SC Botanical Garden and Bob Campbell Geology Museum - Greenville family attractions

SC Botanical Garden welcomes you to 295 acres of woodlands and streams, award winning exotic gardens, a 70 acre arboretum, and miles of gentle hiking trails decorated with incredible nature based sculptures. The garden grounds are free to attend and open year around from dawn till dusk.

Notable attractions to see at the SC Botanical Garden

1. Bob Campbell Geology Museum – come see Clemson’s oldest tiger the Saber-toothed cat, hunt for gems, admire beautiful glowing rocks like the rose quartz and pegmatite and dig up some fossils. Open Wednesday to Saturday 10AM – 5PM and Sunday 1PM – 5PM (closed on Clemson University holidays). Admission fee: Adult $3, children $2, under 2 years is FREE. Free admission on every 3rd weekend!

2. Fran Hanson Discovery Center – home to the Botanical Garden visitor center provides maps and area attractions info. It features the Elizabeth Belser Fuller gallery and selective art by prominent SC artists. Kids will enjoy exploring the interactive exhibits inside the Nature Discovery room. Open Monday thru Saturday 10AM to 4PM.

3. Hanover House – 1716 French Huguenot house, listed on National Register of Historic places. Open Saturday 10AM -12PM and Sunday 2PM – 4:30PM; closed on home football games. Call (864)-656-4789 for group tours reservations.

4. Nature-based sculpture – country’s largest nature-based outdoor sculpture collection by artists from all over the world.

5. Hosta Garden – one of the largest collections of hostas in the Southeast featuring lavish waterfall, pond and shaded walking trails.

6. Hunt Family cabin – 1826 pioneer cabin located near the pretty Duck Pond it’s a great place to experience grassroots heritage programs held throughout the year.

7. Clemson Southern Caboose – legacy of the Class of 39th. This little red train will delight kids of all ages. Make sure to stop by the Heritage Garden nearby to learn more about Clemson University history.

We were amused by the old-school disciplinary methods applied to the young soldier pupils. Must have been something quite important since they dedicated a plaque to it!

More area attractions and FREE things to do with kids:

• Pendleton historic houses and art district
• Duke's World of Energy Museum
• Stumphouse Tunnel and Issaqueena Falls
• Hagood Mill and Pickens County Museum of History and Art

Discover the beautiful gardens and mysterious dinosaurs of the South Carolina Upcountry!

Table Rock, Ceasars Head and Dupont Forest unforgetable mountain vacation

So much to see, so much to do at Table Rock State Park the undisputed jewel of the South Carolina mountains. The park is at the edge of the Blue Ridge Escarpment off of scenic highway 11, relative short drive from Greenville and little over an hour drive from Charlotte. Table Rock mountain has a spectacular granite outcropping which at 3124 feet is a stark contrast to the heavily wooded forests below.
The first white men moved in the Oolenoy Valley soon after the Cherokee treaty at a place called Pumpkintown. In 1840 the Keith and Sutherland families built a hotel that soon became a popular area attraction. A second hotel was built in 1899 at present White Oak Picnic Shelters site then moved in 1920 to Saluda Valley to become a summer lodge.

Things to know before you go at Table Rock and Ceasar's Head parks
1. Carrick Creek is the only recommended hiking trail for young kids at the Table Rock state park. It starts at the Nature Center and about 2 miles it takes an hour to complete. It weaves around Carrick Creek and rewards hikers with dozens of gorgeous, refreshing and easy accessible mini waterfalls. It gets better at the end (or beginning!) when you and your brave little ones can goof around at the rock sliding and swimming area.


Here are all Table Rock hiking trails. Hikers are encouraged to register at the trail head kiosk and be off trails at least one hour before sunset. No overnight camping on trails. Foothills Trail hikers need to purchase a parking permit at the Visitors Welcome Center.
• Pinnacle Mt. 8.4 miles 6-7 hours
• Table Rock 7.2 miles 5-6 hours
• Mill Creek 5.8 miles 5-6 hours
• Carrick Creek (kid friendly) 1.9 miles 1 hour


2. There is a big playground near Pinnacle Lake with plenty of age appropriate equipment in a nicely shaded place. Beware of the geese wandering throughout the parking lot and the picnic area. They are mean, mean, mean and will harass you as soon as they sense you have food. My 4 years old and I had to take refuge on top of the picnic table. No kidding! Finally I braved to chase them away using some stick musketeer style.


3. Caesar’s Head State Park has the “take it with you, no trace left behind” policy. There are no trash canes or restrooms along the park. The welcome center has restrooms and vending machines. I encourage you to replenish there and use the facilities.

4. The trail to Raven Cliff Falls from Ceasar’s Head is about 5 miles long so plan ahead. If there is not much time left you can still enjoy incredible vistas of Campbell, Paris, Table Rock, Raven Cliff and Glassy mountains and the immaculate Table Rock reservoir (it supplies the city of Greenville with fresh water) at the Ceasar’s Head overlook. From there you can hike the short and moderate Devil’s Kitchen trail. Be mindful this park is frequented by black bears.

5. If waterfall viewing "it's on the menu" drive to Dupont Forest State Park (couple miles after crossing the NC border off of hwy 276; here are driving directions to and map of Hooker Falls Access Area). It provides easy hiking and quick access to some of North Carolina most beautiful waterfalls: Triple Falls, High Falls and Grassy Creek Falls. There is a $12 map you can purchase at Ceasar's Head welcome center. Here are some great Dupont Foreast park hike trails details, an interactive map and waterfall photos.

Table Rock Admission, Lodging and Rental Prices
Admission fee: $2 per person; $15 per bus; $1.25 SC senior citizen. Annual passport $50 (good at all SC State Parks); Palmetto Passport $25 (for SC seniors or disabled citizens). Tip: if you got a permit or day pass from another SC park you can use it at Table Rock (and any other state park) as long as the permit / pass is still valid.


Cabins: There are 16 cabins (8 with 1 BR, 5 with 2 BR and 1 with 3 BR) that can accommodate 4-10 persons. They range in price from $75 to $120 per night. Check in 4 PM, check out time 10 AM. Tip: rent Sunday thru Thursday to save $15-20 per night. Cabins 5, 6, 7 and 8 are right by Pinnacle Lake and have the best views. You can reserve a cabin up to 11 months in advance. Call 1-866-345-7275 or go online www.southcarolinaparks.com

There are 100 camping sites at the White Oaks campground equipped with showers and a recreation building. Price is about $20 per night (including tax); again is cheaper during the week.

Equipment Rentals: Spring thru fall, Tuesday to Sunday from 11 AM till 5 PM (weather permitting).
• Pedal boats - 2 person $5 per half hour; 4 person boat $7 per half hour
• Kayaks and canoes - $5 per half hour; $15 per day
• Fishing boat - $15 per day; $35 per day for boats with trolling motor (3 person maximum). Note that no private boats are allowed on Pinnacle Lake however you can use them at Lake Oolenoy across Hwy 11.

Swimming: June till mid-August Tuesday to Sunday from 11 AM till 5 PM; August 16 thru Labor Day weekends only. Adults $2, children 4-12 years $1.50, free for kids 3 years and under.

Enjoy the beauty of the South Carolina Upcontry parks!

Mice on Main Scavenger Hunt in downtown Greenville

What better way to explore downtown Greenville than through a scavenger hunt? For the past 5 years Mice on Main has become one of the city's greatest travel attraction the whole family can do for free. Hidden downtown are nine little bronze mice for kids of all ages to discover.

Based on popular children's book "Goodnight Moon" the activity is fun, educational and a great way to keep kids engaged throughout the evening.
You can pick up a hunt hints brochure at most hotels and the Visitor Center located on Main Street near the entrance to Falls Park.



During your Sherlock Holmes adventures you will enjoy some of the city's landmark hotels, banks, historic figures, business and entertainment establishments.

There is no need to rush, take your time, break for coffee, beer or even deer along the many delicious restaurants and bar the city has to offer.

Happy hunting in friendly downtown Greenville South Carolina!

Greenville Zoo Family Fun

Greenville has so many fun things to do along the Reedy river. The Greenville Zoo, one of the top small-size zoos in the country, is a must see and do family attraction. Nested in the Cleveland Park the zoo is a short drive from downtown; it can also be reached by foot following the scenic and very popular river walking trail that starts at the Falls Park off of Main Street.

Start and end your family day fun at the well-equipped playground located right in front of the zoo entrance. It has separate and age appropriate areas for both toddlers and older kids.

Inside it feels more like a park than a traditional zoo. The exhibits are "hidden" behind dense trees and bushes that provide much needed shade during the hot Carolina days. The main attractions are the elephants that like to amuze the crowds showcasing their painting skills, the majestic and always napping lions and the Siamang monkeys whose loud ear piercing territorial singing can be heard throughout the park.

Tips to know before you go:
1. If you are a Riverbanks Zoo member you can use your card to go in for free.

2. Spend the extra $2 on animal food (you can buy it at the entrance). It's plenty (not like the sorry looking grains you get at other places...) and you can use it throughout the zoo. This should keep kids busy.

3. Parents can take a well deserved break at the cute playground inside the zoo. There are rocking chairs with your name on it. You can even admire the giraffes while napping along.

4. If you must buy something to eat get the hot-dog from the snack bar.


Where
150 Cleveland Park Drive,
Greenville, SC 29601
http://www.greenvillezoo.com/ - (864) 467-4300
The zoo is open daily 10 AM - 4:30 PM.
Admission tickets: $6 for adults and $3 for children ages 3 – 15. Under age 3 is free