take off a day or two. Our son, on the other hand, wants adventure and fun. So what’s a special needs parent to do?  I have come up with a list of possible things:

    1)    Your local public library: I know, I know, some kids have a hard time settling in the library. Try reading a social story to them, and obviously choose a time of day when they have had their fill of the physical. Many libraries offer story times and other craft activities. You can even meet up with friends and their kids. Only remember Moms and Dads, save the coffee for before or afterwards. J

    2)    Sledding hills: This of course is weather permitting, but it’s great as it’s economical and will get the kids to burn off all that energy they’re not expending in school.

    3)    Public indoor skating: Again, if it’s in your municipality it’s VERY reasonable in price. For our municipality, it’s $1.00 a person. Skating is also a great activity and I always promise my little guy hot chocolate at home afterwards or out if we meet friends at the arena.

    4)    Indoor swimming at your municipal arena, the YMCA or Lasalle’s The Aquadome: Swimming is a super activity to burn off physical energy as well and not costly. My only advice is to go early. We live in a suburb off of Montreal and the public swimming was so popular at our community center pool that there was hardly room in the pool when we got there. The Aquadome is a lot of fun and very reasonably priced too. It has an indoor slide that is very popular. http://inscriptionsaquadome.ca/en/leisure-swims.

    5)    Marathon play dates at friends’ houses: I organize these playdates pretty much in advance with your Mom friends. We take turns at each other’s houses.

    6)    The Biodome: Ok, this is not as economical, but it is educational, and my son had so much fun when they had the Butterfly Exhibit.

    7)    Chapters bookstores: My son is not an arts and crafts kid, but I know the Chapters in the West Island usually has had activities in the past for kids during March Break. It’s worth checking out.

    8)    McGill’s Redpath Museum: I have heard from many of my mom friends how good this museum is. https://www.mcgill.ca/redpath/whatson

    9)    McDonald’s Playlands: I know fast food is not good for the kids. But you can always go before or after lunch. I mostly meet up with friends and the kids play in the play land while we Moms nurse coffee. One year, coffee was free for that week!

    10)     Family movie night: Get cozy with blankets, popcorn and goodies, or make some pizza and have a family pizza/movie night. Great way to catch up if Moms and Dads are both home with the kids. I will be trying this out too. My son’s father and I want to show him the rest of the Star Wars films and this is the week to do it!

    I wish you all a Happy March Break!

    Joanne Giacomini is a writer, editor, and blogger of “Exceptional Mom/Exceptional Child” at www.exceptionalmomchild.com, where she blogs about how her son with autism is raising her! Joanne is all about women helping women to live life happy, whole and in balance. Follow her on Twitter @exceptmomchild.

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  • 20 Inspirational Respect Quotes for Kids

    20 Inspirational Respect Quotes for Kids

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    Teach children the importance of respect with this collection of inspiring quotes! Here, you will find 20 respect quotes for kids to help convey the concept of respect.

    Inspire kids to lead a life of respect with these empowering quotes! Featuring words from famous personalities, these twenty Respect Quotes for Kids will help them show and learn the importance of mutual respect.

    Teach your kids how to show respect with this collection of inspiring quotes! Read on to find 20 amazing quotes about respect specifically tailored for children and teenagers.

     

    What is Respect?

    Respect Quotes

    Respect is an important part of how we function as members of a community. To help kids learn the importance of respect, here is a collection of 20 quotes on the topic. These quotes are designed to encourage children to interact with others in a positive, respectful way.

     

    Top 20 Best Respect Quotes For Kids

    Respect Quotes for kids

    “Respect is earned, not given.” – Unknown

    Respect is something that must be earned, not something that is given freely. A person has to demonstrate good qualities in order for others to feel the need to show respect. This means going out of your way to treat those around you with dignity and kindness; doing more than what is expected. It also means understanding and listening to their perspective, even if it differs from yours.

    “No one can make you feel inferior without your permission.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

    Encourage kids to take ownership of their feelings by recognizing that no one can make them feel inferior unless they themselves allow it. Remind children that no matter what someone says to them, they don’t have to take it. Children should understand that their worth and self-confidence come from within and not from the opinion of others. Teach them the power in embracing their own beliefs, values, and sense of self-worth.

    Mother Daughter

    “Always be a little kinder than necessary.” – James M Barrie

    Respect is essential in any healthy relationship. When children believe that they are important and respected, they will be more likely to treat others with the same respect. Kindness should also be taught to children as a way of showing respect to others; it only takes a few words of kindness to make someone’s day brighter. Encourage children to go out of their way to be kind and spread positivity in the world.

    “Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring and integrity, they think of you.” – H Jackson Brown Jr

    This quote reminds us to always be our best selves and strive to set an example that our children can follow. We should make sure we are demonstrating the values of fairness, caring, and integrity in our day-to-day life so that when our children think of these values, they think of US. These values are essential for building respectful relationships with others.

    “Act with kindness but do not expect respect before you oblige it first.” – Unknown

    This quote emphasizes that respect needs to be earned. We can do this by showing kindness and treating others in a way that we would like to be treated. Teaching children how to offer empathy and compassion is essential for building relationships that exhibit respect between peers, siblings, parents, and teachers.

     

    Popular Quotes For Kids

    Kids and adult

     

    “Respect all those in white coats who save our lives- The Healthcare professionals” ―Deeksha Arora

    “Respect yourself, and others will respect you.” ―Confucius

    “Life is Karma, and the best Karma is to be respectful of the earth, ocean, wildlife, and the human race.” ―Javier V. Sanchez

    “Love, respect and appreciate your parents as it is the one gift they truly cherish and desire.” ―Margo Vader

    “Respect is a two-way street, if you want to get it; you have to give it.” ―R.G. Risch

    “Only love in respect for life shall lead to unity of harmony.” ―Lailah Gifty Akita

    “We are all equal in the fact that we are all different. We are all the same in the fact that we will never be the same.” ―C. JoyBell C.

    “Love is kindness, compassion, generosity, empathy, respect, understanding, forgiveness and sacrifice: the very best in us.” ―Laurence Overmire

    “It’s not so much the journey that’s important; as is the way that we treat those we encounter and those around us, along the way.” ―Jeremy Aldana

    “Nothing of real worth can ever be bought. Love, friendship, honour, valour, respect. All these things have to be earned.” ―David Gemmell

    “When we love and respect people, revealing to them their value, they can begin to come out from behind the walls that protect them.” ―Jean Vanier

    Never judge someone by the way he looks or a book, by the way, it’s covered; for inside those tattered pages, there’s a lot to be discovered.” ―Stephen Cosgrove

    Respect begins with this attitude: I acknowledge that you are a creature of extreme worth.” ―Gary Chapman

    “When I look at a person, I see a person – not a rank, not a class, not a title.” ―Criss Jami

    “All humans should have these things in common, and that is the right to be loved, heard and respected.” ―Heather Bennett-Smallwood

    “When people respect someone as a person, they admire her. When they respect her as a friend, they love her. When they respect her as a leader, they follow her.” ―John C. Maxwell

    “I was also raised to treat people exactly how I would like to be treated by others. It’s called respect.”―Keanu Reeves

    “Disappointments are healthy for us. They tame egos, deflate pride, and soften hearts while cultivating respect for the struggles experienced by all humanity.” ―Richelle E. Goodrich

    “Respect… is appreciation of the separateness of the other person, of the ways in which he or she is unique.” ―Annie Gottlieb

    Tinydale is on YouTube. Click here to subscribe to the latest videos and updates.

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    VJ

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  • Egg Hunts, Bunny Photos, and Easter Events: Don’t Miss This List!

    Egg Hunts, Bunny Photos, and Easter Events: Don’t Miss This List!

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    Are you looking for the perfect Easter Egg hunt in Greenville, Spartanburg, or Upstate, SC? We have an amazing list of egg hunts, Easter bunny photos, Easter farm events, crafts, and all sorts of kid-friendly 2023 Easter events in the Upstate SC area. Bookmark this list and watch it grow with new Easter events added all season long.

    This article includes:
    Easter Egg Hunts in Greenville, SC
    Easter Egg Hunts in Spartanburg, SC
    Easter Bunny Photos in the Upstate
    Travel: These Easter Events are Worth the Drive

    Want to know more about Things to Do this Easter in Greenville? Find all our fantastic Easter content on our Guide to Easter in Greenville.

    Thank you to our sponsors. Sponsored events are marked as “featured.”

    Greenville, SC Easter Egg Hunts

    Searching for an Easter Egg Hunt in Greenville County for your kids? You found the right list! We are adding events to this list as information becomes available, so bookmark this page and check back often.

    The Great Egg Venture: Egg Hunt at Heritage Park

    Heritage Park, 861 South Main Street, Simpsonville

    April 1st, 2023 from 10 am to 1 pm,The Great Egg Venture: Egg Hunt at Heritage Park. This is a free community event with inflatables and egg hunts, plus prizes and Chick-fil-A available to purchase.

    Eggtastic Easter Event: Easter Egg Hunt at Century Park in Greer, SC

    Century Park, 3605 Brushy Creek Road, Greer

    April 1st, 2023, Eggtastic Easter Event at Century Park is back for 2023 with egg hunts, inflatables and more. Register in advance or the morning of on-site. The online registration should be available soon, according to the Greer Recreation website.

    Spartanburg, SC Easter Egg Hunts

    Here are the 2023 Easter Egg Hunts happening in Spartanburg County.

    Town of Duncan, SC: Magical Easter Event

    March 31st, 2023 from 5 pm to 8 pm, the Magical Easter Event in Duncan, SC will have egg hunts at staggered times by age. Free activities include the egg hunt, train ride, inflatables, face painting and a petting zoo.

    Where to Get Easter Bunny Pictures: Greenville, SC

    Free Easter Bunny Photos at Cabela’s

    The Easter Bunny will be visiting Cabela’s in Greenville two weekends in April! You can visit with him and get a FREE printed photo with the Easter Bunny.

    The 2023 Dates have not yet been announced, but based on previous years they will likely be:

    • April 1st and 2nd
    • April 6th through the 9th

    Bunny Photo Experience at Haywood Mall

    Visit with the Easter Bunny at Haywood Mall. 2023 Information coming soon.

    All Easter Events Happening in 2023 Across the Upstate

    Major Easter Events Across the Carolinas: Worth the Drive

    Denver Downs Easter Egg Hunt

    • April 7th and 8th, 2023, 10 am to 2 pm
    • Easter Egg hunt, activities, games Easter Bonnet Contests, photos with the Easter Bunny, and more.
    • Ride the zip line, ride the cow train.
    • Tickets are $14.95 for ages 3 and up, 2 and under are free

    Easter Bunny Express at the NC Transportation Museum

    Located in Spencer and about 2 hours from Greenville, the NC Transportation welcomes the Easter Bunny for four days. Get your picture taken with the bunny (either DIY it or pay for a professional photo) and then enjoy a day with trains! You can also upgrade your admission with a train ride experience on an Easter-themed train. An Easter Egg hunt will happen on April 7th and 8th at 10:30 (ages 0-4) and 11:30 am (ages 5-10).

    Additionally, you can have breakfast, lunch or a snack with the Easter Bunny in a stationary dining car on site. Prices range from $6 to $12 per person.

    Admission ranges in price from $7- $18 plus fees. Admission is FREE for children under the age of 3. See the event website to buy your tickets and for more details about pricing and the train schedule.

    • April 1st, 2023 9 am to 5 pm
    • April 2nd, 2023 12 pm to 5 pm
    • April 7th, 2023 9 am to 5 pm
    • April 8th, 2023 9 am to 5 pm

    Did your favorite egg hunt make our list?  If we missed it, please share it in the comments below!

    Easter in Greenville, SC

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    Kidding Around Team

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  • Start Here! Everything You Need to Celebrate Easter in Greenville

    Start Here! Everything You Need to Celebrate Easter in Greenville

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    Are you looking for things to do to celebrate Easter in Greenville? From Easter Brunch to seasonal craft events, Easter Egg hunts, and socially distant activities, Greenville has a lot to offer at Easter. To help you find just what you’re looking for, we’ve pulled all our Easter content and put it right here in this Guide to Easter in Greenville.

    Easter Egg Hunts and Things to Do in Greenville, SC

    Easter Egg Hunts and Events

    Are you looking for a place to bring the kids for an egg hunt? The Greenville area has a lot of Easter Egg hunt options. You’ll find traditional hunts large and small, some with eggs dropped by helicopter, and so much more!


    Tips for Surviving the Local Egg Hunt

    Are you planning to bring your family to one of Greenville’s local egg hunts? We have tips to maximize the fun and minimize the stress at these popular events!


    See the Sunrise on Easter

    Many people have an Easter tradition of viewing the sunrise. Find the perfect place to see the sunrise near Greenville this year with our list of places near Greenville to see the sunrise or sunset.

    Max Patch Sunrise

    Easter Brunch in Greenville, SC

    Easter Brunch Restaurants

    We’re currently updating this one for 2023. Check back soon for dine-in and take-out Easter brunch and dinner specials from Greenville’s restaurants. Planning to head out for brunch on Easter Sunday? It’s a popular day for brunch and many local restaurants offer special menus and seating times for Easter brunch. Don’t forget to make a reservation in advance! Many popular restaurants will fill up fast!


    Easter Brunch Recipes

    Don’t want to head out for brunch at a restaurant? If you’re planning to stay home for brunch on Easter Sunday, here are some delicious recipes to fill your table.


    Easter Style

    Children’s Haircuts in Greenville

    You’re dressing them up for Easter, so you might be thinking about getting that hair trimmed before those great Easter morning photo opportunities present themselves. We’ve got a list of the best places in Greenville for kids’ haircuts.




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    Maria Bassett

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  • Check out the new BLOOM

    Check out the new BLOOM

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    By Louise Kinross

    Read our latest issue of BLOOM.

    Here are some quotes to draw you into the content:

    -From an American philosophy professor with a disability who has written a memoir: “I feel an affinity with difficult beauty because with a disability your worth, your value in the world, is not so easily seen by other people.” (See top story Trailblazer)

    -From a clinical psychologist at the Hospital for Sick Children doing post-doctoral research on using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with youth with chronic pain: “The goal is to create a psychologically flexible mind, and there are six ways to build it.” (see MentalHealth)

    -From our first Empowering Black Academics, Researchers and Knowledge Creators (EMBARK) scientist: “The barriers I have faced are complex and can be emotionally tough for me to describe.” (See ResearchHits)

    Like this story? Sign up for our monthly BLOOM e-letter. You’ll get family stories and expert advice on raising children with disabilities; interviews with activists, clinicians and researchers; and disability news. 

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    lkinross

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  • These are the best places to see sunrises or sunsets in the mountains

    These are the best places to see sunrises or sunsets in the mountains

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    Looking for the best views of sunrises or sunsets in and around Greenville, SC? We’ve got that list. So grab your coffee, camera, and snacks and pick a good one!

    Sunrise at Max Patch

    This article includes:
    See the Sunrise Near Greenville, SC
    Great Places to See the Sunset Near Greenville, SC
    Amazing Spots to See Sunrise and Sunset Near Greenville, SC

    There’s nothing quite that feeling of being the first to see the sun creep over the horizon or the last to see it go down over the mountains. In higher elevations, you just never know what you’re going to see, how the clouds will sweep over the cliffs and summits or layer just right to set up a once-in-a-lifetime photo. 

    Since we live in the foothills, you’ll have to travel a bit to get to those higher elevations for gorgeous sunrises and sunsets but we think you’ll find some good spots with our list. As always, practice Leave No Trace principles so we can all enjoy the beautiful outdoors!

    We are also including a map here since many of the places don’t have a traditional address. The list is organized by driving distance from Greenville.

    Sunrises

    Pretty Place 

    The most popular place to watch the sunrise near Greenville is at Pretty Place on the property of Camp Greenville. The chapel is known for the breathtaking views of the majestic mountains against the foreground of an enormous cross. 

    Hours: Open sunrise to sunset except during private events and summer camps (always check the schedule before going up there)
    Hike: None
    Distance from Greenville: 1 hour and 10 minutes

     

    Photo courtesy of YMCA Camp Greenville

    Wigington Overlook

    This sweeping view of Lake Jocassee is just amazing. It’s a great spot to hang out and watch the sunrise. 

    Hours: Open 24/7
    Hike: None
    Distance from Greenville: 1 hour and 10 minutes

    Wigington Overlook

     

    Craggy Pinnacle

    Sunrises are stunning from this high point off the Blue Ridge Parkway although you can also see sunsets from here at the summit. All at least 20 minutes to hike to the summit.

    Hours: Open 24/7 except during winter when the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed. 
    Hike: 1.4 miles round trip 
    Distance from Greenville: 2 hours and 5 minutes

    Bad Creek Overlook

    This hidden overlook is down past the Bad Creek Hydro Station on your way to Whitewater Falls access. Duke Energy owns Lake Jocassee and this is where their hydro station lies. All the way down the road is a beautiful overlook of the lake. 

    Hours: Open 24/7
    Hike: None
    Distance from Greenville: 1 hour and 20 minutes

    Sunsets

    Caesars Head State Park 

    The park is part of the South Carolina State Parks system and has direct views of Table Rock to the West. 

    Hours: 9 am – 9 pm daily during daylight saving time;  9 am – 6 pm daily the remainder of the year. 
    Hike: None
    Distance from Greenville: 55 minutes

     

    Caesars Head

    Grant Meadow Overlook

    The pull-off overlook has a beautiful view of Table Rock and is located directly off Highway 11.

    Hours: Open 24/7
    Hike: None
    Distance from Greenville: 1 hour

    Jump Off Rock

    The serene Jump Off Rock near Hendersonville, NC looks to the West out to the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are some benches to sit and relax and enjoy the views. 

    Hours: Open 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after
    Hike: None 
    Distance from Greenville: 1 hour and 5 minutes

    Wildcat Rock Trail

    Part of the Conserving Carolina trail system, this trail climbs 1,800 feet but you get panoramic views perfect for sunset. 

    Hours: As long as you’re off the trail by dark, you’re good. Bring a headlamp just in case. 
    Hike: 4 miles round trip
    Distance from Greenville: 1 hour and 20 minutes

    Jumping Off Rock

    Sunset views are abundant at the Jumping Off Rock overlook, which has gorgeous views of Lake Jocassee. You have to drive on a very bumpy, dirt road (Horsepasture Road) to get there. 

    Hours: open all the time; the road is open year-round but will sometimes close (see SCDNR for updates)
    Hike: None
    Distance from Greenville: 1 hour and 45 minutes

    Both Sunrise and Sunset

    Glassy Mountain

    The closest spot to see both the sunrise and sunset to Greenville, Glassy Mountain grants views along the trail to the East for sunrise and overlooks to the West for sunset. You can hike or drive to the top and walk a quarter mile or so to a good spot.

    Hours: Open 24/7
    Hike: 1.3 mile round trip or half a mile roundtrip depending on where you start
    Distance from Greenville: 35 minutes

    Bald Rock Heritage Preserve 

    While you won’t have a direct East or West view, you will get a beautiful sunrise or sunset with some trees dotting the horizon.

    Hours: While there is no gate, the Preserve is typically open just before sunrise to sunset due to the vandals who have graffitied the entire rock. 
    Hike: None
    Distance from Greenville: 45 minutes

    Sassafras Mountain

    Views are stunning from Sassafras Mountain, the highest point in South Carolina at 3,553 feet. You can see northward into North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Mountains and southward into the Jocassee Gorges and everywhere in between. There is a paved path to the top after a short walk.

    Hours: One hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset; if the road is too icy, SCDNR will close it.
    Hike: None
    Distance from Greenville: 1 hour and 5 minutes

    Bearwallow Mountain

    One of my most favorite hikes in our area because you can see for miles all around you, which lend to beautiful sunrises and sunsets. The hike isn’t hard either. 

    Hours: As long as you’re off the trail by dark, you’re good. Bring a headlamp just in case.
    Hike: 2 miles round trip, all uphill on the way there
    Distance from Greenville: 1 hour and 25 minutes

    Bearwallow Mountain

    Black Balsam Knob

    A popular spot for 360 degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Black Balsam Knob does not disappoint. Dress for changing weather as it’s high, over 6,000 feet in elevation. You’ll have a really far hike if the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed, which happens during the winter.

    Hours: Open 24/7
    Hike: 1.3 miles round trip
    Distance from Greenville: 2 hours

    Frying Pan Tower

    Views from this firetower off the Blue Ridge Parkway are unparalleled. Of course, you need to climb the rickety tower but hey, I’ve done it several times and made it down to tell the tale. If you go during the winter, the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed and you’ll have to hike down the road an extra 4 miles round trip to get to the trailhead, which is all uphill till you get to the tower. 

    Hours: Open 24/7
    Hike: 1.5 miles round trip unless you hike during the winter on a closed Blue Ridge Parkway, then it’s 5.5 miles round trip
    Distance from Greenville: 2 hours 

     

    Frying Pan Tower

    Rabun Bald

    Head south to Georgia to Rabun Bald to take in a sunrise or sunset. Be mindful of ice on the trail during wintertime.

    Hours: Open 24/7
    Hike: 3.4 mile loop 
    Distance from Greenville: 2 hours

    Lookout Mountain

    Located in Montreat, NC, if you make it to the top of Lookout Mountain, you’ll get beautiful views of the Black Mountains. The trail is of moderate difficulty – the hard part is on your way up. Please be mindful of where you park as the trailhead is near a busy retreat center.

    Hours: Open 24/7
    Hike: 1.4 miles round trip 
    Distance from Greenville: 2 hours

    Waterrock Knob

    Waterrock Knob summit is the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway at 6,273 feet and delivers incredible views of the Smokies and Blue Ridge Mountains – that is, if it’s clear weather. When I went, we couldn’t see anything due to the fog. But the trail was gorgeous and very steep on the way to the summit.

    Hours: While the trail is never closed, the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed during the winter, making the trail inaccessible during that time.
    Hike: 1.2 miles round trip
    Distance from Greenville: 2 hours

    Max Patch

    The sunrise I saw through the clouds at Max Patch is one of the most beautiful and breath-taking I had ever seen. I choked up just being on top of that mountain and getting to witness the stunning majesty of the mountains at 4,600 feet. You’ll see the Great Smoky Mountains to the south and Mount Mitchell to the east. 

    Hours: Open 24/7
    Hike: 1.7 miles round trip (plan to spend around 20 minutes getting up to the top from the parking area)
    Distance from Greenville: 2 hours and 20 minutes

    Max Patch Sunrise

    Clingman’s Dome

    You’ll have to visit here during the spring, summer, or fall since the road is closed all winter. But if you make it to the observation tower at the top of a steep half mile hike, you’ll enjoy amazing, 360 degree views at 6,643 feet, the highest point in the Smoky Mountains. 

    Hours: Open 24/7 except for winter (~November-March)
    Hike: 1 mile round trip 
    Distance from Greenville: 2 hours and 45 minutes

    Which is your favorite, sunrise or sunset?

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    Kristina Hernandez

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  • 13+ Trips in the Southeast that are Perfect for Families

    13+ Trips in the Southeast that are Perfect for Families

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    Planning your family’s vacation but want to stay nearby? All places listed are within driving distance and those that we here at Kidding Around have been to personally.

    If we missed your favorite place, add it in the comments!

    Want to stay really close to home? With gas costs going up, a road trip might not be on the menu this spring break. If that sounds like you, you can still get away. Try this list of Spring Break trips within 90 minutes for Greenville, SC.

    If you’re heading out on a road trip, review these maintenance and driving trips for increasing your gas mileage.

    Want to go to the beach? These Coastal South Carolina Vacation Rentals are Available for Spring Break.

    Spring Break Trips in the Southeast

    South Carolina Spring Break

    Hilton Head/Port Royal/Beaufort, SC

    While the beach is a good option for family fun in the Lowcountry, there is so much more to do than play in the sand. I’ve taken my kids and whole family to this area for the last several years and we always have an awesome time.

    What to do: Dolphin and mermaid tours, kazoo factory tours, kayak or stand-up paddleboard trips, free aquarium, mini-golf, bike rides, pirate ship adventures, beaches. Here’s a list of HHI activities and here’s a list for things to do in the Port Royal/Beaufort.
    Where to stay: We’ve loved this VRBO: Hilton Head
    Drive time: 4 hours

    Myrtle Beach, SC

    While swimming in the ocean isn’t ideal in April, you can still enjoy the outdoors plus some special family activities.

    What to do: Beach, Brookgreen Gardens, dinner shows, the big Ferris wheel, and state parks. Here’s our list of things to do in Myrtle Beach.
    Where to stay:  Westgate Oceanfront Resort
    Drive time: 4 hours

    Fripp Island

    This is truly a special place that invites relaxation and time to recharge. It’s quiet and private and peaceful.

    What to do: Biking, kayaking, restful excursions to the beach, and nature walks. If your rental includes resort amenities, you will also have access to public pools, an activity center with children’s programs, golf, and tennis courts.
    Where to stay: VRBO has several condo options, like this Fripp Island Ocean View Villa.
    Drive time: 4 hours

    Georgia Spring Break

    Helen, GA

    Right in the middle of the Georgia mountains is the state’s third most-visited town, Helen. With tubing in the summer, Oktoberfest in the fall, and hiking all year round, this cute town is the perfect place to unwind with your family.

    What to do: Hiking, family activities at Unicoi State Park like archery, fishing, and zip lining, eating authentic German cuisine, Hardman Farm.
    Where to stay: A barrel cabin at Unicoi State Park.
    Drive time: 2 hours

    Historic Banning Mills

    Stay in a treehouse and ride the world’s longest zip line! You can also do smaller zip line courses, go hiking, or ride in a Spider ATV.

    What to do: Lots of outdoor adventures like zip lining and spider ATVs
    Where to stay: Right at Historic Banning Mills. They have fantastic treehouses and other accommodations.
    Drive time: 3 hours

    Treehouse at Historic Banning Mills
    Treehouse at Historic Banning Mills

    Blairsville, GA

    If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination with the perfect mix of southern charm and amenities, this is it. 

    Things to do: Horseback riding, Trackrock Petroglyphs, Lasso the Moon Alpaca Farm, Meeks Park.
    Where to stay: Shady Rest, The Ridges Resort & Marina.
    Drive time: 3 hours

    Tennessee Spring Break

    Chattanooga, TN

    There are so many fun things to do in the Chattanooga/Lookout Mountain area that we have put together a full guide for you.

    What to do: Rock City, Tennessee Aquarium, Ruby Falls, Lookout Mountain, Point Park Battlefield, zoo, riverboat.
    Where to stay: Chattanooga Choo Choo (a refurbished train car), Garden Walk Inn, Embassy Suites, or cabins at Cloudland Canyon Park.
    Drive time: 4.5 hours

    Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, TN

    The town of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee rests outside the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and is just beautiful. It’s filled with a seemingly endless amount of entertainment like a fun dinner

    What to do: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Anakeesta, Wild Bear Falls indoor waterpark, Sky Bridge, Ripley’s Aquarium, WonderWorks, the Titanic Museum, the Island at Pigeon Forge, Pink JEEP tour, dinner shows, Dollywood. Here’s a huge guide.
    Where to stay: The Go Lodge, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort, Greystone Lodge on the River, Margaritaville Island Hotel, Camp LeConte (glamping), Wilderness at the Smokies, or covered wagons and tipis at Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort. Be sure to check for special offers, like the ones that Camp Margaritaville in Pigeon Forge is running.
    Drive time: 3 hours

    Pool at Camp Margaritaville
    Camp Margaritaville

    North Carolina Spring Break

    Asheville, NC

    You really can’t go wrong heading to Asheville for any reason at any time of the year. You can stay near the mountain town and enjoy restaurants or head over to Pisgah Forest where waterfalls and hiking trails abound.

    What to do: Hiking, waterfall chasing, WNC Nature Center, Biltmore House.
    Where to stay: Pilot Cove on the edge of Pisgah Forest
    Drive time: 1.5 hours

    Sapphire Valley

    My family has vacationed here several times and just loved it. If you rent a VRBO at the Sapphire Valley Resort, you’ll have a kitchen, which can save a lot of money when it comes to cooking your own meals vs. eating out. And you can buy an amenities pass, which gets you into the indoor pool, sauna, and hot tub plus gym and mini-golf.

    What to do: Use the cheap amenities pass at the resort for pool time, or head out to hiking nearby trails to beautiful waterfalls and drive the Blue Ridge Parkway (all free!).
    Where to stay: Check AirBnB or VRBO for the Sapphire Valley Resort or Lake Glenville
    Drive time: 1.5 hours

    Great Wolf Lodge, NC

    For a vacation where you rarely have to leave the hotel, Great Wolf Lodge right outside of Charlotte is a great option. Inside the hotel, you will also find multiple dining options in a range of prices and styles.

    What to do: Included with your hotel stay is admission to the giant indoor water park and free family activities. In addition to the included activities, you can purchase either bundled at a discount or a la carte passes to additional activities such as MagiQuest and ShadowQuest, mini-golf, ropes course, bowling, arcades, and more.
    Drive time: 2.5 hours

    Florida Spring Break

    Sarasota, FL

    Melanie, a former Sarasota resident, who now lives in Greenville and writes for Kidding Around, put together this huge guide of fun things to do in the Sarasota area – and there’s a lot!

    What to do: Ringling Museum, kayaking, beach, Bird Key Park, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Myakka River State Park, Nathan Benderson Park, Island Park, Mote Marine Aquarium, Tube Dudes.
    Where to stay: This VRBO Near Siesta Key with private pool
    Drive time: 9.5 hours

    St. Augustine, FL

    St. Augustine is a great central city to some super cool activities like checking out mantees at Blue Springs, exploring alligator farms and historic forts, or heading into Orlando.

    What to do: Alligator zoo, Castillo de San Marcos, historic tours, old town St. Augustine, Blue Springs State Park, within driving distance to lots of day trips like Daytona Beach and Orlando.
    Where to stay: VRBO has some great options, like this beachfront condo.
    Drive time: 6.5 hours

    LEGOLAND, FL

    The outlier on our list but still worth the trip is LEGOLAND near Orlando, FL. The amusement park has rides, interactive games, special events, and even a hotel on the property. They also have a virtual reality roller coaster and a water park that’s open from March through October.

    Drive time: 9 hours

    What are your spring break plans?

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    Kristina Hernandez

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  • “The ‘Who Am I?’ Game That’s Ideal for Neurodivergent Brains”

    “The ‘Who Am I?’ Game That’s Ideal for Neurodivergent Brains”

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    I played a simple yet rousing guessing game recently that I kept thinking would be great for my students with ADHD and other learning differences.

    The game has many versions and names, including “Who Am I?” and Guess the Famous Person. We simply know it as the Tape Game. It’s sort of like HedBanz, but also a bit like Twenty Questions. Players ask one another yes/no questions to try to guess the identity of the mystery person whose name has been taped to their foreheads.

    Not only is this game easy to engage in, but the only supplies needed are painter’s tape and a permanent marker. (For better contrast, a neon color tape and black marker would be best.) Read on to learn how to play — and why this game is perfect for neurodivergent minds.

    How to Play the “Who Am I?” Game (aka the Tape Game)

    1. Put a piece of painter’s tape (about three inches long) on each player’s forehead.
    2. On the tape, write the name of a famous person or character that the tape wearer would be able to guess. Think well-known celebrity, actor, athlete, movie character, politician, historical figure, etc.
    3. Everyone stands or sits in a circle. The tape-wearer can only ask yes/no questions to try to guess the name on their forehead. If the answer to the question posed is yes, the tape-wearer gets to ask another question. If the answer is no, the next player takes a turn either asking questions or guessing the identity on their forehead.
    4. Players can rip their tape off (triumphantly) when they’ve guessed the correct answer.

    [Read: The Best Board Games for Kids with ADHD]Here’s an example of the Tape Game in real time:

    Tape wearer #1, who doesn’t know that the name Lizzo is written on his head: Am I female?
    Audience: Yes.
    Tape wearer #1: Am I an actress?
    Audience: No.

    Tape wearer #2, who doesn’t know that the name Bernie Sanders is written on his head: Am I alive?
    Audience: Yes.
    Tape wearer #2: Am I a politician?
    Audience: Yes.
    Tape wearer #2: Am I liberal?
    Audience: Yes.
    Tape wearer #2: Am I Joe Biden?
    Audience: No.

    Tape wearer #1: Am I a singer?
    Audience: Yes.
    Tape wearer #1: Am I Taylor Swift?
    Audience: No.

    Tape wearer #2: Am I Bernie Sanders?
    Audience: Yes!
    [She rips off the tape and enjoys watching others flail with their guesses.]

    [Read: 15 Clever Gift Ideas for Kids with ADHD]

    Tape wearer #1: Do I play an instrument?
    Audience: Yes.
    Tape wearer #1: Am I Lizzo?
    Audience: Yes!
    [Off goes the tape!]

    What is particularly funny are the facial expressions, inadvertent comments, and minor disputes that arise when answering questions. The audience or players might disagree on fundamental details like age, nationality, or supernatural powers, which causes confusion in the person trying to guess the name Baby Yoda or soccer legend Pelé on their head.

    Why The “Who Am I?” Game is Great for Kids with ADHD and Learning Differences

    For My ADHD Students

    This game promotes concentration, awareness, language processing, working memory, and self-regulation.

    • Players must carefully attend to other players’ responses to their questions. They need to notice, for example, if there’s a hesitation before a response, which offers important insight into the secret character. (This happened to me when I had E.T. on my head and I asked if my person was male).
    • Players have to remember all the clues they’ve collected and organize their thinking to accommodate new information. (Wait, now I’m hearing that I’m not a human!)
    • Players have to stop themselves from blurting out other players’ secret identities or giving unnecessary hints — unlike my friend who couldn’t help herself and pantomimed pointy ears when my husband’s character was Spock.

    For My Autistic Students

    This game taps into perspective-taking and gestalt principles.

    • Assigning an identity to a player isn’t about selecting an obscure person. (It’s no fun that way.) The fun is in selecting someone in their purview – which requires some thought about the player’s background, age, and other factors. I probably wouldn’t write down Nelson Mandela for an 8-year old or Eminem for an 80-year old.
    • Players have to think “big picture” — not the shades of nuance and myriad exceptions — when answering yes/no questions from other players. Yes, Oprah has technically been paid to write, but she is not primarily known to be a writer. So, if someone with Oprah on their forehead asks, “Am I a writer?” I need to know that a “yes” answer would lead that guesser down a very different path.

    For My Language-Disordered Students

    This game is great for semantic categorization skills and lexical development.

    • Players start their yes/no questions with broad categories like gender, race, and profession to further narrow their categories. (Don’t start off by listing all the most handsome actors, like my husband did: “Am I Brad Pitt? George Clooney? Idris Elba?”)
    • Players develop important vocabulary so they can ask if they are fictional or nonfictional, an athlete, or infamous. The teacher or game leader can target morphosyntactic skills such as verb conjugations (“Does she…?” not “Do she…?”), subject-verb inversions (“Am I…? not “I am…?”), modal verbs (“can, do, would, could”), etc. For similar but different reasons, this would be great for English language learners as well.

    Another great feature of this game is its adaptability to accommodate a range of abilities. Taping images or stickers to the forehead (instead of simply writing over the tape) is a suitable option for players who are non-readers or for students with significant cognitive and/or communication delays. If the guesser has an image of a dolphin on their forehead, for example, other players will have a visual reference to help guide their responses.

    For all the older people like me, the game seems to highlight memory issues to a comedic level. Some of us forget all the information by the time our turn resumes. Personally, I draw a blank on the name of every celebrity known to humankind. Many of us do not know the icons that kids assume we do, such as the Minecraft character Enderman that was never correctly guessed by an older woman (ahem, me). For these reasons, I believe this game could be made much more pleasant and less humiliating by offering all manner of gestures, sound effects, rhyming words, quotes, lifelines, phone-a-friends, and multiple-choice answers. I’ll work on a revision of the rules pronto!

    Games for Kids with ADHD and LD: Next Steps


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    Nathaly Pesantez

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  • A Complete Guide On 11 dpo (Best For TTC)

    A Complete Guide On 11 dpo (Best For TTC)

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    Some women don’t start experiencing pregnancy symptoms until weeks after a missed period, while others start experiencing them as early as 6-10 days post-ovulation. At this stage of a potential pregnancy, the fertilized egg implants into the uterine lining. In this blog post, we will try to understand in detail about 11 days post-ovulation (DPO) […]

    The post A Complete Guide On 11 dpo (Best For TTC) appeared first on Tinydale.

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    Prattay Mazumdar

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  • It Takes a Village: What Child Care Really Looks Like in America

    It Takes a Village: What Child Care Really Looks Like in America

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    A Note From Parents’ Editor-In-Chief

    Days after my oldest daughter, Eva, was born 10 years ago, my aunt came to visit and meet the baby. I must’ve looked completely overwhelmed to her because she promised to come back the next day before we had even said our goodbyes. Months later, when my maternity leave ran out and I reluctantly prepared to return to work, she agreed to be our full-time nanny. Her main qualification? Trustworthiness. She was familia after all. And in Latin culture, with its emphasis on family as a source of unwavering support, that was plenty.


    While I did pay my aunt, I am forever grateful to her for helping me navigate new parenthood all those years ago and giving me the peace of mind I needed to leave my apartment each day and earn a living. I didn’t have many people to lean on—still don’t—but she made me realize that it’s impossible to raise kids in this country without some form of social support.


    This need is even more urgent now as already stressed parents and caregivers navigate a crisis that has left many scrambling for available, affordable, and quality childcare. It’s hard to shake the feeling that once again families have been left to fend for themselves.


    That’s why it’s important to be OK asking for and accepting help. Just look around your community: Can another parent at school handle pickup? Are your neighbors up for doing a babysitting swap so that you’re trading each other’s kids back and forth? Is there a parent support group you can join? What about a retired relative ready to dote on your little one with love, as was my case?


    Building a village is far from easy, but it is essential to our well-being and that of our children’s. And right now, it is the one thing we can depend on to carry some of the weight parents are lugging around as we wait for a solution.


    Grace Bastidas, Editor-in-Chief







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  • Sign Up the Kids for a Spring Break Camp in Greenville & Spartanburg

    Sign Up the Kids for a Spring Break Camp in Greenville & Spartanburg

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    Are you looking for a Greenville County or Spartanburg County spring break camp for your kids? Greenville County Schools’ spring break is March 18-22, 2023. Spartanburg County districts will have their spring break April 3-7, 2023. Greenville and Spartanburg parents have their choice of a few local venues offering spring camps over the school break

    See our spring break camp list below and be sure to let us know if we missed one.

    This article includes:
    Greenville Spring Break Camps
    Spartanburg Spring Break Camps

    Working parents need somewhere fun for their kids to go over the spring break school holiday.

    Other parents want to take advantage of the extra time for fun by enrolling their kids in special camps that only happen over spring break. Either way, there are several exciting spring break camps in Greenville and Spartanburg.

    Looking for more things to do over spring break in Greenville? Here’s our guide to Greenville’s Spring Break with tons of things to do, day trips, and places to travel.

    Spring Break Camps in Greenville 2023

    Greenville Explorers Spring Break Camp at World Explorers

    During Spring Break, kids will explore the world around us through STEAM-centered nature themes with team-building activities, outdoor excursions, and lots of fun opportunities exploring the world around us while building relationships and community.

    March 17th, 2023 & March 20-24th, 2023 from 8 am – 3:30 pm for ages K5-5th grade. Payment plans & bundle options are available. Registration link 

    World Explorers: Greenville
    135 S Main St, Greenville SC 29601

    Greenville County Rec Spring Break Camp

    The Greenville County Rec community centers will be offering spring break camps for children ages 5 – 11.

    Camps will be at the following locations:
    Brutontown
    Mt. Pleasant
    Slater Hall

    March 20-24, 2023 Monday through Friday 7:30 am – 6 pm.
    $42 per child for Greenville County residents | $53 for non-residents

    YMCA Spring Break Camps

    The Greenville YMCA centers will be offering spring break camps for children ages 5-13.

    Camps will be at the following locations:
    Caine Halter Family Y
    Eastside Family Y
    George I. Theisen Family YMCA
    Prisma Health Family YMCA branches
    Judson Community Center

    March 20-24, 2023 – Monday Through Friday 7:30 am – 6:00 pm  
    Weekly rate cost: $155 for GVL-YMCA members | $200 for non-members
    Daily rate cost: $50 for GVL-YMCA members | $65 for non-members

    The Children’s Museum of the Upstate – Greenville

    TCMU is offering Spring Break camp with STEM based activities, crafts, and more using resources you can find at home. Ages are K5-2nd grade and 3rd-5th grade.

    March 20-24, 2023 – Monday – Friday 9 am – 12 pm
    $43 per day for members, $48 per day for non-members, Book per day

    Carolina Elite Soccer Academy (CESA)

    Have fun and train with CESA, the largest soccer club in the Upstate. All camps take place at the MeSA Soccer Complex and are for both boys and girls ages 6-13 years old. They don’t need to play for CESA teams to go to the camp.

    March 20-24, 2023 – Monday – Friday either half-day (9 am – Noon) or full day (9 am – 3 pm)
    $165 for half-day and $260 for full day

    Triple R Ranch

    This horse farm in Simpsonville is offering Spring Break camp for ages 6-16 that includes riding lessons, stable care, and arts and crafts. Riders must bring a bagged lunch and change of clothes and wear long pants and shoes with a smooth sole like heeled boots.

    March 20-23, 2023 – Monday – Thursday from 9 am – 1 pm
    $285/person with a $75 deposit required to hold your child spot.

    Motive School of Movement

    March 20 through 24, 2023, 9 am to 4 pm, Ages 5 +
    Half-Day, Full Day, Single Day, or Full Week options ranging from $60 to $395

    Magic School

    Held in Greer and is for kids ages 7-13 years old who love magic or want to learn all about it.

    2023 Camp Information TBA

    Hidden Pasture Farm

    Both full and half days are offered at this farm camp in Fountain Inn with lots of outdoor play, pony rides, ice cream, crafts, and animals. Camp is for ages 7-11.

    2023 Dates TBA

    Are you looking for a Spartanburg spring break camp for your kids? Spring break for Spartanburg school districts is April 3rd – 7th, 2023. See our spring break camp list below and let us know if we missed one!

    Looking for more things to do during spring break in Spartanburg? Here’s our list of 100 Things to Do Over Spring Break in Spartanburg, SC.

    2023 Spring Break Camps in Spartanburg, SC

    YMCA School’s Out Special

    Offers full-day spring break camp for children 5 – 14 years old. The camp will be at the Thomas E. Hannah YMCA branch. Registration closes March 27th, 2023.

    April 3-7, 2023- Monday through Friday 7 am – 6 pm.
    $130 per child for YMCA members | $200 for non-members

    Kickin’ Kids Spring Break Camp

    Offers full-day martial arts spring break camp for children in grades 4K-8th grade. Includes field trips, martial arts lessons, and snacks.

    April 3-7, 2023- Monday through Friday 7 am – 6 pm.
    $229-$398 with a $29 registration fee, Registration free due March 31st, 2023.

    Spring Break Art Camp

    Offers an art camp that allows students ages 7 – 11 to engage in a variety of activities, including drawing, painting, collage, and sculpture. Campers should bring a snack with them.

    April 3-7, 2023– Monday through Friday 9 am – 12 pm.
    $100 for SAM member | $110 for non-members.

    Are you planning on sending your kids to a spring break camp?

    Spring Break in Greenville, SC

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    Kidding Around Team

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  • Tips on Planning a Fun Spring Break Trip on a Budget

    Tips on Planning a Fun Spring Break Trip on a Budget

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    Are you wondering how to travel cheaply this spring break? Travel is fun but it often isn’t cheap. So how do you go about planning an inexpensive trip when you really want to get away but you have a limited budget? And, where can you go for cheap spring break trips? That’s what you’ll hopefully learn here!

    We love to travel with our kids and experience new places, different food, and just cool things to see that don’t exist where we live (even though Greenville, SC is awesome). But traveling, especially with a family, gets expensive fast. Spring break is the perfect time for a family-friendly adventure. So, we asked our readers for their best tips on planning a Spring Break trip on the cheap, plus added in some of our own tips based on experience.

    No matter where you live, you can use these tips for an awesome spring break on a budget and keep costs down on your next travel adventure with your family. We hope they save you a lot of money and bring some fun adventures to your family!

    How to travel cheap

    You can travel cheap for spring break or any time of the year! Here are several ways to keep costs down while planning a fun trip with your family and save you money.

    Google free things to do in the area you’re traveling 

    This is one I often do but not until the last minute when I’m searching for cheap stuff to do in a place I already decided to go. So why not do this before you shell out all the cash and find places that have less expensive or free attractions? 

    Look for things like free walking tours where you might learn about some history or nature.

    Many areas have amazing parks with fun amenities for very cheap. For example Village Park in Kannapolis, NC has a beautiful old carousel and a miniature train to ride. You may even find parks with free live music or movies in the evenings.

    One place we found that has lots of cheap things to do nearby is Athens, GA. They’ve got amazing botanical gardens, super cool playgrounds, and art museums, all for free. 

    Stay with family or friends

    If you have family where you will be traveling and they are open to you staying with them, this is a great way to save tons of money on lodging costs, which are usually a pretty significant part of any travel budget. 

    Or, choose your destination based on where you have friends or family who’d love to see you for a visit.

    Do a Staycation

    Of course, we are going to endorse a staycation because of how cool Greenville is. There are lots of free things to do here plus you can take time to maybe try new things that you have been putting off. 

    Use your Reciprocal Membership Benefits 

    I have a Roper Mountain Science Center membership and using it when I travel to get in free at other science centers and museums around the country has saved me a ton of money. RMSC is a member of the ASTC (Association of Science and Technology Centers) Passport Program, which has more than 300 science and tech centers around the country. So before you travel, check the list out and see what you can save with your membership. 

    Do the same with your zoo memberships. It’s always fun to explore a new zoo or aquarium and even better when you can do so for free or with a hefty discount.

    Consider a Parks Pass

    Get a National (America the Beautiful) or State Parks Pass if you’re going to the parks. If you have a 4th grader, you can get an America the Beautiful pass for free, which gets your family into any National Park or Monument. I have a SC State Parks Pass and I’ve used it all over the state when I’ve traveled, especially to the more pricey State Parks on the coast. Another big win for saving money with traveling. 

    Go Camping

    While camping isn’t for everyone, it’s a great way to save money while traveling. I tent camp and it’s allowed me to go to more places that I could have if I didn’t want to take an air mattress, sleeping bag, and tent with me. If you have a camper, this is a great way to save money on hotel costs. 

    View of campsite with hammock and tent at Calhoun Falls State Park

    Look for hotels with meals included

    Many hotels offer complimentary breakfasts and a few even offer an evening meal with salads, chicken fingers, and other appetizer-style types of food. When you’re traveling with kids, these can be a great way to keep costs down.

    how to travel cheap

    Do the Jr. Ranger Programs 

    Do the (mostly) free Junior Ranger Programs at national and state parks to learn about the area. It’s cheaper than a paid tour!

    Sign up for Email Lists

    Get on the email lists of your favorite places to stay because you can get great deals. The ones that I’ve signed up for are: Wilderness at the Smokies, Dollywood, Great Wolf Lodge, and Getaway. Follow them on social media also for last-minute cancellation deals.

    Save Gas & Stay Nearby

    Stay close to Greenville to save on gas if you’re trying to cut out that cost. We have a list of great Spring Break trips less than 90 minutes away.

    Cheap Spring Break Trips: Destinations Near Upstate, SC

    So, you have the tips on how to travel cheap, but you still need some ideas about where to actually go. We have some cheap spring break trip ideas, too! There are so many wonderful places near Greenville to enjoy a few nights away while saving money. Here are a few ideas: 

    Flat Rock and Hendersonville, NC

    Flat Rock has an awesome playground at The Park at Flat Rock. You can also hike around the Carl Sandburg home and play with the goats. For food, grab pizza and a local salad at the Village Bakery. 

    In Hendersonville, you can visit the free Mineral and Lapidary Museum of Henderson County, which is small in size but packs a punch in things they have to see. Nearby is the Tryon International Equestrian Center, which hosts a free Saturday Night Lights event most Saturday nights during the summer and fall. See this list for tons of other free things to do in Hendersonville.

    Chimney Rock, NC

    We love visiting Chimney Rock to walk around the downtown village, maybe get a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, or sit down by the river. The Lake Lure Flowering Bridge is beautiful and free to walk through. And Bearwallow Mountain is an awesome trail near there with 360 degree views of the mountains.

    Flowering Bridge in Lake Lure, NC

    Brevard, NC 

    See Looking Glass Rock (roadside waterfall), do the short hike to Moore’s Cove Falls, check out the original O.P. Taylors and get lunch at Rocky’s Soda Shop.

    Lake Hartwell, SC 

    Stay at the Getaway outpost there or a tiny house at Big Water Marina, hike for free (Yellow Branch Falls, Riley Moore Falls, Brasstown, Rabun Bald), go antiquing in North Georgia, see the amazing waterfall at Toccoa Falls College (you pay a small fee here), visit Split Creek Farm and do the free self-guided tour, walk around historic Seneca.

    What other ideas do you have for doing a Spring Break trip on the cheap?


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    Kristina Hernandez

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  • Personalized Graduation Gifts: 40 Creative Ideas

    Personalized Graduation Gifts: 40 Creative Ideas

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    Graduation is a major accomplishment and an important milestone, and you’ll want to make sure your graduate feels special. College and high school graduation gifts can often feel generic. A custom graduation gift can be more meaningful and may also become a keepsake for your young adult.

    Here is a list of the best, personalized graduation gifts that work for both high school and college graduates.

    Note: We are a reader-supported site and may receive compensation from purchases made through these links.

    Custom graduation gifts

    1. The Company Store Towels

    The Company Store towel set has six pieces including two of each: bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths. Choose from 30 colors of towels, and dozens of thread colors, and pick either names or initials to add a personalized touch. Monogrammed towels in a pretty color make a wonderful graduation gift as they are less likely to get lost in the laundry room.

    2. Leatherology Jewelry Case

    This petite zippered jewelry box is perfect for travel or to use for a few valuables that your young adult would like to store in a drawer, out of sight.

    3. Pottery Barn Teen Bath Robe

    This plush sherpa robe is super absorbent, comes in five pretty colors, and is available in a variety of sizes. Machine-washable.

    4. Uncommon Goods Map Coasters

    These cool map coasters are customizable so you can add your student’s university town or home town. This set of four is perfect for anyone moving into a new apartment or house.

    5. Little Words Project Bracelets

    When you have something special to say, wear it on your wrist. These custom designs feature a word (or name or number) that’s unique to you (or the lucky recipient). Just choose a crystal or stone bead style and craft a message of up to 13 characters.

    6. Leatherology Wallet

    thin wallet

    This high-quality, leather wallet lets you add a monogram on the outside. It has 8 credit card slots, a single bill compartment, and is very slim. A new wallet is one of our favorite college graduation gifts.

    7. Kendra Scott Necklace

    Kendra Scott necklace

    Kendra Scott offers tons of engravable necklaces that you can add your student’s grad year or college/high school letters to. Jewelry from Kendra Scott is simple, classy, and stylish. Many pieces offer a choice between sterling silver, vermeil gold, or rose gold vermeil.

    8. Pottery Barn Teen Plush Blanket

    A cozy blanket to wrap up in will be something your grad would love to have in their dorm room. This is available in five colors with nine thread options.

    9. LL Bean Blanket

    LL Bean also has luxurious, soft fleece blankets available in six colors.

    10. Minted Photo Puzzle

    A photo puzzle is a meaningful gift that would be a fun activity for your graduate to complete. Some ideas are a pic of your family, your graduate, their friends, or a pet.

    11. Shortbread Cookies with Message

    Put a custom message on these delicious, vanilla shortbread cookies. This is something that your graduate will enjoy eating. It comes with 24 cookies so your teen can share them with friends and family.

    12. Leatherology Passport Holder and Luggage Tag Set

    If your grad is eager to travel the world, this customized passport holder and luggage tag set is an awesome gift for them. Choose from ten colors and consider picking a bright color since unique luggage tags can help identify a bag coming down a conveyor belt at baggage claim.

    13. YETI Tumbler or Water Bottle

    YETI is a wildly popular brand for tumblers, travel mugs, and water bottles. Get your graduate one, personalized with their grad year, college, or name on it. YETI offers many different sizes, colors, and styles.

    14. Pura Vida Engravable Jewelry

    Looking for a new way to make your favorite Pura Vida piece even more special? Customize a ring, bracelet, charm, or necklace with initials, an important date, constellations, or cute symbols. Your message, your way.

    15. Tervis Tumbler

    Tervis also makes unbreakable tumblers and water bottles that can be customized with photos or names/initials and college logos.

    16. Project Repat T-Shirt Quilt

    Does your graduate have WAY too many T-shirts? Project Repat will turn your teen’s old T-shirts into a beautiful quilt. Some ideas are to use sports, school, volunteer, or work shirts. The process is very easy and will make a very thoughtful gift. Your teen can use the quilt as a throw blanket or hang it on the wall for unique dorm room decor.

    17. Leatherology Keychain and Card Case Set

    You can have your grad’s initials embossed on this leather keychain and matching card case set. Available in five popular colors.

    18. Journal

    This personalized leather journal lets you add an engraving to the outside of it and it also comes with a pen that can be engraved with your grad’s name.

    19. Graduation Teddy Bear

    These adorable teddy bears can be personalized with your student’s school. This is so cute for anyone who loves stuffed animals.

    20. Kendra Scott Bracelet

    Customized jewelry is always so trendy. Kendra Scott has several different styles of bracelets to choose from and many are available in either sterling silver, rose gold vermeil, or rose gold vermeil.

    21. Mixbook Photo Book

    Create a photo book of all of your graduate’s favorite memories from either high school or college. You can add photos of their friends, activities, and more. They will be so happy to have all of their awesome memories saved in a book to look back on.

    Mixbook is the #1 rated photo book service.

    22. Mug

    Your grad can start their morning cup of coffee or tea with this initial coffee mug which is safe to put in the dishwasher and use in a microwave.

    23. Plaque

    This custom plaque lets you add a photo and text to it. It makes great decor for your graduate’s bedroom or living room and is more meaningful than a simple picture frame.

    24. Minted Photo Pillow

    Create a custom photo pillow with your graduate’s friends, pets, or family. This will make a fun throw pillow for their bed.

    25. TilePix Photo Tiles

    Photo tiles will make awesome decor for their dorm room, apartment, or house. These stick to the wall with no nails and are easily removed without causing damage to the wall.

    26. Ornament

    A graduation ornament is a perfect way to honor your graduate. This one includes their name, year, and school.

    27. Keepsake Box

    A custom graduation keepsake box gives your graduate a single place where they can keep everything important to them from college or high school such as printed photos, essays, their tassel, movie tickets, concert tickets, sports game tickets, or anything else they want to remember from this time in their life.

    This is something they can use to look back on when they are much older with their future partner or kids, and remember all of their happy times from either high school or college.

    28. Uncommon Goods Map Glasses

    Remind your recent graduate of home or of their college town with this cool map glass set — something that they can use regularly in their kitchen but is also personalized and fun.

    29. Uncommon Goods Word Search Throw Blanket

    This is a very unique gift idea. You can include words like your student’s university, their name, favorite sport, favorite restaurant, favorite activity, and more.

    30. Dormify Pillows

    Dormify makes a range of customizable pillows with room for either names or initials.

    31. Pottery Barn Teen Pillows

    Pottery Barn Teen also makes a cute pillow in blue or green stripes.

    32. Carry-on Luggage

    If your graduate loves traveling this is the perfect gift for them. Monogrammed luggage makes it so that your teen will never get their bag confused with someone else’s in a busy airport where many suitcases look the same.

    This monogrammed suitcase is lightweight and features a TSA-approved personal lock, oversized wheels that can spin 360 degrees, and optional expandable zippers.

    33. Kendra Scott Ring

    Kendra Scott offers beautiful engraved rings available in turquoise, gold, or rose gold.

    34. Leatherology Accessories Pouch

    A zippered pouch is ideal for keeping electronics stored in one place. With a water-resistant lining in select colors, it can also be used as a toiletries bag when traveling. Available in 12 colors.

    35. Shutterfly Desk Caddy

    Help your new grad keep their desk organized with this practical gift, a custom desk caddy, which lets you add three pictures to it.

    36. Shutterfly Notepad

    A notepad is always useful for list making such as to-do lists, packing lists, or just writing down their thoughts. This one allows you to add five special photos and a name or year in the bottom right corner.

    37. Cutting Board

    Add your graduate’s name, school, or grad year to a cutting board. This is the perfect gift if they are moving into a new house or apartment after graduation.

    38. Cuyana Tote Bag

    A tote bag is ideal for the gym, work, groceries, pool days, and beach days. You can add a monogram to it so your graduate will never get their tote bag confused with anyone else’s. You could either do your graduate’s initials or their college letters. Available in six colors.

    39. Personalized M&Ms

    M&Ms

    M&Ms can be personalized by color, words, image and/or clip art to make a celebratory gift and/or to use at a candy bar at a graduation party.

    40. Zodiac Ring

    zodiac rings

    These slender zodiac rings have been very popular within the Grown and Flown community and would be a lovely personalized grad gift for your daughter.

    Best Graduation Gifts For Your Teen’s Friends: 30 Great Ideas (2023)

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    Madeleine Korn

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