Chuma the Lion smiling at the Greenville Zoo. (via @greenvillezoo)
It’s officially fall and the team at Davis Orthodontics couldn’t be more excited. We love summer as much as our Greer and Simpsonville orthodontic patients, but autumn means it’s time for some of our favorite things: beautiful fall foliage, cozy sweaters and of course, Halloween! Even though the weather is changing and it’s time to start bundling up, there’s still plenty of time to get outside and enjoy everything that the area has to offer. Here’s a guide to our favorite outdoor activities for families in Simpsonville, Greer and beyond.
1. Take a Hike at Swamp Rabbit Trail
Active families, head over to Swamp Rabbit Trail for an outdoor family activity in Greenville you and your kids will love. With over 20 miles of trails running alongside the Reedy River, it’s the perfect place for fall fun. Watch the leaves change colors and breathe in that fresh autumn air. We’re willing to bet this will quickly become a fall family tradition. (Tip: the trail is multi-use so if you’d rather cycle, bring your bikes!)
2. Visit Asia Garden at Furman University
Located lakeside at the stunning Furman University campus, the Asia Garden is truly something to see. Featuring plants and trees that are native to either Asia or South Carolina, the garden is full of natural beauty. There are also two ponds and a bog, fringed by stunning plants of all kinds. It’s one of the best ways to spend the day outside with your kids this fall.
3. Picnic and Play at Paris Mountain State Park
Paris Mountain is a local favorite for many Greenville families. Not only does it have many beautiful trails to explore, but the playground and picnic areas offer extra fun for kids and parents alike. Admission is free for kids under 5, $3 for kids ages 6 to 15, and $5 for adults. Feeling adventurous? You can also camp at Paris Mountain. Now that would be a fall family activity in Greenville your kids won’t soon forget!
4. Explore the Many Playgrounds of Greer
Speaking of playgrounds, there are many outdoor jungle gyms in the Greer area your kiddos will love. Cleveland Park, a local gem, is right next to the Greenville Zoo (which is another awesome family activity for greenville families but we’ll get to that soon). One of our favorites, Century Park, offers more than just a playground — there’s a miniature train, sandpit and disc golf course! Have younger kids? Herdklotz will be your go-to play area. It’s a smaller playground with picnic tables for parents to sit back and watch their kids play all day long.
5. See the Animals at Greenville Zoo
If your kids love animals, there’s no better outdoor activity in Greenville than the zoo. There are animals from all over the world — from anteaters to pandas to giraffes and more. Admission is $9.75 for adults and just $6.50 for kids ages 3 to 12. Fall/winter hours begin on October 1st, so be sure to check the website before you go.
6. Buy Local Produce at the Greer Farmers Market
Every Saturday until the end of October, Greer City Park is home to the Greer Farmers Market. With local vendors, live music and fresh food, there’s something here for everyone in the family. The market is open from 8:30am until noon. Enjoy the music as you stroll the aisles and pick up some fresh ingredients for dinner. A day at the farmers market is a carefree way to spend the day with your family in Greer.
7. Celebrate Halloween at “Trunk or Treat”
What’s every kid’s favorite part of fall? Halloween, of course! Celebrate in style on October 22nd with Generation Kid Strong at Fall Fest “Trunk or Treat.” The parking lot will be transformed into a trick-or-treating paradise, while a Halloween-themed dance party happens inside. Admission is free and this event is a 100% kid-friendly thing to do in Greer this fall. Get tickets at the link above.
8. Experience the Halloween Extravaganza at Heritage Park
For more spooky autumn fun, head over to Heritage Park on October 26th for the annual Halloween celebration. Now in its fifth year, Halloween at Heritage Park has fast become one of the largest fall events in Simpsonville, drawing in over 6,000 kids and parents from all over. Expect games and family activities by day and trick-or-treating at night. The daytime party runs from 12:30pm until 5:30pm, and trick-or-treating goes from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.
As we transition into fall, it can be bittersweet to let go of long summer days outside under the sun. But just because summer is over, it doesn’t mean you have to hide out inside until spring. With so many fun, family events in Simpsonville, Greer and the surrounding area, there’s always something to do with your kids in autumn. So break out the jackets and boots, bundle up and get outside. Fall really is one of the most beautiful times of year — enjoy it!