Since making Greenville our home, we’ve turned our free time into an adventure—exploring every hidden trail, scenic park, and playful playground in the area, all while on a sweet quest to find the best shaved ice spots in town. Cleveland Park definitely checked all the boxes!
During our recent trip to Hilton Head, we discovered an absolute gem of a park, and the kids couldn't have been happier! This brand-new playground features an exciting central two-tower rope bridge with a slide exit and a charming owl-shaped play structure, perfect for the little ones. There are plenty of climbing adventures, a splash pad to keep cool on sunny days, and even a zip line. If you're planning a trip with the kids to the Lowcountry, this park definitely deserves a spot on your must-visit list!
Looking for a fun spot to let the kids run wild, shoot some hoops, or just change things up? Croftstone Park, your local neighborhood gem in Greenville, SC, is the place to explore! After a big makeover, this park reopened in January 2025 with an awesome new playground, a spiderweb climbing area, and a cool obstacle course. The basketball court’s all fixed up too, and there are shade structures to keep you cool while you play. Croftstone Park is a fantastic place to spend a few hours.
Greenville, SC, is like a hidden gem when it comes to parks – there are 37 parks spread out over more than 400 acres just waiting for you to explore! Sure, Falls Park and Unity Park get a lot of love (and for good reason), but there are so many more little treasures tucked away in quite neighborhoods that are definitely worth checking out. Whether you’re up for a relaxing stroll, letting the kiddos run wild on playgrounds, or just soaking in the beauty of nature, Greenville has so much to offer. So grab your family, pack up a picnic, and get ready to discover your new favorite spot to hang out outdoors!
Clear Lake Park is a Texas-sized waterfront playground that feels like an adventurous escape. When we first arrived, my jaw dropped at the sheer scale of it—play structures everywhere, all framed by stunning water views. Honestly, it’s the biggest playground we’ve seen to date around Houston. The park features two expansive play areas—one for children ages 5 to 12, and a separate section for younger ones, complete with a fenced-in splash pad and inviting green spaces.
With warmer weather on the horizon, often felt in Houston as early as February, splash pads become ideal spots for family fun! These vibrant, safe, and shallow areas are perfect for little ones to enjoy splashing around in South Houston.
Hidden at the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens, this children's play area is a little-known gem. Every corner of this space offers something exciting for kids, including a tree stump path, a boulder scramble, a musical wall, a water pump station, a small stream, and a giant spider web.
Get ready for endless winter fun at Beech Mountain, NC, where you can enjoy stunning snowy vistas and the thrill of a free sledding hill! With its gentle slopes perfect for all ages, this scenic destination offers an ideal spot for families and adventure seekers to slide into excitement. Whether you're a seasoned sledder or a first-timer, Beech Mountain's free hill promises laughter, fresh air, and unforgettable memories in a picturesque mountain setting.
Just 30 minutes from Greenville, SC, this brand-new all-abilities park is a great destination for an outing with kids. The park features a central 3-story tower structure with an overlook at the top, accessible swings, inclusive climbing structures, adaptive slides, ramps, sensory play panels, a wheelchair-accessible glider, and a merry-go-round. It’s completed with a secure gate and turf safety surfacing.
The holiday season is in full swing. If you’re looking for a big dose of holiday cheer, visit Downtown Greenville. It's lit and packed with festive activities and holiday backdrops at every turn. The best part? Most activities are free and perfect for the whole family to enjoy.
Nestled just north of Greenville, South Carolina, Paris Mountain State Park spans over 1,500 acres of stunning natural landscapes, including majestic hardwood forests that come alive in a brilliant display of fall colors. As autumn is in full swing, the park becomes a canvas of blazing reds, deep oranges, and vibrant golds, drawing in visitors eager to immerse themselves in its breathtaking scenery. The crisp, cooler temperatures make it the ideal time to explore the park's winding trails, indulge in a peaceful picnic, or simply revel in the serene beauty of nature during one of the most picturesque seasons.
Station Cove Falls a scenic waterfall located in the Sumter National Forest, near the town of Walhalla in SC. Accessible via a short hiking trail, it features a 60-foot drop and is known for its picturesque lush forest. The hike from the trailhead is about 0.6 miles round trip, making it accessible for families and casual hikers.
The Charlotte International Art Festival is currently taking place in Uptown Charlotte and Ballantyne's Backyard through September 29, 2024. This breathtaking, immersive experience is free for everyone to enjoy. We attended on opening weekend and loved it; there were many amazing art pieces, along with lawn games for kids. For the best experience, try to go at dusk. I hope you all get a chance to check it out!
