📍 Location: Hopkins SC (2.5 hour from Greenville)

💲Cost:Lottery Entry: $1 Event Pass: $19 (if lottery is won). Parking Pass: $25

💛 Why It’s Great for Families: Congaree is a hidden gem famous for its lightning bug spectacle in late spring and early summer, the park offers a magical light show as thousands of fireflies light up the sky.

Helpful Hint: Take the family on a Boardwalk Loop Trail hike, then head to the Firefly Viewing Area at dusk for the best lightning bug experience. It’s a natural wonder that feels like something out of a fairytale!

Where to Stay: Stay at Embassy Suites by Hilton Columbia Greystone for a spacious room and family-friendly amenities.

📍 Location: Townville, SC (1 hour from Greenville)

💲Cost: $10 per person for tours

💛 Why Families Love It: This interactive farm lets kids feed alpacas, pet fainting goats, and roam the grounds freely. The animals are super gentle, and the cozy farm atmosphere is great for all ages.

🧠 Helpful Hint: Call ahead for tour times and bring a cooler if you want to buy local eggs or alpaca fiber goods.

🛏️ Where to Stay: Try the on-site Airbnb for a full farm-stay experience or book a nearby stay in Clemson.

📍 Location: Spartanburg, SC (45 minutes from Greenville)

💲 Cost: Free or donation-based (call ahead to schedule)

💛 Why Families Love It: A peaceful, no-rush visit where kids can hang with alpacas, browse the farm shop, and enjoy a laid-back country vibe. Great for toddlers and younger children.

🧠 Helpful Hint: Pack a picnic—they have a beautiful shaded area under the trees for lunch with a view.

🛏️ Where to Stay: Book a room at the AC Hotel Spartanburg for a modern, comfy overnight stay.

📍 Location: Hendersonville, NC (1 hour 20 minutes from Greenville)

💲 Cost: $45 per person for llama treks
💛 Why Families Love It: Everyone gets their own llama buddy for the hike! The trails are easy, scenic, and full of silly llama antics. They also offer birthday parties and private events.

🧠 Helpful Hint: Wear sturdy shoes and bring water; llama selfies are encouraged!

🛏️ Where to Stay: Check out the Echo Mountain Inn for a charming, family-friendly lodge with mountain views.

📍 Location: Lake Toxaway, NC (2 hours from Greenville)

💲 Cost: Around $35 per person (check for seasonal rates)

💛 Why Families Love It: These one-mile guided hikes with llamas through the Blue Ridge Mountains are equal parts peaceful and hilarious. Ideal for older kids who love nature.

🧠 Helpful Hint: Book early—they fill up fast during fall and spring weekends.

🛏️ Where to Stay: Earthshine Lodge has rustic lodge rooms and cabins perfect for families or groups.

📍 Location: Hot Springs, NC (2.5 hours from Greenville)

💲 Cost: Varies (usually $50–$75 per person for guided treks)
💛 Why Families Love It: A true wilderness escape with knowledgeable guides and well-trained llamas. Great for adventurous families and tweens/teens.

🧠 Helpful Hint: Bring snacks and extra layers—it gets cool in the mountains even in summer.
🛏️ Where to Stay: Stay at Hot Springs Resort & Spa and enjoy soaking in the natural hot mineral springs after your trek.

📍 Location: Mill Spring, NC

🌟 Why it’s great for families:

World-class horse shows that are free and open to the public. A fun mix of live events, carnival rides, carousel, pony rides, and food trucks on competition weekends.Plenty of family dining options, from wood-fired pizza to ice cream and Southern comfort food

💡 Helpful hint:
Visit during "Saturday Night Lights" (typically spring–fall) for free kid-friendly festivals with face painting, games, and fireworks—it's like a horse show meets county fair, and it’s a total win for all ages.

Distance from Greenville: (Approx. 1.5 hours)

Why It’s Great for Families: One of the top zoos in the Southeast, featuring over 2,000 animals, splash pads, a ropes course, and a botanical garden.

Must-Do's: Ride the zoo train, feed the lorikeets, and check out the sea lion show.

Nearby Fun: Explore EdVenture Children’s Museum or the Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park.

Where to Stay: Book a room at Hotel Trundle for a fun, boutique family stay.

Distance from Greenville: (Approx. 1.5 hours)

Why It’s Great for Families: Gorgeous trails, insect discovery programs, and nature-themed exhibits tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Must-Do's: Visit the ecoExplore bug discovery station, hike the easy Bent Creek Trail, and stop by the bonsai garden.

Nearby Fun: Don’t miss the Western North Carolina Nature Center just 20 minutes away.

Where to Stay: Check into Holiday Inn Asheville Biltmore East, just minutes from both locations.

Distance from Greenville: (Approx. 2.5 hours)

Why It’s Great for Families: A bird-lovers’ paradise where kids can meet owls, hawks, eagles, and vultures up close and learn how rescued raptors are rehabilitated.

Must-Do's: Walk the Raptor Trail, catch a live flight demonstration, and check out their scavenger hunts.

Nearby Fun: Visit Latta Nature Preserve for hiking, kayaking, and nature discovery.
Where to Stay: Try Courtyard by Marriott Northlake for a quick family-friendly basecamp.

Location: Downtown Atlanta, GA
Distance from Greenville, SC: ~2.5 hours
Why it’s great for families-The Georgia Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the world, housing thousands of marine animals across more than a dozen exhibits.

🌟 Must Do’s:Ocean Voyager Exhibit: A massive tank you walk through in a tunnel Shark & Ray Touch Pool, Dolphin and Sea Lion Shows: (included with admission) Penguin Walk. 4D Theater Experience: sensory movie experience great for ages 5+

Tip: Save by purchasing tickets online in advance—some days have timed entry discounts. Parking is $20 📝 Helpful Hints Go early to avoid crowds—weekday mornings are ideal. Book showtimes (dolphins & sea lions) when you purchase tickets to ensure seats. Stay at Embassy Suites by Hilton Atlanta Approximately 5minute walk