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Tag: Playgrounds

  • Scary incident causes Fort Lauderdale to limit who can be at playgrounds

    Children enjoy a playground at Doral Central Park on August 26, 2024. Fort Lauderdale has adopted an ordinance that says adults are not permitted in playgrounds unless they are accompanying a child.

    Children enjoy a playground at Doral Central Park on August 26, 2024. Fort Lauderdale has adopted an ordinance that says adults are not permitted in playgrounds unless they are accompanying a child.

    Special for the Miami Herald

    Fort Lauderdale has adopted an ordinance that designates “Exclusive Children Play Areas” within city parks. The initiative comes with signs that say adults are not permitted in playgrounds unless they are accompanying a child.

    So far, 44 parks have received the new signage.

    District 4 Commissioner Ben Sorensen says the legislation came about after a constituent told him of a harrowing episode at a city playground.

    “ She had her child in a playground area, and there was another adult without children that came into the playground area. They had their dog in that playground area, and that dog then attacked the daughter of this mother causing significant injury,” he said.

    Sorensen says the new rule helps parents ensure that playgrounds are a safe and welcoming space for their children.

    “ It’s not that we’re going to be proactively policing going around our park playgrounds. It’s a tool. So that should there be an adult that is acting in a way that’s not helpful, that’s not positive for the children around, police or park rangers can come and say, ‘Are you with a child? No? Then you need to leave the area,’ ” he said.

    Other municipalities that have similar legislation include Miami, Hollywood and Palm Beach County.

    This report was produced by Miami Herald news partner WLRN Public Media.

    Carlton Gillespie

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  • A Parents’ Guide to Inman, SC Parks & Playgrounds

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    Looking for a free place to enjoy the great outdoors with your family in Inman, South Carolina? This growing city offers some of Spartanburg County’s finest parks!

    Read on for our complete guide to family-friendly parks in Inman.

    Nestled on the scenic shores of Lake Bowen—the largest lake in Spartanburg County—Anchor Park is a fantastic spot for families seeking a mix of play and water fun. The park features a fully fenced playground with separate play structures for younger and older kids, swings, and sensory play options, all easily supervised from nearby picnic shelters. A paved path loops around the play area, perfect for walking, biking, or chalk art.

    Water lovers will enjoy easy access to fishing (with piers and shoreline spots), kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating. The park offers dedicated launch areas for both powered and non-powered watercraft, with permits required for boats. Limited life jackets are available to borrow.

    With plenty of shaded picnic spots, restrooms near the playground, and breathtaking wraparound views of Lake Bowen, Anchor Park is an ideal blend of outdoor relaxation and family fun.

    Location: 10 Anchorage Way, Inman, SC 29349

    Holston Creek Park is a recreation and nature park located just outside central Inman. It’s known for its sports amenities, including baseball and softball fields, soccer fields, the region’s top disc golf course, and mountain biking trails. You will find an all-ages playground complete with swings, right next to the covered picnic pavilion and public restrooms.

    A paved walking trail takes you the short distance down to two ponds, where you can fish with appropriate permitting. Dogs are permitted in the park on-leash. Bring a picnic and enjoy the views of nature, catch a game, or just let your kids run and play in the great outdoors.

    Location: 7561 New Cut Road, Inman, SC 29349

    Inman Mills Park

    Inman Mills Park, tucked quietly behind the historic mill village in Inman, SC, offers a neighborhood atmosphere. The park features a small playground, a swing set, basketball court, tennis court, and two pickleball courts alongside a covered picnic shelter. This area of the park is perfect for a quick and casual play session with family or friends, and the larger baseball/softball field is used for youth sports in the area.

    Location: 10 Little Street, Inman, SC 29349

    Leroy Mathis Park in Inman, SC, is a fully fenced, family-friendly park just minutes from downtown. It features two separate playgrounds for different age groups, a paved 0.15-mile walking trail, and covered picnic shelters with grills. The fenced design and clear visibility make it a safe, convenient spot for parents to watch their kids while they play or practice riding bikes.

    Beyond play, the park includes covered outdoor fitness equipment and amenities like restrooms and parking on both sides of the park. Its location near the Inman Library and local shops makes Leroy Mathis Park a perfect spot for a half-day outing, whether you’re visiting or live nearby.

    Location: 50 Bishop Street, Inman, SC 29349

    Park sign and swing set at Sealy Park in Inman, SC.

    Sealy Park

    Sealy Park is a small fenced green space located near Inman Elementary School. It offers a swing set under mature shade trees. There is no designated parking area, and it is used primarily by local residents.

    Location: 20 Sealy Circle, Inman, SC 29349


    Spartanburg Parks and Playgrounds, Spartanburg, SC

    About the Author

    Sarah Burnett is a local of Upstate, South Carolina with 3 kids, a husband she adores, and a God who never fails. After working in family services for about a decade, she founded Seek First Family Cooperative and now serves children and families on the homefront. She loves to learn about homemaking, homesteading, and homeschooling, and she writes and volunteers as opportunities arise. You can find and contact her through LinkedIn.

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    Sarah Burnett

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  • A Parent’s Guide to North Spartanburg Park

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    Inside: Discover why North Spartanburg Park (also known as Miracle Park) is one of the best parks in Boiling Springs for families with young children.

    Quick Look at North Spartanburg Park
    💲 Cost: Free admission and parking
    🕘 Hours: 7 am-9 pm in summer, 7 am-7 pm in winter
    📍 Location: 1160 Old Furnace Road, Boiling Springs, SC 29316
    🛝 Playground: Fully fenced, age-appropriate for preschoolers
    🚶‍♀️ Trails: 0.5-mile paved walking trail
    🏟️ Athletics: Baseball/softball fields, BMX track, fitness equipment
    🍽️ Amenities: Picnic shelter and concessions during events
    🚻 Restrooms: Onsite, located just past the playground

    Navigating the Park with Two Names

    As a parent of young children, North Spartanburg Park is one of my favorite spots in the area, but it took me a while to understand it. First of all, while it is in the northern part of Spartanburg County, its address is actually in Boiling Springs. And then I found it was often going by another name—Miracle Park—so which is it? The answer: A bit of both!

    North Spartanburg Park is the name of the larger park complex, but inside it, there is also another mini-park, this one called Miracle Park. Miracle Park is Carolina Miracle League’s adaptive sports area within the larger North Spartanburg Park, and it is designed specifically with accessibility and inclusivity in mind.

    When you first pull into the parking lot of North Spartanburg Park, you’ll be on top of a hill overlooking the property. Fork to the left, and you’ll find the exercise equipment looking out over the larger sports complex. Follow the hill down to the right, and you’ll find even better parking, conveniently located next to all the best amenities for parents and kids.

    Fully Fenced Playground for Little Kids

    I usually park next to the big sign for Miracle Park, as this leads into the playground. This fully fenced playground makes it easy to relax while keeping eyes on your kids, thanks to great visibility from one end to the other.

    The play equipment is perfect for preschoolers, with some climbing elements that older toddlers and early elementary kids will also enjoy. Just be watchful, because a few higher areas may require closer supervision if you’re visiting with the littlest ones. There are sensory stations around the playset, as well as a swing set with standard swings, baby swings, and accessible swings.

    One of my favorite features is the paved loop wrapping around the inside of the fence, which makes it so much easier to get in with a stroller. It provides a great space for kids to play with sidewalk chalk, scooters, and more within the safety of the fence. Parents and caregivers will appreciate the benches shaded by mature trees, and trash cans for easy cleanup inside the fence.

    Just outside the gate, there is a small covered picnic shelter with a view of the playground—an ideal setup for birthday parties or family meetups! If your group is larger, there is another covered picnic shelter within walking distance. While you cannot see the playground from this picnic shelter, it does have the added convenience of being right next to the restroom facilities.

    Carolina Miracle League for Inclusive Athletics

    While enjoyed by families from every walk of life, Miracle Park inside North Spartanburg Park is a gift to the community from the special folks at Carolina Miracle League. This non-profit invites children with physical and other challenges to participate in organized athletics through its inclusive baseball league.

    Miracle Park was custom designed to provide a safe and accommodating space for all children to play together, with features like a wheelchair-accessible synthetic turf for rounding the bases. Their fully fenced playground was also designed with inclusivity in mind, and features accessible swings, a ramp up to the playset, and multiple sensory stations.

    Every player in the league is matched with a volunteer buddy, who supports them on and off the baseball field. If you have a child who might be interested in this experience, or if you might be interested in volunteering or coming to cheer on a game, then contact the Carolina Miracle League team at 864.641.7739 to find out more!

    Trail and sports complex at North Spartanburg Park

    Easy Paved Loop for Stroller Walks

    If you head back out to the parking lot from Miracle Park, you can look across it to see the larger sports complex. There are four ballfields with a beautifully flat, paved walking trail that runs in a half-mile loop around them. It’s wide enough for strollers, accessible, and perfect for parents looking to get in a walk while their kids ride scooters or bikes alongside.

    There is a shallow swale which runs alongside the path to help channel rainwater away from the park’s amenities. If you’re letting your littlest family members run and walk alongside you, just keep a close eye so they don’t take a tumble into the mud or any standing water that might be left after heavy rains.

    BMX Racing for Kids and Adults

    One of North Spartanburg Park’s most exciting features is hidden from sight unless you know where to look for it. Head back up to the top parking lot, and you’ll find Spartanburg County’s very own BMX track tucked beside it.

    The BMX track is not currently available for use, but interested families can contact Spartanburg BMX to ask for any updates on the track’s reopening to the public. Spartanburg BMX is a member of USA BMX.

    General Park Info

    Address: 1160 Old Furnace Road, Boiling Springs, SC 29316
    Hours: 7 am-9 pm in summer, 7 am-7 pm in winter
    Contact: Spartanburg County Parks


    Playgrounds in Boiling Springs, SC

    About the Author

    Sarah Burnett is a local of Upstate, South Carolina with 3 kids, a husband she adores, and a God who never fails. After working in family services for about a decade, she founded Seek First Family Cooperative and now serves children and families on the homefront. She loves to learn about homemaking, homesteading, and homeschooling, and she writes and volunteers as opportunities arise. You can find and contact her through LinkedIn.

    Comments are closed.

    Sarah Burnett

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  • Inman’s Leroy Mathis Park

    Less than 5 minutes from downtown Inman, Leroy Mathis Park is a fully fenced park with two kid-friendly playgrounds, a walking trail, and more for families to enjoy. Kidding Around’s own Sarah Burnett shares why this park makes the perfect addition to your day in Inman, South Carolina.

    Quick Look at Leroy Mathis Park
    💲 Cost: Free admission and parking
    🕘 Hours: 7 am-9 pm in summer, 7 am-7 pm in winter
    📍 Location: 50 Bishop Street, Inman, SC 29349
    🛝 Playground: Fully fenced, playsets for different ages
    👟 Trails: 0.15-mile paved walking trail
    🏟️ Athletics: Covered fitness equipment
    🚻 Amenities: Picnic shelters, grills, and restrooms

    Discovering Leroy Mathis Park

    Our family first discovered Leroy Mathis Park after a morning storytime at the Inman Library. This was one of the many weekly storytimes offered by Spartanburg County Public Libraries, and the staff there entertained our kids with great songs, stories, and even a coloring activity afterward. It was a fun start to our morning out, but we weren’t ready to go home!

    After so much time indoors, I knew my oldest in particular would be itching for some sunshine. I looked up nearby parks on my phone, and the rest is history! Leroy Mathis Park is only two minutes from the Inman Library, and about the same distance from the heart of downtown Inman. Whether you live in Inman or are just visiting this wonderful city in Spartanburg County, Leroy Mathis Park will make an easy and worthwhile addition to your day!

    Fully Fenced Park with Family-Friendly Features

    If you are anything like me, you are ecstatic anytime you discover a new playground that is enclosed with a good fence. Kids are quick! And fences make any playground experience so much easier for parents and safer for the children to enjoy. Leroy Mathis Park is fully fenced with a gated entrance at each end, with parking areas on both sides.

    Both gates can be latched shut and seen simultaneously from most spots in the park, including the two covered picnic pavilions. Another standout feature of this park is the excellent visibility from end to end, making it easy for parents to supervise their children no matter where they decide to play.

    The park offers two fun playsets, one for preschoolers and one for ages roughly 6 to 12 years old. These playsets are a good distance apart, which can make a big difference in keeping kids in their age-appropriate areas. There are standard, baby, and accessible swings, as well as a concrete cornhole setup you can use if you bring your own beanbags!

    Another thing that makes this park a family favorite? The easy, 0.15-mile paved walking loop inside the fence. When you add this to the clear visibility and wraparound fencing, it makes Leroy Mathis Park one of our top picks for little ones learning to ride tricycles, bicycles, and more. Plus, it gives parents and caregivers a convenient option to stretch their legs or get some steps in without ever losing sight of their kids.

    For those wanting to exercise, don’t miss the outdoor fitness equipment, either. The equipment at Leroy Mathis Park is fully covered overhead, which means it does not get nearly as hot on sunny summer days or wet when it has rained. Just remember to keep children off the exercise equipment unless they are able to use it properly under your supervision.

    Add in the restrooms, and this park really does check every box for families!

    Make the Most of Your Park Day

    If you are planning to visit Leroy Mathis Park, I highly recommend bringing a few things to spend as much time as you can there! Water bottles and snacks are must-haves, because this will not be a quick visit with all there is to do. You can also make use of the grills and picnic shelters as long as they are not already reserved or in use.

    In addition to all the play structures onsite, this park has tons of potential for other kinds of outdoor play. Depending on where you live, you may not be able to do a lot of these things in your own backyard or neighborhood. Consider beanbags for cornhole, anything with wheels to ride around the park, sidewalk chalk, squirt guns and bubbles in summertime, or empty containers to collect leaves and other treasures in cooler months.

    Some visitors may also be interested in the military memorial onsite for Inman residents who served in the United States Armed Forces. You may want to be prepared to answer any questions your children might have about it, or even use the opportunity to help them appreciate the sacrifices necessary to live in a safe, free, and beautiful community like ours.

    You can also plan to spend a whole day in Inman just by adding a little more exploration of the surrounding areas! The nearby library has a great Children’s Section for indoor fun, plus special events like storytime. Inman offers some great local shopping, too, at places like Gracie’s Boutique, The Maker’s Market, and Vintage Restore and More. If you’re looking for a meal, we highly recommend Kempson Rexall Drugs, an old-fashioned soda fountain and pharmacy which provide a casual, family-friendly dining experience.

    General Park Info

    Address: 50 Bishop Street, Inman, SC 29349
    Hours: 7 am-9 pm in summer, 7 am-7 pm in winter
    Contact: Spartanburg County Parks


    Spartanburg Parks and Playgrounds, Spartanburg, SC

    Sarah Burnett

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  • Greenville, SC’s First Totally Inclusive Playground is Open!

    Greenville SC’s very first totally inclusive playground named after Brooks Foster opens Tuesday, September 29th and we’ve got all the details. 

    Brooks Foster at Brooks’ Playground

    Brooks’ Playground 

    Greenville, SC finally has their own inclusive playground with the opening of the brand new Brooks’ Playground, 10,640-square-foot playground at Cleveland Park. And it opens Tuesday, September 29th!

    It is absolutely beautiful and a very special place for everyone. We went to the grand opening and got to see Brooks Foster and her lovely family, who put so much of their energy, time, finances, and love into the playground. It’s obvious how much they wanted to give this to the community. 

    “Our family loves being outside and Brooks’ younger sister, Ellie, always wants to play at the playground,” writes Reagin Foster, Brooks’ mother on the City of Greenville’s website. “Unfortunately, it has been difficult to find a playground where the girls can play together and have access to the necessary amenities. This is where the idea for Brooks’ Playground began.

    Brooks' Playground kids
    Kids at Brooks’ Playground

    The new playground is located near Shelter 6 at Cleveland Park near downtown Greenville and is named after Brooks Foster, a little girl with Pontine Tegmental Cap Dysplasia (a rare neurological syndrome). Her family wanted to create a playground where anyone could play, regardless of their special needs.

    The playground includes play elements designed for all kids ages six months to 13+ years. 

    The project was funded by $2.3 million from the City of Greenville and $1.3 million in private donations.

    Elements of Brooks’ Playground

    There are several fantastic elements of Brooks’ Playground that make it especially unique and helpful for families who have kids with special needs. Chris Yang, a Design Consultant with Carolina Parks and Play who worked on Brooks’ Playground, revealed tons of interesting information about why specific aspects of the design were chosen:

    shade at Brooks' playground
    Look at all that shade!

    Completely fenced in: parents of kids with special needs (and toddlers in general) need someplace where they are able to know their kids cannot escape without their notice. This was a key feature of the design. 

    Shade: we all know how hot summers are in the South and Brooks’ Playground has multiple sun shades to protect kids and caregivers alike. But there are more reasons why the shade covers 85% of the playground: 1) studies show parents who take their kids to the playground stay longer when there is shade and 2) some kids cannot regulate their body temperatures and the shade is crucial to help them with that. 

    Anti-static flooring: the ground of the playground is anti-static because static interrupts the hearing devices of kids who use them (and they are really expensive to fix). The roller slide at the playground is static-free as well. The floor is also anti-microbial. 

    Swings & Zip Lines: there are two zip lines at the playground plus a large swing that a child could lay down on and swing. 

    Merry-go-round: the merry-go-round is perfect for kids who want to sit, run around, or use a wheelchair. 

    Ramps: ramps at the playground go all the way to the top of the play structures. There is also a ramp through a really cool tunnel with stars. It’s cute!

    Calming colors: the colors were chosen by the Foster family and are specifically calming colors of blues and greens. It’s beautiful. 

    Tactile aspects: the playground was designed with lots of different aspects to appeal to a wide variety of kids – a water mister, touch and feel, things that make sound, etc. 

    Greenville, SC's first inclusive playground
    Enjoying the mister!

    “We designed the playground so that kids of all ages and abilities and play together without technology,” said Yang. 

    I watched this design in action and saw kids who didn’t know each other playing together and having fun. It was honestly the sweetest thing to see. 

    Accessible Walkways and Bathrooms

    The playground includes several accessible, paved paths but one of the coolest things is the three new bathrooms. There is a ramp up to them and they are huge. 

    Inside each one is a big, adult-size changing table. The Fosters knew that parents would not always have the opportunity to go home to take care of the needs of their kids and wanted to give them the space to do that outside of the home without having to leave the playground. 

    Bathroom at Brooks' Playground
    Bathroom at Brooks’ Playground

    Visiting Brooks’ Playground 

    You can visit the playground near Shelter 6 at Cleveland Park, which is located at Cleveland Park Dr & East Washington in Greenville. If you’re coming from 385, when you turn into Cleveland Park, you need to go past the playground in front of the zoo and stay to the left. There is parking next to the playground. 

    The address is Cleveland Park Dr & East Washington, Greenville, SC 29601.

    For more accessible and inclusive things to do in Greenville with your family, see our Top Accessible Things to do in Greenville with Kids!

    Kristina Hernandez

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  • Mom Review: College Street Park

    Mom Review: College Street Park

    Local mom Andrea Beam reviews College Street Park in Simpsonville, SC. This small city park has a feature that you rarely see anymore — seesaws!

    Until a few weeks ago, I had not heard of College Street Park. I had no idea what to expect. I googled the address and found that it was located in the middle of an older neighborhood in Simpsonville. “This won’t take long,” I thought to myself. How big could the park be?

    The boys and I hopped in the van and headed down the road. I was impressed with Simpsonville’s Main Street, lined with small-town restaurants and shops.  Our destination was only a few blocks off Main.

    The park is pretty small, but there are several things I really liked about it.

    College Street Park Simpsonville SC

    What I loved about College Street Park

    There is a basketball court. While this may not appeal to the younger crowd, it’s perfect if you have older kids who may have outgrown the monkey bars (or maybe you have a child like mine who just doesn’t like monkey bars). Obviously, you’d have to bring your own ball.

    There are also 4 pickle ball courts for all of you pickle ball loving fans!

    There are two blue see-saws. I was most excited about this! I can’t tell you the last time I saw one of these. In fact, I had to teach the kids how to use it because they had no idea what it was.

    There’s also a swing set, jungle gym, slide, and merry-go-round.

    The grass is perfection. This may not be a big deal to anyone except me, but it was one of the first things I noticed when I got out of the car. The entire park is well manicured. It would be a beautiful spot for a picnic, but keep in mind there is very little shade.

    In addition to the see-saws and basketball court, you’ll find swings, different types of monkey bars and a slide.  College Street Park was a hit with the boys. The neighborhood was older and the playground isn’t fancy, but both had character and charm.

    The equipment will get very hot on a sunny summer day, so we will make plans to return in the fall after the cooler weather rolls in.

    College Street Park and Playground

    Plan your own visit

    321 West College Street, Simpsonville
    Visit College Street Park’s website.

    Have you ever been to College Street Park?

    Andrea Beam

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  • This Awesome Park Offers Playgrounds, a Walking Trail & More

    This Awesome Park Offers Playgrounds, a Walking Trail & More

    If you’re searching for a park that has designated play spaces for little kids and big kids plus some other features too then you have to check out Butler Springs Park! This awesome park includes multiple playgrounds, a walking trail, tennis courts, and more! Plus, it has some much needed morning shade.

    About Butler Springs Park

    What if you could sit in the shade for just a minute or two while your toddler happily plays on an age-appropriate playground? When my boys were all under 4, that idea felt like a dream. Butler Springs Park has an exciting playground for little ones that is fully enclosed and mostly shaded. The fenced-in area even has baby swings and a couple of benches. Restrooms are just steps away.

    But, do not think that Butler Springs is just for toddlers! The playground designed for ages 5-12 has tall slides, challenging balance beams and monkey bars, swings, shifting stepping blocks and so much more. The crazy, rotating disc is thrilling, and there are even some monkey bars hidden under the fish. A bench under the tall trees allows you to watch your children in the shade.

    The large, covered pavilion complete with restrooms, drinking fountains, and grills is situated between the two playgrounds.  You will also find many picnic tables scattered throughout the park. We have brought dinner to this park and had large family gatherings.

    We love the paved trail that weaves between the playgrounds, lighted tennis courts, and baseball fields. Much of the trail is also shaded. You’ll discover some fun activities to do with your children along the way including hop-scotch.

    The park is surrounded by quiet neighborhoods and is only five minutes from Haywood Mall. Get your children, young and old, to this park the next time you want some good family time!

    View of the toddler area of Butler Springs Park in Greenville ,SC

    Butler Springs Park
    301 Butler Springs Road, Greenville

    What’s your favorite thing to do when visiting Butler Springs Park?

    Deborah Pope

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  • Playing at Westside Park

    Playing at Westside Park

    Passing between Greenville and Easley? Then you might want to make a stop at Westside Park! KAG Contributor Lindy Wilson tells us about Westside Park which features a wide variety of different amenities. One of the most notable of those is the indoor pool at the Westside Aquatic Complex.

    A little about Westside Park

    The playground at this park is right next to the pool building, so it’s easy to explore upon arriving or leaving but its tucked around the corner enough that you can sneak past if need be. We played there A LOT when we were taking swim lessons!

    They do birthday pool parties in the aquatic center if you’re interested. They also teach swim lessons throughout the year and also offer sailing lessons. Older kids can join their swim team. Unique to this pool is the Fun Zone inflatable play area floating in the water! There is also a small gym offering group exercise classes.

    The Playground at Westside Park

    However should your day only accommodate adventures on dry land, there is a rather well-equipped playground. Their playground has some nice shade trees and a few bench tables right along the edge. It makes for a good picnic spot while still being in sight of the kids. The playground is fairly large so this is very important!

    Westside Park playgrounds in Greenville

    There are some nice swings here which always seem to be a treat. There’s more than your typical playground has so everyone can have one! They also seem like the higher type so nice for big kids who want to propel themselves into outer space!

    If you have a climber, they’ll love it. A wide range of things to hang off and climb on abound. It’s way beyond your everyday monkey bars here!

    Beyond the pool/gym complex and the playground, there are also some baseball fields and other grassy areas for a pick-up game. If you have an event coming up, you can rent out their shelters as well. Be sure to check it out!

    Plan your own trip to Westside Park

    2700 W. Blue Ridge Drive, Greenville
    Amenities include an aquatic complex, athletic fields, playground, picnic shelter

    Read even more articles about great parks!

    Have you ever visited Westside Park?

    Lindy Wilson

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  • 5 Lovely Outdoor Places in Spartanburg

    5 Lovely Outdoor Places in Spartanburg

    Are you looking for the perfect outdoor space in Spartanburg? We gathered together our 5 favorite spots to enjoy nature with our children. Our list includes a garden, a park with a gazebo, and a park that overlooks a lake.

    Looking for more fun things to do in Spartanburg?

    Be sure to check out our Spartanburg guide!

    It may be the four true seasons Spartanburg has to offer, but my family loves to spend outdoors together. We feel fortunate to live in a place with so many great outdoor activities, beautiful scenery, and great temperatures. Now that Spring has truly arrived, we are spending more and more time outside.

    No matter what part of Spartanburg County you live in, you will find beautiful outdoor spaces for your family to explore. Whether it is a park, a lake, a garden, or a boisterous downtown restaurant, there is something outdoors for everyone. For even more fun ideas of things to do outside see our giant list of things to do outside in Spartanburg.

    outdoor spaces in Spartanburg Hatcher Gardens

    Cleveland Park

    Located right in the center of Spartanburg is Cleveland Park. This park is a quiet gem in the middle of the city with a lake, swings, a playground, and walking trails. There is plenty of spaces for picnics and room for kids to roam and explore. In addition to the accessible playground, the park is a beautiful setting. So much so that it is frequently used for special events and weddings.

    141 N. Cleveland Park Dr.
    Spartanburg, SC 29303

    Admission: Free

    Hatcher Garden & Woodland Preserve

    We love Hatcher Garden & Woodlawn Preserve on the Westside of Spartanburg. Located off John B. White Sr. Boulevard, you might have even passed it without realizing it was there. If so, you have been missing out! This is a free public garden, once again, right in the middle of Spartanburg – you might even say “hidden.” The gardens have beautiful trails to explore with waterfalls, flowers, butterflies, observation decks and more.

    820 John B. White Sr. Blvd.
    Spartanburg, SC 29304

    Admission: Free

    Anchor Park at Lake Bowen

    There are several wonderful lakes to visit around Spartanburg County, but even if you do not own a boat, Lake Bowen’s Anchor Park is a welcoming outdoor space in North Spartanburg. With an excellent enclosed playground that overlooks the lake, you can enjoy great views while your kids run free. Plus, there are picnic tables and grills available. It is also a great spot to find the geese, so be prepared to get up close and personal with some feathered friends as you walk around the park.

    8515 Hwy 9
    Inman, SC 29349

    Admission: Free

    Croft State Park

    Did you know that Spartanburg is home to one of the largest South Carolina State Parks? Croft State Park, on the Eastside of Spartanburg, is only five minutes from downtown. This state park is huge! It has miles of trails for exploring whether by foot, bike, or horse! Really – it even has equestrian trails.

    In addition to all the outdoor trails to explore, there is also a huge lake for fishing and other water activities. Plus, families can extend their visits by camping on site. The park also hosts events regularly like the monthly Music in the Woods event. It is free for those under five years of age and only $3 for adults and $1 for children 6-15 years old.

    450 Croft State Park Rd
    Spartanburg, SC 29302

    Admission: $3 for adults | $1 for children 6-15 | Free for 5 and under

    Cottonwood Trail

    Cottonwood Trail is a nature preserve that protects a wonderful outdoor space near downtown Spartanburg. Recognized as an “urban green space,” Cottonwood Trail allows visitors to spend time outdoors while remaining close to the city.

    The trail is clearly marked and is easy for even the littlest hikers, and they will love trekking across the various footbridges. While on the trail, you should expect to see plenty of wooded areas and wildlife, but you should also spend some time visiting the other connected trails that are part of the preserve, such as the Wetlands Trail.

    Accessed off Beechwood Drive (off Fernwood Drive)
    Spartanburg, SC 29307

    Admission: Free

    For those looking for other outdoor spaces in Spartanburg, don’t forget that Downtown Spartanburg also offers plenty of outdoor dining options, as well as Sparkle City Mini Putt.

    What’s your favorite outdoor location in Spartanburg?

    Jennifer Curry

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  • There’s a lot to do at Lakeside Park!

    There’s a lot to do at Lakeside Park!

    Looking for a park to explore? South of Greenville, in Piedmont, SC you’ll find Lakeside Park. When you think of Lakeside Park, you may only think of it as the home of the 7th Inning Splash Park. But, there is so much more to do at Lakeside Park.  You’ll find playgrounds, swings, ball fields, and even mountain biking at Lakeside. It is a great place to go year-round.

    Looking for information about more parks in Greenville? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Parks in Greenville and Spartanburg Counties!

    Places to Play at Lakeside Park

    Behind the waterpark, you will find a small playground with several covered picnic areas.  While the playground isn’t new, it is in good shape.  The play area features climbing equipment and a set of swings.  The swing set has swings for children young and old.

    Lakeside Park also has walking trails that are fun to explore. They take you off the beaten path. Your family will love taking walks in these shady areas. The walking trails total almost 6 miles, that includes mountain biking trails.

    Covered canopy at Lakeside Park in Piedmont, South Carolina

    Four baseball fields, a football field, and basketball courts can also be found in the park. The football field would be great for playing football, tag, or maybe flying kites. The basketball courts would be a great place to play a game of horse or practice making shots.

    7th Inning Splash Park

    The 7th Inning Splash Park features a splash pad, funnel slide, water slide, and lap pool. While it is smaller than Discovery Island, it does have areas for children of various ages to explore. For more information about this water park, check out our review of 7th Inning Splash Park.

    The 7th Inning Waterpark funnel waterslide.

    7th Inning Splash Park in Greenville, SC is a excellent way to cool off on a hot summer day! Find out why we love this waterpark.

    Parking and Picnics at Lakeside Park

    A picnic shelter and bathrooms are also right behind the water park. The shelter features a grill, fireplace, and 16 picnic tables. You can even reserve the large shelter.

    The playground shares a small parking lot with the picnic shelter. When the water park is open, water park visitors may fill the spaces in this parking lot. Keep that in mind when visiting, and wear your sunscreen!

    The circular area around the baseball field is filled with parking spaces. If the other parking areas are filled, you are sure to find parking in this circular area. Most of the parks 789 paved parking places are part of this circular area.

    Lakeside Park Quick Review

    Favorites:

    • Shady Walking Trails
    • Swings
    • Playground with Covered Picnic Areas

    Drawbacks:

    • Smaller playground
    • Parking near playground can be crowded when the water park is open

    Are you ready to explore Lakeside Park?


    Deirdre

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  • Tire Out The Kids at The Best Playgrounds in Spartanburg!

    Tire Out The Kids at The Best Playgrounds in Spartanburg!

    Ready to get outside and play? These playgrounds in Spartanburg, SC are perfect for playtime! You’ve read about the wonderful playgrounds that Spartanburg and the surrounding area have, but after a long winter of planning indoor activities, here is a reminder of some of the best playgrounds in Spartanburg you can revisit, or check out for the first time.

    Looking for more great parks in Spartanburg? Don’t miss our Upstate, SC Park Guide.

    Spartanburg Parks your kids will love

    Cleveland Park

    Cleveland Park
    Cleveland Park

    Holy playground, Batman! Being one of the largest parks and playgrounds in Spartanburg, SC, Cleveland Park, is one you won’t want to miss. Located at 141 N. Cleveland Park Drive in Spartanburg, this park holds a massive playground that the grown-ups might even want to check out. Due to its large size, Cleveland Park is perfect for an impromptu game of hide in seek with young kids or tag with your older ones.

    An inviting entrance leads you into the playground area. Cleveland Park’s playground isn’t your typical metal pipe, monkey bar, and slide type playground, though. Endless ramps wind through, bringing you to what seems like various levels of this castle-like structure. A soft ground takes the place of mulch under your feet, however, it can get pretty hot-to-the-touch when the sun is shining. A smaller-sized rock wall will challenge your climbers, and several swings are provided to help create a breeze on your face to cool down.

    Park shelters are available to rent, which makes this a great spot to throw a birthday party. (Take a look at the rental information.) You can also check out their website for park hours, which is suggested because once the gate closes, it might be tough to get your car out.

    Cleveland Park Playground

    Happy Hollow Park

    Happy Hollow

    Nestled smack in the middle of the beautiful, historic Converse Heights neighborhood, Happy Hollow Park can simply be described as cute and quaint. Located in a sectioned-off fork of Glendalyn Ave, this park provides a fenced-in grassy area, complete with winding sidewalks, water fountains, and benches for you to relax while your little ones run around.

    As you walk toward the playground, covered picnic tables provide an area for snack time or for your family to enjoy the lunch you packed as a picnic. Beyond the picnic shelter and through a gate, you’ll find two playgrounds that are surrounded by mature trees. The natural shade will help keep you cool once the days get warm. Several benches surround a cemented area, which is a perfect spot for hopscotch, so don’t forget the sidewalk chalk. The baby and big-kid swings are separated from each other, but there aren’t many available, so make sure your child hops on when they see the opportunity.

    There currently are no bathrooms available at this park, so using the potty before heading over is a must! There is no designated parking lot, but on-street parking is available on both sides of Glendalyn Ave, which is only a small price to pay for spending some time at this scenic park.

    Read our full review of the cute and quaint Happy Hollow Park near Converse Heights in Spartanburg, SC

    Happy Hallow Park

    Tyger River Park

    Tyger River Playground
    Tyger River Park

    Located at 195 Dillard Rd in Duncan, Tyger River Park is another large park in terms of space. Once you drive into the park area, be sure to follow the signs to guide you to where you want to go, because this park doesn’t have just your typical rectangular parking lot. Thirteen baseball/softball feels fill up a large portion of this park, as well as an 18-hole disc golf course.

    Right behind the clubhouse are two exciting playgrounds, one for the big-kids and one for the little kids. The big-kid playground is filled with plenty of slides and different ways to climb up onto the playground, which makes for a great obstacle course. There is also a ramp to make getting up to the slides a little easier. As you head on over to the little-kid playground, you’ll pass a rope climbing structure that looks a little intimidating, but can be loads of fun! The little-kid playground includes swings, including swings for the younger children, a sandbox, and a play structure with several low bridges for running around.

    There is also a splash-pad, which puts it high on the list of best playgrounds in Spartanburg, SC. Be sure to bring along a swimsuit, because your children are bound to want to run through the water on hot days (and there are bathrooms to change into dry clothes before loading everyone back in the car before you head home).

    Learn more about Tyger River Park and the many updates it received in our Kidding Around review!

    Va-Du-Mar McMillan Park

    Va-Du-Mar Mcmillan Park playgound slide
    Va-Du-Mar McMillian Park

    When you think of Boiling Springs, Va-Du-Mar McMillan Park might be one of the first things that come to mind. It’s updates make it one of the best playgrounds in Spartanburg, SC! Located at 591 McMillin Boulevard, this is a park you can easily spend half of the day at without getting bored. Bring along a picnic lunch, your discs for disc golf, a soccer ball, and your walking shoes.

    This park has shaded picnic areas and clean bathrooms so you can stick around for a while longer and let the kids burn off some energy. Walking trails, with doggy bags receptacles- because pets are allowed in certain areas of the park- wrap around this beautiful park so you can tire yourself out too (as if the kids don’t do that for you already)!

    Two playgrounds are in a fenced area, keeping your babies safe from the parking area, and with plenty of swings, it’s not likely your child will have to wait their turn for one. These playgrounds don’t fall short on slides, bridges, or climbing structures, so there are plenty of fun ways to enjoy it. A stand-up see-saw adds a different type of fun that you won’t see at most playgrounds.

    Va-Du-Mar Mcmillan Park playgound

    Find 2 more parks in Boiling Springs on this list of 3 Great Parks in Boiling Springs.

    Stoneledge

    Stoneledge Park

    Located at 119 S. Spencer Street in Duncan, this park is situated right outside of another fun spot in the upstate- Shipwreck Cove. Stoneledge Park is even pretty to look at as you make your approach, as it has the appearance of being fenced in by trees/bushes.

    A big- and little-kid playground will give your child an age-appropriate play structure to have some fun. While these playgrounds may not provide anything out of the ordinary to climb and play on, they present a fun appearance with dimension added to the sides of the crawl through tunnels, and the tunnels on the big-kid playground even have a slight incline to make things more interesting.

    A scenic walking trail paves its way through this park, so don’t forget to bring the stroller along if you feel like getting in some of your daily steps. Conveniently, restrooms are available, so potty breaks won’t be an issue when you decide to hang out here. This is a great park to check out if you are trying to plan a busy “make-my-kids-so-tired-they-nap-on-their-own” type of day, because you can start your morning off here, then head over to the waterpark to cool off and add more fun to the day!

    So as the warmer weather approaches, remind yourself that you don’t have to venture far from the upstate to enjoy a day outdoors with your children. With these playgrounds offering such a different atmosphere, each one will create a brand-new adventure.

    What’s your favorite park in our area?


    Things to do in Spartanburg, SC

    Erika Morelli

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  • Happy Hollow Park: Hidden but one of Spartanburg’s Best

    Happy Hollow Park: Hidden but one of Spartanburg’s Best

    One of Spartanburg’s lesser known parks, is also one of its best.  Tucked away in the historic neighborhood of Converse Heights, Happy Hollow Park spans one block at the corners of S. Fairview and Glendalyn Avenue.  Small and secure, Happy Hollow Park provides a safe and shady place for children of all ages to play.

    Happy Hollow Park in Spartanburg SC

    About Happy Hollow Park

    Surrounded by a black wrought-iron gate and under a canopy of trees, Happy Hollow Park offers two separate playground equipment areas specific to age.  Larger slides and climbing apparatuses are available for older children, while a smaller set of shorter slides, tunnels, and interactive ground-level features are geared towards younger children.  Two sets of safety swings for babies and toddlers are available, as is a set of traditional swings for older children.

    While the ground of the main play areas are covered in soft, shock-absorbing mulch, there is a paved path that leads into the park.  Here, benches in the shade are the perfect place to sit and visit with other parents or enjoy a moment of respite while the children play within an easily accessible distance.  Don’t forget to bring your sidewalk chalk, as children and parents alike can be found adorning the sidewalk area with their artistic endeavors!  Picnic tables for lunch or a quick snack are also located within the gated play area.

    Happy Hollow Park Spartanburg, SC

    Outside the actual playground area, a lovely green space with a paved walking path and covered picnic pavilion offers a space for children to ride a scooter, play a game of tag, football, or hopscotch, or host an outdoor birthday party or lunch.  Keep your eye out for seasonal events sponsored by the Converse Heights Neighborhood Association, like the annual Easter Egg Hunt and Fourth of July Celebration.

    What’s to Love

    Surrounded by private homes, enclosed by a secure gate, and almost always populated by children and parents, Happy Hollow Park is a safe park to take children on your own.

    Shade, shade, and more shade can be found during the Spring, Summer, and Fall. The tree canopy at Happy Hollow Park minimizes the hot South Carolina temps, which often renders other treeless parks too hot or leaves play equipment scalding for much of the year.  Not so at Happy Hollow Park.

    Due to its smaller size, but age appropriate equipment, it’s easy to entertain children of various ages in the same space, which makes meeting up for diverse playdates or play groups a cinch.

    Happy Hollow Park Spartanburg, SC

    What to Watch For

    No bathrooms!  This is a big negative, especially for potty training children.  Make sure you ‘go’, before you go!

    Parking can be problematic.  Since the park is located in a neighborhood, there is no official parking lot.  Cars park along the street, which can get crowded during peak hours.

    Don’t hesitate to visit Happy Hollow Park. It’s is a fantastic way to spend the day, and it just might become one of your favorite parks in Spartanburg!

    General Information

    Happy Hollow Park
    Glendalyn Avenue
    Spartanburg, SC 29302
    Visit their website

    What’s your favorite park in Spartanburg? Share it with us in the comments area below!

    RELATED: Read our review of Cleveland Park Spartanburg

    Juliet Wright

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  • 8 Playgrounds Your Kids Will Beg You Not to Leave

    8 Playgrounds Your Kids Will Beg You Not to Leave

    If you are looking for a fun park day, then here are the best parks with playgrounds Greenville, SC has! They are free, offer kids a chance to run and play, and also provide great lunch or play-date locations. We have tried to visit as many playgrounds in the Greater Greenville area as possible, and these are our Top park playgrounds in Greenville. These park playgrounds are based on unique play structures, imaginative themes, and scenic surroundings.

    Best Outdoor Playgrounds Greenville, SC

    Have you seen our Park Guide? If your family loves parks you do not want to miss our Ultimate Guide to Parks in the Upstate. In this guide, you can look up parks by location and desired amenities, like swings, basketball courts, and more.


    Best Playgrounds: Greenville, SC

    Century Park: Kids Planet

    Century Park and its accompanying playground, known as Kids Planet is often listed as a local favorite.

    There are some amazing play features at the new playground like a zip line, hillside slides, and ground-level trampoline. Parents will love the two age-appropriate play areas that are enclosed with a fence.

    Kids of all ages will enjoy the musical instrument station between the playgrounds and a butterfly misting station that I can not keep my kids out of in the summertime.

    IMPORTANT: The playground will be closed for maintenance every Wednesday from 7 am – Noon.

    Kids’ Planet at Century Park3605 Brushy Creek Road, Greer

    Learn why Kids Planet is one of the best parks in the Greenville Area in our review!

    Playground at Kids Planet, Century Park in Greer, SC

    Herdklotz Park

    Herdklotz has two playgrounds separated by a fence and a walking path. The smaller playground is one of the best playgrounds in our area for young children with not just a fun set of play equipment but also an overlook with a sidewalk area perfect for chalk drawings. This playground area also contains a small picnic shelter within the fencing making it easy to eat lunch while watching your child.

    The larger playground is one of the largest play structures in Greenville with tall slides and climbing structures.

    Perhaps my favorite reason to list Herdklotz is the play area is shady and cool. The elevation is also a little bit higher than most of Greenville allowing you to have a great view of the city. The shaded benches and natural styled landscaping also add to the natural beauty of this park.

    Nearby to the playground are also a volleyball court, horseshoe court, open walking trail, and large fields.

    If you have both older children and young children, note that it is difficult to see the upper playground from the lower one. You may want to go with a friend, or prepare your children ahead of time to split times on the two playgrounds.

    And, by the way, did you know that Herdklotz is also known for being a historic ghost-sighting spot?

    Herdklotz Park126 Beverly Road, Greenville

    Herdklotz Park in Greenville, South Carolina

    Cleveland Park

    Cleveland Park is not just one of Greenville’s best playgrounds but also is conveniently located downtown beside the Greenville Zoo. The playground is hot in the summertime with its black soft surface but has two shade tents that help deflect the heat.

    My kids love the unique play structures that incorporate balance, arm strength, and climbing skills, into play. This playground does a great job of encouraging active hard-working play and is advanced enough for older children while still providing plenty of fun for younger kids.

    Also, Cleveland Park adjoins several nice sections of the Swamp Rabbit Trail. You can walk just a little bit down the trail to see an additional small train replica playground and the Vietnam War Memorial. The trail also connects to the scenic area of downtown Greenville, making this park a great starting place for an afternoon walk or bike ride. You will also find tennis courts near the park and other park features that you can explore by bike or walking.

    Cleveland ParkEast Washington and Cleveland Park Drive, Greenville

    Check out our review of Cleveland Park next to the Greenville Zoo!

    Review of Cleveland Park in Greenville, South Carolina

    Runway Park

    We’ve watched this park grow into a popular play space, known for being one of the most unusual and fun playgrounds in Greenville. Located right beside the Greenville Downtown Airport, kids love watching the planes fly in and out while playing on aviation-themed equipment. My kids also love running down the small runway in the center of the park while pretending to be planes.

    Currently, the park has two playgrounds inside a fenced-in area with play spaces for both small and older children. A plane hanger-styled picnic shelter sits to the side, and a real Cessna 310 aircraft flies over the park positioned on a pole to the side. 

    We’ve noticed on visits that kids also walk and ride more at this park due to the runway-themed walkways being positioned inside the fence where parents can easily watch from a distance. At the edge of the fence, kids can sit at a small amphitheater where they can get a front-row view of the planes taking off and landing.

    The park has a restroom and benches with a little shade, but don’t forget the sunscreen as the play spaces of this park are not shaded.

    You’ll find the Runway Cafe and Takeoff Mini Golf course in the vicinity, so you can make a day of it!

    Note: While the entrance to the park is a super neat fuselage of an actual plane, the gate doesn’t latch and opens directly to a parking lot. Your kiddos might require an extra level of supervision to ensure they don’t run out into the parking lot.

    Runway Park21 Airport Road Extension, Greenville

    The Runway Park (is our favorite) because it is fenced in and has a younger and an older section. It also has a track and a case next to it. And of course you get to watch the airplanes!

    Sarah A.

    It’s a battle every time we need to leave. They love it there

    Kendra T

    Learn more about the Downtown Greenville Airport’s Runway Park with our Mom Review!

    Airport Park playground in Greenville, South Carolina

    Conestee Park

    We love the playground at Conestee Park. But, if you have never been to the adjacent Lake Conestee Nature Park then you are really missing out. Its nature walk trails are amazing and perfect for the whole family. Plus, the park is known for its wide variety of wildlife, especially birds.

    Beyond the amazing nature trails and large ball fields, Conestee Park also has one of the best outdoor-themed playgrounds, featuring imaginative elements such as “trees” to climb and a toadstool table and benches. The playgrounds are hot with little shade but do provide large safe spaces for running and play.

    I love this playground for its scenic location and wide-open spaces. If you are looking for the perfect place to enjoy both a view of the blue sky and a shady exploration of nature, this is the park for you.

    Also, don’t miss this article on bird-watching at Lake Conestee complete with some lovely photos!

    Conestee Park – 840 Mauldin Road, Greenville

    Conestee Park in Mauldin, South Carolina

    Simpsonville City Park

    The City of Simpsonville spent around $200,000 of dedicated recreation funds to revamp the playground, and it has become a reader favorite. Additional private money was raised to create the Simpsonville Sensory Playground, an area dedicated to providing kids with sensory disorders a place of their own to enjoy play, although all kids are welcome to use the equipment.

    There are several climbing structures and balancing equipment, which lend themselves to kids who are practicing to be little ninja warriors. There are plenty of swings, including two for children who are disabled, baby swings, and regular swings for bigger kids. The zip line is pretty awesome, too. Kids (and I imagine adults – truth be told, I really wanted to try it out) line up for their turn to sit on the seat hanging by a thick rope and zip on the line to the other end of the playground. This is a popular feature and certainly a favorite activity for my own kids.

    Simpsonville City Park – 100 Park Drive, Simpsonville

    Check out our review of this modern park in Simpsonville’s Downtown!

    Simpsonville City Park

    Unity Park

    One of the newest parks in Greenville, SC, Unity Park is situated just outside of the downtown Greenville skyline. It is considered one of the best parks in Greenville County! It is connected to the Swamp Rabbit Trail, making it an excellent choice when looking for an extended plan for the day. You can ride your bikes from Falls Park through downtown to Unity, and then enjoy the vast playground. There is a humongous green space for kite flying or lazing in the sun, bridges over rivers to explore, a wetland preserve, an awesome splash pad in the warmer months, and playgrounds for both little kids and big kids to enjoy.

    The park is designed with a nature theme in mind, so there are tall hills connected with wood structures that remind me of exploring a winter forest. There are swings, climbing structures, slides, and something for kids of all ages to enjoy.

    Unity Park- 320 S Hudson Street, Greenville

    Learn why we love Unity Park in our Kidding Around review!

    View of Unity Park atop one of the playstructures, Greenville, SC

    Trailblazer Park

    Nestled on the outskirts of the Swamp Rabbit Trail in Downtown Travelers Rest is Trailblazer Park. The park has a lot of open space to play, but the playground is a gem! It is compact but has a lot to offer, including a large rope web to climb, zip lines, a merry-go-round, and an adorable play structure that younger kids will love. Don’t worry, the Park has swings too for when your toddler inevitably wants to spend 90% of your visit in them. There is a lot a long paved walking trail to enjoy.

    We loved the uniqueness of the ropes course, it isn’t found very often in most parks, and makes a great challenge for kids to accomplish! The park is only a 10-15 minute walk from the restaurants on Main Street, which is what we did after a visit to TReehouse Cafe.

    Trailblazer Park- 235 Trailblazer Drive, Travelers Rest

    Trailblazer Park in Travelers Rest, South Carolina

    I’m sure that you may have other favorite playgrounds that I missed. Please share in the comments!

    Bethany Winston

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  • Cedar Falls Park is the Perfect Park to Visit on a Fall Day

    Cedar Falls Park is the Perfect Park to Visit on a Fall Day

    Looking for a beautiful park to enjoy on a crisp fall day? Cedar Falls Park in Fountain Inn offers a fun playground, a paved walking path, a historical site, and a waterfall. We’ll give you all the information you need to plan a day at this park with your family.

    Parks and playgrounds near Greenville, South Carolina

    Want more ideas on parks to explore, places to hike and more outdoor fun? Check out our Things to do Outside page.

    I was first introduced to Cedar Falls Park by Deirdre at JDaniel4’s Mom. Deirdre and I are friends, and she is also a local blogger. She blogged about her visit to Cedar Falls Park during the 2013 Greenville Park Hop. I could tell that she and J Daniel had a lot of fun during their visit, and I decided that my family would need to check the park out ourselves.

    After our visit my husband and I agreed that Cedar Falls Park is a local secret. The playground is imaginative and great for getting kids active. But the best part about Cedar Falls Park is the paved path (yay for strollers!) that leads to a beautiful wooded area where the Reedy River rolls over waterfalls and wildlife abounds.

    waterfall at Cedar Falls Parkwaterfall at Cedar Falls Park

    The history of Cedar Falls Park

    Cedar Falls Park doubles as not just a recreational spot but also as an historic area. The site originated as a Cherokee hunting ground and transportation hub across the Reedy River. Later in the 1800s, a dam was built to power several mills. In the 1900s, a larger dam generated electric power for the Fork Shoals Mill. A more complete history of the Cedar Falls is located on a park sign on the trail.

    On the trail, you will also find a sign explaining the Cherokee history of the site as well as a sign about the environmental aspects of the Reedy River which includes a chart of wildlife in the area.

    Basic Information about Cedar Falls Park

    The 90+ acres at Cedar Falls Park contains so much:

    • a paved walking trail to the falls
    • a sand volleyball court
    • picnic shelter
    • restrooms
    • playground
    • parking at both the playground and a small amount of parking beside the falls
    • large grassy areas for play
    Cedar Falls Park playgroundCedar Falls Park playground

    The Playground at Cedar Falls Park

    My kids really enjoyed the play area located at the first entrance of the park. The playground based on fairy tales, included a bean stalk ladder, rock wall, small cave window, and large fun climbing structures. As a mom of a very brave toddler, I was glad to see that even the larger playground wasn’t terribly high (not that I would have wanted her to fall off it).

    The playground designed for smaller kids was a little larger than other local options. I liked how it was still challenging and fun for even my 5 year-old (though he was fascinated with the larger structure on the other side).

    The playground did not have a fence and both levels of playgrounds were connected. Since the playground was beside the parking lot, you did have to watch small kids closely to make sure they didn’t wander off.

    The Falls at Cedar Falls Park

    The walk to Cedar Falls was not difficult. Our kids (2 and 5) complained a little and we ended up toting the toddler, but we made it there and back without too much trouble. We did not bring a stroller, but the path was completely paved down to the falls.

    We noticed a lot of people playing in the water, but we did not due to it being part of the Reedy River. Parents will want to know that this portion of the Reedy River has the same toxic level warning signs as you will find near the Reedy River at Falls Park.

    I wore flip flops and the kids wore shorts on our visit. I would recommend tennis shoes and long pants as you will want to explore off of the path once you reach the falls. Don’t forget plenty of water and snacks too. Basically dress and pack for a hike.

    The area was beautiful and we noticed lots of interesting insects and birds.

    Even though the park was a little outside the normal area we travel for park visits, I’m sure that we will visit again. The kids really enjoyed their time playing at the park, and word is that Cedar Falls Park is a must-see spot in Greenville in the fall.

    Visit Cedar Falls Park with your family

    Cedar Falls Park is open daily from 9 am – dusk.

    201 Cedar Falls Road, Fountain Inn

    Visit the Cedar Falls Park website for more information.

    What is your family’s favorite thing about Cedar Falls Park?

    Fountain Inn, SCFountain Inn, SC

    Bethany Winston

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